Taking One For The Fashion Team
Happy Thursday ladies. I didn’t know just how unsalvagable the outfit this mannequin was modeling was until I started trying options, so bear with me. I’m a big fan of the classic styles at J. Crew Factory. The quality is great at the prices are reasonable. Here’s what I found.
Oy…ruffles on the shoulders combined with sleeveless are not a combo I ever aspire to wear, but since you’ve asked to see me model what the mannequin is wearing, here you go.
Truth- I did not initially bring this top into the dressing room. But when I saw how bad things were going, I figured I had nothing to lose and went out to get it. In for a penny, in for a pound =:-0.
These pants are one size too large for me because they run large so they’re bulkier looking than they should be. They come in 5 colors, classic and petite, XXS-3X. I am wearing a classic small.
The first thing I did was tuck the drawstring inside and if I owned these paper-bag pants, I would cut it off. I tried adding a simple tee and a slightly structured jacket. I didn’t hate this, but the jacket was too large for me so I just felt sloppy in this. I’m wearing a medium in the tee and it’s skin-tight so it runs very slim and I suggest you size up.
The more I looked at this combination the more the green combo began to have a hospital scrubs vibe… and the cream blazer just made it worse. The blazer is sized classic and petite, 0-22. I am wearing an 8.
Then I tried this poplin sleeveless gingham shirt. I preferred this pairing but the pink felt too vibrant for the sage green. It’s a great little shirt that comes in 6 colors, classic and petite, sizes XS-3X. I am wearing a classic medium and the armholes are too deep for my comfort level so I will order the petite.
Then I added their classic white denim jacket. I looked and looked at this combination and finally ruled it out because although the denim jacket has some minimal shaping, it looks too boxy with these wide-leg pants. The denim jacket is sized S-3X, I am wearing a small.
More from J. Crew Factory
What are your thoughts?
Every restyling of a mannequin is clearly not a home run but I hope you find them entertaining.
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
The trouble with the sleeveless ruffled shoulder tops is that they remind me of the smock tops that were so popular when I was entering junior high. Some things you just canāt go back to! So while they may be new and refreshing for the younger set they are just a reminder of how awkward they were to wear for some of us older ones.
The gingham shirt and denim jacket were cute on you. I could see them with jeans all summer!
Certain colors ,like this light green, are difficult to work with. Iāve never been a fan of drawstring anything. Iām a seamstress, the gathering needed to use drawstrings, usually means too much fabric is used around the waist. I look for darts/ seams if possible. Clothing manufacturers may be looking to cut corners to keep the prices lower. Seams would slim better on bodies.
I agree
Always enjoy your DRD and the new version of the “would you wear it” mannequin restyles. While at first I loved the wide leg pants and thought of a myriad of top possibilities to wear with it [especially when viewing the color collection online – the soft aqua my fav], seeing you with these on and being a full size smaller than I, my first thought was these just add unnecessary bulk with the fully elastic waist and drawstring. Reminds me more of sweats but without the same couch potatoe comfort level. Thank you for helping to disuade me from this purchase. As my daughter lives her hectic long hour work life in scrubs, your comment about the full green outfit strikes home. I still enjoy your adventures into various stores and showing how outfits fit on us “real figure” individuals. Helps me make informative decisions. Please keep up these enjoyable and entertaining trips Jennifer. Your efforts and styling tips are greatly appreciated.
I’m really glad you find these helpful, Katelyn.
I agree with your assessment. Your explanation as to why different combinations work or donāt work is really helpful.
Funnyā¦.taking one for
The team. Doesnāt it feel like that sometimes in a dressing room? I think you got close with the gingham shirt because it was tied at the waist. My solveā¦.a white linen collared shirt, tied at the waist (like you did) with long sleeves rolled up. Tres chic
Yes! I looked for a white shirt and they were none which shocked me because I would expect them to carry one.
Hi, Jennifer:
I started chuckling while reading this, and my husband asked me why. I gave him a brief synopsis of the premise and he came to look over my shoulder. The photo he saw was the one with the green pants, t-shirt and white jacket. He wore a nearly identical outfit while a hospital resident in the early 80s. He said, “where’s her stethoscope?”
I thought you’d get a kick out of that.
LOL! I got that vibe too:)
I think a lot of JCrew fashion are for the younger set but they do have some winners. Those cute little ruffled tops and dresses would suit a child, certainly not a mature women. I see a lot of influencers in their 40s wearing them but my daughters would never.
What really surprises me is that they didnāt steam those pants. How can anyone look good in a wrinkle piece?!
The pants have kind of a doctor’s uniform vibe. It would be tough to dress these–a white or black T may be an option.
Ummmm I understand your comments, but you really donāt look too bad in anything. Although I think the ruffle sleeves are a little too young for me and I find the less can skin I show the better I look at 67
Thanks for taking one for the team. I hope the stores you visit notice posts. I’ve learned a lot from you! Your quip at the end of every post resonates…wear what makes you feel confident.
I work in a health-related field and those pants definitely have that “scrubs” vibe! I really don’t care for that style at all.
I really like the gingham top paired with the white jacket. Super cute!
Your hair is looking great!
Thanks so much
Everything pretty much has been said, so I’m just going to add that your hair is looking terrific!!
Thank you š
I agree with other readers that these clothes are for young girls. They like the really baggy long pants and can get away with the look. Having to alter new clothes is not for me. The gingham sleeveless looks good on you.
In desperation, I ventured into a Forever 21 store in search of flared jeans. The main stores at the mall carry only sizes 4 and up for some reason. The tiny print on displays refers to other sizes being available online. Been there done that…I want to try the fit. Too many returns. So the music is playing and I look around. I swear I got the side-eye from one clerk! No help. I did find flared jeans. So flared it was just silly!
I will stick to the tried and true online retailers.
Sorry, that happened to you.