WIW - Almost Black: and bring on the feedback!

Atlantia

On the heels of reading Zapotee's thread about providing constructive criticism to WIW posts, please please please don't feel the need to muzzle your opinions. I am at the beginning of my style journey, and don't even know how to describe my style. I love black, so here's my take on an almost black look.
Thoughts? I feel like the fit of the shirt is a bit off. I am losing weight, and between the choice of too large and too small with what was in my closet, I went with snug.
1 - detail on the neckline of my top
2 - pants, Worthington; tops are both Croft and Barrow; shoes are ancient
3 - With fleece cape topper

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13 years ago

What I Wore

12 replies

Latest reply was from Atlantia

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You are lucky to have dark hair if you love black! It helps in creating more balanced looks (said by a light haired person who would sometimes like to wear black more successfully).

Also, congratulations on the weight loss!

Weight loss makes dressing really difficult. I sympathize. Like several others on the list I also lost quite a lot of weight a few years ago and while I wanted this change it also led to wardrobe problems.

The shirt doesn't seem too snug in the shoulders, so maybe the fit is better than you think. If it is not pulling uncomfortably on the bust, it is fine, and I like how you have scrunched your sleeves. The V of the opening is flattering to you.

The cape seems a bit overwhelming to me. But it might look quite different in real life and when your arms are down.

13 years ago

Anonymous

The black shirt looks like it works fine layered over a snug tee. I think the cape overwhelms you but it's hard to see the detail plus I am looking on my phone so it is teeny tiny.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I can see why you like black, it likes you back! I think the fit of the shirt looks good from what I can see in the photo, and I like the layering over color to make it work with pants (otherwise I'd pair with a skirt, it looks too short for pants on its own). I actually quite like the shape of this cape, but since it's super voluminous it will probably look best with slim bottoms/dresses.

13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I'm not seeing too snug. That top looks like it fits you just right. Are you used to hiding away in oversized clothing? I love the top with the wide leg trousers; it creates a nice balance.The pants might be better slightly longer? But I probably wouldn't stress over that if you are losing weight, since they may be in the too-loose pile shortly.

I do love the cape, but I'm with Aida that it's probably better as a topper for slimmer bottoms. Can you try that while you still can? Because if you continue shrinking you may not be able to wear this cape for much longer...

13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

First of all I love the blue and black on you and it the fur around your neck. Those highlight your very pretty face. The main thing I would change is to lengthen the pants a bit and wear dark shoes or socks or hose that don't break up your foot - that will give your legs a longer look. I think you could also do slimmer bottoms especially with the cape. Which is not to say you don't look very good as is!

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies.
I will try to take some pictures of the cape outdoors with some slimmer pants this weekend, and then we can decide if it is time to retire it. It certainly didn't seem overwhelming when I first got it, but I concede that it is starting to get a bit batman-like as I shrink. I don't own any skinnies yet....but I'll see what I have in my closet.
I wonder about the pant length....I know they touch the ground with those particular shoes. Is it because wider leg pants look better with heels rather than flats? I bought petite size because it fit better in the waist, and then realized I was stuck wearing flats because otherwise the pants would be way too short.
Thanks!

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I think the shirt looks great and I do like the touch of color underneath. The cape is fab, however I agree slimmer bottoms would possibly be a better match. You do look a little lost in the cape but I think the right styling will put the cape into regular rotation.

13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Regarding the trouser length, I think Shevia has the right idea: swap out the shoes or hose so it's all black with no skin showing, which is breaking up the line.

But, I would not bother to hem these or to obsess too much over PPL right now, not if you are still losing weight. Because weight fluctuations can and do effect the length of your pants! A few more pounds, you may be wearing those trousers with heels not flats. This is one thing that drives me batty about PPL... and is why skinnies and straight legs are so much easier to wear: they don't require precise PPL.

I was thinking about your cape some more last night. Capes are something I never bother to try on, because they come "one size fits all" and at 5' it's like I am consumed by a queen sized bedspread (exaggerating). Then I realized last night, it's probably quite easy to alter a cape down to size! It's just two seams along the shoulder, and shortening the hem (if necessary). Sooo... that is an option to consider as you shrink, should you want to keep the cape. Then again, you have such a lovely body hiding under there... maybe you need a coat that is much more fitted to show it off?

13 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I love the cape and the detail on the teal Tee. I think you were right to go with the slimmer fit because the trousers provide more volume. It's a great look.

13 years ago

deb

Veteran

The teal adds a nice pop of color but I am not fond of the cape. It hides your cute shape. I say 'off with the cape"

13 years ago

Veteran

I think part of the problem is camera angle. You're taking these pictures with the camera fairly high up, which is making your legs look stumpier than I've seen in earlier pictures of you. If I remember right, hip to waist height is the sweet spot to get accurate proportions.

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

Lots more comments to wade through!

Generally I throw on the cape because my only other outerwear for cold weather is my parka. I still love it for how cozy and comfy it is, but size wise it is becoming impractical. It may not last much longer, especially if I finally buy a non-parka coat to where to work.

Shiny, you are so right about PPL. It is driving me crazy, because each week I feel like I need different shoes. I haven't worn my go-to pumps in forever because no pants look right with them.

JR, you make an excellent point. The other pictures were me taking the photo myself using a mirror. This batch was taken by my boyfriend, who is 10 inches taller. I'll have to give him some lessons!

13 years ago

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