February challenge - Day 2 - YouLookFab Forum

Another day, another struggle. I usually wear this blazer with some lighter color neutral pants, accent color top and coordinating accessories. But since this month is about experimenting with new combinations I tried this 70’s inspired high contrast outfit, with white cord blazer and turtleneck. All dark colors are navy and not black. My family did not like the outfit, but I ignored them. It is another quiet day in office with couple of meetings which are still happening online, without even camera, only voice. I also have relaxing facial scheduled after work and will not have time to change before.
I did not like how boxy I looked in the first photo, so tried adding a belt. Decided on #3 in the end.
Maybe different shoes would be better?

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1 year ago

Sisi

Veteran

I like # 3.
You make me feel hot in those booties! But just because today it is like Spring here. Crazy weather. But I like the juxtaposition of dressy outfit/sturdy booties.

anchie

Sisi - hope your weather comes here soon, we are currently going through coldest part of winter with freezing winds.

Jenni NZ

Hi Anchie my preference would definitely be for more refined shoes. Not sure how that would work in your current weather.

lyn67

I just LOVE IT for winter like IT IS: belted or not, both great on you-and cream log sole boots included.

Tanya

I really like it as is, great combo. I don’t think it looks boxy without the belt, it looks good either way. Enjoy your facial!

LJP

I think the outfit itself is great - it may be the high-contrast pairing that is throwing you off. We aren't used to seeing you in high contrast looks .

April

Not sure what your family was seeing. I think a cord jacket belted on the outside is a tricky look to maintain during the day without a lot of fussing, smoothing, straightening, unbunching.

Zaeobi

(website)

I like #2 & #3 best - before reading the rest of your post I was going to say that I'm glad you kept those boots in the end...

Now that I've read the rest, I'm still glad! I think the shaft height is perfect, actually, since there's no line break between it & the dress - whilst the soles add modernity

Agree with Lisa - could adding a white belt instead perhaps make it feel more familiar (& therefore comfortable) to you (like in #3)?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like #3 best too! It DOES have a fun '70s touch. Nicely done

unfrumped

This is a very high- contrast ( black and white) outfit, whereas your coloring ( hair/face/ glasses) is low-contrast.
So if going by how it photographs, this outfit makes the clothes pop but you fade away.

That doesn’t mean you can’t wear it or love high- contrast outfits, but for me it means I get sidetracked by the palette.

Then it can be harder to evaluate other aspects, such as if trying to just see, does this blazer fit, should I wear these shoes, although that is still doable for a focused question.

I have enjoyed Imogene Lamport’s blog posts on Value Contrast and color contrast and found that helped me see why certain items worked better—my own eye was liking or disliking some outfits based on these principles but I did not have a language for why. That helped me experiment more with different combinations and get closer to ones I liked better.

Sometimes I think the aspects of contrast—top against pants, jacket over top and pants—- is more important that the color theory of cool vs warm, at least insofar as there are so many color gradations, or, that color palette can be fudged if the contrasts are good.

This does not at all mean one can’t wear any colors or contrasts or whatever one likes, but just that it impacts the appearance of the outfit and person in a photo, which can’t measure or represent our own feelings and preferences about what we are wearing.

Thank you all, honestly did not expect to get much love for this outfit.

unfrumped - this is so interesting about high and low contrast. Will check this blog. I usually don’t wear high contrast, maybe I knew intuitively that it is not for me?
Zaeobi - white belt, yes! Will try that too.

Roberta

I love the addition of the belt, whether under the jacket or over the jacket. I was originally going to suggest a brooch or a necklace, but I think the belt is more modern and just as interesting in a subtle way.

Joy

Today I am continuing the try on of old black pants. Todays are 6-7year old Cupcakes and Cashmere Ponte knit. They are still in my closet because they are pull on and full length, but they fit more like leggings and do not have useful pockets so they will go. I am also wearing an old Ann Taylor black knit jacket over an old grey tank top. The jury is still out on the AT jacket. It is a bit dressy and has two buttons. I may see how much I wear it in the summer air conditioning. If I go out I will wear old black booties. This is their last winter as they are falling apart. I already have a replacement pair. They have travelled with me all over the world and are Aquatilias, so well made. I am wearing twenty year old, at least, gold hoop earrings. A classic keeper.

slim cat

It's a great outfit - love #3! I usually go with jewelry as simple add on - pendant would be my option ( probably with turquoise or mother of pearl to add some color ) - but it's not necessary .

Dee

I'm joining the choir that prefers outfit # 3 the best, the belt just adds that little pop of interest to the outfit.

Jaime

Agree that #3 is the winner! Really great look on you!

Indigoprint

Yes #3.!

kellygirl

This is fantastic! More love for 3. I don't think you can do anything wrong when it comes to dressing. You look amazing in all iterations!

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