WIW: Double Dots - YouLookFab Forum

As a jacket loving gal, it's kind of surprising me how I'm craving the softness of a cardigan lately. I adore the structure a jacket gives but every once in a while, I want protection from the A/C with something a little more "relaxing".

I picked up this cardigan last week on a clearance rack for $9 and am so glad I did. I've worn it twice already - once with BF shorts on the weekend and today. It's a very light weight charcoal grey rayon-cotton blend and has polka dots that are sheer fabric - so your skin makes them look white.

I paired the cardigan, buttoned up for some structure and waist definition, with a white v-neck tank, untucked for a peek of white here and there. With that I'm wearing my black pencil skirt from my skirt suit.

To double up on my black/white polka dots, I chose my b/w dotted Birks for footwear and then went for two small pops of colour with my citron clutch and red specs. A white watch and silver wedding band finish off the outfit.

My specific questions are: does the cardigan look frumpy or does this work? Is a pencil skirt and cardigan combo too classic for me or have I 2014-ed it enough with the Birks and clutch? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Cardigan: Smart Set
Tank: Ricki's
Skirt: Nygard
Clutch: Gap
Sandals: Birkenstock Pappillio
Watch: thrifted

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9 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

The dolman sleeve with contrast between body and sleeve provides a very figure flattering vest effect. This is a very attractive outfit. The hits of red and citron are perfect.

Deborah

Shannon this is really lovely. I think you have given what could be quite a classic look, a large enough dose of modern. I love it:)

lyn67

I wouldn't do birks to the office for myself, as my environment is not that fashion conscious and am not a trendy girl at all, but love me some cardis from time to time- and this one is very playfull and not the common one, so it really appeals to me.Love the citron clutch, too:-))

Jaime

(website)

Even though I am in an off cardigan phase (sure to change at any time) I really like this on you. The birkies are a great twist!

Suz

I don't think it is frumpy at all, Shannon. It's fun! Especially for a dressed down Friday. Love the clutch.

I would ask myself how it feels at the end of the day. Enough structure for you, or not?

viva

Those birks are very unexpected and very 2014. Great outfit, Shannon.

Anonymous

You are an excellent stylist - bringing touches of colour in without going overboard, and choosing individual pieces that are really great! That cardigan is super cute - love the sheer dot sleeves and the white tank underneath.

If anything, I sense some disconnect between the top half of your outfit and the bottom. Maybe it's me - but the minute I read "pencil skirt from a suit" - I picture quite formal. I like breaking down the formal aspect of a suit with something - but what about a different shoe here? Same top half, same skirt, slightly more structured yet still fun shoe?

Zibbets

I think the sheer dots give this sweater a lot of spunk. I love it with the pencil skirt and Birkenstocks, and your bright clutch is the perfect accent. I have a sugar eye for classics, so this is right up my street. I say you look fantastic! Have a great day!

Transcona Shannon

Thanks for the feedback ladies

Carla - interesting you mention the "vest effect". That made me realize this sweater has the same properties as my animal front L&T cardigan - the front is animal print and the sleeves black so it looks vest-like. Maybe that's the type of cardigan that appeals to me?

lyn67 - the Birks definitely aren't to everyone's liking that's for sure. I have seen a few folks here that wear them intentionally so I'm comfortable doing it myself.

Suz - strangely enough, this cardigan is feeling really good. I'm comfortable, it's not overly baggy or long so I feel it still has some structure. Especially buttoned up. So far so good.

Lisa - I totally hear what you're saying. A structured pencil skirt does not make you think of Birks, does it? I think I was hoping the Birks would "dress down" the formality of the skirt but maybe I need to bring up the formality of the shoes???

Isn't it funny how sometimes we give a negative connotation to classic items like a pencil skirt or cardigan? I wonder when "classic" became a dirty word?

Tanya

You are looking wonderful Shannon, not frumpy at all. The skirt and cardigan are classic, and the fun clutch and oh-so-trendy shoes inject plenty of modern for me.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Casual Dotty Fabness, Princess Birkie. Cardie is not frumpy. Good V-neck. xo

JAileen

I think the outfit is very flattering. I love the sweater. It's fun with the polka dots. And it's a good color scheme for you.

jackiec

I think it looks classic yet modern with the pop of colour on the clutch and specs. Fab

AviaMariah

You are speaking my language - something about a nice soft cardi just makes me feel good. I also hear you about worrying about frumpyness but you don't have any need to worry. You look very sharp and put together.

"Princess Birkie" - love it Angie Long may the Birkie trend reign.

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