My new plaid shirt from Zara ETA belt pics - YouLookFab Forum

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About: More Reasons to Love the Flannel Plaid Shirt

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My new plaid shirt from Zara ETA belt pics

Anonymous

Hi all! A few weeks ago I saw this plaid shirt in Zara and I was immediately attracted to the soft colorway on the cream background. I was looking for a solid shirt at the time (remembering my new goals to Loosen Up, Lighten Up, Straighten Up, Modernize, and Solidify) so I passed it by so I could think about it.

I suddenly became mad for plaid, and noticed it everywhere, especially here on the forum. After trying numerous similar plaid shirts, I ended up ordering this one after all. There was something about the colors and the way they matched up the plaid, using bias cut pieces for the pockets and back yoke that surpassed the others. The buttons are beautiful too. After I ordered it, I realized that there was something reminiscent of the Burberry cream check about the pattern--which I LOVE. Ha. In the high-low equation, Zara is my "high end " and thrift stores are, as you're about to see, my low.

Enter my jeans and boots, which were paid for by my credit at a consignment store. I traded in two pairs of body con skinnies for these distressed jeans by Genetic Denim. They have a slouchy fit and are infinitely more comfortable. The price tag on them read "generic denim" so I had no idea they were premium jeans until I got home and read the sewn-in tag and googled it.

ETA: the part that I lost, and will try to remember:

You all helped me decide on these taupe suede chelsea boots by KORS Michael Kors, also from the consignment store. This is their first WIW, but I have been enjoying them very much, with these jeans and also my white ones.

I added my Celine jacket (from Goodwill) to try to dress up the outfit, which I felt was bordering on grunge. I hope it helps! I went without a belt today, and I really prefer not to wear one in general. Do you think the outfit looks unfinished though? Also, I am new to rolling. How are my cuffs? I'd appreciate any feedback or advice on how to do better, and thank you!

ETA 2: Photos 6 and 7 include my metallic belt. It's pretty sparkly. What do you think? Too much? When I bought it I was wearing my white jeans and it's lower contrast against them than it is against these blue jeans. There seems to be a preference among the replies for a belt to fill the loops and finish the outfit. I could certainly add it when I'm going out.

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46 replies

Latest reply was from LACeleste

Anonymous

Hmmmm, I seem to have lost the second half of my post.

carter

Veteran

Great call on the shirt! LOVE the pockets on the diagonal. So perfectly cool. Of course, I have no idea about rolling and booties, so I'll let the pros address those. Good to see you!

unfrumped

Veteran

The plaid colors are great for you. I love the Celine jacket more every time.
I might prefer not having the pocket X's from the turned plaid, because it really draws the eye from the rest of the plaid, but it's not a deal-breaker, it's very common and it isn't really a problem on you. Also I suspect like many things it is less noticeable IRL, with body movement, than in the straight-on photo. Heavens, I am not trying to rain on your shirt, I am just in critique mode so am going on a bit.
I would wear a belt, but if you don't need it to hold up your pants ( I almost always do!) you could belt a notch looser for comfort, and try a softer construction that is comfy like woven leather or even webbing--also you might look for a low-constrast colorl like your cuff roll; with the jacket sleeves somewhat wide it's hard to do the fitted roll-back thing, so I'd even settle for rolling the shirt independently covering up sleeves with jacket, but it is nice to see the plaid echoed at the cuff.
Overall I think the color, size of pattern and drape are really good for your coloring, I'm not sure but that we may have had a conversation about size of prints for you--this is really good, better than tiny prints and looks very fresh and modern.

Sal

Veteran

I think it is a great buy! I love the scale of the plaid and the light colour. It works well with the other components of your look. A well considered and useful purchase!

With the jeans, I think it looks fine without a belt, although a belt would also work.

Elly

Veteran

This is beautiful on you, Claire. The booties look right at home, and that Celine coat is to die for. I don't mind the look without a belt, but you really need a Hipsi or something like it. I prefer not wearing a belt for comfort but wear this (see finds) constantly. I know it is a bit pricey though.

Hipsi Women's Adjustable Belt & Invisible Flat Buckle

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deb

Veteran

This is wonderful shirt and what a steal on the jeans!

Aida

Veteran

Great shirt, and how fun to see you in plaid Claire! It's got good drape, and just the right colors for you. I may have to check it out myself, is it a softer flannel feel or a crisper "shirt" feel? Looks super with the new-to-you distressed denim, which is also fun to see you in. Still love the booties, and of course Celine dresses things up nicely. I would vote to add a metallic or printed belt to the look for some instant polish and finish.

