WIW as Mayor of Snoozeville--this needs help - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW as Mayor of Snoozeville--this needs help

froggiebecky

Veteran

Hi Everyone,
I didn't think I should post this, but then realized that I absolutely should, since dressing like this is what drove me here in the first place. This is just your average "I'm going to work" outfit, only notable for the fact that it isn't jeans. To me it's totally snooze-worthy, and possibly a little bit older than my age. It needs some life breathed into it. Looking at it now as I type, I realize a scarf would have helped a lot. But I still feel like it's a solid wasteland, and the silhouette might also be dated.
Thoughts?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from AviaMariah

abc

Veteran

I don't think it is snoozeville material. I think the scarf you mentioned would liven it up a bit, and maybe swapping out the shoes for something with a contrast against the pants, as the shoes and pants are kind of blending into one (sometimes a good strategy for leg lengthening, but I am not getting that effect with these particular shoes). Don't stress, I've seen way worse on the streets plus you are here to improve your outfits by putting yourself out there. You will get better at this, don't worry!

ETA: that color blue looks very pretty with your hair and skin coloring. So there!

Adelfa

Veteran

I thought that about my clothes when I came here too... not saying I still don't.

I like the purple with the tobacco. And the color of your shoes extends the leg line. Plus the pants/shoes color relates well to the color of your hair.

The sweater might look better longer and with a more relaxed fit. Also you might try not using white with this outfit. I like the line of the necklace but with this outfit I might try a metal that's warmer, maybe bronzy.

Just some ideas to try. I do like the purple/tobacco combo--unexpected and fab.

Anonymous

I don't think this is a snore either! I think a scarf would be a good change instead of the necklace. A longer boyfriend style cardi might be fun to try. I like the purple/blue and the tobacco colours together, I would try and find something in a similar saturation to wear under the cardi instead of the white.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The colours are great together -- an interesting yet harmonious pairing.

How about swapping out the cardigan for a jacket?

Do you have a style direction in mind?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

First of all - congratulations on posting. You did the right thing if you want to update your style - nothing is like posting a picture and getting feedback. Good for you!
I think the colors work together very well and this deep blue is very flattering.
I can see several tweaks which can help here if you want to take this outfit to the next level:
- it maybe it is the way you stand but it looks to me the pants are a bit snug, no? For me the fastest way to feel frumpy in an outfit is when something does not fit well. However it maybe just my own preference to not-tight fitting pants so you can ignore me completely
- This cardigan is a lovely color but it is a bit too short for pants IMO. It would look great with the skirt though. Do you have a longer one?
- Just one word- SHOES. The most important thing I have learned from Angie was that nothing can make or break your style like footwear. These shoes are a bit too clunky for bootcut pants, this cut of pants looks its best with elongated toe box. The color works well with these pants though to create a longer leg line or you can use a fun color or pattern for more interest.

I hope I was not out of line with these suggestions and again - I am cheering you for taking the courage and post!

Diana

Veteran

I think this is not bad at all. I really like the color combo here, it's very flattering and unexpected in a good way. I think that the top part is a little short for pants (it's more of an ideal top length for skirts). Adding a longer scarf could work, as could choosing either a longer cardigan or top (but in the latter case I don't think I'd pick a white top since it would result in a white band across the midsection). Or, as Suz suggests, a jacket. But beware, YLF started my jacket obsession and now I have a ton. I think that's a common occurrence around here...

marit

I agree the cardi might look better with a longer cut. While I like both the pant colour and the cardi colour on you the combo of the two is not working for me but the colour blocking is definitely not "snoozeville"!

froggiebecky

Veteran

Thanks for the insights, everyone!

I agree that a longer cardi might have worked here. I started with one in green, but swapped it out because it didn't go with the shirt (which is lavender). I like longer cardis, but tend to stay away from the "boyfriend" styles, as they end at the widest part of my hips, or get hung up on my substantial booty.

The pants are perhaps a little snug. they have loosened up as the day goes on (as pants tend to do). I'm not convinced about these yet.

Interesting thought that the shoes are too clunky for the pants. I hadn't considered that. I'm starting to wonder if my shoe closet needs more work.

A jacket might be a good idea, but it might make the whole look too formal for work. (would it?) I'm a PhD student in the sciences, and I don't teach--jeans and tees are expected, and there's a decent chance on any given day I need to hop in the lab. Then again, that's why man created lab coats.

As far as style direction goes, I'd like to move to something that's funky fun/eclectic (hence the shoes), and feminine, with a possible dose of retro inspiration, as I can sport most hats with ease, and fuller skirts are good to me. And a good dose of global traveler (because I am one) This look is too classic for me, and when left to my own devices, I have a bad habit of falling into jeans ruts.

Nicola

Good on you for posting. I think Sveta's advice is spot on. And isn't this the same cardigan that looked gorgeously retro with your spotty skirt? Is there some way you could bring that arty feel into this outfit too, and is that a look you like? You suit it.

