What made No. 2 better than No. 1?

reshet

Hi all. This morning I put on the outfit in pic 1. I was a bit iffy about it in the mirror and when I looked at it in a photo I definitely didn't like it.

So I took off the black layer from underneath and replaced it with a white cropped sweater, as per pic 2. I like this much better. It feels more casual and comfy and 'me'.

I would like to be able to pinpoint what exactly improved this outfit, for the benefit of future outfits. If you agree with me that 2 is better than 1, can you put into words why that is? Is it the boatneck vs the scoopneck, or the looser silhouette? Or something else?

Thank you in advance.

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11 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from reshet

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a great question! I'll hazard an answer.

First, you look stunning in the white/ cream of the sweater. It brings light to your face and makes you look alive! The black is harsher against your fairly low contrast colouring, and the high contrast outfit rather washes you out.

Also, with the first outfit, you are sort of cutting yourself into lots of parts. Your limbs are separated from your body and it skews proportion. The second outfit doesn't do that. I would like it even better without the leggings, although I know it was probably too cool for that.

11 years ago

Carole

Veteran

Wow, good analysis, Suz, or should I call you Angie Jr.?

What a creative outfit, and excellent exercise!

11 years ago

Anonymous

You do look good in both, but I see what you're saying about the second feeling better.

I'm completely not an expert, but I think the soft white and the boatneck of the sweater in #2 are both super-flattering on you. Also, the fluid sweater over the jumper seems to be a more modern and unexpected silhouette than the jumper over the long-sleeved top, which I think can maybe look a little schoolgirlish.

Love the red flats BTW!

11 years ago

Anonymous

I think that Suz is right about the high contrast being too much for your soft coloring. I would also think it would be best without the leggings. Love the red flats.

11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

In addition to what Suz said I think that necklines in #1 are competing and make the whole outfit too busy. Turtleneck would work much better here as a layer than a scoop neck. And I agree that black may be too harsh for you.
Nice save!

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

That second outfit is out of this world! I love it.

The first outfit isn't bad, but to my eye, there is something about the neckline on the jumper that is less flattering. It almost looks to me like the waist is too low, or maybe the top of the jumper would look better filled out more? I am short in height, plus small-busted and short-waisted, and that often makes tops look less flattering unless I buy the petite sizes and make sure that they're cut for a smaller bust.

11 years ago

Meggie

Active Member

Agreed. 2nd feels more modern. Love it!!!

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Love the 2nd outfit! Super cute. I have the same coloring and you and can't wear so much contrast. I bet gray or taupe leggings would look lovely too.

11 years ago

reshet

Active Member

Thank you ladies! I just love how insightful (and kind!) the folks on this site are. I generally have a vague idea about things looking sort of good or sort of not quite right... having people who can articulate what is happening with an outfit, and get into specifics, is so helpful.

Suz your answer is amazingly helpful! I didn't know about low contrast or high contrast colouring. I take it contrast here refers to the balance between my hair and skin? Would anyone be able to point me to some good blog posts or threads about working with your contrast level?

Sveta and Gigi thank you for the neckline tips. I think the key for me is to keep it simple (and low contrast) around the neck.

Aubergine I too really liked the second silhouette and felt like it was relaxed and a little bit cool, so I am glad you agree!

11 years ago

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