https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:21:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287725 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:28:23 +0000 Anonymous 2287725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the first outfit and your longer plaid skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287663 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:05:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sarah. I’m clueless (or know just enough for it to be dangerous) That’s why I referenced forum members. Might have to look up the folks you mentioned though. Thanks for the names &amp; the correction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287660 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:59:36 +0000 SarahD8 2287660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, I meant Dame Vivienne Westwood, O.B.E., the British fashion designer — not the purveyor of capsule wardrobes. The proprietress of The Vivienne Files has great style I’m sure, but it’s pretty far from steampunk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287640 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 20:06:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Star, thank you! I think of blue as the “default” color. Maybe I should recognize that there is a reason it is such an old standby for me! </p> <p>Carol, my original intent with the ties (there is another in blue) was to make them into a vest. Then I realized that I’m not very into vests, because they seem so color-blocky. Good point about the silhouette of that other outfit, and about the general principal. A shawl collar is a great idea. </p> <p>Angie, I’ll have to try the boots next time. </p> <p>Sarah, I have no idea what the person behind TVF looks like. Whenever I try to navigate that site, I feel like I’ve dropped in on the middle conversation, so I make a couple attempts to join in, then quietly leave. I’ll have to go look for pix of her. . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287620 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 17:52:21 +0000 SarahD8 2287620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing others that outfit #1 and photos 13-14 with the plaid midi + leather jacket are real standouts here! </p> <p>I really like looks where you juxtapose a classic/vintage piece with something that has a more punk or stompy vibe. So yes, I endorse the idea of steampunk for you. Not sure how that fits with your desired “elegant” direction but to be honest I am finding that term so broad that it’s tough to get a handle on….you could go a number of different directions with elegant.</p> <p>I wonder if you might find Vivienne Westwood (the looks she actually wears) an interesting source of inspiration? Many of her looks are probably a little over the top for archive work but you might get some kernels of ideas about steampunk inspiration.</p> <p>Re: the tie outfit, I agree with others that adding an “undone” element would help the look. (In your inspiration photo, the fact that her hair is worn loose is key I think.) Personally, I think tie + short sleeve button up is a tough look to pull off. It gives me Apollo 13 control room vibes iykwim. If not a 3-piece suit or blazer look, how about adding a softer but still masculine influenced topper, like a shawl collar grandpa cardi? An interesting source of inspiration here might be the character Taylor on the show Billions, played by Asia Kate Dillon. When we were watching that show I often found myself coveting Taylor’s wardrobe— I’d wear the clothes, but would femme them up with jewelry and grooming. Interesting stuff!</p> <p>I like the idea of boots with the pencil skirt/plaid bomber outfit! I don’t think that would be too much at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287409 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 14:31:41 +0000 Angie 2287409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Stag</b>, of these outfits, #10 has an elegant vibe!&nbsp;</p> <p>As you mentioned, people can be elegant no matter what they wear. It's the way they move, speak, groom and carry themselves that screams elegant!&nbsp;</p> <p>I was suggesting your tall boots with #9 actually, which is shorter than a midi. Yes to <i>not</i> wearing them with midis if they damage garments :(</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287406 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 14:21:11 +0000 CarolS 2287406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you considered using you dad's ties as belts or to tie your hair?&nbsp; Might be another interesting way to play with them if the whole necktie thing doesn't work.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think your tie experiment isn't a total disaster, but&nbsp; would be better with tweaks. Tying the knot tighter but letting it sit low, perhaps. Making sure the back tail is shorter than the front. I agree that a topper of some sort would help -- the v-neck sweater idea would hide any length/tail issues. An oversized blazer might be fun -- not "stuffy" at all -- but I know you're not necessarily looking to add pieces, so you can, of course, ignore the suggestion. </p> <p>I do prefer the proportion on you when there is something with some volume as well as something more fitted. You talked about feeling a bit bland in the previous post with the tweedy sweater, and I wonder if that might have been because the general silhouette of the outfit was still very similar to the one you're trying to break away from for your winter wardrobe -- even though the pieces were dressier? Or am I off base? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287362 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 08:09:00 +0000 Star (Lise) 2287362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>13 is my favorite - Elegant Punk came to mind, before reading Nikki's comment.