https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 16:16:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-785397 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:45:06 +0000 Kiwichik 785397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely getting pared dwn cassic vibe from these outfits. I like you rolled jeans but I think they look a little too warm weather. Love the layering in the second outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-784856 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:33:03 +0000 RunnerChick 784856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K - Yes, I did! I just love how effortlessly Asingh pulls off the vibe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-784610 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:58:12 +0000 K. Period. 784610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RC, did you see this post from today? I immediately thought of you because the core of both of those outfits is neutral! </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw--pinspiration-1" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....piration-1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783811 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:04:22 +0000 RunnerChick 783811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Charmian, thank you for your thoughtful comments. Yay for new groups and pithy slogans~</p> <p>Your analysis explains why I felt that the outfit was a bit "off" with the scarf. I'm not really a bag lady, although I'm trying to be more deliberate about that. For coats, given our mild weather, I find that my denim jacket works with everything :)</p> <p>OK, I'm off to dress for today, channeling all of you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783802 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:36:44 +0000 Charmian 783802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also aspire to minimalist modern classic (oh!~ Claire <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perfectly-imperfect-wardrobe">listed her wardrobe contents</a> today, which I'm drooling to read).</p> <p>To be honest, I like outfit #1 more than #2. When you're off SYC <em>and</em> decide it's time to replace some of those items, you can definitely start thinking about whether you want to invest in "statement neutrals". But I find non-statement neutrals, thoughtfully put-together, to be beautiful too. This is why #1 calls to me: it's very consciously neutral, everything is in balance. In #2, I feel like the scarf is too non-neutral and pulls the eye away; a lower-volume scarf or less-bright one may help. I actually find your delicate (gold?) necklace in #1 to be sufficient as a pop of color!</p> <p>Do you accessorize with coats or handbags? That's another place to add pops of color, if you're trying to SYC.</p> <p>ETA: went overboard trying to add constructive criticism and realized I forgot to mention that I love all 3 outfits (but #1 really calls to me). Minimalist modern classic ITs unite! (note to self: work on our slogan) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783758 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:09:45 +0000 JuneBug 783758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:) Actually a pencil skirt might still work inspite of the reservations you have, because you could wear it with the longer pullover in #3 that comfortably covers your hip area! There are those that are more stretchy at the hem but still give a streamlined effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783748 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:54:07 +0000 RunnerChick 783748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey Liz and Ceit - thanks for the feedback and for the boost. I'm going to keep experimenting with scarves. </p> <p>June bug - When I got dressed yesterday morning, I did wonder -- and I hope I'm not offending anyone by saying this -- my inner catholic schoolgirl!!!. So, you're spot on! IMO, if I change the silhouette of the skirt or wear a jacket (as you suggest), or add a striped shirt (like Tracey Liz suggested), or wear boots (my own thought), I'd make it feel more grown up. Pencil skirts are hard for me to find, though, with my apple shaped body (wide waist and skinny legs). I do think adding colored heels/ wedges or even a slightly more edgy shoe (I have brown heeled OXfords) might make it a better look. </p> <p>Thanks for thinking with me on this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783742 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:44:19 +0000 JuneBug 783742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In #1 &amp; #2, i think the rolled hem of your pants or denim gives off a very casual vibe which you could change with wearing a cropped and fitted pant that ends at the ankle. A low heel always ups any ante, and if it's in a brighter color, even better! </p> <p>In #3, somehow the look gives off a school girly vibe. I haven't yet read any comments from the others here so I don't know if it's been mentioned already. It could be because of the uniformy colors or the pullover with the wide hem of the skirt. Maybe you could try the same look with a pencil skirt instead? And other options would be to wear a cardigan or jacket, but the pullover is fine too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783670 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:24:16 +0000 Anonymous 783670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like both outfits, and I think becoming more