Can this SuperHero be saved? Ask Angie and all YLFers

AG’s post on superheros and Angie’s closet series got me thinking about my favourite superhero – and whether it needs a makeover.
I purchased this beautiful Ross Mayer suit over 15 years ago. It is the most expensive thing I have ever bought (clothing-wise) – however, as my mom would say “it owes me nothing”. I have always felt invincible in this suit, and as much as one can love an inanimate object – I have to say this suit will forever have a place in my heart – not only for the memories, but for the fabrication itself –( check out the chain detail along the back) and the elegance of the fit.
But how to get more mileage out of it? A huge question I have for all of you – would you shorten the skirt length? Although I am not a dramatic dresser – I love the line the long length creates – and the ease of movement.
Pic 2 is traditional – ‘full suit” on. Colour of suit is a dark teal (so great for this fall!)
Pic 3 is collage of various stylings of the skirt ( I had so much fun with this last night)
Pic 4 is jacket with skinnies.
Would love (and dearly appreciate) your thoughts on styling both pieces – footwear, belts, colours – and skirt length! Thanks for your time!

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11 years ago

pil

Veteran

Sorry I can't offer any suggestion on the suit, but those are some fabulous blouses.

jayne

I think it looks great as is...keep, wear, love

Jjsloane

If it were me I'd shorten the skirt, but you look long and elegant in it. I love the jacket with the jeans looks.

Wait a minute, maxis have just come back in style and NOW you want to shorten it? This superhero needs no rescuing. All the different looks you have pulled together with it (all fabulous to my eye) are the ultimate proof.

Jem

I think the suit still looks gorgeous. I think the skirt needs to be shortened, though. I'd see what length Angie says.

ElleH

It looks great as is but to update it you could try a change. I'm no expert but maybe a midi length? You can always go shorter but not longer so if you don't like that then you can go just below the knee or above. You can pin it first before doing anything & see what each length looks like. Could even post pics of it pinned.

Thistle

I think the suit is fabulous, especially the jacket. I would think about shortening the skirt to knee length. It's a classic length that would get you a lot more years out of it and would still be formal enough for all the blouses you paired with - all of which looked very nice.

Jenava

(website)

I think the length along with the fabrication of the skirt is dated. I would shorten it to "midi" length or just below the knee. I LOVE the chain detail, and think the jacket looks AMAZING with jeans. LOVE! Great pieces!

Anonymous

I love it! I vote to shorten it to a longer midi length and maybe taper it a bit to fit you like a glove. Maybe wear it with super-current shoes (instead of retro--though I really like those pumps) to bring it up to speed a bit. It looks like an incredibly well-made suit, and it flatters you SO well! I can see why you want to wear it.

ETA: I love all the ways you've styled it and I think splitting it up is brilliant. Check out Demi Moore's costumes in Flawless for some inspiration on the length.

MsMary

I think it's gorgeous, but I would shorten the skirt to midi length, too! The jacket is so fab I am having palpitations!!

ironkurtin

I wouldn't touch the skirt. The shoulders might need a tiny tweak for a more fitted line?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

*spanner*

I vote pass on the suit, or keep in your sentimental box. It looks very dated to my eye. The sleeve widths are unflattering. The shoulder widths are off in a dated way and not in a retro or fashion forward way. The skirt is not worth saving either. I vote start again.

My apologies, merewoman :(. I tried to salvage your treasure but it just doesn't work in a modern, classic, edgy or retro manner.

merwoman

Thank you all for chiming in - your individual, and collective wisdom has helped me tremendously! It was a great exercise for me to play with the pieces to see what I could do with them and I so appreciate everyone's feedback and suggestions.
Angie - no need to feel sorry, I truly value your honest opinion! To the treasure box.

Thanks for being a sport :). Onto your next skirt suit!

transition

Active Member

I'm trying to learn about skirt suits too. I'm guessing the reason the shoulder is off and outdated is that it's too broad and boxy, right? But I can't figure out what is unflattering about the sleeve width, or what would make it better. Anyone care to share, so we can all learn?

cinnamon fern

I think Angie just means that the sleeve is too wide all the way down - if you look at #2 you could probably fit both her arms in one sleeve. The sleeves look wide to me even in relation to the shoulders.

I think you are spot on CF. I've got really wide shoulders and they aren't even hitting the shoulder seam properly - and the sleeve is definitely too full all the way down. I knew something was off, especially when I compared the fit to a newer blazer I had purchased. I thought my beloved suit might be able to survive in a cool retro way, but the verdict is in. On the plus side - it's opened up a little space in the closet.

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