wiw ( really warm coat & jacket) with a long explanation - YouLookFab Forum

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wiw ( really warm coat & jacket) with a long explanation

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I did a huge wardrobe edit just before joining YLF, it was winter here & some of my clothes just didn't work for me anymore. I'd retired; I gained some weight due to an under active thyroid. Then lost some of the weight thanks to my medication but didn't go back to the same shape. I wasn't sure about my clothing choices - not good. Lots of clothes left the house in big green bags. When I wasn't sure about an item I wore it once or twice & if I still wasn't sure I put it in the charity bag. For cold days I kept this jacket & coat. Variations of these outfits were my casual "uniform" this winter. I'm feeling blah about them now. I'd love you to cast your (unjaundiced) eyes over them should I keep them for next year? I have lots of different boots - taupe, brown, black & the grey ones I'm wearing. I also have other jeans & tops as well as scarves & bags. I don't think I'm asking for advice on accessorising rather an idea about how you see these outfits - what adjectives come to mind. I'm really looking to have a small wardrobe & narrow down my choice to only my best looks. Thanks for listening........

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I actually think the coat (1) looks very good. It looks modern, and is in a flattering and on-trend color. I love how you have styled it here with the vest and white shirt peeking beneath it. I have been wanting to add a vest or two to my look this winter, so your "uniform" is inspiring me. You look creative and authoritative in this outfit and your face/smile say friendly.

I do not feel as certain of the jacket in (2). Can't put my finger on it -- maybe it's the high stance? I like the bottom and the split though, I find that cut flattering. The neckline seems a little high. Maybe just wear it more unzipped?

The jeans and white shirt are essentials so if they're comfortable and in good condition, why reject them? Assuming you like their silhouettes and fabrics.

Not sure if this is the kind of feedback you were looking for?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks CocoLion - that's very helpful. I guess what I was trying to say was if I wear something as often as I have these pieces I can't be objective about how I look. I wasn't sure if I was "styling" them or just putting them on & hoping....Good point about the jacket - I wouldn't normally wear it done up but for some reason I did for the photo.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree with CocoLion about the coat, and also with the adjectives she used to describe you in that outfit. It is also minimalist (no fuss - here without accessories, at least) and a bit androgynous. If I saw you, I would want to meet you and talk to you. I would imagine that you are in the arts.

I was also less sure of the jacket. For me it is the shoulder fit (or the appearance of the shoulder fit - it could just be bunching because of how you have to stand to take the pic...and perhaps because you have just thrown it on and done it up rather high in relation to the shirt collar?) I think it's fine done up a lot but perhaps not with that collar.

By the way, your question to us was inspirational to me. What a great way to find out if we are coming across as we might wish - to ask the forum members to describe their impressions vs. their judgements. I am going to borrow this idea if you don't mind. Thank you.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Suz borrow away! My first objective is to simplify my clothing choices but through doing this I'm becoming interested in the way the roles we play interact with our sense of self & how this all relates to how we are perceived. Thanks so much for your comments.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Caro - I love your way of looking at style. I also love your style! The vest and white blouse is terrific. I love the color of the grey jacket with your hair. The second jacket looks like a less good fit in this picture, but it may work better or differently unzipped. If I saw you on the street I would look twice and think you look like an interesting, intelligent person that I would be happy to meet.

Anonymous

Love coat number one. The jacket in two looks two small and somehow "uptight" for cool you.

missvee

Veteran

Agree that this is a great way to look at style. I love the coat on you - that outfit says modern, interesting, and arty. I like the jacket too with its strong shoulder line. How does it look over a softer, flowier top?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think you look chic, modern and classic in outfit #1. I think the coat, the vest and the shirt are all really good pieces on you and fit well. I would love to see the jacket in #2 left open - I think it definitely has possibilities.

I can tell I'm going to like your style Caro - from what I've seen, you have modern, chic and crisp going.

JR

Veteran

Adjectives. For #1: classy, funky, cool. #2, I don't know, honestly. It isn't coming together quite as well for me, although the jacket is kind of fun.

