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Fuchsia Fail: Eventual Outfit added

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So....today is Fuchsia Friday! And, uncharacteristically, I actually have someplace to GO; a former colleague's retirement party. It's at the university, in the library, and will take place between 3-5. Most people will be dressed in what they wore to work, which will mostly be jeans. Add to that, it's COLD today and I'll be walking.

The simple answer would be to wear some combination with my fuchsia jacket...maybe even just jeans and jacket...but I have worn that so much in the past month, and I'm a bit bored of it. So I wanted to try something different.

Here's what I came up with: my wintery dress (waving to dress twins Kari & Celia), my fuchsia silk top, my denim jacket, and my new BR scarf, which echoes the dress amazingingly. I am wearing silver earrings (with garnet insets) and a silver bracelet, plus the "shine" of the shirt's silver buttons. I tried it with different bootie/ tights combos, none of which work particularly well, IMO.

And riddle me this: Why do I look at my ordinary daily outfits (that are much more minimal) and think: MEH, BORING but then I look at this and think FUSSY and FEH!!

Not to mention the fact that I feel twice my normal size, but I guess that's a function of many layers.

I tried this dress just with the fuchsia jacket, but the footwear/tights issue became even more apparent then.

Maybe the answer is to put on the jacket and a pair of nice trousers and be done with it! I do have my grey Theory trousers that I could wear and I am sure I can find a good top to work with it.

ETA: the temps and your good advice won the day...it is SO cold. So, I am relying on the FB jacket. With the scarf. Copying Sona with the dark under layer...in my case, charcoal T-neck and trousers. Silver belt, zippers, cuff, and a necklace (which you can't see) for shine. And the first outing of the puffer coat this year.

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Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from krishnidoux

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I really, really like #2.

Mochi

Veteran

I like this outfit in many ways, Suz. The fuchsia is so saturated and powerful on its own, that I think this outfit could possibly use less. Like some black jeans or trousers. Or even just removing the jeans jacket. (Though that's probably also keeping you warm!) Really, it's all good and maybe just a tad less is more. Not that helpful, am I? I love the shoes too.

Anonymous

I think there is too much going on on the top half. I think the open shirt and the open jacket are fighting with each other.

How about your dress, tights, the fushia blouse buttoned up, a black sweater or jacket and the scarf?

Lisa

Veteran

I like the top half without the fuchsia. The scarf and jacket tie in the subdued tones of the dress nicely. The fuchsia is a little too strong here. I'd love to see the fuchsia paired with black for an equally strong look. Or winter white could be nice.

RunnerChick

Suz, you look lovely, as always, but I think I understand why you might feel dissatisfied. I had a reaction similar to Mochi and Ceit, in feeling that a tad less might be a lot of help. The fuchsia is so stunning on its own and perhaps it needs simpler foil. The dress and scarf -- also stunning -- compete too much for the eye's attention. It's probably my personal preference more than it's fashion advice, but I'd replace the dress with black (or even grey Theory) pants.

Emily

Veteran

My fave is #3, but agree that there might just be too much going on. What about #3 without either the fuschia jacket or the scarf? (I vote leave the jacket, I think it looks neat layered under denim.)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay - got it! Thanks all.

I will do some more experimenting. I did try the top done up, but it didn't look quite right somehow. The scarf is there both for warmth and to disguise the mandarin collar of this top that many do not care for (although personally, I love it).

I'm going to try a few more options.

ETA: the colour of the top looks more intense in photos than IRL as a function of the flash; it is silk so it is reflecting light while the other darker colours absorb the light , making the contrast seem much more intense than IRL.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'll wait for the update. I think the outfit posted without the fuchsia top is lovely, but I know you're trying to do something with the fuchsia and something a little different. I think it's one or the other if these are the pieces you want to play with today. I love the tights and boots.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Why are you trying to disguise a collar that you personally love? Serious question here...

You can wear the scarf for warmth outside but once inside, take it off. Show off that gorgeous collar. I agree with the others Suz that there is a bit much going on from the waist up and I suspect it's the multiple layers that is making you question the outfit.

I like the bottom half of number #2 with the the lighter tights and boots. I find the bugundy tights a bit too competitive with that gorgeous skirt.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, Jeanne...I have worn this dress with the jacket and without the scarf and top several times. That works okay, especially with tall boots.

But today is fuchsia day....so......onward!

Sara L.

