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Fall Wardrobe Updates And Possibly A New Style Direction?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

My aim for the new season is to continue developing a simple, modern style. I'm no minimalist, but I'd like to hopefully develop into a simple and even elegant style more than a sweet and pretty one. Feminine is great, girly is not so great anymore. I am drawn to neutrals like white, grey and black, of course navy and accents of (dark) red, dark green, cognac. I like less tailored and more fluid fits now, but also need some structure and I'm a modern classic girl at heart.

My haul of new wardrobe pieces is more or less over for the new season. I've added some, replaced some and filled a couple of wardrobe holes:

Replacements:
Grey cashmere sweater
Rubber boots (wellies)
Chambray shirt

New additions:
Long cardigan
Cognac oxfords
Cognac belt

Wardrobe holes:
Dress(es) with sleeves
Black booties

I still have a couple of HEWI's on my list, and time will show if they turn up. I'd love to add a leather jacket or a neutral wool coat, too.

My wardrobe numbers showed me that I don't wear my dresses all that much. This was a surprise because I really love wearing dresses, and I want to wear dresses. I think it has a lot to do with the lack of dresses with sleeves in my wardrobe. So, I added two dresses with sleeves, and I think it was a good decision. Now I really want to wear dresses again.

#1: Dress with circle pattern & wrap detail (it is b/w but reads grey on the screen). I will be wearing this at my own birthday party and my mother's. After that, it will be useful as workwear when I need a dressed up look. This dress is actually a replacement, too, for a wrap dress that I wore to pieces and had to pass on.

#2: Same dress with the long cardigan over, and (2) the cardigan worn as a wrap dress.

#3: The forest green dress styled with black booties and bomber. This is a look I think is simple. Is it?

#4: Same dress with cognac accents and black. Is the belt okay?

#5 Red and chambray: One of the reasons why I wanted to upgrade my chambray shirt was to wear it with my red pencil skirt. I tried a denim on denim look with red coat, too (far too hot for that still). I like how the chambray dresses down the coat and the skirt.

#6: Chambray with trench coat and with black cigarette pants. I tucked under the pants, but I regretted it.

#7: The white jeans with chambray and navy blazer with cognac, and with the grey cashmere sweater and trench. These two looks make me particularly happy.

What are the thoughts of the wise forum? Am I on the right track towards simpler, or am I merely repeating myself?

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39 replies

Latest reply was from Day Vies

Sal

Veteran

Wow! I love these looks. I have already commented on the green dress and grey cardigan in previous threads.. Also love the chambray shirt with the red pencil skirt a lot.

They are styled to perfection...in my mind the only one I don't like is the belt over the green dress; to me it takes away the easy flowing style of the dress.

I hope to be as stylish.

Anonymous

Firstly, your new style direction ideas sound wonderful. Some tweeks here and there are always a great way to perk us up and keep us moving forward. Your new replacements and additions to your wardrobe all sound great and we've already seen a couple in action on the forum. Good work on identifying your need for more practical long sleeved dresses.

It's great to be treated to lots of photos too. Your new dress in #1 is a lovely shape and fit. I love it with the pumps, though I'm not sure why I feel that the black tights seem a little heavy, because I like the black knee-high boots with it in #2. Perhaps the slither of skin makes all the difference, I don't know. Or maybe I'm just being to picky.

The long cardigan/dress is lovely, as is the green dress, which I love with your black booties in #3. I also like the look of your cognac accessories with it in #4.

All of the renditions with your new chambray shirt are just fab and the last two looks with white jeans work brilliantly.

Ahh, I just realised why I don't feel right about the tights in #1. It's because you have more skin showing with the 'v' neck at the top and I kind of want to see more skin in the bottom half of your outfit. The neckline of your green dress seems more conducive to wearing with more darkness at the bottom. Does that make sense?

Elizabeth P

Veteran

When I look at these, they strike me as very Ingunn, so perhaps that indicates that you are repeating yourself? But I personally don't think that is a bad thing... I've always admired your style. And I don't think that anything here looks girlish, it's very modern classic to my eye.

