the "it" factor
what styling elements make it happen?
Today was a very slow day at work but even with the small number of people I interacted with, I received an overwhelming number of compliments to my outfit.
Not for nothing, but getting a “cute shoes” comment happens often for me. Or an appreciative acknowledgment of my fake freckles (I’m obsessed, just let me have this). But only occasionally do I received a full outfit compliment—especially since I currently live in the mountains where the fashion forward are more elusive. And even more rare is to have it echoed throughout the day.
So.. why this outfit?
It felt good when I put it on this morning, which we know is somewhat of an art form when you’re trying to translate your internal “vibe” into an aesthetic. What’s more is I hadn't utilized this exact combination before so this was its maiden voyage of sorts.
My theory is that it had several elements that gave it an edge—so here’s my speculative breakdown:
Tension
While pairing plaid or a button up with a blazer is hardly revolutionary, pairing a men’s flannel (that is almost a dress) with a “lady blazer” silhouette in an elongated cut, is not something that would be obvious. Proportion also creates a cool tension here in that the whole look comes off looking more like a dress than a shirt and blazer. Without the blazer, this look would feel too “one note”—the blazer brings polish and tailoring to an otherwise casual and somewhat hipster (dare I say indie sleeze?) look.
A Statement Shoe
This Bottega Veneta lace up doesn’t exactly scream look at me, but the chunky silhouette does command visual space to ground the whole outfit. Plus, it additionally pulls from the lumberjack element that the flannel adds to the overall look while still keeping things polished. A dressy ankle boot or riding boot might also have worked with this ensemble but I don’t think it would’ve held the same impact.
Tonal Contrast
To no ones surprise, I’m always in multiple layers of black. But it needs to be said that the red/blue plaid contrasts nicely with the blazer so that you’re able to appreciate both elements. I tend to also wear this blazer with a sheer black button up and while I love that combination as well, it’s not quite as eye catching (or as full of contrasting themes). Even the small detail of the navy socks peeking out against the black tights creates another subtle variance that helps support the overall message.
If I had to give this outfit a label, I’d probably say it was the illegitimate love child of a lumberjack and a schoolgirl. Or grunge gone chic.
Or “City Girl moves to the Mountains.”
Hmm, sounds about right.