Anonymous

So about belts...my pants just stay up without one. Tucking in an undershirt (now that it's F/W) really helps keep them up. I seem to be in between belt holes on every belt I've ever bought. If I wear the belt on the tighter hole, it's uncomfortable on my hips or hikes my jeans up so much that they wrinkle at the waist band and are as bad as wearing a tight pair of jeans (defeating the purpose of slouchy pants). If I wear the belt on the looser notch, it's not enough to keep my jeans up, and the weight of the belt itself actually begins to drag my pants down, lol! The belt I have now is the lightest weight, softest leather, and I thought it would do the trick, but the buckle is heavy enough to sag and my jeans require regular "hitching up" as I'm walking, which drives me BANANAS!

I know I need Hipsi or a woven belt that doesn't have articulated holes, but I don't always care for the way they look. Thanks for the tip, though, Elly.

unfrumped

Veteran

I feel your pain on belt holes! I always want them a quarter inch this way or that. I have purchased a belt/strap hole-puncher!
But I also specifically collect some of the woven strip leather styles for that very reason. They primarily are for casual, and I only have found a couple that are polished enough for work.
I think the fact that your pants stay up and moreover, appear to be staying up, helps if you want to go beltless, since the waist lies neatly. The touches like the jacket and booties also help with a kind of juxtaposition of, as you say, grunge, and dressy. So I think you can own that beltless look.

Anonymous

unfrumped, thank you! I actually liked the bias cut pockets. They lend a sort of fashiony feel to the plaid that some of the other shirts I looked at lacked. Also with my small bust, I'm all for pockets, gussets, flaps, bull's eyes, really anything to add dimension to that area! I can see why some people wouldn't like it, as it does lend a kind of western feel to the shirt (at least it doesn't have snaps!). The coat is 3/4 sleeve, so I wasn't really sure what to do with my shirt sleeves. It didn't look right to leave them long so I just sort of yanked them up and they stayed like that. Yes, I'm quite sure we've discussed prints at some point, so thanks for your thoughts on this one. Somehow I feel the sparse-ness of the pattern is more serine than some of my more densely populated prints are.

Aida, thank you so much for weighing in! Heh, and wouldn't you know it, my belt is metallic. I promise to wear it when you come into town (HINT!). The flannel is very soft--I thought it might be rayon at first. Nice drape. The shoulders are very, very small (I'm wearing a Medium), the armholes are nicely fitted (not huge and not tight) and the torso is boxy.

Aida

Veteran

Claire we are trying hard to work a spring training trip in this year -- I'll definitely be sure to allow for some time to visit if we can swing the trip! Thanks for the info on the shirt and the fit, I'll have to think a bit on it since I don't really wear brown outside of taupe/tan or leathers. But I do like the pretty soft shades in this shirt!

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Love that shirt on you. Beautiful! The whole outfit is terrific.

Alassë

Veteran

So nice to see you, Claire! I'm glad you're enjoying the new additions to your capsule. The rolls look fine to me, and your hair/face/specs are lovely!

Anonymous

unfrumped, thank you for being so sweet about the lack of belt. I guess it would look better with one. I will keep my eyes out for a braided one...in pewter!

Aida, I would love to see you and meet DH if it works out! Its funny, but I see "grey" when I look at the blue and tan stripes in the plaid, and the darkest shade is a very deep red, which probably has some brown mellowing it out. FYI, ON has a very similar plaid with has grey/black/burgundy which you might like. It has a BF fit, very generous in the shoulders, you could probably wear an XS. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....e&mkw

Thank you everyone!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Great plaid shirt - I like that one a lot. The jacket makes it extra special. I like the roll on the jeans.

Aida

Veteran

Good to know that dark shade is more red, that was what I was on the fence about. ON always has such cheerful colors, but the bust/shoulder never quite fits me right. I do have a few flannels from there, and I always feel just a bit off in them. I've had good luck with Zara tops so far, but who knows with those fast fashion places! I think we're similar in shoulder circumference, right? 41"?

I told my husband after we went last time that next time we're meeting up with you, so he already knows

crutcher

Veteran

That is just an ah-maz-ing look..I love the Celine jacket and the Zara (Burbery
look like) plaid shirt...The cuffs look just right with a touch of the plaid...
All in all a really with it look...

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Whoa! Super outfit Claire! I love it all. That plaid is very you, even though I've never seen you in a plaid shirt before. It does have the Burberry vibe--that light background, large scale, classic plaid feel. Your new booties are awesome with the outfit, and your roll looks just right to me. AND the jacket gives the outfit the Claire polish we are used to seeing. I do like the outfit without the jacket, too, though--the light, crisp-looking plaid keeps it on the neat side, despite the distressed jeans.
On the belt, I've come to want my belt loops filled. But pre-YLF, I was just as content to wear shirts tucked and no belt with my jeans. So I think you are quite fine looking without a belt. I like the simplicity of the look, actually. You don't need an accessory, and if you don't need a belt for function, I say be a fashion rebel and leave it off.

