Inspiration Calendar - Black and Cream combo

It's interesting - six months ago I would have felt "killer" in this outfit, and now it just seems "ho-hum". I don't think colored sandals would have helped. And I don't think it's that bad, is it? I mean, is black and cream OK without a statement piece for color?

http://secondhandshopaholic.co.....eam-combo/

15 years ago

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8 replies

Latest reply was from Kristine

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Brenda, I can't comment on the visuals, but I can hazard some guesses about the kind of advice you may receive here on the forum.
First of all, would it help to not wear the sweater set as an actual set and break up the pieces? Maybe use the cardigan part as a top layer over a contrasting shell? So if your sweater set was cream, for instance, maybe using the cardigan over a black silky shell with a bit of sheen? That would address the other thing -- texture. Angie always emphasizes this element for someone trying to go for a monochromatic look. If you're repeating either black or cream in the outfit, do the different clothing items have plenty of contrasting textures to keep them interesting?

I know black and cream can look chic on their own, so don't give up!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Brenda- that is a nice classic look but yes, it could be funked up a bit. Michelle is right... sweater sets need to be broken up. That particular shade of camel is a hard color to wear. A shell with a different texture, as Michelle suggested, would add some interest, as would a shell in a pretty color. I wonder also about belting the cardigan with an interesting textured belt,

15 years ago

Anonymous

Brenda, the red bag with what looks like a kimono print makes the outfit, as do the cute shoes, to my eye. You might try a scarf that's black with cream polka-dots or some other black/cream combo in an eye-catching pattern to keep the monochromatic look but add interest.
Michelle makes some great points about breaking up the sweater set and adding texture.
Have you tried the sweater set and shoes, which seem to belong together, with a pencil skirt in a color or black/cream print or plaid?

15 years ago

Secondhand Shopaholic

Active Member

Thanks, ladies - these are GREAT suggestions, especially breaking up the sweater set, and using a different textured shirt.

What is a "Shell"?

I will definitely keep my eye out for a black with cream patterned scarf - great idea! And I actually do have a black skirt with cream polka dots that probably would have worked great here.

Can't wait to go home and try some of these different combinations - so thanks so much!!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh, the shell is the "shirt" part of your sweater set. it's pretty much just any plain sleeveless top that you would wear under a sweater of jacket.

15 years ago

JennyK (NC)

Active Member

This outfit wasn't bad at all, but we are now holding you to a higher standard! "Not bad" isn't good enough for our super secondhand fashionista! You did a great job recreating the inspiration calendar look though.

I love all of the suggestions, so I haven't any of my own to add.

A shell is usually a sleeveless top that you wear under a cardi or jacket. It could be knit, silk, cotton, anything. I think of them as being close-fitting but not tight and not voluminous. I have several sweater sets and use the shirt part of the sets as a shell under other things.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How about a waist-cinching skinny belt and bright lipstick? The colour is not your best Brenda, so bringing a flattering shade up close to your pretty face is a fun experiment. Adding some waist definition gets rid of the dated 90's vibe too.

Although, you could also just pass on the twinset. That 's always an option!

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

Cute outfit! I like the bag a lot! I agree, a colored scarf would bring some nice emphasis to your face and pull everything together.

15 years ago

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