WIW - a hit and a miss - YouLookFab Forum

Here are two outfits from the last week, one of which worked and one which did not.

1) This was worn for getting my picture taken for my department's online directory. I was going for something between smart and business casual. I wanted to look put together but I work in a lab so a full suit would have been overkill. The grey blazer has a flannel feel to it but still provides some structure. I stuck to neutrals but added the statement necklace for a bit of fun and color, and was pretty happy with it.
Blazer and top - Loft, Jeans - JCrew, Boots - Timberland.

2) This was worn on the weekend to go out to brunch and the movies with friends. This outfit I really liked in theory and in the photos. I layered a 3/4 sleeve dress over leggings and added the sweater for extra warmth. I liked the proportions but the skirt kept clinging to the leggings and creeping up all day! The dress curves up at the sides so I don't think a slip would fix the problem.
Dress - Lole, Sweater - EF, Leggings - Athleta, Boots - Munro.

Any comments or suggestions for tweaks (or how to deal with static-y clothes) are appreciated. Thanks!

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11 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

I think your outfit for your dept photo is perfect. Nicely professional, on the casual side, approachable. And your dress outfit is fun - the tights add a nice punch Too bad about the creeping dress.

Day Vies

I love your use of color pattern proportion and accessories. The cut of the jacket in #1 is fabulous -- I am a huge fan of perfect fit and I think the statement necklace is a beautiful color perfectly set off by the neutral pieces. No tweaks needed there. In #2 I adore the bright shade of purple you're wearing I also love those leggings and appreciate the addition of the skirt so that the pattern is not overwhelming. The metal necklace and black tank peeking through are perfect. I have no tweaks to offer I think both of these outfits look wonderful on you. (Both of these outfits are insanely inspirational to me).

As for your concern about the skirt riding up I have experienced that myself and I blame it on manufacturers who think not lining a skirt is a good idea. I think you could get away with a short slip (I'm talking really short) I don't know how tall you are but something shorter than 20" will do the trick especially if it's black. I had the same problem with some of my skirts and dresses (no lining) and that was the only thing that kept the skirt from bunching. I'm 5'5" and I got a snug fitting slip that is 20". I got it in medium when if I wanted a "proper" skirt-like fit I should have gone with XL. However because it's snug it does not slide around and stays in place it also provides the slip needed to keep those unlined skirts moving. Hope that helps, I am also interested to see what other ladies suggest.

Dee

Jackie, thanks! That's what I was going for in #1. The tights are one of those wildcard items that I like in theory but are loud enough that they will likely only see wear on weekends.

Day Vies, thank you for the detailed response. I am extremely flattered you find these inspirational, because you always look so chic and put together.

In terms of the skirt, you are definitely right about the lack of lining but I never thought of sizing down on a slip! I have a black 20" slip but it comes down almost to my knees (I'm only 5'2") and is pretty flowy, all things considered. I have seen 18" slips on occassion though, and sizing down is a brilliant idea to keep them in place. Thank you!!

Ruth M

Active Member

#1 Well done on putting together an outfit that sits between smart and business casual. That is a great jacket and I imagine it's quite a workhorse.

#2 doesn't LOOK like a miss, it looks fun and cheerful - though I can imagine that the skirt riding up must have been beyond irritating! Day Vies's suggestion of a short, close-fitting slip sounds like a potential solution - fingers crossed, because it would be a shame not to be able to repeat this outfit. It's nice to see that lovely purple sweater again, this time layered over your dress. It's a versatile piece and a great colour for you.

Beth Ann

I love collarless jackets! This one frames the necklace (and your face) so nicely. Too bad about the dress! I've had that happen myself and it's so irritating.

Dimity

I made myself a slip out of lining material that I wear under unlined skirts, and I never have a problem with static when I wear it. I hate it when skirts ride up! I heard recently that a safety pin that's pinned to your skirt on the inside hem will prevent static but I haven't tried it yet because it's summer and really humid here so static is a distant memory at the moment.

It goes without saying that your outfits are great!

Karie

(website)

Other than using a can of Static Guard, I have no suggestions to add. I like what Day Vies said about sizing down on a slip. Both outfits look great (I like the fun leggings in #2!) and I hope you solve the clinging problem.

celia

I definitely didn't see any miss here. In winter skirts and hosiery or leggings don't always work well together and I understand that you felt about the skirt creeping up but it doesn't look like it.
Both outfits are great.

lyn67

YLF Dee and they are both great outfitsrts, -no matter the hassle (skirts creeping up, and so:-))! Nr 1. may be working great without the necklace, if you are so inclined-as the crew neck underneath has some pretty embelishments, too- and I like what Day Vies said about sizing down on a slip-it never ever occured me to do so(!!). I was hardly misfitted in therms of the sizes of a slip, and it hurt my pocket, without knowing what else to do:-((.(Antistatic sprays never worked for me:-().

YLF Dee and they are both great outfitsrts, -no matter the hassle (skirts creeping up, and so:-))! Nr 1. may be working great without the necklace, if you are so inclined-as the crew neck underneath has some pretty embelishment(or pattern)- and I like what Day Vies said about sizing down on a slip-it never ever occured me to do so(!!). I was hardly misfitted in therms of the sizes of a slip, and it hurt my pocket, without knowing what else to do:-((.(Antistatic sprays never worked for me:-().

Ruth, thank you! I love the color of the sweater in #2 and it's been a real workhorse for me.

Beth Ann, thank you. I agree that collarless jackets are fantastic! I feel so much less fussy in them than I do regular blazers.

Dimity, the safety pin idea intrigues me. But, if the skirt isn't lined to begin with, pinning it will just show through the skirt, right? Maybe I just need to learn how to sew so I can make a slip that fits.

Karie and Celia, thank you for the kind words and commiseration, lol.

Lyn, thanks for the suggestion, next time I will try it without the necklace. I have a bit of a weakness for statement necklaces but the top does have both pattern and pleating and can probably stand on it's own. My maximalist roots are showing!

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