I tried this jacket with many different types of garments, in hopes of finding a pattern to what works. Some parings look bad and some look okay, but I can't put my finger on exactly why. Since several readers have asked for ideas on how to work with this shape, I figured I'd share some photos, and hopefully you guys can help decipher the fit code.
1. Below left: Starting off with the easiest and most natural looking pairing - with the matching pencil skirt. I think this works because the same-color, same-width (at the hips, anyways) bottom piece makes a continuous line with the boxy jacket. But how often does one get to wear a matching mustard wool suit, especially without a politician husband in tow?
2. Below right: With a bell-shaped mini skirt. This looks okay to me. Again the similar width connects the two pieces, and even though the skirt color is different - it's short enough so that there's enough leg visible (+ heels) for creating a lengthening line.
3. Below left: With legging jeans, no blouse showing. This looks okaaay, but the tight, narrow bottoms plus wide top is starting to border on football linebacker style.
4. Below right: Un-tucking the shirt. In theory, this would be cutting into the long, lean leg line...but I think it makes this ensemble look more flattering. Not sure as to why.
5. Below left: With fitted cropped pants, blouse un-tucked. Looks similar to # 4, maybe a little worse because the leg's cut off at the ankle.
6. Below right: With fitted cropped pants, no blouse visible. Yee-uck! Ignoring the embarrassing outlines of camel toe...it looks like the more narrow/fitted the bottoms, the more jarring/wide a boxy jacket appears in contrast. If you are naturally top-heavy, then a square, cropped jacket may be even harder to work with.
7. Below: With a variety of pencil skirts. The right (pardon the hip wrinkles) has the least color contrast and looks better out of the 3, but not as flattering as the slightly shorter matching skirt in #1. From the middle photo, I realized not to wear a boxy jacket unbuttoned.
8. Below: Over some sheath and pencil dresses. Very mediocre.
9. Below left: With an A-line, knee-length skirt. I wouldn't wear these two exact pieces together, but am undecided about the overall look of the two shapes together.
10. Below right: Wildcard, because these short shorts were lying on the floor. The long leg line with un-tucked blouse is flattering in my eyes, but I would probably never have an occasion where a wool jacket is warranted while legs are so bare.
There's one or two last pairing types that I didn't show here, and they happen to be the more flattering (in my opinion). Please tune back in a day or two for an outfit post : )
Readers - Please share any insight on why some of the above may or may not work. How do you /would you suggest styling a short, boxy jacket?
I have the same jacket in the charcoal navy colorway and I paired it with long navy trousers with slightly wider legs, which seem to make the jacket seem less boxy. I am 5'7" though so maybe height helps. I could not seem to pull it off with skirts though, only pants,
ReplyDeleteI like 1, 4, and 10. If you have some heavier dress shorts, can you try those with some colored tights and post how that came out?
ReplyDeleteagreed
DeleteI'm confused. I'm having the same issue right now.
ReplyDeleteYou said some pretty negative things about those pants. Do you not like them anymore? Should we get rid of ours?
No hard feelings here towards the pants : ) They just don't work with a short, boxy jacket with no other layer showing, on me personally.
DeleteOK :)
DeleteI just purchased the same jacket! Looking forward to your post. :-)
ReplyDeleteA cream chiffon skirt or a cream skirt with a slim line and shorter length might be nice. But then a shorter skirt wouldn't be work appropriate. I'm just boring. *shrugs:
ReplyDeleteI think #4 works because it elongates your torso, which I think is the central problem with short boxy jackets, especially on short girls like us who don't have a lot of torso to begin with! My favorite combo is #2 though!
ReplyDelete- VeryAmy.com
I'm short and curvy so I'm afraid that this jacket will make me look heavier but since you are thin it looks good on you. I really like it with the legging jeans and shorts with the shirt untucked.
