What makes seasonally confused looks deliberate? - YouLookFab Forum

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What makes seasonally confused looks deliberate?

SarahD8

Veteran

Hey folks. It’s been a busy summer what with buying and selling a house and moving across town, but things are starting to slow down now and I’m contemplating fall outfits.

Photos 1-3: I’ve been intrigued by these images from Pinterest of outfits that feature what seems to me like deliberate seasonal confusion: a juxtaposition of black and white, lightweight cotton and fluffy knitwear.

I pulled some items from my closet that I thought might help me do something similar:

Photo 4: Bottoms: Smocked black cotton sundress (currently strapless although I plant to add straps with bias tape), embroidered white cotton skirt (just below knee length), black silk-cotton skirt (midi length).

Photo 5: Tops: gauzy white embroidered things in short, 3/4 and long sleeve versions

Photo 6: Knitwear: long black open cardi, black cowl-neck pullover, ivory cable-knit cardi (I wish this were more of a true white but alas)

Photo 7: Finishing touches: black and ivory pointelle tights, black wool tights, patent stompy boots, patent tassel loafers, suede cutout oxfords. (Didn’t think of scarves until after I’d taken these pictures but there are a couple of scarves in the flat lays below.)

Photos 8-11: Flat-lays of 4 possible outfits in this mode. (I don’t think the last one is really seasonally confused — I could add tights but if it’s cool enough for tights I definitely need a topper.)

I would love to hear your thoughts on:

-what makes the Pinterest inspo outfits work (or doesn’t, if that’s the case to your eye…or what you think the pitfalls of this sort of thing might be)

-whether any of my own flat lays work, or how you would tweak them

-if you have ideas for other combinations featuring the items shown, or suggestions of other items not pictured that might be useful

Thanks for looking, pondering, and commenting!

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I really like the look in pic 2. I find it very hard to assess combos from flat lays but I think it’s a great idea to play with these pairings if your weather is agreeable. I think the black and white color scheme is really smart for mixing seasons in an outfit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think 1 works, 2 does not, and 3 could be really cute on. All your flat lays look like they have potential, but I agree with you the last one looks more like a transitional weather b/w outfit, without the seasonal confusion (3 as well, actually).

The reason I can’t say more about which I think will work is the same as the reason 1 works for me so much better than 2. It’s the way the dress/skirt and tights come together. 1 is a nicely flowing dress that stands apart from the legs a little bit. It’s a handsome look with that long, strong, solid black frame. 2 looks to me like the dress gets stuck on the tights, even though it isn’t right here (she just straightened it for the camera). It’s so lightweight I think she looks like a tourist who didn’t pack for the weather & had to pick up scarf & tights in her destination. Without seeing how your skirts hang, it’s hard to predict winners (assuming you plan to add hosiery). 8 & 9 are my faves, in different ways. I like the different whites in 9, think it’ll make a cool “oh this? I just tossed it on” look. I think I like the boots best with both, but it’s hard to tell without seeing how far the skirt hems are from them & from your knees.

Just my opinion, of course. YMMV.

ETA take a look at the forum in the images mode—so much black & white recently! All the way back to greyscale’s Big Shirt post. Amazing to me, because (despite the green & white dress on the day I posted a WIW), I’ve also been wearing b/w, and I did this time last year as well. Totally unintentional, just drawn to it.

Also, congrats on the house.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the first flat lay and the one with the ivory cardigan.

As for seasonal mixing overall, I have never really liked the advice to e.g. just take your favorite summer dress and throw a big chunky sweater over it. The weights and textures can get too dissonant. I have been doing some layering of jackets or big sweaters with slip skirts and dresses that is working for the in-between times

Brooklyn

Veteran

What I don’t like about 1 and 2 is the black tights. For me if it were cold enough to wear opaque tights, I wouldn’t put on a cotton dress. I think the look is more natural without the tights. Imagine it’s an Autumn day when the weather is cooling. It’s a bit cooler than I expected so I throw on a cardigan/scarf/jacket as I walk out the door. Maybe I think it will warm up later in the day. To me that’s what makes the look natural. If I’ve prepared by wearing tights, then it was hardly unexpected.

