An observation re: my style shift

Yesterday's outfit (the first attempt with the skirt http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....and-animal) didn't work for me and I felt extremely frumpy in it.

I've been thinking about why it felt that way and knew there was more to it than the disconnect between the individual items. I think Una hit the nail on the head when she said it wasn't as "saucy" as some of my outfits.

I seem to be shifting to a more modern, sleek style with moments of menswear inspiration - but I also like an element of cheekiness or sauciness in my outfits. I need to feel both streamlined and FUN.

The orange skirt is a difficult colour to work with, as I'm discovering and although I like a midi length on short me, I think the combination of the midi length plus the width of the skirt is what made me feel frumpy. I have other midi length dresses/skirts but they are narrower and more fitted so I feel sleeker.

I did try it on again when I got home from work with my knee high black boots, Doc Marcies and my black wedge booties and still didn't like it on me.

For now, the orange skirt is going into the "hold" pile and we'll see if it comes back out later on or ends up being purged altogether.

11 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I think the orange skirt has potential. I made a suggestion in your other thread. But I get what you're saying. You need outfits to have that fun factor. I totally do as well, which is why "flair" is one my rubric components. I like to do "classics with a twist". Maybe you need something in each outfit to be the statement, whether it's accessories, cut, pattern, or some unusual detail about the garment. Some little detail that makes you happy about your outfit!

milehighstyle (Linda)

Shannon - is having the skirt tailored to be narrower a possibility? I love orange with grey, taupe, blues, and citrus greens and yellows - but you know best if it's not "you".

Suz

Interesting, Shannon. I am wondering if the skirt would work as a column of colour look. But if you don't have other orange items that would be difficult. In the end I think that things that don't feel fab shouldn't really stay. You don't need 'em!

I hear you about wanting something with a little fun or flair. That sounds right for you. So it is a question of how to meld the fun, sometimes retro elements with the simple streamlined look. Usually you do it well with accessories, or even just colour/ pattern/ texture in some element of the outfit.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Always learning

Transcona Shannon

I sure hope so Angie - I have no desire to become stagnant!

Thanks for your comments Natalie, Linda and Suz - I think I'm just going to "semi retire" the orange skirt and see how I feel about it later.

And you never will because you dress from the heart - it's authentic. And when you dress from the heart, you are in tune with your feelings that are forever changing. Which is why we are always learning

Amy

Yes, saucy is an important part of your style. I think that outfit had potential to be saucy. What bothered me about it more was an imbalance in the strong colors, not a lack of sauce.

lyn*

I think the orange skirt has potential as well - but I agree with you about the length; have you thought about chopping it down a bit?

I think I might try shortening it lyn - I have nothing to lose since I'm not really liking it as is. Thanks for the suggestion!

catgirl

Shannon, you do your own style so well! It's just a little touch of insouciance somehow - I don't know if I would have even known it you hadn't posted the orange skirt outfit.

Emily

Yes - saucy - that is a great choice of word. So true that your outfits always have a little something fun about them.

I have to admit that I have a poison eye for orange, but maybe it would work well with grey, white, or a grey and white print in the spring? I'm having a hard time seeing anything but halloween when I picture it with black.

Joy

It seems to add more fun to fashion, along with frustration sometimes, to always be in flux. I hope that you shorten or slim the orange skirt because the color is fun.

rachylou

I think the outfit is cute, Shannon(!) But I don't think it's you. I find it lacks a certain polish, that it's very "relaxed" - which quality seems, to me, to come from the top. The top is not as "strict" as the skirt.

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