The Devil is in the Details

Elly

This is a spinoff of the blog post today.

The last couple of ensemble formulas that Angie has posted have been right up my alley. I find myself most comfortable in fall and winter in a uniform of slacks/pants and jeans topped off with long-sleeved tees and fairly thin knits. I wear a lot of neutrals and psuedo-neturals, especially dark colors. I like classic things, especially those with menswear origins. I occasionally enjoy throwing in something with some rock or avant-garde edge or a bit of ethnic-- but I don't think it overwhelms the manly classic direction of my style or is enough to confuse things.

I put on my bootcut jeans, a l/s knit, my watch, and my euro sneakers and I don't even begin to resemble Angie's ensemble. The clothes are in good condition and well-fitting . . .

. . . so it must be the details.

I'm having a very hard time putting together a collection of accesories and toppers (including jackets, cardigans, chunkier pullovers, and outerwear in this) that work together in a cohesive way to add interest and overall style cohesion to my "jeans/slacks and tops" formula. As a rule this is a very absent or poorly thought out part of my closet or dressing, as I don't wear much jewelery (because of work rules), often don't carry a bag, have one watch which was a $5 emergency replacement of a better watch that died, often wear the same weather-appropriate topper with all my outfits, and am often restricted in shoe type because of work or weather.

(This isn't to say that I never wear skirts, other top styles, ect. but they tend to be less commonly worn because they are less practical for me in the winter, or have to go over the tee or thermal top in the winter-- summer is a different ball game)

Does anyone have any recommendations? Can anyone relate? Anyone want to tell their story about overcoming this?

Talk to me about curating accessories and combining them in outfits please!

12 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

unfrumped

Veteran

I can relate as I often wear plain combos --have no handbag, no arty topper, watch isn't very visible, jewelry can sometimes get in the way, lots of times my top is "out" so no belt.

Still--what I see in a lot of Angie's capsules, and in mag photos I like, and in some other blogger combos, is adding as much interest as possible within the outfit. Neutrals may still play off each other and contrast ( denim + white or black); increase your definition of neutrals and add as much color as you can enjoy; as much texture and contrast in texture as possible; really work the footwear options within your criteria--more color contrast, or 2- tone, or texture./shine, or more trendy in some way (wedge sneaker). Different silhouettes--boxy over fitted, fitted over flowing, and so on.

If a blazer or jacket isn't in the mix, then some jewelry, of the kind you can tolerate, is helpful--and doesn't have to mean bling; or a scarf, or some kind of embellishment on the top--button contrast, zipper, or some version of studs or trim. The nice thing about jewelry is it's changeable,whereas built-in embellishments are not.
Glasses if you wear them. I don't have pierced ears and finally decided my clip-ons weren't going to cut it, but if you wear earrings,that can play well, too and not be as fussy as necklaces.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is difficult for me, too, Elly. And it's funny, isn't it. Because you can have the same items on paper, but the overall effect is quite different.

I'm actually going to try to do a "help me find my toppers" post this weekend with photos of what I do have and what I need to replace.

In my ordinary work-at-home life I am pretty casual. The items that have helped me the most to feel "okay" about my simple, mostly classic and slightly androgynous outfiits are great footwear (so even if yours must be very practical, it can still be amazing looking); a couple of interesting belts to wear with jeans (I have a leopard print one that is fun). In fall and winter, scarves are also a good addition. I find them a bit fussy yet I also find myself wearing them continually both for warmth and for the interest they add.

It may also be the cuts of the items that you're wearing. As Angie says, it's really crucial to amp up the "modern" if you are going classic. So even if the fit is right, if the cut doesn't look current, the whole outfit may feel obscurely wrong.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: could you use a snazzy backpack like Angie wrote about this week? Maybe not one of those super expensive ones, but a fun knockoff in a great colour?

12 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I like simple, but it's easy for it to turn into boring. I wear the same jewelry every day and it's pretty minimal (watch, ring, tiny hoops).

