back in black - YouLookFab Forum

Yesterday was pretty far out of my comfort zone of blues and black/grey, so today I retreated to safe black.

Black skinny jeans (over skating tights for warmth), back LS T, black triple buckle boots, and this black/grey cardigan which has been on the chopping block for a couple of years, but never actually gets cut. With Angie's admonitions about too many accessories fresh in my mind, I chose only a pair of earrings - these malachite dangies which I've had since I was a was a 17 year old college freshwoman (I paid $30 bucks for them in 1985, which at that time was 30% of my monthly budget, but I've never regretted it). However now that I see the pics, I think this could really use a long necklace to break up all that black space.

Regarding the cardigan, I love the cutaway shape, but I don't love the ruffles, especially at the sleeves. However now that I'm wearing it, the ruffles aren't as onerous as perceived/remembered, and they turn back easily for work. I think this is a keeper.

The great purge revealed this black wool coat which I remember buying before we moved to Oklahoma (so before 2005) but I don't think I've ever worn it. The photos don't do it justice - it has velvet cuffs and the hood is lined in velvet, and both cuffs and hood have a sort of baroque twisted cord detailing. I remember loving the fairy tale vibe of it when I bought it ... and then I stored it in a garment bag and never wore it. For over 8 years. Silly me.

Do you retreat to your comfort zone after a sartorial boundary push?

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12 years ago

Anonymous

Thumbs up from me. The coat is lovely, and I don't think those are egregious ruffles on the cardi. I like the earrings without a necklace, but I am a minimalist at heart!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like this! The touch of teal on your ears and hands is just enough to give the outfit a bit of fun and sizzle. The sweater's texture and detailing are enough in themselves to add interest to the black. (Of course I am on the minimalist side, so take that FWIW). And the coat is gorgeous! So glad you have brought it out to play.

Sarah A

Like Suz, i love that touch of teal. It really seems to help pick up some of the color that seem to shimmer in the cardigan. Like also how the earrings echo but dont duplicate the color. Nicely done!

kkards

a hood lined in velvet! that sounds so lovely!
i like the sweater, but i hear you on the ruffles at the wrists (had a sweater like that once, and they always seemed to be in the way), is it possible to cut the ruffles off?

Sharon

I think this is a lovely outfit, and I like it with just the earrings (which are gorgeous, by the way!) I didn't actually notice the ruffles on the sleeves until you pointed them out. I love the shape of the cardigan- that cut-away style is very flattering and interesting.

Debra

Love this look. The little touches of teal are perfect and that coat is fabulous

S.C

Member

I really like this look overall!

celia

I like that the cardigan adds texture to the outfit and to me the ruffles don't seem too girly, they are quite sedated.
Yes, I do run back to hide in my comfort zone and sometimes even to my frump zone. It makes me even more willing to try different and more daring things next time.

I loved the coat in the pics and even more when I read about the velvet! Black loves you. This is a beautiful outfit; I really love the shape of that cardigan and the subtle patterns/textures/colours going on. It might be my favourite that you've posted!

And yep I run straight back to my comfort zone after I've tried something new. hehe

MuseumGal

Thanks all, I'm glad the cardi got some love.

Ha, E, it's a very "E" coat, for sure. I remember all those years ago feeling like Little Red, er I mean Little Black Riding Hood. I used to be much more into a sort of steampunky whimsical vintagey look. I sort of assumed my tastes have changed, but now I am starting to think it's more moving to OK and not wanting to stand out than a genuine shift in what I like ... maybe I should be aiming for stealthy steampunk instead of (in addition to?) stealthy boho ...

MRL

I like your look. You could add one more accessory, but it looks good as is.
Love the luxe velvet lines hood coat.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look streamlined, dramatic and pretty. Personally, I don't think you need a necklace to break up the black because the neckline is low and we can see skin.

Yay! Thank you Angie!

Jaime

Yes! What Angie said, I can't beat that.

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