https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 01:26:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153776 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 09:30:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2153776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LBD, you are a doll for doing that for me! And yes, PATTERNED TIGHTS. They used to be a mainstay. Now I don’t have any in my closet—must fix that this weekend. Further workshops with this dress are on hold until I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153749 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 03:30:13 +0000 rachylou 2153749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely brill, LBD. Yes: What Would Deborah Harry Do?! </p> <p>I made posts about that once... !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153734 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 01:45:14 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2153734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I looked at a bunch of photos online, and here's what I gleaned:</p> <p>Toppers :&nbsp; &nbsp;Structure on top of the slouch:&nbsp; &nbsp;tailored men's blazer (AC/DC and Vivienne Westwood) or cropped-length denim jacket or trucker-style jacket.&nbsp; &nbsp;(Blondie.&nbsp; &nbsp;And are we calling these cargo jackets now?)&nbsp; &nbsp; Or oversize 80s denim jacket and push up the sleeves.&nbsp; &nbsp;(Also Blondie)</p> <p>Seems like you gotta push up the sleeves, whatever your topper.</p> <p>Legs:&nbsp; &nbsp;If you have tights that have a lace pattern or print, those would look amazing, I think.</p> <p>I noticed that Debbie Harry always wears these schlumpy, battered-looking pieces - but there is always one impeccable element to her look - and it usually seems to be her makeup.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sometimes her hair as well, but often her hair is teased out and crazy.&nbsp; &nbsp;For makeup, she seems to go for a precisely-exectued rocker eyeliner, or a retro winged eyeliner, and/or a red or deep pink lip.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, on all counts, it seems oversize safety pins are an accessory.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153675 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 18:51:31 +0000 Jess 2153675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153659 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:13:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2153659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LBD, I think that’s what I’m going for—but how to get there? I feel like I can see it from here, but the bridge is out. Thanks for ideas on where to look for inspo (although I doubt I’ll copy directly from, say, AC/DC)</p> <p>I did pick up the boots today, so can do another session tomorrow or Monday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2153657 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:11:13 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2153657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can’t quite put this into words, but I want there to be a little more Blondie early 80s punk-rock in this, because you’re SO CLOSE already. I’m thinking Vivienne Westwood, parochial school AC/DC, the film “CBGB” (uh-maaaaazing biopic, with Alan Rickman).... maybe a little less snark, but with heaps more irreverence, which I think could be a lot of fun, and right up your alley. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2152119 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:00:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2152119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenni! Less hodge-lodge makes sense. Sorry you didn’t enjoy the post. I’ve learned some things, and been introduced to a couple new-to-me blogs, so I’ll just ride the short bus over to my special school and read them for a while. Cheers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny/page/2#post-2151946 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 20:35:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 2151946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have enough knowledge to comment on most of what you ask. I like to do what I think of as sassy, mostly in shoes, but I don’t do snarky or ironic so will never be able to comment on that.<br /> Like others I prefer the look of 2, but am not sure why. Maybe because simpler, less of a hotch-potch of elements.<br /> I think I am close to not wishing to reply much on your posts any more as too much detail is requested? It’s tiring, especially in a difficult year. So, good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151831 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:44:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Celia, we can be twins! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151828 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:40:01 +0000 celia 2151828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, I have to say you made me want to wear a pinny </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151823 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:33:54 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lynn, after your comment I went back and added the find to the original post—sorry I didn’t say anything. They are indeed patterned. Same colors as the socks and leggings, but I see what you mean about it being a hodge-podge. </p> <p>Celia, thanks for the comment and for the very on-the-nose link. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151813 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:24:30 +0000 lyn67 2151813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Came back to look again and read the new comments (not doing that often- just interested about this particular thema of reviving retro) and&nbsp; just have to ask what is going on with your shoes (the loafers) worn&nbsp; in the middle of the first pictie, then again in nr 3, 4... picties are often not&nbsp; the best quality (neither my eyes are unfortunatelly anymore) so still wondering if&nbsp; it&nbsp; is a pattern of sort, scuffs&nbsp; or what???&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151759 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:07:10 +0000 celia 2151759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I prefer the first outfit I don't think that it comes of as being an intentional pinny outfit as the main protagonist of the outfits seem to be either the bag, cardigan or legging. Even #1 has to me more of a vibe of a sheet dress with a cardigan than a pinny .