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WIW: sneakers and a dress

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Well, I did it--I ventured out of the house in my high-top sneakers and a dress today, and went to work in the getup! I had some reservations about it, but I enjoyed wearing them together. One of my coworkers said, "It's different. . .," and another said, "I'd totally wear that!"

I kept the look pretty tame, except for the dress-sneakers juxtaposition. I don't think this combination looks sophisticated or polished (doesn't strike me as sporty luxe), but I thought it could pass for arty or funky. Maybe I'm deluding myself, though.

The outfit, worn to work (1-3): sage knit sleeveless high-low hem empire-waist dress (Eileen Fisher); sage linen knit drape-front cardi (made by me); pewter leather & suede high top sneakers with hidden wedge (Paul Green); nude fishnet stockings (Commando); silver and brown stone pendant (gift); silver dangle hoop earrings (Marjorie Baer); taupe hobo bag (Aunts & Uncles)

And here are two white jeans outfits worn on preceding days this week, for days off.
(4-6): mauve floral cap-sleeve ballet-neck tee (made by me); taupe and cream chunky hand-knit sweater (Totally Brill by Amy Brill); white bootcut jeans (Lucky, Lolita); pewter cutout belt (Fossil); taupe lace-up sandals (P. Monjo).

(7-9): gray-taupe ruched v-neck tee (Caslon); white bootcut jeans (Lucky, Lolita); bright coral 3/4 sleeved cardigan (Halogen); pewter cutout belt (Fossil); print scarf (Asian Eye); pewter and taupe sling-back Mary Janes (Fidji); taupe hobo bag (Aunts & Uncles).

What do you think of the sneakers and dress? Does it look stylish or like I maybe getting a little, I don't know, maybe forgetful, like I forgot to change my shoes before leaving the house?
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on any of these outfits!

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Commando 'Very Fine' Fishnet Tights

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Fossil Perforated Leather Belt

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

kellygirl

Veteran

Ooh, I love the sneakers with dress. Definitely arty and cool. So fun! Great white bottom outfits. I especially love you in the tomato red. The boucle-ish sweater looks cozy and soft. Gorgeous all the way around!

Gigi

Veteran

I think the sneakers with the dress works! I think that looking "forgetful" might come into play only if the rest of your outfit were frumpy, which it most certainly is not. I think that the jewelry adds an extra hint of intentionality, because it shows that you are attentive even to small details.

All the outfits are great, but I absolutely love the outfit with the red cardigan! I think there is something about the combination of colors that is very appealing. The perfectly fitting items add a lot of polish. I will admit that I like the outfit better without the scarf, because then the shiny belt can be the center of attention. I really love that belt!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thanks, Kelly and Gigi!
It's funny, Gigi, I think I had that kind of thinking when i chose my jewelry. I wanted something that would show up and look intentional! And I did do a lower-volume arrangement of the scarf for the cooler portion of the day that I wore it. . . .

deb

Veteran

Love the sneakers and dress.

Jeanie

Veteran

Oh cool! I love the sneakers and dress. This is the coolest outfit I have seen all week. There is something subtle about it (I guess the colors) but then it rocks at the same time.

Lantana

Veteran

I think the rear view of sneakers and dress looks cool and funky but the front view doesn't. All I can come up with for a reason is that the empire cut of the neckline detracts from the otherwise fluid lines of the dress. I wonderwhat effect it would have if the neckline were assymetric?

Deborah

Veteran

Firecracker, your outfits are stunning, you have such innate style. The white jeans are cut beautifully for you and the red with them is Wow!

The dress and jacket are just stunning however the sneakers are not working to my eye. They don't look bad but I feel it confuses the look. The outfit, IMHO, is begging for an edgy ankle boot or shootie. It just doesn't read as intentional to me. Fashion is so subjective and opinions vary so know that this is simply my opinion, shaped by what I like to see. I view you look as arty and elegant and the sneakers in this particular ensemble don't "fit":)

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like it all. Even though the sneakers with anything is a look I am so behind on. I think it works, but if your topper/jacket were either sportier or tougher (but most of all sportier) it might play with more intention.

The white jeans looks use some great color combinations.

