After trying a not-quite-right combo (now #4), and getting lots of advice to improve it, I decided to try a different shirt under the burgundy sweatshirt. However, nothing worked. So I went for invisible layers instead, and I'm much happier. I think I must have just had too much going on.
So what do you think - better?
(#3 is with the coat I'm wearing - a cobalt puffer, from Good Will, of course).
I don't see anything wrong, except that I have a hard time layering over a button down -- could that be it?
I like your bookending with the booties.
Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
The color combo is great Amy but IMHO something looks off with the proportions of the top and sweater in terms of the hemline.
LAR101 replied 10 years ago
Ditto, what I think is working is the bookending - red shirt - reddish brown boots.
Missey replied 10 years ago
I think the shirt underneath is too big... It seems to be bunching at the hem under the sweater. When I layer a button down under the sweater I always have the collar out and turn the cuffs over the sleeves and scrunch a bit. Overall it is a great outfit combo!
amiable replied 10 years ago
The shirt underneath has a mandarin collar. I'll swap it out for a different shirt underneath. Thanks for the tips so far!
Neel replied 10 years ago
Agree with Missey Popping out the collar and scrunching the sleeves should do. I like the color of the sweater on you though. Can't say it's a terrible purchase :)
carambola replied 10 years ago
I like the sweater with the jeans. Swap out the shirt with one that has a collar and you're good to go. Maybe chambray or denim instead of white if you want to casualize the sweater even more? Great boots!
shemarie replied 10 years ago
I'll leave the analysis to others, but I have to say I really like the color of the sweater on you, and I love those boots!
Carole replied 10 years ago
I love the color up top and see how this might work a little better with a different layer underneath, maybe the shirt is too big or long.
Marmee replied 10 years ago
I wonder if the white shirt is too stiff? Otherwise, great bookending!
karymk replied 10 years ago
I think you will like it better without the stiff shirt underneath. Then you can slouch it a bit and do a half tuck. Try it that way with a tight little undershirt underneath for warmth, and see if you don't like it better. The color is great on you, I just love you in reds!
Emily replied 10 years ago
The sweatshirt is a great find and a lovely colour! Totally fab. I like the idea of layering the white shirt, but I think it's a bit too long. Likewise the bookending shoes are a great idea, but if your aim is to toughen the sweater, maybe a black boot instead? Do you have a long sleeved striped tee to layer under the sweater? I think that would look cool peeking out at the hem/cuffs.
deb replied 10 years ago
Pull the collar of the shirt out and see if that works better for you. I think the white tail popping out from under the sweatshirt needs something to go with it. Oh, and maybe the cuffs of the shirt could show a little, also.
I don't see anything wrong with it. Popping the collar out would improve it, but that will seem less "you" to me. I like the "sloppiness". Roughness and imperfection are very intrinsic parts of your style, to me. Overall, I think the outfit is nice and simple. Perhaps you can keep an eye for a more tapered pair of grey jeans. Otherwise, cute color combo and nice shoes btw!
rachylou replied 10 years ago
Well, I like the sweatshirt. The pattern is great. I'd definitely like to see how a visible collar would change things. I'm wondering tho if a silky, more drapey shirt would work better. Something that just skims as it falls. I also wonder if the sweatshirt isn't a bit short...
amiable replied 10 years ago
Okay - I changed - ditched the undershirt for just a tee, and I'm about a million times happier with it. I think I need to not try for so maximal/complicated and just stick with simple. Makes layering a little tougher, but is much more "me".
:)
Angie replied 10 years ago
I love invisible layers too. High five. Loving #1.
karymk replied 10 years ago
There you go! Woot woot!
Suz replied 10 years ago
Well, I just love #1, and I am a less is more kinda' gal. So there you go.
Emily replied 10 years ago
I like your pick! The striped bag is perfect with it.
texstyle replied 10 years ago
Yes, less is more!
Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago
Oooohhhhh #1 with invisible layers is FANTASTIC! Love this Amy. Well done.
Marmee replied 10 years ago
The new version is stellar!!
E replied 10 years ago
Love the invisible layers! And I'm wearing a Goodwill-sourced little puffer today too. :D
Neel replied 10 years ago
Love the *new* outfit!!! Great color palette with the surprise cobalt puffer thrown in! The striped bag adds the touch of glamour :)
Beth Ann replied 10 years ago
Yeah for simplicity!
rae replied 10 years ago
I love where you went with this. Layering often feels fussy to me, too, and the cleaner look is perfect for under the puffer.
PS: Waving at my bag cousin!
amiable replied 10 years ago
Rae - it was your fabulous bag that made me look twice at this bag when I saw it at a rummage sale. I'm sure I would have passed it by, but it has become a total workhorse! I'm proud to be your bag cousin! :)
Missey replied 10 years ago
Ditching the top underneath was a great idea, this look is much more "you" and is an illustration of less is more.
PS I often waffle about layering button down shirts due to proportions and fuss factor too.
donnat replied 10 years ago
Late to the party but pictures 1 to 3 are terrific. Those boots are particularly stellar.
cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago
I think the issue with the first attempt is that you have fabulously slim hips and thighs and they were hidden with the longer layers. The new version emphasizes those assets and results in a fab outfit.