Anatomy Of An Outfit
Thanks so much for all your great suggestions on Monday. You ladies are the best. Today, I want to do a postmortem on two outfits I wore over the holidays. I’m going to explain what I observe and why I prefer one look over the other…on me, for me.
What doesn’t work for me in this outfit
As I look back at this outfit it has a distinct “toy soldier” vibe to me. I prefer a more elegant look. I love the gold buttons on this quilted velvet jacket but they needed to be considered as a piece of jewelry. My necklace and earrings are enough detail for me here so the pin is overkill.
I love a great white shirt…but not here because it chops up the outfit. The color has too much contrast and the cuffs make my arms look short.
I love these loafers but not with this outfit. Seeing a part of my foot between the shoe and pants adds enough extra busyness to make this outfit not work for me. The jacket is quilted, the corduroy pants have a raised wale and the shoes have a velvet nap which is too much texture for my style.
What works about this outfit
I’m smaller above my waist than below. Bright red pants enlarge the look of my bottom half and the black jacket makes my top half look smaller. It provides balance.
The next time I wore this jacket and pants I streamlined the look.
I skipped the loafers and wore smooth black boots that tucked under the pant leg so no ankle showed. Next, I swapped the white shirt for a smooth black turtleneck. These are the same hoop earrings but I skipped the necklace and pin. I am much happier with this look because there are fewer details grabbing the eye.
In this side-by-side picture you can see that even though my shoes and boots have the same 1″ heel, I look a bit taller in the image on the right. Yes, I’m having a better hair day on the right too:)
I hope you found this postmortem entertaining.
I’d love to hear your feedback.
Yes, Jennifer, the second look is much better. I have red Chico’s pants hanging in my closet and couldn’t decide what to wear with them. Thanks for the suggestions. I love your blog and comments from other ladies, but it’s my first time to comment.
I’m glad you’ve joined the conversation! Welcome
I love the less is more look in the second picture too. I have noticed that the style icons such as Carolyn Bessette, Melania Trump, Audrey Hepburn, etc., don’t rely on jewelry, scarfs and such but prefer the minimalist look. This is what you have shown in the second look.
This was fun and informative. Love the second look. I know I make mistakes like this too (first outfit) so I thoroughly appreciated the breakdown.
I’m so glad it was helpful, Karyn
Great! Thanks for the supertips
Love, love love the anatomy of an outfit!!!
This is the best post ever! You could do this week after week, and compare a “sort of ‘OK’ look” with a side by side comparision of a ‘Wow’ look that you simply tweaked. This is what I need: Visuals, and your provided them in this post. Would love to see you do the same with ‘pants leg lengths’, and perhaps one on “skirt’ lengths and the kind of tops/blouses/blazers that are best suited to a particular type of skirt. Then, add the shoes to the look, also…. Visually seeing the difference, side by side, is a terrific teaching tool. Thank you very much for this terrific post
Great ideas! Thanks, Suzanne!
I love the second outfit too! Have you considered playing around with shoe color too? My eyes are drawn to the black shoe contrasting with the red pants. Great post!
As with many commenters, I love this article. I am same body type and would wear second outfit for all the reasons you said. The white at neck brings too much “up” for me. By doing these articles, you show us that fashion is a lot of tweaking, even when you know what you are doing…and I don’t…well am learning. Happy New year!
Happy New Year
I have been reading your blog for several years. This is my favorite post you’ve ever done. I love the side by side and the “why” of both pictures. Please consider putting together outfits that don’t work on purpose. While I enjoy the “would you wear it” posts, this is far more helpful. Great job.
I agree!
Great post and so informative! More like this would be very helpful. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
This post was excellent! Your detailed analysis was very helpful.
Thanks for being open, honest and real on this blog.
On a completely different subject, I bought the SMEG tea kettle you featured a while back and just love it. I bought it in the cream colour.
This was so helpful! I hope this becomes a regular feature. Side by side always helps! Thanks! Happy new year!
