WI(m)W: citizenship ceremony + K/R knit blazer

So, in a couple of weeks I am going to pledge allegiance to the Queen and become a UK citizen. It is a formal ceremony, but not so formal that I can't have a bit of fun with my outfit. So, I plan to wear a red dress and a Union Jack scarf (pic 1).

I'm assuming it will be fairly chilly, as the local long-range forecast suggests there may be snow into mid-March. So I'm planning to wear a jacket and tights (although I am open to criticism of the ones I am wearing here). And I'm not sure which jacket to wear with it. Here are my options:

2 -- black and white tweed-y blazer
3 -- black and white houndstooth jacket
4 -- blue vinyl moto jacket (too casual?)
5 -- black and white stripe knit blazer

The knit blazer is also a K/R (pics 6-9). I bought it thinking that it might work ok for my spring conference. What do you think? I'd probably wear it with jeans, as I think it looks a bit long for a skirt or dress.

I want to carry a small bag -- what do you think of this selection of clutch bags (pic 10)? I do have a couple of others that might do.

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12 years ago

Anonymous

I like #3, with the scarf tied differently- see pic- and the black clutch. I vote return on the blazer, it lacks structure, especially at the shoulder. Lovely dress!

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DonnaF

Veteran

I also like #3, the houndstooth. Will it work for your conference?

Tina.b

I think the dress is gorgeous on you, love the colour! And I third the houndstooth blazer with the black clutch. Congratulations on your citizenship!

bj1111

i love #3...it is so british and very vivienne westwood. silver clutch, if you please.

Sarah A

Another houndstooth vote here. I have tried several knit jackets but I just cant seem to get them right (have donated 3 now!). I vote return while you can be refunded your money. I do think Zap is onto something in that it is hard to get the structure of the jacket to show through in the knit fabrication. Can the houndstooth work for the conference?

Suz

(website)

Congratulations on becoming a citizen! And I love your fun outfit idea. It's perfect. Plus, you look radiant in the red. I like it with the houndstooth jacket (but then I AM a sucker for houndstootch.) I agree that maybe playing with the scarf tying method would be a good idea.

It's great to see you post a WIMW!!

Jules

Love #3 along with the whole idea of a Union Jack flag scarf! You will be fab!
I do think the tights work best here, but they are still maybe a little warm-toned for the outfit, I think (perhaps sheer) black might look better if you have any?
I agree the jacket needs more shoulder emphasis. I am liking the idea of B&W stripes with this dress though, especially with your blonde hair and black frames.

Thistle

Love #3 and I like the scarf. I do like the way Zap shows to tie it too.

I vote return on the blazer. I have the same issues with blazer. I need them to add structure, but I want comfort too. So far, I have had much more luck with sweater jackets than traditional knits.

Mander

I thought the houndstooth would be a favorite -- it's one of my best thrift finds, I think! The only trouble with it is that it is fairly thick wool, so I think it will be too warm to wear for the conference.

I'll look through the drawer full of tights I have managed to accumulate and see if there is a better color.

Sara L.

Another vote for the houndstooth here. I love the fun scarf with your outfit.

Parsley

Oh yes- another vote for #3! That houndstooth jacket looks great on you.
I think sheerer black tights would be even better.

I like the idea of a striped blazer for you, but I vote return on that one. The deal breaker for me is that the stripes aren't matched in the back, as well as the general lack of structure.

Congratulations on your new citizenship!

Another vote for #3. I like the idea of the striped jacket, but not that one. Something that is a heavy enough knit to have structure, especially through the shoulder, would be good. The jacket in #4 looks like velvet or satin on my monitor, probably more shiny than it is in real life.
I don't mind the color of your tights, but to my eye they don't look sheer enough for the Mary Janes. The red dress is wonderful on you.

4babiesMe

Active Member

I also like #3. Is there a way to wear the scarf that would show the neckline of the dress? Maybe just draped? I think that v-neck is very flattering on you and elongates your body. The color is also great! But the scarf tied that way seems to cut the length a bit...at least to my eye. But I don't wear scarfs (yet!), so take what I say with a grain of salt. Congrats on getting your citizenship!

Carla

Another for #3!

hedgiehog

Congratulations on your citizenship! I think the red dress looks great on you and I love that you are wearing the Union Jack. I vote for #3 as well. I think the houndstooth complements the red perfectly and the silver bag would complete the look.
As far as the striped blazer, I'm not loving it on you. I think something with more structure would suit you.

Bree

Congratulations, and I also vote for #3! The colors go very well together and look great on you!

rachylou

Another #3 vote I just love the scarf and your lively red dress. I also think your black back with cutout handle is great, but I'd maybe pass it up on this occasion for the blue.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Another vote for #3! FANTASTIC outfit and congrats

I thought you were British - what is your current nationality?

Jacket #4 is this odd vinyl stuff. It's not super shiny in real life but it does have a bit of a glossy finish.

Angie, I'm American, but I've lived in the UK for a little over 8 years now. I came over as a student, and then I met this guy, and so I stayed. But that's why I have a lot of US brands in my closet -- one of the highlights of my roughly annual trips back home is going shopping with Mom.

annaj

Shiny blue moto and silver clutch!! Love it!

Molly L-R

#3! I vote return the striped blazer and go for the blue clutch to echo the red, white and blue of the union jack.

Tanya

Another vote for #3! It looks great! And congratulations on your citizenship!

I also vote to return the striped blazer. I like the idea, but I think you need something shorter with a bit more structure.

ruthe

So many votes for #3 and I agree with them all. Congratulations on your Special Day!

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