Two Renditions of Essentially the Same Outfit

I didn't plan this. It was purely coincidental. But this is a comparison of two outfits I wore this morning. The first outfit was worn on my way to and while at the gym. It consists of simple Capezio Capris and an Asics short sleeved athletic top. Functional. I have always liked to work out in a white top and dark bottoms I tend to blend into the crowd that way ......

After working out and showering, I happened to change into the second outfit. This outfit consists of Athleta Prima Capris and an Everlane Box Cut Tee Shirt. I thought I was changing into a casual outfit that would be considered both stylish and modern. After seeing the picture of the second outfit, I am considering it a fail (and not just because it is all wrinkly). The proportions seem so unflattering to me. I look "wider" and just plain sloppy.

My plans had been to go to the lunch with friends, but I opted to come home and change my clothes before meeting them.

Mental Note: no tops that are as wide as they are long. That kills me because I have been obsessing over this tee shirt for the Fourth of July. But it would be just one more tee shirt I wouldn't want to be seen in public in ....

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Nordstrom

Sundry Stripe Slouchy Tee

$68.00 $40.79

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Kind of funny because when I was comparing the two I thought the first one was the dressy version. That T looks really sleek and flattering...and opaque! I thought that was the work outfit! It looks great. I agree, the 2nd picture doesn't look as nice, but not because of looking wide...you don't. It is just more rumpled and casual. The two pics look like the work version and the lounge version!

krishnidoux

What an interesting observation. It must certainly have come as a surprise, because we always envision an outfit for a certain occasion, not necessarily comparing it with something else. I understand you, and at the same time, I want to say that maybe the angle of the camera could be a little bit at play. For one, the pic doesn't show your footwear and sometimes this alone makes or break an outfit. What a bummer regarding the tee shirt because I am sure you were looking forward to wearing it with the black pants. You did well to go change because of how wrinkly it had gotten.

This particular tee (Everlane) seems to be on the short side. I think an equally slouchy, but longer tee would be more flattering. Look at the sleeves' cut too: their squareness - or non - and their length play a big part in feeling modern as opposed to frumpy: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/120612096248947360/.

Anonymous

I hadn't even considered sleeve shape or length.

kkards

Re July 4th. What about this one instead

http://m.fieldandstreamshop.co.....dflgblcapt

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

I agree with krishnidoux - it's the sleeve and the length of the Everlane t that isn't working . The t in the first pic - your workout outfit - is really nice!

Greyscale

I have the same problem with boxy Ts, though I actually don't think this one is so bad. The photo is at an angle that emphasizes the width, but from a distance I bet it's fine, even if not the best. I agree that the first top looks sleeker, but on the other hand, the boxy cut does look very modern, and people's eyes are adjusting to the JFE fits. So don't give up entirely on boxy tees.

When I wear boxy tops, I do best with dolman-style sleeves that don't have a defined shoulder point. The Everlane U-neck top works well on me for instance except the sleeves are a little tight. It's a clone of my all-time favorite discontinued Uniqlo tee but I like the old Uniqlo ones better and I mourn their departure.

Suz

(website)

It's also what you wear it with. The shorter boxy tee might work better with a different kind of bottom -- either a full skirt, or high waisted cropped trousers or slim culottes. You could wear a longer boxy tee that was fluid in fabrication with slim jeans or trousers. It's not the item, necessarily -- it's how you style it.

CocoLion

I have that same Everlane tee and find it a hard one to work. It isn't flattering on me. So I gave it to my 9 year old niece, it looked like a really cute boxy oversized tee on her. I'm surprised with how long Everlane has been selling that tee because I consider it a design fail for normal adult women in any case. I guess 9 year olds and models with figures similar to 9 year olds, are the ones who wear it best.

ETA -- I have numerous boxy tees that work better than this one.

I do too, CocoLion.

Gigi

Very instructive. It's really amazing how small details can really make or break a look. The first shirt looks really amazing on you!

I have found that longer sleeves on t-shirts do me no favors. I am OK with a longer sleeve if it is a very tight-fitting one, like you see on some form-fitting tops (almost like a ballerina-style top), but loose, longer sleeves on t-shirts always make me look dumpy. I wonder if that coupled with the shorter length of the shirt is what makes the garment seem "off."

El Cee

I too have such trouble with boxy tees, especially ones that are more cropped… so I can relate to your feelings on this subject. I agree with Suz that this particular tee might work well with a different bottom -- perhaps a casual skirt???

texstyle

I love simple examples like this as they can really show how the cut of a garment can impact the overall look. I agree that the first one looks much better.

Sal

Yes the first tee and pants is much more sleek and flattering, and I agree with the others as to the reasons why.

I will be upfront and state that I do struggle with white tees, tanks and shirts and over the years have tried many versions, none with total success. I have given up now- I had so many visions of the perfect white tee and faded jeans, or the crisp white shirt with classic black pants or a fitting yet not see through tank with shorts at the beach.........

For the casual weekend look I think a grey marle tee with these pants or a striped black and white tee or a logo tee would be easier - and you suit the same shapes as I do, you need either a shorter or long sleeve.

I hope that is helpful

UmmLila (Lisa)

For boxy shapes, I think modal or linen is better than cotton, because it will drape in a good way.

Sara L.

The top in the first pic does seem a bit more flattering. However, the camera angle could be an issue here. Also I find it hard to evaluate an outfit without seeing shoes - they can make a big difference in outfit proportions.

Category