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WIW: Feeling Kind of Frumpy

MsLuna

Veteran

Day two of my minimalist wardrobe journey... I was not very happy with this outfit. I couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was: I just didn't feel good. Somehow, I feel that I can't quite get the fluid look right. #1 is loosely tucked and #2 is untucked. I tried semi-tucking but it just seemed so messy.

I guess I'll have to rethink what goes in my 33 piece minimalist wardrobe.

Top: Express Portofino
Jeans: American Eagle (and yes, I've worn these jeans to death!)
Boots: Yokono
Statement Necklace: Obsession

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19 replies

Latest reply was from MsLuna

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look good to me! I like it untucked in the photos, but I'm not sure I'd feel the same way IRL -- sometimes the photo angle really makes it tough to judge these things.

pil

Veteran

Could the fabric of the shirt be too stiff for it to be fluid? I think it looks nice both ways and I like the flare of your jeans.

Gigi

Veteran

I like #1 slightly better than #2, possibly because I find the proportions more pleasing. I actually think that #1 looks really good; I see nothing wrong with it. Is there something style-wise about tucking the top that doesn't feel right? Does it feel too classic?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think this looks good both ways but prefer #1 in the pictures. The jeans are excellent and the top looks good too. I second Gigi's questions.

JAileen

Veteran

I like your outfit.

Why do you have only 33 items? Do you have a small closet or are you trying to see if it's possible, or is there another reason?

catgirl

Veteran

You don't look frumpy! I felt the same today though. I wonder if the shirt needs to be a little more fluid for that devil-may-care look?

jackiec

Veteran

Frumpy? No way! You look great too me - both ways! Yay for American Eagle jeans

MsLuna

Veteran

Thanks for the response, ladies!

@Suz that dressing room with the untucked shirt seem to make the look better. Proportionally, IRL the whole look just looked odd and somewhat imbalanced. You would think someone with a very short torso like myself would look better untucked, but it didn't quite work.

@pil: the fabric may need to be a bit more fluid. Not sure what it is - it's either my eye hasn't gotten used to the '"fluid shirt" look yet, or the fluid on flares thing is just not my style. Funny, because it worked out very well on this outfit:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....dings-long

@gigi and Shevia: semi-tucking or tucking, for some reason is really iffy for me. Also, it mystery be the classic style of the shirt, as you said. Through the last few months, I found that I have strong modern classic leanings, but not quite with this style of top. I find that I like the look of a slimmer top under a tailored blazer on me best, and I can easily cover up the glaring muffin top with artistic scarf tying techniques (hah!). Unfortunately, that many layers may not work for the warmer months... I do wonder if I'll feel better if the shirt has a bold print on it.

@jaileen: I'm trying to do a sort of version of Project333 (http://theproject333.com). I really have been thinking about maintains a minimalist wardrobe containing only pieces I love. I haven't really honed my style yet given the new changes in my health situation (foot problems). I'm also very drawn to the idea of system dressing due to my early morning work personality: I'm always on a rush and do not want to have to think about what to wear in the morning.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Una: I'm thinking it's the fluidity! Also too, I think it's the tuck/semi tuck proportion on flares. I really don't know... Perhaps there's something about my personal style I'm just finding out?

catgirl

Veteran

Don't know - did you see my work outfit today? I felt a little frumpy too but I feel even frumpier and Gutzilla-like when I tuck. Ugh. (Our cat's nickname is Gutzilla!)

MsLuna

Veteran

@Una: loooool you nickname your cat too?? Haha Gutzilla.... Loooove it! I nickname mine SQUISHA because of her squishy belly!!!

Back to your comment: I just commented on your thread. I'm guessing you felt "out of character" in a way? Too stuffy with the semi tuck? I noticed your body language on BLAH outfit is different than outfit #1 (which is awesome on you btw).

I think one of the very few times in actually feel like myself is whenever I wear my bright graphic print jersey dresses. Comfort and personality combined. Normally worn with pretty heels but I'm still a little RATE (deep down) so I've been experimenting with my 20-eyed docs, rugged toppers and accessories.

catgirl

Veteran

HAHA! That also has to do with "Yay! Sunny weekend!" vs. "Eh, end of a long Monday." I think I would have felt better with a semi tuck. Which is more casual though -a semi tuck or untucked?

MsLuna

Veteran

Semi-tuck seems casual, but it has a bit of a polish to it, depending on the angle, I guess. But for your outfit, I think the untucked version works best.

Take a look at my response on your thread. I think we may have had an epiphany of sorts.

catgirl

Veteran

I think so too! High five!
This may be why I wasn't in love with the modern flare look either - I love volume on top.

MsLuna

Veteran

Yes yes yes!!!!

I also realized I like volume up the top too after trying on those luxurious Eilern Fisher tunic sweaters today... OMG I'm in love....

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Do you pre plan your outfits? Of the 33 items that you have do you love them or just like them? Out of the 33 items what gives you the best happiness factor? Did you make a list of your style goals and challenges? These are just some of the questions I ask myself. If I don't love it I don't keep it no matter if others love it. I have to love it even my basics. Hope this helps.

MsLuna

Veteran

Ladywone: excellent questions!

1. Yes. I spent a night pre-planning. I actually have a colour scheme and a few silhouettes in mind then stick to that. I made sure each item schematically matched with each other. All other items I loved (3 more), I had to box up because one of them did not fit the colour scheme and the others are too warm to wear for spring/summer

2. I love most of them such as my flares, all the jackets and most of my dresses. I don't love my tops at all (all fluid because I have the muffin top from hell) because they just don't work with the flares. I also don't love my LBD (I'm looking for a black matte jersey higher waist wrap dress with 3/4 sleeves).

3. My bold graphic print matte jersey dresses. All 4 of them. They are statement pieces but for some odd reason, they are true workhorses. I've dressed them down for my casual work environment, dressed them up for weddings, and made them look formal enough for creative interviews. For some reason I can work magic with statement dresses.

4. style goal: a minimal wardrobe that fits my lifestyle (casual work environment, very laid back weekends), is physically comfortable (lots of comfort in movement. No tummy/belly constriction, hence the abundant amount of dresses. Breatheable/airy, comfortable footwear, heel height under 2 inches due to foot issues), expressive of my personality (BOLD modern classic: bold colour, graphic prints, structure + drape combo. Has slight romantic and RATE tendencies). Oh and jackets aside, wardrobe must be primarily machine washable.

And thank you for the questions! You really got me thinking there!

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Well then that right there is the problem and solution. Get rid of those tops you have put into your caspule and go for bold graphic print tops. I bet your happiness factor will increase 100 fold you don't need a lot of tops just the right ones and I bet they will become your new work horses or staples. I know we are not supposed to buy multiples but, if I love it I will pick up a second one even a third.

MsLuna

Veteran

The questions you asked are eye-opening, and I realized that I should put more focus on the dresses/jackets and less on the tops/jeans/bottoms. I'm thinking of buying less (but GOOD tops) and more dresses as I can style them in a million and one ways (ok not really).

Thank you so much, Ladywone!!!!!