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WIW - what is wrong with this picture?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I attempted to use Angie's classic formula and put together this outfit from things I had in my closet. It looks off to me. I like the pieces but it doesn't come together so well. Help me understand why - to start with my scarf tying is completely lame!

Everything thrifted or second hand:
scarf - Gudrun Sjoden
top - Gap striped t-shirt
jacket - Patrizia Pepe
pants - Ann Demeulemeester
shoes - Patrick Cox Wannabees (!) I recently thrifted these (for $2.50) - had not heard of the label, but could not resist an oxford style, pointy toed ankle boot with that name!

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Anonymous

I think it looks good! The only thing I would change is a higher necked shirt, and a different scarf tie, can you wrap it twice aroudn the neck and pouf it out to fill in the neckline of the shirt more?

Otherwise I love the green trousers with the scarf, and the jacket is really neat.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Can you tie the scarf differently?

Everything else looks great. Especially like the cargo pants!

Sara L.

Veteran

The colors in this outfit are great! I think you just need to tie the scarf a little shorter and it would be perfect. I love your slouchy pants and oxford shoes!

Jules

Veteran

Just to get super specific, I think the scarf is hiding too much shirt, so the classic stripe element which anchors the look is missing. So the solutions above will help

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think all the elements are perfect Shevia except for the scarf. The scarf's colours are lovely but the way it is tied, it covers the top entirely and overwhelms the outfit. I would either switch to a smaller scarf or tie it so that it doesn't hang down. You could knot the two ends together and then wrap it around like an infinity scarf?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shevia, it is such a treat to see you outdoors!

I am enjoying the rich colours of the scarf on you. I agree with everyone else that a higher necked T would improve things. And if you don't have a higher necked T, then perhaps tie the scarf to disguise the open neck. I love those shoes; no wonder you went for them! The pants are amazing, too. Are these European or Israeli brands? I don't recognize them.

I am not sure about the cut of the jacket with these pants. It may be absolutely perfect but the scarf is obscuring so I can't really judge whether there's a proportion problem contributing. It is easier to do this look with the skinny pants, but more FUN to try with the slouchies. It is just that we are all still learning how to style those (or at least I am!)

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all of your thoughtful replies! I saw the scarf was not tied well, but was also wondering if the colors even worked together. Ceit, I also thought I needed a higher shirt but this was my only striped shirt on hand - I think I have found a wardrobe hole! Modgrl, Sara, Jules and Shannon, I really appreciate your insight and you have me convinced I need to sit with a scarf in front of some tutorials. Suz, you are so right - it is by experimenting that we learn. The pants are by a Belgian designer and are really gorgeous - I grabbed them on consignment a few months ago and am always looking for ways to wear them. My photo studio/workout space is still in guest room mode so I had to coerce my husband into taking my picture. Luckily he is a good sport!

amiable

Veteran

Here's a scarf tie that might work: Tie the two ends of the scarf together (I usually do two tiny knots, each tying two corners together), then loop it two or three times around your neck to make a cowI.

It's a really lovely scarf!

Carole

Veteran

This is a great outfit and interpretation of Angie's classic formula, but I agree that the scarf is covering too much of your fabulousness! Seems a couple loops around your neck and then working the ends a little will do the trick!

Aida

Veteran

I think really you just need to tie the scarf differently. And possibly get a rougher scarf. Do you have any really oversized square scarves with fringe? Something like that done up muffler style would work really well here. I just made up a hybrid muffler tie this past week, I bet that'd work well too. Not sure I can explain in words but I'll try: Fold diagonally, tie the ends to make a loop. Drape over your neck, then double the ends around so the knot is in front. Take the LOWER triangle and pull it through that knotted loop, and then fluff it all up. (Hmm... I need to do a photo tutorial I think....)

Diana

Veteran

I agree with everyone that the scarf needs to be tied differently. Personally, I think right now there is not enough scarf volume around the neck and too much down below, and it is hiding your shirt and your waist. I think maybe a couple of loose loops around the neck and then tying the ends for a shorter tail might work so that it ends around mid-chest.

catgirl

Veteran

I am so in love with those cargo pants. I can't speak.

Okay, the scarf - I think if you did a messy wrapped around look it would be perfect.

Anonymous

Re-signing in (it's past my bedtime) to tell you how absolutely AMAZING this is Shevia. Good grief! You can easily tie that scarf to actually fill in the low(er) neckline of your top, killing two birds with one stone. I'm sure you'll see some good examples on the tutorials. BTW, I saw you mention on another thread that you were short and that threw me for a loop--I had always assumed you were quite tall!

Kiwichik

Veteran

Not sure that I'm adding any value here but love the jacket and pants - I think as has been suggested either a different scarf or tieing the scarf so show more of the top and or a top with a higher neckline. In Angie's inspiration board the striped top has quite a high neckline.

rute

Veteran

For me the pantsare off! I can't see the fit but they seem a bit baggy!
I would use different knot for the scarf, a more modern one like the one on the pic

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Atlantia

Veteran

Many people have already chimed in with great suggestions. I agree that a higher neckline and different knot on the scarf will do wonders. I feel like the colors of the scarf might be competing with the color of the pants. I really want to admire the pants, but I can't, because the scarf keeps drawing my eye away. Not sure if tying differently will help, but worth a shot.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes Aida, you need to do a photo tutorial! Thank you for your collective wisdom and solutions. My take away is that my scarf tying needs serious work and I really appreciate all the suggestions. I do have a fairly large scarf collection (as thrifters tend to do), so there is no excuse for the wrong scarf for the job. I also agree with the higher neckline, and am on the lookout for the right striped top. Una thank you for the smile! Claire, I am 5'3", which doesn't seem so short until I realize that lots of people are taller ;-).