ReplyDeleteXo
Rachelle
Http://pinksole.com
it's probably the colour that makes it difficult to fit, a neutral tone would have let you get away with the jeans/dress combos. maybe a cream skirt tight at the waist and at least a mid calf/maxi length would create the longline
ReplyDeletesorry i have no suggestions but i really want to know the brand and style of those camel colored pants you are wearing!
ReplyDeleteThose were from Ann Taylor. They don't have that exact style anymore. Express has some similar ones with cuffs, but they'd probably have to be hemmed.
DeleteThank you Abby!
DeleteBanana has theirs back in stock again today in neutrals. Jean did a review on these a while ago.
Deletehttp://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=42996&vid=3&pid=656152032
Bootcut or wide-legged in dark denim or other fabrics? Seems like a more relaxed fit might balance better.
ReplyDeleteWhite sheah dress?
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see your best pairings! I just donated one of my boxy cropped wool jacket with similar style because i find myself unable to fit it in my wardrobe. It looked better with my dresses than my pants.... But I usually only wear dresses in the summer, so the wool jacket was too hot for summer , and the cropness was not enough warmth for winter dresses .... Where I prefer to wear longer jackets/coats. So donation pile it went for not being a very functional jacket. Hopefully I don't regret tossing it out if you come with a brilliant way to style this boxy short jacket :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I think the reason why same-colored skirts and an untucked blouse with the jacket works is because it lengthens your overall look and makes it look more balanced whereas just the jacket with a contrasting bottom shortens your torso so it looks kind of awkward.
ReplyDeleteI would vote for 1 and 3. I got the same jacket in the same color. Love it! The color is so bright and the shape is really lady like. I wear it with a yellow-grey wool skirt also from JCrew. Got lots of compliments! I haven't tried the 3rd look, but I do think it goes well with dark color pencil pants/jeans.
ReplyDeleteI think the pictures with the shirt untucked look more flattering because the comparison shots show too much difference between the width of your waist and the width of the hem of the jacket, thus lending to the boxy appearance. With the shirt untucked that line is visually softened. I have trouble, too, with boxy jackets; I feel ya on this one!
ReplyDeleteHmm...or a navy skirt maybe. Like the mustard...http://www.6pm.com/kensie-pleated-skirt-dark-navy?zfcTest=mat%3A1
ReplyDeleteNo, that might not look good...
Now, I'm thinking this is where the navy or cream lace dress is going to come out. Or the lace skirt. I will have to wait and see.
DeleteJust to try out: wear them with your olive skinnies or a white or light blue wash, your leather leggings, and a black sheath dress with the jacket unbuttoned. Also, perhaps a white pencil skirt? Maybe even cream, in any material (tweed/lace).
ReplyDeleteGood luck! If all else fails, at least you have the full suit and the skirt to mix and match with.
P.S. - it seems like the jacket is cutting off at the wrong place at your hips?? I'm not too sure!
I have a boxy jacket like that. I tend to wear it unbuttoned and with either wide leg trousers or cigarette pants with sky high heels. And if I button it, break up the color on top with a scarf. It also works over a sheath dress, but again, you have to unbutton for the colors to work. It's so cute, hope you can make it work!
ReplyDeleteI have a similar boxy cardigan that I'm at a loss for how to style, because I run into the same issues that you did. Can't wait to see what the winning combination is! :)
ReplyDeletei like it best with the matching skirt (obvi) and then with the cream shorter skirt. and i definitely like it best with the shirts un-tucked with pants. it is such a beautiful jacket that it seems worth it to me if it only went with those two pieces! =)
ReplyDeletexoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
Skinny bottom makes your waist tiny. If the jacket was longer and boxy it wouldn't work, but it works with exposing your waist-to-hip line. Don't worry so much.
ReplyDeleteThere are 3 main problems with this jacket.
ReplyDelete1. The jacket is not the right style for your body shape. As you say in the post it's boxy and the sleeves are neither long or 3/4. You suit fitted jackets which a longer body. To make this jacket work better, I would recommend taking it in at the waist, at the bottom and also slimming the sleeves to help give you some shape.
