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Your opinion on these outfit ideas, please

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

OK, ladies, I've decided to get ahead of the morning what-to-wear routine and try out some ideas I've had lying around. My main goal for these is wear-to-work, business casual...and I work in the corporate office of a fashion retailer, so I can "get away" with being a little more individual in my style. (-:

Please do give me your very honest opinion/ideas for how to improve these, particularly the kinds of jewelry/accessories that could bump these up a notch.

I'm not sure what to do about the hair; I've not been curling it because I want to find a way that it's not SO tightly curled (I've had been doing a wet set at night and it looked perfect on day 2, but poodley on day 1).

My style goals, to give some context include these descriptors:
feminine, comfortable
rich colors and fabrics, often tailored, exotic details
bold and unusual color combinations, unexpected details and construction
not whimsical or playful, not costumed
referencing the traditional, carefully curated
draped and textured
straight-forward

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Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love how you have set these out, with the addition of your style descriptors. That is extremely helpful.

And wow, do you ever look beautiful! Your hair and skin tone are so lovely with these colours.

Given your descriptors (and probably in general, anyway) my favourites are #1 and #2. You look spectacular in the soft and sparkling sweater of #1; it is feminine but also clean-lined and very modern. A lovely winter look!

As for 2, it combines colours and textures in an unusual and interesting way, not to mention the fact that they happen to be colours that truly suit you. The booties are unexpected, but to my eye, they work.

I am less sure about #5, not because I don't like it (I do like it, actually) but it does veer more towards the whimsical and playful; it has more of a retro feel to it. Which might or might not suit your needs then.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

My favorite is #1, followed by #4. Is that my sweater in #5?

Deborah

Veteran

Firstly I love it when you post outfits Jenava:)

#1 I like this very neutral look but Angie has definitely converted me to colour so I am wondering about adding some here. Would you consider your Ox Blood booties with this and I could see a large vintage style broach on the sweater?

#2 is stunning and now I want to wear my cropped velvet jacket ... but it's too warm.
The pattern mix here is quite clever I think and I really don't know how you would improve on this.

#3 Gorgeous coloured blouse. I would be tempted to add a long necklace like in #4 but that's me, or even a contrasting scarf that could remain on as part of the outfit.

#4 is lovely combining feminine with structure. The blush against the white is beautiful. I feel this outfit covers many of your style goals.

#5 to my way of thinking is classic Jenava:) Again I am not sure I would add anything but I would like to know what jacket you would wear over this.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Suz - The cream one is the one I was least sure about for that exact reason! This is a bit retro and I'm trying to move to a more urban look.

Anna -
Haha, yes ma'am it is! (-: Those are my favorites too. So, you aren't digging the pattered skinnies, eh? Or is it just my attempt at pattern-mixing that isn't so hot? (-;

Deborah, that one with the jacket is my fav as well - it's actually more of a cream but I've messed with the colors trying fix them, since it's so dark here and the exposure is coming out too dim. I did actually have a thought that the tassel necklace would work well in that outfit, too. I also was thinking about doing a long silver/gold chain necklace to #1? I will try it with my red booties as well. Good suggestion! Oh, and I have a large round rhinestone brooch that I've worn at my throat with a buttoned up blouse under this sweater before - I will add that to this as well. Would add a nice glam touch which I like!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

#3 almost works, I'd call it passable.
I think #2 is the mix of warm and cool that's throwing me off. Maybe something light and warm on top to bookend.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I tried to do that with the necklace. Maybe I need something gold that is a little more bold, or a scarf instead; I have a gold and black silk net tie-dye scarf that could be perfect. I'll give that a try next time.

I think #3 needs a necklace?

