WIW 06.11 [big blue]

In true mood dressing fashion, today I could tell you why this outfit might work but not why I put it together the way I did.

Initially, I was inspired by this pinned outfit. I love the orange/black/white color combo and wear it frequently though less frequently than I did last year (recent examples 1|2|3), so I couldn't say that I was necessarily inspired by the colors there. I do have a bright orange sweater and I do have a snake print skirt, and had in mind the idea of pairing them together (similar to the way Mary recently did). But as the morning wore on the less I wanted to wear that. Not just that I didn't feel like it, it was a seriously strong emotional desire against it. Very strange. Yet I was still attracted to the outfit. So I thought about what it was that was REALLY appealing about the outfit, what was it that if removed would totally change it. And I decided it was the silhouette and proportions: a very long oversized sweater over a slim skirt. That was what I wanted to wear today.

Happily the only sweater long enough was this light blue one, which satisfies my current inclination to pair any black with pastels. I realize this won't be for everyone; the sweater is big, like tent-ish big, so that is a lot of light blue going on without any breakup. But it's super duper soft (and fuzzy) and has excellent drape to it, so the volume doesn't bother me.

I'd already rebelled against the more classic rendition of the outfit, so my initial choice of black/pony pointy ankle-strap flats was out. No idea why, they're plenty current looking. Perhaps a bit too classic then. Pumps were out too in that case. Thought about sneakers, loafers, booties... None felt right. Instead I pulled out my rarely-worn oxfords, from the very back of my shoe rack. They felt perfect! I also tried every single purse I own (no joke). Again nothing felt right until this tan/neon orange clutch. And again, no idea why. If I could've paired ANY purse, I'd have chosen a holographic clutch. Which I don't have but perhaps I should remedy that ^^

So there you have it, completely emotional dressing today that even I couldn't completely parse. I do feel like it all works quite nicely, though, and felt quite happy in it. What do you ladies think?

Nail detail photo in yesterday's post. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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15 Comments

  • pil replied 9 years ago

    The pin served its purpose as inspiration - sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do :) I really like the comfort of the oversized sweater with the pencil skirt and have worn it myself. The softness of the pastel blue is pleasing with the black of the skirt.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I love the thought process behind your outfits. That's also a great way to think about an outfit - "What if removed would totally change it." You could also apply it the other way - "What if added would totally change it." It puts a new perspective on outfit inspiration photos.

    Your outfit does work nicely - I like the oversized top with the slim fitting skirt. The oxford shoes look casual and comfy.

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    I think I know why you got attracted to this outfit  - I can feel the pull too! 
    Actually I know what I am going to wear tomorrow...:-)

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your thought process Aida. very interesting. I love the result - casual, comfortable and put together. I also like, and have pinned, your inspiration.

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    I love the long sweater over the pencil skirt.  I've been wearing my oxfords quite a bit this spring/summer and am really liking the oxford/skirt look.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    The purse was the perfect choice, I love the light blue on you and the skirt is great. Dress now, analyze later - that's my motto!

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thank you ladies! Nice to hear this going over well, wasn't sure how well it would ^^

    Karie, yes it's an interesting approach right? I'd be curious how often it's a single element versus a whole set of them. Might depend on how many classic elements are at play. Though I suppose at the lowest level, anything you remove or add would change an outfit.

    Sveta, ooh how fun! I do hope you'll post if you have the time.

    Shevia, I know it doesn't sound like it but I always dress first and analyze later :D I just couldn't quite pin anything down with this one!

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    I can relate to the process (esp. the de-conventionalizing part). You know, this isn't a mint and window pane combo... but I feel like it's part of the genre. I really like it.

    Btw, great hair!

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Rachy, you're right it does rather feel like part of that genre. But less crisp. There aren't really any strong lines in this outfit. I was rather conventionalizing last year when I took my fashion break, but am feeling ready to go back to de-conventionalizing a bit more again. Baby steps. Today I have a much bigger than normal pomp half of my pomp pony ;)

    EDIT: I think I've worn the mint+windowpane thing several times before, too! E.g. here.

  • abc replied 9 years ago

    The top is big but reading your description made it sound like it would swallow you up - but luckily it doesn't. I think bc of the fit on the sleeves. You are so creative with your outfits. Maybe someday when I grow up ... Haha

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thanks ABC! My husband would argue that it does swallow me up (he's not a fan), but as you said the fitted arms help a lot here. Growing up is overrated sometimes ;)

  • Lisa replied 9 years ago

    This looks very 'on trend' to me because you have a classic look (skirt and top) with updated elements (big top, looser skirt and flat shoes).  I like it!

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    I'm enjoying that light topper --- I'm realizing my toppers are mostly dark and bright and, this summer, that's not pleasing me as much as in the past.  You've given me ideas!

    Your creative process is fabulous -- you use creative planning "tools," but use them to jump start the process, not to control it. 

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    I want that entire look Aida! The colors are beautiful on you and you make me want to throw all my huge totes and replace them with clutches :) .... Great *thought process* and I identify :)

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thank you Lisa, Beth Ann, and Neel!

    Beth Ann, I love that description of the tools and that is exactly my approach. If there's one thing I've learned from having curly hair, control is all relative and often pointless ;)

    Neel, hehe well I know you need the extra space right now so maybe that's not the best idea! I carry very very little; at most: phone, slim wallet, coin purse, small tin of hand cream, eye drops, hand sanitizer, mini floss box, keys, and today's lip color. Many days just the wallet and lippie. So the big totes don't make much sense for me!

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