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WIW: Practical but seems off: cropped cardi issues

catgirl

Veteran

I had to go to my son's class this morning to help with spelling, then to work, then home to wait for the kitchen measure people. Wearing a really old cropped cashmere cardi with thrifted skinnies that need to be hemmed and have the hem turned under for now and an ON t-shirt and F21 necklace.

I own three of these Theory cashmere cardis, all exactly the same, two from e-bay and one from the consignment store. They are a chunkier knit, and I loved the crop back when I was pregnant. Am not sure they work on me now, but I still have a soft spot in my heart for them.

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Good gracious you are gorgeous, woman.

To my eye, nothing's off, except maybe the necklace reads summery vs. fall.

Mochi

Veteran

Una, this is just me and I certainly don't have the Angie knack, but with something of an "extreme" crop like that sweater, I would go with a t-shirt underneath that's a much darker grey, maybe not black entirely but much closer tonally to the cardi. Emphasize texture over differentiating color, at least on the upper half of the body. So find a black or dark grey necklace (or maybe a contrasting white would be interesting?) Perhaps that would bring all these disparate components together.

ETA: I guess they sort of dissect the body, was my longwinded way of saying it. I do like it. It's just challenging to style.

K. Period.

Veteran

I think it looks gorgeous too! I wonder if what you are picking up is that you want an ever so slightly more fitted tee to highlight your waist below the cardi?

Anonymous

I like the cropped cardi too!

kellygirl

Veteran

I quite like this on you and will be watching this thread closely. I've had some trouble lately with my cropped jackets and I'm not really sure why. I thought they had worked for me in the past. For me, I think my waist is thicker than it used to be and the cropped jacket, when worn open, totally obliterates any hint of a waist. I don't notice this on you though. You still look great in this silhouette!

Anonymous

I don't see anything wrong with it. You look great!

catgirl

Veteran

I WOULD like to wear a more fitted t but unfortunately that leads to highlighting muffin top, which seems to expand over the course of the day. Maybe I need to try a different material top under the cardi? I kind of like the colorblock effect but I see what Mochi is saying.

Kelly, I feel the same way about my lack of waist. It was better when I was pregnant because the crop just hit above the belly and looked kind of cute and deliberate. Now not so much, since I'm not pregnant.

christy

Veteran

I love it as is and think you look great! Can I just tell you how inspirational your style has been for me lately? You've just been rockin' it each and every day!

Ariadne

Veteran

I really like it, but I like cropped things and that colorblocking effect and I have a mega soft spot for turquoise statement necklaces. I think it's fun to see a slightly more ladylike look on you (I love your more tomboyish outfits to bits, too, of course!).

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love it as-is. I have a real soft spot for those super cropped looks!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This looks like a Rae-outfit with a cropped cardi instead of a cropped jacket. How can that not be fab!

BethL

(website)

Veteran

I really like it, too. To my eye, you look long and lean, which is why I think the gray tee, your jeans, and your boots all work so well with the cardi because they create a long line. Does that make sense? I also like how your necklace adds a spot of a brighter, but still kind of tonal, color.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love this whole outfit - and that necklace is fab with it!

Susie

Veteran

I simply think you are the coolest girl on the planet! I adore your style and I've loved everything I've seen you in, including this combo.

catgirl

Veteran

Susie, you are so sweet! And I'm old enough (almost 47!) that being called a cool girl is no longer a cause for feminist angst but gives me a huge boost.

I can assure you that a year ago I was a flailing mess and all over the place with my style. Angie and the forum get all the credit for any progress I've made since.

You're right, Angie - how could a Rae-like outfit go wrong? I felt the t should be more fitted, but that would not be quite as flattering in my case. Must find more ways to wear these cardis, which I still love.

I've since changed into PJs, but thank you all for reassuring me that I didn't look so shabby today.

Susie

Veteran

I would never have guessed 47! More like mid 30's.

I'm glad to hear that coming here has been so helpful. Not just to you but so many others as well. I need to work on refining my style and be more selective in the styles I embrace.

PS I do admire your style but not in a creepy way!!

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks Susie! Nothing has been more helpful to me than the forum! I learn the hard way so I did a LOT of experimenting and copying other people here before I figured out what worked for me. And I'm still feeling like a newbie...

jayne

Veteran

YOU feel like a newbie! Wow, you seem to have a defined style and know what you like and are so restrained in not bringing things in that don't match up!

I want to say, because you asked about 'something off' that this outfit does emphasize long slim legs ( or gives that illusion) and slim torso and the black emphasizes the shoulders. I personally would love to have that silhouette but I know how you like to avoid your IT shape. This shows it clearly. It would be less pronounced if the cardi were the same color as the top under. OK sorry i had to be honest

Deborah

Veteran

I think this looks really good. I would like to see the cardi unbuttoned with the necklace sitting over the neck of the grey t.

krishnidoux

Veteran

You look fab. But I can see what you mean by it looking like a cardi that was cut-off rather than a cropped cardi. I wonder if this couldn't be fixed by adding a very very subtle elastic band- or better: threading black elastic thread very lightly through the hem. I wouldn't do it right at the edge, but maybe 2 cm above. Just to create a little curve. What do you think?

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I WANT THAT SWEATER! I think you look great. I do agree with Deborah that it might be better with the cardi unbuttoned but it is absolutely fabulous as is.

I'm not sure it emphasizes the IT. My first thought was just that you looked little.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think this looks great Una... I wouldn't change a thing. The proportions are perfect and it was a perfect outfit for your day.

Kiwichik

Veteran

Hmmm I kinda like it - a lot!

Scarlet

Veteran

I seriously think this is perfect as is. I like the choice of necklace and the volume of the t-shirt. I even like the Danskos in this outfit. It all looks just right and up to date to me. Is there a stripe on your jeans?