Possible party combination and a sack of potatoes

Trying to put something together for a couple of parties coming up. Where I live you always see a little of everything, so this would not be too informal.

The sweater and blouse in #1 and #2 are items that were already in my wardrobe pre-YLF. The blouse is satin-ish and clingy, so I find that aspect bothersome. The sweater is mega itchy and I don't know if you can see in the pics, but it also kind of twists toward the bottom edge. Rather like a pair of twisted hose. Things I didn't really notice about it at the time of purchase. The sweater will be leaving my wardrobe after the holidays but I'll squeeze a couple more wearings out before it goes.

Belt or no belt with the sweater and pants?

Maybe they don't show up very well, but are the black boots in #1 and #2 too heavy? I have a pair of black patent open toe shoes that might work.

The sack of potatoes is #3. Is this combination as awful as I think? I made the skirt a couple of years ago after being inspired by a picture in the J Crew catalog. Yes, I know the hem needs to be reworked, maybe it should just go out the door with the sweater. The skirt fabric has some sheen that doesn't really show, so #4 is a close up of the fabric and also the sweater.

Thanks!

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13 years ago

Anonymous

You are far too hard on yourself! 3 has potential, I think. Could you taper it slightly? I like it with the stripes and scarf, and those boots are lovely.

I like 1 best of the sweater outfits too.

kellygirl

Veteran

Agreeing with Ceit! You look great in both outfits. I prefer the belted version of 1. It looks dressy and polished and I like the dark shoes. I think you need to pop a cropped moto or jacket over 3. It is a shame the sweater is itchy because it looks really pretty the way you have styled it.

texstyle

(website)

I had to log in to say Ditto to what Kelly and Ceit said - and to say #1 looks really quite nice. Go for the tuck! I don't love the striped sweater with the skirt for some reason but I do like the boots and the idea of a somewhat winter white outfit. Did you by chance try the same tucked top, necklace and sweater with the skirt and brown boots?

rachylou

#3 is cute. #1 over #2. The belt is strong accessory that finishes a "weighty" outfit - an outfit with substance.

Suz

#1 looks really quite elegant! I like it with the belt.

And the skirt outfit is nowhere near as bad as you thought. I like it with the stripes and like the way you have bookended your boots with the scarf (and your hair). There's a great cohesion to both these looks. Not easy to achieve when you are grasping at holiday cheese straws, so to speak!

Inge

Moderator

I think outfit 1 is an elegant and very lovely holiday outfit. I love that the metallic belt adds a sophisticated yet subtle contrast against the cream and white of your tops, and don't see any problems with the boots.
I'd also like to see the skirt a little more tapered, and the way you tied the scar is a fun touch for the lovely striped sweater.

Mia

I second the suggestion to try the blouse, cardi and necklace with the skirt and boots.
Could be very elegant yet still have a comfy casual vibe. Show us?

Karie

I like #1 over #2, this looks great on you! I think your skirt is lovely and you could taper it or not, it looks fine as is. I don't care for the top with the skirt, I think a different top/jacket combo would be better. I would also like to see the blouse, cardi, and necklace with the skirt in #3.

I like 1 as well. What about some blingy or colored statement necklace to make it more dressy?

And the stripe top and skirt are nice too. Have you tried that tucked in? (but not for a party, in my opinion)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look terrific in #1!

I like #3 the way it is too. You could taper the skirt if you like. Those brown boots are KILLER.

pil

Angie, thanks. Wow, a "killer" on the boots! Hot dog! So glad your arm must be feeling better as you have been posting more recently.
Ceit and Kelly - thanks for the boost, and tapering the skirt is a good suggestion.
texstyle, Mia and Karie, I'll try the the cardigan/blouse/skirt combination and post a pic tomorrow.
rachylou, suz and Inge - articulating what you think works is very helpful for me as I still find myself struggling.
A, I thought about using the necklace in #2 with the belted combination but thought it might be too much with the heft and pattern of the belt? Have't tried tucking the sweater, but suspect it may be too bulky for the skirt.

Day Vies

When you say sack of potatoes I expect to see an unflattering, poorly fitted shapeless blob. None of these pictures show that. I like #3 I enjoy the play on neutrals. Having said that, if YOU do not feel attractive in an outfit don't bother wearing it. Your lack of confidence in the outfit will seep through.

By the way #1 & #2 are gorgeous. Tailored and understated, great fit and super flattering.

ManidipaM

I'm not seeing any sack here either! I love outfit #3---yes, tapering the skirt would certainly result in a more tailored silhouette and help you perhaps feel less 'sacked', but so might a topper to tighten up the expanse of lighter colours, whether that's a leather jacket or a longer lightweight wrap or waterfall cardigan. (A longer cardi would also adjust the skirt's sides visually!)

And while I'm an inveterate un-tucker and quite like #2 too, certainly there is an extra something to the belted and tucked #1. Go with that, do!

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