WIW: Back to Basics - YouLookFab Forum

After yesterday's full skirt angst, I needed to return to a basic outfit formula for me.

I started with my black and white abstract tiered dress, popped on my white blazer over top with scrunched sleeves, and then added my black Clarks sandals for footwear and my white clutch for my handbag. It doesn't get much simpler than this.

I will always be a frock girl at heart and tend to feel the most like ME when wearing a dress. My favourite outfit formula of all time is a dress + topper + interesting footwear. I can see myself returning to this old time favourite but of course with more updated individual items.

Over to you now...how does this outfit look to you? Proportions ok? and is it ok to return to a tried and true formula as long as it is a current version of it? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Blazer: Nygard
Dress: Cleo Petite
Sandals: Clarks
Clutch: Danier Leather

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

You look terrific! I like the dress with topper formula, and these both look terrific on you.

I do love graphic black and white, but perhaps a turquoise or red bag/necklace/arm candy to really make it pop.

Krista

Tried and true formulas are the best! Everyone needs them!
This is a super fresh outfit, Shannon! The black and white with the white jacket is very chic. YLF!

Anonymous

This dress is always a winner in my book. I think your new addition of a white topper is fab.

You look great!

Ahh, nothing wrong with a Shannon classic. You do wear a dress well. Bag and topper are fab!

Deborah

Love it! I don't think there is a dress in your closet that I don't love :).
I am glad you have given yourself permission to be you:). To me this outfit has a number of elements that make it interesting, dress and jacket read modern classic (to me), the footwear adds a subtle edge, the clutch is fashion forward and of course your hair is modern and "cool" looking = your signature style (IMHO).

Lisa

I say when you find a formula that works, why tweak it? I am a blazer, jeans and boots gal at hear myself. I am refreshing my formula this coming fall season with some jackets, but the essential component of the formula is the same. And I will still wear my golden oldies.

donnat

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Great dress, jacket perfect and shoes and clutch complete it. Perfectly polished and put together.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

You look so beautiful!

Isn't the point of all of this, to have a handful of tried-and-true outlines that really work for you, and that you fill in creatively? To take away the stress of getting dressed and the morning, and not worrying about how you look?

Suz

You look wonderful, Shannon. Your formula works! This is one fab dress (among the many in your closet...)

Beth Ann

Of course you may always wear your favorite formulas! There's a time to push the comfort zone and explore, and a time to refine your style "home."

This look is graphic, clean, striking and flattering.

Have a great day!

Parsley

No wonder this is tried and true, Shannon. You look stunning!

Can I pat myself on the back for telling you you needed that white jacket?

Helena

chic!

Sara L.

I think you look great and I don't think outfit formulas are boring. As long as you still feel fabulous and not like you are in a style rut, then I think outfit formulas are a perfectly valid way of dressing. They make our lives easier and are what we are striving for on YLF - how to look great without a lot of angst.

JennyAnne

Looks simple but put together. The shoes look like a great combo of stylish and comfortable - I need to find something similar.

shedev

You had me at black and white, Shannon. YLF.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Sharp and sassy! 11 out of 10.

I did give you my 2 cents on your full skirt thoughts eventually.

AviaMariah

I am in love with this look and can see why you feel so good in it.

Transcona Shannon

Thanks ladies!

Thistle - I totally agree with needing a pop of color. I was running late this morning and meant to put on my vintage pink bakelite bangle and completely forgot!

Angie - I did see your comments on my full skirt thread. Thank you!