WIW: Skinnies & a scarf - who me?

Talk about two things I NEVER wear - coloured skinnies and a scarf! I bought these burgundy skinnies last week and after playing with them some on the weekend for outfit ideas, I'm busting them out today.

I decided to pair them with my grey Gap mesh sleeve sweater as I do love the combo of burgundy and grey. I added my black leather belt and a semi tuck. I know some do not care for a semi tuck with skinnies but I'm discovering that I really need a semi tuck for two reasons - with the belt lower than my natural waist, the semi tuck can visually elongate my torso which is very short. I also find that the semi tuck actually gives me a waist.

I had to choose my black Clarks shooties again for comfort and would have preferred my pointy toe black patent booties but that's life.

I've been toying with trying scarves as I do like the look on others and can see how they work to tie in colours. Since I wanted to find a way to repeat the burgundy in the top half of the outfit, I went digging through the scarf bin at my local Goodwill to see what I could find - a "test" scarf if you will. I found this dark red (not quite burgundy but close enough) scarf with a light grey and black abstract print (sort of a faux animal print) that fit the bill. One of my issues with scarves is the fuss factor - always adjusting, making sure the ends don't get caught in something, etc. So I went on Pinterest to look at different ways to tie scarves and found exactly what I was looking for. This makes the scarf almost more like a necklace, less bulky and less "flimsy". In fact, it actually gives the scarf structure - PERFECT!

Jewelry is my black/white oversized watch and silver wedding band and I chose my animal print oversized clutch for my handbag.

When I head out the door, I'll be wearing my berry coloured cashmere-blend knee length coat which amazingly, works perfectly with the scarf.

So this is a new look for me with new items - my happiness factor? SKY HIGH!!! What do you think - does it all work on me? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Sweater: Gap
Skinnies: Attitude by Jay Manuel
Shooties: Clarks
Scarf: Goodwill
Clutch: XOXO
Coat: Anne Klein

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10 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Smashing! That is all I have to say.

Elizabeth P

OMG, SPECTACULAR! This really works for you. I'm glad you found a way to tie a scarf you are happy with, scarves really can add easy bookending, tieing in colours etc to an outfit. And I'm with you on the semi-tuck - I used to always wear things out, but now I'm finding that a semi tuck helps define my waist and when it shows a belt, it adds a bit of "oomph" to an outfit.

You look so so stunning! Everything just ties together so wonderfully, and that coat is magic. I love the way you tied that scarf! And why doesn't my Goodwill have a scarf bin? lol

Anonymous

Really nice, and I am SO happy you have discovered semi-tucking. It is my secret weapon against a short waist also

Neel

I love semi tucking too! Love the way they look! I even do a semi tuck with my lounge wear o_O!

The color palatte is delicious. The cranberry jacket is such a beautiful color that I could just eat it up! Yum! And that clutch?! Awesome! You rock!!

And would you be able to give a link to the scarf tutorial? It seems fun!

Karie

This is a look I wear often, and I love it on you! I completely agree with you about the semi-tuck. Even though I'm tall, I am slightly short waisted, and I find the semi-tuck helps even me out a bit.

pastrygirl

Perfect! I love it.

Your happiness factor is high wearing this outfit and mine is high looking at it! Fab! BTW I love burgundy and grey also.

amiable

Wow - that works sooo well! Way to go!

donnat

It works beautifully.

Joyce B

I love the whole outfit, you look fab.
Those burgundy skinnies are great and the color combination that you chose is very flattering.
I hope your ankle is getting better.

catherine

Beautiful proportions and colors. Wear more scarves! The look clearly suits you.

Transcona Shannon

Thank you so much ladies - I'm glad you think this looks ok. It's definitely different for me.

Neel - I'll try to relocate the link for the scarf and post for you.

I think another reason this way of wearing the scarf works for me is because most of my neck still shows. I have quite a short neck and having a scarf cover most of it makes me look like my head just sits atop my shoulders.

Susie

What a stylish, polished look you have here, Shannon, and I love the colors together. YLF!

Peri

Okay, I would think this is exactly you. You haven't shown us colored skinnies before? Definitely skinnies though.

Anyway, perfect as usual! Sigh. Aspire to, aspire to....

Glory

Shannon - fabulous top to bottom. The new coat is so fantastic!

Jude

Active Member

Does this work? YES IT DOES! 'nough said. Love the scarf necklace!

JAileen

Super! The scarf ties everything together, and will keep your neck warm too. I am finding I'm especially loving outfits with pale grey.

MuseumGal

WOW. Totally amazing.

Oh yeah! This rocks! You look very natural in this combo, even thought you say it's foreign to you. That coat is yum-a-licious, and the clutch: be. still. my. heart.

Sarah A

I love the scarf tied that way... this new look hits it out of the park. You are really honing in on what you need for happiness, structure and no fuss scarf tie is brilliant!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Now that's the way to wear an indoor scarf. Big Scarves are for outside. Great fit and proportions, Shannon. Good job discovering why it works on you. Loving you in those burgundy jeans. Fresh and fab. xo

RunswithDolphins

Shannon, I've been following your WIW blog since I joined a month ago and I really admire how you present your outfits so beautifully and I particularly love the final accessory vignette. You set the bar pretty high for those of us just starting out on YLF.

This outfit colour scheme and style is probably my favourite of everything I've seen you post to date. I absolutely adore your grey and burgundy combo on you and the scarf is so perfect. What a find from Goodwill!

From a fellow member of the walking wounded club the Clark shoes look really cute and practical. Good choice.

Those jeans were a great buy - I love this! Might have to copycat a little with my wine cords and F21 sweater/sweatshirt Thanks for the inspiration.

Well my goodness....such lovely comments! You have all totally made my day

RunswithDolphins - thank you so much for your kind words about my outfits and pics. I very much appreciate it. I've been on YLF almost three years and it really took me the better part of two years to figure out what I'm doing, both outfit wise and photo wise. I have learned so much from being part of this amazing community - and so will you

Amy

Fabulous! You look great!

Suz

Squeee!!! Waving at my style sister! This looks like something I would wear. And you look amazing in it.

Don't you just LOVE the semi-tuck with drapey top? I adore it. With skinnies and ANY kind of pant. Or skirt, for that matter. I don't know what I was thinking of, before, when I rejected it. I think it had to do with the types of top available, actually -- there needs to be fluidity to it or it won't work. But, like you, I find it helps to deal with proportions. It doesn't cut me off in half and allows me to wear high contrast tops and bottoms if I want. It shows what little waist I have. And looks and feels "effortless."

Your scarf looks terrific. Way to bookend, baby.

Suz - I am totally flattered to be considered your style sister And yes, I find the semi tuck to be completely transformative. It's amazing how just that tuck of an inch of fabric can give an outfit structure, proper drape and great proportions.

All hail Angie for teaching us about the semi tuck!!!

Thistle

Stunning! I love this on you!

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