YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outfit fail

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outfit fail https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:22:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Vicki on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674965 Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:05:55 +0000 Vicki 1674965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First impression, I like it, as a clean, polished summery outfit.  Yet, if it doesn't give you that "feel good" emotion, then the suggestions made here are helpful. I know what you mean about "a look" that just doesn't feel like "you" and you want to take off the the outfit, immediately, and figure it out.  I don't wear bermudas or shorts, of any kind, except on a particularly hot day, I have one pair, some longer just-above-the knees denim shorts, which I like for their casual vibe. Honestly, Suz, I applaud you for always pushing the envelope in all directions. Sal on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674411 Tue, 07 Jun 2016 00:02:56 +0000 Sal 1674411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, this has been a long thread!!  I wonder what the comments would have been if the title was WIW = not Outfit Fail..... Suz - you look wonderful and fit and healthy and chic:)   MsMary on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674400 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:53:29 +0000 MsMary 1674400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Holy cow! I go away for two weeks and you cut off all your hair and... go gray? Wow!! I don't see one single thing wrong with this outfit. I would wear it! Thirkellgirl on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674244 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 16:19:26 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1674244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think there's anything wrong with the outfit, although I agree metallic sandals might look a little spunkier. Having gone through similar crises of confidence since my hair has been getting greyer, I think your problem isn't so much the outfit as your hair, and getting used to it. I still have a moment of "who IS that?" when I first look in the mirror in the morning, but I'm mostly used to it now and I don't see that disconnect between my hair and clothes the way I did last year. I think this is about the time when women who are transitioning to grey hit the hair dye, and I encourage you to wait it out. As the ads say, it gets better. ;) texstyle on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674197 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 14:12:51 +0000 texstyle 1674197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post! Thanks for posting Suz and garnering such a great variety of input that indeed teaches us all. FWIW I also sometimes wear an outfit that makes me feel like you indicated this one made you feel. I probably would retire the shorts and go for white denim shorts as a replacement -- if you wanted white shorts. Or maybe wear these another way - with a long asymmetric tunic over them maybe? I just got a pair of white denim jeans but they feel too heavy for our summer so I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. But the other thing about them is that they somehow feel too preppy or old school. Maybe I need distressed white denim, or a tighter fit (or both) - I tried white kick crop flares but couldn't get them off my body fast enough. I also have the navy bag (I think it's the same one or very similar) and though I love it's size, usefulness, etc., I do sometimes feel I have to "work" it better into my outfits because it is SO classic and I like a little bit of RATE. lyn67 on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674156 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:54:06 +0000 lyn67 1674156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Didn't read any comment, but think if any fail at all(???)it may be only the shoes. Dunno, perhaps straps are too wide for that bright white...a bit looking like old lady's comfort shoes for this outfit....otherwise it is a great modern classic, what's wrong with it???:-( krishnidoux on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674146 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:15:17 +0000 krishnidoux 1674146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sears Catalog! LMAO!!! That analogy is too funny, it would put a damper on any outfit and make anyone confidently stepping out of the house suddenly feel like crawling back in as quickly as possible.  I think what you are expressing is that now you feel your new hair is demanding more drama in your outfits. Without at least a hint of it, you associate it to images we Canadians have all been traumatized with since childhood: cheap, coarse, non-sexual ready-made outfits for different times of life, outfits that scream "I have given up"... Of course, and I want to insist, the present outfit shown here is NOTHING like that. You look fresh, put together, very jolie. Your footwear brings it all together IMO. But I do understand what you mean and that's why I suggest you inject more dramatic pieces/accessories. After studying the present pic, I have determined it is the combination sandals-Bermuda shorts  that may be the real offender for you. Why not trying to wear the same thing, but swapping the Bermudas for a long straight cotton skirt ? BTW we have similar proportions, and this year I tried my white Bermuda shorts and 2 min later back in the storage bin they went. I just felt they were not me this year, and it may have also to do with the present boho trend dominating now. My preppyish golfy Bermudas were just clashing with the silhouette I favor these days.  Style Fan on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1674136 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 10:23:22 +0000 Style Fan 1674136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't read all the responses Suz but the outfit looks fine just not you.  White jeans or kick flares might work.  I am not the biggest fan of Bermuda shorts so there is that. I am clueless about Chicos.  I will have to check it out so I am up to speed.  I just walk by the store and have never gone in. Suz on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1673941 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 22:52:27 +0000 Suz 1673941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou is right, Vivian. (And thanks for weighing in, Rachy). It's absolutely a personality thing. Nothing *wrong* with the outfit, per se. Just not right for *me.