This has been a really educational thread!

Something LACeleste said particularly struck me regarding advanced style skills and Suz's second outfit seeming like a pre-evolution look. Suz and I have both been pondering how we have cycled back to our old style selves in some ways, only with more awareness. And Janet's post today with a skirt that didn't feel quite right for her though perfectly styled was also on point.

The truth is, many of us who have been here a while, or have natural talent (not me!) certainly are able to put together what is objectively a more "advanced" outfit (if advanced is defined as complex, composed of multiple elements and fashion forward pieces, which is just one definition). But if it doesn't feel right for us, than is it really evolution? And is revolution - revolving back to a truer distilled sense of self- not a form of evolving too?

Sorry to hijack with philosophizing, Suz!

This is very interesting. A few hours ago, I popped in, had a quick look, then got called away. In that split second (before the third pic was added), my impression was for #1. #2 also looked good to me but felt a little... misshapen; and maybe there's a point too about how flattering the deep blue is to you with #1 compared to #2.

Anyways, now I've returned, and I see #2 has taken the lead. The difference between time for reflection? I can see that perhaps #1 could be a little less refined, less edited, less strict. Buckled boots, sequins, and a scarf...

But I don't know if I should toss out my first impression. That is, if you were trying to make an impression and stand out, I'd maybe go with #1.

ETA: Mwahaha, I went back and searched to see if Angie commented - and I see Angie went with #1. I think I was attracted to the flash. I know, tho, Angie has more justified reasons...

Una, that's not a threadjack. That's exactly the kind of thinking I was hoping to stimulate in myself and others with this little experiment.

I'm really interested that opinions were so mixed. I didn't think that would happen, although when I thought a bit harder about WHY, it occurred to me that (like Janet in her skirt outfit) I was slightly uncomfortable in photo 1 and thought it showed...I actually liked the outfit itself but the scarf was bugging me. And I wasn't feeling sure about the tall boots withthe skirt, either. I mean those were my feelings while I was standing there waiting for the photo to click. However, I wore the outfit happily enough (without the scarf) and certainly didn't feel uncomfortable once I got out into the world in it.

The thing is, I think my...self...is actually more flattered by the less conventionally flattering, and less (as per Angie) "chic" look.

For me it's partly colour and tone, as several people mentioned -- but in fact, IRL I am at least as flattered by that navy as I am by the grey. Both are good colours for me. The light was better in the second picture, making it super hard to compare.

At first I thought it was all about proportion. There's some truth to that -- gryffin explains it really well. But others make an equally plausible argument that the proportions are better in #1 and I see their point.

Mostly I think it's to do with line. I think my angles are supported more by the line of the second outfit. I can wear the other one, for sure, and enjoy it, too -- it's fun, flirty, current and (without the scarf) still theoretically sleek enough for any Urban Prince -- but it's not so much "me."

That doesn't mean I'll banish such looks and such play from my wardrobe -- after all, it's hardly a big departure and if we don't experiment at all, we never grow.

But I suspect a sleeker, more pared down version of #2 is my truer style direction. I don't mean I'm going to wear pencil skirts all the time or anything like that -- I just think I need to look for strong vertical lines along with a fairly monochrome palette in order to dress in harmony with who I am. Drama may come in the line.

Rachy, super interesting -- thank you so much.

I kinda think Angie's Magpie may have been responsible for that, too.

Seriously -- it IS a great sweatshirt and I have worn it to bits this year.

Oh - and I also wanted to thank everyone again for commenting. I truly appreciate this and I also hope it might be helpful to somebody else.

ETA again - Joy - how I wish those boots didn't have that bit of hardware!! But as you know, beggars can't be choosers. They work a lot better as "tucking" boots with skinnies. Ah well. The ones they had without the hardware detailing just didn't fit me.

Another point I wanted to make -- many of you commented that it is hard to take your personal style preferences out of the equation, and I totally get that. So in filtering comments I was aware of that. I really like that the perceptions and preferences were so divided. I guess in the end it means that they are both pretty good outfits (or maybe AWFUL outfits, LOL!)

