https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:59:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760744 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 23:55:09 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1760744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it. And I like outfit escalation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760690 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 21:11:12 +0000 bj1111 1760690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>skip the belt and wear a sweater.</p> <p>or take off the belt loops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760671 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 19:45:23 +0000 celia 1760671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like your outfit and for me it reads as business casual and not interview at all, but then again it depends on the dress code(or how people interpret it) of your workplace.<br />I do 'suffer' from outfit escalation for the same reasons you do, I like structured items an blazers are the easiest things to wear.<br />Some of the suggestions here sound really good if you want to feel more casual.<br />You look fab as you are, though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760667 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 19:04:11 +0000 Gaylene 1760667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure I'd describe your outfit as "formal" as much as the elements skew towards what most people think of as classic, conservative business wear--belted trousers, buttoned shirt, blazer, and 1-2 inch heeled footwear. Maybe that's why you get the "are you going to an interview?" comment?</p> <p>You've already tweaked the classic elements here by wearing a printed shirt, a schoolboy-cut blazer, a contrasting belt, and suede boots, but maybe you're feeling that's not enough to be in step with your more casual colleagues? If that's the case, I'd push the tweaking a bit further--subbing in a sweater for the shirt, changing the jacket style or fabric to something less traditional, wearing a non-traditional shoe, or adding an unexpected accessory--in short, changing or adding something to one or more elements to a look you'd be unlikely to wear to an interview. The more you pull an element away from its origins, and the more elements you tweak, the less business-like your outfit appears. You can calibrate your look to fit your comfort level. </p> <p>That's more or less what I did in my classroom outfits. I wore my classic wool trousers with a Tippi sweater, a moto-style jacket, and Fluevog shoes. Or my classic blazers with a turtleneck, jeans, and a cluster of funky lapel pins. Or my buttoned silk shirts with a long, pierced-leather gilet, wool trousers, and Doc Marten boots. For committee/liaison/interview days, I'd reverse the process and wear the trousers with the silk shirt and blazer combination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760654 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 18:02:10 +0000 RobinF 1760654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I kind of have the opposite problem. In the winter I tend to reach for soft comfortable sweaters, both for warmth and because I don't like putting a winter coat on over a jacket. So I end up looking more casual than in the other 3 seasons. I agree that this doesn't look super-dressy but like the ideas you have been given. It sounds like hemming the pants would give you a lot more shoe options. And the hoody idea under a jacket sounds so fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760620 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:56:08 +0000 Maneera 1760620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe try a pullover over the trousers? And a knitted/blanket scarf over that for extra warmth? </p> <p>Since my lifestyle is casual, I often pair trousers with a cute sweater instead of a shirt. I chose one that covers the belt loops so I can skip wearing a belt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760619 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:55:50 +0000 Anonymous 1760619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the cutest outfit. I love the shirt and the gold buttons on the blazer.</p> <p>I think Alexandra is correct: it is really just the dark colours that are making it more formal. (Although it's really not that formal.)</p> <p>I too find it so much easier to wear more formal clothes in the summer. Not because I can dress things down with footwear, but because the bright colours sort of put things in the "fun and funky" territory.</p> <p>In winter, I'm not as into bright colours, so I end up wearing casual, dark stuff...it's all jeans and dark sweaters for me...but now that I think about it, maybe I could pull off blazers if they were in pinks and purples or something like that.</p> <p>Anyway, this was a thought-provoking thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760615 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:53:18 +0000 greycat6 1760615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with the above comments about you looking great, polished but not overly dressy. </p> <p>I have a very casual lifestyle and struggled to casualize my schoolboy blazer in a way I'm comfortable with and would allow me to wear it more. Rolling the sleeves and wearing it with a cashmere hoodie underneath have helped (check out the Veronica Beard blazers with build in dickiesfor ideas). I also changed out the brass buttons on my schoolboy blazer. The shininess of the brass buttons made the blazer feel dressier than I wanted. I found a horn button that didn't stand out against the dark colored blazer like the brass color does. When the buttons didn't stand out, the blazer felt more casual. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760613 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:52:12 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1760613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't forget that you can wear sleeveless tops with cardigans. Layer a tank top or Cami underneath and it should be warm enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760607 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:39:16 +0000 Diana 1760607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this problem too. For me it's not so much not wanting to appear dressy but not wanting to appear "business-y." I mostly just wear my blazers with denim and save the dressier bottoms to wear with pullovers, etc. </p> <p>But anyway to dress down the blazer/trousers combo I might try:<br /> --hoodie under blazer as suggested upthread. I know this isn't a look for everyone but I really like it. I sometimes wear a hoodie vest under jackets so the arms are more comfy.<br /> --roll blazer sleeves especially if it has a fun lining fabric.<br /> --semi tuck the top.<br /> --funky shoes/belt/jewelry. I'm thinking something hard edged/clearly not businessy like moto, studs, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760604 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:36:26 +0000 Aziraphale 1760604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Crazyone, this is a very interesting question that I've never seen before on the forum!