Tale of two silhouettes (lab)

In a previous post I asked for help with earrings vs necklace. Went either earrings —thanks for playing

But I was still uncomfortable with the silhouette which felt blocky and changed to narrower shorter pants with brogues instead of pointy flats. Neither outfit is a 10 and I’m trying to breakdown why or how to improve

The first is my planned outfit which in the photo didn’t look so bad as I felt in person. Also Teresa my belly pooch is particularly poochy under the blousiness of the top. I did like the extended line of the gold belt. It seemed like the pants need to be less stiff like drapery palazzo pants or narrower.

The second outfit at the time felt more comfy tho dark and in the future I might wear with see thru knee socks. Would even narrower pants or wider more cropped pants improve ? Or is it the top???

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1 day ago

Sal

Veteran

I didn't see the first thread but my thoughts here are

Photo 1 looks like an evening look to me (flowy top, flowy bottom) - I can't see the shoes but they look good

Photo 2 looks more work like as the pants and the ankles provide more structure.

I like outfit one but can sympathise with the feeling of it being wrong- I suspect I wouldn't feel sharp enough in 1 for work. I think these pants would benefit from a structured top - jacket, shirt with a collar etc..

ETA I see it is a work dinner so I think either look is fine.

Star (Lise)

I don't have further advice. The second is way sharper, more serious. Maybe see through knee high will add what you perceive as missing. Is the top very different to what you usually wear? I think drape-y palazzos are a good idea to meld with it for an elegant dinner outfit.

Dee

I'm going to hazard a guess and suggest that its the top with its large pattern print along with the tight round neckline that is perhaps creating the blocky-ness that you're feeling on the top half.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

bj11111, my 2 cents:

#1 is fashion forward. You're ready for NYFW, and you 100% pull it off with grace

#2 is more streamlined. The structure on the bottom makes Teresa flatter, and YOU look narrower. Sheer socks are a great idea!

I echo Dee about the shape of the blouse. It's the sleeves, IMO. Volume in the torso is one thing - (that is easy to manage) - but having volume on LONG sleeves in the same garment can make you feel "blocky", especially since you can't manipulate the sleeves to showcase forearm skin - which would add some structure. You could have the sleeves shortened if you like.

LJP

I agree with Dee and Angie in that it's the volume and the long ties of the top hanging around (I'm still harping on that, lol) that might be the issue here. If anything, shortening the sleeves would help reign in the visual volume . I really love the second look - it's something I'd wear too - but I'd tie the ties and wear sheer socks, as you have already mentioned. I also agree with Sal in that one look is evening-y and the other work-y.

Suz

That is a gorgeous top! I agree, though, with Dee and Angie -- you're missing the structure that you're seeking up top. I like Lisa's ideas, too. And concur with Sal that #1 reads more "evening" and #2 reads more "work".

Firecracker (Sharan)

I'm going to be very little help. I love both looks. I agree with Sal's analysis of evening and work looks, and I think either one works for a dinner event. I like the drama of the ties on the blouse, your choice of the chain belt as an accent, the footwear you've paired with each pant choice.

For the first outfit, it sounds as if it's more the feel of the pants that you didn't enjoy, so yes, I would swap them for a drapey wide-leg or palazzo pant. To me, the outfit looks flowy, but it sounds like the pants are not flowy in person.

Jonesy

Hmmm, I love both of these! I have no notes for you! The volume of the top is notable, but it works really well with how you've styled it, IMO. Both pant/shoe combos look fab to my eye. Have you tried taking the top ties and crossing them in the front then sweeping the ends over your shoulders, so you get a sort of funnel-neck look? Might be chic for the cooler months.

Debbie

I wish Ai had seen the pictures!

Now I can see the photos. You look great in both. Earrings for sure.

Jaime

I agree with Angie. Particularly about the first look being fab although less conventionally flattering I suppose. That said, I can absolutely see wanting to wear the second version when not in the fashion first mood.

20 hours ago

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