Day 2: Clothing and Body Type

Today's topic is clothing and (my) body type.  This isn't a topic I've addressed much, if at all on the blog, as I prefer to keep things cheerful and snarky here.  If it's one thing anyone who knows me can tell you, I don't like to delve. I also might be prone to hyperbole?
I'd have to say that my body type obviously influences my sartorial choices.  I have a very particular body type that I sometimes find hard to dress.  I'm fairly tall (5'8), and while not fat, definitely not thin.  I inherited stockiness from both sides of the family (thanks, mom and dad!!), and I have zero curves (I really mean zero; I'm pretty sure my shoulders are wider than my hips and I'm still on a search for my waist), a wide back and broad shoulders, a good-sized bust line, and a long torso.  My legs are technically long - because, of course, I am 5'8 - but in comparison to the rest of me, they aren't.  While I'm not necessarily as limited in my clothing choices, there are just some things that don't fit (button-down shirts come to mind - broad shoulders and larger boobs mean buttons.do.not button.  and don't even get me started on low-rise pants...they basically fall right off my hip-less, butt-less self, even with a belt!).
While my straight-as-a-ruler, tall body type does mean I can wear a lot things (maxi dress? no problem! shift dresses and a-line skirts? bring 'em to me), the fact that I carry some pudge in my stomach and have larger thighs (thanks, horseback riding) does not necessarily mean that I should.  Therefore, I tend to stay towards higher-waisted pants and skirts, looser shirts, shirts that are long (can anyone else not stand when shirts don't come to somewhere around your hips?).  I've found that not all skinnies work for me, unless I'm wearing them under boots, but that a lot of flared or bootcut pants make my legs look stumpy.  Over time, I've come to own a wardrobe that, I think, mostly flatters me.  I won't lie and say I don't subscribe to some trends, whether or not they look great on me.  But, while there are some things that I could probably lose from my closet, there have been excellent additions, like skinny belts that work wonders in terms of creating a waist where there is none, and blouse-y tops that I can throw on over skinny pants.  It's still a work in progress, though, as I'm still trying to define a style that is uniquely me.
However, when I find an outfit that I just know works, it makes me feel great.  When I know I look good, there's nothing that can stop me.  There's spring in my step and I'm ready to take on the world.  I feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.  And these days are frequently few and far between.  But when they happen...  Man, it's awesome.  Because for me, a great outfit equals confidence.  And confidence opens up all kinds of doors.
**first picture-less post.  yay?**