Need feedback: what went wrong w/this outfit?

[ohgillian]

I'm trying to up my game a bit, be a little more polished. This looked okay in my head but turned out badly. I'm okay with the top half, but the bottom half is a hot frumpy mess. I'd appreciate some helpful/constructive feedback about what's wrong here. 

I think part of the problem is that the wider-bottom pants aren't flattering on me. Maybe with the flowy cardigan that's part of why it looks so dumpy? Maybe I needed heels?  If the top part is a disaster and I don't know it, you can give me that too. 

Thanks!

[magdala]

Jul 27, 2016 11:13:55 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

You have a loose top, loose cardigan and boot cut pants.  Layering loose fitting pieces adds bulk to your frame.  

Each of the pieces is fine by itself.  The pants are not unflattering.  It is the combination of the three loose pieces that is the problem. Change the top to a fitted tank or T shirt and see how much better you look. Elevating the leg with a pair of low heels also would help. 

[ohgillian]

Jul 27, 2016 11:46:05 GMT -5 magdala said:

Jul 27, 2016 11:13:55 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

You have a loose top, loose cardigan and boot cut pants.  Layering loose fitting pieces adds bulk to your frame.  

Each of the pieces is fine by itself.  The pants are not unflattering.  It is the combination of the three loose pieces that is the problem. Change the top to a fitted tank or T shirt and see how much better you look. Elevating the leg with a pair of low heels also would help. 

This is super helpful. Thank you. Can I wear this flowy cardigan with the tank I have on, with skinny jeans for example? Or is this tank + cardigan a no-go? 

I think this actually explains why a lot of my outfit attempts are fails. I am filing this away in my head.

[lostarz]

You can do the tank and cardigan together with skinny bottoms, I think that would look fine.

[ohgillian]

Jul 27, 2016 12:03:19 GMT -5 lostarz said:

You can do the tank and cardigan together with skinny bottoms, I think that would look fine.

Thanks. Actual Fact: This thread made me realize I have no idea how all of my work pants are cut. I have 4 pairs; I wear them all the time; I didn't know this pair was boot cut until today.

Obviously, I have some work to do. I am studying this blog for help: outfitposts.com

[lostarz]

Pinterest is great for looking at outfits too. You could search skinny pants work outfits and get a bunch of things to come up.

[kris356]

I agree with everyone else. The pants need a fitted top and a heel OR a pointy toe flat, which would probably work better with that particular pair because of their length.

[ditzydi]

Jul 27, 2016 11:46:05 GMT -5 magdala said:

Jul 27, 2016 11:13:55 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

You have a loose top, loose cardigan and boot cut pants.  Layering loose fitting pieces adds bulk to your frame.  

Each of the pieces is fine by itself.  The pants are not unflattering.  It is the combination of the three loose pieces that is the problem. Change the top to a fitted tank or T shirt and see how much better you look. Elevating the leg with a pair of low heels also would help. 

This.  I would also try a more pointy toe shoe than a round toe.  Pointy shoes give the illusion that you're taller

[treedimensional]

I agree with magdala,and everyone. Personally, I'd wear heels, but a tailored blazer is all you need. The cardi is very soft and casual and I think that's what you're seeing.

[ohgillian]

Jul 27, 2016 14:16:54 GMT -5 ditzydi said:

Jul 27, 2016 11:46:05 GMT -5 magdala said:

You have a loose top, loose cardigan and boot cut pants.  Layering loose fitting pieces adds bulk to your frame.  

Each of the pieces is fine by itself.  The pants are not unflattering.  It is the combination of the three loose pieces that is the problem. Change the top to a fitted tank or T shirt and see how much better you look. Elevating the leg with a pair of low heels also would help. 

This.  I would also try a more pointy toe shoe than a round toe.  Pointy shoes give the illusion that you're taller

Thanks for this advice. I am looking at a closet of mostly roundy shoes, and I'm short, so this gives me a direction to go for new purchases.

[ditzydi]

Jul 28, 2016 9:19:00 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Jul 27, 2016 14:16:54 GMT -5 ditzydi said:

This.  I would also try a more pointy toe shoe than a round toe.  Pointy shoes give the illusion that you're taller

Thanks for this advice. I am looking at a closet of mostly roundy shoes, and I'm short, so this gives me a direction to go for new purchases.