&nbsp; 1 is also fab.&nbsp; I must add how fresh you look in light blue/aqua (3).&nbsp; I have commented about this previously and it really strikes me each time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287360 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 07:35:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, you anticipated the question I was about to ask—if there is elegance in these pictures. I think that when I have been called elegant, it was used as a general descriptor, not in reference to a specific outfit. </p> <p>So Angie, would you say any of these are elegant? Reading the article and comments, I see elements that occur frequently in my outfits, but I think what people might be referring to is the way I move or something. I’ve also gotten “willowy” and “statuesque” which I think are adjacent qualities. The tall lace-up boots don’t play nicely with midi skirts—they rip out the hems and sometimes tear the fabric. </p> <p>Suz, what a great bunch of descriptors, simple and happy and then the mix of feminine/androgynous/boyish!</p> <p>Thanks Nikki! I like the elegant-punk clash. </p> <p>Irina, i had been thinking I was missing juxtaposition in these outfits, and then you pointed it out. (If tension is related to juxtaposition). </p> <p>[moderated]</p> <p>Nomad, thanks for the article! Ties are clearly something I need to work on incorporating. They are brand new for me—I can tie them on someone else, but it was tricky to do on myself. The irreverence of not having it tight around the neck, as traditionally done, appeals to me. There is tension inherent in adding a dressy flourish for the purpose of leaving it undone. About the pants—pinky lilac plaid is not what comes to most people minds when you say “versatile” but I find them easier to wear than boring neutral. </p> <p>Dee, thanks for the idea of a v-neck sweater with a tie! Blazers really aren’t me—too stiff and formal—and vests feel too extra. But a v-neck is something to think about. </p> <p>Kate, I’m blushing. Thanks for calling out elements of each outfit. </p> <p>Rachylou, I’ll take “spiffy”! I believe the tie is from the 70s, will have a look through the handful i brought from my dad to see if any are narrower. They all have such great colors and patterns. </p> <p>Thanks for all the great constructive comments helping me figure this out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287357 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 05:21:55 +0000 Anonymous 2287357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Picture #1 is my favorite of these outfits. But I don’t think any look elegant. You have a sort of burlesque style or it sounds like that ‘s what you want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287342 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 03:39:07 +0000 Suz 2287342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the pants and sweater in #1 on you -- fab combo, simple and yet happy, feminine yet boyish, too. The colour is so pretty and so strong on you.&nbsp; I also love #10 -- fantastic skirt with movement, beautiful contrast between the feminine cardi and the more androgynous footwear. I like it with the leather jacket, too, in 13. Fun! It's like Natalie Wood put on James Dean's jacket. Perfect retro feminine tough.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you can totally go for the tie. With your long hair, you can play with the 3 piece suit idea and still come off as feminine. You need a blazer to make the look work. And you might decide a "suit" is too "done" for you and pair the blazer with jeans. Or go with just a vest, tie, and pants (that can work well, too).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287319 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 02:17:46 +0000 Anonymous 2287319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I adore your plaid pieces! Can be styled elegantly or punk. I really like the pink cardigan buttoned as a top. Very pretty and unique </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287292 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 00:27:25 +0000 Angie 2287292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW - and of course it's very subjective! -&nbsp;here's my two cents on how to create an elegant outfit:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/08/07/creating-elegance-in-an-outfit/">https://youlookfab.com/2018/08.....an-outfit/</a></p> <p>I like the direction of #5! Take the shirt and tie combo, and wear it over your new dark jeans. Pop a fitted jacket over the top. White boots to finish things off, maybe.</p> <p>Fun to see the vintage skirt too! Like others, #10 is my fave. The items fit well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like #9 next, and see it with your tall black boots.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287276 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 23:06:32 +0000 Irina 2287276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m another fan of #1 but my favorite is #10&amp;11 - nice vintage vibe to it plus a great tension in the outfit: a “borrowed from the boys “ leather jacket with feminine midi skirt.&nbsp; </p> <p>Sorry, my mistake I meant #13 &amp;14, although I like #10, too!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287263 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:41:21 +0000 Nomad 2287263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those lilac plaid pants! You wear them well, and I'm a sucker for plaid. </p> <p>I really like where you're going with the tie outfit, but agree that a skinnier tie (or even a skinny scarf styled like a tie) might have more of the vibe it sounds like you might be aiming for. If it were me, I'd go with some louche styling... tie a little loosened, shirt fully or partially untucked, sleeves cuffed, maybe with a hat at a rakish angle. A little dash of sprezzatura. </p> <p>After some quick googling, I love the ideas in this post: <a href="https://www.alterationsneeded.com/2015/11/how-to-wear-a-tie.