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Wiw - help me understand why this outfit sucks!

Helena

Veteran

Hi there! Ok, so not that I thought this was high fashion or anything, but iny mind this was not a bad outfit ... The burgundy pants are simple and a nice color, the plaid scarf and cable knit sweater are cozy for fall, and I like the cut of the sweater. And yet I feel so rotten in this outfit ... Like I'm trying to hard but not succeeding. Any brilliant thoughts on why this doesn't work? Appreciate your insights!

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Muffin

Veteran

Hmmm, I'm not going to be helpful at all because I think it looks really nice and put together.

Ginger

Veteran

I think this might be a personal question. It looks very cute and comfortable, and I love the amount of white and non-black. So if you feel uncomfortable, like something's off, it's probably because it's a departure for your style in some way. Are any of these pieces new? Have you worn them in other outfits and they felt good? What's the difference between those outfits and this one?

Sara L.

Veteran

I don't see anything wrong with this outfit either. It looks like something I would wear. Can you pinpoint what feels so wrong? Too much color? Not enough color? Etc.

peacechick

Veteran

I think this outfit is lovely too! Do you normally wear white and burgundy? I've found I'm not comfortable wity high contrast... but this outfit doesn't have that high of a contrast to me.

rachylou

Veteran

It's pretty! But I suppose what it doesn't have is that little bit of zing or sparkle - something shiny, like earrings, or stompy, like boots.

Helena

Veteran

I'm not sure really ... I'm heading out now in it; I'll ponder! Thanks for the kind words though

Helena

Veteran

Rachy, throwing on some sparkly studs before I leave ... will keep you posted ...

JAileen

Veteran

I think it needs some shoes. Otherwise it's very nice.

El Cee

Veteran

You look absolutely lovely! Could something be wrong with your mirror?
JAileen is cracking me up. Yes... shoes would be good.

Anonymous

I think you are being more critical of the outfit than an outside observer would be! Of course we are usually our own worst critics. I like the outfit, maybe you could improve your own opinion of it with some cool boots or bling or bag. (Such as a leopard bag as per recent Angie post).

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Anticipating the review after shoes and the earrings were added , as I think it's a nicely put together look.

LaPed

Veteran

Could this be a matter of silhouette fatigue? I wonder if your eyes are adjusting away from the loose top/skinny bottom look and towards the new-again proportions of fitted tops and fuller bottoms.

The long-over-lean and loose-over-lean looks have definitely, finally, reached a saturation point where I live -- especially now that the weather's cooled down.

Last thought -- a bit of wrist or ankle might help here. I often feel a bit blah if I don't bother turning up my pant cuff or scrunching my sleeve a bit. That can help ground/complete a look.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

What do you think is wrong with it? You look nice though but maybe it's too "safe" for you???!!! Maybe you need to add something with a little oomph! how about a cool fedora hat?

susan

I think it looks beautiful. If I had to change something I'd say maybe find a lighter weight scarf. The scarf seems to overwhelm you a bit but that's just being picky really. You look great.

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read the other responses, but I think that what you are seeing is that the proportions are not optimal--the top and bottom cut you almost in half. I'm not quite sure how to fix it. A couple of possibilities would be to wear a high-heeled bootie in a dark color that blends with the pants and thus extends your leg line (making the dark-colored area clearly longer than the light-colored one), or else roll the pants up significantly and wear them with a light-colored bootie (to help "shorten" the dark-colored area so that it is clearly not equal to the light-colored area).

Summer

Veteran

The only thing I notice is that the pants may need hemming a tad shorter, although it's difficult to be sure without the footwear. They seem to be wrinkling a little around the ankles. Otherwise, this is a perfectly nice outfit to my eye, and will be just right once you've added the shoes/boots.
Another thought is that maybe one or two pieces just may not be items that you really love - even though they suit you perfectly. If that's the case, it's time to let them go.

kkards

Veteran

yup....i have worn plently of outfits like this....in my mind the outfit is fab, but on...something just seems off, at least to me.....i think it often comes down to emotional comfort.....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think it's emotional comfort. It looks like a great outfit for your job. But check your feelings about the fit of each item. I see what Gigi sees re the proportions but I also think camera angle and footwear play a role and IRL this is probably not at all unflattering. (I'm always sensitive to that particular issue since my legs are on the shorter side and I'm easily cut in half by tunic length sweaters that look fab on others.)

ma

Veteran

I think you look very nice. I wish I could see the footwear you chose. Maybe try tying the scarf a different way? Angie mentioned somewhere that the "muffler" style felt more current (a while ago so maybe not so current anymore? I am not sure) Maybe it is missing a statement piece...a fun topper or handbag that isn't matchy?? Just ideas, I am not sure why you don't love this look.

Helena

Veteran

Just popping in to thank everyone for your kind and insightful responses ... Haven't had a chance to comment but have read every one and am pondering them all! Will pop in after work today to respond properly ... Thanks wise women! Xx

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is not a bad outfit. Shoes would help.

FWIW, I think you're reacting to the sloppy vibe of the pullover. A less than fab fit. You usually prefer things more tailored, Helena. If you were my client - the rolled back cuffs and too wide hem make it a contender for the pass-on pile.

Jaime

I agree that a cool pair of shoes would really help a lot. I would do ankle boots with a heel. I also think maybe the pants should be a bit tighter to offset the large sweater. If you have skinny jeans they would look great-and save the burgandy ones to wear with a more fitted top.

Helena

Veteran

OK, thanks again to everyone; I've learned a lot from this thread so thanks for indulging me! A few of you wondered about the silhouette and then Angie's comment cemented it - this is not my silhouette. The sweater is too loosey-goosey and in fact, the fit of the pants, while not horrible, is not perfect either. So I think I felt a bit too floppy and sloppy in it. Into the donation pile with the sweater; the pants will get another chance with a more tailored supporting act and then we'll see if they make the cut. It's the same with a blush sweater I wore the other day; love the color and in theory, I love the cut, but I felt bad in it and I think it's the drapey silhouette.

The other key learning was around the accessorizing, and yes, quite right you all were. I added a bit of sparkle per Rachy's comment and immediately felt better. I also DID in fact wear shoes I wore gray wedge booties, and the bit of height made the whole silhouette work a little better for my personal style and comfort.

Most importantly, I've learned that I've been using YLF all wrong! Rather than sharing my successes, I must try much harder to share my fails ... with this wisdom to tap into, I'll learn way more!!

Thanks all xoxo

RobinF

Veteran

This has been a very informative thread. I looked and said, that looks fine, and then read the comments and looked again and could see what they were talking about. Such a great learning experience.

rachylou

Veteran

I really think that's interesting about the silhouette of the sweater. The droopy-ness. I'm RATE, so I'd run with it; but I can see how it would be uncomfortable. I also personally don't like medium thin cotton sweaters that often...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This makes perfect sense to me -- I'm uncomfortable in a too drapey sweater, too. I like oversized but only if it is reined in quite strictly in places. So, for instance, I have an oversized sweater from J. Crew that is really oversized in the body -- but the sleeves and cuffs are narrow and that gives structure, as does the knit (flat) and the pattern (framed -- so, outlining the arms and shoulders.)

Anonymous

Yes, I'm glad others have chimed in.
For me, I need something thick 'n chunky or else thin/medium weight and a little form fitting.

Style Fan

Veteran

I thought you looked great but I see what Angie is talking about now. I didn't go for long over lean (doesn't work for me) so I have a harder time telling what works for someone when it comes to long oversized sweaters.
I do like your jeans. The colour is great.