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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Spring, spring outfits

take two: that time I needed an outfit redo

03/07/17




 

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

27 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Anna W says

    March 7, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    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!

    Reply
  2. Kirsten says

    March 7, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    I really like that shirt! Does it run true to size?

    -Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 9, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      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. :)

      Reply
  3. MK says

    March 7, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 9, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      MK, glad the breakdown was helpful! :)

      Reply
  4. mel says

    March 7, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    i love both outfits. and those jeans look great on you! :)
    ox

    Reply
  5. Kendal says

    March 7, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 9, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      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!)

      Reply
  6. Samantha Lee says

    March 7, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    Agreed, sometimes simple is best! Love how you restyled this look. :)
    http://www.wonderlandsam.com

    Reply
  7. Jessica says

    March 7, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Anna W says

      March 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      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…

      Reply
  8. Lan | Morestomach blog says

    March 7, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 9, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Yay! Glad you like it, Lan :)

      Reply
  9. Whitney says

    March 7, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    Really digging your more casual vibe lately Caroline! Just like you said, they don’t feel over styled. Just real. YTB, girl.

    Reply
  10. Girl and closeT says

    March 7, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    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

    Reply
  11. Aria Di Bari says

    March 7, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    This blouse is so pretty, I love this outfit!

    http://ariadibari.com

    Reply
  12. Jamie says

    March 7, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. Sofia says

    March 7, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    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

    Reply
  14. Lena * eatglitterwith.me says

    March 8, 2017 at 7:45 am

    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.

    Reply
  15. Amanda says

    March 8, 2017 at 9:28 am

    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.

    Reply
  16. Taryn says

    March 8, 2017 at 10:00 am

    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) :)

    Reply
  17. Madeline Mudd says

    March 8, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    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

    Reply
  18. Mikayla says

    March 8, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    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.

    Reply
  19. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    March 9, 2017 at 1:15 am

    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

    Reply
  20. patricia says

    March 9, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
  21. Janet Hagy says

    March 10, 2017 at 8:13 am

    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!

    Reply
  22. Renee | archivesstyle.com says

    March 10, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    I do love Madewell, those jeans look great on you!

    Reply

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