WIW- a weekend full of cardigans (buttoned v unbuttoned)

I've been under the weather and not terribly creative this weekend, but I thought it would be useful to post for feedback.

#1. Skinny gray jeans + boots+ colorblocked cardigan + happy toddler in rainboots
#2: Same outfit, unbuttoned
#3: Same outfit (cardigan buttoned)

I was pretty happy with this outfit buttoned - I felt like the cami was too tight to wear with the cardigan opened (too bodycon in an unflattering way.)

#4: Skinny cords + boots + semi-tucked tunic + boyfriend cardigan
#5: same outfit, untocked with cardigan closed

This outfit looked much better in my head than IRL. Untucked, it got a thumbs-down from my husband, and it struck me as a bit swash-buckly to boot. (Yar!). With the cardigan closed, it looked frumpy (perhaps because I sized up on the cardigan to get a slouchy effect?)

In general, my husband is not a big fan of cardigans and thinks they make me look like I'm dressing "older than necessary". I can see his point- I can't quite get the cardigan to be the correct level of bodycon - it always seem to camouflage the waist too much (from a male perspective, "waist -surrending" trend nonwithstanding).

Thoughts?

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13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think these cardigans look great on you! To my eye, they fit in just the right relaxed way. Modern! You have great MOTG style, and your little one is as stylish as you are.

N-Marie

Veteran

Thanks Angie! Your opinion means a lot to me

I'm really trying to add some variety to my MOTG look, but it's a challenge.

I don't consciously try to match clothes with my daughter but somehow it seems to happen quite frequently. Since I dress her first (at whatever terribly early time she decides to wake), that means I must be subconsciously picking my outfits based on hers!

Inge

Moderator

I'm sorry you weren't feeling well, N-Marie, I sure couldn't tell from these stylish outfits. I agree with Angie on the cardis, they fit exactly right, and you've picked very flattering and on-trend colours that make them even more modern. I love this formula (cardigan or sweater or blazer + jeans/skinnies tucked into boots - a fail-proof and fab MOTG formula and you do it extremely well).

And your daughter and you make such a sweet pair.

rachylou

I love #4 and 5. I like the weight of the sweater, the single strand simplicity of the necklace, the neckline of the grey tee, and the contrast of the dark jeans.

Baby, btw, is also totally adorable in her outfits!

biscuitsmom

Love those looks!

shiny

Your daughter is the PERFECT accessory! She's adorable!

Okay pic 4 is *exactly* what I have been aiming for, as a casual uniform!! Simple cotton top, with just the right amount of slouch, and half tucked. To my eye, you totally nailed it.

I have yet to add cardigan; I wind up living in those for days on end when it gets cold enough I need a wool coat.. so for now I want to enjoy my blazers....

Makrame

These look great! The fit looks perfect to me - not too tight, not too baggy - and the colors are gorgeous.

Both you and your daughter are amazingly photogenic.

Raisin

Love all those MOTG looks....good inspiration for me!

Thanks everyone!

It's interesting to hear that so many of you like the semi-tucked shirt. I think my eye (and apparently my husband's too) is still poisoned against the look on me. I feel like it draws the eye to my upper thighs and hip (not exactly my favorite body parts!)

It took me a long time to get used to skinnies too (my husband was on board with those right away, though!). Who knows how long it will take me to get used to tucking!

Asingh

The cardigans look great.

Trust your hubby; if he thinks your hips and thighs look fab in skinnies, then they do! And you should flaunt them!

I do know what you mean, though. When I first adopted skinnies, I'd wear with a voluminous top that came down low, covering up midsection and hips. Then I'd add a non-slouchy cardigan or blazer to reign in and create a waist. I am very fatigued with this look, but still want to wear skinnies.

So this (your pic 3) is exactly how it's done, this is more fresh and modern: your top skims and is ever so slouchy. My eye goes to two places on your body: your chest, and your waist. The V-neck draws my eye to your chest (but in a modest way). The top isn't voluminous but also not-too-tight. Half tucking gives you back a waist, while also concealing any muffin. If you took the cardigan off, having the top untucked in the back will create a flattering rear view. If you felt your hips were too "long" (vertically, and I don't think they are), you could add a wide belt to shorten them.

Yes, I over-analyze.

Ingunn

You look great, half-tuck and all! I love your choices of colors, they are so flattering on you. And your daughter is a princess! I've had three little girls, and I recall how fun it was to dress them up. Now they decide everything themselves, naturally. There is a time and place for everything, so please enjoy your early mornings. You might miss them some day.

Sara L.

I know what you about cardigans making you feel frumpy because I frequently feel the same way in mine. I prefer the outfit in pics #4 and #5. The colors look great on you and the cardigan doesn't look frumpy at all.

saramir

Active Member

LOVE your style! I have a little boy the same age as your little girl and am struggling with some similar issues re: feeling body conscious, but you really look great. I like these cardigans buttoned. I also think I'd like them smaller on you. Love the boots!

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