Your new dresses are great. I"m glad you are back to wearing them, again, they seem very you. The only styling thing that I'm not crazy about is the dark hose with the grey dress. It just looks a bit bottom heavy.

And I can't believe you ordered a chambray shirt and it fit. Did you not get the memo that you're supposed to try and fail at least a dozen times before finding the perfect one?

Jen W

I love your additions and replacements! I think that all of these read as simpler to my eye. And I like the versatility of the belt with the green dress, since it creates a slight change in silhouette. Very inspiring!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such detailed feedback, all of you. I'm very grateful and taking notes!

Kiwigal, I'm glad you like the chambray with red pencil. I think that was quite good, too. I'm note too sure about the belt myself, and appreciate the comment.

Diane, you have a keen eye as always. I had ego say that the tights looked better IRL than in the photo, but I agree, they read as very heavy with the dress. I definitely agree to the dress neckline analysis.

Elisabeth, I agree that this is not a major style shift. I believe in baby steps here. The green dress feels more "new" than the b/w one to me. No, I never got that memo

Jen, the jury is out on the belt. I'm glad you liked it with the dress.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Hi Ingunn. As always I admire your well thought-out approach to building a wardrobe. I do notice the continued simplification compared to last year! Also, I see more push towards the modern part of modern classic compared to last year.

My comments on the outfits starting from left picture 1.

I much prefer the wrap dress with the tights or tall boots and the heaviness does not bother me at all as it does Diane G. This just goes to show that there is so much personal prejudice in style.

I am crazy in love with look #4 -- the long cardigan worn as a dress. Now that is truly simple, modern and classic.

Looks 5 and 6. I think the black booties with longer dress and no stockings is a high contrast, acquired taste. Much as it has been around for all of these years I have not accustomed to it so I much prefer this dress with the "heavy" black stockings or the cognac flats. The cognac flats with the long shoulder bag is ultra cool and modern and also one of my favorites here.

The rest of the outfits are perfectly styled and also true to your style rubric. The booties with skirt in outfit 10 are low contrast so I like them here.

Another personal bit of bias here -- while I do love classics I think love them most when they are interpreted in a modern simple way. So my top vote goes to outfits 4 (cardigan as wrap dress), 7 (green dress with flats and matching bag), and 12 (cropped pants, chambray shirt untucked and black booties).

I learn so much from your threads Inge.

jenanded

Veteran

Your outfits look so beautiful on you. Do you spend a lot of time finding your things? Your detail seems in immaculate planning, finding pieces, and your styling and combos. You have definitely hit your style goals perfectly.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is fascinating. Thank you for sharing your outfits with us, Ingunn, and also your style goals.

I love every one of your new items. Your thoughtful approach to wardrobe building is paying off for you for sure.

The grey dress is so beautiful on you. I do find myself agreeing with Diane rather than Denise on the tights issue. I think in my case, it may be partly (or even largely) because it's something I mourn for myself, also -- the sudden "heaviness" that descends on our bottom limbs as winter sets in! And just because it's my personal mission to find a way to "lighten up" for cohesion in winter, you don't have to feel that way! Plus, I do think that even if you agree that it's a problem, there are ways of dealing with it....including grey hose in a tone similar to the dress (if you can find that). I do admit that the sliver of skin seems to make a big difference to me, balancing with the neckline. So maybe even a dark scarf if you are wearing the tights? Now, I know that would go against the simplification. This, again, is one of my own frustrations. I want my style to be simple and elegant, as you do. But in winter I end up wearing scarves for bookending even if I am not wearing them for warmth. There goes the "simple" out the window. ARGH!!!

Onwards....Love the sweater worn as a wrap. Does it feel secure? It's such a fun twist.

LOVE the green dress and it looks terrific with the bomber -- very modern, simple and fresh.

