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WIW: trying a new silhouette - doesn't work

amiable

Veteran

I'm trying to branch out from my jeans-and-tee frumpiness into other MOTG silhouettes for my stay-at-home days. I wore this today, and while it's ever so comfy, I feel like I look like a bad trip to the thrift store. I'm not sure why this feels and looks so dated to me? What am I screwing up in trying this silhouette?

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

nk123

Love the colors. I believe cobalt and black are very on trend. I think you have the beginnings of a great outfit. The leggings and tunic are figure flattering. I would consider a lower cut top under the tunic ( maybe a camisole?) and change the footwear a bit. Maybe boots or loafers without socks? I'm no expert though, so take my ideas with a grain of salt

catgirl

Veteran

This is not as as bad as you think, but I find that style of empire top a bit dated (fitted under the bust, as opposed to a bit looser). I agree a different top underneath would help too.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I love the cobalt color, it looks fantastic on you! The tunic is very pretty, and I think the shirt under it is fine, but I would probably wear a cami unless it is too cold out for that. How about booties with this outfit? Black booties would be fantastic, or if you are daring, perhaps booties in a funky color?

Mochi

Veteran

I agree that it's not nearly as bad as you think. I don't like that it's fitted right under the bust either. Other than that, it's actually a cute basis that probably could be tweaked with one or two bright accessories to work well. The footwear may be too plain for the outfit.

deb

Veteran

The colors are great, the shoes that seem off to me.

Carole

Veteran

I'm thinking a cami under the tunic and some tall boots would be great!

bj1111

Veteran

how's the bra situation? perhaps refreshing could start here?

D'Ellen

Veteran

I really like the color and pattern of the top. I agree that a cami and boots/booties would elevate this outfit. Give it another try!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Footwear is the issue! Booties for sure, or ballet flats.

There is also a fit issue around the breast. Can't tell exactly what, but the band seems too tight, or too high, or the collar is too big.

The colour is beautiful though!

amiable

Veteran

Thanks a ton for all your suggestions! I tried subbing out the shoes for light colored cowboy boots and adding a bracelet and pendant and lower cut under-shirt. (But it's too dark now to take pics and my camera is dead). I agree with you that the empire waist is too high - and that the empire waist in general is dating the outfit. I really appreciate all your help!

(Eventually I may have pics of more options with this outfit - just not today)

shiny

Veteran

Hmm. I may be all wrong here, but here's my two shiny penny's, for what it's worth.

Yes, the tunic style may be a little dated, I suppose. But I'm not sure that is what is going on here. To my eye, it's the color pairing of black + cobalt. Hear me out on this one.

This is why I resisted cobalt for the longest time. Because I'd done that trend TO DEATH. And cobalt + black -- to me -- seems dated. I could be entirely wrong, and it's not dated, I'm just personally tired of it.

I wear a lot of cobalt. I try NOT to pair it with too much black.

So how about this same top with burgundy skinnies? Or dark wash skinnies, with leopard or snakeskin booties? Or how about a mustard tee underneath with taupe booties?

See where I'm going here?

amiable

Veteran

Yes, shiny, I completely see your point. And I love the idea of a mustard top underneath and my light boots (which I haven't posted yet - but they're almost mustard colored too), and dark skinnies or maroon.

I'm not completely sold on keeping trying empire waists either though - I have a few other tunics that I want to try over leggings. It's something that I really like the idea of (leggings), but don't have a clue on how to pull off.

Which is why I appreciate all your help so much!

Ariadne

Veteran

I'd like to see the same outfit with a simple black cami under the top and either booties, tall boots, or loafers or oxfords with no socks. I think the socks and the top under the tunic are the main issues.

JulieJohn

Veteran

Perhaps the tunic is a tad long. Can we see it tucked up under the empire waist to shorten it? Otherwise, not a bad start. It kind of reminds me of a sci-fi look. Thanks for sharing!

N-Marie

Veteran

I think you have the beginning of a nice look, actually. I agree with the advice to replace the loafers with boots or booties and the V-neck shirt with a cami.

It's a bit hard to tell whether the fit of the tunic (or even the undergarments) around the bust could be improved- it could just be the angle of the photo but perhaps something to consider.

amiable, would love to see your revised version!

Deborah

Veteran

Empire line tops have been very popular and I must admit I find them a bit dated...but they are kind of cute. I would wear a camisole under the tunic with a straight, lower cut neckline. Then I would swap out the shoes for a ballet flat and no socks - show some foot skin to balance the skin showing at the neckline and the bare lower arms. This has the making of a pretty put together outfit.