https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:53:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made/page/2#post-1039411 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:33:21 +0000 Suz 1039411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, thank you so much. This is useful.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie has actually warned me against the Lanai lots of times. But she's also heard me pine for it. So I truly think she understands that until and unless I see with my own eyes that it does not work, I will always be dreaming of it. Ordering it and trying it is a good way to kill my obsession if it doesn't work. Only way to get rid of temptation is to give into it!! So...we'll see.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a feeling this is what we'd call "summer weight" wool, which unlined, will be way too thin for my winter. Still, with long johns, it might work. The only way I will know is to try. I'll post it -- even if it is embarrassing!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made/page/2#post-1039389 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:10:09 +0000 Marley 1039389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been following your suit threads but haven't really commented before because I am clueless when it comes to how a suit should fit - and the difference between classic and modern classic.&nbsp; However, I am very anxious to see and hear what you think of the Theory.&nbsp; I'm surprised that Angie told you to try the Lanai jacket because I thought it was pretty much the same style/cut of the Halogen leather - which you said didn't work for you (nor me!)&nbsp; I even bought the Lania jacket during the NAS and eventually returned it because I didn't think it was the right fit - but now I'm regretting that I didn't put it up on the forum first to get feedback!&nbsp; Makes me want to go back and try it again!&nbsp; Also, FYI - I tried the trousers on in the store - they were a size or two too big (they didn't have any smaller sizes for me to try on) and I hemmed and hawed on whether to order them, but then in the meantime I decided to return the jacket - so that settled that!&nbsp; But - wanted you to know that when I first saw and <i>touched</i> the trousers I was terribly disappointed.&nbsp; I thought the material was incredibly thin and on top of it - no lining!&nbsp; However, when I tried them on I liked them a lot better - and for my climate they would be ok - but not sure about yours!&nbsp; So - I'm anxiously waiting to hear what you think! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made/page/2#post-1039359 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:25:34 +0000 Anonymous 1039359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto to what Beth Ann posted. I couldn't have said it better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made/page/2#post-1039348 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:06:54 +0000 Beth Ann 1039348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been scarce since Monday -- two 11 hour teaching days (love teaching, but sheesh).&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm standing behind the leader, our dear Angie, on this one (safest place to be, but I also think I see what she means).&nbsp; I like the jacket here in 3-6 best.&nbsp; The proportion is not what we've been used to in recent years, but it looks fresh to my eye.&nbsp; I don't think your legs look short here -- the jacket just looks longer, if that makes sense.&nbsp; I felt the same way in Diana's post, and I have just one of these jackets, that will get lots of wear this year.</p> <p>I totally get the idea of fabrication being crucial.&nbsp; "Feeling" good in a suit is rare, and I wouldn't buy something that didn't flow and feel good to the touch.&nbsp; The BR suit does do that well, I agree.</p> <p>Speaking for myself, I still like shorter AND longer jackets, but I'm wanting them to either have a feminine, almost retro, fit OR have the lower stance, looser fit with a bolder shoulder line, and gentle shaping through the torso that I'm seeing reemerge.</p> <p>To sum up:<br />1.&nbsp; Follow your bliss - happiness factor is first<br />2.&nbsp; I do think Angie has a point about jacket shape.<br />3.&nbsp; LOVE the idea of a dark navy suit for you<br />4.&nbsp; Maybe DH is right.&nbsp; I have two chambray jackets, and I wear them both.</p> <p>Oh, and I'm a firm believer that it's OK to remain undecided until the answer asserts itself.&nbsp; I love the fact that you're counting down.......57 days, 56 days.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039248 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:10:26 +0000 Day Vies 1039248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! I'm sorry #9 looks black on my screen! (the picture quality is fine - crisp)&nbsp;I am sure if I could see #9 IRL I would love it.&nbsp;It's so hard to help&nbsp;make decisions when you don't have all the information </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039142 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:03:04 +0000 Suz 1039142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I know exactly what you mean.&nbsp;</p> <p>Interestingly, I would actually like to be wearing this <b>TODAY!</b>! I can't, because I'd need the pants altered. But it's quite astonishing. I think it's the fabric; I am really swayed a lot by fabric textures and this one is perfect for today's temps.