Black/Brown Coord Set (not for me)

Chris987

It took me 2 orders to get the right petite sizes of this coord set that was featured in a recent Outfit Formula post.

I like the colors and pattern. The knit is a bit thick so it looks bulky on me. The sweater in the next size down pulled a bit across the shoulders and neck and was snugger than I liked at the hem. The sleeves are also too long, as shown on the model so I'd need to alter them.

The biggest issue is that it does not feel like "me".

So back it goes. Not sorry I tried it

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JC Penney

Worthington Womens Mock Neck Long Sleeve Geometric Pullover Sweater

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JC Penney

Worthington Womens Midi A-Line Skirt

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1 week ago

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26 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

Star (Lise)

Veteran

Yes I was taken with this in the blog post too. Most important that it must feel like you so good call not even hesitating.

1 week ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I love the expression on your face Chris! You don’t look pleased with it
It’s a beautiful outfit but I agree not you. Good to try since you liked it so much.

1 week ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE this on you, Chris!!! KILLER

The top is the right size. The sleeves will probably look fab cuffed back once. I see svelte, hip, interesting, and modern!

I support what Jenni said. That would be my typical response too. (I see what she sees - a beautiful outfit!). And I am BIG on following your feelings

Yet, I am going to be spanner

This is SUCH a different look for you, and you rock it!!! I'm very excited about this new direction! And you've often wanted to change things up from your tried and tested comfort zone outfits. Sometimes, you need to push through that discomfort a bit to break in something new.

So FWIW, I am reassuring you that you look KILLER AWESOME in this set! Maybe do yourself a favour. Complete the outfit. And see how you feel then.

Of course, whatever you decide in the end, I support you.

1 week ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I actually think it looks good on you, but sorry to hear that it doesn't feel that way in real life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, back it goes!

1 week ago

Kate

Veteran

I love this pattern and color on you Chris. I’m not a fan of the skirt due to the fabric’s bulk and the length, but I love the top on you, and hope you keep it. It looks like a great fit, and as Angie says, you can turn back the cuffs, or you can have a seamstress shorten them.

1 week ago

Star (Lise)

Veteran

I think KATE is on to something. Try the top with other bottoms. It is such a great colour combo and pattern.

1 week ago

Veteran

I thought this was a coat at first, and if it were a coat it would be fantastic. But it does kind of look like something you are wearing over your actual clothes. (Looking again, I think it’s the model’s seemingly very long torso that makes the effect different on her—it looks much more like two separate pieces.)

1 week ago

LJP

Veteran

The only issue to my eye is the skirt is too long for you . But with nice high black suede boots and a bold earring this could be very cool !

1 week ago

JAileen

Veteran

You have to be true to your own sense of style. Your style can change, of course, but maybe this is a step too far for you now. Maybe in a year you’ll think wow, that was awesome - why did I send it back - what was I thinking? But right now it doesn’t feel like you. I agree with others that it’s a very interesting outfit, and different from what you usually show us. I’d like to see it styled before you send it back.

1 week ago

Chris987

Veteran

Hmmm .... your comments have given me a lot to consider :-).

Thanks Star and JenniZ for the validation of "not keeping".

JenniZ I've seen quite a few photos of myself lately with a not so happy look on my face wonder what that's about?

Angie, very interesting comments that I will definitely consider! The sleeves do work folded back once. And I do get your point about sometimes needing to try something outside one's comfort zone. I can't imagine anywhere I'd actually wear this, but of course your point is to wear it anyway!

thanks Bella, Kate, Star (again) - yeah maybe just keep the sweater.

The knit is a bit too thick to do a "hem" on either the sleeves or the skirt - I'm a pretty good seamstress and I've tried hemming knits before and if they are thick it does not look great. The one thing that might work on the skirt hem is to cut it off and stitch the raw edge with a zig-zag stitch or similar

Cookie interesting comment about "wearing it over my clothes" - it strikes me as thick like a blanket or a bathrobe ....

Lisap, I agree that the skirt is too long. I do have one pair of riding-boot style black boots that could work. I can't do heels much.

I will go try some more fully-styled outfits with this before I make a final decision.

1 week ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think it looks great. My first thought was I want that skirt! I actually don’t think it’s too long (but I am the sole defender of long skirts on this forum). I think the length on you (midaxi) looks more trendy and modern than the length on the model (midi). Fantastic in winter with ankle boots - no gap. If necessary maybe you could pull it up a couple of inches at the waistband using an elastic belt (easily available on Amazon - I have a few for making minor tweaks to skirt lengths). Just things to think about …

1 week ago

Roberta

Veteran

I really love the top on you, but I think the skirt looks stiff and heavy. It is a tricky length . I would try the top with different bottoms and see what you think. Like others, I was very attracted to this Find when I first saw it.

