To give you a rough idea what we're working with, here's a shot from my wedding:
Seriously, do I have any dressing tip for a very beautiful young woman? [It should be noted that she is one of my fashion icons from grad school. I never met anyone who wore fun socks, red tights, clogs, wide legged jeans, and colors the way she did. She was like sartorial magic. But different times, different places. We aren't kiddos sitting in the departmental computer lab, listening our iPods and writing seminar papers anymore].
So innocent in g-school (more than 6 years ago)(Once again, I have no expertise about giving advice about clothing. I am the girl who wore black shirts and jeans throughout graduate school. I am qualified to teach awkwardly conceptual classes to undergraduate students. Or how to insert an invisible zipper. In addition, I have few curves, a long flat torso, and am pear shaped. Different fruit altogether).
So we'll tackle not wanting to show off too much leg first. Ikke spends her time in mild climates, like the UK, Netherlands and the Pacific Northwest, so there is some leeway here.
Here's some suggestions:
1) Dignified shorts: Finding such a pair is a tall order at times, but there are shorts that don't show too much of your leg. For example, these Bermuda length denim shorts would look rad with a looser fitting, summery breezy top:
Many folks find bermudas to be awkward. Legs McGee types like Ikke are meant to rock these shorts. Fabric 1970s style wood wedges are optional. This season has no shortage of great higher waisted options, which are great for holding your wobbly bits in.2) Microfishnets or lace leggings under skirts and tunics. Target has this affordable brand of microfishnet that has shapewear on top, Assets by Sarah Blakely. Kristen has sung their praises before, and I trust her.
Order those fools here (come in nude and black)As for the lacey leggings, first you have to overlook the fact that they are awfully "Kelly Martin." When in fact, they are just enough "Kelly Martin."
Wear like regular leggings (obvs not as pants.) There are rose styled one available for cheap here3) Linen pants. Stores havethese awesome sophisticated cargo ones (that are above the ankle) and classic wider leg cuts too.
4) Did some one say "summer boot"? OK, no one did (well InStyle and YouLookFab), but luckily, for the leg shy but sweaty in the summers, retailers have responded with the light colored, perforated, cut-out style summer boot. So kicky and sassy, yet they work in the heat:
The middle pair is a mere $50 on Amazon. It would look rad with skirts and femmey dresses. Just the right amount of edge
As for dressing Ikke's body type, there are two approaches. You either go with what you got (emphasizing loose and flowy fits on top, and going nice and sleek on the bottom), or you dress to create a different kind set of proportions. Both work, but when you're dressing, you should pick one strategy. There are experts who have done extensive lists. Angie and Imogen have some suggestions, although there seems to be some disagreement (It seems the banded bottomed top is a controversial one).
5) Try higher waisted pencils skirts made of stiffer fabrics. Kendi, who is of a similar build, has sung their praises as figure flattering and magical. Sal also did a post on this recently. I believe this to be true as well. A belt also helps.
6) Dresses made of woven materials (stiffer cottons, tropical wools, and lined linens) with a seam below the bust, a v-neck, and something like a waist band. Wait, Ikke already knows this because this is very similar to what she wore to read Communist propaganda at my wedding. Preferrably in a slightly stretchy fabric. This is a good example:
7) Structured pieces for the top half: The "boyfriend" (such an annoying term) blazer trend is still going strong, and they've got great linen ones for warmer weather. Leggy ladies like Ikke might look awesome in this trend.
This longer length, looser fit blazer from Free people hits at the hip, which will elongate and slim the top half (source)8) Woven, flowy tops for warmer weather: I generally believe that thiner, drapier woven fibers (not stretchy jersey) are you friends in hot weather, no matter what your shape. They just happen to flatter someone with Ikke's shape.
(Source)
10) Accessories: this I have very little expertise in (although I am dipping my toe into this experience). However, I do think that longer, summery scarves help to lengthen and narrow the torso. See, Hollywood thinks so:9) I've also heard great things about the flattering powers of the twist front top. How rad would Ikke look in this? Better than this lady:
They can also be worn around the waist. Longer necklaces also do a similar elongating trick.I officially feel adviced out. Anyone else leg shy or have expertise about this area? Did I leave anything out/give poor advice?