I am sorry you live on the other side of the world; it would be so fun to go for coffee together. On the upside, I can imitate you shamelessly and no one outside this forum will ever know. LOL!

shiny

Veteran

I'm in the minority I guess. I'd have to see coat 1 in person, because it is reading on my screen as a sweater coat ,and it looks big on you (you did say your weight has been fluctuating). My initial reaction was that it looks a bit frumpy. But perhaps if I saw it in real life, or closed, and in movement, etc... that would make a difference.

Whereas I love the jacket in pic 2! Possibly because it's more form fitting and structured. It also has tons of interesting details and flair. It adds a lot of style pop to the simplest of basics. I would add that jacket to my own wardrobe in a heart beat.

"Creative" was first adjective that came to mind. Also relaxed-yet-polished, and self assured.

May I also say I am in love with your hair?

shiny

Veteran

... reading others' comments again... I like the idea of the coat (#1). I love the color with your hair. I can now see, after blowing it up on screen, that it has a luscious texture. I understand it's supposed to have a relaxed look. There's just something that is still saying "grandmotherly" to me about that coat... and you look far too hip and young for that. Then again if I could see it closed I may stand corrected!

Perhaps it's the way the coat shoulders are making your shoulders look sloped, whereas in pic 2 you have these amazing straight shoulders? Am I the only one seeing this? If so, ignore.

morethanbeige

Veteran

Cool, confident, creative. That's what comes to mind. Love the coat. The jacket in 2 looks a bit constrictive, but that might just be the photo. Also really like the questions you ask regarding your style.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks for taking the time to comment everyone.
JR - I'll hold you to the coffee if we are ever on the same continent.
Shiny - you bring up a really valid point you see what I was worried about with this coat. I'm over 60 & sometimes these on trend pieces like the grey coat make me feel as though I've kept the coat from my youth rather than I'm following the slouchy coat trend. It's a hard call & I guess we just have to see how we feel in the piece.

JR

Veteran

Well, for what it's worth, I didn't see grandmotherly at all, I saw cool and on trend.

Although at times, new fashions look very out-of-date to me until I get used to them. Grunge looked like a bunch of dowdy old men to me, for example. Young men in my grandfather's clothing. I eventually got used to it, although I never found it attractive. With the current mania for recycling fashions, that happens fairly often. On the other hand, when they recycle fashions I actually liked, my conservative nature doesn't have to go through the breaking-in period, and I can plunge right in. ;o)

Ultimately, no matter what we wear, some people will see it one way and some another. We have to be happy in it ourselves, and it's probably best if it works well in the circles we spend our lives in. If the majority of our friends/neighbours/colleagues think we look like a nutcase, it might be a good idea to find some other fashion we love. There are enough of them out there, it should be possible to be both comfortable in our own skin and acceptable to the eyes of others.

shiny

Veteran

Oh dear. I didn't even know there was a slouchy coat trend going on!

lynn

Veteran

Love the coat! I might like the jacket if it's open but can't say for sure. You are very pretty!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There is a HUGE slouchy and oversized coat trend going on (pun intended), but I am not convinced this particular grey coat is *it*. Nor whether the trend does anyone justice! Models don't always look all that fab in the trend either. When the coat is oversized but has just the right amount of structure - it works. And then there is the rest. I need to see the coat hanging closed with your arms by your sides to be sure. Your "hand on hip" pose is giving the coat structure in the photo - which is not the case when you're striding freely. I hope that makes sense.

I LOVE the cropped jacket.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks everyone - all of a sudden it has become too hot for these coats/jackets so I'm going to put them all away until next Autumn & see how I feel about them then. I'm trying on all my spring/summer clothes now - pictures to follow.

Deborah

Veteran

Sorry I am late, and I see you are about to put them away:) Im glad, relook at them next Winter. I think the cropped jacket is fab and i really like the soft slouchy look of the coat and the color is really beautiful on you:)

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks Deborah.