Your chambray shirt is fantastic with the red and also with the white. But, like Denise, one of my faves is with the cropped black pants. I do like the bit of skin showing there, as well.

jackiec

Veteran

I really love all of your looks, and agree with CocoLion about you moving a bit more to the modern in the modern classic. The sweater as a dress is out of this world. But I absolutely adore you in the white jeans, grey sweater, and cognac accents. I SO want to copy this look (if only I could). Just perfect.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, everyone. I'm about to go to bed, so I'll come back tomorrow to answer properly. Your comments are making so much sense to me.

deb

Veteran

These are all great but my favorite is #5. This looks so good on you.

Anonymous

I think you are definitely on track to a simple, modern style. I love the dresses and the shirt. You styled them perfectly.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I will respond through several comments if that's ok to get a chance to write a proper response this time.

Denise, your thoughtful and elaborate comment means a lot to me. If you learn anything from my posts, I learn twice as much from what you have to say about them. First: The black tights look better IRL than in the photo, and I'm definitely going to wear tights with the dress. it is reassuring that you ok'd it:) I can see what Diane and Suz meant, too, but in the end, I think it depends on wether one prefers a more classic or "edgy" style. Maybe this is kind of Angie's soft edge? Second: I'm so happy that the cardigan as dress got some attention, because I really love it that way. It has to cool down significantly first, but I will of course wear this when weather allows. Third: I am only luke warm about the black booties and dress-combo myself. I had to try it, but I'm not too excited about it. I think you are right. This is a look I think I will enjoy more on others. The cognac bag/oxford combination on the other hand will get a lot of wear. Fourth: I'm delighted that the simple chambray/black skinnies/bootie combo are in favor. I was thinking that the pieces were too plain for making it work really well. Thank you for this, Denise, you have made my head clearer.

Jenanded, thank you so much. I do spend some time finding my pieces, but when I finally go shopping I'm better at knowing what I want than I used to be. I guess the YLF school is paying off:)

Deborah

Veteran

Ingunn, I think this seems like a very natural style evolution for you. I see it as a refining and further honing of your existing style. I think each item you have bought has been carefully considered and will work beautifully for you. Special mention goes to that stunning long cardigan and the grey sweater...beautiful.

happy psycho

Wow I like all of them and I'm really into #4 and #5. I think the belt makes the dress more elegant. And the chambray with pencil skirt is awesome.Thumbs up.

Missey

Veteran

I love the time and effort you put into trying out and styling your clothing items. No wonder you look so polished in you posts! Perfect modern classic looks with just the right extra touches to keep them interesting. The new green dres is divine on you!

Joyce B

Veteran

What I have seen from your style always reads elegant to me, not girly.
I love all the outfits that you showed.
The black tights with the dress don't bother me at all. The stockings give it a Spring look and the tights make it practical for the colder seasons.
I will be following your style evolution if that is even possible because I think you are there already.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Here is the second round of responses to your comments. I highly appreciate that you choose to spend your precious time on me and wish to return the gesture. My response to Denise and Jenanded is above.

For Suz:
Thank you, Suz, the pleasure is all mine. The black tights issue has no correct answer, as you've already stated. I understand perfectly what you mean by "heaviness". Since you are fairer than I am, I understand that you find it even more notable. I will try with a grey one instead, and maybe find a way to balance out the black when more layering is needed. Ack, the dreaded but very necessary scarves! So much for simplicity indeed. I think plain ones in cashmere can work while keeping it simple, but a pure black scarf? I'm not so sure about that either. The sweater worn as a dress feels very secure. I wear a slip under it, and that's all. I can easily move and sit in it. The green dress is probably the most versatile of the two, and I love the bomber with it. So glad you liked it, too. The chambray I had was all wrong. Too tight and stiff. Finally what I wanted with it fell into place with this new one. I think the black skinny pant/chambray/bootie look easily could become a day version of a pajama, it is that comfortable (not the booties, though. I never sleep with my shoes on anyway - hah ha).

-

Thank you jackiec, how kind of you! Light grey, white and cognac is a new and very favored color combo for me now.

Thank you, deb! The red, white and white/stone is very classic, and I adore when some of the colors are muted like they are here.

Sterling, thanks! I feel like I'm finally getting where I want to be.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Third round

Deborah, thank you! I suppose both the grey pieces could work for you, too. Great essentials are known by their versatility, don't you agree?

