Which works better...and why?

Suz

I'm hoping you'll indulge me in a little analysis. This, by the way, is all in the service of my new year's goal about distilling the essence.

Here you see two recent and very similar outfits. Both skirt, sweater, boots, and scarf. Both fairly monochromatic.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to tell me:

Which do you think works better for me...and why.

Note, I'm not asking you to say which is the better outfit in some abstract sense.

I have my thoughts and theories but I would like to hear yours first.

Please vote for Team 1 (Yay) or Team 2 (Nay), and no sitting on the bench -- it is freezing cold there with none of Angie's delicious snacks.

Thank you for your help!

ETA: Added a pic of #1 without scarf. Different footwear (different time of year) but it helps give a slightly different impression of how it actually looked if you put the two together.

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10 years ago

Dressing

95 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

merwoman

Veteran

Team 2.
While you look gorgeous in both - I prefer the proportions, silhouette and textures of #2. Length of the skirt, dropped waist (and waist surrendering) all work better to my eye. Plus narrower skirt versus fuller skirt. I also prefer the lower contrast impact of the scarf in outfit 2.
I'll bring snacks for everyone - oatmeal cookies fresh out of the oven!

10 years ago

Kristin SF

Veteran

Team 2 (photo 2) all the way. I think the color of the boots bookend your hair nicely, and the gray sweater seems to somehow make your face look brighter. Even the shape of the skirt is somehow more flattering for your body shape.

Were the photos taken at the same time of day? The lighting in photo 2 seems more flattering, somehow. But I do think the colors of the outfit flatter you more, as well.

IMHO!

10 years ago

abc

Veteran

I think the color of the sweater in #1 is slightly more flattering to your skin tone / hair color than the color of the sweater in #2, but both are fab and I would not hesitate to rewear either if I were you! I also think the slightly more fitted waist area in #1 is more flattering.

I tried to respond taking into account your request to describe why it works better for you, taking my personal tastes out of the equation but that's hard - I love a little sparkle

What a fun challenge, looking forward to hearing other input!

10 years ago

Neel

Veteran

Team 1. Because I like sparkles :D. No help I know!

Let me try! I think the blue of the top suits you better than the gray in 2. And I have always preffered you in figure flattering clothes. So the waist surrendering look in 2 is fresh but I prefer 1 more.

10 years ago

Linda

Active Member

Your first outfit puts the focus up on your face, for my eye; the second, on your whole figure. I was about to say I thought the 2nd suited you best, but, it really depends on how you want to relate to the world I think.

10 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Not reading ahead. I like both, but I can guess you prefer #1 for the leg lengthening it offers. I'm on the bench, but you said there is no bench, so if forced to choose I go with #1 because of said proportions.

10 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I voted for the first one, because to my eye the scarf and the patterned tights in the second one make this outfit busier than what I think your style is, Suz. Interesting to see that I seem to be in the minority so far.

10 years ago

Gracie

Veteran

Do we have to choose, really?... For me, no. 2 is more you – it looks professional and elegant. The dark lower half anchors the look solidly and the column silhouette is to my eye, more modern. No. 1 is gorgeous, I think of it more "flirty" due to more skin showing and the slight A-line/swingy skirt (I imagine it moves beautifully when you walk), so this is a great fun or date look in my book (so I think this is also you). All pieces fit you beautifully... the only detail I'm not too keen on is the scarf on no.1... having one very light area on the whole outfit doesn't look balanced to me, it almost looks like a collar, maybe if it were draped where it shows more of the grays and blacks it might blend a bit better for me.

10 years ago

carter

Veteran

Team 2. You look much taller in this one. I think it's a factor of the long straight lines of both the sweater and the skirt, plus the blending between tights, boots and skirt. In pic 1, there seem to 3 distinct sections rater than one cohesive flow.

10 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

It's a hard choice, but I'm on Team 2. I think the lighter colored top and scarf help brighten up your whole look. And, like Carter said, it seems to flow better than the first outfit.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I like #1 better. I think the proportions are better, and the color balance. #2 breaks you up into two blocks of equal size, and all the light is on top. #1, although all over darker, has the crucial element of sheer hose that is just light enough to balance the light scarf and hair.

