WIW -- Confused and Bewildered - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW -- Confused and Bewildered

Beth Ann

Veteran

It's the end of the semester, and in addition to my crazy workload, there have been some big family decisions to make. I'm feeling very unfocused, and discontent generally, and I'm not confident in my clothing choices either. I am having difficulty dressing the body I have in place of the "ideal form" in my head. Still, the forum is a valuable feedback tool, so here goes.....

1: Teach at Home / MOTG
Trying a novel remix of classic items. Yes, I'm wearing two different shoes. I like the darker visually, but the lighter is more elongating (and more cushy). Which do you like better? The ideal would have been taupe or sand booties I think. This jacket always looks better to me in the mirror than it does on film -- it's less boxy as I see it, but maybe I need to trust the camera! I'm not sure I like the blouse peeking out. Tucking is problematic with the jacket open, because these jeans are a little higher in the rise -- it creates a huge diaper-of-red!

Chambray Jacket: Croft and Barrow, Kohls
Jeans: Bandolino Blu
Top: Hinge
Shoes: bronze, Payless (old), Ballet flats: Kohls (Mootsies Tootsies)

2/3:
This dress is 2 or 3 years old. I bought it for dressy, but not formal, spring singing engagements. I still love the color and print, but I'm unsure about Empire waists -- are they flattering? Are they "out?" I like it better with the wrap sweater, I think. I'm working with more delicate gold jewelry for a change.

Dress: Dress Barn (old)
Wrap top: Can't remember where I purchased this -- it's not new
Nude Pumps: Target

4/5:
I bought the Ikat skirt last year. I love the color and the print, but the fit isn't perfect. It has a wide, high waistband, which is roomy, but the gored skirt is just a twinge snug (gotta make room for the booty), which causes the front not to lay flat against my tummy. I've lost a little weight recently, so it's beginning to fit better. If I'm fortunate, I won't have to layer longer tops over it this summer! I tried this with my ponte moto jacket, but wasn't sure about ruffles and moto together! I decided to go for pure "pretty." I feel it's flattering, but not exciting. Sigh. I despise the idea of being boring!

Skirt: East Fifth for JCP (last year)
Top: Old tank with chiffon "ruffle"
Cardi: Ancient from Walmart -- wish I'd bought five of these. The knit looks quite luxe up close and it has a delicate ribbing. Still, a cardi is perhaps a little too safe, but it creates a nice fit, and the high waist nips me in a bit.
Shoes: Ancient, Merona from Target.

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25 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

AJ

Veteran

I hope things look up both at work and in your personal life soon, Beth Ann.

1) I like this outfit. I'm having a hard time deciding on the shoes, because the carpet is similar to the lighter shoe. For now, I'll have to say that I like the darker one better. The jacket looks good, not boxy. Maybe if you scrunch up the sleeves? You didn't like the jacket open with the shirt untucked?

2-3) I actually like the dress better without the wrap top. Seeing that black band at the empire waist is slimming.

4-5) Congrats on the weight loss! I like this outfit. What do you think about white accessories to punch it up a bit?

jayne

Veteran

I liked the black shoes best in 1, The jeans seem fine and the camera can do odd things, Trust those who can see you IRL.

Loved the dress in 3 best, I felt the cardigan was just a touch too much the same color. I like matchy matchy myself (see all grey outfit) but a bolder choice would be better for me.,

Hey, 4-5 is ok. Your legs look great in it

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I think the first is SUPER cute! I prefer the lighter shoe and my only suggestion is to leave the jacket unbuttoned. I think this will make the blouse peeking out less of an issue.
The empire waist isn't "out" and I don't think it's unflattering. I like it with and without the sweater.
The last outfit I don't see moto in this at all. It's pretty classic. I think adding a leather jacket here would be cool...or some flat booties or oxfords or something funky!

Kiwichik

Veteran

Beth Ann I think you are beautiful and no matter what you wear you will look lovely having said that some things work better than others. I love 2 - 5 - the colours and shapes are really flattering and show off your lovely trim waist to advantage.

Number 1 is ok but I'm not a fan of the jacket - from what I can see that shirt looks like it would be lovely untucked and I like the red trousers. I prefer the dark shoes.

Anyway as Jayne said sometimes photos can be deceptive & sometimes you need to trust someone who is there IRL .

fashionista

Veteran

You look great in all outfit. I love your looks and those outfit. You look beautiful.

Deborah

Veteran

Beth Ann I love #1 as is with the darker shoe. I really like the blouse peaking out and that jacket is very flattering. I want to copy this look.

