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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Keep Or Move On?

Deborah

Veteran

HI Lovely Ones,

My normally decisive self is struggling a little! I need your input. I have a few things that I am not sure about keeping, in fact these are the only remaining items in my wardrobe that I don't have 100% certainty about.

SHOES

#1/#2 Two tone Ballet Flats by New Look. They are approx 7 years old and they have never really be worn that much. I cannot recall the last time I wore them. I do love this Chanel-eque look.. but!

Animal print Ballet Flats by Sandler. I wore them quite a bit when I first bought them approx 3 years ago, but I don't wear those brown tones at all and again, I cannot recall when they were last worn.

Here is the thing...
- I don't really like ballet flats (for me)
- I have never liked shoes with bows on them!

I am pretty confident it is time to let them go. The two tone are too "classic" and I have black and white animal print booties that can easily fill any hole left by the animal print flats.

SKIRTS

#3 is a striped tube skirt (gorgeous Caro has the same one). I love a tube skirt but as much as I try I am really not into stripes. It is comfy, and easy to wear. It's more suited to the warmer weather and I am wondering if I should wait and see how I feel when it's warmer. I think it can be edged up with an interesting drape top and edgy footwear? Keep and see, or should it go?

#4 is a Bailey 44-esque skirt from Target. I have enjoyed wearing it but again it's the stripe thing:) It does look good with a slightly oversized/asymmetric hem top. Another skirt more suited to the warm weather. Keep and see, or go?

#5 Cobalt pencil skirt from Katies. I adore the colour but I haven't been wearing it.

#6 Sussan ponte knit red midi length pencil skirt. New and never worn:( I got a bee in my bonnet about buying a red pencil skirt. I finally found this and it has languished in my closet. Is there any chance of making this work with my style?

Do you think there is hope for any of these in my wardrobe?

Thanks for taking the time:)
xxx Deborah

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Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Anonymous

This is pretty difficult, but I'll have a go.

First the ballet flats. I think I would let them go. Just not edgy enough for you. I always love your unusual footwear and these seem 'not you'.

I'm not the best person to ask about stripes as I'm a stripe-phobe, so I'll leave that to others to answer.

I rather like the idea of the cobalt skirt for you. I know I've seen you wear that colour before and I have loved those outfits on you. I say try styling it some more and get back to us.

The red skirt is a lovely colour. I know you wear red lippy a lot and the skirt could work with a healthy dose of black. Or actually, I like the idea of charcoal grey with it. If you have dark grey items, I'd love to see it with them.

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks Diane:) The cobalt skirt is kind of useful. Being a colour and on the classic side I aways think I should hang onto it incase I need it for work:)

Grey is a good idea with the red! Only I don't wear charcoal, weird I know as I wear black but charcoal just doesn't look good on me. I will have a play:)

Anonymous

Yes, maybe a grey that's a little softer than a charcoal perhaps?

Deborah

Veteran

Diane, you don't like stripes?? Maybe we can start a club lol

Lucy

Veteran

Well, I would not have guessed we were twins! I have that #4 Katies striped skirt but in reverse coloration, more white than black, while yours is more dark than white. I wear mine a lot, in fact I would say it is one of my most worn skirts. But then I guess I like stripes.
AND I also had a v similar pair of cream and black ballet flats, different brand but almost identical. Never wore them. Ever. Passed them along in the latest clean out.
Like Diane I see potential for that red skirt. Maybe with your longest black layer tops so it is not too much red, but just a slash at the hem?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You need to know that I'm getting fairly ruthless when it comes to letting things go so be warned
The ballet flats don't seem to be you & it isn't as if they aren't always around. If you really decide later you want some you could get a funkier version without bows.
I'd let the first stripe skirt go too, in fact I have The second one looks more interesting & I think could work really well with your look & it could work for a more corporate look too if needed.
I'm not sure about the other two - can you say why you aren't wearing them? Is the quality/fit etc. what you are looking for & do they deliver the look you want? Maybe you could try styling them & see how it goes.

crutcher

Veteran

Read your own words...You have answered your questions...I don't like ballet flats...Check..let them go...Next...Not into stripes..check..let them go...
Like Lucy said with the red..maybe layer it under one of your longest tops for your look but you know, if you aren't excited over it why hide it under something..Let it go..
Now if you would just appear at my door, I have a ton of questions re/letting go that we could ponder...smile..

Deborah

Veteran

Lucy thanks..and I didn't realise you were in Aus? I must admit I am reluctant to let the red skirt go!