Anonymous

Awww, thanks Karie and crutcher!

Aida, the ON Boyfriend shirts have a very different fit to their regular shirts. My shoulder circumference is 40" and I in the past I always had to take a S in ON whereas I was an XS everywhere else. I ordered a S, expecting a looser fit, but it was so large, it looked a bit ridiculous. The shoulder seam extended a good two inches past my shoulders and the armholes were huge. The only thing keeping me from trying an XS was the sleeves were only just long enough in the XS, and I've always experienced a little bit of shrinkage in ON woven shirts. The colors would be excellent for you, and there is plenty of room in the bust.

Vildy

Veteran

For little money you can get a hole punch (that usually also sets studs, snaps etc) at a fabric notions department. Looks kind of like a thick pair of pliers. I use it all the time to put the belt hole where I want it. I do it on shoe straps and purse straps, too.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Beautiful! I never, ever thought I would see you in distressed denim, but it doesn't look off, and your decision to add the polished Celine jacket is perfect. Rolls look good to me.

Anonymous

Sharan, how kind of you, thank you! On paper, I think belt loops should be filled, but sometimes I feel like it looks like too much on me...maybe because my current belt is sparkly metallic--I didn't realize just how sparkly until the sun came out and it looked like a disco ball. *sigh* Back to the belt drawing board!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Love this Claire! The shirt looks great on you, as do the jeans. Rolled perfectly with your booties. And your shirt has the stripes lined up so much better than the one on the website. It's great to "see" you again.

Anonymous

Vildy, brilliant, and yes I have done that in the past with just a hammer and a nail, lol! The belt I have now actually has grommets so I'm stuck with the pre-punched holes. I swear it fit perfectly in the store....

Denise, heh, me either! But I love distressed denim on Suz and others with a classic style, so I had to give them a bash. They make me feel a bit irreverent, truth be told, in a fun way.

Neel

Veteran

Oh my word! You look AMAZING! I love everything about this outfit. Stunning shirt, fantastic jeans, perfect roll and gorgeous jacket. Over a beautiful canvas ....you! I didnt notice you weren't wearing a belt ... So it must be all good ;). I am not a belt girl anyway

sarah

Veteran

Oh, I really love this on you - you were made for that plaid shirt, and I'm glad you've decided to give into it. I like belts when there are belt loops to be seen, but if they drive you crazy, don't worry about it. Love the jeans and booties, too!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Claire, you look stunning. I absolutely love this plaid shirt on you and also the slouchy jeans. So chic! Adding the Celine jacket brings that brilliant high note.

Do you remember when we struggled to "mix it up" and always found ourselves looking either "thrift shop" or "ladies who lunch" (even if the ladies who lunch outfit came from said thrift shop)? Well, you've just launched yourself into the fashion stratosphere here. I want to take lessons from you. Truly -- this is the way to do it. Mindfully, with focus, finding exactly the items that will work for you each season and enjoying them for all they are worth. And enjoying them along with those amazing magical thrift/ consignment finds that do pop up now and again if we are assiduous and determined (and lucky) in our shopping. You, Lyn D., Shannon, and a few others have found some amazing pieces at thrift, and this Celine is surely one of the best I've ever seen.

(And you know I am going to check out that Zara shirt, don't you?)

On the belt thing...yeah...I think it's personal. I have a thing about empty belt loops, but I also know what you are talking about with the dragging down, etc. And the "too much" that some belts seem to be. I will say that my pewter one looks a LOT glitzier in the WIW photos than it does IRL. I look at it sometimes in the pics and feel appalled. What was I thinking, wearing that garish thing???? But in fact, it's quite subdued and no one IRL has ever even remarked on it!

So something similar might be happening with you.

I also think a narrow dark (black or navy or charcoal) belt with a small buckle might do the trick here. Sometimes when I don't want that "dragged down" feeling or even for the belt to be very noticeable, I wear my reversible Michael Kors -- it hardly shows and doesn't weigh a lot.

I happen to love the X pockets on that shirt, by the way. I think it adds a bit of humour and fun.

jackiec

Veteran

This is fantastic on you, Claire! I did a double take at first because I thought it was the ON plaid shirt - which I have - but then realized the pockets were different. I love this Zara version, and would likely have picked this one up instead of the ON one had this one been out then (but I'm happy with mine). What a score on the denim, and it all looks so fab with the booties and Celine. I am so impressed with your thrifting

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Claire how delightful to see you, although my eyes almost popped out of my head when I read new shirt from Zara next to your name. Zara plus thrifted finds is my fashion formula so of course I was delighted.
Anyway, I LOVE your new top and the way you have styled it. The jeans and booties are perfect with it and the Celine jacket is spectacular here. I have actually been avoiding Zara and focusing on down sizing lately but you tempt me back. That's right Claire, you have become an enabler ;-)!

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