April 30, 2013

Angie's fantastic blog post this morning has me thinking, these are all great ways to rein in the looser cuts or oversize fits and make them wearable by more body types. Because it seems to me that loose, unstructured looks are challenging (or feel challenging) to a lot of us. If we are curvy, we worry that they make us look bigger than we are; if we are petite, we feel overwhelmed; if we have sloping shoulders, some things don't stay properly in place, and so on. This is why Angie's suggestions are so brilliant. They help to anchor the looseness and make it wearable.

So, here's my follow-up question. Let's say you are wearing a more tailored ensemble. Everything is tailored or even body con. How can you bring a bit of "unstructure" to that look?

Example: I am planning (perhaps -- depending on weather, and forum thoughts) to wear a version of the outfit below to my uncle and aunt's 50th wedding anniversary party in early June. It is an afternoon party. The women will probably be mostly in dresses or skirts, but because it's just family and close friends and the venue is quite modest, nobody will be extremely dressy. I will be travelling both before and after this event so I need something that will look good right out of the suitcase.

I like this for the ladylike modesty of the neckline and the easy of the skirt. Nothing wrinkles, and I'd feel fine getting down on the floor with a cousin's baby or toddler if it came to that.

But it may read as a "work" type outfit to some. Curious if it does to you.

And, even if it seems okay for the occasion, is it too 2012 without a bit of unstructure? How would I add that? What kind of topper would do the job? Not saying I am going to spring for yet another new item for one event, but I am curious in general and would love inspiration.

Posted in the Dressing category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

Gaylene replied 10 years ago
Personally, I love the outfit just as you've styled it; it looks very streamlined and modern, so I wouldn't worry about it looking 2012.

But, you've asked an interesting question, and, with my limited understanding of unstructured, I'd be inclined to follow Angie's second tip on using an unstructured layer over a structured shape to add interest. I inadvertently did this last year when I wore a floaty, white linen, poet-style, drawstringed jacket over a structured tank top and skinnies. I liked the effect even when I didn't understand the concept yet. So maybe a lightweight, drapey, bomber-style jacket or vest? Or perhaps a gauzy linen, midriff-length tee like this tossed on top?
http://www.clubmonaco.ca/produ.....266416.124
unfrumped replied 10 years ago
Great post--for this specifically and for trying to tweak outfits in general so we can take something we have and update it.
In favor of unstructure already is that the top has some ease. However I guess overall it reads like a sheath dress so from Angie's example you might use a boxier or unstructured topper--that is, if the temperatures allow. Such as a bomber, a BF blazer or more unfitted blazer, maybe an asymmetrical loose topper.
A simpler thing, although it could be just "messy" and not unstructured, might be to add a large filmy scarf tied loosely.
To make it less work-like I would just do something to balance the solid neutrality. Color or pattern or whimsy-playfulness in accessories would do that.
Mia replied 10 years ago
Above advice is great and you look terrific in this silhouette. Accessories would likely take it to killer.

Another thought would be to go relaxed on the bottom with a full skirt, perhaps floral or graphic print for more of a "garden party" vibe. Angie did that post recently on tops to wear with full print skirts so it's definitely on trend. I wouldn't buy a piece just for the event myself either and I can't remember if you have such a garment. Sounds like a wonderful occasion to look forward to.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Thanks, Mia! I like the idea of a full skirt. I don't have one that works with this top, but if I found a great one that did work, I'd have no problem buying it because it would be fun with other tops, too.

Thanks, Unfrumped -- I like the suggestion for a looser topper. I don't think I have one in my closet but I can experiment a bit when I get home.

Gaylene, those are great suggestions. I would like to try on one of those gauzy tees to see what it would look like. I like the idea of a vest, too.
nancylee replied 10 years ago
Good question, Suz. My first instinct (like unfrumped's) is to add a voluminous/infinity scarf to the look. That's probably the easiest way to add "unstructure."

You could also try a loose (not necessarily boxy) jacket, such as a silk kimono jacket or trapeze jacket, over the structured top and skirt.
Angie replied 10 years ago
Bomber jacket! Full skirt. Messy hair. Unstructured bag. Slouchy pants.