Caro, ruthless is good! Why did you get rid of the striped skirt? With the red and cobalt, they are both nice skirts quality wise, particularly the red one. I think it's the classic aspect of them and the colour (they are not black lol). I realise too that if I am going to do colour, I generally prefer it on top rather than the bottom:) hmmm. I think I will have a play with the red as I would live to make it work somehow.

Crutcher, you are so right...I do know, I just don't want to take responsibility! How nice would it be to have a cuppa and chat:)

Inge

(website)

My first thought was that the ballet flats indeed don't seem completely you, Deborah.
I do like the two striped skirts, but I am a huge stripes fan, so that definitely influences my opinion. I can definitely see the bold black and white stripe work with your style because it has a strong graphic aesthetic. Paired with black or white high-low volume or asymmetric tops and a one of your fabulous pairs of footwear, I can see it fit your style, but the most important thing is of course whether you love those outfits enough to feel happy and "you" in them.
I also really love the cobalt and red skirts because both are strong colours that I can also see working well with your aesthetic and style.

Caro brings up a good point though: can you pinpoint more precisely why you haven't been wearing them, Deborah? You also mention that a red pencil skirt isn't really your thing, but somehow you were attracted to it at the time because it came home with you. Did you see yourself wearing it in a specific way, that then didn't work out?

ETA: I just had a quick look on Pinterest to find some pics of bright-coloured skirts. Perhaps they can spark some new ideas on how to wear your skirts?

P.S. I also think Crutcher has a point: if you are just not feeling any of them anymore, and feel that you just have to work too hard to make them eh work:-), then maybe it is time to let them go and make room for things that immediately make you smile?

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/538391330423365957/
I like the addition of black tights and boots.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/16536723606069405/
Not the same silhouette, but I like the idea of a black top and black leather jacket.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188658671865203779/
White shirt, black booties.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96686723220847831/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/188658671864807746/
Colour combo idea: create a tonal outfit/column of colour with either red (or shades of burgundy) or blue? Adding shine or texture via different fabrics can make it even more interesting.

Lucy

Veteran

I'm in Sydney Another Aussie gal on YLF!

Sharon

Veteran

I think definitely cull the shoes. The bows make them far too girly for your edgy style. I think the red skirt could work beautifully with your black tops, bookended by your red lipstick. The blue skirt looks like the wrong length for you - like it would read a bit too classic/conservative? The other two I think maybe wait until spring and see how you feel about them. You may buy a new top that breathes fresh love into the old bottoms.

Joy

Veteran

I'm with Rachylou, cull the shoes. They just aren't you. Play with the red skirt a little longer. You may want to add a bit of color and your spring is just around the corner. The blue skirt looks short. Is it above the knee? I hate to see you give up on the striped skirts before warm weather, but if you really dislike the stripes then, let them go. I could see them peeking out from under long top layers.

April

Veteran

I say move on past everything but the red pencil skirt.

Because -- a red pencil skirt? So fab.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am dissenting on one point. I find the animal print flats have too big a bow but the cream/black with the tiny bow are chanelesque and could come in handy if you need a flat one day. I would keep that pair if you have the space.

I like stripes and find the BW very useful as it works with everything. If you don't like stripes though, toss those two. I do like them myself but this isn't about me. LOL

I really like the red skirt. I know you don't do prints often but the red is really nice with a neutral animal print or a crisp white. If you aren't going to wear it, then free the space in the closet. DItto on the blue skirt.

Anonymous

I am not good at answering these questions because my motto is "if there is any doubt, out it goes." That motto works for me, but does not necessarily work for others.

Still I am here and I want to respond. My first response is if it is not you and you haven't reached for these things in a long, long time, get rid of them.

Having said that, I adore both the red and cobalt skirts. I would love to see you in them in a few WIWs. Feedback from others might help you more decisively decide upon their fate.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm not seeing the ballet flats as being part of your current style, so I would have no qualms about letting them go. (In fact, I haven't worn my old Repettos in over a year and was thinking of donating, but they're really beat up and I decided to keep them for house shoes.)

The skirts are a harder call. I'm the odd one out who is more attracted to the cobalt than the red (it's more unexpected), so I'd rather see you give the cobalt another chance than the red. But if you don't care for stripes, are you ever going to love wearing those striped skirts? What other skirt options do you have for warmer weather? If you have others you're happier reaching for, I'd let them go. If you feel like there's a wardrobe hole without them, I'd keep one until you find another you like more.

amiable

Veteran

Good questions - I need to ask similar ones of myself. I have lots of skirts that are languishing!

I think the shoes are easy to say they aren't you. Even if you had occasion to wear them, I think you'd choose to wear something different.

It might be the same for your skirts? It is for mine. I guess there, I would probably suggest you come up with some situations where they would be the 'right' thing to wear, and then decide whether you'd actually wear them or opt for something else if you were actually facing that opportunity.

