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WIW: Critiques please.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

It has occurred to me that I need feedback on what looks good on me (and what doesn't) as I go about trying to build my fall/winter wardrobe.

Over the next few days, I hope to post several of the outfits I wore this summer from my very tiny summer wardrobe. It served me better than I'd expected--we got stuck in 30 degree weather for most of the summer--around here, that is outrageously hot. So, I had lots of opportunities to wear my sleeveless tops, white pants (I have two pairs) black Bermuda shorts and "skinny" jeans.

So. If you would be so kind, I'd like your thoughts. I don't have a lot of jewelry--but that's mostly cause I haven't bothered, rather than an intentional decision. If you see something that could use it, let me know.

My footwear was also severely restricted--suggestions for alternative styles also welcome. (I will need a much better pair of sandals than these black ones next year, but need some direction.)

So, here are a few outfits I wore in July.

#5 is what I wore to work (the sweater came off: my workplace is about five degrees warmer than outside. I had a terrible time coping with the heat and humidity.)

PS. That orange tote bag in the first picture is my purse. I need another but I have no idea what to get.

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from In My Joi

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Alana, I think you are really on the right track. You seem to have a good eye for proportion and silhouettes already. I like all of these outfits. I'm especially wowed by 2--I love the sassy, flowy look of this outfit, with the hat! You are the picture of breezy summer casual. And also by 5--I love the arty layers on you. If it's too hot for a cardigan like that, and you want to have the look of the layer, you might keep an eye out for an open-knit or sheer shrug that would add the layer without being hot.
I like the pop of color that your orange sandals and bag add in 1. Your palette based on black and white can use that kind of color with accessories or with some tops, so as you add pieces, you might look for similar pieces to what you've worn here, but in different colors that will play well with the black and white--cobalt blue, denim or chambray blue, bright pinks, yellow, red, really most things go with black and white.
You might consider cognac sandals and bag, too, or an animal print that has a little black in it. I can see those going nicely with your black and white wardrobe.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thank you firecracker. Very helpful suggestions. I wore that outfit with the hat to go pick out my glasses.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love #2 too Firecracker makes great suggestions, my only addition would be metallic sandals as a versatile option. Do you wear dresses? Linen dresses are my go-to in the heat.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Tank you Caro. I think I might look at dresses next year. Metallic sandals...yes!
Suz--if you see this, would you mind letting me know all about yours?

Deborah

Veteran

These all look very good to me:). I find the tube (?) skirt outfit particularly flattering. Lovely proportions and you have great legs. The layered outfit is also stellar, again good proportions and interest. 1/2/3 all work well but I think I like seeing your legs:). Would you consider adding some more knit / tube skirts in solid colours?

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Deborah--are you thinking #4 is a tube skirt? I don't own any skirts, at present! Actually that is a too big pair of brown long shorts worn for Angie's brown and white ensemble post.

Great idea to add a tube skirt or something similar next summer. Alas, as we head into winter, my legs will be all covered up. I like baring them too.

I will think of ways to add the layering of my work outfit/uniform into my "everyday" wardrobe.

Thanks for the feedback.

Its a bit late on this side of the world, so heading to bed as you start your day.

Deborah

Veteran

Wow, I'm on my iPad and it did look like a tube skirt! I think it's a good indicator that tube skirts could work nicely for you. Of course you won't want bare legs in the rugged Canadian winter;)

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Take 5, add longer leggings/ponte skinnies and either boots or booties and you also have a great fall outfit.

Sal

Veteran

I think the proportions and silhouettes are great. This is an excellent foundation to build upon for next year. You do suit monochrome but I think that you could wear colour too. Flowing fabrics are good on you.

lyn67

Veteran

Wow, I too thought the nr 4 is a tube midi! Go on and find one, if it's not!!! Otherwise, they are all great outfits! YLF Alana, love your hats and orange bag(and sandals)!

Sharon

Veteran

I was immediately drawn to #3 and #4. Like Deborah, I thought #4 was a tube skirt! I think the thing my two favourites have in common is that the tops have curved hemlines, which makes them look a bit more interesting and also echoes the curve of your hips in a flattering way. I like the orange handbag. I think it works well with the neutrals you are wearing. Maybe a darker, richer colour for winter, if you are looking to buy a new one?

frannieb

Veteran

Alanna - I love every outfit. I think you have smart casual down. You have really figured out what works well proportion wise and in silhouette on your body. I am madly in love with look #2 and can also see look #5 moving right into fall with a pair of longer leggings.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Alana, you look great. As the others have said, you have a great eye for proportion and line and already have a sense of what works on you. I love #1 with the bright bag, and also 3 and 4. 2 is great, too, with the jaunty hat and flowing trousers. Your decision to restrict your wardrobe to neutrals this summer helped to focus you (and besides, the combination suits you). But I also agree that "pops of colour" next summer will be a fantastic addition and will allow you to expand your options.

The more I think of it the more I think you constructed an ideal capsule wardrobe for yourself. Not many could do as well!

I nodded along with those who said that a tube skirt would be a great addition for next summer. It's probably not smart to buy now unless you can find one on sale, because you won't be able to wear very well with tights, if my experience, Shannon's, and that of a few others here is any indication. They bunch up and require a slip, but a slip bunches up, too. Admittedly, there are a few fabbers who seem to have managed this with the pettipants or slip shorts, and I haven't tried those.

