WIW: Two similar outfits but two different emotions

So I wore the first outfit last week and felt so blah in it. I couldn't wait to get home and take them off. In fact, I immediately put the pants in the donate pile because I was that frustrated with them. They are too big, and even though I wore a belt, I kept feeling like they were sagging down so I kept hiking them up. Plus, the shirt was bugging me because of the darting in the front making me look like I was wearing a cone shaped bra.

The second outfit is very similar (both shirts are from Ann Taylor bought at the same time). However, I felt great in this outfit. In fact, I wore it last night after work to my daughter's "Meet the Teacher Night" and felt very comfortable in it. I wasn't crazy about the white cardigan. Maybe the blue one would have been better?

I think the main thing were the pants. I felt more pulled together in the grey pants because they fit so great (editors from express). Also, I wonder if it's because of the pants and shoes bookending my black hair more than the tan ones like Angie suggested in her post today.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. Just trying to figure out what I like and don't like and why. Any suggestions for improvement are greatly appreciated!

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13 years ago

Anonymous

The cut of the Editors suits you so much better! It's funny how a little change can make such a big difference.

I really like 2. I think the darker cardi would look good also.

Nothing is worse than a pair of pants that makes you feel dumpy! I love your grey slacks, they fit you much better. I like how the black shoes bookend your hair in the second outfit too. Hooray for looking and feeling great for Meet the Teacher. Ours was last night too!

shiny

Veteran

The editors do fit you better. Additional factors, possibly, are the shoes you wore with each? Is one heeled and the other not? Also in regards to color, I always feel "meh" in khaki ... khaki slacks have to be super dressy if I'm going to wear that color for pants. It's probably mental but it is what it is!

As for the top, is it possible that it's a matter of the fabric? I always feel uber-fussy and uncomfortable in a starched woven shirt like #1 -- even when, objectively and in pictures, it looks great. I just don't feel great. Whereas I feel comfortable in the more flowy soft fabric like #2 and that translates into feeling confident. I think this is because my figure is all soft curves and not angular and boney.

K. Period.

The second pair of pants really do let you shine. Very nice! I like the combo with the light sweater (that seems summery to me), but a dark cardi would work well too. Isn't it funny how sometimes taking a picture or just reaching your "fed up" level helps you get rid of something that you know isn't really you? I just got rid of a pair of khakis that I felt that way about. I realized that I just don't like the look of khakis on me. They just aren't me. Tan trousers, yes. Khakis, no. So liberating!

Transcona Shannon

The grey Editors look fab on you Kathy and work with your gorgeous curves perfectly. I always have trouble with finding trousers I feel good in and have also put frumpy pants into the donate pile.

Love the outfit in #2 and I think you're right in that the blue cardi might work a bit better than the white.

MNsara

The Express trousers are SO much more flattering and a more feminine pant overall. Shiny may also be onto something with the flat loafers vs. your black shoes -- again the black shoes are more feminine and cuter toe (that's all I can see).

I agree that the second outfit would probably look even better with the blue sweater! and the blue sweater will be better come fall/winter.

Does the first blouse have a curved hem, like the second one? Or maybe it's just a bit shorter than #2. Save shorter blouses for skirts. If the darts still bug you, what about a denim jacket over it, or blazer. Soft sweater against pointy darts, and you might still see them right through the knit

P.S. My own personal epiphany, of sorts, this past spring was that I LIKE myself better in dark bottoms. Aa a pear, I firmly believe they help diminsh my lower half.

Suz

(website)

The Editors win by a million miles! Kiss those khaki trousers goodbye! They are nowhere near fab enough for you.

The top in the second outfit also follows your pretty curves. I agree the blue sweater would look great with the pants!

KathyL

Thank you for the compliments on the pants, ladies! It's amazing what a good pair of trousers do for your confidence. I found these Editors and my 2 pair of Columnists thanks to YLF, and they have been great additions to my wardrobe.

Ceit, thanks. I will try a different cardi to see how it looks next time.

Claire, It's my older daughter's first day of kindergarten next Monday! Yikes!

Shiny and MNSara, I think you're right about the shoes making a difference too. The brown ones are loafers and flat. The black ones are pumps with a 1 1/2 inch heel. I typically don't wear the brown ones, but I was trying to keep PPL with those silly pants. Both shirts are actually exactly the same material but different colors. They are both woven cotton tops. It's just the darting on the striped one is a little different.

k can shop, yes, it is amazing the epiphanies that come from taking pictures. Good for you on your realization about khakis. I've gotten rid of most of mine also.

Shannon, I've had to put *many* clothes in the donate the pile that are frumpy. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I bought some of these things!

Suz, thank you. I will try a different cardi next time to see how it works.

Brain of Jen

Active Member

Oh wow! Even just from the thumbnail, it's really apparent just how much better #2 fits you! Hugs your curves in all the right places, gorgeous!

catgirl

What a difference both the color placement and fit of the pants makes here. And you look fine in the first photo, but the second is so much more stylin'!

Echoing what others have said, it's all about the pants. I see you are an Editor fan too. I have them in 4 colors: Black, navy, camel and charcoal. I also have a pair of black and tan pinstripe, for a whooping total of 6, plus burgundy on the way!!!!
You look great!

Sveta

Oh yes, the cut of the trousers is what makes the outfit. Gorgeous trousers - high five from another Editor lover. They are awesome trousers!
Zap, where did you find burgundy Editors? I saw this color in Columnist only...I would love me some too!

Una, you are too kind about the first outfit. I cringe every time I see it.

Zap, great collection of Editors! Burgundy sounds great! Eventually, I will need to look for a decent camel or tan one to replace the ones in the first pic. I have a tan pinstripe one in the columnist but those make me booty conscious with the straighter cut. Maybe with the next express sale ...

I really like pic #3. I have that same cardi (mine is Banana Republic), I agree with you that a darker cardi would have been a nice contrast.

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