Are your long-sleeve tees all cotton? Linen or silk knits add some textural interest. Shirttail or high-low hemlines do too. Something white. Try three different textures for the pants, tee, and sweater.

As for curating accessories: how about starting with a new watch? I'm not sure why you don't carry a bag - what do you do with all your junk? - but a patterned bag might work for you. Is there some pattern, or some bright color, that would work with all your stuff?

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Unfrumped -- I appreciate the advice. I love the fairly sophisticated monochromatic or tonal look with limited pops of color (although the mixing of neturals is an art form in itself) and tend to wear jeans and knits, which limits adding texture in the outfit except through accessories and toppers which is why I've figured that I must be doing something wrong in the topper and accessory department.

The jewelery thing is a work issue (although it doesn't apply on the weekends-- but I spend a lot of time on the weekends hiking, cooking, knitting, and painting which can mean jewelery is in the way or taken on and off frequently). I work with items that could be damaged by metals and stones, so I can't wear rings, bracelets, or necklaces that can swing away from the body or dangle. I wear a medical alert necklace but that has to be tucked securely inside my clothing. It also limits my ability to wear jackets with hardware. I do wear earrings and sometimes specs, but large/crazy earrings don't work well with my specs or my masculine style.

Suz-- thank you! I knew someone would relate. I totally agree with the fact that that the effect can be very different . . . and I am constantly dissapointed when things don't achieve the affect on my body. It does seem like a good place to start would be shoes, scarves and belts. I've known I've been interested in incorporating belts into my wardrobe for awhile, but I always question the issue of what to buy to add cohesion versus more clutter.

I do need a purse (probably a cross body) for casual and occasional use but I struggle with the same issue of color and style going in the right direction. Plus, in all honesty I find purses much harder to wear in the winter over puffer coats and coats have the benefit of having awesome pockets.

CF-- great ideas as well. I have issues since most of my tops HAVE to be machine washable and get washed after every wear because of my body chem and getting dirty at work. I avoid white for the same reason, and it is one of the few colors I find makes me look ill--- ivory is okay but much harder to find and not as crisp looking. In general my lightest neutral is a camel color because of the combined flattery and dirt issue. Toppers don't have to be washable since I can always take them off for a project that might get dirty. But wearing different hemlines and textures is a good idea!

A watch would also be an excellent starting point for me. I hesitate only because I worry about continuing the pattern I have of pieces that don't create a whole.

I don't carry a bag. For work I don't use a bag or just add my few essentials to a laptop bag, lunch bag, or backpack which is either purely functional because of the weight level im carrying or because it is the employer's (one of my past employers required you keep the company laptop in the company laptop bag). In my personal life I carry a small change-purse size wallet with ID, card, and cash, a chapstick, and medications which I keep in my car or in my pockets. I'm not against having a bag though, but can't promise it will become a major fixture in my life.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Sympathies I think the fact that you have an idea of how you WANT to look is fantastic.

Given that you have the items for a capsule could you try it all on & take some pictures? You don't need to post them but I've found looking at a photo & seeing why something isn't working is much easier than looking in a mirror. You can also leave it for a few days & come back to it - I find this particularly helpful because I may miss something the first time round.

The only other thing I would mention is sometimes posting outfit photos on YLF is REALLY helpful in helping to discover what if anything is actually wrong.

12 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

3-Belt capsule suggestion from non-belt wearer (ie tops mostly worn out): one neutral that will tone but NOT blend in with most of your pants in matte leather with focus on the hardware (get inspiration from your shoes for hardware and colour, or bookend your hair colour), one pattern/texture (animal print, stripe, plaid, patent mock-croc) in neutral still, one colour that is a 'bright neutral' that goes with most things (red or burgundy, yellow, kelly green, teal... with your menswear leanings, cordovan could be your best bet, or maybe teal).

If white isn't you and I agree ivory is softer and warmer, try icy pale blue. It is so ubiquitous in men's shirts as to be almost a neutral for boardroom dressing. But don't restrict it to shirts. Go the mile and locate it in sweaters and knits and toppers as well.

