WIW: 50s meet 70s plus advice on the "orphan" cardi

I haven't been posting much. Partly because life is so hectic, but mostly because my wardrobe is so small that you probably have already seen most combinations.
Anyway - this cropped cardi is sort of an orphan. I sometimes wear it in winter with dark skinnies over long-sleeve top, and even though I love the color (mustard?) I never really feel fab in it. Here I attempted styling it with flares - is it too much mixture of 50s and 70s? I admit neckline looks weird - I think the cardi doesn't work over a t-neck at all, and/or requires a necklace. (I'm "lucky" to be on NJ governor Mr Christie's path today while he is making his big announcement, so was rushing to get out of the house as early as possible to avoid associated traffic).
Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks for reading.

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8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I don't know why you wouldn't feel fab in this outfit because it's gorgeous!!! I love the cardi with flares! The proportions are perfect, the colors are happy and you look great!

If you want to add a little 'something' to this outfit, I think a scarf would be great. I don't think you really need a necklace with such a happy color near your face, unless you want one. But any printed scarf would work. Though I do love this outfit just the way it is.

You're such a petite thing....you should wear more cropped tops!

Daria

Active Member

Maneera, you are so sweet, thank you so much! I always feel self-conscious in cropped tops, even posted about a cropped jacket few months ago. Definitely agree that some sort of scarf or necklace is in order.

A scarf isn't a 'must' but would not be a bad idea. I wonder why you're uncomfortable with cropped lengths?! Can you point out a few things that add to your discomfort? I see you have a very slim body and are rocking the cropped top n flared pants look.

Many people, myself included, are uncomfortable with cropped tops coz they draw attention to the parts we want to hide. In my case it's my big bustline - cropped lengths simply do not fit well as they don't cover my bust and lie flat against my ribcage. They 'gape' in the front from overstretching and make me self conscious. In fact your 'cropped' top fits you the way regular length tops fit me!!! It's almost touching the waistband of your jeans....

So, what do you not like about the look? Just the neckline?

Maneera, that's a very good question! Thinking about it (and I might be generalizing since I don't own many cropped tops or toppers), you are right that they draw attention to the bust, which (in my case lack of..) I would rather hide.. I was always under impression that cropped jackets/cardis would look better on somebody with a bust bigger than mine. I see what you mean though - they can be problematic with larger chest as well.

There you go! So you see, you have nothing to worry about. Add a pretty floral scarf and this outfit would be a 10/10 in my book!

Jenn

I think this look is really cute. The combination of the flares and cropped cardi make your legs go on for miles! I do see what you mean with the v-neck underneath being awkward. Maybe just a simple tank or cami under the sweater next time?

Jenn - thank you, cami is a great idea! I left it unbuttoned in the morning so didn't notice the neckline issue.

Aida

I see this look as a 70s/90s mix Works very nicely, though I think I'd prefer not to see the tank straps peeking out as you've mentioned; the clean neckline will be a very nice finishing detail with the rest of the strong lines in the outfit. This is a really good silhouette and proportion on you -- rock that cropped top, lady!

A thought on the color: is it perhaps too warm or too cool with your coloring? I can't quite tell from the photo, but it's a common issue with shades of yellow.

Aida - thanks! You are probably right and it's too warm. I love yellow (in theory) but it's so tricky.

Brooklyn

I think this silhouette is great on you. You should seek it out! Yellow is not one of my fave colours but I do think it suits your dark hair. Have you thought about adding a cuff/bangle or a black ring? It is a very minimalist/clean look but I would want to turn it a bit more maximal!

tulle

Beautifully fit flares, and a pretty cardigan--a nice combo, I think, though yellow can be difficult. Is that a black or navy tank underneath? Why not just unbutton the sweater so the yellow would not be right under your face, and the pants & tank would form that very desirable "column of color?" An interesting necklace echoing the neckline of the tank would add a lot of polish, too.

Joy

I have a black cardigan this shape and crop and wear it a lot with sleeveless summer dresses as it is easy to carry in a handbag. You look wonderful in this outfit.

Brooklyn, tulle - thank you for all the suggestions! Really should play around with the look more, when I'm not in a rush.
Joy - never thought of pairing it with a dress. It could work! Thank you!

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