Outfit: This Sweater Might Go Back

May 29, 2012

Happy let’s pretend it’s “Outfit Monday” yet luckily it’s already Tuesday!  Want to share with you an outfit I tried on a few days ago. I’m kind of obsessed with major cuffs on my jeans (oops, preferably the same height/size!),  but this top… does it work for  me? I love, love the bold black and white stripes but the fit? I’m not sure it’s there. It’s a little awkwardly baggy around my mid-section and my husband shared it wasn’t quite flattering.

Here I am, an average, real girl learning along the way how to define my style and find items that perfectly fit. In terms of being a total style perfectionist, must share that I’ve learned so much from Extra Petite. Regardless if you’re petite or plus size, this girl offers a must read because her insights make me think so carefully about every purchase, the fit, the cost, how items can be altered, everything. She is why I think this Loft open-knit sweater I so adore might go back.

What do you think? I might try it tucked into a skirt or pair of pants before making the ultimate decision however think it’s just not ‘wow’ on me.  Do you have items in your closet that probably deserve a return or are rarely worn because of improper fit? 

sweater: loft  / cami: gap / jeans: gap (2010; similar) / flats: tory burch (2008, newer and I hear better soles) / watch: michael kors (2011)

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Tagged as: gap, LOFT, outfit, return, style

  • http://twitter.com/PPFGirl PennyPincherFashion

    I know what you mean – I think this sweater is super-cute, but the fit isn’t quite perfect.  Any way to alter it or return for a different size?

    • ALyson — TAGG

      Hear ya… have given this some thought: think it almost needs to be a hair longer so it would lay better. 

  • Paige

    I don’t love it.  I think you are right – it needs to be longer.  I also think it either needs to be more fitted OR slouchier, otherwise it’s that in-between that just looks frumpy.  And I don’t like the top of it either, it seems as though the neckline should be wider (more boatneck) and the sleeves longer, because the short sleeves combined with the dolman cut just broadens out the wearer.  You can do better!  I read an interesting blog entry the other day where the author realized that if she had to put too much effort into making a piece work for her, it wasn’t worth it, no matter the price.  I’m coming to that same realization.  If I don’t really love it, if it doesn’t work unless I do A, B, and C with it, then it’s not worth keeping.  I’m working on making this my closet mantra :)

    • Alyson

      GREAT closet mantra! It’s so true… just wanted to show everyone this example. I wanted something in the store during the store and loved this in theory so hoped it would work when in fact I’ll never feel fantastic in it. Total return. I totally agree with that author’s realizations. Smart! 

    • http://seventeenthandirving.blogspot.com/ Lauren | Seventeenth & Irving

      This mantra is fantastic – I love that approach.

  • graceatwood

    I don’t love it either – it should be longer – or more fitted!  If you had it taken in I think it could work… but not sure if it’s worth it?  Then again, could work well tucked in! xo

    • Alyson

      Agreed… and think it could work altered but not sure it’s worth the expense when, as you know, there are stripes everywhere. Love that. 

  • http://www.mydressyways.com/ My Dressy Ways

    Love the blog title! haha. Yes, that top should have been longer so it wouldn’t look so boxy! I’ve bought a couple shirts that I thought were too short but that I could pull off and they’ve ended up neglected because they ARE too short. Lesson learned!

  • http://twitter.com/BonBonRoseGirls Kristin & Megan

    Since it’s got a boxy shape, what about trying it out with some colored skinnies?

    • Alyson

      I hear ya… I think I’m going to pass. Why do they make things boxy? who wants that shape? :)  

  • http://twitter.com/MeganFrugalista Megan Zietz

    I like it but i think you can do way better!

  • http://www.mixmatchfashion.com/ Tara

    The sweater is cute, but I agree it looks a little bulky around your stomach…and yes, I definitely have items I have bought and later regretted! 

    • Alyson

      Exactly, I find myself donating them after minimal wear and never feeling my best. Time to return! 

  • Tycfredericks

    Take it back!  Itdoes nothing for u!  U r a skinny gurl who can wear horizontal stripes, but not like this.It is too boyish…not in a good way.

  • http://littleblacksweats.com/ littleblacksweats.com

    My 2 cents…Yep, it should go back.  I totally get why you like it, but I think the proportions are wrong for you.  That boxy style is hard to wear, and sometimes i think maybe you have to be 6′ tall and layer it over long and fitted camis, tees, etc.  (I also read that blog – she has an amazing eye for the right proportions!)  Use your money more wisely on something that undoubtedly says “WOW!”

    • Alyson

      Totally going back! That boxy style is so hard yet keep seeing it everywhere. I’m apparently at that in-between height that just doesn’t work for this.

  • Fantabandfrugal

    I had a very similar sweater that I picked up from Old Navy. I thought I was going to love it but once I tried it on it was total frumps-ville. Your sweater looks better than mine did, but it also kind of looks like something you’d just schlub around in on the weekends, instead of something you picked up from Loft.

    • Alyson

      Totally agree. GOt it on clearance but it’s irrelevant…. like you said, it looks schlubby instead of a nice sweater, which it is.

  • http://www.chevronsandstripes.com/ sarah | chevrons & stripes

    i might be the only one but i like the sweater! i think it could maybe work better paired with a skinnier pair of jeans and a longer fitted black or white tank.  i have a similar sweater from rag and bone and since it’s so baggy I try to always wear it with a fairly fitted pant. but you’re right, if you don’t feel good in something it’s never a good sign… return!

  • http://fashionbyalicia.blogspot.com Fashion By Alicia

    I don’t love the top.  It is a little big in the mid section.  Maybe a smaller size?

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