Reality vs. Fantasy - no. 1 - YouLookFab Forum

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Reality vs. Fantasy - no. 1

Astrid

Veteran

I have to confess I thought this challenge would be easier! It was rather difficult for me to create that fantasy outfit, to be honest. I think if I would have had the pieces to recreate my true fantasy style this would have looked differently, but I just can't afford to buy everything I like. This is more like a different version of my style, using the pieces I'm actually wearing. I would wear the second outfit as it is, it's not fantasy because it's totally unsuitable to me life. But it's definitely not something I'd wear on a random Monday. There are two main points that this addresses:

1. Looking more dressy in everyday life.
Don't get my wrong, the first outfit is perfect for my day. The weather is drizzly and I'm hanging around at home and will be going to Uni this evening. I want comfort and I won't want to stand out. I didn't have to think about the first outfit - I just got up and threw my clothes on, which is a big bonus point. But the second dressier outfit definitely makes me feel differently. Prettier? Not sure I necessarily want to go for pretty, but whatever.

2. Wearing colors that suit me.
I just love that blue pullover. The colors in the first outfit aren't bad, but they have no chance against my pullover. And I like the softer look with the grey skirt, hose and bag.

So, what do you think? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.:)

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Windchime

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Interesting...I feel that outfit #2 is completely wearable in your everyday life of a student. Flat high vamp shoes and longer and fluid style of the sweater make the skirt more casual. I would curious to know why you feel this is not "random Monday" outfit. Which aspects of it compared to the first one make it less suitable to you? When I was a student ...many years ago... I mostly wore dresses and skirts to classes...but then I did not wear pants as much then and did not have any jeans.
Another point; if it is the blue color which makes #2 special for you - why don't you wear that blue sweater (which color you apparently love) in #1? Especially on a rainy gloomy day wearing favorite colors may make all the difference!

Staysfit

Veteran

I happen to love both outfits on you which speaks to how well you have chosen items in your closet. I could also see you wearing #2 out and about as an everyday choice, etc. maybe my eye is accustomed to my DD who prefers to dress up a bit despite her casual art student life. She mostly wears dresses and skirts on her college campus.

I know you love the blue in #2 but I really love the contrast of the scarf in #1 against your skin and hair.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Sveta! I'm not sure why - I guess it's mostly the fitted skirt with more leg showing. And the bag is definitely too small, it's my going out/evening bag. I need to carry around more stuff on normal days. Also the fact that I'm wearing my pearl earrings and a little make up (which I normally only do on special occasions). Creating an everyday outfit with the pullover would probably mean pairing it with either a full or longer skirt, taking the bigger and more casual bag and going bare faced. As for why I don't wear the pullover instead of the cardigan - I wanted to be able to just take one layer off quickly depending on temperature. There's the potential of being too warm in the pullover now that we're in spring and they're still overheating the rooms.

Thanks Staysfit! I do wear skirts more often than pants, in everyday life too. I guess in this case it comes down to the details, as I mentioned to Sveta above.

Daria

Interesting Astrid, I too would find the second outfit totally wearable on a work day, but obviously I'm way past student age. I see your point about the bag, and the practicality of the outfit in general.
You look stylish and put together in both though!

Tanya

Veteran

Great outfits, both of them. Count me also in the camp that considers the second outfit totally wearable on daily basis. I work in a very casual lab and would totally wear it if the skirts weren't prohibited.

E

Veteran

You look wonderful in both, but I agree w you that the colours in the second outfit are just perfect!

Do you have leggings? They might add a more casual feel to two.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Daria and Tanya! I guess it's the need in me to blend in. Style is very casual here, favouring darks and neutrals. Very few women in my courses wear skirts... So if I wear one I want the rest of the outfit to look not too dressy.

Thanks Eva! No leggings, I'm afraid... I did a little collage creating my fantasy outfit below, that's what I would love to wear if I had the pieces. Now I just need a cash cow.

ETA

Now that I'm looking at this I think I know why I feel different in #2 - the first outfit lacks some feminine softness. I really do have to pay more attention to that.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Agree that both outfits look good and wearable. It seems like there are two reasons you find the second less wearable. One is practical - the bag is too small. And one is psychological - you feel you need to blend in more. Nothing wrong with that, but that is also the one that could change.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Shevia! Yes, that's it. And it definitely could change, in fact it has already changed a lot over time. Even a few years ago I would have never worn some of the things I love to wear now.

Anonymous

Both outfits are lovely! I understand you feelings about #2 and you can try to add a little of that everyday without going over the top. The blue of the sweater is indeed lovely on you. It has a softness of shade which is quite feminine.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think both outfits look really great! To me, the scarf helps with the feminine soft part on #1 and #2 is just perfect for you (agree maybe a larger bag would be ideal). Are you going to try and add some more softer colors this summer and into the fall?

Sara L.

