WIW: BB & Vest (ETA outfit change)

It's another cold and rainy day here so am able to wear sleeves and layers. By the end of the week, if the weather forecast is correct, it will be sleeveless time.

I'm wearing my dark brown Esprit trousers, lilac BB button down shirt and topped that with a camel glen plaid vest I found thrifting. The vest is double breasted and buttons up no problem, but I actually kind of like it loose and slightly "sloppy" looking. I've added my vintage men's tribal belt, oversized watch and camel handbag for accessories.

Does this outfit work? How are the proportions? Should I just stop trying to make the menswear inspired thing work for me? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Vest: thrifted
Trousers: Esprit
Sandals: Pura Lopez (thrifted)
Handbag: Mondani New York (thrifted)
Watch: thrifted

ETA: After looking at the pictures, I decided I really didn't like this combination at all. So swapped out the BB shirt and vest for one of my favourite tops - a silk blend tee from Gap. All of a sudden, I felt much better. I think I'm trying too hard to develop another style persona that really isn't me. Live and learn.

This post has 3 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.

11 years ago

Joy

Veteran

You look great and everything looks pristine, but this is not one of my favorite looks on you. I'm not sure why not. It may be the way the colors look on you on my monitor.
Edit: How does it look with your top shirt button undone?

Deborah

Shannon the vest looks a little out of place to me here, I think I want to see a darker colored vest. I dont mind masculine stylings, but I tend to like a feminine touch to it. Having said this, fashion is so subjective, and really this is just an opinion and my preference. I love the pants, button down, shoes and bag and while I don't necessarily think the proportions are off, to my eye the lighter colored vest here adds a little volume to your frame. Perhaps done up would create a little more definition?

Traci

I think you look great! Love the lavender and camel together. Cream trousers may be fun here. Do you have any?

Shannon just read your edit and looked at new photo... Gorgeous. I wonder if we are on a little of the same journey?. Your comment "I think I'm trying too hard to develop another style persona that really isn't me" is exactly what I said to myself the other day. My problem is sometimes I get bored...do you? You have great style

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Shannon, I would have liked to see it with the vest buttoned to see if the added structure was what was needed. I really like the lavender top on you as well as the replacement. Perhaps the warm tones of the vest with the cooler tones in the outfit was slightly out.

It was a great effort and a fabulous recovery. I am experimenting a bit today too. I better come up with a back-up plan while I shower.

Jjsloane

I actuallly like it in #1, but it is bordering on very masculine (since men now wear lilac) and I'm not exactly sure what would tip it ever so slightly. Of course the last look is very nice, that top is beautiful on you.

modgrl

Are you interested in troubleshooting #1 or would you rather put it behind you? Because I quite like it and I think you could make it work. I love your #2 outfit too - you look really long and tall and lean.

Suz

Outfit 2 is gorgeous on you and no wonder you feel great.

But I think this menswear thing is worth continued work and exploration. There is enough that is recognizably "you" to make me feel that you are trying to grow in a positive way, so I think all experimentation is great! I agree with others who have commented on the gorgeous lilac on you. So pretty. And I also wonder if a bit more nip in the waist (i.e. button the vest?) might add the feminine element that feels missing here, while still pushing your boundaries a little bit.

I also think the top two pieces might have worked better with a lighter trouser or skirt, or even a patterned bottom. I mean...what if you paired the top part with a pencil skirt? Yes, it would reduce the menswear vibe...but maybe it would be just enough to feel like you.

Janet

Hmm, I think the vest is the problematic part of this outfit. As much as I like the idea of it, I think the double-breasted style is creating width where you don't actually have it. I think a more fitted style of vest would be more flattering. I'm also not totally sold on the color of the vest with the lavender. Maybe grey?

I know how frustrating it can be to try to find the right outfit that makes you feel great! It's like piecing together a puzzle.

Transcona Shannon

Rita - I love your question "are you interested in troubleshooting #1" - you know, I'm not. I'm just dumping and forgetting it and moving on!

I just posted a separate thread releated to this outfit http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....eal-outfit

rae

Interesting! I do love #2 and I'm intrigued that #1 isn't you... maybe you are feminine at heart? I must go look at the other post.

Beth Ann

Hmmmm.... This may be nuts, but what about the vest over the second top? I love to pair my menswear vest with soft blouses, although I usually choose soft blouses with 3/4 or full sleeves. Just a thought.

BTW -- you go girl! You've been in style hyper-speed -- traveling your style journey at the speed of light! No hurry! No worry! You look fab!

Kirti

Off to the other thread. Will comment there

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE #1 and #2. That totally works to my eye. Well done

Well you could knock me over with a feather Angie! I didn't think it worked at all!

*chuckle*

I think you just lost a little confidence this morning. I hope to build it back up

Diana

Hmm, I rather like the first look (I like the second one too) but I understand what you mean by feeling like it's just not "you." I am reminded of the time I tried a very classic look - a lot of people commented that they liked the look a lot, but I felt SUPER uncomfortable all day and like I was wearing someone else's clothes. I also got asked by coworkers whether I had some special event (like an interview) to go to because it was so different from my normal clothes.

FWIW, I think you could "Shannon-ize" the first vest outfit a bit by wearing a more feminine, fitted vest. I think you would need a single-breasted style that buttons maybe slightly higher to nip in the waist to feminize the look a little more. Or what about wearing this vest over a dress?

jayne

I agree with you Shannon. 1 and 2 were not working to my eye! I applaud the courage to stick to your happy style!

Kiwichik

I liked the menswear look but I like your the silk blend top as well. I think the proportions in the menswear look are fine.

catgirl

Shannon, you CAN do this. I've been thinking a lot about this as I have two vests I'm getting altered. I think this vest is too bottom heavy. You need to try one with more shoulder coverage, a higher V and a more cropped length. That's my initial take. It's sort of low-centering you the way it sits now.

Seriously, I'd love to see you try again - I know you're fed up, but if it works, you'll have another look for your repetoire! I don't see it as outside your style range at all.

Thanks so much for your analysis Una - and you know me....I'm not going to give up! I was just frustrated that day but I do think if the right vest were to come along, I'd definitely give it another go. And now with the info you've provided, I know more of what to look for!

Category