The Look: Shape Shifter

 In the world of trousers, it's time for the skinny and the slim leg to step aside: the palazzo is here in all its voluminous glory.  Such an niche shape may seem daunting for some, but rocking the palazzo is all about playing with juxtaposing volumes. Today I'm playing the shape-shifter in a skinny-meets peplum bustier and over-sized pants.

Want to experiment playing with volume in your wardrobe? You know I got you covered! Read on for my 5 top tips...

  

 

When I first unraveled my lush new 'Ginger and Smart' culottes, I was met by a confused glance from the boyf. 'They look like artist pants', he said. And THAT, ladies, is further evidence that men will never understand fashion. 

These pants are one of the only designer items that I have in my wardrobe, and, as a thrifty fashionista, I'm not gonna lie: I totally nabbed them second hand at an unbelievable price.

I teamed the over-sized pants with an oxymoronically tight bustier from Aussie label 'Finder's Keepers', which features an ultra-flattering peplum. Forget sit-ups; peplum tops are seriously like a 3 month diet and a trillion crunches in one!

Although getting quirky with volumes used to intimidate me, I think that, in light of this look, mixing volumes can actually be used to my advantage. Exhibit A: The peplum top enhances my slimmest part; my waist. Exhibit B: The over-sized palazzo pants skim over my bottom-heavy half. 

1. Keep prints minimal

Only one printed look per outfit. The reason? Prints themselves actually change the perceived volume of the garment through optical allusion. So if you wanna rock this seasons hottest floral palazzo pants, make sure you team them with a plain top.

This one is as obvious as the plot line of a cheesy rom com: you must wear items with contrasting volumes. Volume from head to toe will leave you looking like a bin bag: not flattering!

A boxy, over-sized jacket will add a voluminous dimension to a plain tee and jeans combo. 

If you want to rock a striped piece, keep in mind that vertical stripes are typically slimming, whereas horizontal stripes add volume. Play with this fact by going for baggy or boxy pieces in horizontal stripes.

Play on sizes as well as shapes with jewellery, bags and accessories. A tiny clutch will make a voluminous dress look waay bigger. Similarly, a tight fitting top and a statement necklace make a great pairing. 

How do you like to incorporate volume into your look?

Rachel

xoxo