Although I kind of hate the word "authenticity" (ironically it feels inauthentic!), I think that's what we may be orbiting around here. My old clueless self was nonetheless authentic - I liked what I liked and didn't pay attention to trends. Thus military, black, stompy, RATE were always themes for me. Then I discovered fashion blogs and being me, I had to try some of everything, and what a fun but trying and expensive road that has been! And finally I've learned that as much as much as I admire others here - and I'll call out MaryK as someone whose style I adore but is so different from mine - copying for the sake of it is just not going to feel like me.

Perhaps outfit 2 is simply more authentically Suz? Just as Janet's second outfit is more authentically her? I feel a little concerned that the whole idea of authenticity can be limiting, but in some ways it is is freeing too.

All that said, I am still feeling lost and at somewhat of a crossroads... That is a separate post!

My gut reaction was for #1. It looks stellar, literally. Galactic. Stars in the night sky. I feel like there should be Pink Floyd music and a laser light show happening The colors are beautiful on you, and you look so elegant! This outfit says "wow, that Suz is a real knockout!" to me. I love the higher contrast against your skin and hair. You just glow in this outfit.

#2 is pretty, but kind of bland and everyday to my eye. #1 is special

ETA: I scrolled up after and read comments - and realized, I wasn't even looking at the different shapes of the skirt. I saw color palette more than anything else, to the exclusion of many things - despite my belief that I had studied the photos carefully. LOL.

I'm late to the party (but I couldn't see the details on my phone.) It's funny because I liked #2 from the get go. I like 1 too but for some reason, the colors, the silhouette of 2 look more "you" to me. It also makes you look taller for some reason. This is just my gut reaction--I have no idea why. I am off to read the analysis by those more articulate than me!

Unfortunately I don't know you well enough yet to know what is YOU... So I'm looking at it completely through my own preference filter. I am very torn because I find that I love half of each outfit. (I think you look beautiful in both, of course!) I love love love everything about the bottom half of #2 as well as the color scheme of the whole outfit. It is such a soft look with great texture. I think the bulk of the sweater, along with the roundness of the scarf made the top a little disproportionate to the bottom half. I really love how flattering the neckline is in the third picture. Your hair cut is showcased better, and your whole face looks more youthful to my eye with your neckline opened up. If you could have achieved that with the second look, it would have been perfection. I don't know if I can choose between the looks, and think you should wear them both as often as you can, but gun to my head, I have to go with #3 because the neckline is just that good!

OK --- I had no time for the forum today, so I'm posting before reading the thread in order to keep my "gut response" pristine.

#2! I love the sparkly sweater (without the scarf, though), but the proportions in #2, and the light near your face tip the balance this direction. I think I'd like #1 better with a slightly longer hem on the skirt -- so impossible to find these days.

Suz, this has been really interesting to read and ponder, as I find some analysis going on with me right now too. I'm a little afraid that some things I bought as recently as last winter are not feeling terribly "me" when I try to wear them now, but I also don't want to limit myself too quickly. Is it the item itself, or in the styling? I suppose I need to do a little playing with the closet to find out, but I dont have a lot of time for that these days. It feels a little strange. I may try to articulate it all better in a post of my own sometime, rather than further hijack your thread!

Fair enough re: feeling #2 is more like you! While obviously my personal style leans more towards flippy skirts, I don't *think* that's what drew me to #1. If anything, I think it was my personal awareness of my broad shoulders that made me hesitate about #2, especially since we have similar body types. I think I liked the sleekness of #1: even though there's more stuff going on, the fabrics are more refined than in #2, which somehow works better to my eye with your face & hair, and seems more princely and more urban.

None of which is an attempt to talk you out of your gut style, just expanding a bit on my vote.

