WIW - Fuchsia and Gingham (And if you're feeling analytical, why doesn't it work?)

Today I am wearing a gingham shirt from Joe Fresh semi-tucked into Express columnist slim bootleg pants, a fuchsia zippered cardigan from Reitmans, and black pumps. In the photo I am wearing black socks, but only because I'd put them on before I took the photo (I wore them with my flat boots to drive to work and swapped for bare feet + pumps at my desk).

I feel a bit bleh about the outfit but haven't quite put my finger on why. I think for one the cardigan doesn't layer as well as I'd like over the cotton shirt vs a silky blouse. And maybe the whole outfit is just a bit too staid? I was sure I had worn something like this before and been okay with it, so I went back through my photo archive to find a pic (#3). In my previous outfit the shirt is untucked over slim pants with my spikey tasselled loafers. The cardigan still doesn't layer as nicely as I'd like, but I like the outfit better overall.

What do you think - how could I improve this look? What about it works and what doesn't?

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12 years ago

Anonymous

I really like #1 as is. And better than 3. I think the shirt worn out is throwing the proportions off. A semi-tuck?
The black socks may be the problem for you in 1, and showing some ankle skin could help.
Have you tried the gingham shirt under a floral print cardi or jacket or even layered with another shirt?

merwoman

Veteran

I am always inspired by what you do with that JF B/W check shirt. I have the same one and learn so much from you!
I like both pic 1 and 3 - pic 1 seems more appropriate for office, while 3 is more casual. You wear orchid with the best!
As far as what's off - hmmmm I don't see anything off except for a wee thought that maybe this outfit is more wintery than spring in feel, and maybe that's what you're feeling?

Mona

This is a wonderful outfit. The fuschia looks beautful with black and white shirt and the pointy toed shoes make the whole outfit very 2014.

deb

Try scrunching the sleeves for structure. I think that my be what is missing.

MsMary

Yes, I think rolling or scrunching the sleeves would help a lot. Photo 3 has some skin showing because of the cropped pants, and that freshens it up a little, whereas today's outfit is Verra Verra Covered Up.

celia

I actually like the proportions better in the first photo and the outfit works really well.
However, I agree that it might miss some detail that makes it more 2014 like a scrunch sleeve, sportier shoes, or something of the kind.

Suz

(website)

I think you look great. Scrunched sleeves might be an improvement, but only if that's comfortable. I have a feeling (ha ha) that this is a "feeling" issue vs. a visual one. Something about the way the shirt feels with the sweater is throwing you.

kkards

i agree with rolling or scrunching the sleeves. you could also try a tank under the shirt and leave one more button open.

Emily

@Joy, you're right, I think the lack of socks makes a big difference. And I'll have to take a peek at my printed items and see what I've been overlooking, thank you for the suggestion!

@Merwoman, you're so sweet! I want to try this shirt with a cropped sweater after seeing your fab cropped sweater/shirt look on Saturday. I think you're bang on both about the other outfit being more casual (funny what a difference a few small changes can make) and about this one being very wintery. Perhaps grey bottoms would help...

@Mona, thank you! I do love these shoes.

@Deb, excellent suggestion for scrunch. One of the things I dislike about this sweater/shirt combo is that I can't really scrunch the sleeves easily - I have to roll them per #3.

@MaryK, have you been reading Outlander?

@Celia, you're right, there really is no "2014" aspect to this outfit. I like the idea of a sportier shoe!

@Suz, good point, and I think you're bang on. I never feel like the shirt and sweater are in quite the right place relative to each other. Perhaps this shirt and cardigan were just not meant to be worn together by me.

@kkards, I like the idea of popping an extra button. Maybe to show a statement necklace? Hmmm...

Looks like I have a few things to ponder... thanks everyone!

TraceyLiz65

Sometimes those longer boyfreind cardigans can be tough to style, at least in my experience. I pprefer them over skinny's or a straight skirt or dress... Love the color .

fuzzylogic

I love the colour palette and the board you have created!!! #3 with the flats is fab!
To create the more polished look you seem to be going for here perhaps a blazer or knitted jacket might work better with a splash of that gorgeous fuschia as part of the accessories eg handbag, shoes or scarf?

Helena

I think they both look nice ... the first one looks a little more "buttoned up" to me; the second is more relaxed?

Day Vies

I like the proportions in both outfits just fine Pic #3 may have a slight edge. Either way this is something I would wear myself if I could button my gingham shirt ;-). I love navy and fuchsia together.
Maybe you need another color or additional shine (metallic flats? cobalt flats? ) to really bring the outfit up to your standards?

annagybe

Hmm, the zippered cardigan is very Mr. Rogers. I kinda want to embrace the frump and button shirt up all the way. Tuck with the cropped pants and loafers. PeeWee Herman meets Mr. Rogers ala Man Repeller.

Caro in Oz

I think the cardigan looks a little long too. The reason it works better in #3 imo is that you have some ankle showing. I do love the colour on you I'd try it with a slightly lower neckline underneath.

DonnaF

To my eye, the gingham checked shirt, belt buckle, cardigan, and pant drape read a little androgynous, and the pump style is very feminine. If you were wearing a heeled loafer or a more androgynous/masculine shoe I think it might feel better.

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