At last: Friday ensemble I can wear!

I am always looking forward to Angie;s Friday ensemble posts but lately I have hard time implementing them from my closet. Either colors I don't have or styles I don't wear...
...but today is different! Graphic black and white - here I come - and because this is not a frequent case for me I wanted to link it to the blog post right away!
Everything in this outfit is old: Club Monaco silk blouse, BR cream skinnies, JCrew oxfords, Danier black satchel. Hopefully it still looks current even without any this season refreshers in the mix.
I think I can use some advice with this silk blouse. I liked the graphic feel of it when I bought it but it is almost an orphan. The reason: I have hard time layering over it. For some reason this type of collar in the contrast color just does not go with any toppers I have in my closet. Any suggestions for possible layering?

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21 Comments

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    This is a beautiful example of Angie's ensemble. If it ever cools off enough, I want to try to copy this outfit.

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Great copy!
    For jackets maybe need clear sharp color. Red or cobalt. Think of it like color-blocking. Soft or pastel or murky seems less likely to work.

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Current, classic, and chic, Sveta. I know what you mean about one "extra" variable making a piece harder work into outfits. I picture trying a striped or contemporary high contrast jacket or solid dark jacket/topper that matches the body of the top with it. I find white tricky to layer over a top that dark.
    Great look on you.

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Joy.
    unfrumped, it is not the color which is the problem but the neckline conflict - at least this is how I feel. I tried it with regular blazers, colarless blazers, moto jackets - nothing seemed right :-(

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    Love your rendition! You look current and put together.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Yay!!You look great in this. 

    That is a puzzle about the jacket. Does it work if the collar is done all the way up? 

    I know how frustrating that is; I have had this problem with some shirts also. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    ETA: try topping it with pullover instead of jacket? Or cardigan, although I know you don't really wear those. 

  • Aquamarine replied 9 years ago

    I have a few items like your blouse. Sometimes it's best to let the item stand alone. It's certainly interesting enough.

    If it gets too cold to wear it without another layer, I have a few thin silk camisoles that add unbelievable warmth under blouses.

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Yeah, I hear you-- I was thinking a bright color might connect the collar and body somehow.
    Not suggesting go buy, but maybe a pattern, also graphic, would look like intentional pattern- mixing? Dots, paisley; stripe as suggested above.
    What do thd guys do who wear those shirts? Sure thd collar is buttoned as per Suz, but still.

  • Gail replied 9 years ago

    Love the outfit. What about layering with a black ( I am assuming the blouse is black here) scoop neckline knitted sleeveless sweater. You would still have the overall look but the layer would add a little interest also. Or a long sleeved sweater.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    FABULOUS. Loving the longer layers in your hair too. 

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    Well done, Sveta!  I've noticed recently that your footwear collection is marvelously stylish and practical -- love the oxfords!

    Have you tried the blouse under a longish cardi, with scrunched sleeves exposing the white cuffs?

  • Carole replied 9 years ago

    Perfect fall outfit!

    It's interesting that blouse is hard to layer...have you tried it with a vest? A blazer? Would love to see photos of experiments:)

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    Great interpretation Sveta.  Have you tried a scoop neck knit vest over the silk shirt?  

  • replied 9 years ago

    You look great here , Sveta!  like this white jeans combo a lot:)  I think shirts like this are best left as a stand-alone piece and not layered.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm thinking that most jackets are just going to be difficult because the linear elements conflict with the rounded collar.

    I wold try either a shorter collarless jacket, like a Chanel type, or a cardigan.

    So interesting your ability to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, I can see why the collar could be a challenge but only because you saw it first!

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 9 years ago

    Fantastic! 

  • Kari replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, I've had the same challenge with blouses with contrasting, strong collars.  It feels like "too much" to add a jacket or blazer over it.  I prefer to layer knitwear over the similar tops I have like this instead (a sweater, tunic, etc.)  Carole's idea to try a vest might be worth playing with too!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    The blouse looks glorious unlayered here, but I can imagine it is difficult to style in colder weather. I am thinking a dark low stance jacket or v neck and that is as far as my imagination can stretch at this hour.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Fabulous! You look so polished and crisp. It's a great rendition of Angie's ensemble formula.

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    Looks great Sveta!  Maybe this is one of those blouses that just needs to shine on it's own without a topper?

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