Styling suggestions wanted: 2 NAS lemmings and one wild-card. - YouLookFab Forum

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Styling suggestions wanted: 2 NAS lemmings and one wild-card.

Anonymous

For all the cranking I do about wanting to take my focus elsewhere and not obsess over clothes , here I am, again. I am working my way through my closet this winter and wearing anything that strikes my fancy - experimenting and being careful with accessorizing. Some fails, some wins. I have 3 pieces that are nagging at me - to the point where I'd like some help with styling ideas. 2 were NAS lemming buys (this is a problem area for me : I jump on board with the enthusiasm on the forum and buy things that I normally wouldn't. ) and one was an impulse fun-buy.

1. Marc Fisher faux reptile low-cut bootie. Good fit, perfectly comfortable, but I NEVER wore them. Put them on yesterday with a pair of bootcut jeans and felt very meh about the whole look. Granted, the bootcuts weren't full-length (it's winter here and snowy , after all) and maybe my coat of choice was wrong (see teddy aviator below ) but the whole thing was not right . What can I do with these boots ?? I think it's the low-cut aspect I can't figure out. What bottoms would make them work better for me? I don't own a black winter coat that isn't a puffer, and this teddy jacket, while being equally warm in tone, made me feel very western-trucker-ish when worn with these western-ish boots.

2. faux leather waterfall front jacket. (find below is in black, but mine is a cool grey) Good fit, perfectly comfortable , but again I have worn it exactly ONCE since August. I think it's a colour issue. Grey isn't a great colour for me , I've come to realize, and if I wear it as I usually would (with a cool-toned or black top and jeans or black pants), the whole look is blah and boring. How can I ramp this one up?

3. Zara faux leather shorts - not expensive, but still! Love them, they fit well and are pretty cool, but all of I sudden I'm stalled. Had them since September and have never worn them. Ugh. I can't figure out what to do for footwear. I have one pair of higher shaft boots, but they are a bit wrong here - still below my knee. Can I wear these with tights and ankle boots? I don't want to buy any more winter footwear right now, and I did get rid of my OTK boots last year . Thoughts ? Ideas?

thanks in advance for your help - much appreciated!

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Topshop Bourne Faux Shearling Coat

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Onto the Next Faux Leather Drape Front Jacket

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Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Runcarla

Veteran

Your ‘western trucker’ look actually sounds like it would look pretty stylish. I wouldn’t in a million years consider the teddy bear coat as western, or trucker. With boots as fab as those, I would show them, but you could always wear them with a longer pant or jean, so that only the pointy toe shows and elongates your leg line. It would help if you posted a pic of the outfit. BTW, have you kept red hair? Likely a perfect bookend for the boots. If you are doing blonde, not so much - but the boots look a perfect foil for the coat.

Grey waterfall jacket over anything blush or anything with a silver fleck, or a simple black or white T with silver necklaces loaded up. Maybe a statement T and jeans?

Leather shorts with flat form sneakers and a sweatshirt (warm weather)

I’m trying to remember what you’ve got in order to support your ‘no buy’ year.

Would you actually consider a ‘style lab’ and be willing to post photos of the good, the bag, and the ugly?

Synne

Veteran

Ooh, I'll play!

1. Agree the short shaft on the booties may cause styling issues. I am thinking full on tonal black with shoes like this. Something conservative. Blazer and trousers. Black opaque knee highs or tights, to cover any bare skin (for cold days). I do feel you on the "trucker" look with the teddy, though I love both items separately.

2. If the jacket is gray, why not wear it over a column of white? Throw in some yellow if you feel adventurous. (Pics for inspo).

