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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

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carter

Veteran

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Dressing

67 replies

Latest reply was from tulle

DonnaF

Veteran

Not a single skirt? (I pretty much don't *do* dresses, but I wear skirts and tights in my mild climate.)

Anonymous

This is fun!

I was kind of wondering the same thing as Donna. But, without a skirt or dress to choose, I'd go with 12 (black fluid linen sweater) worn untucked with 27 (dark wash skinnies) and shoe 12 (black booties) with one of the purple patterned scarves and maybe the cognac bag.

I have a feeling that may be on the casual side for you, so I'll throw in another one. 4 or 6 (the fluid print blouses with a black background) worn untucked with 22 (taupe waterfall cardigan) and 28 (black jeans). Then maybe shoe 3 (the black/bronze loafers) and the black bag.

carter

Veteran

Nope, Donna. Not a single skirt. There are plenty of dresses in other capsules. My short waist makes skirts very fussy. I also find that skirts/dresses are impractical for my typical work days. Pants let me crawl in and out of an SUV a dozen times a day without flashing my client. Pants also are better suited for climbing attic access stairs, traipsing through vacant lots, etc. Many agents wear skirts/dresses, but most aren't as hands-on as I like to be.

catgirl

Veteran

Good grief, this looks so well coordinated. I would print these out on cards, sort by category, shuffle them up and create new outfits that way. Honestly, I don't see anything here that can't be mixed and matched. It's pretty amazing.

What I don't see are any bright colors. Is that deliberate?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow! This looks beautiful! And...what Una said. Everything looks like it mixes and matches perfectly.

I was struck by how elegant and sophisticated a palette this is.

And at the same time, I was curious. Last time I saw a whole whack of your clothes together they were vivid colours! Now there look to be a lot of neutrals. So...is this a chosen style direction? Or was the last batch the casual wear?

Quite honestly, I don't have a real answer for the "boredom" problem. I was going to ask a similar question myself. You know that casual formula outfit Angie posted the other day? It was no surprise that I could instantly come up with my own version thereof. It's what I wear every single day when working from home in the milder months. And in winter I wear a similar version with pullovers vs. button up tops. And....yeah. I get bored.

At first I thought colour would help. And it does, to some extent. But not completely.

Now I'm thinking silhouette is key. But even there I struggle. In winter I can't really wear any silhouette apart from skinnies or straight leg pants. BFs are tough because of the need to tuck. Anyway --- that is not your problem, but you have your own practical work-related and climate related constraints -- along with the footwear issues.

The only thing I can think of is actually buying a skirt or two to wear on the days when you won't be traipsing around as much. That would be a start. And adding a few more colourful items as well.

carter

Veteran

Thanks, Aubergine! I forgot folks would wonder about skirts/dresses. LOVE your suggestions. I can so see you wearing those combos. I'll layout everyone's suggestions on the planning sheets and start trying them out this weekend. Thanks so much for giving me a couple new options!

AK, that's a riot! Maybe I should give it a shot. For the past couple seasons, my bright colors have felt more "right" in my casual and date night wardrobes. Even this Summer, while I wore lots of colors, they were quite subdued. I have plenty of color that may come out to play if I feel like it, but I'm really attracted to a more neutral work palette right now.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Here's an outfit:
top 6, pant 32, shoe 6, semi-tuck the top and wear the belt that goes most closely with the shoes (4? 5?) or go with belt 6. Black bag 5. Black blazer or cardigan if you need a topper.

The prints might not go as well IRL as they look in the picture, but I think you could do some really fun pattern mixing.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

As to the boredom factor, adding to Suz's point about silhouette: what about adding a cropped pullover sweater or vest in one of your key neutral colors (black, taupe, grey?) You could pop it on over a blouse worn untucked, for a change in look but using the same basic pieces (with this one addition).

Oh, and I am admiring your beautifully coordinated wardrobe, in such serene colors!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

This is my dream capsule: not the specific pieces--too dressy for my needs--but the discipline of it!

Like Alaskagirl said, print out each thing on a card and play pretend paper dolls with them!

Alternately, I would do an enourmous spreadsheet/table with six columns and as many rows as necessary. Column 1: bottoms. Column 2: tops that go wth each bottom. column 3: all the jackets that will go with each top and bottom combo. Column 4: each pair of shoes that go with each bottom plus top plus jacket combo. Do the same for (5) bags and (6) scarves.

