Outfit lab: Theory gilet and COS top

viva

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out how to wear a couple of new things. Help?!

Please note that I had just returned from Barre in these photos and also that I am in desperate need of a haircut (tomorrow). There's really no excuse. But the photos are taken! So here goes.

pics 1-6: Theory gilet (new, from outlet) -- worn with (in order) black tee, COS shirt, print top, COS top, lace tie neck

pics 3, 5, 7-14: COS bib front top (new, on sale, too late to return; purchase inspired by Trinny Woodall)

On my bottom half in all pictures are Loft pencil pants (shortened 1") and my Cole Haan blue wedges.

What works here? What doesn't? What other suggestions do you have?

Thanks for your help!

Vivian

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8 years ago

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from

harmonica

Veteran

Terrific buys! I've been eyeing that «trinny» bib shirt myself, but no local COS store around my area. I enjoy the energy and straight forwardness that Trinny channels.

I like all outfits, but my favorites are #3/5, #6, #7 and #13-14. #1 is my least favorite, because IMO the all black outfit does not give you the glow that the others provide.

The gilet is a fab tailored piece that stands out when layered over the white shirt and lace top as in 3/5 and 6. I really like the shirt alone, too, as a more casual, yet structured, outfit. The layering in #13-14 is great, too, and shows a bit more of the shirt bc the floral blazer is slightly shorter than the red one.

8 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I love the gilet and the cropped pants for sure! I also like the shirt but can see that it might be harder to style, maybe because it is stiff? I do think I prefer it untucked. I like the gilet with the white shirt and the colored top better than the all black. And love that flowered jacket! Your hair always tempts me to go back to a short cut!

8 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I really like the gilet for you viva - esp. in #4 to my eye, love the floral with it I guess because it tones down the floral just enough. The bib top is good but it's not a style I personally gravitate towards (maybe just a bit more formal?). I think you are right to pair it under the bright blazer or floral blazer as that seems to balance it. Adding some fun jewelry could do the same thing if you wear it on it's own.

Pants and shoes are great!

8 years ago

viva

Veteran

Thank you!

Harmonica, I recently discovered Trinny's video's, thanks to Sal, and I've found them to be a really wonderful quick boost for long days working at home. She's nutty but has some good tips, and I do love her style and that she buys so many things at affordable price points.

All, I really appreciate the gilet love. I got that literally for no money of my own (it was bought on sale at the outlet using leftover per diem dollars from a client trip) -- but even still, I wanted it to work. It's helpful to have some guidelines from you.

The COS top is a challenge: it is a little stiff and formal, as Tex and Robin note. If I were still within the return timeframe, I might send it back. But, what is hard to see here is that with the right lighting, I love it closeup. The neckline is great for me, and the combo of optic and cream is really flattering to my face (when I am "done" and not in drab post-workout plainness). So, I think I just need to find the right outfits to make best use of it. I think -- based on your feedback -- untucked is the way to go, which is good, because there is a lot of shirt to tuck, and my shape was not made for tucking.

xxx V

8 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi Viva --

Wow, those blazers are great on you. Trying hard not to let them distract me from your overall request!

There are just a couple of looks that I'd love to see tweaked.

I do think the bib blouse is a bit long on you -- I think it's great in the tucked outfits, but maybe could use a chop to your high-hip point.

[It's not that it bothers me that it's longer than the jackets/gillet -- but I'd like it either longer (which can't happen) or shorter. IDK, maybe binder clip it up and see what you think.]

Color-wise, you know I think "warm and light" for you so I love the all the looks that have that quality to greater or lesser degree. Which brings me to #1-2. The silhouette is fantastic, but I'd love to see a tonal look that isn't as severe. A warm grey...bright navy? Or ye olde column of color...the dark with one of your best deeper "color-color" shades.

8 years ago

Vix

Veteran

x post -- see we're at opposite ends re tucking that shirt -- I do think with the shape the blazers add it works!

8 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I love every combination with the gilet, viva. What a great purchase!

The top looks harder to style, but like others, I think it looks best untucked. That emphasizes its architectural integrity. My favorites are with the red jacket in #8 and the gilet in #5.

8 years ago

viva

Veteran

Vix,

Thanks for your suggestions re: 1/2. I really like the idea of the gilet over a tee, so I am going to try it with a grey for a tonal column of color. Or perhaps wine (with my wine Teddies and the gilet). Some great ideas.

8 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I particularly like the gilet over sleeveless tops. It looks most stylish that way, and you have lovely shoulders.

I also like the white shirt but I think the length and style is best untucked on its own, not under a blazer. Or maybe a cropped jacket?

8 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

What about trying the white shirt with wide cropped pants? I can't remember how you feel about that pants trend. I would wear the shirt with slightly faded black denim wide leg pants. Though you'd have to try it out to see if the length works.

