23 October 2009 – Minimal

Posted on | October 23, 2009 | 12 Comments

23 October 2009 – Minimal, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Black sweater dress: Target
Gray skinnies: thrifted, skinnied by me
Gray suede wedges: Gap Outlet
Turquoise earrings: vintage beads from a wee shop in Wheaton, IL

End Notes:

As simple as this outfit is, it’s really a stretch for me. Not only are my pants ankle length, but I am also wearing a fairly shapeless sweater dress-slash-tunic without a belt. I know, I know. I’m totally living on the edge.

Angie from You Look Fab calls this surrendering the waistline. And it really is. If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time you know that all three of us love to belt at the waist. Even when I was pregnant, I kept right on belting up to the bitter end. Letting this fairly shapeless sweater shift just hang out like this goes against my basic style instincts and the little Stacey and Clinton demons in my head.

Vintage Bead Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

And yet here I am. The skinnies add some needed edge and the wedges give some needed lift and length. What is really a basic outfit in terms of pieces and color becomes much more interesting because of the more unexpected play with proportion. And while it was tempting to figure out more accessories to add to the mix, I think this look achieves its greatest impact by embracing its inherent minimalism.

(And the better to show off my new-as-of-this-morning haircut, too!)

23 October 2009 – Minimal, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Office Hours, Pants Please, Proportionally, Reaching New Heights
Tags: ankle length pants > gray skinny jeans > proportions > sweater dress > tunic

Comments

12 Responses to “23 October 2009 – Minimal”

Tizzle-T
October 23rd, 2009 @ 11:50 am

Very chic pumpkin!
Sal
October 23rd, 2009 @ 11:55 am

With the skinnies, it’s a great look. So long as that waist-masking volume is balanced out, you’re golden!
Marie
October 23rd, 2009 @ 5:06 pm

I think this looks great! Its a chic care-free look. And I looove the pumpkin btw!
Clare
October 24th, 2009 @ 5:06 am

Sometimes less is more. This outfit really works for you. Oh, and that pumpkin? ADORABLE!
Alisha
October 24th, 2009 @ 11:10 am

I just noticed the pumpkin in the background! Very cute.

It’s always somewhat difficult to try a style out of your comfort zone (I, too, like to have a defined waist in most of my outfits), but I think you’re pulling of the voluminous top quite well!
jentine
October 24th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

I like it. It’s clean and pretty. I think it’s a hard look to pull off but you my friend, have the body for it.
Sabrina
October 24th, 2009 @ 9:02 pm

I concur with all the opinions above. Way to dress outside of your usual look! Another possibility: you can go defined and voluminous by belting underneath an open, longer boyfriend style cardi.
Cyn
October 25th, 2009 @ 8:20 pm

That pumpkin is so BOSS!

I like your outfit too. I need to start breaking my own set of “rules” more often. Most of them are there for my own good, but I too think I’m missing out on some fun just because I’m afraid to step out of the tried and true.
Megan
October 26th, 2009 @ 11:42 am

I think this is a great outfit!! I think it was totally worth the stretch :) I know what you mean though, I always feel so nervous when I step out of my comfort zone!
G&D
October 26th, 2009 @ 1:38 pm

I’m a big fan of the belted look, and also haven’t given it up even though I’m pregnant, so I can relate! But I think you look fantastic belt-less. Love the new haircut, too!
healthy & homemade
October 27th, 2009 @ 8:55 pm

I love the hair, the pumpkin, and the whole outfit =)

You always have the best shoes!
Nadine
October 28th, 2009 @ 12:26 am

In this case, the outfit takes a back seat to your lovely face. Very nice.