WIW and happiness factor - YouLookFab Forum

Okay, so I realized today that part of the danger of doing a 40 day orphan challenge is that my happiness factor with my outfits in likely to suffer. I mean really - most of these are orphans for a reason, right? Because I'm happier in the clothes that I wear most often....

So today I broke out an orphan that's not on the chopping block because it's sentimental - a sweater that my mother knit me. The arms are super long (at my request), and the body is kinda cropped. The front has a twist, making it sort of a mobius tube - which is why my mom chose to knit it for me - she knows I love that kind of stuff.

I paired it with an almost-orphan white knit button down (I can't get my head around why it isn't very versatile, or at least why I don't wear it much - it seems like it's be the perfect slouchy buttondown, but something is just barely off about it - I'm not sure).

I had a hard time choosing the jeans, oddly enough. Blue and black both looked too ... accidental? unintentional? I'm not sure - like I just threw something on, not like I chose to wear this. I thought gray was closer to looking intentional and just a bit edgy. So I went that route. Finished with burgundy boots to mirror the dark red of the sweater.

What do you think? Does it work? Suggestions for improvement? Should the sweater be stored and admired rather than worn? Can you pinpoint what's off about the knit buttondown, or do I just need to get used to it?

BTW: Happiness factor wasn't all that high today either, but it was nice to wear a sentimental item. I wanted it to be ever so slightly edgier.

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10 years ago

MuseumGal

Veteran

The sweater is very cool and I like the bookending with boots. B/c the sweater is slouchy and a bit oversized, I think I'd go very sleek underneath - maybe black (or grey or dark navy) skinny jeans and a same color fitted turtleneck or crew neck?

Oh! Try it with a simple maxi dress!

Cary

Active Member

The sweater is a very cool arty piece. I think a crisp woven button down (instead of the soft fabrication) would play off the drapey-ness of the sweater in an interesting way.

I love the maxi dress idea, MuseumGal.

Adelfa

I love these colors together, but I agree that with this particular sweater a lower contrast pairing might work better. The sweater is really interesting but does need body conscious pieces underneath.

The knit shirt doesn't look crisp enough to be a shirt but with the collar doesn't look like a successful relaxed piece. I would probably pass it on.

The boots are amazing.

catgirl

Yes this needs to go over something sleek! It's cute.

Word Lily

Love the sweater!

The shirt ... I think you're right, it's not very versatile. Collar and button-down makes you think crisp, but it's relaxed instead. It's subverting expectations, rather than being easy to layer and mixing well with others.

If you wanted to add edginess to this outfit, maybe that could happen with a belt and/or necklace? Or a chunky cuff over the sweater sleeve? I'm picturing black, substantial.

Marmee

I like the sweater and think you should try it again, perhaps with a long tank underneath?

Jeanie

Love the sweater and museum gals ideas. Your kids are adorable!

Hey, just saw this Title 9 dress which totally reminded me of your sweater.

http://www.titlenine.com/produ.....y=ourPicks

carter

I love knit button downs for the comfort factor, but I agree they don't work well when you try to style them like a crisp white woven shirt. Think of it more like a cardigan, and you may be happier. For me, it's always the top layer, not the bottom. That way the collar doesn't have to live up to unrealistic expectations. I wear mine with a tank underneath and just button the middle 2-3 buttons. Gives a great shape.

amiable

Ahh - I think the key for the buttondown is to get over the idea that it's a buttondown - it's a knit shirt. I'll give it another chance with that in mind.

And thank you for all the suggestions for my twisty red cardi - I do love it, and now I have a lot more options to try!

Joy

You have had great advice. I think I'd wear the sweater over a low contrast tank, like brown; brown or olive skinnies and your beautiful deep red boots. Scrunch the sleeves.

MsMary

All I have to say is that if I had those two sweet children in my house, my happiness factor would be through the roof!

Jjsloane

I love the color and with the boots. I would try it with a collarless shirt underneath and maybe even wear it backwards for fun. Your children are adorable.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh honey, life is too short to not be happy. You've done enough orphan-challenging in my book. Pass on the problem pets and move onto increasing that happiness factor daily.

This would be a great outfit if you swapped out the white layering knit button down for a tee or crisper shirt. Pass on the knit button down.

El Cee

The red is lovely on you. You wear that color so well. Would love to see this sweater over a sleek, dark column of color. Agree with you (and with Angie) that a 40 day orphan challenge is a bit much. If you still have the "urge to purge", perhaps you could break up the challenge a bit by doing it only once a week (let's say "Orphan Wednesday").

Brilliant suggestions on changing course for the orphan challenge. I feel a huge shift of lots of items into probation coming on. We'll see if I keep going with orphans... I do have the next two or three already planned (ones I've been saving for my birthday, since it's in a couple of days) - to use "orphans" that I think I'll really love, just haven't gotten around to wearing recently....

Kristin L

I think everyone's given you great advice. I love that shade of red on you.

peacechick

Echoing what others have said about the sweater. I like it and it's really interesting and can be edgy. How about playing with lengths (you already have it started with the super long sleeves and cropped length)? As the sweater is cropped, I think it would look great paired with a long black tunic. Alternatively, try jeans and tall boots?

karymk

How about try this: A black fitted tee under the sweater, with a dark jean or black fitted pant. It looks like there is too much volume in this outfit.

RunswithDolphins

l love the sweater your ,mother knit for you. Those sentimental pieces make for happiness in my books. The boots are super cool and reflect the red in the sweater. I agree that maybe a more fitted shirt or tank and more form fitting jeans might make it edgier for you. Super cute kiddies.

Jaime

What Angie said.

Caro in Oz

What Angie said too. I love it when you get in touch with your inner aviatrix.

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