Outfit Lab: A couple of layering experiments

Here are a couple of looks I have worn that I am not sure about. I thought I would put it to the forum.

1) Sheer black tunic over black top, black crops, worn with silver shoes. Did this work or not? I wondered if black footwear would have been better? I tried to tie in the silver pendant with the shoes. I think the proportions work but I would like some honest comments. (photos 1-3)

2) I bought this new tweed sweater a couple of months back (photo 7) It is very boxy and I am now wondering if it was a good buy. I have worn it as pictured, or with jeans. It needs a layering top under due to the fabrication and sleeve length. Today I tried black and pink - do you have a preference? I also wore chocolate brown knee highs to link in with brown in the tweed - does this work or not? I loved the brown and pink with gold flecks - it felt like a fresh combination but it is hard to wear and I am considering consigning it and putting it down as a mistake.

3) We had a quick trip to the coast, here are a couple of pictures in the wild. I am normally not a purple person but ironically wear this puffer an awful lot. Very simple - keeping it real! (photos 4-6)

Your constructive suggestions are appreciated- thanks in advance.

Sorry the order got messed with here when I added the photos!!

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8 years ago

Anonymous

I like 2 the best, but all I see on my monitor is black, so cannot comment on the colors. I think different shoes would work better but the silver look ok, just a little in-your-face. Gold may bookend your hair better. I like the idea of lighter shoes rather than black. Love the gorgeous photo of the coast and your puffer. What a peaceful place.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Joy - the first look (in photos 1-3) is all black, sorry I think my explanation was a bit confusing. I also feel the shoes are a bit distracting and are better used in other looks (with lighter colours). I only have gold ballet flats which are not really winter appropriate (they look wrong with tights or socks).

Sisi

I like a lot outfit #1 with the silver shoes but I would wear sheer tights. I am not a fan of that all-black leg .

I prefer the sweater with the black layer.

The puffer looks China blue on my screen and I like it on you!

Thank you for posting the relaxing picture of the beach!

Brooklyn

I agree with Sisi. I think the silver shoes work in outfit one but sheer tights would be better because showing some skin makes the transition from black to silver easier on the eye.

I also like the sweater best with the black sleeves. The sleeve length is tricky but that's how I would layer it too. I like it.

Lovely beach photos.

Staysfit

I like the tweed sweater layered with either shirt but a slight preference for the black. It's a very nice sweater for you. Nice find! In the all black outfit, I think the silver shoes could work if you use a chunkier silver necklace that has more visual weight. You might even try a scarf with some silver metallic threads. The necklace you are wearing is nice but fairly small scale and the shoes have some visual weight against the black.

Sara L.

I like the proportions of #1 but would have have worn it with black shoes. That's just me though. I like how the silver bag and necklace help tie the shoes into the outfit. I also prefer the sweater in the second outfit with the black underlayer. I think the pink underlayer could work with lighter bottoms though.

Bijou

I love the black outfit - the silver shoes work really well and add a nice point of difference.

Do you have skinny jeans to wear with the tweed layered sweater? I think a more fitted pant would work well with the loose top. I love the colours on you but think the cropped pant may not work so well with this sweater.

You always look so very stylish, even in your gear! All these looks are lovely.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I would prefer the black outfit without the socks. It's a super cute look with the new silver shoes. Nice necklace too.

I love the boxy jumper. You've styled it well with the black tee, crops, and retro pumps. How about some sheer black knee-highs instead of opaques?

Hair is looking fabulous.

Thanks Sisi-I agree, I will try with sheers. It might help the balance.

Brooklyn- I agree the black is better with this look. I wore the pink but when I looked at the photos I regretted it.

Staysfit- I also agree re a stronger necklace or scarf- I don't have one but am casually looking. I have worn a similar look with a cream jacket and that balance the look.

Sara- I think black shoes would be easier too - I will probably try that soon.

Bijou- thanks - my 12 year old took the photos and did a good job! My last haircut has been a great one- I don't have to blow dry to get it to sit well- perfect for lazy me!

Angie- thanks for the suggestions. I will look for some sheer knee highs. I am pleased you saw the retro in the look - I did too with the tweed and the shoes.

The tweed lives on then - I think maybe it is just flattering enough. But it does show that I can fall into the trap of loving the fabric and colour and ignoring other things.

binkle

On reading Angie's comment about outfit 1, I agree that going without socks could work, to lessen the sharp contrast of "all black and then all of a sudden silver.". Maybe a bag in a more structured shape too, to complement the sleekness of the outfit?

I really like the textured sweater with the black underlay (and how about burgundy?). I think booties would also work well with the outfit.

Thanks Binkle. I agree, a sharp bag would work - but I don't have the right one. I am hoping to add a black cross body bag this winter.

I do have black booties which would be okay with both outfits. I have two pairs but one are biker style and quite casual. The others are more dressy but a little dated...

But I am on a tight budget right now so will have to make do. I am considering the new bag and maybe a replacement pair of Aviator Sunglasses. Aside from this if I see a new belt in a warm colour or bright colour, and any perfect scarves or beanies, I am not planning to buy. All about the accessories right now!!

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