2. The jacket was designed to be worn with the matching skirt. The only other pairings it works with would be a black skirt or cream skirt, but this needs to a pencil skirt. It's hard to a pair the jacket with anything else as it's a statement piece and is fighting with other items which you have pair it with.
3. The cream horizontal piping detail shorten the jacket and your height as well. You would be better with just the top piping detail rather than the additional ones near your waist which is another reason why the jacket looks boxy. The piping itself is too large for your petite frame.
I hope these tips help.
www.petitestyleonline.com
Carol, your observations are very astute. I agree with everything you said in your first point about the jacket being intended for someone with a taller frame. It seems to me that for a boxy crop jacket to look right, its hem need to hit a little bit below the waist, not near one's hips. Otherwise, it comes closer to looking matronly than chic.
DeleteI agree with 3 completely. That's what I thought when I tried it on in store. 1 could fix it, but it doesn't seem worth it to me. I'd take a classic black but boxy jacket over it any day.
DeleteI agree with 3 completely. That's what I thought when I tried it on in store. 1 could fix it, but it doesn't seem worth it to me. I'd take a classic black but boxy jacket over it any day.
DeleteThe "untucked" outfit look better than "tucked" b/c it creates a heaviness that offsets the wideness of the jacket. The boxiness of the jacket makes the top portion of your body seem very heavy so you need some sort of highlight or "band" to offset and balance your figure. That's also why the mustard pencil dress looks good, b/c it's tight enough that the hip is accentuated, but not too tight that you become top-heavy (which is why the skinny/tight pants do NOT look good).
ReplyDeleteWhy then does the flowy dress of white bell-shaped dress not look right? That's due to the structured or "stiff" aspect of the jacket. The severe lines/cut looks incorrect or out of place with the soft/flowy aspects of the skirts.
Have you considered a wide-legged jean in a dark blue color? The wideness of the leg should help offset the heaviness of the jacket.
I bought this jacket in pink and I HATE it! It is ill fitting. Thanks for styling tips.
ReplyDeleteSome of them were not so matching but I think the long trouser was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI think #4 works because it actually un-boxy-fies the boxy jacket giving an illusion that it's longer. Because the pants are beautifully slim and dark already giving your legs great length, a simple light coloured shirt that complements the jacket gives it a slightly less serious look too. I think it also accentuates your hips a little, that's why it's flattering.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of dark shorts plus dark tights suggested by another reader. I think a shorter skirt with dark tights might also work. If the materials for the bottom half are similar in weight to the jacket, that might also help balance the boxiness perhaps?
Is Nick considering politics anytime? #1 is quite cute :)
Thanks for this trial and error post - it was fun to read and ponder a bit:)
Hi Jean,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what size you are in the J Crew mustard pencil skirt?
Also, if you needed to take it in with any alterations?
Thanks!
Hi Jean,
ReplyDeleteand warm greetings from Elle magazine Finland. I´m writing an article concerning tall and petite women fashion and would like to ask a couple of questions from you. Unfortunately I can´t find your contact information. Could you send me your email address so that I could send the questions to you? Mine is mirjami.pullinen@elle.fi.
Many thanks!
Mirjami
I am quite a bit taller than you, but I wear a jacket like that with a dark, denim, wide leg trouser. I'm not sure if I've ever seen you wear any, but that is my suggestion.
ReplyDeletehope that helps =]
Hi Jean,
ReplyDeleteI have found short, boxy jackets to be difficult to style on my sometimes size 0P, and more recently (after having kids) size 2P short-torsoed body. I have usually worn mine over a longer, untucked top or blouse, with the jacket open (as I have larger hips than you to balance an open jacket) and the top belted with a Chanel or Chanel style chain belt. So, addressing your looks, I think the jacket looks great with the matching skirt, of course. And you were right about #4. I think both of these would look great with a navy/cream striped tee sticking out the bottom as well, for a cute nautical/classic look (I LOVE stripes!). This would also work with wide legged navy or denim pants as others suggested. Look #2 is also lovely. The bell shape of that skirt is just right with this--not too wide. A short pleated skirt, as you show in #9 would also work in my opinion in navy, black, or cream. And I love this with the shorts. I'm sure you could make it work for cooler weather in the spring with nude or grey hosiery and grey tweed or denim shorts to show off your lovely legs! Don't know if this helps.