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039127 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 12:39:43 +0000 Janet 1039127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you've already received better guidance than I ever could have given, so I've remained silent on these threads, but I have been following along. I think that since you have some time, your heart will guide you. The fit of the suit is excellent, and the cut is classic. I can easily see you pairing the pieces with your other modern items to create very Suz outfits. </p> <p>One day in the next week or so, you're either going to be excited to wear one of the pieces of this suit, the tags will be cut, and you will wear it and feel fab...or you will pass it by and reach for other things in your closet. This happens to me, and it often gives me my answer on whether a purchase is right for me. If I keep coming up with other answers on what to wear, or excuses why I don't commit to that item, chances are that it is not really The One for me. On the other hand, the items that turn out to be The One are the ones I'm making excuses to wear ASAP! </p> <p>You are a great example of PPP shopping, which has been very inspiring to me lately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039118 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 12:28:45 +0000 Suz 1039118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules -- thank you so much for that link. I often love the Hobbs stuff. Hmmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>You are such a good observers an so helpful. You always have a fabulous read on other people's styles. I really appreciate your insights.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not closer to a decision today, but I am resting easy in my indecision, if that makes sense! I will probably keep the trousers, regardless, and I still have 57 days to make a final decision in either case. So it's all good.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rae, I ordered it! I had it in my shopping cart for ages. I thought the pants looked pretty dumb (and they aren't lined) but then I figured maybe they would be longer on me than on the tall models and there might even be some inseam allowance to let them down. Plus, I had some Nordstrom notes. So I bit the bullet this morning. It should come in a couple of weeks and we can compare the Theory to the practice, so to speak!&nbsp;</p> <p>DV, thanks for your length response! The BR suit is actually navy, not black. It just looks black because it's a dark navy and because I've had crummy light for photographs of late. Even with bright sun in the room and lights turned up -- it's the angle of the sun.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vix, thank you again for the visuals. I think you look amazingly long, lean, and beautiful in that suit! And this one is very similar to what you have. So...I kind of like Mr. Suz's reasoning. &nbsp; :-)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039081 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 11:26:08 +0000 RoseandJoan 1039081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I came across this browsing <a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0213-4467-9093L00&amp;productvarid=0213-4467-9093L00-FRENCH" rel="nofollow">http://www.hobbs.co.uk/product.....9093L00-FR</a> NAVY-16&amp;refpage=search/results <br />I love the texture and the pockets.</p> <p>Are you any closer to a decision this morning? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039013 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 06:57:18 +0000 Day Vies 1039013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry for the delayed response but I wanted to be "present" while giving you feedback on this suit issue. <br />#1 Fuchsia - is definitely your color. I adore the cropped look of these and how you paired them with a nude heel. It looks long and lean (column of color), but just as you explain it looks conservative and corporate even though it is a happy bright color. I blame the cut of both pieces which is why putting them together reads as "safe". Unless you're going to do some crazy print, it's going to be an uphill climb to modernize this suit. I agree that the length is not good for you but matching the top and bottom obscures the length issue <br />#2 makes my point. Love - this jacket with the jeans and lace edge tee. It polishes off this casual outfit and the cut looks modern with jeans and booties.<br />#3- 6 I am not a fan of you in black, probably because I favor you in blue #7 &amp; 8 proves my point. So I vote for navy. The black jackets in these pictures overwhelm you. I love the cuts and #6 is my favorite because I love the buttoned up shirt peeking through. In the end I have to pass on these jackets because they visually shorten your legs. <br />#7 is perfectly proportioned. Oddly enough, this is the proportion I think will work best for you in a suit. I adore the subtle sequin with the floral print of the jacket. I love the mix of the cheetah print in the belt and shoe. Fabulous (and it happens to be my favorite color combo -- blue and white).<br />#8 this is my next favorite. I like black with blue here but it's the blue that makes your skin glow and the black functions to enhance the blue and the texture in the blue. This is the reason why I vote for a blue suit. <br />#9 - I like this, because the cut is great for you. I like the addition of the print and the sleek belt. (Those boots are fabulous by the way!) I'd just prefer this suit in blue. (Had you never shown yourself in blue in this post I'd be perfectly OK with the black suit). