Anatomy of an Inspo shot - YouLookFab Forum

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Anatomy of an Inspo shot

Jules

Veteran

I saved this picture from a Uniqlo ad and am trying to figure out why I like it and how I might tweak it for me. It's just fantasy dressing for now as it's well below freezing here and mostly shut down. Thoughts and general impressions welcome! I know you don't see pictures of me and won't be familiar with my body type or style, looking more for general ideas.

Significant details I have identified:
- chunky loafers and bare ankles
- dark selvedge-style denim with a large single cuff
- high waisted pants with button down shirt tucked in
- shirt buttoned all the way up, but with forearms exposed
- hair shorter than collar length

Easy parts:
- I have the loafers.
- I have long hair but can easily wear a bun if my hair is competing with a neckline.

Hard parts:
- I have always admired the big cuff on thick denim look but in reality I think it's difficult to get a good fit? I've already realized in the process of writing this post that the length would have to be just so, to be able to do the big fold just above the ankle and have a hemmed edge. So I'd probably need hemming and have to really commit to that cuff. Hmmmm.
- I'm short waisted and can't tuck a woven button down well. High waists make it all worse. So I am typically in slouchy boyfriend jeans, untucked shirts, maybe semi tucking a fluid shirt into a higher waist. My best buttoned shirts or blouses are cut femininely and go over my hips.

If you're still with me, any suggestions on how to achieve a similar vibe wearing a different type of shirt? Perhaps something that can be semi tucked to show the high waist? Thank you!

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Dressing

43 replies

Latest reply was from Bonnie

Runcarla

Veteran

Her top matches her hair and the jeans/pants are darker. The light cuff at the bottom and exposed skin provides another band of contrast. This adjusts some of the proportion for what is a high waisted look. You could try a button down that matches your bottoms in colour and value. Is your hair a light brown or a dark brown?

FWIW, I’ve had good success rolling full length jeans for a wide cuff.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-wide-cuff

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Tanya

Veteran

A lovely look, I can see why you like it. Would you tuck/semi tuck into mid-rise jeans?

Jules

Veteran

Thanks Carla - I think you're right about tweaking proportions with a column of colour, but you've helped me realize the colour of the shirt, which is somewhat close to my own hair, is part of what I like about the outfit. The colour itself, which I can look for in another item, but also the combination of the earth tone neutral and indigo denim. And the rougher texture of both as well, I think - so the right jersey tee might be cute but not quite the same. Thanks, super helpful Your cuff looks good too. I haven't had full length, straight leg, properly hemmed jeans in so long!

Tanya, thanks, I'm glad you like the look too! Tucking is an issue at any rise. A boxy crop-style (but not actually crop top length) top might work instead. Not a conventionally flattering look, but easier to manage than a bunch of excess fabric.

SarahD8

Veteran

I was also going to suggest a boxy, slightly cropped pullover. A gentle welted hem can provide structure that is somewhat similar to tucking. A close crew neck would give a similar effect to the buttoned up collar. And if you wanted texture-- perhaps a tweedy yarn or cable knit?

Brooklyn

Veteran

I second SarahD8. You could also try semi tucking the knit.

Jules

Veteran

Great ideas, SarahD8. I haven’t tried the welted pullover trick yet. Some texture like a cable knit sounds wonderful. I think maybe I’m craving something other than the casual jersey knits and stretch denims I’ve been in for almost a year - wovens and woollens and real denim, oh my! It’s food for thought because my wardrobe needs will probably stay casual post pandemic, but maybe I can think about elevating that with more interesting and better quality fabrics. I’ve always relied on pattern and colour for interest but have been drawn to more neutral looks like this one as of late.

LaPed

Veteran

Oh, fun! I've been venturing into Pinterest lately and have spent quite a bit of time trying to break down inspo pics to figure out what the key elements are and how to replicate them. I've been meaning to make a similar post.

I think you could achieve this look with a boxy cropped top -- something like Everlane's Square Shirts. Or try semi-tucking a fluid fit shirt. The jeans don't need to be super high-rise, just high-for-you. Ditto the cuff; play around with different degrees of chunkiness.

I like the idea of a bun. Also, a headband might give you a face-framing effect to mimic the bangs -- if you don't have bangs, that is.