Or wear as is. You look stunning, Suz!
Inge replied 10 years ago
I'm thinking the linen moto jacket we were just chatting about on Pinterest, Suz.
http://pinterest.com/pin/277393658271142892/

Or is that more structured in the classic sense, than unstructured structure?

Love this outfit on you, by the way.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Oh, yes, Inge, that is precisely what I had in mind, too. Sad about the price tag, though!! And thank you for the compliment!

Angie, thank you for the compliment and the great suggestions! The top looks great with white so a white bottom would be fab. But it might be tough to come up with the right pair of white slouchy trousers and/or full skirt (or even jacket) in a hurry.

Nancy, I am sort of turning away from scarves a bit. You would never know this, because I wear one almost every day in winter. In fact, I am wearing one now! My excuse is that it is snowing here in Banff! But for summer, I'm going to go without. I love the idea of a kimono style topper! That would be fun.
Diana replied 10 years ago
I like this outfit a lot as is, Suz, and it seems very you. If you wanted to add a bit of unstructure, I think I'd go with the aforementioned loose jacket/topper. Something like a bomber jacket, or even a capelet like mine from yesterday.

ETA: Even though it's technically a structured shape, I think the fabrication and ease make it read more relaxed and easy, so I don't think it's too "work".
Marley replied 10 years ago
To me, it does read "work-type" outfit - as opposed to 50th anniversary celebration! I like some of the ideas already suggested - slouchy trousers - white or black?, lighter colored (patterned?) blousy top or solid color top that is boxy, cropped hi-low hem, or "flowy" type of top, or pointy-toed shoe with a full skirt and the top that you're wearing in the pic? Play around with it - I bet you can come up with something that will look great!
Sarah A replied 10 years ago
I like this outfit a lot for your event.... it looks very classic and polished just as it is. And I like the loose topper suggestions too! I feel like those would make it a bit more trendy... Both looks are good IMO just different. But really I wanted to thank you for startign the thread... I am working on this unstructured structure idea and your musings and the comments that follow are very good!
ironkurtin replied 10 years ago
I'm with Angie. A loose, soft, or open-weave less structured sweater would do it too.
Inge replied 10 years ago
Brilliant suggestions from the other ladies! And I hear you, Suz, silly prices-((

These are not the same, of course, but they are linen and come at a more reasonable price:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....ategoryID==

http://www.zappos.com/bcbgmaxa.....-dark-lime

Other ideas:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dk.....3HtYzDy40g

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....&zmac

http://shop.mango.com/US/p0/ma.....s&ie=

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....38;PRODUCT
annagybe replied 10 years ago
This is nice, but doesn't read to me as structure/unstructure.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Anna, agreed 100%. It's full on structure, which is why I thought I'd like to soften it a bit.

Inge, thank you! You are the queen of links. I really like a couple of those options and may just have to check them out. Despite having said I would not buy anything new just for the sake of this event!

Thanks, IK, Sarah A and Marley. I value your input! Marley, those are great ideas, one and all, but might involve more shopping. We'll see - I can play around in the closet first.
Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago
I really like this Suz but it does come down more on the classic side imo (nothing wrong with that). I think any of the suggestions would work really well but if you don't want to shop what about your cobalt sweater?
Suz replied 10 years ago
Caro, it is likely to be too warm for the sweater then. Although you can never say that for sure. So I will keep the cobalt as a back up option, for sure, with the cobalt skirt as well.
Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago
Thought that might be the case:)
Debora replied 10 years ago

Lovely outfit, Suz! Is that the VC tube maxi, tube skirt? I want to copy! I love the idea of adding a bomber jacket.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Yes, Debora, it is indeed the VC tube skirt. Midi. I had it cropped a bit so it was just below knee length on me because when it came it was too long for short me! Do you have it as well? So do Kari and Nancylee!
Jaime replied 10 years ago
Great question Suz! I had also wondered if the formula could be inverted. Well you have received some great suggestions. My only thought is, given both the summer temperatures and your leaning toward minimalist style, it might take a complete swap of top or bottom to achieve the look you are aiming for with this. Not that you look one bit dated as is, and it is a great outfit. I doubt anyone will think oh that Suz, she is so 2012!
Sveta replied 10 years ago
Ah, trust it to Suz to come up with an exciting exercise after the brilliant blog post! (btw I did not realize you are ALREADY in Banff - you do travel, girl!)
I think one of the 'hole-y" mesh sweaters will add a nice bit of unstructured without being too warm - like the one from Angie's post today.
I am afraid the Donna Karan linen beauty you linked to has hips of structure in it so being fab to thrown over your outfit it will not quite help to get the unstructured into the equation.
And - oh boy, what did you do to me girls showing this DK beauty! Now I also covet a linen moto jacket! :-(
Vix replied 10 years ago
Hi Suz --