3. Wear any shoe you like, preferably black, again with opaque black knee-highs or thights. Super chic and very now!

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gryffin

Veteran

Lisa - I had a pair of black booties that I passed on long ago because I prefer a higher shaft bootie, but these would be great with full length bootcuts. Like Janet's theory pants in cinnamon, but any bootcut would look great. The jacket do you have a print top with the gray but more flattering colors? Or column of color and scarf? What about just throwing in the McQ scarf, the chiffon with blend and pick up the gray. The shorts agree black tights, booties, faux tuck top - how does this look with a blazer (something on the shorter fitted side like your smythe maybe? Treat them like a split skirt, how would you style a skirt? Do you have black knee boots? (with tights). Sorry you 've already got all the good ideas.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I have an NAS lemming problem too. I know others have really good luck with the sale, but several of my NAS items are among the least-worn items in my wardrobe.

On the booties... I did a search on Pinterest and wonder if they might work better this spring, when you can wear them with some ankle showing. The first pic below is loafers, but I think you could do a similar look with the short boots.

I have no real advice on the other two. I struggle with gray too. The leather shorts are fire, though. Definitely try with tights and ankle boots. And maybe a chunky sweater? They're so good!

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Runcarla

Veteran

Ooooh! The leather shorts with mules and a colourful silk tank top or shirt would be a great ‘party’ look (like for your Christmas open house) or date night. Or a sheer top over a tank top or bra top - per Angie’s trend post.)

Inspo pics from Pinterest

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Anonymous

Hi Carla - yes to still having red hair. The teddy jacket is pretty westernish. Zip front, boxy, snap detailing etc.

I LOVE the idea of the shorts with flatforms and a sweatshirt. Thank you. But with tights? I wouldn't wear these shorts in summer as they are definitely heavy and winter-y. I'm going to try them today with tights and sneakers and see what it looks like. I'll see if i can take some pics - good suggestion .

Thanks for the ideas re the grey jacket - loaded up with silver jewellery is a good idea. I am lacking in interesting t-shirts - but will see what I can dig out of my closet-from-hell.

Synne - love the idea of yellow with grey - my version might have to be warmer citron . A suit is a good option for these snake boots - not something I typically wear though. I'm a lot less buttoned-up than that

I guess my question is - do I put the boots and jacket in the donate bag now?

Anne

Have you tried the leather shorts with black tights and the snake booties?

nemosmom

Veteran

I have a similar pair of booties (shooties?) and this year I've worn them with full length bootcut jeans or boyfriend jeans, cuffed at the ankle. On top, I've done a larger chunky knit sweater by itself, and a thinner turtleneck with a chore or denim jacket (with uniqlo puffer vest under the jacket for warmth). I like your teddy trucker jacket but maybe not with the bootie, and think a black puffer would look really great with them. I think Janet has your snake booties; maybe she will weigh in with some ideas.

Afraid I'm not much help for the waterfall blazer or leather shorts - I don't wear either silhouette well, so I don't have any styling experience with them.

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Barbara Diane

Veteran

Try the above ideas before considering donating. I think they could work.
And, this is not popular on the forum, but if you haven't worn the booties at all, I would return them to Nordstroms (assuming that's where you got them) for a full refund.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try this for the shorts:

Asymmetrical Poplin Shirt

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I get a ton of wear out of those boots, but I wear full-length pants and jeans almost exclusively so the height of the shaft is a non-issue for me. I like the ideas gryffin shared, and also wonder whether just embracing the height of those booties with cropped or cuffed pants in the spring may work better for you. You have good legs and can probably rock that look.

I like the idea of pairing the grey jacket with prints or the McQueen scarf to temper the color. That’s what I do with jackets that are not my absolute best color (I have a rust one that I love but pair it with prints with blue, or black and white).

The shorts are totally cool as a wild card. I say play with the stylings others have mentioned!

That teddy jacket is adorable too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do you have full length straights for the boots? Or bootcut pants?

Wear the dull grey jacket over an EARTHY or bright sleeveless top over cropped flares. Adds chunky mixed metal jewellery.

Christina F.

Veteran

You've got some good suggestions. I just want to add my two cents on keeping the booties - if, as Barbara Diane suggests, you can return them, you may want to do that.