Nicola

Cross posted with you... Check out Audi at fashion for nerds (geek threads.blogspot) if you haven't come across her already. She's funky, eclectic AND in sciences!

froggiebecky

Veteran

Thanks, Nicola. yes, it's the same cardigan. Yes, I like the artsy look. hmm...I've been following Audi for a while now...I wish I had her wardrobe budget, and her shoe collection! I love her style.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I love this colour combo on you! NOT Snoozeville at all! Warm, rich fall palette.

I agree with others that this particular cardi seems a smidge too short for pants. But that may be remedied by an untucked or semi-tucked top under it, while leaving the cardi open.

Also, might I venture that most scarves would send this further into conservative territory? You'd want a funkier texture---ruffles, leather, infinity knits---to add eclectic...which in turn should make the shoes (I quite like 'em!) feel right at home. Or a chunkier modern necklace. For retro, daintier shoes perhaps as Sveta said, or a Chanelesque jacket? or patterned blazer...

Lyn D.

Veteran

Hi Becky, this may be the first time I have seen your pics.
First thing I thought of when Sveta mentioned shoes was 'Rivers'. Deborah and I have lots them, and their prices on leather-lined shoes are really good.
I understand about the dressiness of jackets for students, and could see you in a tunic length cardi that skims over your behind with these pants.
There is nothing wrong with the jeans and Tee uniform during the cooler weather, and scarfs, interesting knits plus booties can lift your outfit to the next level.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Just saw your other post.
You could try the oxfords you wore with the skirt with pants/jeans for a dressier option too.

Lantana

Veteran

Hello again froggiebecky. You've already got some good advice here. I'd suggest that the snug fit on both top and bottom is reading rather dated to your eye. Swapping out volume in one of those items will freshen up the look. Check out Angie's MOTG formulas for some great ideas on that.
Smart move to post an outfit you feel iffy about; I think that's when you see the full wisdom of the forum come into play.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

You are are more ahead in this than you realize! You know what style direction you want to move to. The best thing to to is to exmine your current wardrobe and firgure out what you could add within budget to make the biggest changes towards your newfound style direction.
The shoes from the skirt pics you posted are perfect for the style you desire.
What would be the best things to add to the classics you have to give you that global travelr, fun/eclictic feminine style? Find things that work to give you that and get them in a versatile color that mixes and matches well with what is currently in your closet.
Also remember that you can dress however you feel best for you regardless of whether it fits the mold of the typical PHD student!
This is a fun journey to define your style and then make it happen! Enjoy it!
Keep posting hits and misses and the ladies will help you to refine your desired style!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Our own Diana might be a great style inspiration to you. She has a funky, romantic, and sometimes a bit retro style, and she works in a lab! Follow that woman's posts! She has amazing style.

Helena

Veteran

I agree with the comments that something a bit bolder on top - either a scarf of statement necklace, would finish this off perfectly. As a HUGE believer (for myself) in simple dressing, I don't find this snoozy at all, one more touch and you're golden - even as-is, it's simple and polished.

Beth Ann

Veteran

You already received excellent advice! And you've demonstrated that you have great style instincts in the color pairing here and the fab concert outfit you posted earlier. I wanted to add two things:

We have lots of "lab based" YLFers. Diana, Ceit and Tanya come to mind. We have many more "academics" and PhD students, so you'll find a community to work out that whole "environmental norm" issue.

I think that a jacket often adds great polish to that tee/jeans combo. Remember that even a fun graphic concert tee under a black jacket can work. Also, I love the Ponte fabric jackets in my closet, because they feel as comfy as a sweater.

Anonymous

Hi! waving hello and welcome! This is the first time I run into you here...

First, this is a pretty normal outfit for anyone working on a business casual environment. I like in a pretty large city, known for a decent fashion coefficient and yes, I see ladies wearing similar outfits here. So, in my opinion, there is not a thing worng with it.
Now, can you make it even more fabulous and less cookie cutter? absolutely!
it all depends on where you want to go with it. I am one to prefer more tailored fits, so I do like how the trousers fit you. In reality, most women I see on the streets here wear their work trousers snug. I am not on the oversized trouser wagon yet. As such, my upgrades on this one would go as follows:
Replace footwear with a less heavy alternative: Maybe a dorsay pointy toe flat like Ceit is wearing today. You could even add a patterned shoe, that would be super fun. A leopard print pointy toe flat would look awesome. The pants would be too short for heels, I will stick to a flat shoe.
Open the cardigan up. The blazer is a good idea but I have to give up blazers when it gets really hot. I cannot just stick them in my purse, so I'm okay with the cardi.
Add a different under layer that is not a knit. Perhaps a silky loose shell underneath, in a cream or white, would work wonders. Do a semi tuck or untuck. You need a longer top underneath the cardi. I am tempted to say untuck.
If you untuck the shirt, loose the belt. I think the pants are snug enough not to need a belt.
Replace necklace with a more hefty one. perhaps a bib necklace.
Scrunch the sleeves of the cardi up, add a watch. You need to expose a little more skin to make the outfit look less staid.
That would create a much more modern outfit, with very simple tweaks.
And, no, I would not add a scarf.
ETA: Adding pictures of my tweaks.

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AviaMariah

Veteran

I'm going to follow this post as I have those snooze-worthy work outfits too. I like the advise you've gotten so far, especially from Sveta about fit and footwear..