These sunglasses again! See, I left my beloved Ray Bans at a friend’s house out of town, so I had to dig out my old second string sunnies in the meantime. Turns out, I might like them more than my RB’s — which is nuts, because I’m staunchly devoted to those Ray Bans. But all bets are off now! I love it when things surprise me like that.
Anyway. Hi. Happy Tuesday. :)
Let’s talk about this outfit:
Back in my fall 10×10 challenge, I wore an outfit that looked similar to this one. But, in my opinion, I overstyled it. (You can see it here — to me, it just has too much going on — the tied shirt, the floppy hat, the heels.)
Ever since I posted it, I’ve wanted a redo.
So, this is it! This time, I went simple, and I’m crazy about the end result.
Here’s why I think it works:
- Working with a single style. A tied shirt reads a little vintage and beachy, so I let it be what it was and paired it with flip flops and sunnies — instead of working against it and trying to elevate it with heels and accessories.
- Casual accessories. Instead of doing it up with heels and a hat, I kept my accessories casual and minimal — flip flops, a smaller bag with a long strap, and a tiny choker necklace.
- Tied shirt + higher waist. Before, I’d paired it with a mid rise, and it just didn’t quite have the same effect. The higher waist compliments the vintage vibe.
Sometimes, you don’t always get an outfit right the first time around — but you can always have a redo!
So tell me: Have you ever come up with a great idea for an outfit, only to find it didn’t work out like you planned? Did you end up redoing it with different styling? How did it work out?
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Shirt (old by Madewell) | similar | similar (made responsibly)
02 | Jeans by Madewell | similar (made responsibly) | similar (under $60)
03 | Flip flops (old by Clarks) | similar | similar
04 | Bag by Live FashionABLE (made responsibly) | similar
05 | Delicate circle necklace (old) | similar (made responsibly)
06 | Sunnies by Madewell
This look ROCKS. Yes yes yes for the higher waistline all around! You can totally tell that this is a look you are comfortable in and love to wear!
I really like that shirt! Does it run true to size?
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
Hey Kirsten, I find their relaxed-fit shirts run a bit large. But I did get my usual size in this one and I’ve been happy with the fit. :)
It’s so helpful when you explain this.
The earlier outfit, I’d think that it’s pretty/cute. But then, if I’d tried to wear it, I’d feel silly and dressed up like a costume. Then I’d just throw up my hands & decide there’s something magical that happens with online bloggers and they don’t live in the real world and I can’t really wear stylish clothes anyway.
This one would work for me. I could wear it and feel good & forget about it.
But until you spelled it out for me, I couldn’t have explained the difference between the two outfits. Some people just see & understand these things, and others of us have to learn them carefully. Thanks!
MK, glad the breakdown was helpful! :)
i love both outfits. and those jeans look great on you! :)
ox
I enjoy both looks! They each serve a different purpose — this one is more casual while the fall look is more dressed up. Plus, that hat! This current look definitely suits you and those jeans fit so well. I struggle with denim and have yet to find the perfect-fitting pair, but I haven’t lost hope!
Kendal, we have all felt the frustration of trying to find perfect denim! I hope you find your pair soon. (And don’t be afraid to take them to a tailor for slight changes that can make a huge difference!)
Agreed, sometimes simple is best! Love how you restyled this look. :)
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
Caroline, Lovely article in Magnolia Magazine, congratulations! I loved seeing it!
You style this shirt so well! Anyone looking for this one in a size Small, check out Poshmark @dc287 – sadly it does not work for me, but hope it might for someone else!
Jessica, out of curiosity, what was your complaint with this top? I also love the way Caroline wears it but I’ve always struggled with button-downs. Also, Madewell clothing rarely suits my body type (I’m a pear and can’t stand the boxy look of most of their tops), so I shied away from trying it. But I’m so curious about whether this one might just work…
i have a black everlane dress that i love to wear colorful tank tops under. i could wear the dress as is, but the peak-a-boo effect and pop of color amuses me. i had an idea to wear a tshirt dress that i love love love but it got shrunken in the wash, it’s too short, under this dress. the day i wore it, it looked cute if i was standing still, but i was constantly fighting the under-dress hemline. if i let it go, it would bunch around my waist. so. now i’m thinking of taking this tshirt dress to alter it into a tshirt.
btw, the purse/bag you’re sporting? i loved it so much the first time you rocked it, i finally bought the mini version for myself. i’m not much of a purse kinda gal, but i do need to keep my phone & wallet somewhere and when i saw this cross body, i just had to have it. thanks for the recommendation!
Yay! Glad you like it, Lan :)
Really digging your more casual vibe lately Caroline! Just like you said, they don’t feel over styled. Just real. YTB, girl.
Yay, this outfit is awesome, love the re-do… and with you, sometimes my outfits feel over-styled. This is a great reminder to pair down!! xo
This blouse is so pretty, I love this outfit!
http://ariadibari.com
I like the original as a bit of fun but I think this look is much more wearable. I find that I’m also tempted to add a bunch of accessories when I’m doing blog photos but tend to enjoy the simple look much more. I have a lot of jewelry that I love to wear but I tend to go through phases where I prefer earrings or necklaces or whatever but not all of them together. It just gets to be too much!
I think the smaller bag is what really made the difference! I think the stripes and the bigger bag was too much for the eye to handle, but I don’t think the previous outfit was “bad” by any means. I still really liked it!
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
First of all, your sunnies are super pretty!
When I realize my planned Outfit doesn’t work out, I usually choose which of the pieces I really want to wear and then Switch out the rest.
I really like the casual vibe of this! The other outfit is cute in a style blogger way, which is to say that it’s a bit fancy for my day-to-day life. This reads very Unfancy :)
ITA about the higher-waist pants too, these have a cute vintage vibe to them that I love.
Awesome job on the outfit redo! Seeing your past few blog posts has me seriously excited for warmer weather (I had to binge them just now since I was a bit behind!). Although I’m completely unprepared closet-wise, I’ve been taking so many of your messages to heart and look forward to reflecting on them when I eventually get around to shopping. I’ll be looking for new slide sandals, casual tops and hopefully will get around to sewing myself a skirt that actually fits properly (short girl problems) :)
Love it, Caroline! I oftentimes find that I overstyle for certain occasions (weddings, parties, etc.) and feel so much better when I go simpler. Love your openness about it!
http://www.madsmuses.com
That sounds a lot like what I’m doing with my #RecreateYourselfChallenge. Taking old outfits and trying them again or updating them to my current style and wardrobe.
I haven’t tried the tying your top tip since my high school days. Seems like it’s time to bring it back!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Wow!! the out fits looking beautiful and pretty , the line blouse looking so amazing good looking i like the blouse mainly the tie fashion style good looking, the hands folded fashion trend awesome and also the jeans very comfortable and great classic looking i love jeans, i love redo outfit’s so much thanks for sharing spring seasonal outfit’s and redo is good outfit’s in ever and ever.
Dear Caroline,
I love your posts and have learned a lot from following you. I’m excited to watch my wardrobe evolve into a more meaningful expression of who I am. The photography is also stunning! However, I have one heartfelt request: let us see more of you face! It’s a beautiful face and I’d love to see at least one photo with you looking at the camera! I hope that doesn’t sound too “bossy”. I wanted to get a good look at your sunglasses when I realized you are looking down a lot. Thank you so much for sharing your “closet” with us!
I do love Madewell, those jeans look great on you!