LOVE the posts! I used to dress a lot like you do when I worked outside the home. You always look so polished! I actually used to over dress and wore skirt suits to school as a student! Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, I dress more like Wendy's most casual looks (I haven't been a viewer of yours long enough to have seen your more casual looks). My tweed jackets only get worn with jeans now! Have a great day!
i think it looks best with the matching skirt (obviously) and then my 2nd fav would be the jeans with the untucked shirt. the rest isn't as flattering. in my opinion :)
ReplyDeleteI like 1 and 4 the best. I think the issue is the jacket is making your torso look a lot shorter than it is..the untucked shirt with skinny jeans lengthens your torso. With the same colored pencil skirt... since it's the same color, you fool the eye into thinking the jacket is longer than it is. Can't wait to see what the other combinations look like! :)
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
did you check how wendy styles it? I ordered the same jacket in pink and i shall follow how jcrew website styles it.
ReplyDeleteCompletely unrelated to this post, but I thought I would share if anyone is interested in Ann Taylor pumps (well, all their shoes as well as accessories). Currently, though it's not advertised on the main page, all full-priced shoes and accessories are automatically 50% off - no promo code needed. However, enter promo code 10000008507 and you will get an additional 30% off for purchases over $125. So, a pair of $158 perfect pumps end up being $55.30. Good time to stock up!
ReplyDeleteNote: May only work with Ann Taylor Card account holder. And promo code won't work on sale items.
Thanks so much for the tip! I've been wanting the Paulina suede and leather booties for a long time, and now I saved $130 off them thanks to you!!
DeleteBecause it's such a serious looking staid jacket, it seems like the more "relaxed" the bottom the better it looks? IMO it looks best with the bell-shaped mini skirt, the pants/jeans with the shirt peeking out (it looks a little messy-chic i guess lol), and with the shorts.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks best in photo#2. Honestly not a fan of all the pockets on the jacket and it's boxy fit. I'd return it.
ReplyDeleteWhat about cream or ivory slacks with a straight leg or slightly flared leg?
ReplyDeleteWhat about cream or ivory slacks with a straight leg or slightly flared leg?
ReplyDeleteI think #4 works because it creates the illusion of long, straight legs - I like it! The pants in #3 make you look curvy (which is funny because "curvy" is not the first word I would think to describe your body type.)
ReplyDeleteI actually like pairing of the jacket and pleated skirt in #9. Also, we haven't seen that skirt on you in a while, so it's nice to see you pull old pieces out of the closet for a fresh look! (I've been trying to do this with my own wardrobe lately.)
I think the jacket looks best with its matching pencil skirt. Yes, it does look a little "politician's wife", but it does have a cool retro vibe that you might be able to play up nicely by wearing your hair up and adding a vintage brooch. This may be too conservative a look for your preferences, but it's certainly office appropriate and classic (and given the popularity of 60s shows like Mad Men and Pam Am, relevant.)
ReplyDeleteSecond to that, I think finding the correct proportion is tricky here. The cropped jacket is obviously not inherently elongating. Many of these outfits don't work well because the shapes are conflicting; the jacket is short while your dresses, skirts and pants are tailored and much longer. I think a jacket like this is best suited to a mod-style dress because they share the same shape. Most mod dresses are rather short, unfortunately, but I've found some in the past that were in fact office appropriate. Being petite and smaller busted makes this style work for us in a way that it doesn't always for our taller or bustier counterparts. Looking forward to the next post!
love the jacket, I don't see it with something fit on the bottom... I like especially the second look...
ReplyDeletexoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
Since it looks good w/ shorts, maybe try jacket (scrunch sleeves and unbutton) + shorts + tights + knee high boots? also you can try wearing it with a short tunic (soft color like grey) w/ leggings/tights and boots cause short tunic = long legs :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe something like this...but it is too short for work.
ReplyDeletehttp://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=87834&vid=1&pid=233606022
In these photos, I think it works the best with the white bell-shaped skirt and the jeggings with the shirt untucked. I think the shirt untucked look works because it provides a lengthening and slimming silhoutte, making the blouse look less boxy. The skirt is a little bit more puffy than the jacket, so it minimized the boxy look there. Can't wait to see what you ended up choosing for your outfit post!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Suzie Q
www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
i almost bought the grey/navy one but i didn't know how to style it. i wish i would have seen this 2 months ago.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, it's my first visit at this web page, and paragraph is truly fruitful for me, keep up posting these types of articles or reviews.
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what about tights underneath the shorts and a pair of flats for a casual chic look?
ReplyDeleteAh, the cropped boxy jacket . . . such a challenge! I have a vintage Pendleton crop jacket (black wool) that I love, but admit it is hard to style (I have large hips). I get it right every now and then, so I won't give it up.
ReplyDeleteMy favorites were pics 4 and 8 (middle). I agree with what others have said: pairing jacket with something that lengthens the torso looks best. That is why pic 4 looks better than pic 3 - the tee lengthens your torso.
I like pic 8 (middle) because the dark dress skims your figure and has the effect of lengthening your torso.
As to pics 5 and 6: crop + crop = no.
I really like the contrast of the fancy jacket over a more casual look. My recommendations: wear jacket with high-waist pants or jeans, untucked button-up oxford, body-con dress that hits at the knee, or roomy shirt/blouse over slim leggings. I can't wait to see the follow-up post.
Thanks for the Perfect Pump sales alert!
ReplyDeleteSlightly off the wall suggestion Jean - but how about wearing it over your Alice + Olivia sequin dress. If I remember correctly it had a mustardy colour in it and might just work?
ReplyDeleteThe main problem I see here is that the jacket is 1 1/2 inches too short for some pieces and 1 inch too long for others. The looks that look best are #2, #4, and #7 on the left. I think #4 looks better than #3 because untucking the top lengthened your top half; you look too out of proportion in #3. I think you have a few decent pairing options here, but I don't think I would keep the jacket since it's so hard to put pieces together that flatter you.
ReplyDeleteContrary to other comments, I think looks #1 and #4 work because these outfits maintain the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs. Look #1 does this well, but wearing jeans messes up the illusion. In looks #3 and #4, you can see where your hips lie and where your legs acutally begin. The cropped jacket only emphasizes this, making your torso appear long. I think #4 looks better because the extra line provided by the shirt breaks up your torso. This post left me confused all lunch, and this is the only explanation I can think of!
ReplyDeleteHonestly I think the color is more problematic than the style. Imagine a classic black or white boxy jacket - would go with almost anything.
ReplyDeleteIm not a fan of those boxy jackets. Im wondering if you wear it with a bootcut, it might even out the proportion.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I have exact jacket in dark gray, I pair them with T-shirt(untucked) and turtleneck(untucked) like in photo 4. So natually I vote for photo 1 and 4. Your idea of paring with skirt is very refreshing and inspiring to me. I think this jacket also go well with a scarf.
ReplyDeleteI actually kind of love the cropped fit of it on you (or maybe it just photographs nicely but I really think it's cute with most of the things you paired it with)! I especially love #2 paired with the bell-shaped skirt and #4 paired with an untucked blouse and jeans.