comfotrable with scarves will give you a little twist to each. You look so great in the second outfit, love the coloured tights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783653 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:36:22 +0000 TraceyLiz65 783653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarfs or colored necklaces would work really well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783536 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:16:05 +0000 RunnerChick 783536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa - I do have a long pendant necklace and will try that next time. And I hear ya about cardigans (but they are some times just so easy, you know) and the scarf (which is brighter IRL). </p> <p>TraceyLiz, Striped shirt under the sweater is just the ticket. I'll feel less like I am channeling my inner school girl. Accessories are hard for me, since the jewellery I wear (wedding band, small hoops, watch) are mostly things I wear all the time. And I am a confirmed non-belter. I do see how others use accessories, though...I wonder if I can deploy scarves to do that work for me. </p> <p>AG - Good point. (Sad) thing is that I invested $$$ in a near total closet overhaul, and I am on a 13 month SYC. Since it was the first time in my life I'm doing something like that, I played it safe and stuck with the more boring/ classic styles. I'll keep looking and pinning things, though, so when I need replacements, I can be more adventurous. I'm open to suggestions, and plan on posting more WiWs so people can get more of a sense of my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783526 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:58:20 +0000 catgirl 783526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RC, these are really nice outfits! </p> <p>Since you like this pared down style (as I do - more than three items in an outfit tend to confuse me!), maybe you need to go for a few statement essentials? As Natalie said in another thread, I like even my workhorses to have a built in statement, be it pattern or color or cut. Maybe figure out which of those appeals to you and find a couple of pieces that punch up an outfit just by being part of the outfit? </p> <p>The example that immediately comes to mind for me is my silver skinnies. They are simple and streamlined, but the silver adds iinterest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783517 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:48:41 +0000 TraceyLiz65 783517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like outfit #2 the best. As for outfit #1 you could just add a colored belt to make a huge difference. Accessories really punch up an outfit and learning what you like in that area is the key to up the ante. Patterns in an outfit also do a great job of creating interest. Adding just a striped shirt under the sweater in #3 would make a big difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783454 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:25:57 +0000 Adelfa 783454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same goal--to add interest to an extremely classic style. It's unbelievably hard for me. So here are thoughts based on what I am telling myself.</p> <p>I love the second outfit and wouldn't change it. Just for fun, I would like to see what a gold toned pendant on a very long chain looked like with it (hitting around the solar plexus).</p> <p>So I'm thinking two things. First, the scarf in pic 2 may not be as bright as you think it is (it's hard to see). Try apple green, very bright pink, orange if you do orange. I think the brights would play well against the white and lift up a neutral outfit.</p> <p>The other thing is that I am getting less happy with how my plain cardigans look in outfits. I have six, in black, charcoal, navy, burgundy, purple, and royal blue. I used to feel well-dressed and happy in them. Now I'm doing a lot of putting them on and taking them off again. I am realizing I may have to shop for toppers with more interest, and I wonder if that would be an idea for you too. (The textured sweater being a perfect example.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783444 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:15:34 +0000 RunnerChick 783444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for weighing in, ladies! This feedback is wonderful. </p> <p>Joy - you're spot on! I love the idea of classics with a twist (I'm thinking of the pieces that Shannon posted yesterday where each piece - although classic - had an element of surprise. I must confess, though, that some thing like that does push me out of my comfort zone. </p> <p>K - thanks for the boost! I live in Northern California, where winter temps can go from being in the mid-high 60's to the chillier (for us) low 50's/ high 40's in a matter of days or miles (because of the microclimates). </p> <p>Suz, thank you, those are great suggestions and the pinterest postie is perfect. I know what you mean - Day 2 had both the chunky sweater and the ribbed tights going for it. Here's the thing about scarves and me - I *think* I like them more than I seem to in reality. I have several, but most languish on the closet floor where I leave them after tearing them off in disappointment before I dash out the door. So perhaps I either need practice or ditch the scarf idea altogether...And I do love colors, but more in warmer weather, I think. My winter clothing tends to be more neutral (navy, gray, black, cream)...