And this is mostly personal preference, but I like a little flash of leg with skirts+tall boots looks. Sheer tights or even contrasting color opaques give this effect whereas a matching opaque (like in 2) does not.

10 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Gosh… I really have to pick? But I like BOTH. OK, if I must choose I would say #2 by a nose. The lighter color on top seems to brighten your face. I also like the modern silouhette of the chunky, slightly oversized sweater over the sleek dark column. But, that being said, #1 is also beautiful on you as the blue coloring is flattering to your complexion. And the magpie in me adores the sparkle.

10 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Both are truly fabulous but since you made the rules we have to pick one or the other. I prefer 2 for what I see as a slimmer silouette. I like that the scarf blends a bit more with the shade of the sweater, the slimmer skirt and the length of the sweater. If feels more casually elegant to my eye.

10 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Well, I'm sorry Suz, but I am benching myself I really do like them both. To me they have a different vibe, but they are also equally flattering and interesting.

I see outfit 1 as somewhat more modern classic. The flared skirt and black hose are the dressier classic elements. The knee-high boots are not super dressy, yet not super casual either. The sparkly blue top is a gorgeous colour on you, the fit not body con, but not extra fluid either. It brings subtle bling that adds (textural) interest and a contemporary modern feel. The style of the top works really well for this flared skirt silhouette.

Outfit 2 reads more casual, and has the fluid fit chunky knit sweater over pencil skirt that gives it its on trend feel. To my eye, all items and colours are just as flattering on you as those in outfit 1, the "whole" just has a different vibe. I adore the checked tights here, they add a playful feel, as does the three-toned scarf that works great with the chunky knit of the sweater.

Not sure if I'm any help at all:-)

10 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Haven't read the others --Team 2 all the way for me - I like the overall effect of the proportions and I greatly prefer non-sheer tights worn with any winter skirt outfit. I also have a personal preference for textural sweaters vs. sparkly tops, though I do own a couple of items with some shine, I have a hard time wearing them. I think I've seen you in this sparkly one and pants and loved it, but for some reason it feels like a lot going on in outfit 1 - esp. for you.

10 years ago

Susie

Veteran

I'm going with #2 because the skirt shape and proportions appear to be more modern and to me it is an overall more streamlined, minimal look, which I think you may prefer.

10 years ago

Sharon

Veteran

I like #1 the best. I think the words that sprung to my mind when I saw it was "feminine" and "structured". I really like the grey colour and the texture of the second one on you, but I don't like the boxiness. To me, it would be better a bit more cropped and maybe with the sleeves pushed up. I know you use the style descriptor of Urban Prince, and that conjures the idea of a fairly streamlined look to me. But I think my style biases are influencing that assessment, because you look lovely in both of them. I am interested to hear which you prefer!

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I'm going with 2 - the first is less streamlined and more ALGO. Both are objectively beautiful and flattering, but 2 has a more cohesive appeal to my eye and more importantly, seems in line with YOUR style goals of simple refined edge if I understand them correctly... (Or are those MY new style goals?).

10 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

Voting #2, b/c here i like the whole thing. Its more casual but it all works.

#1 I think like better for you than #2 if it were sans scarf. #1 has the slightly more polished feel and trendy sweatshirt to incorporate that modern aspect but than adding the tight scarf wrap and high contrast scarf color doesnt work as well to my eye.

10 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am for Team 2 and would like the first one equally without the scarf...

10 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

I go for 2. Although 1 highlights your beautiful eyes, I think 2 is softer and brighter looking so I prefer the second look. Also, I am partial to great handknit garments.

10 years ago

Veteran

Not reading everyone else's yet!

I'm team 1, as I love the more fluid feel of that sweater, the way the skirt and sweater echo each other with gentle curves, the colours and just everything about that oufit. I'd wear it in a heart beat. I like 2, but it's boxier and stiffer, with the heavier wool sweater and denim skirt, and I don't think it flatters you, or looks like a natural extension of yourself, quite as much.

