WIW: Soft Black Layers - YouLookFab Forum

I have worn this silk white-black ombre blouse before and have layered it underneath my black suit jacket/blazer. For some reason, I'm just not feeling as much love for a strict, structured blazer these days and am really enjoying the "freedom" that comes with a soft cardigan.

So today's outfit started with my cropped and rolled slim leg EF black trousers to which I added my black tank and then my silk blouse. But instead of topping that with my black blazer as protection against the a/c, I chose to layer it with my short black hemp-blend cardigan. I love the way the outfit feels on and the movement it creates, but I'm not sure this cardigan creates the right proportions and wonder if it's too short for this combination.

I chose my black kitten heel pumps for footwear and accessories include my black with gold hardware leather handbag, silver bracelet and wedding ring, black/white specs and a swipe of bold pink lipstick.

So what do you think? Does this cardigan work in this instance or are the proportions all wrong? Would the blazer have looked better? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Please note that due to a very hectic work schedule for the next two weeks, I may not be able to pop back into this thread in a timely manner

Cardigan, blouse and trousers: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Tank: Smart Set
Shoes: Calvin Klein
Handbag: Danier Leather

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9 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I think it looks fine because you still have the column of colour ( black) to pull the whole thing together. It's a nice change from your blazer. And I understand - some days it's great to have a soft comfy outfit.

Ingunn

(website)

Shannon, I am the same! I don't reach for my blazers much these days, and prefer a cardigan or sweater. Maybe it is because we are getting more and more used to wearing fluid fits? I think so. I like the cardigan as a topper here, and I think the hemlines play well against each other. The pointy toes add some structure and contrast and are very important for this outfit's success in my opinion. The combination of textures and accessories makes this a beautiful and interesting outfit. I like it very, very much.

Deborah

Did someone say "black layers"! Stunning Shannon. I love the layers here and I like the length of the cardigan...very much. It's very pleasing to my eye. One of the reasons I think we are reaching for cardigans (which for the record I used to loathe) is that there is now so much diversity in their design. From drapey to structured cardigan jackets, there is a lot to choose from, and of course the comfort factor makes them sooo appealing.

Jaime

I love the pants with the kitten heels and the tunic. The cardigan seems a bit shorter than ideal with this but the overall effect still looks good!

Neel

This is good Shannon but I think the suit jacket was a stunner over this. I remember that outfit clearly in my head ^_^ But I do understand how cardis feel more comfortable

Meredith

I think I would prefer a longer length, but thus still totally works. Actually, it might be more visually interesting as you've style it here. Hard to say without a side by side, but you look great!

Suz

What Shevia said! Gosh I love that top.

UmmLila (Lisa)

It's a very flattering look for you. I would have liked a longer cardigan with it but can't find too much fault with the one you chose.

celia

I am also loving the cardigans. Hopefully Fall will change that because I do have a couple of blazers to wear.
I think this outfit is JFE, I mean, I would totally wear it (and probably do sometimes) but the proportions are not the conventional flattering ones.
I think that what makes this outfit fabulous is you.

Anonymous

Interesting - I didn't realize that blouse had the side swingy hemline (what word do I want?) that it does! I've only seen it under your blazer, I think. Anyways, I agree that it's JFE, looks pulled together yet comfy, and works because of your impeccable grooming and attention to detail with the rest of the outfit. Yes, in a perfect world, a longer cardi would be better, but this is nice too Have a good week!

Gorgeous.

Firecracker (Sharan)

The outfit is gorgeous on you. I think a longer or shorter cardigan would work, too, and I like this one! As always, I find your shoes and bag such beautiful complements. The shoes really streamline the look, as does your roll of the pants.

Laura

Active Member

I agree with the other comments. This looks stunning on you!

christieanne

I missed the blazer variation but I LOVE this. Looks like an outfit I want to borrow from your closet. I have been doing a lot of cardigans lately (well like maybe for a long time) and I live the contrast of short over a long top.

annagybe

Like others said I think the hemlines are fighting. It's a bit of "throw black cardigan over every outfit".
I do like the blouse on you with the cropped pants.

Alana in Canada

I love it. I am so glad to have Ingunn's analysis, too, so I understand how it works. I think the different hemlines are interesting and intriguing. Nicely done.

Annie

So stylish and comfortable looking, Shannon! I love the top with the ombre effect. The cardigan could be longer, but it still works with your predominantly black and gray color palette and accessories.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Gorgeous outfit. I love how the blouse softens the black separates. xo

Isabel

Just fantastic !!!! I really feel as if you have found your holy grail of dressing. This is it, Shannon !!!

Transcona Shannon

Well it sounds like the cardigan isn't the optimal length but it wasn't a complete disaster. I can live with that!

Joy

I think the outfit worked. I love that top! I may have your cardigan's cousin, the same style and fabric in a navy blue. I got it to wear with an EF dress in blue and it's a great length for dresses and pencil skirts.

jackiec

I'm agreeing with the comments about the cardigan, but at the same time can't get over your gorgeous long lower leg line with the pants and the pointy toe kitten heels. Just fantastic!

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