Chanel formulas and tonight's party -- help me pick an outfit?

I have to go to another party tonight, this one a birthday gathering for one of my closest friends.
The venue is a very laid-back and casual cafe, the crowd is relatively upscale for our age group. I thought a potential compromise would be to come up with a smart casual ensemble inspired by Angie's Chanel formula, which I have yet to fully master.

I tried out a couple of different combinations, any components of which I'd be happy to mix and match. I'd really welcome your feedback on both combos or any individual pieces that stand out in either a good or bad way.

The only constants in the two outfits are my accessories. Pearls are key for a Chanel look, I'm kind of in love with my red bow bag, and I was so excited when I *finally* found two-tone ballet flats that I think I'll wear them regardless. These are Me Too flats in black and cream that I found for 60 per cent off. I hope you guys like them as much as I do. I have a quilted, chain-strap black cross-body bag, but I thought a pop of colour would be welcome on this disgustingly rainy and cold day. Plus, then I can wear my pearls without fear of competing elements.

Outfit 1: The flats, black skinnies, black and white striped top, grey bf jacket from last year's NAS, knotted pearls, red bag.

Outfit 2: The flats, dark wash blue straight leg jeans, white french cuff shirt, tweed jacket, black and silver zipper flower pin, pearls, red bag.

I have thoughts on this, but I'll wait for your feedback first. Thank you for your help, ladies!

ETA: Not sure if I can come up with a truly killer outfit based on the ideas above. If I can I'll stick to the original plan, but if not, here's the alternative outfit I'm thinking of (pic 3): print faux-wrap dress, black military jacket, gumball pearls, red pumps and microfishnet hose. Would probably carry my new white handbag if I went this route. I could always switch to black pumps with silver hardware, too.

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14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Michelle, I'm voting for #2. I like the crispness of the shirt with the jacket. The pearls, flower pin and red bag add just the right touches. And the shoes are fab!

Sveta

(website)

Michelle, I vote #2 - very Chanel and chic. I think that striped top in #1 though lovely clings too much in the tummy area - or is it just the picture?
Lovely flats!

Maya

I also prefer 2. The shirt has a better fit.

Michelle

I agree the top fits better in outfit 2, and I feel like the jeans do as well...However I wish they were true black (I'm weird like that and always have a hard time visualizing dark blue with black). Should I stick with the jeans I have on or find another black alternative? I know the black skinnies are out because of the shorter top lengths. Is there anything I could do to this getup to take it to 10 territory?

firefly

Active Member

I prefer no. 2 as well, though I do wonder if you could substitute the top from outfit 1? Otherwise no.2 as is. Hope you enjoy the party!

Gosh, everyone types so quickly! Michelle, I actually prefer these jeans to a black alternative, as I think they dress down the outfit just enough; you say the setting is very laid-back and casual? Obviously the dark wash means they are still quite dressy.

KristineK

another vote for #2. your tweed jacket is very pretty! is that a rosette on the left shoulder? love

I also prefer the current jeans to a black version:)

#2. Have fun!

Queen Mum

I prefer outfit #2 as well...and for what it is worth, I think blue denim with that black jacket is better than black denim would be.

Heather

Another vote for 2. Michelle, have a wonderful time tonight!

If I can't reach a 10 with the proposed ensembles, I can always abandon the Chanel-inspired idea and go for a totally different outfit. I'll edit the post to add the alternative I'm thinking of .
Thank you all for your feedback!

what is it about outfit 2 that you are not completely sold on Michelle?

Kim, not sure...Just don't know if it's really up to scratch. I want to look my best for this crew, as usual.

oh, LOVE #3.
#2 was nice but it seemed to be missing something.
go with 3 it's a 10

Mary from Faniente.ca

Hi Michelle, I'm leaning toward outfits 2 and 3. I think your red purse would work with outfit 3 as well!

Kari

#1 and 2 are nice outfits, but I really love #3 and think your new white handbag will go wonderfully with it.

Thanks, ladies. That was my instinct, too...that the Chanel-inspired outfits were missing something. Not sure what, since I like the individual components. It's frustrating, too, since I really want to make this formula work! But I will wear outfit 3 and feel fully confident.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Another vote for #3. Splendid and a 10 - KILLER. Have a lovely time!

Will do, Angie. When you have time, I'd love your input on what I can do to truly nail that Chanel-esque formula.

lyn*

The second outfit is my favorite You look great in pearls!

cheryle (Dianthus)

I also think outfit 3 is the winner. The cut is very flattering and the colors and pattern are modern and a touch edgy. Outfit 2 is also very nice and the jacket is more reminiscent of Chanel than the jacket in outfit 1. I also like a nice crisp white button front shirt.

Hope you have a great time.

Steph

Michelle, I love outfit 3 as well, so that's my vote. I also LOVED every one of the outfits you posted in shabbychick's thread about full hourglass figures. I don't think I had seen any of those (other than your favorite blue dress) before, and I thought they were all incredibly fab.

As for outfits 1 and 2 here, I think you can do better with both tops. The top in outfit one seems too clingy in the photos, and in photo 2 it appears that the buttons are pulling near the bottom (around the stomach area). I really love the purse and the flats, though, and don't have any problems with the dark wash jeans.

Michelle, Steph hit the nail on the head (thanks, Steph). The tops are clinging for some reason - perhaps they are bunching under the jackets?

LOVE the new shoes and the killer handbag! Plus the jackets are fantastic.

Lisa

I also vote #3, you look casual and chic all at the same time. I'm afraid I agree, for some reason the tops in #1 and #2 look like they bunch as Steph mentioned.

Late to this thread but I LUV option 3! It's very chic and stylish and fits nicely! I hope you had a great time!

Scarlet

I imagine decision time is over, but 3 looks great and perfect for the occasion.

RoseandJoan

You have probably been to the party and had a wonderful time, outfit #3 is wonderful. Michelle did you manage to try the Talbots top which Mac tracked down?

With regards to outfit #1 the top is looking very smooth, have you tried wearing the top a little shorter so the excess fabric gather a little over the midriff. I often think this cheats ruching can be very flattering.

Thanks again, ladies. Number 3 was the clear winner, so that's the one that came out to play last night.
Much appreciate the feedback and advice, Steph and Angie. I'm working on it. I typically wear a camisole under at least top 2, but didn't for this picture...hopefully that will help another time. And the weight loss efforts continue...that's really the heart of the problem, I fear.
Julie, I passed on the Talbot's top. Mac found it very clingy, and the high neckline gave me additional pause. Great memory though!

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