Well, in case you need one more vote, may I add mine to say that this side-by-side lesson is terrific. And while I do enjoy the Would You Wear It? segments, this is far more helpful. Far more. All the best to you and yours for 2021. It has to be better
This was really helpful—thank you! Seeing the pictures with your explanations made me “get” it. I agree with everyone else & would love more posts like this.
Great post and hope it becomes a regular feature on the blog. Looking at both pictures side by side I agree that picture 2 is the most appealing but it’s “the why” that would stump me. Love how you explained what wasn’t working and why. On another note, I must thank you for your post featuring the Nordgreen watches. My husband gifted me with the Native watch for Christmas and I love it!
You should keep him!
Great post! Interesting that when we look in the mirror, an outfit may look fine, but when we see it in a photo, we see what doesn’t work.
Happy New Year to all.
Love the side -by-side and the post mortem. I could see the first was a little off, but don’t always intuit why. Thanks.
Love this post & how it explains what does & does not work for you. Hope it will help me to be more discerning when I look in the mirror. Thank you & Happy Holidays to you..
Great way to work an outfit and look at what works. Being short waisted I too do not like a lot of material up top it feels too confining.
Thank you for the inspirations.
Great anatomy lesson, Jennifer! I echo other’s sentiments…please make this a regular feature. Very enlightening.
First of all “Happy 2021 (Please God ) to you and your beautiful family.
Loved your picture on the right.
It made you look taller but, gorgeous, you beautiful lady.
Did not put my two cents in about Monday’s post.
Love the gray and yellow combo, but I would have to wear it with black or charcoal so I would not look 👀 like I was being laid out in a funeral home.
Love the then & now looks. I’m glad you said “tin soldier” because we’re supposed to be nice in this forum, so I found myself laughing with you and not at you 🙂
\When I wear bold pieces (your jacket with jewelry buttons and strong statement red pants), I tone it down everywhere else, in color and details.
Ditching the collar and cuffs, even on a plain shirt, then going monochrome with a black turtleneck is a huge improvement. Deleting the skin at your feet and continuing the black with sleek leather boots further tones it down.
I find bold colors like red and fushcia (I don’t wear) and cobalt blue and chartreuse (I do wear) work best when everything else is simple and sleek, like a background.
Happy New Year!!!!
That is so illuminating! Thank you!
I also love this post.
It made me realise why sometimes my outfits just feel uncomfortable and other times im happy with my clothes. I’d like to see more post like this one. Wishing you a happy and healthy New year.
Yes! I totally agree with your assessment and appreciate your explaining why.
They are all little details but they do matter. You look younger and more carefree in the dialed back version too.
Love this post!
Please make this idea a regular part of your great blog.
I have bought coloured pants in the past & end up not wearing them.
You helped sort out why I look in the mirror & wonder why this is just not right.
Happy New Year🥂
What a great dissection of the two outfits. I agree with your assesment and would not have figured it out on my own. It would love it if you did this on a regular basis. Happy Holidays!
Great post! The analysis outlines the points to look for in analyzing a look. The “toy soldier” comment was an ah-hah for me – sometimes an outfit that should works feels like a costume and not me. It is important to think about why.
In evaluating my wardrobe, I noted I have several button-front shirts and blouses I felt I did not wear much. I purchased a white V-neck vest that is longer and a bit oversized. It goes with all the blouses so I am now wearing these several times a week with slacks for work and jeans or leggings for casual looks. I promptly purchased the same vest in black. It feels like me – more so than tucked in and worn with a cardigan or blazer.
This is a real fashion workshop and I learned so much. I agree with Lisa, below, about preferring this type of approach instead of Would You Wear It. It reminds me of a blog you did about the, hope I’m correct, percentage of accessories to wear or not.
If you didn’t want to wear black booties, you could wear the velvet shoes with black opaque stockings or knee highs.
Thanks for this super enjoyable post, Jennifer!
Love this post ! Very enlightening. More,more,more.
Jennifer, I am late to making a comment, so I won’t repeat all that has been said except to say yes to this type of post! I enjoyed reading your remarks and viewing the two looks you presented. As for me, I could never wear red pants (you look great in them!). My hips are too big, and I prefer not to call attention to them. Perhaps I would reverse the colors with the reds on top and the blacks on the bottom. Thanks again and happy new year!
