WIW: styling my white pants?

gardenchick

It has been so interesting to look at photos of how these outfits come together, or do not come together..information emerges in photos that I don't see in the mirror.

I got these new white pants from Ann Taylor. Maybe I should shorten them? My mom gave me the top and topper, they had been hers. I love the lilac color (this is a theme in my wardrobe!) but in pictures the top looks snug...and I wish the blazer was longer. Not sure the collar works so well either.

I know that lighter color, less clunky shoes would be better, too.

Maybe the pants with a different top next time? And I'm not sure about keeping the shirt and blazer

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback.

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11 years ago

What I Wore

13 replies

Latest reply was from Kiwichik

Aziraphale

Veteran

The bright colour on top with white pants is a great colour combination. I agree that the top looks a little tight across the bust -- it's pulling -- maybe you could size up?

11 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I agree that the top might be a little tight, but the jacket looks like a keeper. It would look great with a white top under it, making a column of white.

And I also agree the pants would probably be better shorter. Can you roll them to see? Or are they not the kind of material that would do well with that?

11 years ago

Zibbets

Veteran

Lovely jacket and pants! The lilac is beautiful with your coloring and white pants are classic.

The shirt looks snug to me. I think I would pass on it and look for a striped shirt in navy/white or neutral/white (pale gray/white or camel/white).

Lightening the shoes and belt will also pull the whole thing together and lengthen your line.

11 years ago

gardenchick

Veteran

Thanks all! Love how helpful you are.

Here's the plan of action to fix/improve this:

1. Ditch the too-tight shirt, find a white or light purple replacement. (I can't size up, my mom bought it a few years ago and then passed it on to me. )
2. Try rolling up the pants to see how that looks. They are lined, so once I decide I would have to take them to a tailor.
3. Switch accessories to Beige/tan/ white shoes and a lighter belt.

Any other thoughts?

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Those sound like perfect tweaks. The orchid colours look amazing on you and are fabulous with white.

I would aim for a very current looking shoe, maybe one with a pointed or almond toe.

11 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

All good points! I'm no expert, but if you are keeping the shirt and wearing it under the jacket, maybe a cool statement necklace in that space? Isn't it interesting how looking at our photos can show us so many things that we never noticed before? I find it so helpful.

11 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

What a cute combo and I love the lavender color on you.

The shirt looks like a knit not a woven fabric, right? Before you ditch the shirt entirely, you might try washing it and then stretching it a bit before laying it flat to dry. That could buy you the extra ease that you need across the chest.

With the white pants, I would shorten them a bit. They are tapered, but not super tightly tapered at the bottom. An inch or two shorter would make a huge difference in flattery. Lighter shoes would also make the transition from leg to shoe less abrupt.

11 years ago

gardenchick

Veteran

Thanks! Feel like I've come in for a styling consultation from the group here.

jackiec -- yes, have found these photos to be really helpful. And sometimes the picture comes together in unexpected ways, both good and bad.

Suz--I'll aim for a current looking shoe. But my feet are really fussy. Between needing arch support and being on the wide side, most shoes don't work. Any ideas, I'd be interested to see them.

I still am conflicted about the blazer. I LOVE the color and the microsuede feel/look. But when I look at it on me in person and in the pictures, it appears boxy, especially for my proportions.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great tips from the ladies. I'm just chiming in to say that I love you in this shade of purple, and that you had me with the white pants.

Have you tried wearing Clarks? They come in wide and offer good arch support.

11 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I really like those white pants - and I like the idea of making the pants a little shorter. That shade of lilac looks fantastic on you. The shirt does look a little snug, but I would keep the blazer.

And I agree about the photo taking - I often see things in the photos that I never noticed in the mirror, for better or for worse!

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I agree with the others.

I think lighter shoes and belt will make a big difference because the pants and colour are wonderful on you.

I think the t-shirt is the one to lose, the shape is wrong, I think a slightly lower neckline would be better, or looser fit.

The jacket I think would look great with regular blue denim or even over a black t-shirt and black trousers.

I think this colour is close to Radiant Orchid which is apparently the colour of 2014. While in general I am not a pink or purple person I am tempted to give it a go although with my colouring it may make me look a little ruddy.

11 years ago

gardenchick

Veteran

Angie--thanks for weighing in. I'll look into Clark's.

Kiwigal--you are right, it is a lot like Radiant Orchid! Maybe a bit more pink. I like the light purples--lilac, lavender, etc. There are a lot of different shades so maybe you can find one that works with your coloring.

Again, thanks all for the GREAT styling ideas and kind feedback!

11 years ago

Kiwichik

Veteran

Looks like you have already received lots of good advise so just chiming in to say lilac is a great colour on you and can't wait to see you once you have implemented some of the great suggestions provided by others.

11 years ago

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