Olive and Black, trying out RATE... I think?

"Rough Around The Edges" might describe my personality to some extent, but I'm not sure I like it as a wardrobe/outfit descriptor. Even when I have lots of layers and tons of jewelry, I still feel uncomfortable with wrinkles, saggy anything, or generally "messy" looks. Except hair - I'm ok with messy hair. But in general, I think I gravitate more towards clean lines and a semi-polished look. In my head anyway, not that I always achieve it!

All that being said, this outfit feels a bit RATE to me. The pants are a bunching around the knees, and I think there might be too much going on between the detail on the shirt and all the necklaces I chose.

Also not happy with my side profile today, only in the front stomach area. That's where I feel the back brace is a bit too visible and makes my stomach look more protruding than it is. But I don't think untucked would look right. Oh look my tag is showing in the back view lol!

Debated about the brown/bronze metallic headband, and decided to keep it for now. (I had small gold studs that would match the gold in the shirt details, but lost one on the way to work *super sad face*) Close up of soft smoky eye makeup cuz I like how it turned out, a lot, today.

What do you think? Is this a RATE outfit? Or just not well put together? What could make it better?

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11 years ago

Anonymous

First, I love your WIWs. Sadly, the pictures on this post are so dark I can barely make out images. I am using a different computer. Perhaps it is some setting that is off.

Looks good to me! I am Team RATE 100% so this is always a sugar eye for me.

I don't think the brace is noticeable, and I like the semi-tuck. I am not really into jewellery but I think the textures of the shirt and the layered necklaces look good.

Sara L.

Veteran

I see no protruding stomach or signs of the back brace. I like the layered necklaces - they go with the sort of boho vibe of the detailing on the shirt.

Jaime

(website)

I think you are pretty polished for RATE but you look terrific. No stomach or brace to be seen.

trekkiegirl

Interesting, it seems my definition of RATE is not the same as some others lol

Zibbets

Beautiful boho. With your sleek hair and streamlined outfit, I wouldn't call this RATE. I don't see a protruding stomach or evidence of a brace at all. YLF!

citygirldc

RATE = "Rock" Around the Edge - that's my definition. LOL! You have rocker chic vibe about you, but then work in the biz.

Aida

This still looks more polished than RATE to me too I don't mind the necklaces with the detailed neckline since your hair is up. I think this could also be fun with your black blazer, both with the tall boots or with black booties.

texstyle

Looks good to me - if you feel comfortable with the necklaces I think it's a great look.

Citygirldc that is PERFECT!! Rock around the edges, totally love it

I agree that a blazer could work with this, but it would have to be a cropped one, or at least one that doesn't go past the rear pockets. The pockets on these pants stick out a bit and trend to make anything that covers them look odd. But I definitely like that idea!

I don't see much RATE either You look pretty darn good.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Great look on you. Fun to see tall boots again.

rachylou

Rock Around The Edges is perfect.

I have to ponder this RATE question tho. Your outfit here is very cute (love the use of the necklaces). But anyways, it's casual, yet you're pretty neat and polished. Maybe not high starch, but there's a little bit of starch. Precision.

I think this goes back to an old post by Angie -- some people are just neat and others are not. I don't think I could achieve polished, even if I tried. There's always a sleeve wonky or hair mussed or something else

Rachy maybe you're onto something - maybe its the casualness of the outfit I'm not thrilled with.

But what elements make it casual?

Maybe rough up your hair and take a cheese grater to your pants? Just brainstorming here...

The pants are casual, and the top if it's knit (like t-shirt material) would add to that as well. The necklaces also veer casual, since they have a lot of natural materials (stone, leather, etc.).

Dee

I don't really get RATE either, but it's a great outfit! The lace/embroidery detail on the shirt gives it a boho vibe, which makes me think casual. Aida's comments on the necklaces too. But your makeup gives it a bit of a rocker vibe too, so I like Citygirl's description.

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