Taking One For The Fashion Team
Happy Thursday ladies. I didn’t know just how unsalvagable the outfit this mannequin was modeling was until I started trying options, so bear with me. I’m a big fan of the classic styles at J. Crew Factory. The quality is great at the prices are reasonable. Here’s what I found.
Oy…ruffles on the shoulders combined with sleeveless are not a combo I ever aspire to wear, but since you’ve asked to see me model what the mannequin is wearing, here you go.
Truth- I did not initially bring this top into the dressing room. But when I saw how bad things were going, I figured I had nothing to lose and went out to get it. In for a penny, in for a pound =:-0.
These pants are one size too large for me because they run large so they’re bulkier looking than they should be. They come in 5 colors, classic and petite, XXS-3X. I am wearing a classic small.
The first thing I did was tuck the drawstring inside and if I owned these paper-bag pants, I would cut it off. I tried adding a simple tee and a slightly structured jacket. I didn’t hate this, but the jacket was too large for me so I just felt sloppy in this. I’m wearing a medium in the tee and it’s skin-tight so it runs very slim and I suggest you size up.
The more I looked at this combination the more the green combo began to have a hospital scrubs vibe… and the cream blazer just made it worse. The blazer is sized classic and petite, 0-22. I am wearing an 8.
Then I tried this poplin sleeveless gingham shirt. I preferred this pairing but the pink felt too vibrant for the sage green. It’s a great little shirt that comes in 6 colors, classic and petite, sizes XS-3X. I am wearing a classic medium and the armholes are too deep for my comfort level so I will order the petite.
Then I added their classic white denim jacket. I looked and looked at this combination and finally ruled it out because although the denim jacket has some minimal shaping, it looks too boxy with these wide-leg pants. The denim jacket is sized S-3X, I am wearing a small.
More from J. Crew Factory
What are your thoughts?
Every restyling of a mannequin is clearly not a home run but I hope you find them entertaining.
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
The trouble with the sleeveless ruffled shoulder tops is that they remind me of the smock tops that were so popular when I was entering junior high. Some things you just can’t go back to! So while they may be new and refreshing for the younger set they are just a reminder of how awkward they were to wear for some of us older ones.
The gingham shirt and denim jacket were cute on you. I could see them with jeans all summer!
Certain colors ,like this light green, are difficult to work with. I’ve never been a fan of drawstring anything. I’m a seamstress, the gathering needed to use drawstrings, usually means too much fabric is used around the waist. I look for darts/ seams if possible. Clothing manufacturers may be looking to cut corners to keep the prices lower. Seams would slim better on bodies.
I agree
Always enjoy your DRD and the new version of the “would you wear it” mannequin restyles. While at first I loved the wide leg pants and thought of a myriad of top possibilities to wear with it [especially when viewing the color collection online – the soft aqua my fav], seeing you with these on and being a full size smaller than I, my first thought was these just add unnecessary bulk with the fully elastic waist and drawstring. Reminds me more of sweats but without the same couch potatoe comfort level. Thank you for helping to disuade me from this purchase. As my daughter lives her hectic long hour work life in scrubs, your comment about the full green outfit strikes home. I still enjoy your adventures into various stores and showing how outfits fit on us “real figure” individuals. Helps me make informative decisions. Please keep up these enjoyable and entertaining trips Jennifer. Your efforts and styling tips are greatly appreciated.
I’m really glad you find these helpful, Katelyn.
I agree with your assessment. Your explanation as to why different combinations work or don’t work is really helpful.