WIW: casual non-denim ink-out

I'm trying Angie's ink-out ensemble today. When I saw the post originally, I figured I'd do it with jeans, since I wear them a lot on my days off. But I need to teach a class today, so I went with chinos instead. I substituted an ink-and-black checked top and a silver belt for the texture in Angie's ensemble, to un-flatten the look. What do you think? Does it work?

The outfit:
Navy ankle chinos (Caslon); navy and black checked cowl-neck blouse (made by me); navy merino boyfriend cardigan (Halogen); silver belt, earrings, and bracelet with silver-rimmed stones; black loafers (Munro); taupe trench (Calvin Klein); black satchel (Elliott Luca, Olvera).

Thanks for looking! I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

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Nordstrom

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench Coat (Online Only)

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Elliott Lucca 'Olvera' Satchel

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Munro 'Kimi' Loafer

$199.95 $54.90

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9 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I really like your silver accessories with the ink outfit. Ink and black can be so hard to photograph - I'm having a hard time seeing the checks on the shirt. It sounds like a great idea though.

Anonymous

I like the chinos in ink-out mode! (Hard to see the checks in the blouse on my monitor, but it seems they add to the general inkiness, instead of standing out, which is good.) Do you scrunch sleeves? I wonder if that would add or detract in this case? (I'm an inveterate scruncher.) The silver belt is a great touch. I like the shine and the break in the column of blue here -- your long line can handle it. And the silver tones in with your jewelry, even down to the snaffle bit (or whatever it's called) on your loafers. Again, just some immediate impressions, for whatever they're worth....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE the ink-out. Strict, until you hit the pewter belt. A pair of black booties would look great here, Sharan.

Staysfit

This looks wonderful. On my monitor the slacks look black, but I trust that they are inky navy blue. I like the softness of the turtleneck. You can handle the dark colors well and I like how you didn't create a bold contrast with the trench, but kept that muted. It complements your coloring nicely.

Lulu

Active Member

Just found Angie's ink post and loooved it. Looks good on you.

I hope you don't mind that I search my mind for what suggestions I can make when reviewing your outfits...
I think I want a funkier sweater (maybe cacoon styling) and opaque black or blue socks/stockings to extend the line.
And I have to be honest, I'm not a metallic belt kinda gal. My eye always goes right to it... versus just adding a little detail.
Okay, now I'm going to run for the hills. Sorry....

TraceyLiz65

I love Angie's suggestion of wearing booties with this look and I think I'd prefer a long necklace over the belt cutting the look in half. I love the tan trench with the navy.

Joy

Now I want a black/navy check top. What a great idea. It is the star of the outfit. I find navy pants other than dark jeans hard to work with but this is a great idea. You could wear the pieces with jeans too

catgirl

Fabulous. Love ink-out outfits on the forum!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Thanks, everyone! I wish you all could see the black and navy checks. The fabric is like a dark version of gingham, with 3/4" checks.

Aargh--pants are so frustrating (as are skirts, for that matter--LOL!). Anything other than skinnies or bootcut jeans are almost impossible for me to wear with confidence. I don't like the look of this length in the photos (although I liked it okay in the mirror), so I appreciate your suggestions.

Angie and TraceyLiz, I had on black booties and then decided against them! AM, I don't think I'd be comfortable wearing dark socks with the loafers, but I think black booties would have looked better.

AM, looks like you have company with TraceyLiz on the belt. I didn't consider a necklace instead of the belt; good idea. But then what belt would I have worn?? Dilemmas. . ..
Hmm, a cocoon sweater would look good, but the one I have is black and I was really going for the "ink-out" idea. I considered a jean jacket, though--would that have helped the look? You are giving me food for thought, AM, no worries.

Joy, I would like to substitute jeans. I'll have to try it sometime. I think I'd be happy wearing jeans at least 80 percent of the time, really.

Staysfit, glad to hear you liked the coat. I debated over it and hoped it gave the effect you describe. Yay!

gauche, I didn't mind breaking up the line with the silver belt, either--thanks! I am not a scruncher, sometimes because I want sleeves down for warmth, but mostly because I just don't think of it. I think it would have worked well here. I should put a checklist up in my closet that says: "scrunch sleeves??" among other things.

Lisa

A column of dark colors, a fun and easy look.

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