Deborah

Veteran

Just popped back to ask why not whimsical? I have certainly felt in the past that there was a hint of whimsy to some of your outfits (and a little retro) ...are you purposefully moving away from that? I have seen then as part of your signature:) Of course I guess it has a lot to do with how you define whimsy too.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Deborah, if you knew my personality I think it would make sense...I have an appreciation for it, but I don't like how other people react to me; it gives a false impression about who I am...I am more on the dark humor, somewhat reserved end of the spectrum. And I feel bad for the people who get that wrong based on my dress, because I also have a sharp tongue. (-;

Vix

Veteran

Hi Jeneva --

First, I agree it's always fun to see what you've posted...you always play in the realm of your style goals, goals I happen to love.

Lots of winners to these eyes.

It could be interesting to take #1 even darker with with the underlayer, via either a neutral or color-color.

The colors in #2 are beautiful together and on you. How do the arms looked wrist length? I'm nosy (though I know where you have the sleeves may be best for showing off your waist).

I do like #5 but if you're trying to skew a bit more urban and more aligned with your personality I think you need some darkness aside from the boots. I half-wonder about a faux-fur collar that covered the white bow (?) but then that could take you more costume-y than you want.

Let us know where you end up!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Vix, that denim shirt is 3/4 length sleeves only. I know, crazy. It also doesn't button all the way to the top - needless to say I really need to find a new denim shirt! But it's so hard to find one that doesn't have big breast pockets which then don't layer well.

In #1 I don't have a darker blouse that would work - I have a dark brown cami that I've worn (but then my skin shows through the drop stiches on the arms anyway). And, I like the idea of bringing a bit of lightness to the outfit since it's so dark. I do have a leopard print top that I've worn under this sweater that is darker-colored. That is definitely a potential variation, but it's a bit more "whimsical", and I'm, you know, trying to keep things all serious up in here...LOL...

amiable

Veteran

Just piping in to say #1 an 4 are my favorites - but I like them all. #5 is almost an all-white outfit - do you have light boots or booties (taupe, maybe) that would turn it into a winter-white glory outfit?

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

It's such a treat to see your outfits!!!

I love 4 and 5. Maybe a bracelet or simple watch and a brown bag with #5? For #4, I think this is great as is.

As for #3, add a pendant to balance the high necklace and I will love this too.

With #2, I am crazy about the mix of the pants and the leopard booties. In fact those pants + booties are my favorite visual piece of this whole set. However, I might suggest a very simple black (tunic? or at least not cropped?) sweater so there's no fighting with the shoes and pants. Of course you could add a pendant or bracelets with a simple black top, something a little ornate and baroque perhaps?

I like the skirt and sweater very much in #1 but have a poison eye towards midis and tall boots, it reminds me a lot of the late 70s and early 80s and while I love almost everything from those decades, this is one of those things I didn't love then and not now either. I would prefer a pretty heel with this outfit, even as a juxtaposition with the chunky collegiate vibe of the skirt and sweater.

Kari

Veteran

Queen Blush, there's something so very elegant in #4 that really captures many of the words you listed above - textured, feminine, structured. Elegance with approachability. It's my favorite outfit out of the bunch. I love your wording "carefully curated." That's a beautiful concept to strive toward.

I like the pattern mixing in #2 and 3, but I see the same thing that Anna mentioned about the color tones clashing a bit in #2. It's hard for me to put my finger on it, though.

Have you thought about trying your blush moto jacket over the pieces in #5?

Kari

Veteran

Jenava, Kasmira's new cut made me think of you: http://whatiwore2day.blogspot......-chop.html

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Can't pick between #1 & #4 - they are both outstanding. I love the pieces in #2 but I don't love the shirt with the jacket, pants & boots (it may just be me but it seems to claim too much attention).

I think #5 looks really good on you but it isn't working for your style direction imo - I'd try a structured jacket with the skirt & the knit with plain pants/jeans.

Deborah

Veteran

Jenava, thank you, that makes sense and now I understand. I do find it hard to imagine you having a sharp tongue:) but when I think of some your work outfits they do communicate a professional, "I know what I am doing" and "I am in control" vibe.

Raisin

Veteran

For me, 3,4 and 5 are perfect, I would change them. You look great!

For #1 I don't like the height of the boots with the skirt. I like the skirt paired with the sweater. I wouldn't mind seeing it with flats or booties that are short and slim to the ankle.

