I know that feeling .. that something is not right with the outfit and you don't feel ok during the whole day... eh eh

I think I would change the red blouse for a white button down shirt and keep the belt.

It's cute, especially with the belt. But I do understand about when something doesn't feel righ! Maybe a short necklace would give it a little pop, kind of break up the color-blocking look of it.

I agree with rute. Away with the shirt, white blouse instead and definitely a belt. Maybe some pearl necklace?

Anne, I like it best with the belt and feel it needs a scarf or long very chunky beads to pull it together. I'm visualizing something overall dark neutral with a pattern that has some red or teal or both. The dark element will tie the top to the bottom (your jeans).

I think it's the two knits together, Anne. You're always looking for balance, so a woven shirt with a knit waistcoat might look better.

To me the two strong colours on the top are competing for attention. I'd swop out one of the tops for a paler or neutral item x

I agree with Loulou. If you really like the two shirts together as they are, I think maybe a slimmer belt and a long beaded necklace of some sort would help bring it together.

I agree with Khris - I think the knit over knit in this case is not working. A woven shirt would work better (and then you can add the belt). An accessory that ties the colors together might also help. Have you tried this combo with your jeans? Your pants look a little too loose (we both have babies around the same age and you look literally half my size!).

I was inspired by the good response I got to this knit over knit outfit
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....oz/012.jpg

and also by the fact that the red top underneath is too short to wear by itself

I can see what you are all saying about a white top underneath - but I don't own one and can't see getting one is a high priority - wouldn't be warm enough, for one thing. So I liked the suggestions about adding a necklace or scarf better.

Shana - the pants do look a bit shapeless in the pic. They are my best and only pair of dress pants (10 years old). BTW I am much bigger from other perspectives - more deep than wide and unlike you, have a bigger bottom and thighs. Just different body types.

Anne i think this last outfit works because there is just a bit of turquoise peeping out, in the 1st photos there seems an equalish amount of each showing x

Excellent point Loulou! Thanks

Anne, I don't have a problem with knit over knit either, and I think given the cold weather you have, the heavier layers together work just fine. So switching out to a white button-down isn't an option -- go for adding another piece to break it up visually instead. A scarf, necklace, whatever.

Keep the woven-and-knit option in your mind for a different type of outfit instead. Eventually you'll have the opportunity for one! :)