I think all your flat lays have potential, without the tights. Just my opinion of course!

SarahD8

Veteran

Janet very good point about black & white being a good pairing for mixing seasons. And SF how interesting about the prevalence of that color scheme on the forum lately! As you know I'm usually quite a colorful dresser but every once in a while a starker, neutrals-only palette really appeals as a way of changing things up.

Interesting to see the different opinions about inspo image #2! I had thought that maybe that one works because the pieces are actually a bit more utilitarian, less cottagecore. But I see the point about the stiffness and the dress possibly getting hung up on the tights.

UmmLila, I agree -- it's not as simple as adding tights and boots to your favorite sundress! I do think it's easier with slipperier, drapier material (like a rayon or poly slipdress) than with cotton. Which goes to Brooklyn's point about tights and a cotton dress. I would tend to agree...but the unusual-ness of the juxtaposition was sort of what appealed to me about it. I think Janet is probably right that it's all about how things look/feel when they are on, so I'll have to play around a bit more when the weather gets a little cooler.

And thanks SF for the good wishes on the house! It was time for a change and we're enjoying it.

kkards

Veteran

I think all your lay downs have potential, but like Brooklyn, my personal opinion is to drop the black tights. Or i might try a lighter tight, maybe a black fishnet or some other texture so that it doesn’t feel visually heavy

Anonymous

The inspiration outfits don't exactly fit the negative connotation descriptor "seasonally confused" because the lighter layers appear to be layered over warmer clothing.

I think of seasonally confused as being, for example, a turtleneck and overcoat with bare feet and sandals.

These looks are more like a new version of season-less dressing and I like all of your outfit ideas!

Sloper

Veteran

Agreeing with Phoebe - wouldn't necessarily call the Pinterest outfits seasonally confused. Some of the elements, like the black boots, have become perennial.

I like this general look, and all three Pinterest combinations! I like the contrast of black and white, delicate and strong, and the shapes, textures and volume elements. It can be a very sophisticated look.

Looks like you've got a lot of pieces to work with. If you don't want dark stockings, you could do patterned or fishnets - or barelegged with white or black or patterned sox.

Simone Rocha would be great inspiration! Note she throws in some creamy shades too.

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Sally

Veteran

I kind of like it all. It looks a bit like a pairie look which I do like. I don't think I would look at those pictures and say they were seasonally confused, I would just enjoy the contrast between the black and the white. But as Brooklyn suggested, the tights probably throw things off the most so it might look better with socks and the boots. Also for number 2, It could be considered at odds with a style to have a moto jacket with a prairie dress.....I think a cardigan would look better or long coat.

SarahD8

Veteran

Oh, good point about the "seasonally confused" descriptor being maybe not quite right here.

Phoebe, thanks for the vote of confidence!

Sloper, ooh, those Simone Rocha pics look really intriguing. Thanks for the introduction. I'm interested in the volume play there.

kkards and Sally, I agree that opaque black stockings aren't quite the way to go. What isn't obvious from my flat-lays (but is clear in my head bc I know my wardrobe haha) is that the tights I'm popping into these outfits are pointelle, like so:

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like the inspo pictures and don't mind the black tights. Agree that these do not look extremely seasonally confused - as in thick sweater and sandals. Anyway, I do like high contrast dressing so there is that. You definitely have the pieces and the flat lays have lots of potential - I need to see them on though to really say anything.
Congrats on the move!

Jules

Veteran

I like #2. I think the jacket, tights/boots and bag all being black, plus the b&w patterned scarf, pull it all together very cohesively. The white dress looks like a slightly rough cotton which works texturally with the suede, etc. I don’t think a gauzy eyelet or silky slip dress would be quite as good here, to my eye. Which brings me to what causes seasonal dissonance for me personally - I just don’t love a big contrast in texture/weight of fabric. Thus probably why I don’t love #1 which feels much less put together and probably intended to be ‘effortless’: ‘Oh this old thing? Is just what I had to put on over my nightie when I got a chill’.
This is purely personal taste - just providing my take in the hopes it helps your analysis. Maybe you love that texture contrast that bugs me…
Edit, ooh I like the pointelle tights idea, effectively a b&w pattern to help pull things together.

