Outfit Lab: Sleeveless Vest/Culottes - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

About: Ensemble: Sleeveless Top with Vest

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Outfit Lab: Sleeveless Vest/Culottes

Marley

Veteran

Would you all please help me break this down and figure out what's going wrong here and what I can tweak to make it work?
This is an oversized denim vest that I found at Zara and kept my eye on until it went on super sale - and then snagged it! Vicki was with me when I finally bought it, and believe it or not, I was debating between this size and the next larger size - but Vicki and the SA talked some sense into me and I came home with this size. Looking at the pics I can see that it is PLENTY big!
The bottoms are sort of culottes - I think! I bought these at a boutique several years ago and just started wearing them regularly this summer. I wish that they were baggier and longer.
So - just for reference, I am a titch under 5'5" tall. This outfit makes me look like I am 5'5" WIDE! In looking at the pics, I think the proportions are wrong. Do I need to wear a heeled shoe? Or, a different type of bottom - something a little more body-con to counter-balance my humongous shoulders? Or, is this vest just too overpowering for my frame? All suggestions VERY MUCH welcomed!
(I thought that it looked best buttoned up - maybe that's the way to go?)
Thank you!

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Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

kellygirl

Veteran

I have an oversized vest like this too and have worn it over a dress. I think yours looks really cute as is. Heels would definitely lengthen the overall look but it looks hip and fun with the sneaks in a JFE/edgy way.The sleeves add width to your frame--a possible solution is to have them cut in a bit so it shows the top of your arm (that's how my vest is cut.) I like it best unbuttoned--so you can see the column of color underneath.

AJ

Veteran

Maybe just add heels to counteract all the boxy volume?

How about belting it?

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95560823314138007/

With bodycon and frills:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/455145106064061810/

With highrise wide pants:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75716837455541022/

With fluid knee skirt:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/275915914646072240/

With skinnies, tee, and birks;

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/543668986239191737/

With drapey midi and ankle boots:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/221098662926205114/

With summer tunic:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89016530109470270/

With dressed up BF jeans:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/445715694344215685/

with long flowy dress:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/129548926757028366/

Anonymous

Marley- I honestly think the outfit would look a lot better with a less oversized vest. I get oversized, but this looks overwhelming on you - maybe because it's not soft and drapey. i

Anonymous

Sorry - hit send before I was finished I love the culottes and the sneakers, and really think you could rock this look with a different vest.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I'm with LisaP. It's so close though!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Actually oversized denim jackets and vest are trending right now. But yeah I think you need a heel.

rabbit

Veteran

I really like all the parts. I'm also thinking a heel if worn as is, even tall black boots to further lengthen the legs. Or the the vest with skinny longer bottoms.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://eatsleepdenim.com/blog/.....BnDAPldV8E

ETA http://www.shopbop.com/lined-t.....r-shopbysi

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Can we see it with slimmer bottoms? Heels? I really like what you are trying to do here, but I'm afraid I'm in the "overwhelmed" camp rather than just "oversized".

Diana

Veteran

Is it possible to have the vest shortened? I like the boxy fit and the volume-over-volume style but feel like it's a bit too long for the culottes, so your upper half looks disproportionately long.

Or try a heel as others have suggested.

Marley

Veteran

Thank you all for your suggestions and opinions so far! AJ - I love some of those pinterest outfits. Wonder why I never thought to look on pinterest???? Also, Anna - I really appreciate the visuals you linked to. That R13 cape is so cool!

Please keep your feedback coming! I seem to have lost the battery to my camera so I'm going to have to buy a new one before I can take new pics - trying the vest out with heeled shoes, etc.

Thank you!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I noticed how a lot of those outfits Anna linked to show the oversized denim worn essentially as a cape! That makes it easier, no? LOL.

I like the suggestions you've received so far, and just have to add that this shade of denim is magical on you.

Cerinda

Veteran

Would clunky-er sporty shoes add some balance?

Gracie

Veteran

I too, would like to see the vest with skinny bottoms and heels. I like kellygirl's suggestion to cut the "cap" sleeves in to show more of your shoulder as they are adding width to your shoulders the way they project sort of straight out. The culottes are fab, would like to see them with a shorter, softer top.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I like Diana's suggestion. I wish the vest was a bit shorter. I do love the culottes and sneakers but maybe a heel would help here.

Niki Lea

Veteran

Marley, I like the pieces individually but agree that something shorter on top or tucked plus heels/a pointy toe would help. Love the cullottes! Super cute pattern.

Diana

Veteran

Just had another thought. I wonder if a lighter colored bottom in the same style might work because it would be lower contrast. Right now the eye is drawn toward the lighter vest and that may overemphasize its length and size.

Deborah

Veteran

It's quite a bit of volume with volume. The look is not conventionally flattering so too make it more so, given the length of the vest, I would suggest a slim bottom, but maybe that's not the look you want? A skinny pant or jeans would looks so cool with the oversized vest.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, it is quite oversized, but I think it could work with different styling. I was immediately reminded of the 3.1 Phillip Lim oversized vest I got during NAS (but a non-NAS sale item). I've attached a picture, but it's not styled (and I have no makeup & messy hair) because I was just trying it on. I realize mine is more of a fall/winter item, but it did make me think that longer bottoms such as skinnies or even flares might balance out the volume of the top better. Do you see what I mean?

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catgirl

Veteran

Well this is super fashion forward for sure. I'd like to see it with distressed black skinnies. I think it's a little off proportionally with the flats and culottes. I have no ideas for styling culottes though.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Don't alter the vest! I'm zagging against the forum again. It's really cool and current. We just need to work on the styling.

fuzzylogic

Veteran

I really like all the elements here, Marley!
I agree with kellygirl that tapering in the sleeves would give a more conventionally flattering look for this outfit while still keeping the oversized element that you like. Alternatively, as others have suggested, pair with skinnies and keep the boxiness of the vest.
Thanks, AJ for the links- the Philip Lim belted vest looks amazing!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://www.whowhatwear.com/ove.....ets-trend/

Marley

Veteran

Oh - just got back home and - THANK YOU for your help! I think you're right about the proportions being off. I was trying to combine too many trends all in the same outfit - oversized vest with sleeveless top, culottes, and sporty flat sneakers. Oh yeah - might as well throw in a plaid handbag and burgandy belt and statement necklace, etc. etc.
I didn't get to a store today to pick up a new camera battery, so I won't be able to show you a "skinnier" bottom until tomorrow.
Janet - how did I miss it when you got that beautiful vest? That is gorgeous and I can't wait to see you style it in an outfit! And yes - I know what you mean about needing a longer "bottom!"
Anna - oh, I'm so glad to hear that you're sticking with the vest as is! I love it and really, really hope to figure out what to do with it - I sooo want to make it work! Thanks for your help!

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Oooooh- thanks for the great link annagybe! I notice that the oversized jean jackets are mostly paired with fitted bottoms.

Marley

Veteran

Wowza! Anna - I love those pics! Gives me LOTS of ideas! Thank you girlfriend!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love Anna's last link with the pretty dress and heels and oversized vest. I agree don't alter. And I love your culottes too.

Neel

Veteran

It is the proportions for sure. I like the vest as is. Heels might help too ... But skinnier bottoms might be the most flattering with this vest.

bella

(website)

Veteran

You can try heels of course:
http://www.afterdrk.com/wp-con.....mvest4.jpg

But it seems to me you are doing it right. Have you tried a short sleeved or elbow sleeved top underneath? Maybe that will help with the proportions.

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