My sandals are the Sofft Bernias. I don't know if your foot is wide, but they do come in wide sizes in the US and they are on sale now in some places. Alas, my size is completely gone or I would be duplicating! http://www.amazon.com/Sofft-Wo.....B00BN74BM2

I highly recommend them -- I have literally worn mine out in two months, but that is not because they are poor quality -- it is because I have walked an average of well over 5 miles a day in them on rough pavement and pebbly paths. Heh, I used to wonder why I was so hard on my shoes...it is probably a good thing that I live in a place where boots and booties are needed much of the year. The wear and tear on them is lower despite the same use.

Söfft 'Bernia' Sandal

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viva

Veteran

I love the strong graphic of #3 on you -- that outfit stood out to me immediately. And I also love #5, those layers work on you really well. Fab outfit on you!

cheryl

Veteran

I love your smile! I really like the proportions you have chosen and the styles and silhouettes look great on you. I really love the layers in #5, it just looks so cute on you. You have a way with neutrals but I would love to see some bright color on you

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Deborah--no, no bare legs! In fact, I had bare ankles last night while out driving--and it felt chilly.

Desmo April--My mom made me that tunic and it is a bit small. We have tried to duplicate it--without the smae success. I think the narrowness of the skirt is key to this look, as odd as that sounds. I think I should post those tunic/jumpers just for the sake of comparison.

Kiwigal--I didn't miss colour until about now, actually. I bought all of these clothes in early June. I do have a lot more colour in the fall wardrobe already--just because pattern is harder to find in winter.

Lyn67--thanks! I keep thinking I want to bookend with shoes and a necklace or shoes and a handbag--I don't have any of these things. I didn't wear those orange clogs much, but I loved it when I did!

Sharon--spread the love for #3! I love that big loud plaid. I'm wondering if maybe a wine coloured handbag would suit me? I really want to get to a second hand store and look around. The only bag I saw last night at Winners I was vaguely interested in was over $200. Um, no. Not right now.

Frannieb--thank you so much for the love for #2. I felt a little self concious wearing it out on the street, but I remember it was so hot and sunny that dy, I was actually glad to have the hat.

Suz--thank you so much for the link to those shoes. I will look for them. I love them and I am so glad they are good walking shoes. Yes, I think I did manage to put together nearly the perfect high summer capsule--I had some wonderful direction from Angie and all of you.

Viva--thanks! I just threw the topper on one morning to ward off the chill as I headed for my bus--and happened to catch sight of the proportions. I liked them--but wondered if it worked. (Another dress I tried with this topper was voted too dowdy.) I think the leggings help--and again, the skirt is not as full.

Cheryl--thank you! I am glad the neutrals suit.

I will be posting another round of outfits, I think, later today, as a "reward" to myself for doing some dreaded housework.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

You've gotten so many good suggestions already. I like 2 and 3 especially well. I prefer the black and the white sandals to the red for some reason - visually I like the higher strap on the ankle. I think something like the bernias or a gladiator style would be very flattering on you with skirts and shorts. It adds some visual weight to the foot which balances a larger figure out. I bought a pair of born gladiators early in the gladiator trend progression, not knowing if I would wear them at all, and I have worn them several times a week both of the last two summers. They're kinda like the sandal version of boots, proportionally speaking, if you get what I mean.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

#1 and #5 are my favorites. I really like the black/white top and the orange sandals and your handbag choice make it a great outfit. I'm still adjusting to the white out look but you seem to have that one down! I agree that a tube skirt would be a great addition for you.

kellygirl

Veteran

It looks like you have your summer wardrobe down. Of these, 2 and 5 are my faves. The column of white with the flowy bottoms is the quintessential summer outfit. Love the addition of the hat. So cool and modern. The arty layers in 5 look spectacular too. To me, these are the stand outs. Next, I like the simplicity of 1. That is a great silhouette and one that I wear often. I can see you changing this up with patterned tops or solid brights. Swap out the sandals--cognac, metallic or a sassy sneaker would be fun possibilities. #4 looks like a VC tube skirt. Have you tried one of those on? I think it would be a great style on you. Again, you can wear a tank or a high low woven with slash sleeves. The possibilities are endless. My least favorite is 3 but it still certainly works. It could be the pattern is a little overwhelming to my eye or the shark bite hem seems to add volume to your bottom half. I'm not sure. I like longer tops on you but I think I prefer a curved hem like the top in 4. (I'm nitpicking here but only because you asked to constructive analysis.) HTHs!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Laura--I love gladiators. I think I started looking too late this year and I just couldn't find any I liked.

I'm looking into Suz's Bernias. I am not sure if it is a good iea to get them now, or wait until next Spring?

Texstyle--thanks! Happiness factor was nice and high for that outfit.

I do have a lot of great feedback already--so I'll be happy to consider this thread closed unless someone has something new to add.

Thanks everyone!

Suja

Veteran

Love your evolving style. #5 is a look after my own heart

rachylou

Veteran

My top two are #3 and 5, then #1. I love the hat in #2 - what a fun accessory. I think #3 and 5 are my favourites because I think they can work across a variety of situations (#1 is says Saturday casual to me). I like the black and white - it's sharp.

The one thing about the white tank - I find the neckline very wide and the fabric kinda floppy, if you will.

bj1111

Veteran

Alana,

Great set. My fave is 4, tho hard to tell the silhouette dead on to see if the culottes flare out at the bottom. This works for me because the way you are standing gives the impression that the culottes cone in a bit at the bottom like a tube skirt would.

The all white is super. Do you have a larger hat? For me that would balance the bottom. You look so happy with the hat on!

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

Number 2 is all the way FAB, I love all white and hats are the icing on the cupcake!
I agree with the idea of adding tube midi skirts! if you don't want to show your legs how about adding tights? You could go monochrome or contrast!