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1039006 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 06:23:25 +0000 rae 1039006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Out of left field, but if you're looking for a placeholder&nbsp;did you see that the navy/charcoal Theory Lanai suit is on a pretty rockin'&nbsp;sale?<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/theory-lanai-open-blazer/3506535?origin=keywordsearch">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/th.....wordsearch</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/theory-testra-stretch-wool-trousers/3506536?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=0&amp;fashionColor=&amp;resultback=0&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_2_D">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/th.....ch-persona</a>&nbsp;(the pants look much longer length in person!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038963 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 04:10:57 +0000 Vix 1038963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Suz --</p> <p>There's something to be said for&nbsp;Mr Suz's attitude, eh?</p> <p>With your build and inclinations for this suit, have you thought about exploring men's (teen) suiting? Or is that taking the Urban Prince thing too far?</p> <p>You definitely have some time, so maybe try on as many jackets as you can IRL and note what's working and not. If you run into something like the&nbsp;Theory jacket I'd love to see a photo&nbsp;with your arms down.</p> <p>To give you another reference point, I did find a few (bad) photos of the Banana Republic [wool] suit pieces I bought last spring/summer; it's the one that hits ~ at crotch level.&nbsp;The back length is 25.5" from the hem to&nbsp;where the back collar attaches (if you flipped it up) compared to the AT one (22"). </p> <p>The sale price made it easier to commit to the silhouette--though the fit&nbsp;could certainly be better on me (and probably would be if I would drag it to the tailors...).</p> <p>Good luck in the search/exploration!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038622 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:11:02 +0000 RoseandJoan 1038622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the first BR Suit post I have read Suz, where have I been? I know it is very easy to jump on board after the event and state 'what Angie said' but in this instance I do echo Angie.</p> <p>The BR suit is a super flattering colour and cut but it does not have that little something slightly off kilter to do justice to your style. For example your jeans are not bootcut, they are boyfriend rolled just so with the right amount of slouch. Your tops are fluid in fit, not bodycon or oversized. I feel the suit is just too straight, yes you can style it up to become a Suz signature but the pieces on their own are not quite there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038472 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:05:05 +0000 catgirl 1038472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the comments but I stand by my post in your last thread. I think this is what you want. It is classic in the endurance sense, not in the "un-updated" sense. And I think your fab styling and hair makes it ultra-modern, which is even better than a modern suit which will be dated by definition sooner (I think)</p> <p>There is also that intangible factor when an item is "you". I feel that way about the Lanai. It won't feel dated for a while because it truly works for me.</p> <p>You gotta love it but I'm going to do my best to make it an arranged marriage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038468 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:03:50 +0000 Anonymous 1038468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I see your point. I'd go for Angie's discerning eye and helpful recommendations. If I had no one to help me, I'd go for something that fits perfectly and looks like a newer and fresher version of a classic. This is probably no help to you because I'm not good at explaining exactly what I mean, but that's what's in my head when I think of the term "modern classic." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038441 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:42:18 +0000 Suz 1038441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No - there are two buttons on it, Angie. I just enlarged the pics and can see them again, so I'm not imagining it.&nbsp;</p> <p>It might be a touch longer in the front, but not a lot. </p> <p>Anyway -- this particular jacket is no longer available anyway, from what I can tell online. The new Gabe jacket has one button. (I'm not even 100% sure this was a Gabe. But I think so.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Hmmm. Well. I do have 55 days or something to make my decision. So there is room for continued thought. Thank you, again!&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA - we crossposted! Of course you make sense - you always do. But I think I'm going to need to try to know. If only there were a place where I could try Theory on in store easily. There is not, alas....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038440 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:41:05 +0000 Angie 1038440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope that makes sense.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038431 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:35:48 +0000 Angie 1038431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can only see one button in #5 and #6 - are there two?