Some recent WIW's. Some help required! - YouLookFab Forum

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Some recent WIW's. Some help required!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Here are some recent WIW's, the initial ones I'm not so sure about, but can't put my finger on why. So in the interest of trying to figure this out, I appeal to my YLF friends, of course :). I'd really appreciate some thoughts as to why these aren't working. If indeed, they aren't.

1. Bought these pants a year ago, when it was getting too cool to wear thin silk, and kinda forgot about them! Does this work? I'm not in love, but I do like. Not sure why.
2. I feel frumpy in this. I often feel frumpy (and huge) when I try to wear a button down, out. Yet others just look easy and comfortable. Is it the length? My massive shoulders? the unstructured top? Or should I just say no to this kind of look. Or do I actually look amazing :). I do like this top, and have successfully worn it in different ways, but it's this look I struggle with. I can't tell you the number of times I grab my chambray shirt, only to put it away again. And it was supposed to be a workhorse :(.
3. Every Single Time I wear this cardigan, I wonder if I should get rid of it. It actually looks better with lighter bottoms, because the band at the bottom disappears into navy pants, shortening the look of the sweater, which in turn makes me look very square. But I so love the colours in it, I keep trying... What do you think? Keep or pass on?
4. Trying the wrapped top with a topper and bootcuts, as per a post of Angies. Never thought of wearing a sleeveless top in October! Fairly happy with this.
5. Love this, feels like me.
6. Also love this, also feels like me.

So, what say you?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Elizabeth P

kellygirl

Veteran

LOVE 1, 5 and 6. The cobalt pants are terrific with the white. You look amazing. I also really like 2 but IKWYM about the button downs. I've gotten rid of almost all of mine because I don't feel fab in them. I defintiely think this plaid/check is worth keeping but might feel better if you pair it with a sleeker bottom. I think the cuffs in this look a little thick--maybe try a straight leg full length or skinnies. Do you ever wear the striped sweater unbuttoned to break up the pattern? I think it's a nice topper on you. 4 is flattering too.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I think you look great more than you give yourself credit for. I understand completely about the plaid shirt look. (I have wide, high volume shoulders & sometimes feel like an extra on the Monty Python skit when they sing 'I'm a lumberjack & I'm okay...') When I want to wear that look I often open the shirt front & wear it as a topper over a slouchy tee. It just sort of breaks up the volume. But I don't think women should feel like slaves to figure flattering visual trickery. We all come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and sometimes me & my broad shoulders just want to wear the damn shirt in peace, thankyouverramuch! I love you in your moto! And you are radiant in all black, which is tough to pull off. Kudos!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I think it's to do with the proportions of the outfits & the colours.
#5 fits the 1/3 & 2/3 proportion, which makes your legs look great &
#6 is a column of neutrals.
I'd try #1 with a darker boot/shoe & take off the necklace (imo it fights with the collar of the gorgeous jacket).
#2 this is just a boxy look imo what about opening the top few buttons & wearing a cami underneath?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Elizabeth, you actually do look amazing in #2 but I would like to see it without the pants rolled. I REALLY like #5. I think the proportions work well for you. The jacket length looks ideal and the metallic belt adds a great touch. #6 is quite fab too. I am wondering if it is the shape of the pant in 5 and 6 that appeals to me. #4 looks really nice on you too. I would like to see it with a black cardi or even the jacket from #5 as well.

I find the cardi in #3 looks a bit too short and the proportions seem off somehow.

Suzanne

You look great in 5 & 6! The look there is sleek and modern, and also based on solid colors. Based on those, I wonder if 2, 3 & 4 just have too much pattern for you? Or maybe you need to tough them up a little bit or add some shine to make these pieces more "you"?

1 is closer to your look in 5 & 6. I think the pants look good; maybe they'd look even better with a different shoe? Maybe something that shows some foot or ankle skin?

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback Kelly, thumbelina, caro, dianthus and suzanne.

Caro, I was thinking about your comment about the bootie colour in #1, and thinking that something darker would be too heavy for all the white up top, and basically had come to the same conclusion that Suzanne had... maybe a pump or shoe is the way to go, forget the booties. And you're right on about the proportions... sometimes it's so ovbious at the end of the day, when I have time to look at the pics, but not when I'm rushing out in the morning. I guess this is why organized people try things on the night before, huh

I will definitely try the slight adjustments suggested by several of you to make the plaid shirt work better, untucked.

Susanne, very interesting comment about the pattern, and toughening things up a bit. I do like some pattern, but not a ton. I certainly don't feel "overwhelmed" by the amount of pattern here. However when I DO wear pattern, the outfits do tend to be a bit "softer". I wonder why that is, and what I can do about it. More thinking to be done here, for sure!

OK, that's my initial take on your suggesitons, once again, a big THANK YOU. I'll read them again in the morning and see how much more gets digested.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Pumps or shoes could be great I think a darker, sleeker bootie would work though - something like a Chelsea boot?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

#1 I would try tucking out the pants and/or a darker shoe as Caro suggests, and also pushing up the sleeves on the jacket.
#2 Semi-tuck?
#3 Agree that the length of the cardi is the problem - it might work with skirts?
#4 Would want you to elongate the leg with a dark bootie
#5 and #6 Can see why you are happy with these!

AJ

Veteran

Since the pants in #1 are silk and a fun color, how about styling it for a summer look?
I hear ya on #2, as I feel the same way when I try to wear mine. Have you tried it with white jeans?
How does the sweater in #3 look with skirts/dresses?
#5 & 6 look great!

Uggbootdiva

It so obvious that you like outfits 3-5. you look so confident and great in them.