But if you have worn them, then if I were you, I'd wait to assess them with Spring outfits allowing some ankle showing (like Jenn suggests), OR will full length bootcut jeans, like nemosmom suggests. I have the same Frye shooties as nemosmom, and that's how I prefer to wear them with pants (I also wear them with skirts and dresses). My gut tells me that cropped bootcuts wouldn't work as well but I haven't tried that look yet myself since I can't wear anything but sneakers right now after my foot surgery.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think the booties and the teddy jacket would look great together. Then I would customize some straight legged jeans. I carefully removed the outside seam of some straights (4-6") so they look like a narrow bootcut with a split hem. Falls beautifully over this kind of footwear. As for a top -- black to pick up the black in the booties or? red? or turquoise? Warmer toned accessories might work best with this outfit.

As for the grey jacket, it seems like more of a spring item. Do you have grey jeans? Grey shoes? If so that could pull together a quick on the go outfit with a simple white tee and as someone else said, lots of silver jewelry.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

These are all really cool pieces and you ve now got some smashing ideas on new ways to wear them.l feel an outfit lab coming on!

Marilyn

Veteran

I don't have any styling suggestions but low shaft boots are a no for me. I find them awkward. They're too high to work like a shoe and too low to work like a bootie, IMO. I ordered a navy pair last fall and promptly returned them.

Those shorts look super cool on the model but yeesh....I'm not sure how I'd style them either. I like the way they're styled in the photo with the tall boot and slouchy sweater but I doubt I could pull that off.

Inge

(website)

Lots of brilliant itdeas already, Lisa, and all 3 pieces are fab.

Full-length bootcuts, flares or wide legs will definitely be fab with the booties (I know, not practical for right now). Also like the idea of trying them with the shorts. Or with a dress perhaps?

The waterfall jacket. How about pairing it with joggers, cargo pants, or chinos + booties or (high-top) sneakers?

Love the idea of the grey with white jeans (extra yay for citron;-). Or like Denise says, if you have grey jeans and then white, citron or top in a colour you love with your complexion. Fab jewellery is a given

And how about pairing it with a dress or tube skirt?

Mid-blue jeans + white tee + necklace like visual below is nice too.

Shorts. Would they work with the waterfall jacket?

I like the idea of pairing them with a long cardigan too. Or faux or semi-tucking a relaxed-fit chunkier sweater + booties or sneakers. Some of the visuals below are leather skirts, but I think they would work just as well with shorts like yours.

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DeAnna

I think the grey jacket would look good with a top that is a cognac color, or a brown earth tone with skinny jeans and the boots. Its would be beautiful with your hair color.

RobinF

Veteran

I was thinking the shorts would be the most difficult but you have gotten some great ideas here! Definitely try them with the booties.

Gray is a nice neutral with most colors I think. Just about any color top you like with jeans or as someone already said, a column of color. They are great pieces, hope you find a way to make them work.

Sara L.

Veteran

Those shorts are great but I have no idea how to style them. I like the suggestions you have here but it sounds like they may be easier to style in the spring when it's not quite so cold. That might be the problem with all 3 of these items - easier to style in warmer weather. I don't know how your springs are but they last forever here.

Roxanna

Veteran

You know, it wasn't until your comment on Janet's post about the low shaft on that boot that I realized - I have a hard time with low shaft booties too! First of all - they are too cold for our winters, and I would only wear them with opaque black hosiery, so they would have to be black or is go without hose. Secondly I find them hard to pair with pants - I like boots that go with multiple styles of pants, not ones I can only wear with skinnies or bootcuts for example. And now that I am over skinnies, I only wear short boots with ankle pants. However those really are beautiful so maybe you wear them in spring as a neutral with ankle length pants? That's how I wear the white ones I bought from you.

As for the leather shorts - I would wear those with opaque black hose and heels or oxfords or flat Boots that are streamlined. Pair with a chunky sweater or streamlined top. I see you rocking this look once you figure out the components. Also they would be great with a gilet or even a short vest. Think of them as a midi - may make it more versatile in your mind.