There are 7x20x5 options (give or take) before we get to accessories. (#9, 10, 13 and 14 can be layered over the other tops, too, and that's where things go a bit snakey mathwise on me.)

But just for fun,'cause this is fun, How about the leopard blouse (#8) with the cream pullover (#13) and the black and tan pants (#32). Accessorize with the leopard shoes--or if you don't want to be that atchy matchy, try the bbrown boots #14 with the brown bag #3.

Another one:
Black and taupe blouse #6 with the black and tan trousers #32 and use the taupe pullover (#14) to keep them from fighting. For the accessories, though, I have to leave that up to you depending on how you'd want to take it from there.

Now,both of these suggestions are going off of your descriptions and what I can see on my screen: reality may be completely different! I'm just trying to be as "out of the box" as I can in order to help stimulate your creative juices.

Thanks for posting this Carter. It is fantastic.

Debbie

Veteran

I would try top # 6 which topper # 21, pants # 34 with shoes # 3or 4 and bag #4.
I love shoes #3 but for this outfit I think I would go with #4 and keep the outfit black and white.
This was really fun.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Oh my goodness, firecracker--I am surprised/not surprised that you and I came up with the same combo! You finished it off beautifully, of course.

carter

Veteran

Thanks, Suz! Elegant and sophisticated are two key goals for me. I find though, that they're easier to pull off in dressier wardrobes. Honestly, that's probably why I'm really loving the neutrals for work right now. There's still a ton of color in my closet. I just find myself reaching for it when I'm not working. It is there if I want it though. I think an additional silhouette would be great. I would love to do a long over lean with some ponte leggings, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to do it so it presents right for working with clients. Sadly, skirts and I aren't likely to be friends. Just not a good match with my short waist. So, how would you put together a Suz outfit from my wardrobe?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Ha ha, Alana! High five!

carter

Veteran

Loving these suggestions! FC has pattern mixing and my moon shoes in the same outfit. I must try this! Alana has me layering up...something we don't think about much down here. Debbie's in my comfort zone but with a combo I don't think I've worn. I'll give it all a go.

Keep them coming! I need all the inspiration I can get. Don't worry about screen colors not matching IRL. It may very well remind me of another piece I could sub in, or it could point out a glaring hole.

Alana, I know you love your numbers and spreadsheets!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

High Five, FC!

One more, 'cause it seems I'm obsessed--and I reread your instructions. What would I wear?

Blue top #11, jeans #27, silver loafers, #6, belt #4 or 5 whichever works best, (though I wouldn't actually wear a belt, I'd find a silver necklace, or earrings or cuff) and the best pink scarf that will coordinate. There. Now I have done the assignment, lol!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Carter, where is "down here?"

Classically Casual

Veteran

I'm strangely attracted to columns of color. Not black, but all grey or all blue for example. Or even better, all white/ivory.

carter

Veteran

Alana, love that you used the blue sweater. That's one of the few new pieces for Fall. We bought it in Europe this Summer, and I am so looking forward to wearing it. Adding the "what Alana would wear" outfit to the list! BTW, I'm in Atlanta...just a wee bit south of you;-).

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am seriously in awe. If I did this I would want them to be cut outs and then I could play dress up paper dolls all day. I only wish there were little bubbles over your pieces with sales info so I could pretend shop them all! I know I am not referring to your actual outfits but they all look splendid I will be studying them later.

Laurel

Great, great wardrobe and a dream to see it organized! How do you even do that?

#32 pants, #16 shell, #21 sweater, with #12 boots and your choice of purse!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting about skirts and your waist. I am somewhat short waisted too but I can wear them....I wonder what it is. Having said that... I don't in fact wear them a lot unless it is warm. You see, I was trying to put together an outfit...if I lived in your climate I would be wearing skirts a lot more often than I do!

Onwards. A "Suz" outfit from your pieces....

Start with the jacket, 24. Because I like a structured jacket.
Add the jeans, 27.

Here is where it starts getting tricky. Your tops won't work for me. I love the patterns and the beautiful soft neutral palette (blues! greys! taupes! animal prints!!!). But the necklines are more open and wide than usually work for me. And the tops not structured enough. Sooooo...