I love the conversation going on between you & AG! Today I put on a full skirt and a fitted sweater and a little belt and added a brooch and rings, and I just knew that if I could only wear one 'formula' for the rest of my life, this would be it. I feel completely, effortlessly myself, and I don't even think about what I'm wearing. And it's simple, not complex, or advanced as AG puts it. Actively participating on the forum has made me want to push myself, play with different silhouettes and combinations; in part that's because the forum has given me more confidence to pursue my quirkier tendencies. And it's fun! But it's also fun to just put on something I've worn happily for a couple years now, and just enjoy the comfort of it.

Authenticity is a challenging idea, especially in a consumer culture that tries its hardest to convince us that identities are something to be bought and/or marketed. So I understand your concerns about it AG. But, as you (AG) mentioned in your post soon after I joined the forum, there are some ways of dressing that seem more in sync with a person than others. I do think it can be freeing to accept that some items are simply not 'us,' even if others think they're flattering and wonderful. Conversely, even if something isn't the most physically flattering option, if we feel fabulous in it, I think that will make it more flattering. That's a slippery slope of course, that could lead to the whole 'but sweats are comfy so that's what I'm wearing and no one else has to look' idea. Yet photos can only tell one story, and when you're going about your day interacting with people, how you feel in your skin is going to affect their perceptions of you. If you're perfectly at ease, you'll just look better.

Which leads me back to my big challenge of the year, which is going to be getting fussy about fit. I'm so interested in colours and fabrics and the style/feel of a piece of clothing, that if something seems perfect in those categories, I'll overlook fit problems. Which I really shouldn't do anymore, and I need to take a good look at my wardrobe and sort out the compromises from the well fitting options. And this is all a long way of saying, I love the idea of style revolution alongside evolution and hope to be closer to that revolution by the end of the year!

Suz, thought I would pop back and try to read all the responses. My further assessment is that both outfits are fab, and I think both "look" like you. Stylistically both outfits are well put together, flattering and modern, and I'm only able to prefer one over the other based on "what I like". And I think that's a big part of the responses here. The truth is there is nothing to "fault" here. No proportions that obviously don't work, the colours/tones are flattering to you etc....for me, I just relate to #2 more so:)

Not reading what others (or you in the meantime) say, but my vote goes to 2. I looks a touch more fresher to my eye, is very playful and simply looks good on you. I do like both options, but I'm also swayed by what I'd personally wear, tehrefore the first choice is the second outfit

I am going to go back to read the comments, but I like #1...well actually #3 without the scarf.

I love seeing your neck which is ironic because it seems you have written on different occasions you don't care for your neck or at least that you have a long neck or something?

Haven't read those above me, but will do it later, when I'll have a bit more time.

I vote nr.2.

It's the sleek siloutette of the denim skirt which is more important for me there, than the skirt in nr. 1(but am a pencil girl of all kinds, you know).

Lighter color column can also be more appealing now end of winter, but not quite neccessary. I think a simple black pencil to the sequined swetshirt (and no scarf) would have been making my choice much more difficult.

But then, I also find the grey sweater more of a current look, then the other one.

Does this help?

It all helps -- yes! And thank you all!

Mtgirl, I do have a long neck, but I don't dislike it. I actually like it a lot!

It's just that in order to create pleasing overall proportions I can't wear low necklines. A crew neck like the one in the sweatshirt is totally fine.

What I try to avoid because of my bony chest (not my neck, per se) area is a scoop, a wide square, or a wide V (some very narrow Vs can work, although they are difficult to find.) Or Vs layered over a crew can also work.

Also, in winter, I end up wearing scarves a lot because otherwise my neck freezes!! So that's another wrinkle.

So interesting to come back to this discussion. I really see the flirty hem of the skirt in #1 more in the new picture (perhaps my eye was too busy trying to figure out the scarf the first time around). I think the discussion on coming back around to an authentic style/uniform after trying lots of different things is an interesting one. (something to think about while running today for sure!)