</p> <p>Shevia, thank you. I think without the scarf for warm weather or with the scarf and oxfords for cooler might make day 1 better. Right now, with the scarf and the flats, it looks a tad confused, perhaps? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783432 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:03:09 +0000 Jaime 783432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually like both outfits a lot and like the first one without the scarf especially for warmer weather. With the scarf I might try the oxfords. Sometimes interest comes from simplicity well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783426 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:59:09 +0000 Suz 783426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am honoured to be a role model to such a gorgeous woman! </p> <p>And this is a great post. </p> <p>Confession: I laughed out loud when I got to the part about blah crossed with trying too hard. Boy, do I ever feel like that a lot of days. Maybe you should reconsider your role models! </p> <p>If I remember correctly, in earlier posts, most of your outfits were quite colourful? Because I am thinking, maybe you just miss your colour? There is nothing, repeat NOTHING wrong with being in love with colour! </p> <p>Having said that, it is also fun to play with neutrals and see how they will work for you. So it was a worthy goal. </p> <p>One of the tricks that I am learning (or trying to learn) from Angie and other forum members is the importance of adding texture in an all or mostly neutral outfit. So, for example, the chunky sweater in Day 2 adds a nice contrast in textures that makes the look more interesting to my eye. </p> <p>On Shannon's Pinterest I also found this fun little formula that I've been trying to remember (in the photos). It may be that you are missing one of these elements in these outfits, or where you have that element it isn't one that feels natural yet. For instance, I am not sure if you are used to wearing scarves. If you're not, it can take a while to start feeling natural in them. </p> <p>I would wear outfits very similar to both of these. In #1 I would probably substitute a jacket for the cardigan; a jacket would have more structure and a bit more presence. </p> <p>I actually love #2 but you might add a bit of shine somewhere to contrast with the other textures? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783421 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:57:04 +0000 K. Period. 783421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I don't think either looks blah or trying too hard (as in unnatural!). </p> <p>What is your weather like? Suggestions will vary depending on whether you live in warm beautiful sunshine land, chilly supper chilly-ville or in the moderately temped grey damp of the Pacific Northwest! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783420 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:56:26 +0000 Anonymous 783420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both outfits look clean and sharp. My favorite is #2. I think the oxfords with 1/2 would have looked more fallish than your flats.<br /> I've had the same goal as you at an older age and feel Angie's outfits have that look. I think she chooses pieces carefully that provide the surprise element with shape, color, texture or shine. Today's was a good example with the traditional twin set in a nontraditional pattern and the pattern mixing with the skirt. Because each piece is of simple lines, it's modern. If she'd added a big statement necklace in beads the colors of the cardigan, it would have been a different look.<br /> The ruffled jacket has a great fit and distinct shape. Since it's rather tone on tone with the skirt, stockings and shoes and covers the twin set party going on underneath, the surprise of the ruffles works and the look is still simple with varied texture for interest.<br /> I guess I'm saying that it may pay to look for star pieces that will work together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-can-i-up-the-interest-ante-here#post-783411 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:41:09 +0000 RunnerChick 783411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This week I set myself the challenge of wearing neutrals with a pop of color, and here's how it turned out. </p> <p>Day 1 (pics 1-2): Eileen Fisher Skinnies with the cuffs rolled, white T, and gray cardigan topped with a pink scarf; naturalizer flats. Pic 1 shows the outfit without the scarf and pic 2, with the scarf</p> <p>Day 2 (pic 3): White button down, gray chunky sweater, denim skirt, Born Oxfords, and blue ribbed tights </p> <p>I felt reasonably good both days (although a little more dressed up than usual) but when I look at the pictures, they feel like Blah crossed with Trying Too Hard. </p> <p>So - what do you think? About the colors, combinations, the proportions? How can I up the interest ante here? On Day 1, I put on my Born Oxfords, but swapped it out for a safer look with black ballet flats. Would that have made a difference? On Day 2, are the colored tights not bright enough to lighten the palette? Should I have worn a scarf? Boots? </p> <p>My style goals: I favor the pared down classic look, and my goal is to figure out how I can add interest, style, (and perhaps an element of surprise) to simple, minimal outfits. I admire many forum members' styles but I'd say my style approximates Suz and Claire (not very well, though, I might add) and I favor warmer, earthy colors . </p> <p>Thanks in advance for looking and weighing in. </p>