WIW Outfit Lab Need Advice - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW Outfit Lab Need Advice

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I bought these pants and am not sure if I can make them work but want to try. The fabric is nice and it is a weight that could work for fall and even winter and I have wanted to add some winter whites to my wardrobe.

I had a skirt on today but at the last minute switched to the problem pants. Lisa commented on another post that I have a very conservative comfort zone and perhaps that is the issue. I have to admit they are growing on me so maybe I am just too resistant to new silhouettes.

What do you think of the outfit? Are the pants too long? Too short? Too wide/narrow? Is it the wrong shoe? Would they work in winter with taller boots and a sweater? Or am I trying too hard?

I am stopping at a tailor on the way home today and could ask about altering.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from

jackiec

Veteran

First of all look at you with your lovely tan! You look like you've been running a lot outside

I like the pants but am usually clueless on length. They seem good to me! I personally find the black sandals a bit jarring and would prefer a lighter shoe. Having said that I, too, veer a bit conservative so may be missing the fashion forward vibe. I know they tie to the sweater, but I'd prefer a lower contrast look with the plaid (lighter sweater too) so I could see the plaid more as a standout.

I'd keep them - they are fun.

Word Lily

Veteran

Hmm ... If it was me, I think I'd be more comfortable with one piece that was a bit more structured; a jacket instead of a cardigan, maybe?

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I really like this look, Cheryle. Your crossover top with the black cami inside and the black cardi over is stunning!

Onto the pant - I can't make out if they are long or short. The shoe is too high for me to clearly make out where they end on the ankle.

However, since they are not fitted pants, I don't see them working with tall boots. The pants will 'blouson' out wherever the boots end---not flattering in my opinion. Tall boots really work best with skinnies and fitted ponte pants.

A low contrast shoe will work best. While you do have mile long legs and don't have to worry about elongating the leg line, a low contrast ankle length boot (maybe even heeled oxfords) will create a more harmonious, elegant and polished vibe----which will be more in sync with the stunning pants.

However, these pants will work with ankle length boots. Your sandals prove just that! They have a spectacular fit, btw. I love the way they drape on your body.

You could either keep them this length and wear them with booties. Or, I can also see them shortened to become very smart culottes.

lyn67

Veteran

Tall boots no, but booties YES esp low contrast with this length! And, would generally advice on a low contrast column of color from head to toes with these then it will be easier to make them work-esp if you really have that "

very conservative comfort zone", YLF btw:-),.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Jackie, I would want a lighter colored shoe; even though your black sandals are bookending the cardigan, the contrast between the light pant and the dark shoe doesn't work for me.

Maybe have them hemmed a bit? It's hard to tell with the heeled sandals but they seem a bit neither here nor there - obviously not full length trousers but not cropped enough to be cropped pants either.

Anonymous

Oh wow, Cheryle, I *really* like these on you. You have the long legs to carry them off. And it's such a different look for you. I think you should keep, but hem to more of a culottes length. I'd like to see these with more ankle. But I realise that getting the correct length might be a challenge without the right(fashion forward) tailor. And if you chop off too much there's no going back. Maybe someone will weigh in with PPL advice on these.

And I agree with others about lighter booties or shoes with them.

Anonymous

Do you mean me? Did I say that? Anyways, I like the pants, but would really like them better with a low contrast bootie or shoe and something tonal on top. The pants fit well and are a pretty colour/plaid. A soft toned bootie or cage shoe and the same tone in a leather jacket would really be a cool outfit on you. Plaid pants are hard to wear, but with your long legs you can absolutely do it!

Re: the length - I can't comment either - it's hard to tell where they are with the black sandals coming up high on your ankle. Are they intended to be cropped?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think you did GREAT with this outfit, and it absolutely works as is.

