Casual Holiday Outfit Lab - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Casual Holiday Outfit Lab

Bonnie

Veteran

Today, I decided to try some cold weather holiday outfit combinations using two newish wardrobe additions that dh has gifted me the last two years for Christmas. They were hardly worn because of staying home during the pandemic and are both from Gudrun Sojden. I tried combining the gifted coat and cardigan with older pieces in my wardrobe. We have a few afternoon concerts (classical) and some family and friends gatherings that we will hopefully get to attend this year. Your comments and suggestions have helped me improved my outfits in the past and are welcome.

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Cropped cardigan sweater in supersoft yarn

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White House Black Market

Lace-Sleeve Cardigan

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The Arc Canvas Pant

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Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater

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Dolan Left Coast Snap-Neck Pullover

Sale

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Vionic Jayce Bootie

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Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Bonnie

LJP

Veteran

Wow - those are beautiful pieces he's given you! You have low-contrast colouring from what I can determine from your photos, and I think the coat and the jacket/cardigan piece would both look really pretty and modern over a colour other than black. Something like a soft blue, grey, green, etc which are prevalent in both the coat and the jacket. Just my 2c.

LJP

Veteran

All of your outfits are nicely styled - and will take you far during the holiday season . I have no idea what to wear myself, lol.

nemosmom

Veteran

What pretty gifts, Bonnie! I quite like the red cardigan - what about layering it under the coat to bring out the red accents?

lyn67

Veteran

You mastered the all black outfits in nr 1&3-love they provide/you added some bright spots for more interest and style but cuts also speak for themselves in these- your all times signiture! The coat is beautiful for layering over, and the blue and red cardi both are fab pieces for the festive days ahead!

Mirjana

Veteran

Wow, Bonnie so beautiful coat and blue cardigan. They are great with black. You look really ready for holidays. I also like the red cardi.

Bonnie

Veteran

LJP: Thank you. Great advice and good eye, the sweater came with a blue dress and I usually wear it that way. Just trying to expand it's usage and dh likes me in black so I tried some different combos. I even tried the blue sweater under the coat but that didn't work at all.

nemosmom: Thank you and great idea to try the red sweater with the coat.

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Barbara Diane

Veteran

I second Lisa’s suggestions-try some lighter colors under the coat and cardigan. What beautiful pieces!

Dee

Veteran

Love these beautiful and artsy pieces, I agree nemosmom about wearing the red cardigan under that fabulous coat to pick up the red accents in it.
Another idea would be wearing either grey, purple or light blue tights with the short black booties with that lovely purple printed jacket and black dress. It would also help play up some of the colours in the jacket.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Beautiful rich wintery festive pieces, Bonnie! I love Lisa's idea of trying these with something other than black. The black seems to overpower them, somehow, although it's hard to tell how the details show up in person. In the stock photo of the coat, I love how the white accents of the skirt or dress make the pattern of the coat (and its different greys) pop. I do like the blue cardigan with the black since it has the dark placket that unifies it with the black items.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'll be back to comment on how you ROCK EVERYTHING, sweet Bonnie......but have to ask - where is your big white WHBM skirt? Can't you wear that with a black sweater and your super cute lace-up boots for the holidays?

Rejoiceandbe

Thank you for introducing me to Gudrun Sodjen clothing. I had never heard of the company before, but these pieces really spoke to me and my style goals.
I have looked her up and will investigate further.
In terms of the outfits, I personally like best, as festive outfits, the two pictures with the cardigans open. Outfit 1 is great but could be worn at anytime in the winter.

Bonnie

Veteran

ALL: Thank you so much for your nice comments and suggestions.

lyn67: Glad you like #1 and #3. Black is kind of a signature color but I do like most other colors, too.

Mirjana: Yes, I do feel good having found a few outfits that will work for cold holiday weather.

Barbara Diane: I live in California so the season for wearing a wool coat is very short but I could wear the sweater most of the year since I live near the coast. I'll try other lighter pieces with it in another session.

Dee: I like the idea of colored tights with the sweater and I'm planning another session with the coat and red sweater.

Suz: Yes, the cardigan does have a fair amount of black accents and the light accents on the dress are metal, similar to zippers, and my necklace is made of washers which does seem to break up the black. I think I should have picked a sunny day to do this lab.