&nbsp;&nbsp;The cut on that jacket is&nbsp;different. Longer, more angular, less fitted, lower stance,&nbsp;much more swagger. The overall effect is&nbsp;more modern to my eye. I see quite a big difference - told you I'm good at splitting these types of hairs.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038410 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:18:12 +0000 Suz 1038410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You guys are so great. Thank you so much! Let me answer your points in turn.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ruth - Gaylene -- the weird thing is, although it might not sound like it from what &nbsp;I wrote, my happiness factor was actually really high, trying this suit on. I'm just not sure if that was because it was <b>THIS</b> suit, or because it was <b>A</b> suit. I clearly want a suit! &nbsp;Trying this on totally confirmed that!&nbsp;</p> <p>I do know I am tempted to keep the pants, regardless. They are super comfortable. And Gaylene - yes -- I am excited about the possibilities this would provide in my fall/ winter (and spring) wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>Diana, I agree with your observations about the jacket. On the two button style, the sides are angled and the jacket is longest at front and centre. And that has an effect on the way it appears overall, making it seem less boxy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vix, thank you for the beautiful visuals. And you raise a good question. What am I looking for? Honestly, I don't know. "Modern classic," I think. With some emphasis on modern.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie, thank you for weighing in yet again when I know you are super busy. You did comment on that thread last year, just to encourage me on. I wasn't able to buy at that point anyway, so it was sort of moot. But most people felt the jacket was less than a 10 and some thought it was outright bad on me. The pants do not "go" with the jacket (although, by coincidence, they are also made by Theory.) They were just what I had on.&nbsp;</p> <p>But here's where I am confused. <b>This Theory&nbsp;jacket is also a two button style</b>. Same stance as the BR one.&nbsp;As Diana noted it is a bit longer than the BR on the sides and it may be a touch longer in front (but not much), but otherwise, it is&nbsp;pretty similar. Two button, flap pockets, slim arms, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>So what makes the Theory more modern?</b>&nbsp;Is the difference simply that the BR is&nbsp;shorter in the back? The fit through arms and body&nbsp;<b>felt</b> really, really similar. I think I had a 2 in the Theory and a 0 in the BR. I can't judge perfectly on the looks (especially since those old photos aren't great) but I do remember how it felt on.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would like to understand this so I would be better able to judge, not just by the name of a maker, but by what my eyes see and my body feels. Does that make sense? I can easily see the distinctions when I am comparing a vintage jacket to these newer jackets. And I can see differences between <b>THIS</b> Theory and the newer ones (like that gorgeous red one you featured recently.) But this particular Theory jacket doesn't look a heck of a lot different from the BR (or for that matter, from the similar J. Crew jackets I also tried on the other night -- not the tweed one, but their suiting jackets.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Ceit, Merwoman, Ramya --&nbsp;&nbsp;of you now join Mr. Suz as an enabler. He is saying, "Ah, just keep it! It looks good! Whatever! So you find another suit. Get it! Meanwhile, wear the heck out of this one!"&nbsp;</p> <p>Sveta, thank you for understanding!&nbsp;</p> <p>Eliza, thank you for your carefully thought out analysis!&nbsp;</p> <p>ETA: crossposted with you AV and UF -- thank you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038407 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:12:46 +0000 unfrumped 1038407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No wisdom here, except I am loving the wisdom from Gaylene (as per usual!).<br />Learning to tell the difference between true necessary placeholder and the short-term purchase boost that is a pseudo-placeholder. Ultimately, only the person can tell the difference, but learning to do so is key, and some of the YLF pro &amp; con discussions can help us noodle through it. I think just showing the photos and waiting for some critiques (when not on some&nbsp;short return deadline) creates breathing space and lets the rush die down--it might not even matter what is said in the comments! This concept is a good reminder for me.</p> <p>Also ditto what Vix said, for those looking at brands. I bought a number of AT jackets to go with their pants in past years and have recently had to purge--what was I thinking? I say when I look in the mirror. Thought maybe I had just bought a size too big but it is as Vix said, the armholes are cut lower and the bust bigger, even in the smallest sizes, and guess what--that doesn't "get me". Some other "modern" brands are TOO suffocatingly high-armholed and skinny-armed&nbsp;to get over a top. Like Mama Bear, I need something in between. Sometimes BR is in-between in that regard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038404 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:10:13 +0000 AviaMariah 1038404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like you in the suit in 5/6 better than the BR suit. &nbsp;It looks sleeker and more polished to me.