https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 15:13:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613643 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:15:16 +0000 Angie 1613643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I actually think it was the inside LINING of the sneaks that I was seeing, which I thought were socks. Our natural skin tone is always perfect.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613640 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:13:27 +0000 Anonymous 1613640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b> -- I wasn't wearing socks. &nbsp;That was my skin tone. &nbsp;I haven't seen much sun in many months..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613637 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:11:40 +0000 Anonymous 1613637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Hi Smittie</b>. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am wearing Nike Court Classic Ultra Leather Women's Shoe in black/white. &nbsp;I bought my correct size and they are a little bit big on me. I wear thick socks to correct this (oh and I tie the laces tight). &nbsp;I bought them from Nike.com because Nordstrom did not have my size. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613602 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 15:43:58 +0000 Angie 1613602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to see you post! All you need is a bit of structure.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Wear the necklaces on the inside of the collar, and wear them at the right length so that they fit inside the collar.&nbsp;</li> <li>Semi tuck the shirt to create an asymmetrical hem on the top</li> <li>Scrunch the sleeves</li> <li>Wear secret socks - not white visible socks</li> </ul> <br />Cute sneaks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613594 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 15:32:18 +0000 texstyle 1613594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with some who said a white tee (semi-tucked for me) with a belt and maybe some silver jewelry would be the main change I'd make. And scrunching the sleeves. If it's warm enough, I might roll up the pants too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613571 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:45:14 +0000 Anonymous 1613571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Traci, I'm constantly readjusting too. I don't know what the right answer is.</p> <p>Sterling, if you don't mind my asking, what brand of sneaker are you wearing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613555 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:21:49 +0000 Traci 1613555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see something in this picture that I have wondered about when I look in the mirror many times. &nbsp;Where should an open cardigan fall in the front? &nbsp;I tend to adjust and readjust between the cardigan being fully open, hanging straight from my shoulders, and being pulled semi closed, like you have here, parallel with the lines of my neck. &nbsp;I wonder if wearing the cardigan more open would improve the lines here? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613554 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:20:47 +0000 Joyce B 1613554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that a layering turtleneck would work nicely under the chambray shirt. Maybe in black as a column of color or in white to pick up the white from the soles of the shoes.<br /> I think I may copy you but with the turtleneck. I also have a long gray sweater that needs to get worn.<br /> I like the overall look, it only needs minimal tweaking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble/page/2#post-1613523 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:41:32 +0000 Anonymous 1613523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't add much to the wise advice above, but I do want to add empathy. I've been in this situation way too often. The responses to my WIW posts have helped me immensely. With your outfit, I think all you need is to switch to a white top -- a tee as Lisa and others suggest or a crisp white shirt buttoned to the top as Anna mentioned. I used to think the buttoned up look was dorky, but I've been doing it more this winter and am really liking that it's having a fashion moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613520 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:39:22 +0000 lyn67 1613520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends on whom you are comparing yourself to!:-)&nbsp;<br />This outfit has a great &nbsp;potential for casuals if taking off the beads and &nbsp;adding more structure with scrunching up the sleeves (denim shirt's too, but with the cuffs peaking out a bit or folded over the cardi's sleeves). Then, if you wanted to go smarter casual, than use another, more structured shoe OR a more contrasting flowy top(white?) OR some chunky jewellry(big, multi strand pearls)or all the 3x above in one:-)). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613516 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:23:46 +0000 Anonymous 1613516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. &nbsp;The next time I wear that ensemble, I intend to post a WIW showing the improvements!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613506 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:53:57 +0000 Helen11 1613506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for posting a WIW! &nbsp;I have really enjoyed reading the suggestions here. Will you show us another version?