Some WIW's: in a rut? Or tried and true? - YouLookFab Forum

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Some WIW's: in a rut? Or tried and true?

sarah

Veteran

I realize I only ever post K/R's these days, so I thought I'd post some WIW's. In looking at them, I realize they're all basically the same silhouette - straights, blazer, and booties! Hmmm...am I in a rut?

#1 - my version of white out, sort of.

#2 - transitioning to spring in our never-ending winter (which is finally leaving us today)

#3 - what I'm wearing today to "hood" one of my students - I wanted some bottoms that wouldn't be too "loud" under the black robe, and comfortable booties that wouldn't make a lot of noise on the stage. They aren't as red as they appear in the photo.

Suggestions for improvement are always welcome. Thanks.

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Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah A

kkards

Veteran

i like all of the looks, and i hear you about the rut. l'm struggling with the same issuei think 1 has a much more casual feel, but they are all very similar. maybe if it finally gets warm you could try breaking it up with different footwear.

and how does one "hood" a student? don't even what to tell you the pictures that went thru my head.

pil

Veteran

If you're in a rut I would say it's a good one. I think 1 is my favorite of the three because of the white pants and I'm ready for some light and bright!

Jules

Veteran

I don't see it as a rut - nothing wrong with a formula that is working for you. The details are different and keep things interesting. I would say the formula/proportions may be similar but the vibe is quite different. #3 reads more classic/polished.

Anonymous

I don't see a rut either -- you have enough going on with pattern and colour, even if the silhouettes are similar.

kellygirl

Veteran

I don't see a rut at all. I see a formula that works and is kicked up with interesting pattern mixing and color! LOVE the white denim with the butterfly print especially. What a gorgeous nod to spring. All of these are fab and polished, sarah! You look terrific. The Fryes (?) with the leopard belt looks awesome btw.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I completely relate, I have my outfit formulas too. And I worry that I am in a rut. But looking at your pictures, I think you look amazing. Your outfits are pulled together, have interesting details, and color. Your outfits are chic and modern yet not too young/age inappropriate. And nor are they too mature as if you've given up. So just right. There's a lot to be said for a quick FFBO where you don't have to think too much and you look great for the day. I think you are at that place.

Anonymous

If that is a rut, is the best one I'd ever seen. If you feel effortless, it is probably because you have honed in your style. YLF.

nancylee

Veteran

You look fresh and put-together in all of these looks, Sarah, but I know what you mean about feeling like you're in a rut. I often feel like my looks are all more or less the same. But just because it feels that way to you (because it's familiar) doesn't mean it's necessarily true. To others, you look like someone who knows her style.

What I see is very effective formula dressing that works for you and your lifestyle. We all have our go-to looks that are easy to put together, feel like "us," and look great. Blazer + straights + booties works beautifully for you.

I guess I would suggest a dress or skirt if you're feeling bored with your current combo, but you're not much of a dress/skirt person. Right?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Wow - all three of these outfits are fabulous Sarah. Color combos are great, fit on everything is flattering, proportions are perfect - if this is a rut, can I join you in it???

catgirl

Veteran

I don't think it's a rut - I feel that way when I'm restless but when other things are going on, like now, I am happy to have a rut to fall into that is tried and true. And your outfits are all wonderful!

Lantana

Veteran

These three are all great looks on you so it's how you feel on the inside that's at issue. I empathise with that feeling of dissatisfaction. Time to try something completely different?

unfrumped

Veteran

I think you've got a great silhouette going.

Don't know that colors run true on our monitors , but I'd love to see you in some more of the lighter golden-greeny-auburn- cream colors with your hair and complexion.

Jonesy

Veteran

I think you look great! I like the first outfit, especially--it looks the springy-est to my eye. I'm amazed that you can layer like that under your robe! I have to wear the bare minimum underneath mine so I don't pass out from the heat (one year I literally had to put my head between my knees to avoid passing out!)--this year I am going sans robe/hood like the radical kook I am!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, you look amazing!! Seriously, do you have any idea how you've honed your style??? This is as good as it gets!

But I understand the concern about being in a rut. I feel the same about FFB silhouettes. Maybe a pair of slouchy trousers to switch things up??

Carla

Veteran

I'm taking notes! I like your style 'rut' very much, and I think we have the same colouring...so I can learn from your colour choices!

Like all your outfits, but # 2 is my favourite.

Makrame

Veteran

I think these look great! I like the fresh spring-like color that your shirts are adding to your outfits!

I was wearing a somewhat similar combo yesterday (blazer, skinnies, booties) and was actually thinking of the outfits you have posted before in a similar vein. Nothing wrong with the formula that works!

amiable

Veteran

Wow! Add me to the line of people who think these are amazing!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm sorry, I'm too distracted by the Craftsman fabness in the background.........

just a minute.......

Ah! There you are! Seriously, this silhouette is modern, accessible and very flattering. I don't see why you should wear, and wear again! From some of your recent K/R posts, it's clear that you are trying new items and colors (mint, anyone?). Definitely not a rut!

#1 is my favorite, but I'd be very happy wearing any of the 3.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I like all of these & they look fab on you:) I think if you feel great when you wear them you are not in a rut. If you yearn for something else to wear then you may want to explore another silhouette.

deb

Veteran

You look so good in this style formula. Are you bored with it?

MsMary

Veteran

It's not a rut -- it's a GROOVE! And a fab groove it is!! I especially love the second one!! The colors are great! And I plan to copy #3 at the earliest possible moment!

K. Period.

Veteran

Sara (Hi, my JCrew feather skirt twin!) I didn't know you are a prof! You must be the best dressed person on your campus. As far as a rut, I don't see one. We all get enamored of a silhouette now and again and repeat it a lot. You've mixed in so much print and contrast, none of these feel repetitive. You look lovely!

DonnaF

Veteran

This isn't a rut, but I agree with MaryK: You've found your groove! You have a signature style that is very flattering. The prints in the first two look especially fresh and modern. If you are bored, I suppose you can experiment around. . . .but I see no particular reason to change for the sake of change since there are a multitude of ways you could probably spend your energy and money.

Nicole D

Veteran

If it ain't broke.... You look wonderful in all of these. Having a signature silhouette is fine.

Debora

Veteran

Wonderful transition into spring outfits, Sarah. I agree with Mary, you have found your groove! Love your white jeans outfit and that soft shade of blue on you. Awesome colors and belt in the next two outfits. I really can't pick a favorite. Love all three!

sarah

Veteran

Well, thanks, everyone, you are all very kind and sweet and are making me feel like my "rut" is a-OK. It's probably the weather that's making me feel stuck, but it finally changed today. Hooray.

I very much appreciate the suggestion to think about my "rut" as my "groove" and having "honed my style" - THANKS!

kkards - hooding one's student means that you put that sort-of-silly-easy-to-turn-upside-down thingie over the head of your graduating PhD students during their graduation ceremony!

jonesy - leave it to you to buck the pomp all together and do your own style thang (which I'm sure is light years ahead of the rest of us). I left my jacket backstage, LOL, which was a good thing, as it was quite warm in my gown. I admit that I do get kind of nostalgic for my grad school days once I don that hood, I confess...today I somehow ended up carrying the flag of all things. Good thing I had my robe on.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

BEST rut I've seen!

Love, love, #1! Wear your white jacket with that combination too.

Sarah A

Veteran

No rut... just a favorite formula (one of mine too). I love seeing the green floral shirt you posted as K/R styled in #2. The variety of colors keeps the basic formula feeling fun in each incarnation. Love your belt collection