For 'jewellery', look at men's accessories again. A nautical nylon rope bracelet. Straight-edged wooden cuff. Leather bracelets or rubber that don't include hardware. Button bands. Scarf worn like a tie. Bandana at neck, head or wrist. Or patterned scarf folded and neatly wrapped around wrist as 'jewellery'. Paisley can be amazingly androgynous luxe/retro/Western in the right colours and fabrics.

Do you do caps? Newsboy, beret or fedora will continue the masculine vibe.

For bag, a messenger style seems your best bet if at all. Match your neutral leather belt or go close... or get a tweed, since you don't carry much nor often and so won't rough it up as fast! A herringbone tweed will do the menswear dance nicely.

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I hear you, Elly, because I think that the simplicity of the formula actually makes it more difficult to put together. Most of us have the elements already in our closets, but I'm standing by my comment this morning that every element in the formula needs to just right in order for the formula to really work its magic. You've got some great suggestions to punch up the formula, which is probably how most people would put their stamp on this formula and make it look interesting. The other alternative is to take a more obsessive approach to making sure every item in the formula is the very best quality you can afford and then spend the time and money to make sure that each item is tailored to perfectly fit your body. To my eye, that's the reason why this formula looks so fabulous on some women and merely ho-hum on others.

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think a lot has to do with cut and fit. Not every shirt with stripes is The One.

12 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I agree with IK it's all about the cut and how you choose to wear your clothes. I love a classic pair of jeans and a white button-down shirt. It's so elegant. I am still learning the power of a good print.
Getting back to cut, I love a perfect fit and a popped collar but that's just me -- someone else could look just as fab with with slouchy distressed jeans and a slightly over sized shirt. You have to bring yourself to your outfits, because you're showcasing you.

12 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I know what you mean. I think this is often why I like to wear scarves, because they make me feel more pulled together, aside from the fact that in this climate they are very practical. To make it an Outfit like you say, I think you have to figure out what personal details are important to you, like Angie noted in the comments that her watch and specs make her feel completed. Also I think hair is really important too, that whatever your look is, that it is deliberately so. Angie, with her hair, glasses, and watch would easily telegraph her look in a simple outfit. Also the shoes are a place where one communicates a lot about personal style.
I think an example of all this for me is when I posted pictures recently to show my new specs, I was just wearing jeans and a tee, admittedly with accessories and colors all chosen carefully, and I love that outfit, but I felt silly to post it here because at the same time it wasn't really special. It was just practical and simple and casual. But all the items were special to me and carefully bought (after waiting all season for them to go on sale).

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Thank you all for taking the time, ladies.

Caro, your idea about taking pictures is a good one.

Moni, thank you for the advice. The 3-belt capsule is a good idea. It has been years since I've worn belts regularly but I love the look. I have started really noticing how some of the ladies on the forum use them to punch up and outfit in a subtle way, versus the 2000s way of belting over clothes or with extremely high contrast. I had never considered a patterned belt before for me, which is silly since I enjoy Angie's. I appreciate you recommendations on jewelery and bags-- although for work even non-metals are usually out depending on the day but I could definitely combine those accessories outside of work. I do wear hats and have been very tempted lately by the wide-brimmed fedoras showing up for fall. IDK about ice blue, as a rule the light colors really look sickly on me, but I will give a piece a try.

Gaylene, I do fear you may be right. I'm not against a spin on the look, far from it. It does seem like my attention to the details is going to have to increase. For example, the fit on most of my basics is really good, but I occasionally need to interject something a bit sleeker or oversized. I think my issues coming from trying to put together things that were not bought in mind to go together, or ignoring that my favorite jeans look a little less than polished unless I deliberately offset them.

Dana-- touche! good point.

Scarlet-- I remember that outfit. I enjoyed it and have admired similar ones you've posted in the past. Scarves do seem great for pulling together an outfit. I think you are completely right in that it is the thought in pair pieces, colors, and fit and the details that make those looks special. Apparently I need to work on my overall persona starting with those details.

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

DV-- I agree. And you wear those looks very well.

12 years ago

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