I haven't read any other responses but I much prefer #2. To me, #1 has too much going on and looks a little confused. I do like it much better without the scarf. I like #1 because I think the grey is more flattering on you and it has that "what, this ol' outfit I just threw on" look, but looks great.

I haven't read the others but my feeling is that neither is unflattering and the outfits serve totally different purposes.

(Pardon me not reading the comments - I am once again short of time).

Suz, #3 is YOU most of all to my eye (now sans the scarf, which is how you wore it initially if I understood correctly). It comes as a surprise that you feel that #2 is most suited to you. It's a denim skirt - which I hardly see you wear. Arty patterned tights - which are not minimal - but rather whimsical. And a jumper that you are not fond of because it's itchy. I mentioned that #2 was a departure from your usual style when you first posted it actually. So for FWIW, that's why I chose the other outfit.

It's all good, Suz. If #2 is the new direction of your style, of course, I support it. I failed to share my reasoning, so that's why I jumped back on this thread. xo

Posting first, then I'll read responses. #2, because I like #1 & #3. I skew ladylike/feminine, and those come off more that way to my eye. #2 seems more like you, Urban Prince. Slightly oversized fit, modern styling of skirt with longer sweater, grays instead of black.

After reading: The scarf in #1 is ALGO for your style. #3 is simple, but too "pretty" for your style, I think, because of the flared skirt. #1 also looks too broken up with the sheer black tights, scarf, sparkles, black skirt, & black boots. The colors in #2 go slightly better on you, being your especial neutrals (just the lighting, as I know navy is one of yours as well). Gryffin analyzed the proportions very well, too

Una, wow. "My old clueless self was nonetheless authentic - I liked what I liked and didn't pay attention to trends." I really enjoyed reading your "threadjacking.".I'm coming back to a bit of that myself (maxi skirt, whimsical-ness).

And E: "I feel completely, effortlessly myself." That's the feeling I want to have when dressing in one of my uniforms. Held against that standard, I'm not sure that a lot of my "pretty good" outfits have been cutting it. And that just gave me an idea how to tweak my current outfit to an ideal one, so thank you....

Angie, thank you so much for chiming back in!

I think we're looking at different elements. You are, of course, precisely right about each individual part of outfit 2. So in all those ways, you're right -- it's a less "me" outfit.

I think I was considering it more in broader terms -- looking primarily at line, and I liked the silhouette of #2 for me better than the silhouette of #1 and #3 -- not that I intend to stop wearing that silhouette, understand -- I love having a fun change up!

I just think that the predominantly vertical lines, wider at top, narrower at bottom, of #2 flatter me more -- and that what various people said about two many horizontal lines in #1 was correct. I think I want to aim at more vertical and possibly diagonal lines.

Again, I won't be foregoing my horizontal striped sweaters, either -- I love them and do think they look good! It's more a point about silhouette or something. I think I like myself a lot in waist surrendering looks (and don't at all mind the blockiness that some mentioned about the sweater).

This has been so interesting to me, so thank you Angie, and thank you all, for indulging the process. It has been very helpful.

Ah. I get it. Both outfits fulfill a purpose and look fab - and it's fun to change things up - to your point. xo

You know, another undefinable and variable element is mood. On the rare days when I feel like wearing something girly, I am much more likely to own the look than when I am forced into the same look when I'm not in the mood. KWIM?

Yup - that is true, Una. I only pull out the black gored skirt at specific times. Because it is a much more girly look than I usually enjoy.

Very late to this, but I like 1 sans scarf the best. Looks more clean and more you somehow. I do also really like the coloring of 2.

Weighing in very late to cast my vote for #2. No question in my mind that this is the "Suz look." I think it has a lot to do with proportion (as Gryffin said) and the more gradual transitions between the pieces. #1 is perfectly fine, but it just doesn't seem like a natural fit for you.

I'm with you on covering up the neck....especially with my short hair!

Wow! I just read the comments, very very interesting perceptions. Thanks for letting us learn along with you.