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.
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!