Angie: You remembered my white skirt! I'm thinking that it works so well for most of the year that I'll have plenty of chances to wear it but a wool coat in California has very few chances of a outing. Hopefully, we'll have a cool Christmas.

Rejoiceandbe: I've managed to collect a number of her things in the last 6-7 years. They are very well made and are really fun and unique.

Anonymous

Very pretty pieces, Bonnie! I like your outfit combinations. Maybe try the coat and blue cardigan with jeans. I think the black dress is very cute

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

First off I really like your new and old pieces and the first look (unrelated to the new items) is fab! I do agree with Lisa that these pieces shine with colors other than black - I really like the blue and blue you posted above.

Bonnie

Veteran

ALL: I agree with LJP's assessment that black is too stark for the blue cardigan. These gifts may require more shopping since I don't seem to see anything in my wardrobe that will work with the blue cardigan, except the blue dress. I think I can wear the black dress under the coat and try the red cardi with it, too.
Nikki: Thank you. Trying the coat and sweater with jeans is a great idea.
Jaime: Thank you. These new additions may require other new additions.

Sally

Veteran

You have some really interesting pieces and put them together with a unique style. I really love all the outfits and think you have a great holiday capsule there.

rachylou

Veteran

You got some good gifts! Love!

Anonymous

Those are great- but definitely want to see the coat with a lighter top, like the others said.

Helena

Veteran

I can't add much to the great suggestions you've already received, but just chiming in to say these are lovely and interesting pieces and you look great

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think all of these outfits are great. I was thinking about a skirt, too, though I like how you've created a skirt look by wearing a pullover over the dress. That dress looks like a total workhorse for holiday season, by the way. The zipper detail adds some edgy bling that you are dressing up nicely. The beautiful coat is such a fantastic topper for holiday looks, too. I wonder about switching out the laces on the boots for a red satin or other festive ribbon, depending on the outfit.

Bonnie

Veteran

Sally, rachlou, suntiger, Helena, and Firecracker: Thank you so much for your kind comments and I'll definitely try your suggestions. The red laces would certainly make the outfit more festive and I will try a lighter top in my next try on session.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

bonnie, I'm back! You are sooooo stinking cute, I can barely stand it

Hubs is a wonderful gift giver! KILLER statement items.

YES! Wear those Wintery looks in CA while you can. Or travel north to Seattle and wear them till the cows come home...

#3, 4 and 5 are my faves. I like the neck skin in those versions. Pretty!

Joy

Veteran

The town just north of us has an Icelandic store. I discovered their things last year when looking for a cold weather version of boho. My Icelandic sweaters are wool and quite heavy. Most are embellished with embroidery or decorative patterns. I am already wearing these pieces for warmth and color.

You blue cardigan reminded me of my Icelandic pieces. It is beautiful and special. You may want to add some Icelandic pieces as they will probably go well with what you have.

Bonnie

Veteran

Angie: Thanks. #3, 4, and 5 are my favorites, too. You are absolutely right about the neck skin being the difference. Interesting. I'll probably wear that coat a lot this winter, It will work with my jeans and sweaters, too.

Joy: The brand that made my cardi is based in Sweden. I have a hand knitted wool sweater that I bought in Norway about 30 years ago. It's heavy, warm, and beautiful but I don't often wear it because it's itchy. I'm not usually sentimental about clothing but I keep it because it came from the area my mother's family came from.

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Eliza

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Your husband has a great eye. The colors in that cardigan really sing on you. So versatile; agree that denim would switch it up a bit. Wear it as you can. The coat is lovely too and it is worth trying both with other wardrobe colors. You look ready for cooler weather and those pieces make each look special and most importantly, suit you.

slim cat

Veteran

Everything looks great - love the coat ( perfect for holidays )!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I love the blue cardi!And the luxury of having a really special coat to go out in,lucky you!

Katerina

Veteran

You have such a fantastic wardrobe, Bonnie, and great style.
The gifts from your husband are gorgeous and suit you beautifully. I LOVE the blue cardigan - it looks great both ways you wear it here.

Star

Veteran

I love the blue cardi too, especially when buttoned and worn like a blouse. I think it is very festive and will be great for informal gatherings. Will look even better with silver accessories.

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