Draped cliche? 4.23.21 - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Outfit Formula: Draped Looks

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Draped cliche? 4.23.21

Anonymous

I really look forward to Friday's posts and seeing if I can pull something together out of my closet. I admit to really loving the arty/volume/architectural look, and I've been intending to add more of these kind of pieces into my wardrobe for some time now. Not easy to locate at retail , is my issue. Anyways.....here is my version: all older pieces from my closet, and the ubiquitous artsy Fly London shoes and artsy long pendant, haha
So I don't know about this . I quite like the top, jacket and pants, but next time (I've already been out and back home in this outfit ) I'd like a different shoe. I felt like a walking cliche. Not sure what that shoe would be , exacly, but something with a little more sophistication , and something sleeker. A pointy toe mule , maybe. I don't wear these black Flys "out in public" - they are work shoes only, for days when I don't want to wear runners and want some height. I have a love/hate relationship with Fly London: I like exactly as many styles as I really DON"T like, but they are so comfortable , and are great summer shoes. I tried a second pair of Flys for a bookending effect, but ultimately chose the black. I'm kind of meh on the pendant too - it's not really my style, but I know it works with the whole look. Not sure what else to do here, other than take off the pendant and wear a statement earring.

You know what's funny though - any look can be seen as a cliche. Right? Is this any more of a cliche than a jeans/shirt/sneakers look? or a chinos/boots/puffer/hair-in-a-bob look (which I saw on at least 3 woman at the grocery store this morning ) ?

Thoughts? I know the black on black is hard to photograph - so if you can't see anything, I get it

coat- Bryn Walker - 10 years old? LOVE this piece, but only wear it once or twice a year
linen tank - Oh My Gauze - 2 years old
linen pants - Old Navy - 2 years old
shoes - Fly London - last year
pendant - random maker from a local boutique

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40 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

cat2

Veteran

Yeah, someone was bemoaning the need to compromise to dress in corporate life, but if you pick another tribe — gallerina, architectural, boho — you can still end up in a uniform of sorts.

Synne

Veteran

I don't se cliche at all, on the contrary this is my favourite of yours ever! Would love to copy the entire ensemble (in my color). Killer style! Love the festive peep toes, too.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I really like this- esp with the black shoes

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't see cliche either! KILLER top! You nailed today's outfit formula.

Personally, I prefer the outfit with the lighter bookended footwear because it breaks up the black, adds some light & pretty, and is the more unexpected choice. Also like your idea of a refined mule.

How about a pile of gold necklaces to match the shoes.....or one of these scarves. Maybe add one of your denim jackets you never wear

You can also wear the draped scarf instead of a topper.

Thanks for the Friday blog post excitement!

Banana Republic

Crinkled Layering Scarf

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3

Banana Republic

Tie-Dye Layering Scarf

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6

Banana Republic

Wool-Cotton Camo Scarf

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4

Banana Republic

Wool-Cotton Camo Scarf

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6

Banana Republic

Leopard Print Cotton-Wool Scarf

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5

Eyelash Trim Print Cashmere & Silk Wrap

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4

Helena

Veteran

I agree with Angie's alternate styling suggestions, if you are unsure - but I also agree I see no cliche here at all - or at least, as you say, it's no more cliche than my striped oxford which is about as unoriginal as you can get Black is always chic, and you wear edgy drama to perfection.

Irina

Veteran

I think this is a good example of sophisticated, architectural look. You put it so well together and look great.
I don’t know what is seen as a cliche but I stopped wearing long necklaces with draped tops. For me, it is kind of a predictable accessory and I’m personally over it
You have a wonderful collection of statement earrings to play with.

viva

Veteran

I loved this line: any look can be seen as a cliche.

When I read the title of your post, I instantly thought: and yes, I am a walking New England cliche. Just about every day!

I really like this look for you. I prefer the lighter shoes, and I have to say, this might be the first time I really see and understand the benefits of bookending! With the lighter shoes it all feels better balanced to me. But I also love the idea of pointy mules (please wear them for me, as they always fall off my feet!) and gold jewelry. It's just a different way to wear what is essentially a great outfit.

Finally, I adore that coat. Why are you wearing it so rarely?????

cat2

Veteran

Hmm, what about edgy earrings instead and do you have a reptile or other patterned sandal or shoe?

Anonymous

Vivian - because the coat thing works with nothing other than black or the exact shade of grey. It just doesn't work over much other than that. A white t, I guess, would be another option. The lighter Fly shoes are actually silver and a sand colour, so I'd keep the jewellery to silver . Now I want black suede pointy mules ! I'm not sure I see the same thing as you and Angie do with the lighter shoes - they just seemed unrelated to the outfit. *shrugs*

Irina- I never wear long pendant necklaces either . I have a few, because I think I should have them, but I find them annoying to wear, and as you said: predictable. I like Angie's idea of a scarf. Didn't even think of it - mind you , I don't wear them in the spring . nor own any suitable for this time of year. Maybe I should look into it.