ReplyDeleteThis is uniform style suite. It becomes boring after a while. Though, the whole set looks good on you. As for matching, I will have a cami inside and unbutton the jacket or only button one at waist. I will match bottom with a boot cut trouser or pants to soften the uniform top. I'm 5' 7" size 0. I don't know if my height make differences in the look. Love your blogs.
ReplyDeleteI really do like the look of the wildcard pick. But you're right, it's not very often that you would wear such a combination.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
lovestylehappiness.blogspot.com
Jean, I bought this in another color and returned bc of the boxiness, and I realized I would never get enough wear out of it. The concept is great but it doesn't work n real life all that well given the cut. I also feel the spicy gold color in particular makes this jacket so memorable that even if it did go well with other bottoms, wearing it would be far too memorable to wear often. I like that you keep a well edited flexible wardrobe and I personally don't see this fitting, although the skirt in the same color I think works ok.
ReplyDeletehave you tried to add a scarf to make the jacket look less boxy?
ReplyDeleteThe boxy shape reminds me of other boxy jackets, like classic jean jackets and motorcycle jackets. I envision this jacket in more of a rock'n'roll 80s style, with lighter/brighter skinny jeans (white? stonewash? red? ooh, leopard!), with chunky boots to balance the boxy top. Maybe add a floaty print top peeking out, and/or a Rolling Stones-style fringed scarf???
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I've got it! Try it over an untucked chambray button-down!
ReplyDeleteI think the problem is that the short fit of the jacket paradoxically makes your torso look long in the outfits with pants. the length between the end of the jacket and the crotch of the pants (is there a more lady-like way to say this?) ruins the illusion of longer legs that the matching skirt-jacket combo achieves, the illusion that your legs start at the jacket hem. The untucked shirts help break up that awkward length from the jacket hem to the crotch (sorry) of the pants. And against the pencil silhouette, the more voluminous jacket make your hips look too narrow. Maybe try a puffier A-line skirt or wide, shoe-skimming pants to balance it out?
ReplyDeleteI think your skinny jeans and untucked blouse is my favorite - it's that perfect combination of young and mature (but in a good way, not like an old lady).
ReplyDeleteI think your wildcard look would work quite well if you added tights and matching colored boots :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that boots and a scarf could potentially balance out the boxiness of the jacket! And it's a gorgeous jacket indeed
I like your wild card pairing best, but than again I'm a So Cal gal. Try wearing thick warm tights with the shorts, gray may work with the yellow.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean! New fan here, I love your style :)
ReplyDeleteI like #1 and #4 best. I think the reason why the jacket doesn't work in #3 is that there is no connecting line between the jacket hem and your hips. The hem awkwardly hangs over and above your hips like a lampshade, almost! But when you untuck your blouse it helps create a connecting line from the jacket hem to your jeans. That's my theory, anyway!
New fan here, too! Not sure if you read through all these comments, but I'll share my two cents. I am just as picky as you when it comes to fit and I have sacrificed beautiful pieces because they just didn't work with my body shape. The feeling is probably close to sending kids off to college... which I haven't done yet. Anyways, the matching pair works because the tapering of the skirt towards the lower hem balances out the boxy-ness of the jacket. All other combinations where the bottom is not tapered nor very close to its color will emphasize its boxy-ness, which we're trying to kill (you probably know this). I would pair it with peachy skinny pants (not cropped) and do not bunch around the ankle (prefirably ponte) and pair it with those peach pumps. The key is to take the primary attention away from the jacket with the bottom silhouette which should be neutral and lengthened as possible. Also you can try layering with tops with a bottom hem that is longer where the crotch is as compared to the sides. Hiding the zipper area will elongate your legs. This is what I would do. Or I would just not wear the jacket. It's asking for it with all those geometric lines man.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and it is amazing...love your style!!! As for this post like the one with matching pencil skirt the most. Also prefer the options with untucked blouses over the tucked in ones.