&nbsp;I have no idea WHY like it better though....one of the things I'm trying to learn by reading this forum is the why's instead of just being intuitive. &nbsp;For what it's worth. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038395 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:49:17 +0000 Anonymous 1038395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with Gaylene about the happiness factor. Even if something fits and you can check all the boxes in the "pros" column (with none in the "cons" column), in the end, it all comes down to how it makes&nbsp;you feel when you wear it. The only exception would be if it's something you need and you can't afford to wait until the "holy grail" item magically becomes available.</p> <p>That said, it's great to express all your concerns on this forum so our expert Angie (bless her!) and your fellow YLFers can help you sort through it all.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038394 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:33:31 +0000 Diana 1038394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, so some thoughts (keeping in mind I am going through this same dilemma right now; in fact I just posted more photos of mine):</p> <p>I compared my 1 button and 2 button jackets this morning by laying them out side by side.&nbsp; What I realized was that they are <i>exactly the same length in front</i>, where the button plackets meet.&nbsp; However, the 2 button <i>slants upward toward the side</i>, which raises the profile of the entire jacket somehow.&nbsp; Also, from the side this results in a longer leg line.&nbsp; But I think the shorter back/side is also what contributes to making it look more classic and less like the modern, long shape.&nbsp; The point here is that it's not necessarily just the length of the front per se that is making something look boxy or not boxy.&nbsp; </p> <p><i></i><i>However</i>, on short folks like you and I, the long one-button shape can look kind of overwhelming.&nbsp; Several people commented that the 1-button looked like it was too big, even though the two jackets are literally <i>exactly the same measurements through the shoulders and body.</i>&nbsp; Similarly, to me the 1-button theory blazer looks too big on you.&nbsp; The BR jacket, on the other hand, looks more streamlined and better suited to your stature.&nbsp; I think it's actually something about that slant up to the side that somehow creates waist definition and reduces a lot of the boxiness.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038375 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:01:45 +0000 Vix 1038375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Due to limited time and inability to really comprehend the issues of "modern" vs "too classic" when it comes to what you all are looking for in a suit&nbsp;I haven't commented on the BR suit threads (waves to Sveta and Diana).</p> <p>To me there's a distinction between modern, trending, outdated, and "timeless" (aka none of the above).&nbsp;</p> <p>I admit I'm&nbsp;kind of confused --&nbsp;don't know if you are looking for a "slouchy" blazer, a tux style,&nbsp;or....I think once you answer that question your K/R will be easier.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;agree styling plays a huge role here.</p> <p>Personally, I think&nbsp;it's jacket length + lapels +&nbsp;shape more than 1- or 2-buttonness that plays into things.&nbsp;</p> <p>In general, Theory lapels are narrow, the&nbsp;armholes are high, and the sleeves slim. AT and BR have more room in the bust and arms and the armholes are lower set. Depending on body type one gives a "sharper" look (naturally&nbsp;I prefer half/half --&nbsp;higher armholes, slimmer arms, and a wider lapel!).&nbsp;</p> <p>As you know we are the same height and have similar modifers.&nbsp;I don't know if this will&nbsp;help at all, but&nbsp;I just hung up several of my longer&nbsp;workhorse wool jackets.&nbsp;</p> <p>-- Black&nbsp;Ann Taylor 1-button&nbsp;(2013) worn 2 ways&nbsp;and Theory 2-button&nbsp;(~ 2007) = same length: ~ 1 inch above crotch point, about as low as I like to go and generally not ideal with skirts unless the color range is the same/similar.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>To me your BR navy suit looks like it hits&nbsp;about the same point. I do like it on you, but I also like the way the Theory looks in your Photo 5.</b></p> <p>-- BR navy/black 1-button&nbsp;(summer 2013) -- No photos: 3 inches *longer* than the above, which is not ideal and is a terrible length with skirts (bought to wear with jeans and matching straight leg&nbsp;pants I'd bought in spring&nbsp;etc). Boxier fit.</p> <p>1-3: Photos of black suit + inspiration-y Tux suit<br />4-6:&nbsp;Grey suit worn last year and when originally purchased for 2007 interview<br />7: Recent-ish pic of a truly ancient (15 y.o.) jacket that's quite long. It's a 4-button that looks very 40s when buttoned.&nbsp;I've continued to wear it because I like the shape on me with pants/jeans, but again, unless worn with a VERY short skirt as originally intended (Ally McBeal!)&nbsp;the proportions are dreadful on me with "current" skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038370 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:44:01 +0000 Gaylene 1038370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking Angie has given you some very good advice here and there is certainly nothing that I can add in that area but I did want to comment on your pluses and minuses analysis.