I agree with your assessment & prefer the 2nd outfit. I also believe “less is more”. Thank you for this post, & I look forward to more of the same. Happy New Year!
Love this post and hope you will make it a permanent feature.
I am in total agreement with your choice. The outfit on the left is OK, but the right knocks it out of the park!
Happy New Year!
Great post but wait…what? we’re not supposed to show contrasting cuffs out of cardigans and jackets ? I missed that memo but have to agree look is more flattering.
Great post! Very helpful, in that sometimes we look in the mirror and don’t like what we see, but don’t know exactly why.
This has been a very helpful post!
Hi, Jen! I completely disagree! For a festive, at home or neighborhood Holiday occasion the “Toy Soldier” look would be perfect! The second look is for a cold day when you’re out and about – much more casual. And I don’t think the boots are such a hip fashion look as they are practical. You could punch up the Toy Soldier look with a hip pair of black kitten heels and lose some of the jewelry. BOTH looks are nice!
Great info on this post. I personally would love more of the same. As I am petite also I find I need to dress minimally with little contrast, which I am learning as I go along. Thank you.
Helped me see mistakes that i make sometimes. You always inspire me🥰
This was helpful. I’m a visual person so seeing it side by side was enlightening. I have wide shoulders and wide hips. I use to have a smaller waist but aging is catching up!
Happy New Year!
Jessica
Great post! Loved how the subtle changes make such a significant difference to the outfit.
Thank you Jennifer!
Great analysis. I’d like to see more in depth analysis like this. Happy New Year!
What an outstanding post. Thank you for taking the time to explain the differences in how each outfit worked or did not work. I hope you would do this again.
Just started following your posts and enjoying them tremendously. This was a great post and an excellent teaching tool. An important lesson to learn is less is usually better. Learning to pare down is my goal. Thanks again for the tips! Happy new year to you!
I liked this the best of all blogs so far!!!!! Please do this type more often. I was fascinated by the changes that you made and how it made the outfit on the right so much more appealing…
OMG! What a difference. Love the side by side pictures. Please keep doing these postmortems so that we can all learn from them.
This is a fabulous feature. I hope you can do it more often. You took the high fuss and contrast out of an outfit and made it casual and elegant. This is a particularly good post.
Wow. Helpful post.
Love outfit #2 also, however still prefer the shoes from outfit #1 since they are velvet and a darker black. I think they look better with the outfit and don’t mind seeing your ankles!
Yes, please make this a regular feature, Jennifer. Very informative to see the two outfits side by side. Excellent post!
Jennifer, I love this post! What a great way to demonstrate your style tips! Please do this again!
I really felt the first outfit was good until I saw the side to side comparison and totally agree with what you’re seeing. Can you do more side to side comparisons to show us what works and what doesn’t?
You are such an inspiration. Even though I’m taller, I still relate to topics you present because it gives me food for thought!
So helpful.
I agree with other commenters that
a) I hope this can be a regular feature AND
b) that this side-by-side is so much more informative and actionable – to/for me – than the ‘Would You Wear It?’ series.
Thank you for your blog that I have enjoyed for several years. HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR to you and yours!!
Jennifer, I hope you make this a weekly feature. To see why using the same two pieces and just changing the accessories makes a huge difference. The picture on the right is so “tied together” as compare to the picture on the left which looks like a whole lot of different pieces making it look “busy” instead of classy…..also not showing a different colour cuff does makes your arms look longer. That is something I never thought of! As well, showing your ankles with the shoes shortens your legs. Please do this comparison feature often!
Jennifer I wanted to share a game changing hair product brand I use for my, thin, fine, curly, frizzy hair. (If my forehead wasn’t so small I would emulate your bangs.) I discovered ORLANDO PITA PLAY through a beauty box subscription several years ago. There is a hair type/need quiz on their website to guide you to the right products. My holy grail is their leave in conditioner that has slayed the frizz and their hair spray now used instead of dry shampoo if I just need body for just washed hair.