</p> <p>So first of all, I don't think you look "too formal" at all in your pictures. (Great outfit, by the way). But I don't share your problem at all, so maybe it'll help if I explain why.</p> <p>1. I never tuck anything (mainly because it doesn't suit me; I have nothing against tucking in general, and it suits lots of other women). If the pants have big belt loops and need a belt, I semi-tuck the front and leave the rest out. This is automatically more casual. </p> <p>2. I often wear a blazer, but always with a tee shirt underneath -- almost never a collared shirt. The odd time I do wear a collared shirt under a blazer, it's a fitted, untucked shirt (no visible belt) with the collar layered over the blazer collar, à la Saturday Night Fever. Again, less formal looking.</p> <p>3. I have a moto jacket and a "jean jacket" that's actually made of black waxed cotton. Both get worn a lot indoors in the cooler months. They soft and flexible enough that I can wear it indoors without feeling uncomfortable.</p> <p>4. I wear lots of loose, drapey tops with open necklines. They look more casual than blouses or shirts.</p> <p>5. I sometimes wear a hooded shirt under a blazer, which is so incongruous that it looks cool (and definitely casual!).</p> <p>6. I normally wear jeans, not office pants. Sometimes a skirt or a pair of leggings with tunic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760596 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:18:20 +0000 crazyone 1760596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good suggestions here, thank you all very much! &nbsp;I agree that it is not formal (a schoolboy blazer is never formal, in my book), but can be perceived as such in the era of casualization. &nbsp;I'm also wearing suede booties, also kinda casual.</p> <p>I work among scientists (and am a scientist) but in a conservative industry--so that skews us less casual than software-heavy companies but still not too formal. &nbsp;For what it's worth, I've met several of the c-suite executives and at least when they visit here, they dress business casual, not business formal (and this is a Fortune 500 company in said conservative industry). &nbsp;</p> <p>I will try to dress this down with different blazers and tops, and it's finally cold enough for it to be pullover weather for me, so I will try that too.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760587 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 14:28:45 +0000 Bijou 1760587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I feel that my outfit is looking a bit too formal, I will often wear my hair in a ponytail and wear more casual shoes or boots. I have a pair of white boots, that really make an outfit like this look more casual. I also have some tricoloured lace ups (red, white and blue), which are great to dress down pants such as these. It is so funny, that the lace ups are the most complemented shoes I own. Whenever I wear them I get about 10 people tell me how much they love my shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760585 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 14:26:32 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1760585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look pulled-together but not exactly formal. I hear you about the blouses-under-sweaters issue, and I've pretty much given up wearing long sleeves under cardigans for this reason. I either wear a shell or I wear a silky long sleeve tee under cardigans. If you don't want to wear heels, go ahead and have them shortened! You're your own boss! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760578 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:37:45 +0000 Meredith 1760578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This outfit would be too formal for my environment as well, so I understand your dilemma. People would probably ask if I was speaking at a conference. Generally, I try to pair blazers with more casual pants, colored bottoms, or denim. If I wear dressy pants I skip the blazer and just wear a shirt or sweater. Could you layer a thermal if you need the warmth? Or do a colored/printed blazer instead of corporate black? I think the shoes are fine, particularly if you need the height. You might just need to be on the lookout for pieces that are tailored, but skew more casual (trust me, I know it's easier said than done).</p> <p>ETA: I think the pants will read as dressy no matter what you wear them with. They seem like the type of pants you would only wear for work and not mix into your casual life (unlike the blazer or a skirt that you might actually wear on the weekend). You can casualize them, but I they will always come across as dressy work pants. Nothing wrong with that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760577 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:28:30 +0000 Alexandra 1760577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outfit strikes me as dressy but not very formal on closer look. What lends it an air of formality is the dark neutral color and also the smooth fabric of the blazer. Have you tried brighter/lighter colors? Or how about a textured jacket, like boucle? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760571 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:52:56 +0000 Aquamarine 1760571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also do not think you look that formal. Maybe more casual shoes or booties will dress down the look. Otherwise, I'd try to own it and eventually people will get used to your style and stop commenting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760569 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:48:08 +0000 Liz 1760569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wear your shirts untucked, whether or not your pants have belt loops. <br />Wear sneakers (hem pants for flats, if needed)<br />wear casual long-sleeved knits instead of button-down shirts -- keep the shirt very casual, such as a waffle-knit henley or a graphic t.<br />wear a hoodie under the blazer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760543 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:00:33 +0000 Sisi 1760543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I meant <b>short-sleeved </b>tee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760542 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:55:52 +0000 Sisi 1760542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny shirt-sleeved tee under&nbsp;jacket? (this is what I do when&nbsp;I want to wear a jacket and do not want to look too formal).</p> <p>Dressy sweatshirt?</p> <p>Funky shoes is a good idea.