Thanks, happy psycho! I like the chambray with the pencil, too. The amount of slouch in the shirt is perfect for me with a tailored skirt like this.

Thanks, Missey! I guess I do spend a lot of time on this - not all the time, though. It has become a hobby in itself.

Joyce, that's so kind of you to say! Thank you. I agree - the choice of tights/hose is a way to make the dress seasonal appropriate. I think of this dress as almost season-less. It should work really well in my climate for fall, winter and spring.

Traci

Veteran

I have sugar eye for thick black tights with booties. That was immediately one of my favorite looks.

I also really love the green dress with the bomber. I'd love to see how your closet is organized one day! You are so deft at grabbing just the right accessory to switch up an outfit, like the white purse with bomber and green dress.

I think these all look very you, and very refined. I always look for your posts because you make it all look so easy, even though I know you put much thought into it. You pull off the ease I'm looking for.

viva

Veteran

Ingunn, your pictures always blow me away! I am really loving your streamlined looks. So beautiful and very modern.

I'm particularly drawn to...

1. The green dress with the booties -- both with bare legs and the jacket, and also with the tights (but I would also prefer beltless, as I like the unbroken line of the dress). It's a truly gorgeous green. These looks both feel very modern to me -- combining fluidity and soft edge.

2. Anything with the chambray top. I think you've really styled this to perfection in so many ways. My favorites are with the red pencil and with the black ankle jeans. I think I like the little bit of leg skin in both.

3. That grey v-neck sweater with the white jeans. That sweater just looks delicious on you, and using cognac and tan brings it into the most lovely neutral territory. Incredible.

Such beautiful style...

Anonymous

Just popping back in to ask the brand of the grey sweater?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Traci, how sweet of you! When I pick accessories, I think of what I learned when I made patchwork years ago about finding a balance between harmony and contrast. I think about color principles like light/dark, tonal etc. I never match both shoes, bag and belt, but create a contrast with one of them. Most of all I just put it on:) And I have filled my closet mostly with very versatile pieces. My bag collection is small and not very exiting. It's interesting that the belt and the tights are an either/or preference. I have to think more about that.

Anonymous

Oh, the grey sweater is magical. It suits you to a T. I really love your wardrobe, Ingunn. The care and thought you put into it shows.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Viva, thank you! You are so kind. We double posted. I'm very happy with the green dress and the chambray shirt and want to wear them all the time (which I do, too). I agree that the belt distracts from the line of the dress. It improbably not a look I'm going to do much. And I'm waiting for bait cooler weather to be able to wear the grey cashmere sweater again, with white and cognac of course:)

Diane, I bought the sweater on a market while on holiday in France where I met a young woman. She was starting a new business under the name of Syrdaria. It was completely unknown to me, but the quality is really wonderful, and the prices were moderate. She has a website, but it isn't very informative, and only in French (you can always translate it in Google): http://syrdaria.org

Thank you for the kind words, Ceit! I'm not surprised that you liked the sweater.

Anonymous

Thanks Ingunn!

Anonymous

I'm in awe of how simple and polished, yet fun, all these looks are!

I think I like the (beautiful) first dress even more with the black tights or the tall black boots than with bare legs. To me, it makes the print stand out more. Really like the green dress as well and especially love it with the cognac bag and shoes, maybe because that's a color combination that goes together so nicely but doesn't seem very common for some reason.

Other favorites are the chambray top with the skinnies and black booties and the gray sweater with white jeans and cognac shoes.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ingunn whether this is a new direction or a refinement it is fab! I love the dress with the dark stockings, the grey sweater wrap as dress, the long sleeve green dress (especially like with the cognac accents, but I caught a cognac mood from Angie), the chambray top with the trench and with the cropped black pants. Everything else is terrific too! You are in your groove!

Mona

Veteran

wow, you are almost done fall shopping and I haven't even started yet. #5 and #7 are my favourite. That red coat is so glamorous and the cognac oxfords with matching belt are great accessories with white jeans.

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