Veteran

I like the tights/boots combo in #2 and #3. I also like the fuschia with the dress but agree with you that there's too much going on on top. How does it look without the denim jacket and scarf? I'm curious to see your next experiments.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think dark tights (black or charcoal) would be better with the skirt and dark shoes to keep the bottom more minimal. The top is a bit too bulky and busy to me too. What about just a black or charcoal jacket instead of denim? With the pattern in the dress and the scarf, along with the pop of color I'm not sure the denim is working. I like to see the denim jacket as more of the "pop" in an outfit if that makes sense. In this case it seems to be fighting for attention.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#2 is not an epic fail at all! Just not a "Suz-look" because there is a lot going on - which is not your style. Try a solid scarf and perhaps tall boots and you are in business. And your pretty face and pixie always seals the deal no matter what!

You are STUNNING in these shades of pink and magenta. Your best

kellygirl

Veteran

So interesting to read Angie's comment. I like the outfit and think it is really cute but I didn't comment early because I thought it just didn't quite look like your style but couldn't pinpoint why (no surprise there.) I read Angie's comment and it clicks because of her ALGO comment. It's awesome but I'm used to seeing you in a less is more kind of style. I think this is a fun look for you though! Not a fail at all--just different

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone! Angie, you are so right....I really do have a more minimalist style and when I try to ignore that, I don't feel like myself. Layering is great, if the layering is invisible or minimally visible (i.e. a jacket over a shirt is okay, but TWO layers underneath a jacket feels like too much.)

Thank you all for your wise counsel. I *did* have fun trying out the combination, which is the main thing!

Shannon, you are dead on about the collar, too. In the end I decided not to wear the silk blouse, not because of that but because it just didn't feel right layered OVER something else, and I pretty much had to do that due to the temperatures.

I have come up with an alternate outfit using completely different pieces (except the scarf). Pics to come later this afternoon!

Angie, thank you for the compliment about the colours. Yes, they are truly my friends - orchid to berry to fuchsia, as long as the fuchsia is not a neon one - - that goes too bright.

Shu

Did you try the shirt under the dress to showcase the collar you love?

Raisin

Veteran

Hmmm, this is very different then I'm used to from you Suz. I am interested to see your new outfit combos. I love e fushia on you but I think the outfits are a little very helping on you. I think some more solids in there would help, maybe solid pants?

Anonymous

Now I'm dying to know what you came up with! I totally feel you on these looks and the direction your style is going. Nothing wrong with these outfits, but you're not as ALGO. Now you have me wondering about a good definition of minimalist style. It obviously doesn't mean *plain* because Angie dresses this way too.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

No...it's not plain. Or doesn't have to be.

Fewer pieces, for a start! Fewer competing elements.

The truth is, my aspirational style is even MORE minimal than my ACTUAL style, so no wonder I feel awful in an outfit that has ALGO. Remember the blogger challenge when I tried to copy ALGO Atlantic-Pacific? There were a few outfits that actually looked pretty good (and I tended to copy her more minimal outfits, and then minimize them further) but apart from the simplest outfits, I didn't feel comfortable even if I looked okay.

I think I'm going to be more and more like Una....going for standout simple pieces and wearing fewer of them. This is my prediction for 2013.

Most of Angie's outfits do not involve a lot of obvious layering. She may in fact BE layering (with a cami or such underneath) and of course when she needs a coat, she wears it. But she doesn't have lots of bits and pieces. And she wears fewer and fewer scarves and less jewelry. I tend to wear the scarves for warmth in winter as well as a pop of colour or to bookend something. And I still like scarves. But apart from that, I'm wanting fewer and fewer visible layers.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's a good description, Suz. I'll add, no jewelry. Also, I never turn back the shirt cuffs over my jacket sleeves when I wear a jacket with a shirt. The effect is too maximal for my style. Too much "visible" layering. Too many parts to the outfit. Like in the photo of Ines that Nancy posted - too maximal for me - but great on her

Here is that photo of Ines:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rks-for-me

rae

(website)

Veteran

Well I've got nothing to add really, so I will just agree that it is not a fail - just not your style.

It might not be warm enough for you, but I immediately thought of embracing the mandarin collar and perhaps pairing it with your waxed moto jacket instead of the denim. I like Angie's suggestion of tall boots a lot, too. Feels more minimal and sleek.