* And I needed to figure out why. I have a much clearer sense of that now.  rachylou on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1673932 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 22:40:22 +0000 rachylou 1673932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Naw, I say, Viv! It's a personality thing, IMO. Not to get all serious, but this is one of the things that led me to YLF. I was trying to get rid of dissonance in my dress v. my true nature. People feel it. You feel them feeling it... Vivian on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/4#post-1673893 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 20:57:48 +0000 Vivian 1673893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Should I feel bad that I see nothing wrong with your look Suz, in fact I think I could duplicate it tomorrow and feel good. Elizabeth P on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673865 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 20:09:40 +0000 Elizabeth P 1673865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, this has been an absolutely fascinating thread.  I can't add anything, but I can say that I've learned a lot from it.  Thank you Suz! Gaylene on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673856 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:54:34 +0000 Gaylene 1673856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie's comment "You've outgrown the fabness..." made me sit up and start thinking. Is this our fate? Do we find our style groove, feel happy we've finally found what "works", only to make an update which feels right but causes our yesterday "fabness" to evaporate, along with all our carefully internalized "I am THIS, not that" guidelines. Fashion is such a cruel mistress. *weeping at the unfairness of it all* CocoLion on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673843 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:07:07 +0000 CocoLion 1673843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't read all of the comments but there's something about the interplay between the shorts and sandals that has me stuck.  Try different shoes or shorts as a start.  You look beautiful, but if you want to go edgier those are my thoughts. Suz on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673839 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:00:04 +0000 Suz 1673839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb, don't do it!! The shorts are salvageable, I'm sure. Just the wrong outfit for them.  :) deb on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673836 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 18:55:08 +0000 deb 1673836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alright, I am late to this all-nighter party but when I first saw your pic it was the shoes that threw the outfit off. They sort of screamed WHITE SANDLES to my eye. I thought your shorts were fine but after reading all the comments I am walking, not running, away from this pc and putting all my shorts in the donate bag. catgirl on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673815 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 17:30:55 +0000 catgirl 1673815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Drat! I was hoping you'd say you don't like them anymore and are sending them to me. Suz on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673812 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 17:27:12 +0000 Suz 1673812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, yeah, I will try the top with those. I love them.  Anna, thanks! I really like #3 and can duplicate with a different pair of white shorts, an old Zara top, or switch up a bit with olive or grey shorts that are similar.  Ledonna, that is perfect, thanks! It's all in that attitude!!  catgirl on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673788 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 16:50:52 +0000 catgirl 1673788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey what about your sarong skirt? It's the short equivalent of harem pants... I know it's not white, but something like that in a lighter color? annagybe on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673762 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:34:42 +0000 annagybe 1673762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok I've been digging around for outfit ideas. Most white shorts out there seem to be very short and cut of denim. I think you need wider stiffer shorts. The shorts are mid-thigh, tailored. White jean jacket tones it down. Dark sandals add contrast. <a href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Cotton-Dobby-Shorts/WU00328,default,pd.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....lt,pd.html</a> Ok these shorts are shorter, but notice they are tailored and wide. Asymmetric top and moto boots. I realize the boots are probably too hot for your summer climate. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042271/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042271/</a> I really like this. White boxy polo shorts, again wide tailored shorts and white platform sneakers. I think this would totally work with your hair and climate. I think your white sandals would also work here. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042286/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042286/</a> These are denim cut-off, but longer and again stiff. The button down is softer, plus dark edgy sandals. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042362/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042362/</a> Very short shorts, But I really like the sport logo tshirt with a blazer <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042199/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042199/</a> Dark striped structured top and wide shift culottes, dark loafers <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042425/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144223042425/</a> Ledonna N. on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673753 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:26:08 +0000 Ledonna N. 1673753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz you better throw in those sunglasses and work that walk. Play superwerlk by Rupal in your head and get to getting. <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0vsgmWXG-Zc" rel="nofollow">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0vsgmWXG-Zc</a> Angie on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673736 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:11:38 +0000 Angie 1673736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ HAH, Janet. Your response makes me smile because items seem frumpy right up until they are fashionable - and very fashionable in fact. It's a common theme!  