1 week ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Love this look on you but I have to admit it is quite a departure from your usual. Maybe a step or two too far for you at this stage of your journey? I have to confess that I am a bit relieved that my size is sold out, but those colors are no doubt better on you than me.

1 week ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Coming back to say that, at midi length, the skirt might be difficult to wear in winter with anything other than tall boots (unless you are happy to wear stockings). Tall boots, especially casual ones, are hard to find. At midi length with tall (dressy) boots it will skew more classic, officewear-ish. Like a pencil skirt. A longer skirt can be worn with casual ankle boots with a high shaft. Casual ankle boots are easier to find. IMO a longer skirt with ankle boots skews less classic, less office wear-ish. Flat shoes (easy for walking), no gap (no need for stockings). Eg what I’m wearing today. This is a denim skirt, so it’s inherently more casual than a knit, but I would happily wear your knit skirt (casually) in the same way. So I think you should think about how you want to wear it. Just my 2 cents!

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1 week ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think it looks super fab. I can picture it with booties or tall boots, ballet flats or pumps. I like it with the earrings you're wearing. The colors and pattern are so fantastic on you. And yes, you could wear the sweater with pants or jeans, but if you kept the whole outfit you've got a great cozy winter two-piece dress for lots of occasions. Maybe play dress-up before returning it, if just for fun.

Also, thanks for showing us. I like it better on you than in the stock photo.

1 week ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So, Brooklyn, I am with you that this length is very cool and can work exceptionally well....but, um, in Chris's defence, there is absolutely NO going without hose when wearing a dress in winter in her climate. I couldn't even go without them myself and where I live now it is many degrees warmer (most of the time) in winter.

So Chris, I kind of love this, for the reasons Angie said. I'm really hoping you will keep the top at least. And I would love for you to keep the skirt, too, and hem it so that it is not quite as long as it is now, but is longer than on the model in the photos, because, to Brooklyn's point, the long skirt looks really good. Even if it does require hose.

1 week ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Fair point, Suz

1 week ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m late to this, but I also think it looks really fab on you! I think the skirt is a little long, but otherwise it’s pretty great. Have you tried styling it as separates? I can see that top paired with black trousers or denim, for example.

But most importantly it needs to feel good for YOU!

1 week ago

Lisa

Veteran

I think this is lovely on you! But of course as others mentioned, how YOU feel in it is most important. Because if you don't feel fab in it, you won't ever wear it. I wish you luck in your decision!

1 week ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

It does matter how you feel most of all BUT it does sometimes take a while to get used to a new silhouette, so, given the forum support (which I agree with) maybe give this a little more time (if the return window allows) before you decide.

1 week ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I was also deeply drawn to this set, though I could tell the color would not work for me. It is very cute, and the color works for you. But if it wasn't 100%, back it goes!

1 week ago

Chris987

Veteran

JAileen - wise advice!

Brooklyn - you look terrific in your long skirts, but I generally prefer them no longer than mid-calf with occasional exceptions. Great suggestion to get an elastic belt to make adjustments in a skirt length - although this skirt waistband is pretty bulky so maybe would not work in this case. I definitely need to try both ankle boots and taller boots with this. It's a pretty thick knit so I'd only wear the skirt in winter, where as others have said I'd need tights given my climate. (This is NOT a problem at all BTW - I have a good supply and do not have any issues with wearing them)

Roberta - the skirt IS heavy/thick but it's not stiff a all.

DonnaF - yes it sure is a departure! But as Angie and other have suggested, maybe that would be a good thing

Great suggestions Firecracker, Janet, and Carol!

Jaime - JCP return policies this time of year (which I looked up based on your comment) give me until end of Jan to return these ... plenty of time!

I hope to find some time at the end of this week to do some more outfit creation and figuring out what length I would prefer for the skirt. Note to self: also try ankle boots and taller ones, maybe flats too, different tops with the skirt, different bottoms with the sweater, and don't forget to make sure I have a coat that works since this is a winter item given the thickness of the knit fabric.

1 week ago

Sal

Veteran

Interesting thread - and will see where you end up!!

I like it and think with good styling it could be awesome. I love a two piece to give you options.

1 week ago

RobinF

Veteran

Late here but I do agree that it would be worth trying the separate pieces with other items, especially the sweater which I really like on you. Let us know!

1 week ago

Kyle

Veteran

I think it’s stunning on you, truly.

1 week ago

lyn67

Veteran

I like it on you, Chris! Push the sleeves to elbow, and try it with boots, for getting the IRL proportions. I love the print and the length!! And no, Brooklyn, you are not the sole defender of long skirts on this forum!:-) I like medium knits for a skirts and dresses (no flimsy to show up bulges:-)) so if the fabric is not that extremely thick or stiff and still feels comfy, I would maybe consider keeping it -but of course, you know better why doesn't feel like you...And, I suspect shorter coats will look better with this, perhaps that was designer's intention with the thickness of the fabric, too.

6 days ago

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