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Anonymous

DeAnna - you're reading my mind re the grey jacket. I'd love to have a cognac or hazelnut coloured silk top for this reason. I've learned/decided that the best way to wear cool tones is to mix them with warmer shades (thanks to Roxanna for this) . Other wise I look too washed out.

Inge - loving the idea of the grey jacket worn casually with a t and jeans. I think it's the best use for it.

Marilyn - we are so similar with footwear it kills me . I think about every pair of boots I've owned, and my favourites are NEVER lower-cut ones like this.

Denise - now you're talking. Customizing some skinnies with a side vent thing is a GREAT idea. And I definitely could use a printed /top of some kind to make this look (a la Janet) I don't own grey jeans or footwear, which is likely a big reason the jacket hasn't been worn.

Angie - you nailed it. DULL grey it is. A flat finish, too. And yes to an earthier toned top. Must locate one No to full length straights - don't really wear this type of pant as I feel too mannish in them. Full length bootcuts - I am embarrassed to tell you that I have several pair in my closet that have gone unworn for the better part of a year because they need hemming.....and that never happens. These boots are a great example of buying something that requires too many other purchases to make them work. Grr.

And now for the funny/not really part: the shorts. I put on a pair of tights, then the shorts. And laughed. They are far too big now - as in at least a size too big if not more . And of course now I'm obsessed with them because of all of your great ideas - big shirts, sweatshirts and flat form sneakers etc. But nope, not going to reorder. Lesson learned and into the donate bag they went. With tights still on, I figured I'd try another piece I've never worn - a satin-y bias cut midi slip skirt in black. Slid right off me. Tag still on and everything but way past any opportunity to return it. Another item for the bag - although if I were more motivated , I'd perform some alterations on it but don't want to kid myself that that would happen. Perhaps I should try a tailor .

Thank you all for the ideas for the jacket and shoe/boots. I have some good ideas now and will wear the jacket on Monday . Boots - who knows? Looks like they will end up being a jeans/black sweater look.

Anonymous

Ha - Sara - spring in Manitoba lasts for about 5 minutes. It's cold and miserable , until it's not. And then we are into shorts and open toe shoes. Nothing blooms until well into May and then the temperature climbs right into the 20's . It's a very tricky season.

notsaf

Veteran

Maybe this has been said above, but perhaps it's a case of these all bring better suited to a slightly different season?

Marilyn

Veteran

Ha! I have a pair of fantastic looking bootcuts waiting to be hemmed too. For like 2 months. My excuse is it's too damned snowy in Ottawa to wear them anyway. I also have a pair of nice straights that need to be hemmed to a cropped length for my short little legs. Ummm......No good excuse for that one. LOL

Hey, it's great that you've slimmed down a bit. I know that weighs on you so it must feel good.

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm adventurous enough to do the faux leather shorts with the ankle booties, a brown top, and the faux leather jacket. Very late 70s/early 80s feeling to me

Roxanna

Veteran

@Lisa you are so right. Spring can be a flash in Toronto too - and who knows when, and if, it comes. Sometimes all of June is spring like weather - sometimes it feels like we go straight from May to August heat. And then things that I didn't realize were more spring appropriate for me (shorter shaft booties, thick cardis that I realize I wear more as outer layers) go unworn. Trying to be fashionable in Canadian weather is a battle all its own.

Sal

Veteran

My pick of these three is the boots and I would let them be the star! I think it is worth experimenting a bit as they are a fun piece with a great heel height.

I prefer your longer leather pants on your other post by miles so you are sorted there.

And I think you should get the bootcuts hemmed- an easy no buy addition to your closet:)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm enjoying reading all the suggestions. I am not sure I have anything useful to add. But I can commiserate about the booties -- they look great, but I also find it hard to wear very low shaft boots. Or shooties. Or whatever they are. I had a bronze pair I adored in theory but I only wore them about 8 times before letting them go.

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