It's funny -- I love boyish looks like this and wear them quite a bit, but I still have a mental block when it comes to rolling up both my pants and my shirtsleeves in one outfit; when I do both, it feels a bit too much, costume-y and overly studied somehow...

always trying

Veteran

I have seen jeans that are made with that big cuff.. Not many, but have seen them.
Agree maybe a cropped shirt.

cat2

Veteran

Would a dark rinse cropped jean with a raw selvage edge give the same vibe? Or if you want jeans with the cuff, I saw some Code Bleu jeans with deep cuffs at Dillard’s.

Runcarla

Veteran

On sale at Everlane

https://www.everlane.com/produ.....darkindigo

rachylou

Veteran

I’m short waisted too. It’s an issue for tucking all right. Sometimes tho it works for me, with pants or a skirt that sits on the lowest part of my waist.

I think the shirt has quite a bit of drape. I’m thinking a soft cotton is in order. I also think it’s a fairly tailored fit. There’s a preciseness about the outfit.

Gigi

Veteran

I did this type of analysis with an inspo pic last week, and I too found it very challenging. As you point out, it's not just that you don't have the exact wardrobe items in your closet--it's that your body type might be very different from the model's, leading to the outfit looking totally different.

Would you be able to tie one of your longer button-downs at the bottom to create the effect of a tuck? I use that trick a lot, and it really helps me when I can't tuck due to too much fabric.

As for the jeans cuff, I am nodding along with your analysis about how it looks simple to have the big cuff but actually depends on a number of factors to look good. (My inspo pic also had a big cuff.) What I found as I tried to duplicate the cuff on my longest pair of jeans (which happened to be skinnies, as that's all I had that were long enough) was that a long cuff didn't look good on me. The proportions of my outfit looked much better with a smaller cuff. So I wouldn't be afraid to experiment with something smaller if that works for the proportions.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I don’t do inspo shots? The chance of any model looking much at all like me, with my being short and plump essentially, just isn’t there. I have used magazines in the past for more the “feel” of outfits, but the last time I even did this was March 2015 when I got all excited about a 70s revival from an issue of Vogue Australia. I guess I then hunt out my own version of that feeling, either from my wardrobe or stores.
Thank you for the post though, it’s an interesting idea. No advice sorry.

Synne

Veteran

As for vibe, I see alot of Runcarla and Liesbeth in this outfit! It has a very retro, sleek, androgynous, 40s tomboy (still love that moniker) look. All the pieces are fairly simple, woven, with great tailoring. It is a no-fuss, understated outfit. I see no socks, no belt. Everything looks very expensive. Silk shirt? Premium denim. Designer leather loafers. Great styling. The dainty gold buttons align with the jeans button. Buttoned up, crisp shirt collar. Carefully scrunched arms. And then the specific model makes the look, of course. This outfit would look very different on me.

Liesbeth

Veteran

Thanks for the shout out Synne. I have many of these type of shots pinned myself but need to adapt too. Somehow fully buttoned shirts look/feel wrong on me. And there's the fact that I'm not enjoying stiff shirts at the moment.
So I would take the vibe of the outfit to recreate: neutral colors, androgynous pieces, somewhat crisp both in color and silhouette, minimal embellishment/accessories... In your case I would definitely experiment with any shirt & a partial tuck.

Jules

Veteran

Thanks everyone! LaPed, I love the ‘square shirt’. RunCarla, those jeans look great - sold out of my size range but it’s good to see from you and others that this denim look appears to be available at retail right now. I’ve been admiring the look for years, actually, so I think this spring might be the time to put some effort into trying it out. And the other note is to pay attention to Everlane! They do have the ‘quality & simplicity’ vibe I seem to be interested in right now.
Appreciate everyone’s great observations and suggestions, very on point.

Jules

Veteran

Sweater from Uniqlo that might work.

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Runcarla

Veteran

The deep hem started trending hard in 2018, and I got on board in 2019. I believe Angie added some to her denim collection. They are still available, and I’m really liking these.

https://www.cosstores.com/en/w.....p-jeans-wh

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Looks like the jeans are pretty straight legged, and boyfriend jeans are usually tapered. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Sal

Veteran

I think the jeans could be adapted but definitely a straight style. But not too soft. And the top could be a tee or a shirt or a sweater. Welted might be easier than tucked.

