WIW: Ikat Dress with Denim Jacket - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW: Ikat Dress with Denim Jacket

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Normally on Fridays I wear some type of jeans to work but today our office is going out for its Christmas lunch at a local restaurant, so I wanted to take the jeans up a notch. But we do wear denim for charity on Fridays so didn't want to leave it out altogether. So I've paired my green/black Ikat print dress with my cropped denim jacket. I'm a little unsure of the proportions here so let me know if it works or not.

And because it's cold, my bottom half has on black opaque tights and my Blondo knee high boots. I like the boots with the dress but wish I could wear black fishnets so my lower half doesn't look quite so heavy - but waaaaaaaaay too cold for that today!

So although I like the idea of this outfit I'm not entirely convinced it works IRL. What do you think? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Denim jacket: Brody Jeans (thrifted)
Dress: Cleo Petite
Tights: Roots
Boots: Blondo

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22 replies

Latest reply was from krishnidoux

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well I am convinced! I can see why you would ideally want lighter stockings to break up the solid black, but your hair balances the black and the green and denim look great together. Those boots always terrific!

catherine

Veteran

Oh, yes. It works. You look great, as always.

Anonymous

I like it Shannon! It works:)
Have a good time!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Yes it works and with the knee high boots, you's hardly see the other stocking anyway..

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hi, Shannon! I like it and think it is a comfortable and relaxed look for your outing.

But I also feel your hesitation and it sounds a lot like my hesitation over my own denim jacket look the other day.

I am wondering if something in the whole denim jacket thing is not feeling: a). "winter" right to us in some way this year; b). polished enough; c). modern enough.

I can't really otherwise fully explain my own discomfort with my similar attempt to style a denim jacket.

Here, on my screen, it looks as if the proportions might be just a fraction off (but we're talking a fraction, and I don't think it would matter or show, perhaps, with a different dress or, as you say, if you'd been able to wear the lighter tights.) The other minor issue is that it seems as if the denim blue and the green of the dress are fighting a bit. This might be a function of the colouration on my screen however.

Anyway - that green dress is a total winner on you, the boots are SO fab, and you are more than appropriate. So go and have a grand time!

Anonymous

I don't think the jacket works -- it seems to fight with the dark smooth textures of the dress. I can see in summer how a bare leg and bootie would work with the jacket better.

It certainly isn't horrible, and I hope you have an excellent time

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz & Ceit - I think you're both right in that it's the combination of the dress with the denim jacket that isn't quite right. I originally had on my black leather blazer but I've worn that with this dress many times and wanted to try something different to "casualize" it. I knew there was something "off" so thank you for helping me figure it out!

Thanks Shevia, Catherine, Zap and Tracey!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A glorious *SHANNON* look! I hereby crown you Queen Dress & Denim Jacket.

Raisin

Veteran

Love the dress Shannon, and the jean jacket goes nicely. Have a great lunch! I am headed out for my office lunch soon as well.

Robinesque

It's weird, but I find myself just craving a popped up collar on the jeans jacket in this look. For some reason, maybe the relative calmness of the color combination, the jeans jacket isn't bringing all the fun and mischief that it could. With a popped up collar, it would also reference the interesting "v"s going on with the print, and the opening of the jacket over the dress. Of course, keeping the durned thing up all day could be kind of a pain, too. "Whoa, my collar's passed out again!" As usual, I'm loving your proportions, there's your jacket just beautifully indenting your waist again - cool!

Day Vies

Veteran

I love this dress on you. I remember you wore it a few weeks ago. I also love the fit of the denim but I don't like it over this dress.

The jacket alone (not literally don't go outside like that!) is great. The dress alone is great. I don't like them together. I think it's because the Ikat is such a lovely lush pattern and and it's already organic it doesn't need the "help" of the faded denim jacket to dress it down I personally think your boots, with their shape and nubby texture do a great job of making this dress more casual.

I don't think all is lost with this pairing, perhaps a more saturated denim jacket in dark blue (or even another color) would finish off your look, or even an interesting military style jacket in olive or charcoal... hmm.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I just think you need some big statement earrings.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Angie - why thank you!

Raisin - enjoy your lunch too!

Robinesque - thank you for your keen eye and suggestion on the popped collar.

Day Vies - agreed, it's the dress and this particular denim jacket in terms of colour that isn't quite right. And how did you know that a military inspired jacket is on my spring wish list???

Anna - wow...interesting suggestion...I haven't worn earrings in about a year and half (other than my diamond studs for dressy occasions). I find they seem to compete with glasses and narrow face. Might have to try them again though - I may have changed my mind. Am I assuming correctly by this suggestion you think the outfit is missing a bit of sparkle or bling? I notice from the pictures that the overall outfit does read a bit "flat".

Isabel

Veteran

Love, love, love. Angie once recommended wearing nude pantyhose under fishnets. I have done it and it is "brilliant".....and warm.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ahhhh brilliant Isabel - I forgot all about that. Thank you!

Emily

Veteran

Shannon, you look fantastic as always! That dress is gorgeous on you. You rock cleo dresses to perfection.

I actually quite like the black opaques and boots with the dress - I think they work with the substantial print and deeper colours - but then I like the look of opaque black tights most of the time. Denim jacket wise, the proportion works, but the denim next to that saturated emerald green doesn't look quite right to me....

Mochi

Veteran

Overall, very cute outfit. I don't have any problems at all with the stockings, because the black is reflected and continues upward in the dress so it doesn't seem like it's just this black block on the bottom.

I agree with Suz that it's really a minor thing, but there could be some clashing of the blue and green, both being too similar to provide adequate contrast. I am also having trouble recently styling the denim jacket of mine (that I really love and enjoy). I don't know what it is but maybe Suz can initiate another denim jacket analysis?

This is probably the stupidest "observation" you'll ever receive, but in the second pic I wondered what kind of weird photo angle made your left leg so skinny and warped looking. I actually pondered on it for a few seconds before realizing it was your black bag (with the white stripe) hitting it at this specific place; in other words it was the stripe, not the wall! Silly, half-asleep me!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Shannon, I agree with Suz about the jacket. The dress is stunning on you, that vibrant, deep green says "Warm!" and the black is a good supporting act for the footwear.

Denim is a little crispy, fresh, and that's maybe why it seems a little off. I would suggest a wool jacket or a cardi in an equally vibrant, deep colour such as purple, or golden yellow, or even grey if it is on the charcoal side. The colour must be rich, saturated. Then this outfit will jump!

I really like your choice of bag. I like how its straight lines play with the curvy lines in the dress's print. Brilliant!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thank you so much for your wisdom all - tights/boots good. Jacket - wrong colour.

Krish - I love the idea of a more saturated colour jacket with this dress. Will go rummage through the closet and try a few options, as I'm not on a self imposed shopping ban.

Mochi - OMG! I was killing myself laughing at your "skinny leg" comment....too funny!

Mochi

Veteran

I really did a double take. Glad it'a all okay!!!

JulieJohn

Veteran

It absolutely works, and it's cute! Don't worry if it seems a bit normal. I know that's not "you" but you still can look great doing it.

I think we need to coin a new term for you, Shannon, and those like you. I would like to be one too. The term is something like "boundary-pushers". Angie is one. You guys always look for ways to take an outfit up a notch.

I am reminded of a fantastic quote by Oscar Hammerstein that has stayed with me for decades. To paraphrase, he felt that in a song, every note should be both intuitive (natural) and unexpected. Isn't that a delightful way of describing art?

The music of your style is made up of notes that are both intuitive and unexpected.

Now, how do we turn that into an acronym? ;~)

krishnidoux

Veteran

Please post pics if you find one!