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.alterationsneeded......a-tie.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287261 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:55:38 +0000 Dee 2287261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the look of outfit #1. The depth of the colour of the plum cable sweater balances out the sweetness of the lilac plaid pants. The cognac colour of your bag and shoes also works really well.<br />I think the tie combo might work better with a v-neck sweater (maybe in grey) with a white collared blouse underneath. Then the tie length wouldn’t be an issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287250 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 20:43:08 +0000 Kate 2287250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1 is stunning. Berry colors suit you to a tee. and those lilac plaid pants are wonderful on you. No wonder they’ve been such a workhorse. The toffee shoes &amp; bag are the perfect accompaniment.</p> <p>The combo of the vibrant blue and yellow color of the plaid jacket in #7 and #9, which I’ve always liked, with the blue pencil skirt over tights is cheeky casual, and the plaid skirt is fab! I like it with the pale pink cardi and white too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287246 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 20:05:52 +0000 rachylou 2287246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all quite spiffy. The plaids in your berry colours are becoming. The right amount of soft and formality. I actually rather like the tie outfit - perhaps a skinnier, longer tie tho. This one is a bit 70s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287244 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:58:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sal. I didn’t grow up on a farm myself, but in an area where a lot of kids did. I joked about my style being from there on my last post. It’s not surprising, I guess, that you see university in my not-summer style, because for most of my life, that’s where I was that time of year. I think focusing on movement may be key to developing the next style step I’m looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287222 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:56:15 +0000 Sal 2287222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am off a farm too so I can understand the references. There is a strong feminine element too- skirts with movement, pink, hair clip. I think most of these fall in the pretty tough spectrum with some leaning to one side and some to the other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287221 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:48:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, thanks for the honest appraisal. With varsity, at least I’ve moved off the farm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287219 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:20:21 +0000 Sal 2287219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Picture 1 is in fact my pick as well although I really like 4 as well. </p> <p>I think with the tie you need a blazer. </p> <p>I see a retro University vibe- lace ups, plaid pleats, bomber jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287195 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:10:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katerina, the random stranger I asked to take my pic &amp; I had so much fun together. She took a bunch for me &amp; I did some for her as well. The sweater is a favorite; I should be shopping for a replacement, as it’s shape is slowly slipping (just like most peoples as we age lol) </p> <p>Cardiff, “fluid tailored” sounds exactly right! Thats the phrase I was looking for when I replied to the blog post about drape by saying that I don’t know how to do long and flowing other than with a belt (&amp; a belt cuts off the flow, so doesn’t work). I was just now at the mall, looking, unsuccessfully, for a different topper for the long plaid skirt. I want something white that’s fluidly tailored and has great texture. I’m not sure what that would be. Softer &amp; more interesting than fleece, but warmer &amp; not as “out there” as feathers. Shape should be like this hoodie, which I absolutely love, but wear only as a housecoat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287189 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:21:07 +0000 Cardiff girl 2287189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really enjoying seeing you in softer colours .l think that you could lean even more into the feminine side of your style without giving up the structure that you enjoy.Prehaps fluidly tailored would be worth some consideration?