Sona

Veteran

I second Angie's suggestions. I love the scarf near your face when its not layered over denim- this makes the colors look to dark to me around your gorgeous face. I have been thinking about your outfit since early morning and I do think a plain, single color scarf (dark) and tall boots jus as Angie said would be best. Also maybe trying that look with just the fuchsia jacket?

unfrumped

Veteran

I love all the colors but think it is all too much layers for your frame. Your clean-lined outfits look great. So all of the items you've got on do look as though they will be good items to mix and match in a variety of outfitsj just not all together. And using an accessory such as your handbag (me, the doesn't really make good use of handbags person ) to add interest without actually being a clothing layer.

I know I am also way behind the curve on the bootie trend, but I don't think booties look that good with over-the knee dresses. Perhaps the booties that have the lowest shaft and narrow fit but I still think that is a tough look to pull off. I am still struggling with whether even to keep the ones I bought recently because I think I look shtumpy and am not sure the fashion trend outweighs my poison eye for shtumpiness. That's expressing my eyeball test for longer leg lines. If I wore this slightly longer dress, I would try to wear some kind of lower-vamped shoe. And less textured tights. That concern becomes less of an issue once you simplify other parts of the outfit, though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

All good points. Angie, that is so interesting about cuffs. You have such an eye for detail. I remember your asking me not to turn them back on one shirt/ jacket combo. I had to, in that case, due to the jacket's construction (or so I thought....closer examination revealed that the sleeves could be brought down in fact). I tend to wear mine cuffed back like Ines for practical reasons - sleeves on most shirts are too long for me. But perhaps it is adding too much "busy" to my look. I will experiment.

Rae - good ideas, but nowhere near warm enough. That moto is just thin cotton. The top is sleeveless silk...I would freeze my buns off. I agree about the boots though. I need some new tall boots. My boots have a very square toe and feel dated.

Sona, you are right. I think a plain scarf would be right here. I need a plain dark (navy or black) scarf. I don't own one.

Unfrumped, I hear you on the booties. I agree that on my short legs it is a bit unflattering with a skirt this length (or any length.) I am willing to forego some figure flattery and here are the reasons:

1. Low vamp shoes almost NEVER stay on my feet. (This is due to the shape of my foot and is a perennial problem. I end up in agony in most, whether heeled or flat).

2. On a woman of a certain age (me) a plain pump with a skirt can end up looking very...frumpy. It is just not fashionable and makes one look as if one is living in another time. Not perhaps if paired with other trendy items....but most of my clothes are pretty classic.

3. It is too cold today for low vamp shoes!

I agree absolutely that this is just "too much" for me....too many lines competing. I need simple, clean lines. Clean shapes.

Back to la drawing board!!

rachylou

Veteran

You look cute, Suz. I think, tho, what could behind the "feh" feeling is absence of a unifying theme from head to toe. You've got this red-based floral theme that takes you from head to knee, then there's a switch in the leg area where you do grey/taupe. This is also in the dress, but wasn't what you were picking up "earlier" in the outfit.

ETA: I've seen Angie's comments now... and also the third pic with the burgundy tights. I find the color overpowers the dress. I think maybe the grey tights and a solid grey scarf is something I'd try...

JR

Veteran

I don't think it's a fail either. But I do see why you weren't entirely comfortable. You need to simplify to make it fit your style. But the colours are fantastic on you.

unfrumped

Veteran

Suz, I agree completely and is one reason why I am struggling so with wearing skirts and dresses these days, even though I would like to. The footwear dilemmas have got me caught between frumpy/shtumpy/comphy, much more so than with pants. I can wear flats and even find some that stay on but a more structured shoe is better with my foot shape. A soft leather, padded insole, lowish-heeled "pump" feels great (well, not for work, but for outings/events) but looks frumpy.
Sheesh!

I noticed how so many skirt/dress + bootie outfits use a short skirt for this very reason--and one reason why "younger" gals have more options. Even the slightly older (40's) celebs will wear skirts 4" or so above the knee, though maybe with tights, to get that longer look. I would do that if I thought it looked okay on me, but I need that right-above the knee look, tops, usually.

As usual, you inspire and encourage!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

This is definitely not a "fail," Suz. I like #2 best, and I like Angie's solid scarf/tall boots ideas, too. This is just a different look for you and maybe that's why we're all examining this in-depth, which really helps all of us.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

New outfit added above - thank you for all your help!

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