WIW: scarf/blazer mini challenge hits a low point

Back in the office today and tomorrow so figured I would continue the mini challenge this week.

Last night I put together a combo I am quite excited about but I decided to save it for tomorrow when I have to chair a couple of in person meetings.

That left me scrambling a bit for today and I’m not thrilled with the results. Posting anyway because it helps me learn.

The trusty black BR ponte wide legs make another appearance here, paired with:
- black shadow stripe menswear blazer (thrifted)
- black and white striped turtleneck (older)
- cream Ecco oxfords
- a favourite scarf from at least 30 years ago. Haven’t worn it in a couple of decades I am sure. But I wasn’t loving any of the other options I could find last night. Because outside temps are quite warm I have to be careful to avoid using my heavier scarves for indoor use or I will just dissolve into a sweat stain on the carpet. Even this is a lot and might not last the day.

I can’t say this look gives me much joy. I think I’d like it better with a brighter neutral under the jacket, and a necklace instead of the scarf. Maybe a camel or bright brown turtleneck and brown footwear. I might even prefer Keanu g into all black with pearls and the light shoes.

Your comments and suggestions for improvement are always welcome. I promise tomorrows outfit is much more exciting!

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1 year ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Now you see this is where our different stylistic preferences come out to play isn’t it.You say joyless and not interesting whereas lwould have been genuinely thrilled to have pulled this look together .It looks modern,sleek and minimalist.Maybe you have a more maximalist aesthetic than me ?

Vildy

Now, I like this pattern mix and also that your clothing reflects a natural swagger. You can do no wrong in my book.

LJP

I like this ! Not boring at all - the white shoes make it very graphic and interesting .

Runcarla

What this outfit lacks in colour - it more than makes up with an Uber stylish silouhette. It looks like something an editor at Vogue would wear! There is also a whole lot of figure flattery - long leg line, nipped in waist - going on. The scarf and white footwear keep it from being corporate, IYKWIM. Very modern!

Mark it up as a success, Carol. I can see that you are nudging your style in a new direction, and this combination is in the wheelhouse of what you’ve been sharing on the forum, On the continuum of your style I see this as being on the conservative side, but still reflective of you.

*kind of reminds me of suits Victoria Beckham showed - see below

Sally

It looks fab! I like the different patterns and textures mixed together. It looks swish and well put together

kellygirl

LOVE this. It's fantastic!

Roberta

Excuse me while I go put on white boots with wideleg black trousers and a graphic scarf!

Suz

(website)

Well, I like it a lot! It's probably missing the punch of colour you enjoy, but I love the graphic integrity and the pattern mix.

SarahD8

Yeah sorry to disagree but I think you look stunning!

Nodding along with the astute analysis from Runcarla and Suz

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The white shoes and scarf MAKE THE LOOK!! Graphic and modern! And it's fabulous

ChristelJ

My immediate reaction was "Nailed it". Yes, the pattern mix and the white shoes make it altogether awesome. Sorry you didn't get joy!

Dee

Well if that’s what you consider a low point lol, you’re doing pretty darn good I’d say.
I like the play of the stripes with the graphic pattern on that scarf, no way can you tell that its decades old. Also love the hit of cream too with Ecco shoes. All looks well coordinated, but I guess it just boils down to how you felt in the outfit.
Looking forward to seeing tomorrow’s ensemble.

Anonymous

Looks awesome to me! It has a cool edginess. Love the pattern mix

Indigoprint

I like it too! The white shoes really elevate it.
Got your sleeves scrunched perfectly to highlight your turtle. I say keeper!

Helena

I love this! The pattern mix and contrast add plenty of interest to my eye. But YOU have to like it ... so analyzing it to find out what doesn't fit the right note for you is sensible!

Jules

Super cool in my books - I love that the shoes are cream rather than white, and showing just the right amount. Might be good with a white, or white with narrow black stripes, shirt too...

Definitely play with your pearls too!

Jenni NZ

No joy? That’s a shame since it looks amazing! Love the scarf- is houndstooth? If so that is a fave pattern of mine.

CarolS

Well, gosh, you are all just so kind! It might take me a bit to get to each of you by name, but THANK YOU all for looking and commenting.

I appreciate your observations on the aspects of the outfit that do work.

I know my perception was somewhat coloured by my enthusiasm for tomorrow's outfit -- which will be much more colourful. (Yes, I could have worn that one today, but I wanted to make sure I had lots of zing for my in person meetings.) I wanted something to make me equally happy but the outfits that would have done that were for colder weather and/or didn't align with my desire to keep up this mini challenge to myself....

I will try to get back soon to comment individually!!!

jussie

This is my favorite of your looks so far!! But it doesn’t matter, because you need to be happy. Am I right in thinking you like something a little more earthy, with a slightly alternate bent? Kind of more “stylish college academic” ish?
Maybe you could reserve this outfit for evening, perhaps you would feel more comfy wearing all black at night time, say at a nice restaurant or wine bar?

Jaime

Wait, what? This outfit is a disappointment? I think you look fantastic! Seriously, the white shoes and scarf give it a lot of interest and the touch of unexpected that is fab!

Thanks so much, Jussie and Jaime -- it's not giving me the dopamine boost that something colourful would -- I think that's what I'm disappointed with. I get intellectually that elements do work as an outfit, but i didn't feel 'zingy' in it today. There was none of the emotional boost I think tomorrow's outfit will give. And by comparison, I was disappointed not to also have that shot of kapow today!

sand dollar

Active Member

I think it looks wonderful! But it's all about how you feel in it.

Joy

I agree with sand dollar. The look is wonderful but you have to feel great wearing it.

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