2 WIWs: One Fitted, One Fluid

Here's what I wore/am wearing to work...

#1-2, Yesterday
I like this outfit, and it feels like "me", but in a basic and serviceable sort of way. Is it looking a little dated, maybe? Too many classic, fitted silhouettes all at once? I think I would like it better with ankle-length trousers.

Charcoal straight-legged trousers from Ricki's, Club Monaco white burnout jacquard tank, navy crew-neck cardigan from Old Navy, silver collar necklace from Bizou and blush Kate Spade flats.

#3, Today
I usually reserve these pants for casual wear since they have a faded, lived-in look about them, but I think the drape and crisp black trim on the blouse dresses it up enough for work.

Silk tipped blouse from Club Monaco, olive green pixie pants from Old Navy, skinny black belt, and French Connection kitten heels.

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Old Navy

Women's Lightweight Cardis

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Old Navy

Women's The Pixie Stretch-Twill Skinny Ankle Pants

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Club Monaco

Alixi Shirt

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Macy's

French Connection Effie Pumps

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9 years ago

Suz

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Veteran

Sounds as if you are ready to move on a bit in your style, Emily -- as the new culottes illustrate. So that is probably why #1 is less appealing to you. There is nothing wrong with it at all, but yes, it's perhaps too conservative and a bit dated.

The Cllub Monaco shirt is lovely. You have got some terrific pieces there.

Keturah

I agree with Suz: you sound like you are ready to freshen and modernize your closet. I have to say, I like outfit 3 best on you. It looks modern on you, more fun. Outfit 1 does seem dated, and it also seems rather serious.

Well done on the pants! I love them paired with the Club Monaco blouse!! You look bang-on the dollar with outfit 3 -- at least to me.

Transcona Shannon

I agree with Suz that perhaps the culottes is sparking a need for something new and different for you. This is probably why your second outfit is speaking a bit more to you.

That having been said though, the first outfit is lovely and very flattering. Personally I would leave off the necklace (although its gorgeous). I find the necklace is competing a bit with the neckline of the top and of the cardigan. Too many necklines, you know? Would be great with just the top though.

Aida

#1 looks nice, but as you said rather classic. I could see that being jazzed up by rolling the pants up to an ankle length, and swapping the top for a longer silky one for more modern looking proportions. I think that might be enough! If you wanted to take it a step further, perhaps try a cocoon cardi? Outfit #2 looks super cute.

I think #1 is beautiful in a very classic way. If you're not feeling classic though, time to start playing! Plus, isn't your hair different from what you wanted right now? Perhaps the different hair colour is making the high contrast of #1 read differently?

Love your new blouse!

Nicole D

These outifts are classic, #1 especially - I have to disagree with Shannon and mention that I love that necklace the way you are wearing it! I think #1 would be stepped up a notch with the kitten heels instead of ballet flats? #2 is lovely as is. CLub Monaco looks great on you.

Jaime

I don't think #1 is so much dated as #2 is very current and today. Like Suz says, looks like a shift is in the works!

Gigi

Both outfits are good, but as other people commented, outfit 1 is very "safe" and kind of a blend-into-the-background outfit. Outfit 2 does look much more modern.

I will say that outfit 2 to me feels quite a bit androgynous; I think it's the straight silhouette on the top, which obscures the waistline. I don't recall your previous outfits as having this style...is this a new direction also?

Emily

Thanks all for the thoughtful comments! As I was reading through them I was surprised at the suggestions of a style shift, because I don't think my style is shifting much at all.

I thought about the rubric I came up with in the fall and outfit #1 only scores 4/5 elements of my style, which lines up with how happy I was in it. What's missing? The "Rogue" (playfully mischeivous) aspect, of course. As you all pointed out the look is classic, conservative, and serious.

Of course, I have been a little more adventurous in terms of shape lately (culottes!!), and have been drawn to more androgynous looks (stay tuned for today's WIW), but in my mind these small tweaks still fall under the rogue umbrella...

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