Veteran

Both outfits are great! I really like the scarf in #1 and the soft colors in #2. I can see why #2 isn't as practical with the smaller bag, but it seems like with a few tweaks it might work for everyday. Although you might not blend in as much with the skirt, which I can relate to. There are times when I just want to blend in as well.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Diane! Yes, I think I'll try to pay more attention to that. The thought of amping up the feminine has come up again and again over time, but I never actively paid attention to it when I was shopping.

Thanks Texstyle! Yes, that would be the plan - I do want to pay a bit more attention to my color palette. Not sure how it will work out when I'm truly shopping of course, but we'll see.

Thanks Sara! Yes, I agree that #2 is wearable for everyday with a few tweaks. Maybe not today, but generally...

Anonymous

Both outfits are wonderful. I suppose you would stand out on campus in the second outfit going to classes, but it looks appropriate for wearing to Sunday brunch or classical concerts or even shopping in an upscale area.

Diana

Veteran

Both outfits are great, but I really love #2. I think you're right about the softer colors being so good on you. I would wear that outfit to lab, but I do understand what you mean about not wanting to stand out as being too dressy. I should do a dressy fantasy vs. casual reality combo this week too (mine today was more just practical vs. impractical). I have a lot of latitude in what I can wear to lab (we don't have no bare legs rules here and we pretty much just ignore the open toe shoe prohibition) but there are certain combos (like trousers + a blazer) which just feel too formal or businessy to be comfortable for lab.

Elly

Veteran

I love outfit one--- I think it does suit you, and perhaps you need a tee in a color that makes you feel as fabulous as the blue sweater. The scarf/tee/cardigan/shoes combo looks VERY put together for a uni outfit. I love how you tied the scarf and how the deep shade is picked up in the sneakers. This also would be a great GOTG outfit for anyone running errands or with a relaxed job.

rachylou

Veteran

Well now, this is very interesting.

First off... Ok, even before that, have to say your purse in #2 is simply beautiful.

Ok, now first off, I can see the difference easily between #1 and #2. #1 is made for jostling about and being jostled. #2 is a beautiful, refined outfit. It's natural setting is civilised environments, where the pace is, well, paced. #2 puts me in mind of one of my favourite quotes: I prefer to be where there is no jostling.

Second, I don't have the elements of my most fantastical fantasy style either. It would be a waste of space and money. It's interesting, then, to ponder what else to do. What else this challenge means. I mean, why would you dress one way and have the makings of yet another style that you'd rather have worn but didn't?

Third, your collage is quite wonderful! A stroke of genius. Good insight.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Very interesting, and well done, Astrid.

I much prefer outfit #1 because that scarf in KNOCK-OUT-WOW on you. It completely brightens up your face and complexion. I love the vibe of the bag too. The cognac picks up the colours in your hair quite beautifully.

No more dull colours for you, young lady.

And outfit #2 is 100% wearable as a student on campus (with a larger bag to suit your needs). It's very casual and comfy.

Carla

Veteran

This challenge is really making you think, isn't it? Both outfits are wearable, but the pop of colour in # 1 elevates the whole look. I do like seeing you in lighter and brighter colours.

FWIW, you are really rocking your new hair and specs.

Carole

Veteran

Both are fantastic outfis, Astrid! I hope you'll consider them both outfits for "reality"...why not?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love both outfits, but hear you about how YOU feel being more important. The challenge has raised great questions for you Astrid. Could you wear the tan bag with the second outfit?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Joy! Yes, you're right - that would be the kind of occasions I would have chose outfit #2 for.

Diana, I should do a practical vs impractical look next! I wanted to try this challenge at least twice. I think this was really interesting, it might be worth looking at that aspect of dressing too.

Thanks Elly! Yes, I do think the first look is pretty put together for Uni. We're not super casual (so no one wears jogging pants or something like that), but a lot of people are rather clueless about dressing... So with the random exception to the rule this is rather put together.

Thanks Rachylou! Yes, I love that purse too... VERY interesting what you're saying about the jostling! I can definitely see that, now that you mention it. And thanks for the compliment on the collage, I thought it was pretty great.

Thanks Angie! Very interesting that you prefer #1. Although I guess a lot depends on lighting - generally I would say the color of the pullover in #2 is much more flattering in me than the scarf colors of #1. Happy to hear you like the cognac bag, it's been my most used bag for over six years.

Thanks Carla and Carole!

Thanks Caro! Yes, I could definitely do that, that might be a good way to make look #2 more wearable for everyday.

lyn67

Veteran

I thought nr.1 is just so fab as it is, even before reading Angie's comment, too:-). Shawl and bag, yummy for you, Astrid! Then the nr 2! It shouldn't be a fantasy outfit, at all. Please enter it to your weekdays capsule, with a larger bag. Heads up Girl in a fab plaid pencil, YLF!

Windchime

Veteran

Both outfits look wonderful on you. The addition of the scarf makes such a difference with the first outfit; do you have a scarf you could wear with the second outfit if you wanted to change it a bit?

It makes sense that you wouldn't choose a skirt outfit for hanging around at home; I wouldn't either, even if the skirt were more casual than yours.