slim cat

Veteran

I see the #1 and #2 pics as white summer dress plus fall coat/jacket combo ( I like the second one - because of the moto jacket ). They add structure to the white cotton dresses worn with them.
The #3 is the most doable outfit - classic black sweater with white cotton skirt and strong menswear inspired shoes - I see your layout at #10 as pretty close one. The soft cardigans may work in other layouts or may give different vibe - needs to be seen all together with shoes, bags, etc.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Especially pic 3 just looks like a transitional season outfit to me. 1 and 2 I do find a bit “confused” with the thinner fabrics of the dresses and the thicker fabrics of the toppers/tights, so I personally like 3 best. I like your ideas to emulate these outfits and I love the colour scheme of black and white monochrome- pretty much what I have worn our whole winter except some was black and cream instead.

rachylou

Veteran

Agree that winterising summer clothing is different from seasonally-confused. I think the reason simply adding tights and boots isn’t a magic bullet is because it often isn’t—they’re not enough to keep you warm in a light cotton dress…

… and this has been an abrupt, drive-by post…

Sloper

Veteran

Circling back to add - I like layout #8 best. Do you have any ivory or black pullovers or sweatshirts?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think 1 does look seasonally confused, and that’s what makes it work—the high contrast isn’t only in the black and white but also in the materials. Wearing the dress with just the boots (no tights) and tossing the cardi over it wouldn’t have the same effect. I think the intention is to be a little jarring, and that goal is achieved. If you want to look harmonious, and like you’re just adapting to the change of seasons by adding a piece or two, that’s a different matter.

Anonymous

I think I'd prefer a seasonally confused look to be lower value contrast. So- with a summer white dress, a light brown sweater and boots instead- so it's less opposite if that makes sense.

If either the color or the fabric is opposite, instead of both, it would be more harmonious.

N

I'm perpetually seasonally confused. I wear the same things year round but pair with warmer things when needed. For example i'll wear the same skirt in winter and summer. Winter with tights, summer without. Same top but winter i'd put a cardigan on, summer no cardigan. Its all a yay from me.

Helena

Veteran

Brooklyn took the words right out of my mouth! To me, seasonally confused outfits work best when they address seasonally confused weather (which we have a ton of) ... So the feeling of 'throwing on' a juxtaposed piece (boots with a dress or shorts, jacket over sundress, etc.) to address changeable weather works best to my eye. I think your flat lays looks good!!

LaPed

Veteran

Love your inspo looks and your flat lays! I don’t have any deep insights because these just look like good outfits for mild fall days to me. The black/white contrast could veer into “French maid” territory, but longer hemlines and cozy fabrics mitigate that. The whole trend of layering light summery dresses with tights and chunky knitwear seems to be a hallmark of cottagecore, and popular among slow fashion folks as a way of extending wear across seasons.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think inspiration pics #1 and #3 have potential. From your laydowns - #8 and #9 (with tights) are my faves. The tights and scarves pull things together!

I'm also with UmmLila. At some point the remix of Summer and Winter fabrics looks odd to my eye. In the '90s I occasionally wore very Summery slip and column dresses with big woolly cardigans - grungy - and felt odd. But I did it because I was freezing in air-conditioning, and hot outside! My cotton Levis jacket or a blazer looked and felt much better with the dresses. And I think I wore sandals, platform sneakers or boots.

SarahD8, fashion and style is very subjective, and I am always on the side of the wearer. Give some of the looks a bash and see how it goes! (Our weather this year has been hectic, hasn't it?). If you wear this look with conviction and ease - it will be a home run

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I don't think that sleeveless t-necks are seasonally confused - and they layer well under toppers too! I used to wear them in the '90s. I also don't think that wearing Summery dresses and skirts with boots is seasonally confused. The look is grounding somehow. Another '90s vibe

What I find seasonally confused is wearing puffers, beanies and winter woolies with sandals and bare feet! If you're wearing socks and tights with the sandals - it makes more sense to me because at least your feet are covered.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

SarahD8, looking forward to your try-ons

LaPed, “French maid territory”, mon dieu!

Angie, it feels good when you & I agree.