</p> <p>As I mentioned in Sveta's post, it's a pattern that is all too familiar to me when I use my head to overrule my instincts and end up with a perfectly nice item that I have to remind myself to wear. The heart wants what the heart wants and that is why "happiness factor" is such an intangible but important quality for many of us. Price, fabric, and comfortable fit are the ground floor and are totally adequate for a "need" item. For a "want" item, though, the stakes get higher; you don't "need" the piece, but your heart lifts at the thought of having it in the closet, ready for you to wear--<i>and that feeling doesn't diminish once the thrill of the acquisition is gone.</i></p> <p>Calling the item a "placeholder" implies that you are buying it for a need, but your want is still unsatisfied. Maybe you do need a suit until you find your want because you are excited at the possibilities it would provide this winter in your wardrobe? If that makes sense, then keep the BR suit for all the reasons you have listed in the plus column. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038336 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:02:18 +0000 Angie 1038336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a complete spanner this morning.</p> <p>Suz, pictures #5 and #6 are the modern suit silhouette you want. It's that simple. (I do not remember those pics - did I comment on that thread? Sorry if I didn't). Picture #3's angle&nbsp;is completely distorted. Look at the size of your head in comparison to your body. No wonder your body looks very long and your legs disproportionately short. We cannot go by that photo, dear sweet darling Suz.&nbsp;</p> <p>All your shorter jackets look terrific. But those are different animals. They are not fluid suits, but matched with jeans with lower rises.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do not want you to think that I don't love you in the navy BR suit. I do. And it's an excellent placeholder. I <b>do</b> differ on your opinion that you think you can't wear a modern suit though. You rock the look. xo</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038330 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:48:00 +0000 Anonymous 1038330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see it as too corporate either -- it's in the styling. With the sweater and some of your other looks you showed, it looks classic but the modern comes in with what you have paired it to. If this is a suit you could see wearing often both mixed and matched for a year, I would count it a worthwhite investment. I think having a classic suit and a modern suit is not superfluous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038324 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:35:10 +0000 merwoman 1038324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ha suit not suite...Freudian slip cos sweet it is </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038323 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:34:13 +0000 merwoman 1038323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfortunately I have missed&nbsp;the posts on your suit deliberations - which means I am looking at the pics with 'fresh' eyes :-)<br />If #9 is the BR suite - then it is a winner in my books. As to the thought of whether it is too corporate - well I think that is all up to you and what you pair it up with. Wearing the gorgeous spotted sweater - it looks modern and classic to me. This suit can be anything you want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all-more-suit-deliberations-ie-decision-not-made#post-1038314 Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:25:24 +0000 Eliza 1038314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Suz. &nbsp;This stuff is never easy. &nbsp;Here are my thoughts, FWIW in all this complexity:</p> <p>-It doesn't seem like you are sold on this suit as much as thinking that finding an alternative to it is unlikely in the short term.</p> <p>-You don't have an immediate need for a suit, though the right one could be very useful to you going forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>-You are not trying to accommodate a traditional, classic or formal work environment in your selection. &nbsp;That accentuates your longing for a more fashion forward look, as I see it.&nbsp;</p> <p>-Since you are living without a suit now, it is unlikely that having 2 in the same color will be a win for you over the long haul. &nbsp;It makes sense to have 2 different colors if you have 2 suits.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have time to decide, I would take it and keep looking. I don't always have good luck with place holders that I am ambivalent about from the beginning. &nbsp;They can go from being "just in case", to feeling like a misstep that is rarely worn. &nbsp;I think that it&nbsp;is one thing if you have to throw on a suit every morning, awake or not, and another if you want a suit to serve a more unique purpose in your lifestyle.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck. &nbsp;I somehow am not sure that you are in settling mode. &nbsp;I am guessing you would be&nbsp;happier leaving no stone unturned before you cut that tags off this suit. &nbsp;That said, I don't envy your challenges here. &nbsp;I have compromised on how fashion-forward my footwear can be given my fussy feet and propensity for walking, but with a suit, I might stay the course for awhile longer. You are PPP in motion!</p> <p> </p>