How about a fancy outfit for Friday?
This outfit seems so simple — flare jeans, sweater tank, ankle booties.
But when I look at in real life, it’s super dramatic. Like, way more dramatic than most outfits around here.
I have to admit, for the right occasion, I’m really into it.
Because while it is dramatic and fancy, it still feels like my style. Why? Because it’s just simple elements, combined thoughtfully.
Simple elements combined thoughtfully. Yep, those four words sum up my style. Or at least, they sum up what I’m going for. :) Let’s break down what I mean by that:
The Proportions: Fitted on top, volume on bottom — remember that proportion from my fall style series? I wear it all the time — it’s a simple proportion. Not only does this outfit hit that proportion, it also hits on a second proportion: cropped on top, high rise on bottom. To me, this whole outfit works because the crop top and high rise meet — AKA you don’t see any midriff. Those armholes and side slit show enough skin that midriff would push it over the edge. So I sized up and got a Medium in the tank for a little extra length in the front and I paired it with my highest rise jeans.
The Sweater: From the front, this sweater is unassuming. Just a loose, crop sweater in a great stone color. But, turn to the side a little and it’s suddenly interesting. I love that the beauty of this top is hidden just a little. If I wanted to take the look down a notch, I could easily throw on my faux leather jacket.
The Jeans: I’ve been planning on getting these jeans hemmed, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’m kind of glad, though, because this outfit made me realize that flares get a thumbs up when they’re a little long. I like a tiny bit of pooling. It adds to the drama, since it kind of hides my shoes and emphasizes the flares. However, that being said, I may end up hemming them if I notice that the hems are getting ragged. Don’t want to ruin ’em. We’ll see how it goes.
The Right Underthings: I was happy to find that my regular strapless no-show bra worked great, even with those lower armholes — though I did wear it a little lower on my ribcage than usual. But it was still comfortable and didn’t slip down. That bra, you guys — it covers all the situations.
Your turn! What do you think of the whole “simple elements combined thoughtfully” thing? Do you see it in this outfit, even with all the drama going on? Also, I’m curious, do you wear your flare jeans a little long or do you wear them so they skim the ground?
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Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links below:
01 | Sweater by All Saints (on sale) (Fit note: I’m wearing a Medium) | Same sweater in a non-cropped version (also on sale)
02 | Jeans by Paige (made in USA + on sale) | same jean in a different wash on sale for $89 | similar for under $80
03 | Ankle booties gifted by Fortress of Inca (made responsibly) (Fit note: I took my usual size 7 and they fit just right — although if you want to wear them with socks, you might want to size up a half size.)
04 | Bag (old) | similar | similar (made in USA)
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xo,
I LOVE this look on you Caroline! Also, your sentiments are spot on. After I defined my style in words I realized they could be applied to such a broad range of looks while still feeling 100% true to me personally. Seriously though, your hubby needs to take you out for date night STAT! xoxo
Thanks friend!! I’m pretty sure I’m wearing this for our five year anni next weekend! :) xo, Caroline
Umm wow. You look amazing in this outfit! I have very similar style to you and would have never even thought about buying this top since it’s not really a shape/cut that I would ever wear. But….! It’s gorgeous and simple. Trying to decide whether to go crop or not! Love you blog. Have a great weekend.
I love this look! I don’t own a pair of flares, but wonder if I should try them out. I certainly wore my fair share in high school. Thanks for sharing!
This looks great! I really want to try some high-rise jeans. I’ve always been hesitant because I don’t have a small waist but maybe I just need to find the right ones!
Hi Katie! It’s all about finding the right pair that works for your body — I tried on so many for the longest time without finding any that worked. But, with a little patience and pickiness, you can definitely do it! :) xo, Caroline
Love this look!
I have to wonder though – how does it work sitting down? I feel like high-rise pants give me stomach-muffin-top, and wearing a cropped shirt on top would really expose that any time I sat down…. Do you feel comfortable in this outfit even moving around and sitting etc.?