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760537 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 07:46:36 +0000 Barbara Diane 1760537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good suggestions. One more idea, just because you wear a belt doesn't mean that your blouse has to be tucked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760534 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 06:06:31 +0000 WB 1760534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Based on your description I thought you were going to look like an Executive VP, but I think you look plenty casual. Two things: some people deliberately dress more formally than the rest of their office because they want to be promoted and dressing more like the next level up works for them; others have more style than the average person. I think both can work for you, especially since you say you like dressing the way you do and you look good dressed that way. I work in a very casual environment (where jeans and sneakers are absolutely appropriate) and can't wear heels due to my work, but still sometimes dress up even though no one else does because I feel good looking that way. I do like to dress pretty casual, but hate that barely no one dresses up at work or at the social events I go to so that when I am just moderately dressy, I'm still put in way more effort than everyone else. </p> <p>If it still bothers you that you look too dressed up. You could get the pants hemmed so you can wear flat shoes; try an infinity scarf in a fun color or texture (furry, tassles, sparkles, colorful print); wear the blazer and blouse with your jeans and boots;or&nbsp; roll up or push up the sleeves on your blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760532 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 05:53:13 +0000 Traci 1760532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think sneakers could look great with this outfit. Adidas superstars are what I envisioned with this first, but I'd also like Asics Tigers or classic new balance.</p> <p>I think blazer trouser combos are inherently more formal. If you're not keen on contrasting levels of dressiness it may just be something you learn to embrace. There are some people who will always see a blazer and think "job interview." That's their baggage, not yours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760525 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 05:23:56 +0000 lpr200 1760525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great, and it's not a bad thing to look dressed up at work, even if people keep asking-- that's great! They're noticing! I like to wear J Crew Tippi sweaters for the type of pants you're wearing. You can do a mini tuck or let them cover the belt loops. I love them for scarves. Maybe heeled sneakers like Ash to dress it down? Or booties that are close to the ankle? I love the suggestion of a Lester jacket or bomber-- or even a gilet with a long sleeve t, like a striped marinier?<br /> But you look fantastic as is! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760501 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 04:14:36 +0000 cindysmith 1760501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree, it's dressy but not formal. You could do a knit top instead of button up, maybe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760500 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 04:12:00 +0000 Anonymous 1760500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outfit does not look all that formal to me. The blazer and pants are not a matching suit, but separates. Could you wear boots with chunkier heels and some hardware details like buckles or prominent zippers. Try your bomber jacket instead of a blazer. YLF </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760495 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:47:40 +0000 crazyone 1760495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy: Cardigans always cause my long-sleeved shirts to bunch up, so I prefer blazers to cardigans for the comfort and fit. &nbsp;I've pretty much stopped wearing cardigans in the winter for this reason.</p> <p>Tanya: &nbsp;Thanks for the suggestions. &nbsp;I've mostly stopped wearing tees except as underlayers these days through Angie's influence, especially in the wintertime, but maybe I should start wearing some again. &nbsp;And I don't actually own any moto vests, though I do have a silky moto (not sure it looks that much more casual than a blazer). &nbsp;But it's a little too cold for that these days, or one of the lighter bomber jacket. &nbsp;</p> <p>I guess I'm looking for something with the equivalent warmth of a blazer or pullover, or maybe just a way of casualizing a blazer+flared pants combo. &nbsp;Funky shoes? &nbsp;Quirky printed shirt? &nbsp;Colored or patterned blazer? Scarves? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760492 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:37:01 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1760492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also going to suggest cardigan- something looser and drapier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760489 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:13:21 +0000 Tanya 1760489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple of ideas:</p> <p>1. Wear a striped/graphic tee instead of a blouse<br />2. A non leather (knitted or woven) moto instead of a blazer<br />3. Or a cardigan<br />4. Or a moto/leather vest</p> <p>My favorite outfits in the past with my dressier flared trousers were to wear them a striped tee and a black leather moto vest.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/preventing-outfit-escalation#post-1760486 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:07:11 +0000 crazyone 1760486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that I constantly struggle with is what I term "outfit escalation"--when the choice to wear one dressy piece forces you to wear other dressy pieces, because they're the only things that go well with the first piece. And then the overall effect becomes much dressier than intended. This seems to happen to me all the time, and I'm finding myself be the most dressed person in my building on these days, in a sort of formal job interview/presentation sort of way for my particular work environment (fairly casual, though not software company casual).</p> <p>For example, I've been struggling to style these Banana Republic trousers in a more casual. They have prominent belt loops, so then I need to wear a belt, and tuck in a shirt. And then they're long on me, so I have to wear heels. I'm not feeling pullovers these days, so I reach for a blazer and then I end up looking super formal for my environment. And then I get constantly asked whether I have interviews or important meetings.</p> <p>Long-sleeved shirts and blouses always end up doing this to me because women's sweaters don't tend to play well with them, so on goes the blazer. Blazers are also nice because they can be taken off and put on easily, in contrast to pullovers. </p> <p>Unlike a lot of people here, this is why I prefer summer/warm-weather dressing--I think it's a lot easier to be casual, or dress-down something dressier. Pair sneakers with a dress, or wear a linen cardigan with a short sleeved blouse and pants. Or a denim jacket...I guess there is the moto jacket option for winter but I prefer blazers for mobility.</p> <p>Suggestions on how to dress down flared pants in the winter time? I do wear skinny pants with boots, but sometimes I feel like they are *too* casual for my work environment though I get away with them. And do you experience "outfit escalation" generally? I like tailored/sharp pieces, and feel comfortable wearing them, I just wish they weren't perceived as so formal. </p>