For #2 it's the boots that are throwing me off again. I think it needs darker boots, like maybe the ones in #3. The jacket is beautiful in this one, love the color!

Sorry I don't have much advice on jewelry, I'm not one to wear much.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

CL, thanks, very helpful. I will play around with the top a little more in #2. I do have some options that might work.

Kari, good idea on the moto. Love the hair - I am considering getting sideswept bangs again, and some larger rollers for a wet set and see if that helps matters.

caro - thanks for the input. Good ideas. The skirt is actually a dress! But I can still make it work with a jacket, I think.

Deborah - I'm not terrible, but I can be quite "to the point" when I mean business. Most of the time I'm quite nice, I think. (-:

RR - my husband gets sick of these black suede wedge booties, but by gollie they just go with everything! (-:

renee0217

I like all your outfits. I think #5 is nice but I think the boots are a little off. I would try a dressy high heel boot in cream, brown or black.

lyn67

Veteran

I like the last 3 the most, those are all so Jenava-(trendy, but still personal and good for business casual with an edge)but last one(the winter white outfit) is oustanding!!!! I love your hair like it is styled here very much, curly is of course another stunning look, but understand your concerns on day one, and it takes so much time curling it, why bother on a daily basis, perhaps leave it for special occasions, only.

JR

Veteran

#1 - I really like this one, especially as I am a fan of open-knit detailing. I think it would benefit from a necklace or even - gasp - a scarf, although it's a little harder to evaluate with that pose.

#2 - makes me smile. I think it's a winner. As a non-leopard fan, I would wear different footwear, but that's my personal taste more than anything else.

#3 - is fine, but not fantastic. But I suspect it might have more to do with the camera angle which might be foreshortening your legs a bit. Or it might be the way the jacket is hanging. A more vertical line would be better, IMO.

#4 - another one that is fine, nothing to be ashamed of, but not the knock-out job you so often manage to do.

#5 - I love this. Really. It's flattering and fun and serious anyway.

You might want to reword your description. You are playful sometimes, but it's reined in. I think what you are avoiding is eccentricity or quirkiness.

Aida

Veteran

I looove #1 and #4, both are just gorgeous! #3 also looks good to me in the texture, print, and color mix but I'm not sure I'm sold on the high neckline here. For #5, perhaps some dark jewelry and hosiery to balance out the darker boots and really make the white sing (other than that your hair is enough additional darkness to me). For #2 I think I want to see either dark booties OR a shirt with some cream in it. That velvet blazer is lovely!

moira

Veteran

1-4 are all urban and stylish and look great, to my way of thinking.
#5 is such a departure and I think it is quite lovely on you but I do find the boots jarring. It kind of spoils the ethereal Gatsbyish feel to the look. Lighter boots, perhaps, or even a white buck or creamy taupe brogue.

Anonymous

Okay I'm a complete dolt when it comes to winter looks (being that we don't *have* much of a winter) but I love #5. I think it's plenty serious and straightforward. Seriously elegant, but not in a flirtatious way at all. I actually like the way the dark boots bookend your hair.

Isis

Veteran

This thread has been so fun to read, a PhD in fashion!

I'm clearly a beginner, I love ALL of these!!!!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Aida, I like the idea of doing a shirt wth some cream. My original plan had called for the shirt in #3 with this...too much pattern?

Moira, I do have taupe booties, but the vibe didn't seem right. I also have a pair of brogues that are gold, chambray and cream. But they seemed too costumey, so I decided against them.

JulieJohn

Veteran

I especially like #1 and #5 - you look great in skirts! I would say #2 is a bit playful, so if you don't want that I would try to avoid looking so darn cute. ;~)

You look so pretty in all of them, I have no complaints and think you are ready for work!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My favorites are #1 and #4 and #5 looks great too but I can't help but feel the ribbon is too whimsical given your goals. I might be nuts with that though. The blues and textures in #2 are perfect - it is the shoes that are bothering me. You have already received great suggestions though.