CREATIVE DRESSING: Fashion Troubleshooting
Greetings! I am long overdue for a blog post, but ready to jump back in with reckless abandon! SO HERE GOES! Today I want to share a pre-spring look that will work for those in between temperature days that we've been having lately. I am excited to share a fun look that was a bit tricky, and required some creative trouble shooting. Yes, we do have to trouble shoot even in fashion! HA! Since this blog is based on affordable fashion, a HUGE component is using what you already have in your closet, rather than always running out to buy something new. Versatility with the pieces you already own is the key here! I want to show you how I used something I already had in my closet unconventionally to really make the entire outfit work.
Do you ever get so excited to find a super trendy piece, only to get it home and find that the cut or fit isn't quite working for you? Maybe you tried it on in the store and it was working, only to get it home and you realize that something isn't quite right. Or maybe, like me with this piece, you didn't have time to try it on, so you just bought it and hoped for the best. This is a piece you particularly love and don't want to give up on, so let's talk about HOW TO MAKE IT WORK. Before you b-line straight back to the store to return it, try these troubles-shooting strategies, and you just may surprise yourself! Yes, in the words of the ever-near-to-my-heart Tim Gunn, this is a classic "make it work" moment!!
The star of this outfit is the ruffle sleeve sweater. This was purchased at TJ Maxx for right under $20. When I saw this, I wanted it immediately! The red, white, navy, and lighter blue felt very French to me, as well as the ruffle sleeves which are ON FUEGO right now! Upon further inspection of the sweater, I noticed the fit was very interesting. It had a V- neck, but in the back, and it was somewhat wide and boxy but cropped. YES, the dreaded CROPPED style! If you are like me, you are terrified of even attempting a cropped top! I know, I know.... Cropped tops are so adorable, but lets face it, they aren't really doable for most of the population. Well, that is, unless we get creative with it.
When I went to style the sweater, because of the cropped nature, I knew I would need to wear a cami under it. I tried a white knit cami first, which only added emphasis to my mid section, so that was out. I tried a navy blue knit cami, also didn't work as it was too much cami sticking out at an unflattering place on my body. Here's were I got all MacGuyver-y with it:
I remembered a mini dress in my closet that had a detachable slip under it. It just happened to be navy and because it was a tunic style with a longer length, it was the absolute PERFECT length for the shirt! It was also not knit, but a polyester blend, which made it more flowy and less clingy. The end result? Perfection! Paired with the sweater, it looked like the two were actually made that way as one piece! A bonus is that the dark slip underneath was actually more slimming. Trying something unconventional really saved the day, and quite literally, the sweater! Take a look at the finished product!
Outfit details: Sweater (similar here and here ): TJ Maxx /Slip: From Old Dress / Jeans: TJMaxx/ Headband: (similar here) Anthropologie/ Velvet booties (similar here): Marshalls / Bag (similar here) :Kate Spade/ Ring: F21. Bracelet (similar here): Stella and Dot* can order through me.
Here are some tips for troubleshooting when you get in a fashion snafu like this:
1) Think outside the box. Is there a way you could wear the piece unconventionally? For example, you don't like the V neck on your sweater because it is too low cut and revealing- so why not turn it around and have the V in the back? Uses pieces from another outfit (i.e the slip from a dress, the cami lining from a top) as a base for a different outfit. Wear a mini skirt as a strapless top. Love your new dress but its a bit too short? Layer it over jeans.
2) Make modifications. The jeans that are too long can look super cute rolled into a thick cuff! The jeans that are too big can be belted, distressed and cuffed and made into the perfect boyfriend jeans. The cropped top can be used a s a layering piece over a loose button down shirt (channeling: Zara). Love the sweater but its too hot to wear it? Tie it around your neck or waist. Top too loose, do a half tuck inside your pants waistline. Necklace too long, knot it or double it around your neck. Shirt gaping at the bust? Wear it open over a cute tank for more of a cardigan look. Remember rolling, tucking, folding can be your best friend. When in doubt, use a product such as fashion emergency tape for last minute fit fixes!
3) Get Creative. When it comes to your personal style, POINTS ARE AWARDED FOR THE MOST CREATIVE. Always! Being as creative as possible allows you to be 100% unique and 100% YOU. No one else is going to put their outfit together exactly the way you do! Go ahead and add that leopard print belt or yellow shoe, or scarf you got on a trip to Peru. Better yet, use your scarf as a belt instead of around your neck. These little details are going to make your look stand out!
I hope you enjoyed this look and tips for troubleshooting difficult pieces! Have you ever had a fashion snafu and how did you solve it!? How do you get creative with dressing and use what's already in your closet?
Here are some pieces similar to those in my outfit to peruse and shop:
Stay Stylish!
XO, Ryan
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