</p> <p>I know what you mean about feeling good on leaving the house, and then it seems everyone else is dressed better. &nbsp;Here's to a happier outfit tomorrow : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613493 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:31:19 +0000 Anonymous 1613493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am thrilled with the purchase of my new sneakers. &nbsp;I felt incredibly lucky to have found this style in black. I may save the sneakers to pair with different pants though. &nbsp;This ensemble felt too "bottom heavy" to make me happy. &nbsp;I have plenty of ballet slippers in my arsenal. &nbsp;</p> <p>Cardigan dressing is new to me. &nbsp;I bought my first few cardigans last year (favoring them instead of blazers). &nbsp;</p> <p>Because they are new to my wardrobe, I expect a few fails along the way. In my mind this was a sleek, sophisticated cardigan. &nbsp;The picture suggests otherwise. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am going to search for middle ground between blazers and less-shapely cardigans. &nbsp;(I may have gone too far toward the "cosy" side). &nbsp;I feared this might happen. &nbsp;The idea of knit blazers is a great idea. &nbsp;I will start with one and see how that works. &nbsp;</p> <p>You know I have all these really great pieces (all of these pieces in and of themselves are <u>great</u>). &nbsp;Now I think my challenge is learning to put them together. &nbsp; </p> <p>I agree. &nbsp;Anna's link was amazingly HELPFUL. &nbsp;Special shout out for the visual. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613492 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:30:29 +0000 JamC 1613492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many great suggestions. Simple changes that might make a big difference. I think the post will be one I return to when I have that feeling that something isn't quite right. I found Anna's link very helpful because I could see the difference a small change would make! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613470 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:10:07 +0000 kellygirl 1613470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, too, love this kind of thread. I like everyone's ideas and am looking forward to a tweaked version. I like the sporty shoes here and hope you can make them work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613468 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 05:43:51 +0000 Gigi 1613468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the other responses, but I wonder about tweaking the proportions, as you hinted at in your post. What I see is that wearing black footwear--the same color as your pants--in effect extends the length of your bottom half, making your bottom half almost exactly the same length as your top half, cutting you in half. Changing footwear to something noticeably different from the pants color might help that. </p> <p>However, once you change footwear, it looks to me like the length of the pants might equal the length of your untucked top, creating another cut-in-half problem. Do you tuck your shirts? I guess I would wonder what the outfit would look like with a tucked shirt and different-colored footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613461 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 04:50:48 +0000 anne 1613461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a helpful thread Sterling. Thanks for being brave enough to post a photo and elicit all this great advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613458 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 04:41:28 +0000 CocoLion 1613458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your outfit! &nbsp;I love these kinds of dissecting threads. &nbsp;</p> <p>I like the button front shirt here, but agree with others that a lighter color (white or cream) might brighten the outfit. &nbsp;Also I would tuck the shirt and wear a belt but that's me, I feel undressed without a belt.</p> <p>I like the sneakers. &nbsp;They work with these full length pants (I'm not seeing ankle length here, but perhaps it's just semantics). &nbsp;They are cute so will also work in warmer temps with cropped or rolled pants. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613426 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 02:56:18 +0000 Jaime 1613426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have received terrific advice and yes, posting WIWs works in mysterious ways! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613423 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 02:48:36 +0000 Anonymous 1613423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the first time I've seen a WIW from you Sterling! Exciting to meet you minus head :)</p> <p>I find that knits, when used as a sweater (vs a lightweight top) need to be quite substantial in order to have a polished look, so agree with Brooklyn about a more structured knit topper. </p> <p>I really like runcarla, lisap, laPed and kkards ideas ideas too. Actually, everybody's ideas!</p> <p>I so want to do this look for myself though (love the shoes) and I'm hoping the problem ( very minor issue) can be solved without changing the shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613413 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 02:33:42 +0000 Anonymous 1613413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is all so helpful. &nbsp;Thank you for taking the time to comment. &nbsp;I will try this ensemble again in the future. &nbsp;I'll substitute a shorter white tee shirt for the chambray shirt. &nbsp;I'll substitute ballet slippers for the sneakers. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have always been hesitate to post WIWs. &nbsp;I may not have truly understood exactly how helpful posting WIWs could be. &nbsp;I won't be hesitant in the future. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613381 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:11:24 +0000 kkards 1613381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh we've all been there! And somehow being there on a Monday is overwhelming in a way that being there on a Friday is just not!<br /> I think you've gotten great advice. I'd try any and all of them, and see which feels best to you. Oh, and one other thing to try, try cuffing the pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613379 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:01:43 +0000 LaPed 1613379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me the chambray paired with the grey is a little muddy. They're both heathered colors and for me that much heathering is a bit repetitive. I'd probably switch out the chambray for something in a punchier solid color (like fuschia or cobalt) or a good strong pattern (stripes or other simple geometric). The length and straight hem on the chambray make it look less than intentional. A tuck or semi-tuck would probably help here.</p> <p>I agree the beads aren't really adding anything and are a little "off" to my eye.&nbsp;</p> <p>The black shoes on black pants makes this feel a bit bottom heavy. I have no problem with sneakers and ankle pants together but the bottom half of this outfit does feel a bit disjointed from the top half. A black accessory or two on top could fix that, though, and pull everything together. Maybe replace the beads with a black scarf.</p> <p>I don't think this is off-the-rails at all, it's just a matter of tweaking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613377 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:59:47 +0000 Brooklyn 1613377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me the combination of the cardigan and the sneakers looks a bit lounge wear. I would either swap the sneakers for booties or swap the cardigan for a dressier topper eg a more structured knit jacket. But if you like a cozy, casual look (and nothing wrong with that), I would go with Lisa's idea of switching out the shirt for a higher contrast. I do like the combo of the shirt and necklace, but maybe with a different topper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613375 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:55:53 +0000 Carla 1613375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Swap out the shirt for a slouchy white T that picks up the white on the sneakers and scrunch the sleeves of the cardi for a Tom-boy look.</p> <p>More grey cardi ideas below. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613373 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:50:59 +0000 annagybe 1613373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see cardigans a lot these days in retailers like La Garconne.<br /> I like the shoes.<br /> Lose the beads. I feel that length &amp; style is conservative boarding old fashioned. Button shirt to top. Tuck shirt in. The straight hem is an awkward length combined with cardigan length.</p> <p>ETA, see the cardigan hem versus shirt on this outfit<br /> <a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/layering-clothes-winter-2016/" rel="nofollow">http://www.whowhatwear.com/lay.....nter-2016/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613370 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:46:00 +0000 shaz 1613370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm currently wearing the same color of shoes as yours but a similar but older style but I wear them with a boat cut or flare maybe not the ideal mix but flat comfortable footwear to chase a toddler works better for me then heals with little curious fingers plus I wear my clothes and footwear to death </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613368 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:38:44 +0000 Peri 1613368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has happened to me a lot of times! Mostly it is when I feel happy in my own style, then get around women who are more trendy and it makes me feel dated just by not being trendy. But outfit aside, maybe these women were going to a more formal office than yours? Maybe they have a suits and pumps dress code and saw you and wished they could dress less formally!</p> <p>I like your colors, but I usually feel odd myself in pants of that type. I also wear sneakers and your are majorly much better than mine, but for me, I like pants to cover sneakers. That's why I like flares. If I wear straight legs I like them better with booties or just something the pants could go over or tuck into. I haven't gotten that figured out for myself, so go with the other's advice on this. I love those shoes, but would like different style pant legs with them better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613365 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:31:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1613365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the color combo and the cardigan. What drew my eye is that the cardigan is so much longer than the shirt. I'd try a longer shirt, if you have one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-went-wrong-with-this-ensemble#post-1613364 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:28:58 +0000 greycat6 1613364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not an epic fail by any means! &nbsp;I love the beads on the chambray color combination. &nbsp;I agree with others that a shoe change and showing some skin at your wrists would make a big difference</p> <p>I can relate to that feeling of looking around and feeling frumpy compared to what is going on around you. &nbsp;Attitude is everything, so they say, so throw those shoulders back, put a smile on your face and march on girlfriend! &nbsp;;)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>