WIW: Sort an an outfit fail...

catgirl

I would have considered this a perfect outfit a couple of years ago. But now I'm not finding it up to par. The neckline of the dress is too high for my short squat neck, even with the v of the blazer, and the hem feels a bit short.

Sorry you have to see the Danskos again - you know I'm actively looking for substitutes!

Theory dress, old and from consignment
Nic & Zoe knit blazer (an old fave)

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13 years ago

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I don't think this is a fail at all Una. Yes, the neckline of the dress is higher than you normally wear, but the v of the blazer is quite deep so there's still an elongating effect. The fit of that blazer is fantastic and the scrunched sleeves brings in some edge. I don't find the dress to short but your eye has probably become more accustomed to the longer lengths that we seem to be wearing now. Is there any hem allowance you could let down? If so, that might make it feel more modern to you.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks, Shannon! No hem allowance... it's silk jersey too, so hard to alter. I think I'd feel better wearing it with tights and boots. It has long sleeves also, so maybe I'll save it for fall and winter.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

It would look FAB with tights and boots. And with long sleeves, it's the perfect cold weather "frock" (I love when Angie calls a dress a frock!).

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Hee. Me too.

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

Me three!

I think you look great, but I can also see your points about how this outfit no longer perfectly fits your style.

I do want to take a big spangly brooch (maybe something reminiscent of a military medal) and stick it on your lapel!

13 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I think the outfit looks fine, but my first impression, was "but that's not a Una outfit". Over the past year, I think you've developed a more consistent style image that really suits you. This outfit seems to harken (love that word, by the way) back to the past when you were still trying out different style personas: ladylike, classic, funky, UWP, etc.

What I've seen in your recent WIW pictures is a fusion of all these experiments into a very definite "Una" style. My suggestion would be to break up this duo and wear each piece as if it was something you'd just purchased.

It sometimes takes wearing an older, favorite outfit to realize that we have moved into another stage of our fashion journey. In your case, I see someone who has developed a very distinct, personal style who just needs to use her fashion instincts to re-work these items into a "Una" style.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Gaylene, those are truly wise words. And thank you so much for pointing out that I have recently accomplished a more cohesive style, because I really did attempt to cover a lot of style ground in the past without thinking it through. You are so right that both of these pieces can be reworked and not wasted, since they both still have appeal to me now.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I like it, too, and I don't find the dress too short.

Hm, maybe it's the androdyny that's missing? I'm trying to think back to your RAE rubric.

13 years ago

KathyL

Veteran

I don't think this is a fail at all! I think the length looks good, not too short. Maybe pairing it with a different blazer or changing out the shoes to boots would toughen the look up for you.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I think Gaylene hit the nail on the head. I can see these pieces working but with different pieces to give the outfit that UWP vibe you have with your style now. This outfit doesn't have that slight edge I associate with your style. Maybe the dress with a leather moto jacket instead of a blazer? Or the blazer with a statement trouser?

13 years ago

Heather

Veteran

Okay, so this may be crazy, but don't you have like (at least) three AWESOME new black jackets (HI, NAS, maybe another NAS?)? This jacket is nice, but dated to my eye. I dig this frock. I vote for an edgier black topper with it and boom! Problem solved.

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I totally agree with Gaylene. I don't think this is a fail so much as it is not your current style.

I see what you're saying about the hem, but actually, to my eye, I was thinking the blazer was too long. Maybe it just seems long with that length skirt.

Bottom line: these are two great pieces, just not necessarily perfect together!

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Janet, I actually tried this with my cropped black lace blazer but felt way too exposed...

Heather, yep, lots of jackets to try, just felt bad for this neglected one this morning. It's an interestnig and enlightening exercise to think about what DOESN'T work as well as what does work! You should get an award for best memory of other people's closets!

Lisa, Kathy, and Rae - great suggestions, thank you!

13 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Yes Una, you have worked hard to bring edge to your workwear. On most people this outfit would be a hit but right now this outfit is not passing your style filters.

13 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Maybe try unbuttoning the jacket and swapping out the Danskos for one of your three pairs of bright, relatively edgier booties (orange, electric blue, burgundy)?

I know you adore those Danskos, but I think if you start swapping in some of the other sad, lonesome booties already in your closet, you will instantly bring more edge to your looks :).

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Jonesy, I don't actually adore them as much, but I don't have many shoe options. I guess I could take more advantage of my year round boot weather...

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I agree what Gaylene said about trying these separately. Isn't it funny when you go to something you may have worn a year ago but now think, nope not me anymore?

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Nothing wrong with this outfit. I like the retro vibe of the jacket. Agree with both Janet and Jonesy's points. Also Gaylene's point about trying these pieces with other items. Just nodding my head, sorry nothing new or original to add!

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I agree with both Heather and Jonesy! My first thought was to swap the jacket with one of your black ones and the shoes with your electric blue booties. I think this particular jacket buttoned up like this would look fun with one of your BF jeans for a 90s-ish look.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This outfit is not a fail at all! That said Una, your style has evolved and that means tweaking this look to reflect your current style preferences.

I like Heather's and Jonesy's suggestions best. And Aida's too

13 years ago

Anonymous

Yep, not a fail. I like Heather's idea. This jacket would look awesome open and with pants. Just minor stuff. You still look awesome.

13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I agree it's the jacket. Just not your style, at least with this dress. Not at all a fail just not a perfect Una as we have come to expect.

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I realise this has already been said but for the record I agree this just needs some tweaking. I immediately thought of a cropped black jacket and booties. I think your blue ones would look fab with the dress. To my mind you then have a very work appropriate but still fashion forward "Una" outfit:)

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think the dress is nice on you. It's the jacket that throws me, quite honestly. I find it too... *soft* for the dress...

13 years ago

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