<br />As for your specific question about the tie outfit l think l would try a more fluid shirt and a much narrower tie.The juxtaposition between masculine and feminine is what would make this an interesting outfit but l feel it lacks the feminine side as it stands.Maybe heels and Jewellry as well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287184 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:59:58 +0000 Katerina 2287184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the outfit in picture 1. The sweater looks great on you - beautiful color on you. The tan bag - shoes combination works perfectly with the berry sweater and pink (?) plaid. It is a lovely picture of you as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plaiding-along-elegantly#post-2287182 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:51:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2287182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m still wearing those pants and still working on a more refined winter look. “Elegant” is a word that’s been applied to me in the past; I’d like to lean into it more. Angie’s blog post today clarified for me why I am so particular about the plaids I wear: big, loud plaids make me feel big (in a bad way), loud, and clunky/chunky, like the big chunky boxes. </p> <p>My love affair with the lilac plaid pants this fall is reminding me that I was delighted to wear my pale pink jeans a couple winters ago. They are slightly warmer, but not really winter pants. Next time I’m buying pants for the winter, I’ll have to look for something pale and patterned. Outfits 2 &amp; 3 are fully winterized, with (orchid) tights and a golden-brown silk undershirt. </p> <p>The experiment with the tie is a disaster, imo. Any suggestions on how to do it better? I don’t think a 3- piece suit is for me, but I like the way the androgyny of the outfit in finds highlights the wearer’s femininity, a type that’s strong &amp; fun. </p> <p>Plan A for the pencil skirt and oversized jacket was the lace-up black boots, but I was afraid that would be too much/a caricature. What do you think? </p> <p>The long plaid skirt is one I loved to wear in high school &amp; college with a shrunken black cashmere sweater (from when my mother was in high school), a simple string of pearls, and patent leather ballet shoes with a tiny, narrow wedge. These shoes might be too staid.</p> <p>The last outfit is a plaid mini skirt. I think lyn67 has the same one, would love to see what she wears with it. </p> <p>The following text is what I wrote in June, looking ahead to the winter.</p> <p><i>Still thinking through the differences in my summer and winter styles, I’m looking ahead to next winter. I appreciate the time people took to comment on this post <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter</a> </p> <p>My summer style is easy—bright colors, worn with attitude. Generally a juxtaposition somewhere. Lots of pattern, but not rigid, geometric patterns. Some swishy pieces, but outfits that show figure/skin. This is easy for me to wear and easy to pull together from my wardrobe. It feels authentic to me. I think components/descriptors of my style are: natural, sexy, playful, cheeky, rich, colorful. </p> <p>I’ve been thinking through my winter style, trying to figure out how to carry out those same themes. It is harder, because the fabric needed to stay warm makes it hard for clothing to have much movement, unless it’s so much fabric it impedes *my* movement, which is not acceptable to me. Exposed skin is out, obviously. Mini skirts can show some shape (structure, in Angie’s use of the term) but what else is there? </p> <p>I think next winter i want to amp up the flirty and steampunk sides of my style, moving in the direction of burlesque/pinup. By “moving in that direction” I don’t mean I want to become a glamonatrix; being all-natural and ready for action are important to me. So no full face of make-up or lacy camis peaking out or boudoir looks on the street, even though I do like the looks on The Lingerie Addict. The part of those styles that I want to try next winter is that cheeky, sexy playfulness. Aida, commenting on a collection of boots I liked, described the looks as “rich color, texture, maximal details, and actually a fairly refined overall look with a little dark glamor”. That’s where I want to head with this. </p> <p>I don’t follow fashion pages, so the only references I have are from the forum. I admire the way MaryBeth and jessikams lean into a look, edging on costume, but never falling over that edge, Synne’s photo shoots are TDF—the kind of fun I want to have. Also inspiring this turn are Lana’s sophisticated allure, Brooklyn’s use of rich pattern and texture in several of her style turns, the playfulness of la ped and zaeobi’s outfits, while staying in a space no one could claim is impractical, and Ginger’s unrepentantly (&amp; therefore very cool) retro looks. Jenn’s emerging rocker persona might also hold something for me. Debbi and Eva’s architectural styles perfectly manage the tension between drama and practical everyday life, which I also aspire to. </p> <p>I took a stroll through my finds, which include pieces I own and others I just like. I did the same when I decided to build the berry wardrobe. Just like the berry colors, I found that this style turn has been bubbling under the surface for a while—the collection has things from my finds that fit. What do you think? How can I amp up that vibe? I’m not looking for lists of things to buy/what to throw away. I will probably buy a few new pieces, but am mostly looking for “how to” ideas, what pieces to wear with what, and sites to look at for further inspo. Ideas for styling my long layered locks without heat or hairspray (gel, coloring, or other product) would also be helpful. I’m getting it cut June 17, still planning to see if it can grow to my waist. Thanks for reading, humoring me, and any suggestions.</i></p> <p>Clothes in these pix are older than in my last post.<br /> Winter Silks raspberry sweater ca 2005<br /> Boo-boo lilac plaid pants nwt 2019<br /> Esprit Striped shirt late 1990s<br /> St John’s sweatshirt 201x<br /> Lands End pink no-iron linen top 2008???<br /> Intimissimi tank 2020<br /> Dad’s tie, probably from the 70s.<br /> Plaid jacket 1980s<br /> Halogen blue pencil skirt early 201x<br /> Joe Fresh black LS T 201x<br /> Joseph Seibels shoes 2021<br /> Loft cardi 201x<br /> Pleated plaid skirt early 1979/80<br /> LS Intimissimi top 2020<br /> Purple velour top, market, 2022<br /> Soft Surroundings cardi/jacket 201x<br /> Plaid skirt late 1990s </p>