I agree with those who have suggested that this kind of comparison post would make a great regular feature! So helpful in learning how to analyze our own outfits.
Loved this postmortem! Your description of the ‘whys’ will help me avoid mistakes. (And I giggled at your ‘toy soldier’ analogy!) Thanks!!
I totally agree with your assessment. Look #2 is my fave as well. Great post today. Anatomy of an outfit with comparison photos is so helpful.
This should be a regular feature. Thanks.
Loved this post! I like the jacket and pants but outfit 1 is just not my style. I’d make two changes to outfit 2 so it would reflect “me.” I don’t wear turtlenecks so I’d choose a crewneck top. I like the look of booties but I have a high arch and have yet to find a pair that is a good fit. I’d wear a ballet style flat or a small wedge.
I agree with the others. This was a very helpful post. I do prefer the 2nd look, but I would add a simple chain necklace to define the space between the jacket and the sweater. Of course, you know I prefer the boots to the loafers! Thanks for this post!
I love this lesson! It gives me an insight on why clothes work, I get dressed but never understand why some outfits work and some don’t. I would love to see comparisons more often. I Love your blog and I listen to your advice.
Thank you for working so hard to keep your readers entertained in one of the most difficult times. Happy new year to you and yours!
Second outfit definitely a winner! Thanks so much for doing the comparison. Now I will definitely be doing a comparison myself when an outfit just doesn’t look right. Small changes make a world of difference!!
Jennifer, this was a such a helpful post. WOW! Thank you so much. Between your DRD and this picking apart outfits, I have completely changed the way I shop my closet and stores.
Thank you so much.
This was so helpful. Thank you. I, too, would love to see more posts like this.
Loved your analysis! Once again you demonstrated your considerable expertise in fashion/styling. I plan to apply the concepts as I resolve to dress more meaningfully in 2021.
I’d love to see more like this. The details that make the difference.
I have to agree…..definitely the way you are wearing the outfit on the right…
When I first saw this outfit I thought the red pants looked too bright. What was Jennifer thinking? The jacket looked too small – too short in the sleeves and too tight. The buttons too big and too bright. In the second outfit, with the column of black, the pants are ok and the jacket is elegant. Wow! Perhaps, we all need to take a picture of our outfits before we leave the house. Lol This was a good lesson, Jennifer. More please!
I agree with the changes you made! The version on the right makes you look taller and slimmer!
Such simple changes but they made a tremendous impact!
I appreciate this post, also, Jennifer. We learn so much from your analysis.
Although you look great in just about everything, you hit a home run with the second outfit. This gave us a lot to think about , thanks for the informative analysis. I ,for one, could use more of these type posts.
I’ve always been a minimalist dresser. Preppy/classic – not much in the way of accessories. I’m slowly earning to add pretty silk scarves and bracelets.
I really do gravitate to your simpler choice, with turtleneck (wearing it today as its freezing here). You look taller! I think that’s partly because if the boot over loafer as you mention. Nicely done!
This a terrific post! Really interesting.
My first impression was that outfit 1 is just fine…I’ve worn the same type of ensemble many times . But after your analysis of it, I have to agree with your comments and understand now why I never felt as good in that look as I felt I should have. Each piece was good but the sum of all good parts didn’t equal success. It screams “ Trying too hard!”
Seeing the modified outfit was a real eye opener. I love that look so much more! It’s relaxed , sophisticated, casual, and elegant all at the same time. Compared to outfit 1, I’d choose 2 every time. Again it shows that less is more.
Thanks so much for this reveal!
Love the side by side pictures. Great comparison. Good teaching tool. You look awesome on the second picture.
Great post! It’s interesting to see how much the details of an outfit can make a difference. Initially the white shirt and loafer seemed “ok” but the black top and boots make such a difference.