<br />I was trying to understand myself better what I mean by that I came across this post:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://lifeandstyle.asda.com/fashion/5-ways-to-wear-the-pinafore-dress/">https://lifeandstyle.asda.com/.....ore-dress/</a><br />If it was me I would wear it with a turtleneck and some over the knees boots in cognac.<br />I would also wear my hair up so the neckline of the pinny was noticeable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151714 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:19:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lyn67--appreciate the careful response! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151703 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:57:17 +0000 lyn67 2151703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was reading with interest, and -for the matter of&nbsp; beeing more explicit than using "my fave":-) - will admit that nr 2 is the most appealing to me from the all others which&nbsp; don't really make sense for me either (for reasons others said it before me)--- but then,&nbsp; I find nr 2 a great&nbsp; classic,&nbsp; conventional look of&nbsp; any dress not just pinafore. For the&nbsp; so&nbsp; called and (looks like the ) most wanted "sassy, snarky, ironic kind of way" I really am curious, but don't have any clues...it simply exceeds my knowledge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151469 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:23:28 +0000 rachylou 2151469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohmigosh. I remember Strangers with Candy! I feel two braids crisscrossed over the top wouldn’t be schoolgirl, esp with boots and ‘cuz people have to have had German grandmas in Germany!... just avoid white anklets with the braids... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151463 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:56:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, Swissgirl braids are a look I can do—but see Irina’s comment. How do I avoid the Strangers With Candy (TV show) vibe? <a rel="nofollow" href="https://vimeo.com/47693611">https://vimeo.com/47693611</a></p> <p>LisaP, thanks for your suggestions, which are quite helpful. I hear you that there doesn’t seem to be much difference between tights and leggings, but Angie is a professional and her eagle eye picked out a flaw I hadn’t noticed in pants in another post, so I thought I’d double-check that I was understanding correctly. Lo and behold, she really did see a difference where I hadn’t really noticed much of one, and she gave me an explanation I can use in the future. So I’m glad I asked. I still don’t understand how making sure I understand people bothers you so much, but hope this post doesn’t turn into a discussion of psychology. </p> <p>Irina, as much as schoolgirl appeals to me, I don’t try to go that direction, for exactly the reason you describe. But if I put together a look that does work and that happens to have that taste—cool. </p> <p>Thanks, nemosmom! </p> <p>Sterling, me neither—those leggings are coming off as white rather than grey. They seemed a bit light to me anyway, but the contrast is apparently more/worse than I had realized. The forum insights are helpful on negative things too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151447 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:32:01 +0000 Irina 2151447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sassy/snarky/ironic style is a lofty goal. Clothes must be precisely edited. A 20 years girl can wear a grandad cardi with shorts or a dress and the look would be ironic. But an older woman in the same clothes would look just old fashioned. It can be done by very, very skilled people with tons of experience in fashion.<br />As for the dress, I’m sorry, but a “schoolgirl “ look is not very appealing on any middle aged woman. Maybe, stay clear of it? Just a suggestion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151441 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:27:03 +0000 Anonymous 2151441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am embarrassed to say I never saw burgundy tights in any of these views. &nbsp;Now that it has been pointed out to me, I no longer like number 4. &nbsp;Too much of a clash for my personal taste. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>LisaP</b>'s recommendation for intentionally wearing retro looks is spot on. &nbsp;The fact that she found some examples is extremely helpful. &nbsp;I think this is what I was trying to describe in previous posts. &nbsp;Making things look intentional. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151440 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:24:52 +0000 rachylou 2151440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of these outfits would look right at home in my ‘hood, where it I swear all the boutiques are run by German ladies (and they sell a lot of lagenlook, not that the pinafore is lagenlook). I agree #2 is the sleekest and most universal, with its limited, dark-neutral, repeating palette in the underlayer (top, legs, shoes). I agree about the hair and think putting your hair up would inject intention... also, since it’s long, this is the perfect opportunity for Heidi braids! Lol. Ok. I wish I had this pic of my grandmas in their Heidi braids. My German shop ladies especially always say nice things about my Heidi braids, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151438 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:12:35 +0000 nemosmom 2151438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for #2.&nbsp; I can see the dress working with boots and tights. I personally don't care for the socks and loafers, or the high contrast lighter leggings. YMMV.</p> <p>I am not sure what elements would be needed to communicate sassy/snarky/ironic, so I can't comment on that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151436 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:09:44 +0000 Anonymous 2151436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Again, you’re over - thinking the responses and not understanding what are basic / general suggestions . I’m curious what your reasons are for posting on this forum. Are you truly interested in fashion and personal style ? Or do you simply like a debate and parsing the meaning of lighthearted discussion ? I suspect most of this has nothing to do with style and fashion and more to do with filling time and connecting , albeit awkwardly . This is why I don’t get involved - like I wish I wasn’t right now . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151429 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 18:52:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lol--just took the sweater off and realized I am already wearing a LS black top layered under the pinny! You can't tell because of the cardis, but if you look carefully at the neckline, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151419 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 18:10:18 +0000 Angie 2151419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, those tights. A cleaner look than leggings. Although leggings are fine with your taller boots - (you hide the hems and socks). Or wear the leggings with the loafers but no socks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151411 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:40:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, ohhhhh, I see. I &lt;3 that suggestion because I’ve been all about that topper ever since it got here. Funny, because I nearly ditched it in Florida, because it wasn’t body-con enough. </p> </p> <p>Angie and Sarah, I like the layering under idea, have tops that match the leggings/tights and in black. I'm not sure you agree with each other on it though--wearing a jacket over it as <b>Angie</b> suggests. would undo the arched-eyebrow effect <b>Sarah</b> mentions. Today was balmy warm out, with temps over 60 F.</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, do you mean I should swap out the Uniqlo leggings I have on in the pix for these tights?</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151405 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:21:43 +0000 SarahD8 2151405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re: "drapey fair isle," I meant #1 from this post:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-big-box%e2%80%94topstoppers">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....opstoppers</a></p> <p>I like Angie's suggestion to layer under the dress. I think one reason we're not picking up on the "I'm wearing a pinafore, but with an arched eyebrow" intention is that we can't actually see that it's a pinafore. In the photos, the dress reads as more "basic background" than focal point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151402 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:09:15 +0000 Angie 2151402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>, you can pop a tight long sleeved top under the pinafore - '90s style solid or patterned - and top things off with a coat or short jacket.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151392 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:41:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2151392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lisa. Good point about hairstyles; I have ideas for the chop in spring, but need to figure out quirky/vintage ways to wear long hair until then. I appreciate your phrasing “the only one that makes sense to my eye”—so often with the “favorites” language I can’t tell if people mean “these are all good, but after some thought, this one is slightly ahead” or “of all these strange things, this one is least offensive” or what you said. So putting it the way you did is great. I’ll go back to edit the post to add in context.<br /> ETA, wow, you’ve already pulled up some hairstyling ideas for me—thank you! Will add them to the mix in the next round. </p> <p>Cat2, thanks for the suggestions. When I pick up the boots on Thursday, I’ll try them with some matchy-matchier combos with the pinny.</p> <p>Thanks Irina. Appreciate your variations too. I had a pair of black tights out, couldn’t get myself to try them—so much black! I’ll have to think of other ways to relieve it before Thursday when I try more variations.</p> <p>Sarah, “retro” is a pretty broad term, huh? I should think some more about what part of it I mean. “Schoolgirl” wasn’t foremost in my mind, but it is a look I like. On your tonal matching suggestion, that might be a way to work in pink (pink + black is the color story I plan to work on in the coming year). A drapey Fair Isle sounds dreamy, but is one look I don’t have represented anywhere in my closet. Thanks for your comments and suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151388 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:31:57 +0000 Anonymous 2151388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some ways to make a retro/vintage-y look current and intentional:</p> <p>check out this hair stylist for ideas:<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jaynematthews.com">https://www.jaynematthews.com</a></p> <p>look at this woman's hair and retro glasses - I can see you adopting this style<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzsURVgFhi/">https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzsURVgFhi/</a></p> <p>If you don't want to purchase more clothing and footwear, consider buying some accessories like glasses, hats, etc and updating your hair. &nbsp; . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retro-styling-this-pinny#post-2151381 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:21:11 +0000 SarahD8 2151381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><u></u>Agreeing with others that the outfit in photo #2 with the boots and green cross-body works best.</p> <p>To me the combination of above-knee skirt, opaque legwear, and flat shoes makes it very hard to avoid a schoolgirl type of vibe. Maybe you don't mind that or that is even what you are going for, but I have such a poison eye for that look on myself that I find it difficult not to argue against it for others, when asked!</p> <p>In #4, the orange-red of the cardi seems to clash with the burgundy of the tights to my eye -- maybe if you had a printed scarf to pull the two together? Or a more tonal look to the cardi-legwear combination.&nbsp;</p> <p>In #5, the very classic cut of the cardi contrasts with the more boho leggings and stompy boots in a way that doesn't read as intentional to me. I think the pale leggings would work better with a white element in the top half of the outfit -- big white scarf, or maybe a white bag.</p> <p>I might not be understanding what you are aiming for here because I'm not sure what "retro" styling means in your thread title. But, in terms of sassy/ironic/snark, it seems like creating outfit juxtaposition or contrast between the "sweet" pinafore and "tough" elements like stompy boots might be the best way to go.</p> <p>Hey how about swapping out the topper in #2 for your drapey fair isle cardi. Haha the most on-brand suggestion from me ever! </p>