Toss or Tweak? - YouLookFab Forum

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Toss or Tweak?

cobaltblue

Veteran

As always for me, be brutal if needed. I usually keep trying to make things work when they are not worth the effort.

This cardigan met with votes of 'too voluminous' last time I posted it, so I decided to try it belted. This exercise made me understand why I need a wide belt - I'd never known how to use one before, but here a thin/regular belt looked awful. This woven belt is the widest one I have, and it's unfortunately brown and summery. I'm trying these shoes to balance things since my brown sandals aren't really suited to 30 degree F weather!

I'm wearing a black turtleneck (Tahari?), GAP leopard skinnies, F21 gray cardigan, Rocketdog flats, Talbot's belt.

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Urgent

26 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Mochi

Veteran

I really like it! No need for brutality.

I would love to see some color with this outfit. Maybe an unexpected pop from some red shoes, or the belt itself...but it's a really nice silhouette.

cobaltblue

Veteran

Hmm, so maybe my prospective wide belt should be red... I have no bright accessories or shoes!

kimlee

Veteran

I agree withe Mochi. This is a great look and a pop of color would take it to the next level. A red wide belt would be super!

Jewell

Veteran

The wide belt does help tame the volume. It looks fine from what I can see. It would be easier to tell if you weren't posing at an angle in the photo.

Debora

Veteran

I missed the first post, but I like it! I think it would be great to layer, unbelted, over a sheath dress, too.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think this looks great - I like Mochi's idea of a red belt.

Stephanie

Veteran

Agree with everyone else. You're tall enough to carry off the volume--do it for those of us who can't ;)!

missvee

Veteran

I think it's ok on you but let's be honest - if you were out today looking for a sweater would you pick this one? Probably not. I think this style is very hard to wear. The belt improves the look for sure, but it's never going to be the star of your wardrobe.

Isabel

Veteran

I agree with missvee, in fact I love her process of assessment : would you buy it today ? That is a great way to look at it.

But if you feel that you want to keep it, I really do like the idea of a colored belt. Red, turquoise, even yellow.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I would agree with MissVee and Isabel.

If you need it (i.e. you don't have enough toppers to wear this season) and can find a suitable belt, then for sure, hang onto it until the end of the year.

If you don't need it, I don't think it's the most flattering look for you. It's much better belted than not, but still it's a lot of fabric for your delicate frame.

sarah

Veteran

I think it works belted. I wonder about adding some boots to this to make the bottom half look as fall/wintry as the top half. Just a thought.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I like it!

morethanbeige

Veteran

I also like it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

From what I can see, I like the cardigan belted too.

Mochi

Veteran

"still it's a lot of fabric for your delicate frame."

Interesting thought, Suz. If the wearer were larger, the thought might be, "It adds too much bulk." So where exactly is the sweet spot for a sweater like this? Is there one? For me it would be more of a short height issue that would keep me away, but I'm curious as to who is the star of this type of look, since the stores are obviously marketing it to us full-force.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, Mochi - it's a tricky one. Because Becky is tallish and slender and you would think she would wear it the best of anyone. Actually, she DOES wear it better than most! That is why most people are saying this looks fine.

I think we have to keep in mind that not all waterfall cardis are created equal; some are much more voluminous than others. And I think most of us can wear the look if we find the RIGHT sweater.

This one seems to have a lot of extra fabric. A slightly less full one might be easier to handle. And you're right that the length is also key, but personally, I don't see that as a problem here for Becky at all.

Astrid recently posted one that was too full for her frame except belted, too. Maybe that is the case for most of us!

cobaltblue

Veteran

I appreciate the candid assessments and thought provoking points on this thread. I will hang onto this cardigan for now but probably up-cycle the yarn into something else soon, as long as I can find a suitable replacement.

rachylou

Veteran

The wide belt definitely works for the sweater. But... I'm not sure if the sweater does it for you. I think you would look fabulous in a waterfall sweater of thinner yarn and looser gauge / wider stitches. Something with swing. It's like the points of this sweater are kinda drooping and pooling at your knees... Not bad or anything, but you could kick it up a notch.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Sarah's suggestion is excellent; the boots would help to balance things out a bit. In fact, it might just look perfect if you added those!

cobaltblue

Veteran

Ranchylou, I think you are correct! This yarn will be much happier as some other type of knitted creation sometime soon.

Suz, glad to hear it, as I did wear my boots today. Hope I looked perfect!

kellygirl

Veteran

I like it belted too. It has an "arty" vibe that suits you. Are you going to re-purpose this yarn?

Jem

Veteran

I was going to say that I didn't care for it, but then with the suggestion of boots, I can totally see that working! I think it was just missing some balance, because the shoulder area seems to be fitting fine, so I think it was just missing the boots!

Patty

Veteran

I like it on you and how you've got it open that bit in the front! I'll bet it's great in action and it looks warm too--that's what sweaters are for!
Yes i agree boots would spice it up for outside the home wear.

catgirl

Veteran

I think it looks great. It falls into my category of "not traditionally flattering but hip/cool/fun enough to not care". Is it a heavy fabric? I feel lumpy belting cardis like this, but you are tall and look to be pulling it off beautifully.

cobaltblue

Veteran

The yarn is actually a quite fine gauge, but for some reason the tips hang heavily. Glad to hear I look tall - I'm not quite 5'5"!

Aida

Veteran

I like how it looks belted, and also like the all neutrals here If you LIKE volume I think this is a fun way to wear it.