ReplyDeleteJasmine
http://huesnviews.blogspot.com/
I don't think they look bad (just a few that aren't great) but I actually like the ones with the "skater style" skirts/dress. I've worn my boxier jackets with wide-legged pants and they seem to elongate my legs. It'll be interesting to see which looks you deemed the best!
ReplyDeletehttp://fashionedible.blogspot.com
I have seen quite a few petite bloggers getting this jacket. I don't get it though as I don't think the style and color looks particularly great. The style is boxy and it might not be the best style for petites either. The color is also quite unique and it's one of those colors and styles that you can't wear often because of the unique look. Maybe it looks much better in person. Nonetheless, I appreciate your effort in getting this paired with various outfits. It's nice to see the options out there for styling. However, I don't think the piece looks really great with any one outfit though.
ReplyDeleteI ordered that jacket a while back but returned it because of the same issues. I have broad shoulders and the jacket made me feel like a linebacker! I also found the sleeve length awkward. It's a shame, since it's a beautiful piece and also at a good price right now. I do own some Chanel-like jackets that are more figure-flattering, and it's unfortunately JCrew had to cut this one so boxy.
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to be a "big" petite and I found that the added length of sizing down to a regular size (0 instead of 2p) looked better.
i think your style is impeccable
ReplyDeleteSo glad finding your blog! Love your style, I am a petite too, and I have a blog called Petite C'est Chic, watch it and tell me your opinion, if you want :) I already follow you on Bloglovin'! Great work by the way,
ReplyDelete-Virginia
http://petitecestchic.blogspot.it/
#1 and #4 looks the best out of all these
ReplyDeleteSomething full and poofy?
ReplyDeleteDunno. But I like your process for figuring this stuff out.
Interesting! I generally agree with you. Since having the shirt untucked seems to work, I wonder if a belt have a similar effect.
ReplyDeleteWhat about long, (relatively) wide-leg or slightly flared pants?
Jean,
ReplyDeleteAny update on the Zara TRF sequin dress in XS? I've been eyeing it for myself and wanted to know how it fit you. I'm 5 ft 1 and 32-24-34 so we are pretty close in size, though I feel almost "big" compared to you!
The XS was very fitted on me throughout (would be good for a club/lounge). It's all personal preference, but I liked the S better because it looked less sexy and I could see myself wearing it more often. Good luck!
DeleteI just measured myself and I'm actually 32-23-32. Oops!
ReplyDeleteI like it with the denim pants and shorts with the untucked shirt. I think the full yellow skirt suit option is a little matronly but would work if you broke up the suit a bit and wear the blazer open
ReplyDeletesupermodeltall.blogspot.com
Jean, have you considered a high waisted bottom? I'm thinking a high-waisted pencil skirt would balance out your proportions or better yet, high waisted slacks with a slightly flared leg that just graze the ground. Almost like a sailor pant...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the winning combination, either and I absolutely love this color! I am top heavy and could never wear a boxy cut blazer without looking like I was about to tip over.
I might consider wool or tweed shorts: perhaps a tweed with shades of mustard and brown? Or cream and brown? Mustard and cream? You could wear the shorts with opaque tights.
ReplyDeleteI really like that last look, but I agree -- it might be more useful if you lived in, say, San Francisco than in the Northeast.
ReplyDeleteI quite like 2 and 10 actually. The bubble skirt of 2 is slightly unexpected :) And I like the juxtaposition of 10 but you're right... it's hard to find an occasion to wear it to.
ReplyDeleteDid you consider a long pair of trouser or bell-shaped jeans with high heels? I think that would balance out the boxiness of the top. I'd love to see you try it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great post - I actually really like the way the jacket works with the shorts... call me crazy. I had my eye on the jacket too, but I couldn't think of enough things that it would work with in my closet to justify the at-that-time non-sale price. I think you came up with a surprising number of good looking ensemble potential!
ReplyDeletexx
Here&Now
I love your experiment! Very educational :). I just read your "winner" but hopefully you can find more so that this jacket can be worn many many times :).
ReplyDelete