So THIS is what you were talking about on my work capsule thread! I'm so far out of the unstructured structure trend I didn't know I was hip. ;)

I like this as-is but June + 50th anniversary celebration = adding a bit of color, pattern, or shine to me. Festive! Might be tougher to do that along with unstructure, but yes: dig around.

Is the skirt navy or black? If navy you know I'm going to suggest throwing our mutual summer blouse -- the emerald/navy over it as a vest.

If black, do you have something else you could wear open and flowy? For some reason I feel as if you have a lot of looser blouses you could potentially belt to reign in volume below while keeping things more voluminous above the waist, but that might be my imagination at work.
Carole replied 10 years ago

What a perfect exercise and lesson for us, Suz. Just analyzing your outfit this way helps me to understand better the whole structured/unstructured concept. It's making more sense. Yay.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Thanks, Carole! Well, this is structure supreme. You are lookin' at it right here, baby!

(Note: the fabric of the top is a bit stiff and almost cardboard-like, plus it is a bit snug under the arms, so I really feel...um..structured in that. Sort of like a corset except not at the waist...more at the armpits!)

Vix, what a great idea. The skirt is navy, and maybe that fern print would work over it. I wonder! When I get home I will try it. The shoes are sort of gold but quite subtle...I could add shinier bangles etc. or maybe a more prominent earring for shine. Or I could completely forget about the structured top and just wear "ours" which is definitely more unstructured. But also maybe a bit casual if worn untucked. Not sure, because it is silk, after all.

Sveta, you must please blame it all on Inge. She is the Link Queen whose Pinterest board this morning lit up with a dozen items, each of which I am convinced was MADE for me to wear!! Whatever the cost!! Drat that woman's impeccable taste!! What is she thinking, anyway?

Shevia, I think you are exactly right. Either I need to swap the top or the skirt. Can't wear both, at least not if I want unstructured structure!!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago
Are we talking Canada in June? What about a cardigan tossed over the shoulders, sleeves tied in front? That cool tube midi would keep it from looking preppy, imo, and it would add just a bit of casual softness. It may not be 2013, but to me it's a still-current classic solution.
Suz replied 10 years ago
Firecracker - great idea, except -- believe it or not -- I do not own a single cardigan!!

It's true! Five years ago I wore nothing else. Now I don't own any.

So lucky me - it looks like I get to go shopping for this event no matter how you slice and dice it. :-)
Ariadne replied 10 years ago
Suz, are you open to cheap and cheerful? Because Forever 21 has a bunch of flowy kimono type toppers. Dig around on their website (I'll do it for you if I get a chance).

I wish you had Plum in Ontario - I just saw a gorgeous one in your colours there today.

Sidenote: I saw this at Aritzia and thought of you in your hunt for a spring/summer top with a higher neckline (although it says it's heavy silk, so it might be too warm in the end):
http://aritzia.com/Wilfred-RIV.....lt,pd.html
Suz replied 10 years ago
Ooh, Ariadne...I might have to stop in Aritzia when I am in TO, and F21, too! Thanks!!
Ariadne replied 10 years ago
Hmm. Looks like none of the kimono toppers I saw in store at F21 are online. :( But I found some other tops you *might* like!
http://canada.forever21.com/Pr.....ID=2000049=

http://canada.forever21.com/Pr.....ID=2046771=

http://canada.forever21.com/Pr.....ID=2046164=

If it wasn't likely going to be hot, I'd suggest this jacket:
http://aritzia.com/Wilfred-CHE.....=chevalier

Pix-Elated

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