What decade most flatters your figure?

calendargirl · Sep 20, 2010

I promise I did a search before I post to see if there was a thread on this yet, so please tell me if I missed it.

Any who, just like to hear from the ladies as to what decade's styles you feel best flatters your figure.

I have broad shoulders, and very, very narrow hips, so I'm still experimenting to find the right styles so I don't end up looking like an inverted triangle.

Nomanolo · Sep 20, 2010

I'd say fifties... tight around the boobs, tiny waist and a big full skirt to hide the hips

Miss Sis · Sep 20, 2010

I'm sure there is a thread on this sort of subject somewhere in here....

I really suit 1940s clothes - neat tailoring, slightly padded shoulders, a belted or nipped waist all work very well for my figure.

BUT I prefer 1930s. I am quite tall and slim so I can pull it off, but it generally makes me look older than 1940s clothes. I just love the aesthetic, the long lines, and that there was an outfit for every occassion. My very favourite year is 1935. All the skirts were still really long but lots of neat blouses or bodice treatments.

Amy Jeanne · Sep 20, 2010

Late 30s and early 40s A-line dresses. And they also happen to be my favourite. I love early 30s, too, but sometimes look "hippy" in them.

NicoleAnn · Sep 20, 2010

I'd say late 40's and the 50's suit me best, because of the small waist compared to the hip, and they happen to also be my favorite styles.

Lady Day · Sep 20, 2010

There are these:

And then a number of well established body shape/image threads.

LD

BettyMaraschino · Sep 20, 2010

I suit late 40's - 50's. I have a serious hourglass figure going on hee hee.
I prefer 50's though, as sometimes the 40's can make me look older than I am.

calendargirl · Sep 20, 2010

NicoleAnn said:
I'd say late 40's and the 50's suit me best, because of the small waist compared to the hip, and they happen to also be my favorite styles.

That's most helpful, thank you Lady Day.

Brooksie · Sep 21, 2010

The 20's and 30's suit my flapper-esq type body the best because I am short and thin (5 foot 2 and 103lbs. just like Louise Brooks was during her hey day). The 20's and 30's is also my favorite era's.

annet · Sep 21, 2010

i guess late 40's - 50's - early sixties.

i actually have a natural hourglass figure, it's kind of crazy.

deadpandiva · Sep 21, 2010

Amy Jeanne said:
Late 30s and early 40s A-line dresses. And they also happen to be my favourite. I love early 30s, too, but sometimes look "hippy" in them.

Same for me in every aspect. I love clothes from approx. 1937-1940 and that's what looks best on me. I like early 30's too but it doesn't always look good.

FAYEZY123 · Sep 21, 2010

I am quite slender, so rely on the 50's look to add curvers where there aren't really any!

I have a small waist, so look better with tight fitting up top, and rely on full skirts and petticoats to add shape! [huh]

Sunny · Sep 21, 2010

deadpandiva said:
Same for me in every aspect. I love clothes from approx. 1937-1940 and that's what looks best on me. I like early 30's too but it doesn't always look good.

And for me, in every way! I love mid 30s, especially the intricate seaming and pleats and not-so-huge sleeves; but the skirt length and straightness simply isn't as flattering on me.

de-stressed · Sep 21, 2010

The 20's style suits my figure best. I do love the early 40's as well though.

RodeoRose · Sep 21, 2010

Nomanolo said:
I'd say fifties... tight around the boobs, tiny waist and a big full skirt to hide the hips

Yes indeed, I have a 50s figure too; I'm a good old pear shape: 33-24-38 (I seriously buy x-small tops then large pants) so I really have to be careful about proportions. Luckily, the dramatic curves in the classic 50's New Look silhouettes do just the trick.

Unfortunately, aesthetically it's another matter. I adore Edwardian and 1920s clothes, but I just can't pull them off on a regular basis. I guess that's not really a problem, though, 'cause most clothes from then aren't exactly up for everyday wear, but it still makes me sad I'll never be a convincing flapper.

kamikat · Sep 22, 2010

1950's fit me best, too. I have a plus-sized hourglass figure and 50's patterns fit me without alteration. However, when I wear 50's, I always feel like I'm wearing a costume. I like early 30's best, but it doesn't really suit me. Right now, most of my clothing is late 30's to right before the US WWII rationing started. Wartime fashions are too square and blocky for my figure.

Sunny · Sep 22, 2010

See, and my measurements have made me think the 50s would be good as well. Only 34-28-39; I need help up top, but the 1950s styles tend to exaggerate bust size anyway), and a 10"+ waist/hip difference should be good for the hourglass shape. The problem is that not all generous hips are created equal.

Mine are wide, and full skirts make me look twice as wide, way out of proportion to my bust and waist. On the other hand, circa 1940s styles are neither skimpy nor fluffy in the hips, but they fit my bust and waist wonderfully; and the slight shoulder emphasis balances the hips.

~Psycho Sue~ · Sep 22, 2010

I am a diva-sized pear shape and I can rock full and A line skirt. Pants are not my friend, nor are most pencil skirts. So 50s full dresses and 40s A line dresses are the best fit for me. A nice fitted bodice shows off the curves.

LizzieMaine · Sep 22, 2010

Anything from 1936-45 for me. I look like a broom handle in 20s stuff, and most postwar stuff makes me look like one of those little girl's birthday cakes with a Barbie baked into it. I can, however, get away with tailored 50s suits.

deadpandiva · Sep 22, 2010

Sunny said:
See, and my measurements have made me think the 50s would be good as well. Only 34-28-39; I need help up top, but the 1950s styles tend to exaggerate bust size anyway), and a 10"+ waist/hip difference should be good for the hourglass shape. The problem is that not all generous hips are created equal. Mine are wide, and full skirts make me look twice as wide, way out of proportion to my bust and waist. On the other hand, circa 1940s styles are neither skimpy nor fluffy in the hips, but they fit my bust and waist wonderfully; and the slight shoulder emphasis balances the hips.

I am pear shaped also and find the 50's styles do not flatter me for the same reason. All that fabric around the hips just makes them look huge. Dresses with straight skirts look okay if I can find them in my size or make them. I would love to try a 1929 or 1930 look but don't think I can pull it off.

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