Neel

Veteran

You nailed the sneakers and dress look the Firecracker way! Arty, drapey and perfect! Love how your sneakers match the dress! And of course it looks intentional!

Fantastic white jeans outfits too! Especially love 8. The scarf is gorgeous!

unfrumped

Veteran

All of these outfits are both fun and interesting and really interesting to me to see what works better to my " eye" , since I recently tried on and tossed around different items trying to make things work.

I live the EF dress on you and live the sneakers especially color. The pose when you include the handbag is very pleasing and make me wonder why. I like cocolion's observation about making the outfit more sporty. I think something like a jean jacket over the dress, plus the sneaks, might do it. So something about the handbag balances the sneakers, and a sporty and slightly structured jacket would do
the same, while the dress with cardi( which is a fab outfit) may want a sleeker shoe. I actually think the sneakers are worth some more outfit tryouts because of the great neutral look.
The red cardi/ white jeans is super flattering. I like it better than the fluffy cardi. Not sure why, because I like the color and texture of the sweater itself. . May be the proportions? Wearing unbuttoned looks more relaxed , and pushing up sleeves would also add ( if that drives you crazy I'll understand; I like wearing mine pushed up, but a) they don't stay up, and b) in winter it
feels cold that way ).
These are a lot of great items and looks, so I say keep playing around with them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Nailed it! And did it YOUR way, too, which is even more impressive. Those are the best sneaks ever, IMO. They are just PERFECT in your wardrobe. This looks completely intentional to my eye. Though I also like CocoLion's suggestion of a slightly tougher jacket -- that would be another great way to wear it. Maybe as things cool down further.

White jeans looks are equally gorgeous. Of course my classics loving heart is singing at the sight of 7/8/9 especially. The white with the coral is a stunning combination on you. Fresh, vivid, and alive. Yet your accessories, again, ensure that the overall vibe is arty and very "you."

MsLuna

Veteran

I think you wear sneakers and dress very well! I really like the outfit. I found it harmonious rather than too "out there" but I think it's because the outfit is monochromatic. Overall though, I really think this works!

Anonymous

I always look forward to your pics! I like the dress/sneakers combo as arty and fun. It looks intentional to me because of the colour of the sneakers (at least from what I can see) . It's different for you, but you've interpreted the look to suit your way of dressing and it totally works! As for the jeans outfits - the white boot cuts are a great fit for you - did you scoop them up in regular denim too?

I really love the red/coral cardi pairing - that is such a great colour for you - use it more often !!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE the Arty Frock with the hi-tops. Absolutely rocking fabulous. xo

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thanks for all the thoughtful comments, everyone. It's really helpful to get your different perspectives.
Lantana and unfrumped, your reservations about the sneakers and dress looks are interesting and have me pondering. I wonder if it's partly the asymmetric hemline of the dress that throws off the look, and I think Cocolion makes a good point, too, about the topper.
Cocolion, I have a cropped moto jacket that I've yet to wear, which might go well with the dress and sneakers.
Deborah your point about the sneakers not giving the outfit my usual elegant and arty feel is very well taken.
For those that thought it looks intentional or really liked it, thanks for your comments, too. I figured it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, and I think next time I try something similar I'll make some adjustments based on what you all have told me here!
I appreciate your comments on the white jeans outfits, too!
Unfrumped, I agree with you about the chunky knit sweater with these jeans--something about the proportions. I much prefer the unbuttoned look in the photos, too. I can't recall if I tried to push up the sleeves or not.
Lisap, I have this cut of jeans only in white. Got them on sale with an extra discount, to replace a pair of white bootcuts from last year that are too tight this year. But I have some super blue bootcuts, too, one in a different Lucky cut and another by Hudson that I got at NAS.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think the dress and sneakers works but I would call it elegant fun rather than sporty if that means anything. I love the pop of bright color in the third outfit too!

Sal

Veteran

I also look forward to seeing your outfits...I love the coral cardigan one the best, it is simple in the very best way.
I think that the dress/sneaker combination works,it looks intentional, but maybe tweaking could take it to the next level. Maybe another colour introduced somewhere in the mix, such as in the jacket?