WIW: Making a Classic My Own - YouLookFab Forum

I recently received this long sleeved linen/cotton blend button down in a glorious box sent by Suz, who during her own closet editing thought of me as we are virtual 'body doubles' and have very similar colouring besides. More on that soon!

I immediately loved the utility of this shirt: it's perfect for my hot, strong-sunned climate and my preference to keep my arms covered for extra sun protection. And I love the subtle waist definition provided by the seaming. But my style isn't terribly tailored or modern classic, so I don't usually wear button downs. I wanted this to work, though, so I opted to go for a bit of a British schoolboy vibe and added some baggy shorts and a tie. The tie is actually the belt from these very shorts (which I never wore, as I leave my shirts untucked over shorts), so let me know if it's too matchy-matchy. I also wasn't sure whether to do a bow or just leave it as a dangling tie, so if you have any strong feelings about that one way or the other, do share.

Once I added the tie & shorts I felt much more me, but I wasn't sure if it looked too preppy. Braids were an easy way to add a bit of storybook-ness. Then I tried using my accessories for a bit of quirk: gold cartouche stud earrings (a souvenir from Egypt: I thought they were visible in the second close-up shot but now I realise they're not) and a little theater mask stick pin in the braid. They're small, but all shiny, so I hoped together they gave me that 'I'm not mainstream' look that I feel best in.

For errand running, I wore my comfy navy blue flats and used my little navy blue bag that I thrifted years ago and still looks brand new, despite heavy use (I usually forget to include my bags but I had a question about them last month, so I'll try to add them more in future: I only have 4 and mainly choose them by how much I need to carry on any day).

Saving my feelings on the outfit until after I've gotten feedback, so that I don't squelch any potential critiques. Any thoughts you want to share are welcome! Did I succeed in adding quirk to a classic piece? It certainly kept me cool and comfortable on a very hot, sunny day.

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11 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

It's a great color and shape for you, E, and I definitely think you made it your own with the braids, accessories, and the playful but pretty loose bow.

Tanya

You are cute as button. I think this totally works, the hair and accessories make it so "you".

Suz

(website)

British schoolboy for the win! You look adorable. I'm so glad that it works for you, and I love the pale blue colour on you.

UmmLila (Lisa)

So cute. Now that you're mentioning old fashioned English style and cartouches I am reminded of WWII styles from the late 80s Fortunes of War miniseries. I think it's the tie you created.

Can your doggie come and stay at my house? And sleep on a little doggie pillow next to my dog and be the best of friends?

Alassë

More E! I think you successfully Eva-fied another classic. High-fiving you on shooting for "that 'I'm not mainstream' look that I feel best in." And I always support bows.

Alana in Canada

*applause*

So, so great. Yes, I'm gushing. I love this on you! Such great styling--so creative. Thanks for your thought process.

Suz--send her more stuff!

MuseumGal

Definitely quirky E. The blouse is gorgeous on you. I think it would also pair beautifully with a full midi skirt and lace up ankle boots for a sort of schoolmarm or English countryside look as well. Or how about a pair of slouchy plaid wool trousers - somehow I think you must have a pair - tucked in and worn with braces and brogues (more English countryside). Or paired with your wool knickers, left open at the neck, and sleeves rolled up, for another schoolboy look?

Hmm, I just realized you didn't ask for suggestions for future use - hope you don't mind. I just think the shirt is fab on you with lots of potential despite the fact that it is "classic."

Lucy

Adorable! I love how you have made it your own, recognisably "you"!

Thank you Columbine!

Awww, thanks Tanya.

Once again, I’m so grateful Suz! I felt so confident in this, even though I was going into the ritzier parts of town. And I think now I understand more of what Angie means by a ‘tailored’ fit.

Ummlila, I haven’t heard of Fortunes of War, but now I’m off to see if the library has it! I’m sure my doggie would be thrilled to have a sleepover, as long as she receives some belly rubs. It’s funny: she’s allowed on all my furniture & has her own little bed too, so I don’t know why she spends so much time on the carpet, making me look bad. Have we met your dog on the forum yet?

Thanks Alasse! When I feel well, I’m trying to post regularly, and I’m glad to have a fellow bow supporter.

Awww: thank you Alana! And trust me, Suz was very generous: there was more in the box. I’m sure you’ll see more of it soon.

MG, on the contrary I’m thrilled at all of these suggestions! I do have slouchy plaid wool trousers, but I need a pair of suspenders. I don’t have wool knickers, sadly (we’re talking knicker boxers, right? I always keep an eye out while thrifting but have yet to find the right pair), but I could try something similar with rolled cords. Or try rolling up my wool trousers I can’t wait until fall: so much more fun to style!

Thank you Lucy!

Ok, so as far as my personal happiness/psychological comfort in this outfit, I was very happy & comfortable in it.

Jaime

How lovely of Suz! You are the absolute princess of making pieces your own and I love how you styled the top here!

Anonymous

You look like you just stepped out of a Scandinavian fairy tale. My Swedish grandmother used to wear her hair braids just like that except for the ornament. You have made the linen button down your own.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love the linen button-down on you--both style and color! And the outfit is terrific. I am not a fan of the bow tie here, though I like the idea and the casual way you've tied it. To me, it seems to compete with the pockets on the blouse. I wonder if you might try a long pendant that would fall below the level of the pockets? The purse is perfect with the outfit--the saddle bag style is so harmonious with the outfit.
Shopping the other day, I saw a couple of blouses with narrow ties kind of like you're wearing here. No kidding--they're back! Reminded me of the 80s.
Another idea for your new linen blouse--what about wearing it open over a tank?

Shevia, it was terribly kind of Suz. Thank you!

Thank you Joy! I love fairy tales & reading about Scandinavia (I haven't been there yet, so I can't say I love the place), so that made me smile.

Hi Firecracker! I can see what you're talking about re: the bow & pockets being at the same level. I think the pockets blend in enough, since they're the same colour as the shirt, for it to not be too busy for my tastes. However, I'll definitely try it with a long pendant in the future: I only have 1 long necklace & I'm not sure if it'll hit below the pockets, but that's easy to find out.

I didn't realise the 80s were into neck ties! I think it'll be fun for them to come back, but then I like little details, hehe.

I love how button downs look open over a tank on others, but I never feel like quite myself in that look. Maybe if I tried it with a woven sleeveless blouse instead of a knit tank. Hmmm.

Ingunn

How wonderful! You've made it completely your own. So very generous of Suz, too!

So kind of Suz, and what a happy home for that shirt! I like your whimsical touches, your care you take in constructing and outfit really comes through.

Hil

Very cute outfit - I adore your shoes. I also have mixed feelings about the bow. I was wondering how it would look if you tied it like a men's tie? Or would that be edging a bit too androgynous for you?

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