You are so right, Jennifer. I remember seeing the first picture and thinking it didn’t look quite right for you. Seeing the two outfits side-by-side makes it obvious what was throwing the first outfit off. The jacket buttoned up with those big gold buttons draws the eye to your middle instead of to your face as you would expect. The white shirt does chop your arms off and the peek of your feet between the pants and shoes does the same for your legs. The second outfit does make you look taller. Since I am only 58 inches tall (4’10”), that is important to me.;-)
I love this post! What a great way to show us what works and what works even better!
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for sharing this and dissecting the two similar (but different) looks. I especially love the side-by-side photos, which crystallize your comments. Initially, I liked the pin on the jacket lapel, but after your comments and seeing the photos, I have to agree that it is a bit much. Your comments on texture are well taken as well. Most of us don’t consider the impact texture has on a look, so thanks for that reminder. Please do more of these posts!
Oh I like this! I hope you do this again on a regular basis. Comparing the two looks with basically the same clothing is so helpful. I knew the moment I saw the first outfit (before I had scrolled through and saw the second one) that I really didn’t like it but I did not know why.
Then you gave the answer … so helpful. And I love the second look; it’s the kind of look I aim for but realize now that I often end up with the first one. I do hope you do these comparisons again; they are more helpful to me than the “would you wear it” where most everything is not my style or would not look anywhere near good on me anyway.
I loved this post! It was so helpful to see how you improved the outfit for a more streamlined look. Great ideas to use. Thank you.
Thank you. Isn’t it amazing how just a few changes make such a difference ?
This was so interesting and informative Jennifer! I will have to try this technique of side-by-side comparisons of outfits. You look great in a turtleneck by the way! I love learning about fashion this way, please keep it up!
Loved this post! As a visual type, the comparison of outfits was most helpful. Please continue to do this type of post in the future. Happy New Year!
I agree with your assessment! The white shirt collar brings too much attention up. The black turtle neck streamlines the top while the brass buttons bring attention in. This is a much better focus for your individual body type. Well done!
Great post! Really enjoyed the analysis and totally agreed with your conclusions. Simpler is definitely better and helps us see you, not just your outfit. Well done! Happy New Year!
This post was great- you nailed it, Jennifer! I read posts usually for information. This post showed me how we can detract from our overall appearance by having too many accessories. I also realized that in the second pared-down look, my eye went to your face, not your outfit! That’s what I want to aim for. Congratulations! And Happy New Year!
I can see exactly what you mean with your outfits. Second one is much more chic!
I love this post and you gave great tips. Please continue to do this with outfits. I love the picture on the right. I also think it makes you look younger and chic.
Agree.
Agree
ANOTHER great blog. Thank you!
One of your best posts! Please repeat often!!!
I thought the first outfit was very nice but not a little too fussy or something. I would not have worn it. When you said “toy soldier” that was spot on! And then you mentioned the other things. Again, I learned a lot! And I would wear the second outfit for sure.
You look fantastic! And you hit it out of the park with this topic and format, right down to the side by side photos at the end. Thank you!!!
And happy new year, with health, grace and sanity.
More anatomy lessons please. I like the side by side comparison, it’s really helpful.
This was a fantastic review. It gave me a lot of insight regarding evaluting an outfit. Please do more of this. It really helps in fine tuning our desired look and turns an okay look to a fantastic classy look.
I am delighted to have you explain the nuances I for one do not ‘see’. I am 5’10” and think you ideas are for everyone who wants to appear elegant and stylish without appearing to try. Would love to see this as a regular feature. I’m really enjoying the watch you promoted.
Thanks for making my mornings bright. Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity in the new year!
I would love love love more posts like this showing us the details that make the difference!!
I love your “toy soldier” analogy! That was perfect and articulate to a tee! I so agree with how you changed the look. I do not like my ankles showing in flats unless I’m wearing sandals. That’s just me! You made it look so much more sophisticated by putting on the boot. I am tall and have a very short waist. Your first look just cut you off in too many places. Loved the second look. Please do more of these. You are a doll, by the way!
Thank you for this informative tutorial post! I’m petite (5’2”) and always looking for ways to elongate . I ditto Debs comment about petite pants often being too short while regular pants are too long in the rise.