Vix, I'm high fiving your response.  Suz on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673735 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:11:21 +0000 Suz 1673735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, thanks -- I am totally imagining the hair that way and feeling that way, to tell you the truth. I have no problem with the hair except wanting to tweak the cut as I go and wishing it would grow super fast so I can cut out the remaining blonde. It does feel hipster/ transgressive to me and so perhaps I need to avoid outfits that are in my mind "mumsy."  Janet, I'm with you. I actually have some great white linen pants but no way I am pairing them with this top and those sandals! This top is going to have a new life with non white shoes and non white bottoms.    The ONLY type of bottom I might pair it and the sandals with is white kick crops or super slim denim crops. I don't own the kick crops but do have the slim denim. So we'll see.  Lisa, these particular shorts won't fray due the fabric (they're not denim). But I do style my denim white shorts as you've suggested. Did so often last year.  :)  Maybe these shorts are ready for retirement.  Angie, thanks. I agree the sandals like longer trousers. I'll wear them that way and a different top. I do have white linen trousers that I still love from J. Crew.  Vix on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673727 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:01:51 +0000 Vix 1673727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Suz -- I read allll the comments before logging in to see the outfit, which is always kind of fun. I don't think it's a fail either, I think it's just a bit too sedate for you. For me the main culprit is the combo of white shorts (of any length, l won't scapegoat the poor Bermudas) + white sandals. Especially thick-strapped, block-heeled white sandals, which -- on trend or not -- scream "sensible."  [And I say that as a fan and owner of many block- and Cuban-heeled shoes!] I'd wear any of the suggested combos and see how you feel.... The grey can cause some weird shifts, that's for sure. Even though I think I look younger with my natural hair color(s) there's more a sense of moving onto the "other" side, age-wise.  With the so-called granny hair trend, it might be an interesting exercise to imagine that you have hipster hair vs ok-kind-of-transgressive-aging-woman hair and see if it changes anything internally (and/or externally!). Janet on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673722 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:00:23 +0000 Janet 1673722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, see, here is where it becomes so subjective and goes to our personal biases. I look at those cropped white pants in Angie's response (the second one in particular), and those are totally what my mom used to wear in the summer when she was pushing 80 years old. The bermudas look younger *to my eye* than those pants. Horses for courses, I suppose. Anonymous on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673713 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 14:45:44 +0000 Anonymous 1673713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's another thought - based on Angie's comment about using trendier pieces: you like your Bermudas, they work for you. How about fraying the hem, and making THEM a little more current-looking (and yes, they were forum faves last summer...and perfect example of how quickly things change in fashion eyes)   and wearing them with a grey semi-tucked tank or t and cognac and silver accessories?  I need to stop with this now -   Angie on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673707 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 14:38:17 +0000 Angie 1673707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, those white sandals are begging for longer pants, jeans or skirts. The Bermuda shorts are a beachy "t-shirt, thong sandal, and sunhat" type of vibe - if you know what I mean.  The finds below are examples of VERY breezy and more fashionable white bottoms, that would change the vibe of the outfit. (Not saying you should get them. Merely showing visuals because it's helpful).  Suz on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673668 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 14:03:54 +0000 Suz 1673668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thanks. I am going to try the outfit with a different pant. Trouble is, this top is really meant for summer heat and so the reality is, I will wear it (and need to wear it )with shorts.  Longer pants are just too hot in my climate in summer.  That might make it a work from home look that doesn't go out on the street. Which is okay.  Re the trendy top with the skirt...I'll try, but I have some doubts. I've been experimenting with it a bit and I just don't think I'm going to love it, alas. But that's how things go -- a wild card sometimes works out brilliantly and sometimes fizzles. Not a problem.  Diane, thanks!  Anonymous on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673663 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 13:59:48 +0000 Anonymous 1673663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a fail in my eyes either Suz. I do love Angie's ideas though. So fab. Angie on "Outfit fail" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-fail/page/3#post-1673654 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 13:52:00 +0000 Angie 1673654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is not a fail at all. It's a good outfit by anyone's standards. My suggestion, Suz. FWIW!: you've outgrown the fabness of those Bermuda shorts. They don't complement the shoes, top or statement hair. My guess is that if you'd have worn trendy bottoms here - you'd have felt a lot sharper. (Same goes for the JC skirt with the tux shirt. If you'd worn a trendy  cropped ink jumper with the new skirt, you'd have felt sharper).   LOVE the white shoes.