1. I think sleek shoes with pointed toe look best with that gathered at the bottom pants look. I think americans call them "pumps"? whether high or kitten heel. The pants are great just find something you feel comfortable wearing them with because they do look good on you.
2. if anyone has a good answer it would really help because I feel the same. Is it because we have boobs and all the models wearing them are flat chested??
I do think a less chunky shoe might work. but I have seen this look work on others....so I don't know. No help.

Golden

Veteran

4,5 & 6 are my favs! I like the proportions best.

Carla

Veteran

Let me say how much I've been loving your WIW's! You've been really working hard at refining your style. I love your colour choices, and choosing to go to your gorgeous natural hair colour was brilliant. now for the putfits...

5 + 6 are 10/10 and 1 just requires a little tweaking. The pale booties in 1 are fab (love them with your white pants outfits from earlier WIW) but not so much here. What about with the silver sandals? I understand you might be looking for more foot coverage though, with cooler weather coming on.

The tonal values in 2 are similar, so visually there is a 'column of colour' aspect to the combination that works. The idea of a 3rd element, tank or T underneath and opening up the V more, or maybe a topper? Might help out.

3 and 4 are ok, but not as current looking. Try the cardi in #3 open. Changing up the footwear in #4 might be all that is needed...your laced sandals?

If there is one thing I've learned from this forum, it is how the right footwear can really elevate an outfit. So, staying on trend with sandals, shoes, and boots is important. Throw older fussy feet into the equation and finding current footwear is like questing for the holy grail!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks Shevia, good suggestions. AJ and Uggbootdiva, I think you are right that the footware choice was wrong with the style and weight of the pants. Next time! I'll also try the sweater with a skirt, I know it does look better with white or faded denim, when the band on the bottom doesn't disappear. But it may be time to just say goodbye to it. Or relegate it to loungewear.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Oh, thank you Carla, we cross posted. I really appreciate your support for my hair and general WIW's. And thanks for the critique here too... I think you are bang on.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

In #1 the jacket and the top are such similar lengths, seems that maybe the top should be longer or shorter and I agree that different shoes and no necklace might be better with this.
I'd semi-tuck #2 - but I think it looks great on you! I love button downs and wear them a lot but I almost always semi-tuck or if I don't, I leave the bottom one or two buttons undone to create a little reverse v opening for added interest.
I think you already voice why #3 isn't working as well.
The others all look great as is to me. Maybe I'd add a long pendant to the all black outfit.

catgirl

Veteran

Lots of great advice here. I just want to add that I always feel frumpy in a stiffer fabric button down. I can do a silk or flannel so it drapes more, but a crisp cotton makes me want to cry. The H & M shirt I was lusting after is a big style exception because it was so non-traditional...

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks Una, it does feel a bit better to know I'm not alone in this.

And thanks texstyle. I have worn it semi-tucked, and open, and will continue to... was just hoping to also be able to wear it open as well. Will definitely try the unbotton a few buttons trick.

jackiec

Veteran

I love your WIWs, Elizabeth. You really always look great and aren't afraid to try new things. I totally get it that some outfits inherently just feel like "you." I haven't read all responses yet but there are a couple of small tweaks that I'd make to try to edge some of these more into your territory.

*I actually like #1. Maybe too much bookending with the boots? But not too far off from your vibe in 5/6
*#2 isn't too bad, but can you try the half-tuck J.Crew thing? And right away I'd switch out the sneaks. How about those white boots from #1?
*#3...Hmmm. Not bad. Personally I think I'd throw on a super chunky scarf. Maybe a moto boot as well?
*#4 is a nice look. Fun to wear sleeveless in Oct, huh!? I feel the same! I might try a bootie here as well to edge it up. But it's perfectly nice. Maybe try a skinny pant too, but it's fun to do the whole "Angie ensemble." I love the colours on you.
#5 is great. Totally you. Would love it with booties too.
#6 is even better. Totally love this on you. Awesome.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks Jackie, great suggestions.

L'Abeille

Veteran

I am just here to talk about that shirt in #2. Others can advise you better on the other things, you could give me lessons on how to wear modern and slouchy and edgy. But button-front shirts are my thing, and we share enough (wide shoulders with a bit of apple tendency, colouring, androgynous vibe) that maybe what makes it work for me can also work for you.

In #2 it looks boxy because it looks too stiff. In fact it stands away from your waist and hips making them look wider than we know they are (cf #5). That shirt is bossing you around, and you need to make it bend to your will. Maybe it will be softer after several washings, or you could hang it in the line in a stiff breeze. You didn't iron it, did you? If you are as near the shore as I am, the humidity is enough to dissolve serious wrinkles.

For the immediate wearing issues, I would try rolling or pushing the sleeves up even higher, to beat at least one part of the shirt into submission. You might try the J Crew roll if that's more comfortable. For the body, what others have already said - - semituck, or undo more of the top OR bottom buttons, perhaps over a T shirt or something. Your can also layer over it -- a blazer, a sweater, your leather jacket-- to put it in its place.

That is what I had to do with my Banana Republic classic button-front. In the store it was way too stiff but scrunched and layered majorly, it felt enough "me" to come home with me, and now that it has been softened by several launderings, it behaves as I want it to and has become one of my favourites.

It is probably easier for me because my bust is smaller. But hey, Charlize Theron pulled it off beautifully in A Million Ways to Die in the West (ridiculous movie, but I loved her style; not the cowgirl stuff but the androgynous blending of elements, long skirt with relaxed shirt etc.)

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks for this L'Abeille. This top IS in fact from BR, so perhaps a few more washings will help soften it more. It probably hasn't been laundered more than once or twice so far. I really would like to "master" the button down, as I do like it on others, so will definitely take your tips under advisement! love how you put it... make it "bend to my will".

And will also go google Charlize in that movie to see if I can see what you mean