Thoughts on this sweater? - YouLookFab Forum

I don't have a picture of me (need to start doing that), but last night was the first time I wore this sweater (NR purchase from end of summer)

At 5'2" size 12P, post 2 kids and nearly a decade of being frustrated by figuring out fluid styles and my body type, I loved how it defined my waist. I was also really drawn to the colors, which in person are a combo of earth and jewel tones, my favorite (I think they are more striking in person than in this pic).

https://www.nordstromrack.com/.....olor=MULTI

I paired with black heeled booties, black fitted jersey tshirt (from talbots - they are really wonderful in fit and quality), leather jacket for outside and burgundy skinny cords from last year:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/k.....21180/full

At home looking in the mirror I felt good, but when I left the house, I suddenly dowdy in it and I'm not sure why. Usually when I feel uncomfortable in a piece of clothing it's b/c the style isn't doing anything for me, in this case the style was flattering. This voice in my head kept saying I looked like throwback to the 80's and not necessarily in a fashion forward way?

Thoughts? I hate to just get rid of this b/c I don't feel good in it when it looked so flattering on me.

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Bernardo Four-Pocket Leather Jacket

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Nic + Zoe Total Eclipse Cardigan (Petite)

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KUT from the Kloth KUT from the Kloth Diana Stretch Corduroy Skinny Pants (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom

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4 years ago

April

Veteran

Definitely give us a chance to help out before you give up on this piece!

Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint why something suddenly feels dowdy, but extra eyes can help.

Helena

That happens to me sometimes too - it's so frustrating! Often it's because either the way I was dressed was not in line with the other people I met that day, or the outfit did not really align with my personal style. In any case, I agree with April, if you are comfortable sharing a pic I'm sure you'll get great suggestions.

kkards

VintageDawn..I wonder if the feeling was not about the the sweater but of the overall styling of the total outfit. Cardigan, skinnies & booties totally good, but a look that’s been awhile so maybe you’re just lookin for a change. I’d love to see the sweater with a pair of straight leg jeans or maybe cropped or boot cuts. Don’t get rid of the sweater just because one night felt off...play around with styling it other ways.

Grace

Active Member

I'm your sweater twin and had never thought about pairing it with burgundy pants...thanks for the idea!

I noticed with my sweater that the white streaks tend to stand out quite a bit and I try to highlight that by wearing shinier silvertone jewelry. If I wore pearls more often and could find a casual way to add them, that might also do the trick, but perhaps adding something light elsewhere in the outfit would help update the look.

Perhaps changing out the black booties and/or black shirt underneath it could help? I wear mine with a cranberry-colored short sleeve shirt. Perhaps some silver/pewter shoes...or even white dressier sneakers?

Cardiff girl

This happens to me all the time.Not always apparent why though .Try and post a picture of yourself in said outfit,it’s difficult to comment when we can t see you in it but I am sure you looked fine.

Jenni NZ

First thing: throwback to the 80s is totally in! 80s revival going on. It makes me really really happy because I was in my 20s in the 80s ( born 1961) and adored the colours and fashion- looking back maybe all except the enormous shoulder pads.
The sweater is really pretty.
I know what you mean about suddenly feeling dowdy or “off”- I usually put that down to a bad day. Most of the time I have more confidence than that and given that I get a lot of compliments on my clothing both IRL and here on YLF I hope that confidence is not generally misplaced. But you know, as an ageing woman sometimes bad feelings turn up!

Janet

(website)

I understand the feeling -- I've had it myself.

It usually means not that a beloved item itself is not fab, but that I need to rethink my styling of it. I agree with the others -- try taking pictures, even if you don't post them, and see if you can pinpoint what wasn't working for you.

Runcarla

Really nice colour story going on here. You say it looked flattering on you, but still you felt dowdy? I would put that down to a bad day. As many have said, we are often our own worst critics.

When you feel up to posting photos of yourself, why don’t you do a ‘style lab’. In other words, pull a variety of tops, bottoms, and shoes from your closet and ‘style’ the garment that is causing concern. Post photos, and the good folks from the forum will try to help you out.

VintageDawn

aww, thanks everyone I swear this forum is one of the nicest corners of the internet. I have to go out of town Monday for work for a week (one of the reasons I was trying this outfit out!), so will def be doing some closet styling this weekend! I'll see if I can get the courage to take some pics and will get some of that outfit and some ideas I have based on these suggestions.

Gretchen

I love the color story and pattern in the sweater. I've noticed with Nic+Zoe, I have to get the cut just right. I've had some amazing wins, but sometimes the cut of the top feels more... matronly?... I wonder if there's a fit issue that you noticed?

Agree with the others if you are up to sharing a picture, would love to help you find a way to make it a win!

nuancedream

As previously mentioned, we are our own worst critics. I love the color play in the sweater, which looks great with burgundy pants. You might try plum, brick red, or even lilac. Before you toss an item out of sheer frustration, rethink the styling of it and play with diferrent color combinations. Just DYOT and share a picture or two on the forum.

rachylou

It’s a great colour combo. My only thought is all the pieces have very simple lines, albeit lovely pattern, colour and texture. I’d be tempted to add a frill of some sort... a top with a bit of ruffle at the neck or a ruffle-y scarf or a bow... I say this because I’ve been wearing waffle-weave thermal shirts to work (I’m a baker and it’s gotten cold) and today’s one is different, with the tiniest bit of ruffle at the shoulders... and I idk, made me feel pretty. Lol

Stagiaire Fash

Sounds like a great outfit! But yeah, if you could post a picture, people could be more helpful. Kkards gave you great advice above.

judy

There can be such a difference in the way we feel moving around in an outfit vs. the way it appears in the mirror. I second the suggestion to try it with a pair of jeans and play with how it "moves". I think they call this a kinesthetic thing...? Might undo the dowdy feeling you had?

Just adding to this....for me also, the texture of clothes can figure into the "feel" of whether it is experienced as bulky vs. smooth, so some sweaters with alot texture can feel bulky and some pants, like cords, even fine ones, can add that feel for me. So if I have a sweater I need something smooth like jeans....and vice versa, pairing cords with something smooth like silk or cotton blouse or a finer knit might help. Too much "bulk" and it can constrict movement and feel dowdy for me. Editing this to say I love this sweater, btw! Hope you can have a "make it work" moment :).

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