Restyling The Mannequin
Happy Wednesday, ladies. I popped into a store yesterday that I seldom shop at and was immediately reminded why that is. This store carries fashion-forward, bohemian fashion that’s seldom in my wheelhouse. 
Grab another cup of coffee or tea and let’s have some fun. Today I’m restyling a mannequin to create an outfit with fewer boho vibes and a more classic feel. If your taste runs to boho, my restyle won’t appeal to you and I get that, but let’s go…
Anthropologie is a highly creative store that I love to wander through. It’s filled with patterns, colors, unique shapes, and funky displays. It’s totally fun and the store was packed with women who were dressed just like me…classic, simple, and understated. This embroidered button-down caught my eye so I thought I would see what I could do with it.
I immediately ruled out the vest because the shape drew more attention than the shirt under it, and I prefer the shirt. I tried several options, and in the end, I tucked in the shirt to help my legs appear longer.
I wouldn’t choose animal print shoes with this large of a plaid, but you could because the colors go together very well. I would likely pair this shirt with slim, solid color pants or jeans and downplay everything else so it could take center stage.
‘Tis the season for clothes to be embellished so I let my fingers do the shopping and found some other beauties, both casual and dressy.
How about you?
How would you restyle this mannequin?
Are you a fan of embellished tops? I love embellished shoes and am always on the hunt for fun ones like these flats with the moth!
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Oh! No!
Your outfit much, much better.
Oh goodness! This is my first time!! I must say that I am not a fan of mixing prints with plaids. It’s a no no for me. I love the pants, and nice solid sweater or blouse would be nice, I prefer sweaters and preferable black or tan. That vest must go, but I love the cardigan. Shoes are cute, i’m a fan of basics like black shoes or camel. These are my favorite colors. As you can see, i’m pretty traditional in my style.
I really love your post. I’m always getting great ideas from you.
Thank you!
I’m not sure that the mannequin’s outfit would have come home with me. I like yours much better.
Thank you!
I didn’t like the vest over the shirt. I did like the shirt with the pants. I think a plain blazer would look nice, or even that original vest with the shirt tucked in.
I love Boho! I like the way the vest accentuates the blouse. I would go with solid black pants however.
Jennifer, The “reply” button doesn’t work either.
OUCH! Thanks for letting me know
I think we got this reply button working now
Jennifer, When you click on “Older comments” nothing happens. It used to work.
Thanks for letting me know
50 comments but all I could read were 4 ☹️
@ Jennifer: Same here. (Was the same in your previous post as well.) Just mentioning it, in event you are not aware. -Brenda-
Yes, same here. This might be the 2nd time it was an issue. Thanks for taking a look…
I was not aware, thanks so much
I would change the top to a knit turtle neck sweater, gold necklace , and black booties. the plaid would look more flattering if it was smaller. I don’t think plaid pants are flattering unless a woman is a tall thin model.
I would use the vest as a top with the pants, and use the blouse as an open shirt jacket with sleeves rolled up.
You comments about a certain boho store and how I love to look and then restyle pieces my own way were so unexpectedly spot on. I love going in with my twenty-something daughter and looking at things and it really makes me see all my clothes in a more creative way.
I think those pants look great on you and especially with the sweater added.
This was an inspiring and thought-provoking post!
I’m glad it resonated with you too! I love us to discuss fashion like this.
Jennifer…I forgot to mention the shoes! Love them with my solid pieces to add interest and dress up my look.
Agreed! I love the way they jazz up a totally simple outfit!
You restyled very nicely with the pieces. Proof that you can work with what’s available!
The vest could work with a blazer-type jacket while keeping bulk to a minimum. Also could stand alone if a jacket gets too warm. I like that it’s detailed with seams. Could be a top.
For the price-point, at Anthro I like a few pieces here and there and the home goods are interesting.
Great time of year for orange and vests, but this one, no thanks. I think the plaid is too large. Look how it’s out of alignment in your photos: the legs don’t match if you aren’t totally straight. So-o-o, pair the blouse with jeans or black trousers and booties. Or pair plaid trousers w/orange sweater: I’ve got both, so thanks, I’m off to see what they look like together (haha).
No to the vest. I would wear the blouse under my vee neck cashmere sweater in grey with the plaid pants and my grey boots. Throw on my black satin windbreaker.
Totally with you, Cyndi!
Thanks for choosing an outfit that’s out of your comfort zone! I love how you tamed this outfit with more classic items. I haven’t owned plaid pants in a long time but like them with the shirt and your sweater choice.
Waaay too much going on here for my style. Don’t like the vest, don’t know why precisely. Plaid slacks are classics, but this plaid is too large/high contrast for my petite frame. I would wear the leopard flats as an accent piece to a very simple, neutral outfit. If I stumbled across the blouse at my local Goodwill, and the fit and condition were correct, I would buy it. Again, this is an accent piece for me. I would pair with jeans and a leather jacket to tone down the “bling”.
I love that idea…jeans and a leather jacket!
You gave the outfit some validity for sure!
I too love browsing through the eclectic choices at Anthropology. I would roll up the sleeves of the cute shirt, tuck it into those cute pants and replace the vest with a long duster length black vest. Add black ankle boots with a couple of inches of height, a chucks bracelet and voila!
I also LOVE to roam around my local Anthropologie store to give me outfit and home decor ideas! I usually like their denim the most! For this outfit, I would just change the blouse to a black turtleneck or a close-fitting denim shirt!! Orange usually isn’t my best color, so I would like the vest in a burgundy, cream, or just black! Love the pants!!