I feel a purge coming on over here....

Thistle

Veteran

Answering before reading the others so I won't be swayed!

The shoes and striped skirts, I would let go. You have already said you don't like ballet flats and don't like stripes. Done and done. You won't reach for them going forward anyway.

As for the skirts . . . Why haven't you been reaching for them? Is it the length? I tend to see you in longer pieces. Is it the more corporate shape of a pencil skirt? I tend to see you in arty pieces.

I would try both skirts with one of your arty drapey tops. Play around with them. If you can find a way to wear them that you love with your current wardrobe, give them another 6 months to earn a place. If not, I vote give them a new home.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I have no time, so I couldn't read much of what you wrote or the comments, but sometimes I like gut reactions because they are so sort of pure. I just looked at each photo and tried to picture you in my mind. The only two that fit at all with your style in my mind's eye were the black/white stripe skirt and the blue skirt. I just can't picture you in the rest, especially the shoes! That is my two cents on first glance.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Inge and Sharon said. Say goodbye to the flats. If you really dislike stripes then maybe pass on the skirts, but I love them and think they would be great in warmer months. Still, if you feel lukewarm about them, it is time to let them go.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I basically agree with everything above. You don't love the shoes and you have others you do love, so let them go. Stripes: go. Red skirt could work with your style but why haven't you worn it? Same for cobalt skirt. If you have skirts you prefer, get rid of them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Keep the skirts. Pass on the rest. xo

christieanne

Veteran

I love ballet flats but if they aren't your style, pass on. If you want an animal print shoe, there are tons out there in python and other patterns.
I like the skirts and think they would all be versatile. The layered Bailey look is my least favorite. A stretchy skirt seems so practical for warm weather or with tights and boots and a cozy sweater for winter. I finally got on the VC tube skirt bandwagon and am playing with top options myself.
Love the red and cobalt - you could pair with black, grey, cream, white. silver. Black is your chosen neutral so mixing with a pop of graphic color could be fun.

rabbit

Veteran

Echoing others in that the cobalt and red skirts have the most promise to me, I'd try playing with them an see how they feel. For example if the cobalt skirt is too short or feels too constricting compared to your other skirts, that would be a reason to pass in spite of the color.

Gracie

Veteran

ok, the red skirt looks alarming just because I haven't seen you in red. It looks well made. I love the first pin Inge posted with the long drapey tunic and black hose and boots. Maybe give the red and blue a chance? The flats look to "benign" for your current style, maybe let them go to make room for something more fab.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think the flats are an easy thing to say to let go. I'd also let go of the stripes - I'm not a huge stripe fan but even when I do, I much prefer them subtle. The skirt in #4 passes that test but it sounds like you're tired of it. I think the cobalt skirt seems more like "you" than the red one, but again if they aren't getting worn, seems like they may need to move on. I just culled a bunch of stuff so I'm in that mode.

Marley

Veteran

Ditch the ballet flats - they're not you.
I'm not crazy about the black/white striped skirt - but I LOVE the Target skirt (I have it in both black/gray and navy/turquoise) - I think they really fit your style. I'm not a fan of red skirts in general - so I'm not able to really give a non-biased opinion on that one. The cobalt one I would think could work for you!

unfrumped

Veteran

Shoes--out. I still wear a ballet flat because it is an wardrobe workhorse for certain outfits, but I have also found bows to feel too twee.
Try the red pencil skirt with an otherwise all-black outfit--tights, booties and top. If you still don't like that. let it go.

K. Period.

Veteran

Hellooooooo Deborah! You tempted me back into the forum! My thoughts are these:
1. Get rid of the shoes. I too am not a huge fan of ballet flats. I recently let go of all but one (nude) pair and I feel a lot better for it. They just don't feel like me. Therefore, I know exactly what you mean and how you feel with them, notwithstanding their classic status. Get rid of them.
2. The striped skirts. I adore stripes, but you don't. Okay. Let them go. I would find a use for them because I like stripes. You probably won't. They need to be passed along.
3. The cobalt skirt. Give this one a try. I've found that cobalt is an easy, fun way to add a little color to black and white when you want to seem more cheerful and less serious than you would in just black and white. I think you will enjoy this once you start wearing it.
4. The red skirt. Let it go! I had the same drive to buy red and then realized that I just wasn't into the stark contrast of black and white and red. It just feels wrong to me somehow. Almost cartoony on me? Instead, I found that I love wearing my red as accessories or, for tops and bottoms, with something softer like charcoal or navy. However, I don't think of those as your neutrals. You love black. If my wardrobe was yours, I wouldn't like the red skirt either. I vote pass it along.

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