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A Fall Outfit

krishnidoux

Veteran

Hello! It has been a long time since I have posted pics because I had lost my photographer (DS going off to college). Now I found a camera and tried to take those pics but I am bummed out they come out so small. Any tips?

Anywho, about a month ago I posted about how I felt completely out of whack with fashion. I am trying to slowly get out of it, but I'll tell you, I am confused and it is difficult. I truly don't know what is going on with me.
The first pic is how I dress on days I stay home, mainly to go take long walks along the river in the new neighborhood where I live. As you can see, totally un-fashionable and 100% comfort. I just can't bring myself to change for the moment.

Pics 2-3-4 are of an outfit I somewhat was able to put together, using a "Vivien Westwood" inspired hand knitted sweater I had made last year worn over a Kookai tunic sheath dress worn over my floral skinny jeans and olive booties. When it gets colder, as now, I layer even more, with a big scarf, a big head band and an coat. It is completely different from the type of things I used to wear last year (pic 5, just as a reference). It's as if I don't feel good in anything else than very very neutral, earthy tones, and not form fitting. It's a bit as if I had entered a second teenage crisis (at 46!).

I thought it would be interesting for me to document this transition, hoping it gets to somewhere a bit more put together... Thank you for looking and please don't hesitate to comment!

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

Sara L.

Veteran

You look warm and cozy in your layers in #2-4. It's definitely a different look from pic #5! I'm curious to know what caused such a big style shift.

#1 looked good to me until I got to the sandals with socks. Sorry, but I have a major poison eye for that look. The jacket and hat are cute though and look perfect for cold weather walks.

Tina

Veteran

Your style right now looks totally right for you. I've found that hair makes a huge difference in how I dress. I've had my hair super short and then quite long (right now), I've made this change numerous times in my 43 years. It always affects my way of dressing.
I really like these looks on you, you look comfortable, happy and like I said, you own this look. Your hair has really grown!! It also suits the look you're going for. I say well done and keep moving forward!

Anonymous

Hi Krish! Okay, the walking outfit aside (we all need our comfies!) I really love this new style direction or 2, 3 and 4! I love your longer hair and the muted neutrals on you. The swaths of knits (scarf and sweater) layered over your dress look super modern. I like the change!

bj1111

Veteran

krish...the new do is very softening so it makes sense that that you are moving to a softer direction--palette and silhouette.

#2 has promise...have you tried just the sweater (which is fab and clever of you to have knitted) over just the floral jeans? i would also like to see #2 with the addition of the scarf in #3...here i like how the scarf echos the bit of skirt/dress bottom.

#3/#4 i think would benefit from a different headgear and purse.

i am so EXCITED about the possibilities for you. can't wait to see what you discover. getting out the popcorn.

Mona

Veteran

This is indeed a big transition. I am loving the headbands. I hear you on comfort and excited to follow your transition.

greycat6

Veteran

Love the cozy, comfy, nesting vibe of your new outfits!

I wonder if your style shift has something to do with your DS going off to college? Sounds like you are going through a lot of changes in your life. Style shifts are interesting and I look forward to your introspective analysis.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Thank you! You already give me such great insights.

As for the socks in sandal look in 1, this is what I mean by not being able shake the frump off... I do change into other shoes/athletic shoes even and always come back to those thick orthopedic sandals with socks, and they have to be WHITE (reminds me of my time in Japan and makes me feel even cozier). Ugh, go figure. I'm kinda waiting it out, It'll pass...

What caused such a shift... I think you nailed it with the hair, it does play a big role. But also: I separated from my DH (but we are still the best of friends), moved on my own, moved from the English side of the city to the other side of the river, to the French speaking shore. I don't know if I am entirely happy with this big move. I don't feel quite at home and miss the other side. (And I am a native French speaker!). Maybe I'm also going through a reverse culture-shock.

Bj1111: you are right, a different purse (smaller, more structured?) would look much much better.

Thank you all for your kind words!

E

Veteran

That's a big change! Have you had to do much shopping/closet churn, or did you already have these pieces & just pulled them out of storage?

I love layered, cosy looks, so I enjoy your new style direction. The soft colours are yummy on you. I agree w BJ re: a different bag.

krishnidoux

Veteran

E, since I have moved I have shopped quite a bit, because I got rid of so many pieces. But here, it all happens to be shop my closet items.