No problem.  Are you allowed to wear skinny(er) pants to work?  I'd probably wear Pixie pants from Old Navy or the Minnie Pants from JCrew Factory store.  You need a more streamlined pant since everything is so flowy up top.  Pair that with a pointed flat and you're golden.  

[ohgillian]

Jul 28, 2016 14:19:53 GMT -5 ditzydi said:

Jul 28, 2016 9:19:00 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Thanks for this advice. I am looking at a closet of mostly roundy shoes, and I'm short, so this gives me a direction to go for new purchases.

No problem.  Are you allowed to wear skinny(er) pants to work?  I'd probably wear Pixie pants from Old Navy or the Minnie Pants from JCrew Factory store.  You need a more streamlined pant since everything is so flowy up top.  Pair that with a pointed flat and you're golden.  

I am, but I've never really worn skinny pants except for a pair of skinny jeans (express stella skinny - but not the leggings ones, the jeans ones). But, I will check out the Pixie at Old Navy. I can get away with that on Fridays at work for sure, and some other days as well. Thanks for the suggestions!

[kris356]

Jul 29, 2016 8:46:09 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Jul 28, 2016 14:19:53 GMT -5 ditzydi said:

No problem.  Are you allowed to wear skinny(er) pants to work?  I'd probably wear Pixie pants from Old Navy or the Minnie Pants from JCrew Factory store.  You need a more streamlined pant since everything is so flowy up top.  Pair that with a pointed flat and you're golden.  

I am, but I've never really worn skinny pants except for a pair of skinny jeans (express stella skinny - but not the leggings ones, the jeans ones). But, I will check out the Pixie at Old Navy. I can get away with that on Fridays at work for sure, and some other days as well. Thanks for the suggestions!

Banana Republic has a good selection of slim work pants. They aren't skinny, just a slimmer silhouette which reduce the "bulk".

Even a straight cut like the J.Crew Campbell or slim like the J.Crew Teddie if you don't want to dive in to a skinny like the Martie or Pixie would make a huge difference.

[ohgillian]

Jul 29, 2016 9:29:32 GMT -5 kris356 said:

Jul 29, 2016 8:46:09 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

I am, but I've never really worn skinny pants except for a pair of skinny jeans (express stella skinny - but not the leggings ones, the jeans ones). But, I will check out the Pixie at Old Navy. I can get away with that on Fridays at work for sure, and some other days as well. Thanks for the suggestions!

Banana Republic has a good selection of slim work pants. They aren't skinny, just a slimmer silhouette which reduce the "bulk".

Even a straight cut like the J.Crew Campbell or slim like the J.Crew Teddie if you don't want to dive in to a skinny like the Martie or Pixie would make a huge difference.

The Banana at my mall recently stopped carrying petites, which practically made me cry. I'll do some advance shopping online tonight to look over the J Crew pants and then try to get to the mall this weekend. You are really good at this!

ETA: Oooh, the campbell do look like they'd look good on me. They're online only so i'm just going to order some and see how it works out. I'm a 2 regular in the Sunday Slim Chinos; do you think I'm likely to be the same size in the Campbell trousers also? I'm new to J Crew shopping so I don't have a great sense of my size there yet. 

[kris356]

Jul 29, 2016 9:40:20 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Jul 29, 2016 9:29:32 GMT -5 kris356 said:

Banana Republic has a good selection of slim work pants. They aren't skinny, just a slimmer silhouette which reduce the "bulk".

Even a straight cut like the J.Crew Campbell or slim like the J.Crew Teddie if you don't want to dive in to a skinny like the Martie or Pixie would make a huge difference.

The Banana at my mall recently stopped carrying petites, which practically made me cry. I'll do some advance shopping online tonight to look over the J Crew pants and then try to get to the mall this weekend. You are really good at this!

ETA: Oooh, the campbell do look like they'd look good on me. They're online only so i'm just going to order some and see how it works out. I'm a 2 regular in the Sunday Slim Chinos; do you think I'm likely to be the same size in the Campbell trousers also? I'm new to J Crew shopping so I don't have a great sense of my size there yet. 

Unfortunately most stores don't carry petites or short (which is what I need usually). The good thing is you can buy online and return to store at both J.Crew and BR. If you like J.Crew, call and make an appt. with their shopper if your store has one, they can be helpful and if you order in store, they will waive shipping usually.