8 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

My favorites are 5, 6, 8, and 13. Here's why:

1. I like you better in contrast. The all-black is the only one that stands out to me as "meh" -- but a stand of pearls, a bright bag, etc could fix that.

2. I like the COS shirt untucked -- it looks like it was made to be worn that way and sits really nicely underneath toppers, just peeking out. It looks okay tucked, too, but not as special or interesting, and as you say it might be too stiff for that. Seriously, a structured shirt that looks great unticked -- what a unicorn!

3. I feel like the COS shirt really needs a topper to break up that vast expanse of white. #7, for instance, feels like something is missing.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Here are my thoughts - and without having read the other comments, yet:

1. gilet looks best with sleeveless or long sleeved tops - not fond of it with a short sleeved top

2. Love the COS shirt , and I think I prefer it tucked in when worn with a blazer. For some reason I don't mind it untucked when worn with the blue toile Loft jacket, but I am not loving it untucked with the red jacket.

3. LOVE the pants and their length.

4. I think I might like a different shoe here....

8 years ago

viva

Veteran

Will get back to all the comments later, but in the meantime ...

Lisap: any thoughts on what kind of shoe?

8 years ago

Anonymous

Well,yes, but, that's all subjective and personal. But since you asked - something with a newer block heel, or some ankle detail, some vamp coverage perhaps? Maybe my eye is not used to such an open top-of-shoe look is all.

8 years ago

viva

Veteran

Yes. These poor wedges. Quite old school. I need to find new shoes!!!!

8 years ago

Mirjana

Veteran

The blazers are terrific, I love both. Gilet and Cos top are good purchase, all outfits are great on you, but my favorite are #3, #6, #10 and #12, so elegant .

8 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

The gilet is very fab on you and looks chic with your black pants. Best when worn with at least a small amount of white or an other colour. I think #4 and #6 look really great.

How about replacing the white top with one that is shorter and softer?

Your printed blazer looks sophisticated with black & white.

8 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Sorry, Viva, I read too late that you are not able to return the top. And of course, you can wear it! In my opinion, it looks much better when worn alone (#7) than when worn under the gilet or the blazers. You could easily make the top more interesting or fun by adding a printed scarf.

8 years ago

JuniperGreen

Veteran

chiming in to echo the love for the gilet (gotta love a theory outlet score!) and that bright blazer is wonderful. Same with the loft crops!

8 years ago

Anonymous

Love the gilet, especially with sleeveless or long sleeved tops, like the COS top best untucked and with a jacket. Worn out on its own, it looks too long. I like the Loft pants at that length with all the outfits. I also like the shoes, especially for work. They look like they balance the gilet and jackets. Really like both the bright jacket and the print jacket..

8 years ago

Anonymous

I like the COS shirt plain and untucked for full effect.
Maybe you could add some jewelry somewhere? Or maybe a red lip would enough.
I think cole haans always work.

8 years ago

Nomad

Active Member

I loooove that gilet! I had a hard time seeing it in the first couple of pictures where it blends in with the shirt beneath (not that that's a bad thing, but it was hard to get a good look from internetland), but it looks awesome over the white and floral shirts.

8 years ago

Irina

Veteran

Well, obviously I like the COS shirt and it meant to be worn untucked. Try scrunching the sleeves to counterbalance the stiffness of the shirt. And I would wear it with flats.

8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gilet LOVE!!!

Also love the shirt.

I am coming back to look more carefully but wanted to say I especially love 3, 5, 12, 13.

8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like Irina's suggested for scrunched sleeves with the Cos shirt. I like it with the toile blazer but not the Regent, for some reason (similar to Lisa). I also have a big sugar eye for tux style shirts so can easily imagine how lovely it is in person.

I don't mind the pumps at all...but a different shoe might be fun...though what, I cannot say.

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Bit late to the thread.

I am with everyone else that I like the gilet with either sleeveless or long sleeves. I love it with the cream underneath in all variations.

With the cream Cos top I like it tucked I think, it enhances your legs and the proportions work. I am trying to remember how Trinny wears her one, now - and you can definitely carry it off (I love her looks so much but have the opposite figure to her). I love the no collar look, the colour and I think it is very elegant - modern and timeless all together.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, well everything looks great to me, no surprise, and the shoes look great too. I kind of wish I had some constructive criticism but I like everything just the way it is.
I do like Vix's tonal idea but I think it's spring where you are and the high contrast looks fresh and in season.

8 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Isabel I only suggested she swap in a tonal look instead of black for 1/2 -- I'm dying for color and lightness over here hahaha!

8 years ago

Anonymous

Vix, the black actually looks more spring summer to me than navy or grey would right now but I thought it was a lovely idea. I know from your posts, which I totally look for, that you love color and contrast and am sorry if I misunderstood.

8 years ago

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