What I would probably do is take #18, grey linen sweater, fluid, and semi-tuck into the jeans. I'd add the B&W zebra belt, #6, and, if I could get them to stay on my feet and not give me blisters, the cool silvery loafers/ shoes #6. (If that wouldn't work I would pick a black bootie because for sure none of your cute loafers would stay on my feet.)

Then I'd add the plain fuchsia scarf or the one with the pattern (no numbers) up around the neckline of the jacket. And I would carry the black and white bag.

And I would LOVE wearing that outfit!

As I would love wearing all your beautiful clothes.

Firecracker as usual came up with a great word -- "serene."

carter

Veteran

Totally agree, CC! I made sure I could do columns in black, gray, taupe and ivory. In fact, you just reminded me that a better cognac belt should be on my shopping list...thinking cognac accessories with the various columns will be fun.

Ha, Shevia! I almost called this post "Playing paper dolls in my closet", but I wasn't sure that would translate across generations and countries! Give me some "Shevia" outfits!

For Suz and those of you wondering where all the color has gone. Below is my casual wardrobe for Fall. You'll note that many of the pieces are the same as the work capsule, but I've added some color.

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carter

Veteran

Thanks, Laurel. Adding your outfit to my list!

Suz, I was sure you'd pick sweater #11! If you added a cami or layering tee, would that give you more options in my closet? Adding the Suz outfit to the list!

Sal

Veteran

Okay, I have not read all the above posts.
How about
5 - white silk blouse
33 - white pants
23 - blue blazer

Maybe the shoes in 6, not sure of the bag, perhaps a white one.
Or with black loafers and a black bag.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, there's the colour...in the casual capsule. Got it! That makes perfect sense. If I divided my clothes up that way (work and casual) I would very likely do something quite similar. In fact, it is quite brilliant. It gives you that sense of difference between the week and weekend. That in itself would help stave off boredom, I expect. And make you feel more "professional" on the job. Really smart thinking. I'd add a colourful coat, though. Just because our winters are so long and grey.

That's so funny you knew I would pick that sweater! I actually love a lot of your tops, visually -- they would just look awful on me. (In fact, I have a thread about that coming up when I get a chance to post. Shopping mistake story!!!)

A cami or layering tank would help with lower necklines but if the tops slide around on me I get really irritated. It is probably analogous to your skirt issues. We all have our fit challenges and for me, one reason that fluid WELTED sweaters work better is that some of the volume is reined in. And for shirts and blouses....they have to have some structure in the shoulder line. There can be some volume below, but I need that crisp shoulder or I will be drowned.

It just goes to show you how practiced we become at shopping for body type. I wouldn't even see some of those tops in the stores because I'd know right off the bat they would not work on me. Obviously if I loved them I would try them on anyway (and I'd be super tempted with many of yours!!) but it would probably be a losing proposition, at least for most.

Oh -- I love the cropped sweater idea that Firecracker gave.

jennifer

Veteran

The one thing that stands out to me is that with the lovely neutral work palette you've made , is that in the scarves shown four seem to have some berry/wine/fuchsia ?sort of color way to them. I'd strongly suggest a pair of oxblood or burgundy booties ,a belt in the same family with silver hardware and maybe some lined leather gloves and a purse or bag. The color would still be a " neutral" but it would give a added pop and contrast /balance options to outfits ,and be practical for the realtor job.
Any excuse for more shoes and bags is always welcome . Right?

Joy

Veteran

This is fun. I chose grey jeans 26 with white fluid blouse 5. I'd rather have a plain white belt since we are short waisted, but will make do with black 2 instead and use shoes 6 and black blazer 24, bag 4.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have one skirt left in my wardrobe. It's part of a suit & that's the only reason it stays, so I love this capsule
I'm also a jacket person so I start with
# 25 - the light grey blazer with the leather collar
#3 - taupe, grey, cream fluid blouse, no collar semi tucked?
Whatever jeans worked best with the above & a belt to work with the jeans
Shoe #6 Can't tell about the bags but a big soft pewter clutch might be nice

rachylou

Veteran

I would wear the booties a lot more often. And I'd have to throw in red and cobalt.

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