I think there is an element of Lagenlook that can be frumpy and/or schoolmarm in a jumper (American not British). Like some Eileen Fisher and Gudren Sjoden looks, it has to be intentional and deliberate to a degree, more so than just popping on a bodycon dress perhaps. That's the appeal and the challenge, to me anyway.

I will start a separate post on the issue of flattery in this context so as not to hijack!

unfrumped: Thank you for your comments. I agree that this look is difficult to pull off without looking frumpy. I've looked at Pinterest and googled Lagenlook and have seen many photos - most of which I would not wear but some do appeal to me. I guess I have an adventurous side that likes to push boundaries once in awhile. I'm having fun seeing if I can make this thing work.

alaskagirl: I didn't know that this post would be so controversial. Looking forward to following your post on this subject.

I like the proportions on 1. Maybe with the yellow scarf?
I think it is a cute look on you.

I love this look....I'm a great fan of the prairie look and feel this is similar. I think you pull it off really well with your haircut and shoes etc. You definitely have done it great justice. I have loved this unstructured look for a long time, but can't pull it off myself. I remember meeting a lady on a bus about 4 years ago who spent the whole time talking to my 6/7 year old son. She was about your age and had a similar hair style and her dress was exactly like that etc. The whole look (as well as her demeanor) conveyed an arty unconventional but calm and mature personality. She wore something similar to that and I thought she must be off to an art gallery or to meet a group of like minded friends for lunch. I'm all about clothes telling a story. Her look was so captivating that I still remember her.

As far as preferences go, I like the Mary Jane shoes, but love the boots..the dr marten ones and I like the 2 shoes after that but they have a different vibe. I think that the cut off leggings and longer fitted leggings look much better than the baggier leggings. I prefer it without the scarf but I'm a bit conventional about colours.

I like #10, Bonnie.
The trendy shoes make the difference to me. You also MUST GET a leather cuff

I have a sweet eye for some of lagenlook. Have you heard of Sarah pacini? Not sure if this is true lagenlook but it is close.

I've got to say this is not a style I ever envision myself wearing, but I have friends and acquaintances who pull it off nicely -- again, this is definitely a look amongst the artists and teachers I know.

My personal preference is for the looks with the scarves and shoes other than Mary Janes, to play up the creative vibe and play down the pinafore look. But I say if you enjoy it, wear it!

Thank you. I sort of like the idea of looking a bit piratey. Love your story about the lady on the bus and going to art museums is exactly where I envisioned wearing the dress DH encouraged me to get. The Doc are my favorites, too. I'm going to be looking for a crinkly dark tonal scarf to see if that helps.

I pretty much like all these stylings, probably with the boots least, but all are good renditions. What I like best is the low contrast color scheme you've chosen, with the glitz of the necklace to add the finishing touch. The jumper is casually loose while looking like it's not too large for your size. If you like to wear leggings and layers, this seems like a direction you may want to expand on.

smittie: Thank you. I will get a leather cuff and google Sarah Pacini.

Janet: Thank you. I never thought I'd wear this look either, but have admired it on others. DH was the catalyst that got this all started. I've been thinking that maybe I should do something about those pockets. While useful, they are making the dress look an apron. This exercise has been useful in making me think about styling this dress and more. But I still think I want a small Lagenlook capsule.

A lot depends on weather, too. I like #7 and #8 just because the scarf brings attention up to your face and smile. It looks snug, warm and confident.

I like #1. I am drawn to the Lagenlook and have a few pieces of Sarah Pacini. That look doesn't fit with my lifestyle anymore. Walking the dog and going to Yoga while wearing lots of layers would be a strange combo.

I love this, and think you look great. #3 and #10 are my favourites - I think the skirt underneath adds to the look and I like the stompy boots. I can see the "prarie" look that some are alluding to, but I find that appealing. This is a style I am increasingly drawn to.

Late to the party, but I do want to support your experimentation. I DO like elements of this style and kudos to having a DH with an open mind and interesting aesthetic! I like the lighter looks that show more skin (like #1) and would probably layer the dress over slim fit jeans (the check is navy?) and Birkenstock style sandals.

Firstly, you are a stellar example of the first (and only) YLF rule: to have fun with fashion. It's great to be able to "dabble," and it's even better when DH loves it.

My favorite look is the first -- and, while, not as layered as most Lagenlook, it does carry the spirit and intention!

cjh: Thank you. The dress is a little large for me but I pinned it a bit to make it fit better, so I'm glad to hear my attempts worked.

Kathy: Yes, I can wear it summer and winter here in the desert by adding leggings, boots, and scarves in winter.

Style Fan: The Sarah Pacini website has some beautiful if pricy things. I pinned several for reference and other people have already pinned my pins. We do go to events and places where this outfit fits in such as classical concerts, the opera, and art museums. We usually attend in the day when it's not so formal and live in a small, casual, arty city.

Sharon: I think it's a fun look and would like to learn how to do it in a subtle but edgy way.

Runcarla: DH is a gem. I like the idea of Birkenstock sandals and skinny jeans would be great for cooler weather.

Beth Ann: Thank you! Fashion can be a fun and creative activity. I like the comment "while, not a layered as most Lagenlook, it does carry the spirit and Intention."

Love the stomping boots with the look. Try the sneaks without the leggings.

I don't normally like Lagenlook style, but I think you make it work! Your cool style peeks out from underneath and you make it look almost rock chick. I like #1 the most.

Of the scarves, I prefer the lighter brown-toned one the most as it's closest to the dress (though I think monochrome would work), but perhaps looped again round your neck so it's short - not interfering with the dress silhouette?

Bonnie, I think this looks ultra fab with your Bosch docs in pic 9. It's a great lagenlook vibe with the leggings, but I'd love to see the combo with black tights too--one thing I love about my Docs in this style is the ankle definition, and tights might achieve that kind of structure. I'm joining others in offering admiration for your DH's aesthetic. My own DH is very open, but he tends to hate anything too baggy and unstructured, so your DH must be an artist

Angie: I will try it. Thank you.

Ooh is that silk: I like rock chick style, thank you, and I'll try working with a long dark monochromatic scarf which I will start looking for.

Aliona: DH is not an artist but he loves art history and our city travels revolve around art museums. He does seem to like the unstructured on me, so I'm trying to make it work. Lagenlook will fit in on these travels and places. I'll try the tights and thank you for the suggestion.

I am absolutely fascinated and impressed that your husband is into this look, since a lot of men would put it in the "man-repeller" category (you should pardon the expression, it's from the blog title). He's a rare bird, I think.

Love #9! And 10 is a close second in my book.