I also noted the small delicate bag.

I hope you can experiment and find your version Jules - it is a great look.

Elle

Veteran

I can see why you love this outfit. The hair, top, and pants all have the same color intensity. I agree that a short cropped or welted top would be a good solution for you but possibly in a more luxurious type of fabric or with a muted pattern.

Jules

Veteran

I agree citygirl - the straight leg is definitely part of the challenge for me! The picture has helped in that I see how I could at least try this cut, specifically with loafers I already own and bare ankles. A mid rise version will be high enough on me, but not my default slouchy off-the-hips look.
Come to think about it here is a photo from last fall. I was obsessed with these shoes and also love the model (so much presence and attitude). Again I notice the straight and cuffed pants (less exaggerated cuff and not high contrast tho) and bare ankle, The outfit I hadn’t really thought about before but not loving the layered, coloured/patterned, maximal effect right now for whatever reason. Still love the shoes but they also feel busy and perhaps ‘overdone’ compared to my current inspo photo.

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Runcarla

Veteran

@ Jules - do you have a Pinterest inspo board? I’m seeing loafer style footwear, and cropped bottoms. Also, both models have heavy blunt bangs. A link to a Pinterest inspo board might reveal other ‘patterns’.

Ooops! Forgot you are in Canada! These might work. First shot looks like a double roll, whereas other product shots are unrolled. Discription of inseam seems off though - 28 inches!?

https://www.simons.ca/en/women.....755?catId=

Jules

Veteran

Thanks Carla! I’m probably going to put off ordering anything for a month or two since bare ankles are out for a while
I do love a heavy bang, but I have fine wavy hair that tends to crazy bed head when it’s short and fine features so it’s never been my look. My daughter has the perfect thick straight hair for them as she wakes up every day with bangs perfectly in place! Along with her bigger eyes and lips. Good observation though. I am thinking about bangs post-pandemic, but probably something lighter. I’ve been loving the shaggy mullets by Jayne Matthews but suspect she would choose a lighter look for me and my hair.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jules, I have two pairs of this type of jean - and reach for them a LOT. Had them for two years, and love them! See Finds. High rise on me, but you can wear a mid-rise.

I like to semi-tuck shirts and pullovers, AND wear fluid and boxy tops out. Some are shorter and some are regular length. All tops worn out have a gentle welt for a bit of structure.

What I'm wearing now. With at-home-only sneakers. See pics. These jeans are quite boyfriend-y, but tailored on the hips, waist and seat. LOVE that! The cuffs are at a very deliberate length.

I think that you can wear a similar vibe with a lower neckline. No tucking required. This is a shorter pullover that lengthens the leg line from the hips upward.

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Jules

Veteran

Thanks Angie, and looking good! It’s especially helpful to see the jeans with sneakers (and I have similar vibe off-white leather converse), because I’m just not likely to wear loafers for my ultra casual pandemic life of staying home, walking around and at the best of times, outdoor dining. So while I covet the loafer look eventually, I definitely need them to also be great with sneakers in the short term or there’s just no point.
I’m excited to try to find the right jeans come spring. I’ll also be keeping an eye out for woven shirts in light earth tones, not necessarily to copycat the outfit but just in general.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds good, Jules.

Look for BF jeans and RELAXED straights with the right fit on the waist and seat. Straight legs will fit like skinnies.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Fantastic thread with so much good advice I will be reading it again. Hope to eventually see your version Jules.

lyn67

Veteran

I just wanted to point out that the cuffs here are big contrast- so, much more lighter then the pants themselves and this is crucial-as they blend in well/or attract more attention down to light skin on the ankles-and ground all the outfit. I tried cuffing with jeans that don't have this big contrast and it's simply NOT THE SAME vibe. And, they have to be dramatic, wide enough cuffs, not just a few inches. Angie has done her similar looks with white shoes, which are even more dramatic. Cuffs, bare ankles and light colored shoes look almost like some contrasting boots on her, bookending her hair so well. And who doesn't love a booted outfit?:-)

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