This sweater: a little too sporty? - YouLookFab Forum

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This sweater: a little too sporty?

catgirl

Veteran

I wore this j. crew sweater yesterday (Christmas gift from DH!), and got several "referee" comments. I thought it looked more "cute gangster" but apparently the majority association is with a sports ref. HELP! I wore it with black BR bootcuts and a long black cami underneath. No whistle necklace!

Suggestions to look less like I'm about to give someone a technical?

Pinstripe side-slit sweater

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Nebraskim

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Hmmmmm...good question...

Did you layer the top with anything or on its own? I think layered under or over would help to give it another vibe. Although honestly, I don't see referee here.

A semi tuck could help to change the shape a little. Add a bib necklace?

Diana

Veteran

Try it under a blazer? Or with a dapper hat like the model?

rachylou

Veteran

Lol. It does strike me as more sporty than gangster. I don't know. I, myself, am looking for ways to bend the sporty look to *country punk.* J. Crew is always so sharp and graphic - maybe black skinny jeans and boots to take the shine off?

Worse comes to worse, one can always throw a dog collar and buffalo plaid at anything... hehe

unfrumped

Veteran

Hmm, I'll be formulaic, and say, things that juxtapose more, so that could not be worn by the referee--more feminine other components, such as wearing the sweater with a flippy skirt, or with pants that are not black, or perhaps the white shirt as noted, less severe though, maybe. I realize not all of these are winter-worthy. Sleeves pushed up and cuff bracelet. I don't see the semi-tuck as well for the geometry of the piece, though of course that does disperse the issue somewhat.

Tina

Veteran

I would try a plaid shirt underneath, have the collar and shirt tails out. Something other than black and white. It's a sharp looking sweater, I like it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I do not see referee. I see fun gangster! Love it. I like the styling suggestion but also like the idea of telling people to stuff a sock in it.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I think with your beautiful haircut, and wicked shoes, it will really help. I like the idea of a semi-tuck too... have you tried it w/cigarette styled pants? Like the hat suggestion too... I think you could rock it!

carter

Veteran

I don't see referee either, but I think if you'll wear something other than black pants with it, the association will go away. White, gray, red bottoms all sound like good options to me.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Oh I hate it when that happens (when people give me *their* association for something) - it kind of ruins it for me if I dwell on it. Like "oh, you look ready for a safari" etc. I guess it depends on how you feel about it. I agree with the above suggestions of adding a blouse under it, or wearing a blazer over it. A statement necklace would also be fun.

viva

Veteran

I just read through the reviews and most women said they wear it with a white button-down (not very adventurous!). I love the idea of a plaid shirt to mix patterns, or with a big contrasting scarf at the neck (solid or plaid), or with a long button down poking out underneath (maybe tucking in only one half, a la JCrew). I would also try non-black bottoms -- your plaid Kut skinnies maybe, or some slouchy jeans or pants.

And keep a sock handy, in case you still run into spoilers.

PS I happen to love this sweater. I coveted it for a long time!

Anonymous

1. I love this sweater
2. people are idiots
3. the whole outfit you wore sounds fantastic - exactly what I'd do
4. people are idiots
5. I love the idea of mixing a floral or plaid with it - scarf, blouse, throw on jewellery, skinny jeans, your TopShop boots etc
5. but then again people are idiots and feel free to give them a technical, or better yet, eject them from the game (cough, Kevin Garnett after 4 minutes, cough)

viva

Veteran

Yellow card!!! I mean, red card!

gryffin

Veteran

Una were you wearing this for work or for play? If it was work than I second Diana's suggestion of a blazer. You could also layer a white button down underneath with hems peaking out (like it's shown) but with sleeves scrunched and cuffs folded back which would change the vibe - but I see that more for nice casual. Also for casual - what would your leather moto vest do to this? I'm not sure it would work but it's a thought. Same with moto or leather jacket for play. For work I see it with a blazer but that's me- I always see a blazer!!
PS nice sweater!! Hubby has good taste!! Lucky girl!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I like it. Referee or not.

kellygirl

Veteran

I don't see referee at all. You should see DD's uniform. Ugh. This is refined gangster! Love it.

Nebraskim

Veteran

Or be kind of flip and say, "THANKS! that is EXACTLY what I was hoping." If you say it tartly enough, they might get the sarcasm. You don't want to be completely rude but, well. You could also call them for a personal fashion foul...

...I have a cool vintage sweater that is yellow and black and it always draws rude bumblebee remarks, and I always reply "bzzzzzzzzz."