Hi Clare! I actually do feel comfortable doing regular life stuff in it (sitting, moving around, eating, etc.), but I’ve been liking the crop top + high rise proportion for a while now so maybe I’m just used to it. Since the back is longer, it doesn’t expose too much skin back there when sitting — I mean, it definitely shows a little, but not a ton. :) xo, Caroline
Love this look so much! Regarding the decision not to hem them… thumbs up from me. I much prefer extra length on flares too. I will only wear them that way.
This ensemble is very much my style. I would wear it out for dinner and drinks to a low key place…or lunch.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Gina
Thanks for sharing, Gina! Good to know that’s how you’re rocking them too. Happy weekend! :) xo, Caroline
What a beautiful, beautiful sweater?! I love how it looks on you. I’ve been debating on whether flared jeans would work on my body, since I’m so petite! Maybe one day I’ve find one that I don’t drown in!
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
What kind of socks do you wear with ankle booties? I am befuddled
Hi Sarah! Most of the time, I don’t wear socks with my booties. I’ve yet to find no show socks that stay put. However! I’m pretty excited about experimenting with regular socks when it gets cold here … so, we’ll see! xo, Caroline
Hi Caroline. I’ve had so many issues with socks and finally found the best ones for booties and sneakers. They’re not “no show” with sneakers, but they work really well with ankle boots. They have this magical almost non-existent seam that doesn’t rub against your pinkie toe like most socks. They’re called “fitness” liners but I wear them for every day use. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-fitness-liner-socks-3-pack/3465832?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLUE%20ULTRA
Sorry for the long link!
That post where you mentioned wearing a strapless bra under your white camisole was a real “duh!” moment for me. I don’t really like going braless anymore, and was just about to retire all my spagetti straps. Such a simple solution, but it never even occurred to me!
It works for EVERYTHING. The ultimate multi-tasking piece — love it. Glad you didn’t have to retire all your tanks! :) xo, Caroline
Love the top so much that I just purchased! Thanks Caroline!
Very cute look! I’m just wondering- these flared jeans look similar to the pair you have by Seven for All Mankind. Were you looking for a different wash when you bought these? Just curious. Thanks!
Gorgeous! I do love Allsaints, though. I think the colour contrast adds to the drama too.
On finding your style, several years ago I had a style and colour consultation. My style was termed “natural dramatic”, which means I like soft, relaxed pieces in natural fabrics teamed with a something a little more statement. It really does help to feel me.
I have a 27 inch inseam; ALL my jeans run long except for my red pair which are perfect for me but were marketed as “crop” jeans. ;)
This sweater looks like a Fall version of the ivory silk tank. Is that what you were going for, Caroline?
First of all let me say i am seriously in love with your blog!! I really enjoy your posts about mixing and matching basics, key elements etc. Is there any way you could create a similar post to your “undergarments” guide, but with workout clothes? I’m having such a bad time matching those and buying the right items, and there seems to be so little information about sportswear capsules!
Hello Caroline,
Nice to meet you, lovely blog and beautiful concept of capsule.
I would love to know what lens do you use? I hold Nikon D5300 along with a kit lens. I am okay to buy a full sensor thinking in future may upgrade to full sensor camera; but which lens will be appropriate for fashion blog?
Look ahead to hear from you.
Best,
Nidhi Patel
Nope, the jeans definitely need to be hemmed. Right now they look like sloppy early-2000s high school pants.
Yeah, I think so too. :( This outfit doesn’t strike me as your style, Caroline. But way to be unpredictable!
caroline, these jeans fit you like a dream. ;) ox
I love flared jeans but I’m 5ft and rarely wear heels so it’s got to be hemmed up for me
I am seriously obsessed with this outfit…it looks amazing on you! Something I’ve recently gotten into (again if you count my high school days) is layering a button-up or long-sleeved blouse under my sweater vests (or short sleeved sweaters) and it totally gives the preppy & chic, yet still laid-back vibe… might be worth a try with this one..although it’s pretty darn perfect on its own!
Thanks for your positive and relatable blogging!
Hi Caroline, do you know the name of the wash for the flares? Thanks!