I found this post incredibly helpful! Sure hope you’ll do these again some time. Many thanks.
I really liked this post. Great analysis and so helpful. This post is an idea worth repeating!
I totally agree with this ! I thought I liked the first outfit until you pointed out the differences in the second outfit. I would love to see more articles like this. How much difference subtle changes can make!
Love today’s post and seeing how small changes can make such a difference. I can shop my closet for this look – and would never have thought to put the pieces together. This type of post would be great as a regular feature!
Thank you for dissecting the first look it was so helpful. Love the second look will try it out. I have been struggling with avoiding black near my face but then my outfits don’t look cohesive and can shorten my look. Happy New Year to You and Yours.
I love this type of instructional post! I probably would have put together an outfit similar to your first but now see how a couple of tweaks can improve on the overall look. I, too, am bigger on top (I think you mistyped that you are smaller above the waist, based on previous posts.) and petite, so I can apply your lessons to my own wardrobe. I also prefer a modern classic style. Thank you for helping us to look our best!
I really enjoyed your analysis on these two outfits! Sometimes I can’t or don’t take the time to figure out what I don’t like about what I’ve assembled. I have a tendency to dress preppy, as in your first outfit. I’m 69 years old, come on! Also, I can’t help myself sometimes with being too matchy matchy. The shoes are a great example of changing the vibe of an outfit.
GREAT post! Details matter… Thanks for sharing things we can all be mindful of.
So informative, and the outfit is bright yet versatile. Thank you.
Im being pushed towards a short boot, something I’ve never had, but your comments are so true regarding drawing the eye where you don’t want it.
In Canada, we often wear slippers etc. inside, even when we can visit each others homes. I wonder if there are ‘house shoes ‘ that serve the same function visually and are higher. Matching socks to slipper might be a way to go.
I found today’s post to be very helpful. I enjoyed reading your explanations and seeing the two looks side by side was very helpful. I also thought the styling in first look made you look older, while the second look seems more current and youthful.
I have learned many things from reading your blog and appreciate you and your insight.Thank you
I love this kind of “tutorial” post — so helpful to to my untrained eye! The changes are subtle but very impactful! Thank you!
Jennifer, I’ve been reading your blog for months and so look forward to it every day. I really enjoyed today’s post. I am 5’3″ and petite sizes work best for me due to being short waisted, but lately I’m finding it challenging to find petite pants that are long enough. A 28-28-1/2 inseam is perfect for me, but so many are shorter. I’ve tried misses sizes thinking I would just shorten them, but the rise is just too long. I would appreciate any insights you and other readers may have. Happy New Year!
I have the same problem with the inseam of petite pants. I am also barely 5’ 3”, but my legs are longer in proportion to the rest of my body. I also get frustrated with the limited selection of petite clothing in general. I need petite tops and sweaters for my narrow shoulders and short arms. Stylish petite clothing for someone in her 60s is hard to come by. And I don’t like tunics, which shorten my legs. Thank goodness for Talbots!
I actually buy Talbot’s regular ankle pants so that they are the right length for my 5’3″ frame.
Try a low or mid-rise pant in the regular department. I often find petite pants too short as well but I do need the high rise and my long torso allows them to work for me. Many brands make mid rise these days.
This is why we follow you! Can’t beat that expert advice. Keep it coming!
Love the comparison with the pictures! This made perfect sense! Thanks!
I agree. The differences are slight, but I much like the second, more pared down outfit! Very helpful post!
This was extremely helpful. Both looked nice but the black upper body was definitely better. Thanks!
I really liked the first look until you led my untrained eye towards your second outfit. The changes you added did make a positive difference. You looked great in that outfit. And I am so glad you kept those wonderful red pants. What a great pop of color.
I totally agree with your reviews of the outfits. The blouse makes the jacket look messy and over done. I am not a blouse wearer. I prefer knits or blouses without a collar. Too much going on at the neckline. The jacket looks totally different in the second outfit. Please do more of this type of comparison. It is very helpful!
I enjoy this type of informative post. The before and after photo is very instructive.
