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 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.