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Am I Trying Too Hard?

Nicole

Veteran

I don't know if you can see all the details in the photo...

The dark shirt is navy blue and has a single ruffle down the front. The pants look bunched up weird in the photo, but I was rushing to get in frame before the camera shuttered--so I think it's the way I'm standing. I wasn't planning on exposing the socks, but when I put the boots on, I thought the socks kind of coordinated with the sweater.

I'm going to work--so I'm not sure if this is too casual for work? Last time I wore boots over these pants to work, I felt a little under dressed--but that was my first week on the job. I feel a little more comfortable now that I've been there a while.

I dunno--I guess I feel like I'm over dressed--like I have too much going on. Thoughts?

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....uch002.jpg

16 replies

Latest reply was from tarzy

shiny

Veteran

Hmmm... how can you be both overdressed and too casual a the same time?

What are the pants - cords? (I can't tell in the photo). What color are they (because they seem lemon yellow on my computer screen, but I'm guessing they are actually cream or winter white?)

I keep forgetting to tell you that when we were in Iceland I spotted this girl sporting socks (patterned socks!) peaking out of her boots, worn with skinny jeans tucked in. She looked adorable. I thought of you! I tried to take a pic but it turned out too dark to see.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I think the color of these pants make the outfit a bit casual. If you swapped the pants for a darker colored jeans, it would be more work-appropriate.

Amanda

Oh, Nicole -- you always look cute! I like the socks and boots and the general idea of the outfit. I think that the lighter color pants are throwing me off a bit -- I have a difficult time making light pants and dark tops work so it may just be me.

Lucy

I am torn because the outfit is so cute and looks really good on you. But I think it might be too casual for work. I like bella's suggestion of swapping out the pants for a darker jean. Or maybe you could try a blazer instead of the cardigan? Of course it really depends on how casual your office is.

Lee Hovey

I think what bothers me is the light colored pants with the dark boots. I like dark pants with dark boots because it creates one long line down one's legs appearing slim and streamlined.

Antje

Veteran

Ok, I do think the outfit doesn't quite work. The socks with the beige pants look very casual. I also think you could improve the top part of the outfit with a belt maybe? Somehow the cardi looks more casual in style than the shirt underneath, and takes away a bit of the interest that should come from the ruffle. I don't know if the suggestions are specific enough and will help, but I do want to validate your feeling that somehow the outfit doesn't quite come together. Sorry to be brutally honest but I have a hunch that it's what you kind of expected to hear, Nicole, is that right?

Tanya

Veteran

Those are cream jeans, right?

I think that if you substituted the boots with your beautiful chestnut Steve Madden ones ( and no socks showing) that it would work.

Antje

Veteran

Nicole, I think the "socks peeking out from boots" look is good for skirts (we've seen you rock that). Tanya's suggestion for the chestnut boots is perfect.

Nicole

Veteran

I realize now how confusing my post sounded...overdressed and underdressed at the same time!?! What I was trying to ask is 1. is the oufit too casual for my law office job and 2. is there too much going on with the outfit (regardless of it's casualness)

The pants are cream, not quite denim, more of a twill. I have worn them with my chestnut boots in the past, and posted here--the consensus was the look was too casual for work. I'm torn because I think these pants may not be casual enough for my days off, unless I'm going to a party or out to dinner. So I rarely wear them. I was trying to figoure out a way to wear them to work. I'm so not comfortable wearing skinnies w/out boots and even if I was, there is too much snow and ice on the ground to wear anything else right now.

I was also trying to work the ruffled shirt into my outfit because I hardly ever wear it. I'm trying to decide if it is an orphan, and if so, why. I tend to look a little fat in shirts because they tent out over my bust.

Antje, Aside from my inability to wear belts with out looking like a saggy boobed grandma--I was afraid a belt would just be one more element to an already busy outfit.

So, if I am hearing everyone correctly--the outfit is too casual for work--maybe okay not to work, but not with black boots. Is that right?

shiny

Veteran

Thanks for the clarification Nicole. First, I must say, looking at the photo again, you look like you are shrinking and doing a disappearing act - have you lost weight?

I have a pair of cream cords. I don't wear them all that often, now that I basically live in jeans all the time, but when I used to wear them, I'd go for a long, lean monochromatic look. I'd pair with that cowl-neck tunic sweater I shared recently (pic with my Ugg boots - when we walked to dinner in the snowstorm). The tunic sweater is just slightly darker, so it kinda all melds together.

Also, the tunic is longer - covers the crotch point. Do you have a longer sweater or cardi? Or sweater dress?

You look so darn skinny in those skinnies, I'm thinking you could pair with a long tunic or sweater dress and it would appear like you are wearing leggings, does that make sense? If you don't have a cream or beige sweater, try something in a softer, lighter color like a light heather green to match your eyes?

Then, instead of boots, what about booties? They could be flat, although a bit of heel might be nice for work (change into them once you reach the office?)

I wouldn't give up on the shirt just yet... if you have a tunic or sweater dress such as I described above, with a v or scoop neck, try putting it underneath?

Finally, I understand your dislike of belts, but if you try for a monochromatic look with a long tunic or sweater dress, perhaps you could get one of those skinny double belts Angie blogged about today, but wear it low-slung, on your hips? (That's how we used to wear them in the 80s).

Lee Hovey

After looking again I think the sweater makes it too casual for work because of the fit. It looks loose and drapey at the bottom, I am thinking maybe you bought a size up because you said you have a large chest? If so maybe try a shorter sweater that may sit right on the top of your hips and not drape down. I think this would look more put together for work.... my 2 cents worth

Julia

Hmm, I always thought that the boots over skinnies look is too casual for work so the answer to your first question is yes. However I like the overall look on you and I don't think there's too much going on. You could even add a belt over it if you like.

Maya

Veteran

I guess it's just me, but I really don't care for that cardigan. The color and shape (or lack thereof) seem to just take away from YOUR shape, which is why I think a belt was suggested. It looks very blah to me, and the top beneath it does not, so it creates a really weird dynamic...like you're trying to hide a really interesting and rich top with something that is the color of a newspaper (my brutal honesty is my attempt at being helpful...forgive me if it's harsh). I dont think the cardi is a lost cause. I think a skinny belt might work, or wearing it with a scarf. I guess I just don't like that mousey gray but perhaps that has no basis in reality. I also just think it needs to fit more closely, or somehow given some structure.

I also find the light pants against the black boots very jarring. It seems to cut you off where you want to look long and lean.

A jacket or a different cardi, and some dark pants should have you set.

Ariadne

Veteran

I was about to say exactly what Maya said. I agree with her suggestions. Wish I could see the top better--it sounds great.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay! My perceptions have been voiced. To reiterate:

o Love the dark hair
o You’re losing weight. Wow!
o I was also going to suggest a belt because I feel the cardi hides your cute shape. Please don’t give up on belts! I should have belted you up in Boston. I’m convinced I could have made you like the look. There is something about the bottom of the cardi that is sloppy. It’s sort of stretched out and puckering. Does that make sense?
o The socks peeking out like that does not work with pants and boots, but without the socks you wear skinnies tucked into boots very well (especially with a tunic).
o I’d love to see the top without the cardi, perhaps with a skirt.

I don’t know whether I’ve been constructive. I guess I’d like to see these cream pants with either pairs of your boots and your brown tunic.

tarzy

Veteran

Oh, that's great advice from Angie. Thanks for posting, Nicole. I am learning along with you! And you do look FANTASTIC with that hair color!