#2/3 is really pretty and I prefer it without the top. I think this cut Is very flattering.

#4 is gorgeous! I really like how you layer Beth Ann.

I would say trust your instincts as you have a really good eye for what suits you:)

Thinking of you and hoping thing settle down a bit for you and you receive the direction you need to make the decisions you have to make.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think you look really good. I like the blouse peaking out in #1 and prefer the darker shoe to bookend your hair. I like the dress in #2 without the cardi, very pretty print. I don't see boring in #3, nice layered girly and flattering.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sorry to hear you've been having a rough time. Spring is often an unsettling season. Goes with the unsettled weather, I guess.

#1 is a great outfit! The jacket looks fine here, but I understand what you mean about some things not photographing all that well. I'm not sure why it happens. I prefer with the darker shoe because it bookends your hair and the dark points in the blouse.

#2 is really pretty on you; I like it with and without the sweater but prefer without.

#3 - yay for fitting into your skirt more comfortably! It looks like a versatile summer piece. I like AJ's suggestion to try it with white, or even yellow accessories/ sweater. Or orange!

krishnidoux

Veteran

What do you means by "teach at home"? Children or adults?

The first outfit is very pretty, I also prefer it with black shoes. And the shirt you are wearing underneath look awesome! I'd like to see more of it. Have you thought of trying it with a short (very cropped) black cardi instead of the denim jacket?

Dress is fab by all means. Shoes with it are perfect, very refined. Jewellery: I wouldn't wear a necklace with it because it tends to fight with the busy pattern. However the sleeveless arms almost beg for a cuff bracelet, maybe white, bright green, orange or another punchy colour.

And last one... I'm in awe. It looks so good! I understand you are a teacher...? And this is just the perfect outfit to teach in. Right down to the sensational Mary-janes. Skirt issue: the skirt looks so good on you, I would sincerely consider having it altered to let it out a little, so you feel more comfortable. You need to wear this NOW, you look stunning, have it fit your present beautiful shape.

missvee

Veteran

Okay, let's start with outfit #1 - fabulous! I like the darker shoe better - it has more substance to it and picks up the dark background of the blouse. I think a lighter coloured shoe would work too, but maybe more of an oxford or short boot.
Outfit #2 and #3 - gorgeous colour, great shoes, I prefer it with the shrug but it looks good both ways.
#4 - again wonderful colours for you (you really know what suits you!) I think it's very smart just as you've styled it. If you think it's boring, what about adding an interesting cuff or bangle?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

#1 looks great with the darker shoe. I think you look gorgeous in your empire waist dress - very flattering. I prefer it without the sweater, but definitely looks fine with.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks, everyone! Lots of helpful comments

A.J. -- I did like the jacket unbuttoned but I didn't like the only photo I had of it unbuttoned! Halfway through the day I started playing with the sleeves, too. Unrolled and slightly scrunched was best! And white for #3 will be terrific. I think I have what would work already.

Jenava -- taupe booties are on my list, but I'll probably wait 'til fall to purchase them. I've never tried oxfords myself, but I'm finding that sometimes my more delicate flats don't "anchor" a look as well, so I think I'll try some on and see how they work for me.

Suz -- yellow and orange! Well, I don't have either in my wardrobe now, but I can certainly find touches in the stores. I'm trying to learn to be bolder with accents and accessories.

Krishnidoux: "Work at Home" means that I'm teaching voice lessons at home, instead of the college. Some of these "private" students are adults, but the bulk are college students. I try to dress "smart casual" for these students, since in the home environment it would easy for them to see me as "mom!" Thanks for the excellent suggestions! I have a black moto jacket that I can (and have) worn with the shirt in #1, as well as a darker, shorter denim jacket from ON. I tried the chambray to bring in a little more "Spring," but the proportions aren't quite as idea. Oh -- and I do have cuff bracelets, including a white one that, alas, needs to be "restrung." Anyone else have a "jewelry to fix" drawer?

Off to the gym for some destress time!

Parsley

Veteran

Hi Beth Ann,
Nobody would know from looking at your outfits that you're feeling unsettled. You look great!
I really like outfit #1. I don't think the jacket looks too boxy. I like the shirt untucked, but I would wear the jacket unbuttoned, and also unbutton the shirt cuffs, fold them back over the jacket sleeve. If you can scrunch the sleeves a little in addition it would look good. I prefer the dark shoes.

The dress in #2 is very pretty on you, and I don't think there's any problem with empire waists. I like it better without the sweater.

