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WIW - Target schoolboy blazer + frump problem

rachylou

Veteran

ETA: Added pic that shows the collar.

So... in the course of last weekend's shopping blitz with dd, I picked up the Target schoolboy blazer in the blackwatch plaid. I really like it, but...

I blanked out this morning. I can't remember how everybody is making blazers look so cool. First I put it on with a blue/teal button-down shirt with little florals. It did go with the jacket (no really), but I looked so frumpy. Like... like an office worker who hasn't made it out of the office since the '80s and so doesn't know they're over!

I don't wear collared shirts often. This may be why. I don't think I have a short neck or anything, but I feel like a no-neck. I tried switching out for an orange button-down. I don't know how Angie manages to look so modern in a collared button down.

Help!

p.s. Excuse the hair. Trying to grow out the asymmetrical and now the mullet from the haircut bus. And of course, apologies for the bad ladies room lighting.

p.p.s. I *am* proud of myself for not buying the Target windbreaker even tho it was so cute and remembering I only wear puffers.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Gaylene

catgirl

Veteran

I have the same issue - too much going on around the neckage when two collars are involved. I wear blazers with t-shirts or jewel-neck blouses.

I can't really see your neck here, though! And the blazer is adorable! Target, you say?

JR

Veteran

You're going to have to hold the camera to the side, I'm afraid. I can't see the shirt at all.

The Vneck of a button-down is actually very, very flattering for a short neck. Or a non-existent one, like mine.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's a cute jacket! And the fit looks really good on you, from what I can tell.

It's hard to see the collar, but if you feel uncomfortable with a jacket and button down, maybe try a layering T and a scarf, or just a crew or scoop neck or boat neck top with it. I understand what you mean about the shirt and blazer; you really have to do it right to avoid looking like 1980 all over again.

catgirl

Veteran

Here's an attempt by me, with a tie, EVEN! Stumpy-neck!

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....oots-fryes

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. I added a pic showing the collar, which you'd have thought I'd done in the first place. *Roll eyes at self.*

Have to say, ladies, some serious insights into the nature of collars here. Wearing two at once and V-necks... I am a dunce! I'm not even sure how you guys see these things, even after being told.

But it's interesting you know, right, because on my essentials list are "collarless blouses" and tho unstated, this means a rounded collar. I, as a general rule, never wear V-necks and have to wonder why.

catgirl

Veteran

See, with collars like that my head feels crowded somehow. Give me some distance, collar!

JR

Veteran

Una, the tie is what created the V to elongate your neck, even with the buttons done up to the top. Vs don't have to reveal skin, they just have to create the line. That was a truly fantastic outfit, by the way. The tie added so much.

rachylou

Veteran

I really like that outfit Una. Maybe it's because of the tie. Or the narrowness of the jacket collar compared to the shirt collar. I don't see any frump.

Or maybe it's the pants and boots. I'm wearing my office trousers. The principle of the whole outfit IS very average.

JR

Veteran

I don't see frumpy at all. I don't have the best eye for what's dated, being an old fogey and not too conscious of trends, so I won't comment there. You could open the collar of the blouse a bit, to make the V more obvious, but the blazer is already doing a good job of that, so it's not too critical.

I you want collarless, a deeper scoop works better for short necks. OR wear a scarf or necklace to draw the eye away from the neck, which creates a lengthening effect. I sometimes really enjoy wearing a higher neckline, but I always accessorize, because otherwise I have this big chunk of plain space between my arms, topped by the circle of my head, which really doesn't look good. A necklace, even just a simple chain looped a couple of times, makes all the difference. Anything to break up the space and provide a sort of reflection for my head. If that makes sense.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Angie or others may chime in with more fashion forward advice but I think the orange shirt under the blazer looks pretty fresh, not frumpy. Then again I do like orange with blue quite a lot.

I'd play around with various collared and non-collared shirts under this. See the link on the nordstrom equestrian blazer http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....an-blazer/ for some more inspiration.

I would say with the orange blouse you mght want to either unbutton one more button down or button all the way up and add a pendant, tie, etc.

Isis

Veteran

Can you open up the collar of shirt over the blazer ? Scrunch or fold up the sleeves of the blazer? Either would break up the mass of dark....

jayne

Veteran

to make it look cool ya gotta scrunch and pop! It takes practice but I am getting the hang of it!
Love that blazer, great find.

Anonymous

I like Isis's styling ideas. Cute jacket.

rachylou

Veteran

Mm, good tips! I unbuttoned one more button, but I don't think that did anything to create more V. The jacket is keeping the shirt closed (and I'm too cold too unbutton the jacket). I've also popped the collar out (popping it up will require starch and an iron, lol). Will have to sneak off again to the ladies to see how it looks.

I was trying on pendant necklaces this morning. I think I've found another wardrobe hole: A long skinny pendant.

The Gibson link is a good one. I've rejected silky blouses for a long time, but I've bought some recently. I may need a couple more. I like that lace tee from the link.

Kristine

Veteran

I really like it, but I have the same problem with certain blazers too. Sometimes I feel dated, not retro. I'd suggest trying skinnier pants, maybe stovepipe or ankle pants. That's helped for some of mine.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Button right up to the to?

Pop the collars? Don't know if my pics will help.

Try a sweater or knitted tops instead of a shirt.

I love the orange with the blazer!

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rachylou

Veteran

Oh thank you Angie for putting your pics here all together... I am studying them...

catgirl

Veteran

The issue with silk shirts if that the collar flops under a blazer collar and often looks different on the button and non-button side. At least that's true of my Equipment ones.

rachylou

Veteran

It would have to be just the right silk shirt. I was thinking about it looking at H&M shirts yesterday. Maybe even collarless. Or a nehru collar or something like that. The ones H&M had looked like they'd be too floppy like that, Una.

I went by H&M last night (because I want the photoprint sweater) (not in yet) and tried on a stretch lace shirt (a la the Nordie's pic). The neckline was too high. For a scandalous shirt, it actually looked boring under the blazer.

Tried some of the suggestions too (below) (ignore the end of the day ragged factor please!). I like the collar out and buttoned up... although buttoned up does have a certain Chair Mao effect. As for up, I don't think my orange shirt can do a popped collar, not even with starch and ironing. There's something about the dimensions of the collar itself.

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Jonesy

Veteran

I love the orange shirt with the plaid jacket, as-is (in your first set of pics)! The color is bold and you look modern and chic, not frumpy, IMHO. I agree with you that the buttoned-all-the-way-up look and the popped collar aren't quite perfect, with this particular collar.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think that buttoned-up and popped collars work as long as the the height of the collar and the length of your neck work together. The collar on your orange shirt seems a bit high for this look, making your neck look shorter. Maybe try the look with a collar that is stiffer and which sits lower on your neck. I think Angie's long neck and short hair are important factors in how she rocks this look.

That said, I always feel a bit frumpy with a classic jacket and a collared shirt. Just too many associations with staid office wear for my taste, I guess. Why not try the jacket with a light-weight orange sweater?