This is a great explanation and so much help. I love how little tweaks you made to the outfit made it more modern and slimming
Have been paying more attention to elongating the look since your recent blogs. Having the top end mid body makes my petite legs look longer, especially with dark boots matching dark Jeans. Thanks for this great blog.
This is fascinating! Thank you for the great explanation of your choices and what worked (or didn’t) and why. It’s very helpful. I have the opposite “problem”. I’m 5’10” and slim-ish … It is almost impossible to find pants long enough and correctly proportioned, shirts and sweaters that fit my shoulders and are long enough for my arms without swimming around my middle. If only all problems in life were so simple. You have a casually elegant style that I really like. Thank you!
Yes, yes! The side by side analysis is so great. The comparison clarifies so much. More, please! You didn’t mention the purse shoulder strap, but it adds an additional nice vertical. And the sunglasses just top off a sleek look. Well done.
Love this post thank you Jennifer for the analysis as I would not have known how to pinpoint the troubles you mentioned but would have felt the first one is “off” somehow. Really liked the way you mentioned the shoes and how they caught focus good vs bad. Being petite I need that extra wow factor!
I really like this post. The second outfit is classy. For me, I’d swap cranberry colored pants.
The second outfit makes you look taller, slimmer and oh, so chic! Thank you for this.
The streamlined look is DEFINITELY the way to go! The first look was too busy and too chopped up. It made you look shorter and blocky.
The visual contrast between the two pictures just confirms how we can take a near costume look and transform it into a gorgeous outfit. Focusing on accessories starts from our hairstyle to our shoe choice. We can put together a look containing various beautiful elements but when it’s all finished, if we have added too many accessories , we lose the ultimate look we were trying to create. I can’t tell you how many times that I added an additional accessory only to quickly remove it!
I loved this blog today. The visual lesson was so useful for me!
Oh, just need to add that you are looking so fit and love the featured outfit!
When I saw the first outfit, I thought that it looked cute. But, when I read your explanation of why it didn’t work as well, it all made sense, and I understood what you meant. Thank you for this post – I enjoyed learning the “anatomy”.
I also found this helpful. Thank you!
Excellent post! Now this is why I read your blog!!
And you’re a sweetie,too!
I liked both of your outfits but your postmortem in such detail made me look again and I saw things through your eyes which made me think again.it was so helpful and you looked so much happier and more comfortable in your second outfit.
Thank you, very helpful post. I saw the first outfit and thought that’s ok but when I saw the second I knew which one was better. Figuring out why was beyond me. Learning is why I come here, Loved the post morgen!
I love when you do this. It helps me analyze my own outfits. What a difference.
I hope you will do more of these. It was so helpful for me. I have beautiful clothes but don’t always put them together well. Thank you for this!
This is so helpful! I couldn’t have told you what was wrong with the first outfit, but you nailed it in the second outfit. Clean, sleek, and lean. And elegant. Thanks for dissecting, hopefully I can use apply this info!
You just proved the old adage “Sometimes less is more.” I like the outfit without the pin.
I agree. Loved these side by side comparisons. The velvet jacket is hard to see the texture or that it is velvet. It looks exactly like a sweater I have that is trimmed in leather down the front and pockets with gold buttons. Now I know why it wouldn’t look good with everything I wore it with.
Been reading your blog for about 18 months and enjoy it. I also enjoyed hearing about your move and how you are surviving being in this pandemic.
Yes, definitely your comments point out several aspects of your outfit and look that I would not have considered. My tendency is to wear less jewelry especially in these times of wearing masks all the time, but I had not considered the white shirt and shoe opinion. Since you are certainly an expert on these concepts, I value your judgment and perspective. I really enjoyed these comparisons…very helpful. Would like to see more.
Thank you for sharing the in-depth analysis and thought process. When you place the two pictures side by side, the second version does look more elegant and pulled together. But without your walk-through, I might not have been able to immediately identify why.
I agree. The outfit on right loos more like you. It’s a classier look.
Yes yes yes. You got it perfect, second time. We can all learn from this, thank you.