Angie - great idea re: a scarf. I don't wear them at all in the spring, but it would have been perfect today as it's bloody cold out again! I'll have to investigate further - thank you for these suggestions - love the Nordstrom one ! (BR's are not quite the right colour as the jacket is black with cool grey striping ) . And yes to wearing one of my denim jackets - for a non-drape look

Marlene

Veteran

Lisa!!! I love this so much! I have a small capsule of these types of items for gallery openings and other arty events. I also wear these outfits to casual weddings. I pick up an item or two a year from my favorite boutique in Langley BC to add in. All the pieces “go” together and it’s fun to mix and match.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Ya look sharp, kid!

Definitely not a cliche.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I think -not that it will do you any good until it warms up-that without the jacket with the lighter color shoes would be my favorite.

Runcarla

Veteran

Not so much a cliche as a formula?

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like this and prefer the black shoes as more cohesive for sure.
I agree with Carla about formula.

Sal

Veteran

I really like this look. Timeless - as the age of the coat shows. Very flattering too.

I know the feeling of being a cliche and I also avoid it ( it is not quite such an issue as maybe 10 years ago when there were some very thrashed looks here). But I think there are timeless looks that always work because they are wonderful. And small tweaks through the years keeps them current - accessories and shoes often. I feel head to toe trends is more of a cliche that I will leave to the teens.

We went to a big concert a couple of months back and there were lots of teenagers there. All the girls in very skimpy or bikini tops , baggy jeans or shorts and chunky sneakers. All long hair. That’s a cliche- not your elegant look.

Anonymous

Just coming back to say , Angie , that I’ve got a couple of those BR scarves in a shopping cart , along with the olive green sneakers that are finally on sale I’ll be ordering the tie-die olive green plus another silk square I found . Thank you again for the recommendation !

slim cat

Veteran

No cliche here- just awesome outfit!
I like both shoe’ options ( lighter is my fav because metallic/silver- envy ).
I like the long necklace too - I wear short ones now for practical reasons but have a collection of long ones that I would not give away.
Agree with @Runcarla - formula at its best.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

There's a reason clichés are clichés -- there's truth to them! This is a look that really works for you and looks authentic! So I say, go for it! You make it your own with the exact items and combinations. I like both Flys and really wish I could wear them (I'm always between sizes in that brand as with many UK brands, it seems, but I keep trying because, like you, I really like about half the styles they come up with -- while not caring for the other half.)

NancyW

Veteran

The cut of the tank makes all the difference. Nothing billowing away!

Bonnie

Veteran

This outfit is terrific. The Fly Londons look perfect with it. As Angie would say, "You nailed it".

Sloper

Veteran

I understand what you mean about "cliche" looks. When they work for someone's type, that's great, but then they can become a crutch and sometimes end up turning someone into a stereotype.

I like you better in more tailored looks. This is fine, and works well with the black shoes. I hear what Angie is recommending in terms of scarves, though it might just be adding another drapey element.

Maybe mix just one drapey piece with more structured stuff, like a denim jacket (also as Angie suggests).

And yes to your thought about a white tee!

kkards

Veteran

While who cares of its a cliche or a formula if it works. And this definitely does...although I personally prefer the black shoes, the lighter shoes work as well...

kkards

Veteran

I’m back to add that i feel the same way about Fly London shoes. Some times I’ll see a pair and think these are funky and awesome, and sometimes i see a pair and i think these are just trying to hard to be funky...as a brand i feel like they are like me in middle school trying to figure out if i wanted to be one of the nerdy smart kids, one of the artsy kids or one of the cool kids

L'Abeille

Veteran

Oh Lisa, your instincts never fail!

Anonymous

They look great to me-my favorite is #5!
Pointy mules or slingbacks would be perfect! Something like these?

SARTO By Franco Sarto Grayson Slingback Flat

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You wear this look just as well as your blazers, Lisa. I really like it! The only part that seems a bit expected to me is the long, arty pendant. I would replace it with something that has a little edge, and I was thinking gold, also, to echo your hair color. I like the lighter shoes for the same reasons Angie mentioned, so maybe a piece of jewelry that has silver and gold? I like the Fly Londons, too, though. Do you have open-toe black heeled booties? Something with a leather sole--I like your idea of black mules, too--rather than the kind of "comfort shoe" category would take this look in a slightly more sophisticated direction, which may be what you're after.

I'm putting a couple of jewelry finds below for inspiration only.

And what L'Abeille said!

ABUSA Padlock Chain Necklace

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AllSaints Tag Double Pendant Necklace

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Vildy

Veteran

My two pair of Fly London are my favorites in all my wardrobe. I wore a pair today to lift a cliche ladylike skirt and shirt look to a hip look. My favorite "rescue". I feel like, too, that I own the only Fly London in the whole city.

Jonesy

Veteran

I do know what you mean, but I don't think it applies to this outfit :)! You looks stylish and chic to me, not cookie cutter. I personally love those Fly London black shoes, but I am definitely on Team Black Footwear.

Anonymous

I always love the feedback I receive- some great suggestions and ideas . I certainly will style this outfit differently next time I wear it- reflecting my personal style rather than copying a look - and I * will* wear it again . Yes to different jewellery , yes to a scarf , and yes to a lighter shoe . Thank you all !

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