E

Veteran

That makes sense Krish, that you'd need to do more shopping! If these are all shop your closet pieces, perhaps this was your 'shadow style' now coming to the forefront?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It IS a big change. The important thing is, how do you FEEL? If I may be so bold, and forgive me if I'm off-mark, it seems you are cocooning a bit in your new style. This is not a criticism, just an observation! It sounds like you've gone through a lot in the last year or so, and you are now feeling a need for comfort and to feel a bit swaddled and protected. Your recent outfit looks soft and cozy and more introverted than your earlier style. Perhaps you are turning more inward in your life right now, taking care of yourself, and your recent style is reflecting that need for self-care.

Sal

Veteran

I also like your looks in 2-4. I agree it is fun to document it and see where you go. It is an arty creative look and I imagine the layers work well in your climate.

rachylou

Veteran

Now that's a big style change. I used to see City Slicker and now I'm seeing Swedish Weaver. Frankly, it works for me. I like to weave... there's a studio that rents time on 8-harness looms; owned by a nice Swedish woman. Your new look is Swedish Weaver to me.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Wow! This has proven better than therapy! I am really learning and getting somewhere here. And I have all of you to thank.

E, Shadow style, what an insightful, astute remark. I didn't know I had one. But looking back at pics from Fall 2011 (1 and 2) and Fall 2012 (3) I can see it was always there. Coincidentally, I can see it more in 2011, a time of upheaval for me, as I was just coming back from a few years posted abroad, and was also trying to find myself and re-adjust. So there might be a link there.

Janet, you are also very perceptive and right on. I guess it's true, I do feel a bit more vulnerable now, and am indeed looking for armors of protection! Lol, this will really help me next time I'm tempted to over-bundle, to relax a little before stepping out! No need for so many layers (I mean, I also have coats!)

Rachylou, Sweedish Weaver, love it! And it's true that I seem to be veering from urban sleek to countryside boho. I wonder how much the hair plays in this too: now, if I wear what I used to in 2013, it doesn't work. It looks either disconnected (with hair down) or way too strict (with hair up, think Frau Farbissina...)

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, big changes indeed! And yes - I was going to make exactly the same point, that the new style direction reminded me of the old style -- before last year, that is. Last year was more "corporate" and "feminine" and the previous year was more "arty" and "neutral" and this year looks more towards the arty and neutral side again -- which makes sense if you are also shopping your closet for some pieces.

I would only echo Janet's question: How do you FEEL in the clothes? I confess I actually prefer the new/older direction to the in-between. But that is only my opinion and maybe it doesn't fit with what you wish?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

How interesting! I like the new direction for you. You look relaxed and comfortable and not at all sloppy. Maybe this turn is a reaction to changes in your life?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's really fun to see this transition, and it suits you to a tee. Loving #2, Krish. I missed you, and am glad you're posting again.

Anonymous

I see a love of texture, layering and artiness. Great! It'll be fun seeing you explore your new style.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I was also going to say that I think our forum member rabbit might be inspirational for this new style direction. Not in terms of colours, since her hair is dark and she is mostly wearing black, ink, dark red. But your creativity in assembling outfits reminds me of hers. And her arty, "urban boho" look reminds me of you, too.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Wow, what an interesting thread. I like the shift here, too--the soft colors and and layers suit your current look with the softer looking hairstyle. Janet's comment seems so astute, and E's comment on your shadow style. Love seeing the similarity to your 2011 photos in particular.
As to enlarging photos--can you try cropping them before posting? (I use Preview, a free program, to do that on my Mac.) I also find that your photos here are not too small once I click on the x to enlarge them.
Hope you will soon begin to feel more at home on the French side of the city. Or maybe you'll find you want to move back? It's great to see your posts again.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I am learning so much here. Feeling much better about this recent style turn now. Your comments are really making me move onward.

To answer your question, (what my clothes make me feel), ... nothing, I hope! Here is what I mean: I now only wear what I "feel" the less. I refuse to be reminded that I am wearing the clothes. I wear things that make me feel good when I happen to catch a glimpse of myself, but I don't want to be constantly conscious of them on me, whether it be due to discomfort or to a particular style that I'd be "donning" rather than just living in. This eliminates a lot of previously planned out outfits, and considerably reduces my choices. I don't mind wearing the same things more often. But it means lots and lots of unworn, trendy, high end even, nice clothes remaining inside my closet.

Same with makeup! I wear less then ever.

I feel, inside, like I must be major walking Frumpville personified. But I am also numb, immune to any shame. I wear what I want only. (Mind you, I do at least try to look somewhat put together for work). Then, I am completely surprised. I do get compliments. Men invite me out. Yes! I am baffled. So something good must be happening!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sounds like your clothing makes you feel warm and cozy -- almost as if were more a shelter for you than armor. I say embrace and enjoy it. Like the others, I think your 1st look is perfectly acceptable as gear and your second look is quite soft and arty.

Love the hair!