Your third outfit looks polished and very nice. Not every outfit needs to be "exciting". If you wanted to spice it up I think the moto jacket would look great with ruffles. Sometimes it's that slightly unexpected mixture that makes an outfit less boring. Livelier accessories would be another way to add interest, if you want. Any fit issues with the skirt are not visible in the picture.

Anyway, hang in there! Even if you're not feeling confident you LOOK fabulous!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sweetheart, you sell yourself short! I see a very stylish and pulled together lass in these photos who knows how to dress her fab bod.

#1 - love the nude flats just like you do.

#2 - KILLER outfit! Don't you dare stop wearing empire cut dresses!

#3 - so elegant.

Now. Deal with that

ironkurtin

Veteran

I'm going to second all of the love. You look beautiful, and the colors and dresses you've picked are ravishing!

ManidipaM

Veteran

First, I *need* to stop drooling over all four of your shoes! Perfection!

I can quite see why choosing the right peds for #1 is hard because both look great, for different reasons, but I have a slight preference for the darker ones to bookend your hair as well as picking up on the print in the shirt (whose peeking I don't seem to mind at all! though I used to hate it myself pre-YLF!).

That dress is gorgeousness on you! Please hold on to it. I like it both ways with a slight preference for as-is, minus sweater; but that looks great too (hey, who's gonna argue with a Killer, eh?! not me!)

As for the last outfit, that's the opposite of boring, with that print, that deep purple colour so perfect on you, and those smashing shoes! Lovely!

I hope your days soon start to look as great as you do here!

Meredith1953

Veteran

#1 I like the blouse peeking out. I think either footwear works. The dark shoe brings out part of the blouse print, and the light colored shoe also brings out a part of the print blouse!

#2
I love that color of dress! the short wrap jacket works well to my eye wiht the proportion of the dress but it might be even better in a a white color. Of course the nude heels make your legs look really long! The empire waist in #3 is pretty.. The band doesn't look too wide

#4
Hey! There is nothing wrong or boring about looking pretty which you certainly do! I could also see this with booties and tights.

MNsara

Veteran

Aww, I hope your life things settle down and you can get a break to feel pulled together! You still look very pulled together though

#1 - I prefer those nude flats. I like that they allow the focus to stay on the pretty jacket/blouse combo. I think I might like the jacket unbuttoned though. . .

#2 - you look so pretty in this! without or without topper, is great either way. It looks like you could also put a white topper (white denim, sweater, whatever. . .) over it also, and you could maybe wear it with the black topper from #3 as well?

#3 - looks fab on you too!

Anonymous

I would never guess you were feeling confused. You look strong, beautiful, and confident! I hope everything smooths out in your life soon.

Jonesy

Veteran

Very funny subject line! But, I see no confusion here :). I think you look fab. I really love the first outfit, with a slight preference for the darker shoe (bookends your hair). I also love that vivid bright blue dress and cardigan. The last look is cute too.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks, again! A "Killer" always gives one the courage to keep moving forward, in fashion and in life! I'm in my python dress today, with leggings, no less, so I'm not giving up! My schedule is beginning to lighten up and I'm planning some fun activities (and hopefully a little more sleep) to keep me buoyed through the rest of the semester!

kellygirl

Veteran

I see no confusion either. You look polished and put together in all of these! I LOVE the first outfit with the peony blouse the bestest--the colors and proportions are perfection. The other dresses are lovely too--you wear dresses SO well!

rachylou

Veteran

The dark shoe for you, because it's more urban. All are very nice outfits, but I'll tell you, it's #4 & 5 where you look like you're having fun. It's a more urban, darker look. The others have a more suburban, OJ in the morning polish.

Aida

Veteran

I also see no confusion here, these are fab outfits Beth Ann! For #1 I much prefer the nude shoe over the black; the lighter shoe makes your hair and the print in the blouse the darkest elements so the eyes go right up to your pretty face! I like the idea of taupe or sand booties, too. Black footwear would work well in the fall if you can add another dark element or few up top. The dress in #2/3 is lovely and looks great on you! Would also look fun with a cropped denim jacket or blazer. #4/5 looks sweet as-is, and I think the ruffles would be perfect with a moto (especially a leather one).

Beth Ann

Veteran

Ah, Rachylou, I have to remember that one....."OJ in the Morning!" My DH will laugh at this, since I'm definitely not the morning type!

Aida -- definitely looking for some leather for the fall. I run warm, and am in a very conservative environment generally, so I'm looking for a black leather moto that is lightweight, not too OTT, and affordable. While I'm at it, I'd like a nice warm, medium brown jacket too! (light enough to do well with black, navy and purple, but not SSB)