Few things I would tweak if I were styling you in order to create a stronger look - thereby making the trousers the focal point. At the moment, your eye is going all over the place with the addition of the green:

Keep the top and topper back.
Take away the grey cuff on the cardi

rachylou

Veteran

I like this outfit! I'm wondering if shoes that show more ankle, but that aren't too delicate, if you have them - how they'd go with the pants.

Jeweled

Veteran

There are a lot of possibilities for these pants.

One thing, though - if you wear cage sandals with these plaid pants, might be better if the sandals' color were closer to the gray in the pants. Otherwise I have a strong feeling of stripes (in the shoes) next to plaid - but the color difference makes that feel unintentional here, to me.

I think you could wear these plaid pants as "boyfriend trousers" - rolling the hem up just enough to wear with a pair of the new higher-shaft booties.

The pants colors are neutral enough that you could pair nearly any solid color with them - they could turn out to be quite versatile!

ETA - for your current outfit with these pants, I think it needs something in white or light gray to connect with the pants, so they don't seem like an "odd fellow" with the rest of the ensemble.

catgirl

Veteran

This is exactly the kind of length I struggle with so I am following avidly. *i think you look stellar!

kerry

Veteran

Bookend the footwear with your hair, and white-out the rest of the look. Love those pants!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Jackie.

Jackie, Laura, Lisa, Rachy, Jeweled, I will try a neutral bootie next time and see how it works. I can picture it and think it is a great idea.

Jeweled, I will try all neutral with more grey. I took an EF silk peplum tank for alteration and it might be the right piece.

Word Lily, I initially had a denim jacket on but felt it wasn't right. I think you are right that more structure could be the key.

Manny, the pants are at least 6" above my ankle. They are wide enough that I thought maybe I could wear them over tall slim boots - like a slim culotte. Maybe not. Next time I will wear the top half with a black or grey skirt.

Thanks Lyn. I see what you mean. I added so much repeat black that the white was standing out too much. Lower contrast it is.

Aliona, I read your comment at work when I didn't have time to answer. I stopped at a tailor on the way home and asked her what she thought. She suggested about 3" hem and rolled it. I think it could work but was concerned that it might limit the wearability since it is so darn cold here in winter and I can't imagine them over tights. I am still thinking about it though. She also thought maybe to narrow them but I think I like the width to make them different.

Kerry, I am liking the idea of a white out too. Maybe a few black accessories to tie in the stripe of the pant.

Una, I am glad I am not the only one.

Angie, thank you for the comment "eye all over the place". I would have seen that in a flash if it was home decor but missed it with an outfit. It was a aha moment to read the comment.

It seems the shoes were the biggest issue. I am going to try a few alternatives and see how it goes. Perhaps I will have a new and improved outfit lab in the next few weeks.

donnat

Veteran

This pant does look terrific on you. It think light boots would be gorgeous. I can see them going into fall, not winter though.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Love the pants on you & I think the sandals look great - I'd change the top to plain black

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know what? I love the pants and love them on you -- and I think it's still worth trying with the right taller boot if the fabrication of the pants warrants cooler weather wearing. It might just work.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Ah, I get it now Cheryle. Ok here is what I've experienced.

I have tried to wear tall boots with wide pants. It wasn't

(1) comfortable - And these were bootcuts, so had lots of flare. I thought the pants were wide enough, but tall boots can be pretty thick!

(2) creates bunching - since the hem wasn't wide enough, the fabric bunched over the boots.

I love your pants. I honestly do. They will look AMAZING with any jacket, coat and even a sweater (I'm imagining a thick cable knit sweater).

You can also try the high shaft booties that will be trendy for 2015 Fall/Winter. These pants are ideal candidate for those!

But for me - I would wear heeled Oxford booties. These is something so elegant, refined and sophisticated about these pants, I would love to see them worn in a very classic way with a modern touch.

I'll add pictures so you know what I'm imagining.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Happy to have helped out, Cheryle.

Anonymous

I'll be interested to see your new outfit lab, because I definitely like these pants.