Can this outfit be saved???

annette

This top and shorts look so cute pattern-wise: the blue of the top is in the plaid shorts and I love the patterns in person (not sure how well they show up here)
Sadly, I look like a dude. When I accessorize I look like a dude in accessories!
Help! Should I scrap the outfit, and try the pieces another way, scrap the top and shorts, or style them together in some way to make it more feminine?
Thanks!

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14 years ago

Urgent

9 replies

Latest reply was from Briar

(website)

Veteran

I have to agree with you - the pieces together look rather boxy and masculine. Not sure how to fix it . . .

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I'm having a hard time judging this one without your head. A female head attached would make a huge difference.

I think heels would be a key change.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

You could try untucking the shirt and belting at your natural waist. Or maybe untucked with a tailored vest and a candy-colored necklace similar to what you did with your belts?

If you are going to break the pieces up, you can do the top with more fitted bottoms, like clams or a pencil skirt -- and conversely do the shorts with a more tailored or feminine top.

14 years ago

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

Try untucking the shirt and tying the front panels into a knot (you'll have to undo the bottom buttons), or doing a crossover and tuck (again, undo the bottom buttons for this), or a twist and tuck - to make the shirt more fitted at the waist. You could undo another button at the top and add a short chunky necklace - if going a button down is too revealing, try a longer statement necklace or a scarf. Also, try using a larger fold on the sleeves and go up higher on the arm. Big dangly earrings couldn't hurt either.

Both belts look good, but the second shoe is definitely a more feminine boost for the outfit. This does have a menswear vibe to it, but how neat when something that on the surface looks like a pretty straightforward outfit, is actually pretty daring and bold.

If you can just own it, looking like a well dressed dude can be pretty sexy.

14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I second the "female head" idea!

I'd love to see a brightly-colored necklace with this -- maybe some chunky multi-colored beads? And/or some higher espadrilles?

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Third the female head idea! Everyone has made such fab suggestions! I have nothing to add, but I think this is pretty cute as-is (with your head presumably attached).

14 years ago

Anonymous

Both pieces are more boyish, thus together you look "like a dude." I would try pairing the top with a more feminine bottom and the bottoms with a more feminine top. Perhaps that would help strike the right balance.

14 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The shirt is summery and cute. Try pairing with a skirt or a more girly pair of shorts (more fitted, perhaps longer/knee length and avoid the slash pockets which are masculine to my eye). Those shorts do look perfect for outdoor activities however.

14 years ago

Briar

Active Member

Both pieces are really nice and not necessarily masculine on their own, but together I don't get a feminine vibe either--with or without a head : ) Could you wear the top unbuttoned with a cami and necklace? I can see breaking up the pieces and pairing the top with an A-line summer skirt and/or the shorts with a less structured top. Both pairs of shoes look really nice on you, so I would keep those as part of the outfit.

14 years ago

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