10 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Team 2
"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions" Coco Chanel. Suz - I am a big fan of the "Golden Ratio." In most situations the proportions of 1/3 and 2/3 will be the most flattering. Team 1 outfit breaks you into 1/2 & 1/2, Team 2 the sweater which extends the line being a t-neck and long gives you 2/3 up top to 1/3 on the bottom. In addition, I like the scarf with Team 2 because the grays read as identical undertones with the sweater which enhance the relationship and the t-neck makes it look like part of the organic whole, mininimizing the transtion of one element to another. Also the cabling on the sweater enhances the long vertical line and is very flattering. Team 1, reads to me as colorblocked, which is dramatic at your neckline - it does not elongate and the transitions from the sweater to the skirt are to my eye more abrupt, which is due to the shine transitioning to the matte skirt. The sheer black hose are another transition point to the black boots. So many transition keep the eye moving on the outfit and keep it from resting on you. Team 2 - the tights, although patterned are the same value as the skirt and boots. The gray boots are a good match for the tights and give you a nice long leg line which is picked up by the burgundy stripe in the tights which reinforces the vertical line. This is picked up by the contrast stitch on the center seam of the skirt which brings us up back to the verical cable on the sweater which gracefully brings the eye up to your face. Team 2 - black boots give a nice line which breaks at the lighter hose, the a-line, instead of the pencil pulls the eye horizontally, there is no vertical detail on the skirt to bring the eye up, at the waist we get a diagonal line from the sequins with an abrupt transition to the scarf - it's a less fluid movement. For all of the above reasons I find Team 2 not just more flattering but harmonious, tranquil and organic. Team 2 puts the focus on you, Team 1 makes me look at the components. This does not mean I don't like your first outfit!! I think you look lovely in both but if you asked me to pick one that you were going to box up and send to me it's number 2 (ps feel free to do that!!) Sorry Suz, that this reply is so long but you asked!! BTW this was a really fun exercise. I'm really glad you did it and I'd be thrilled if you did more. Fun and really instructive!!

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I am answering without reading the others so I can be honest and not swayed!

I like #2 on you far better. Here's why:
1. The first one feels too "busY' for an Urban prince.
2. I like the flow of the grey sweater better on you, as well as the texture of it.
3. The proportions feel better to my eye in #2. I can't explain this as I don't know how. Visually, it is just more appealing.
4. I feel like the lighter color of the grey looks better closer to your fair coloring that than harsher darker colors.

I have to admit, though, I would like #2 even better sans scarf. But, I am a minimalist at heart

10 years ago

amiable

Veteran

I'm on Team 2, and honestly don't know why. I kind of think that I'd like them both better without the scarf.... Your style is often pretty simple/minimal, and I think both would be more in line with that without the scarf.

10 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, I'm not looking at the other replies so as not to color my initial impression. I'm going with #2. The lines are simpler, which seems more "you." Something about the scarf, the sequins, the flared skirt, and the detail on the boots in #1 is a bit ALGO for where you seem to be going stylewise, even though it looks perfectly nice.

I say this as someone who is also feeling a pull toward simpler silhouettes in my style. I think I am also working on "distilling the essence." Thanks for sharing that.

10 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Team 2 all the way! I prefer knits to sparkles, so I am biased. But also I think the proportions work better and are more interesting in 2. It's texturally-rich with the sweater, tights, and suede boots. The boots, although not really light-colored, seem to bookend your hair unlike the black boots. Pic 2 just works to my eye, and is naturally pleasing. It's EASY to look at, that's all I know

10 years ago

Catnip

Veteran

This was hard, but I voted for #1. I like the individual items in #2, but the long, shapeless sweater is not flattering to your figure and the gray color is just OK. The proportions in #1 suit your figure much better, showing off your slim waist and making your legs look long. #2 makes you look somewhat overweight and stumpy. I think you look somewhat better in purple than in gray. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what is going on at the neck in #1 and am assuming it's a scarf.

I'm certainly no trend expert, but after following YLF for several months I would guess that #2 is more current. I can understand why people who care a lot about being trendy might prefer #2.

10 years ago

April

Veteran

I'm writing after scrolling down very quickly to avoid being influenced...

Team 2.

Somehow the lower contrast looks better to my eye with your low-contrast light hair and fair skin. If you had Snow White coloring, I would probably vote for #1

10 years ago

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