Last week, we turned the tables! I asked you what fashion item leaves you uncertain and then asked you all to VOTE on what items are yes, no, or it depends. So first, go check out the post and remind yourself of your options and then come back here.
Here’s the summary of the votes from all of you, along with some commentary from my best friend (Mary) and me. First up, shoe fashion:
Mary: I agree 100% on what’s the point of a peep toe bootie? One of the pluses to wearing boots is that a pedicure is not a must. I still don’t know about booties with skirts and cropped pants? Some women can pull it off, but I don’t think I can.
Me: Completely agree – some peep toe booties are really cute but they make no sense. Especially suede! When are you wearing suede when your toes wouldn’t freeze right off? And I’m not sure about cropped pants and booties, but I do think the skirt/bootie look totally works – one older woman I know does it a lot and it looks fierce. The only caveat is if you have short or thick legs – then it can make them shorter or thicker.
2. Over Knee Boots – you voters were split, but more nos than yeses and with some age/clubbing comments.
Mary: Yes, if going to a concert at the House of Blues with my Best Friend!
Me: Alright girl, I’m holding you to that next time we go see Better than Ezra at HOB! I was firmly anti over-the-knee, but I have to say I saw some gorgeous, really classy, styling done at a Nutcracker Fashion Show this week that made me change my mind. You could never wear them to work (at least anywhere I would work), but you could definitely sport them in the evening. (Sorry for the spotlight, my vantage point!)
3. Novelty heels – This was almost universally a no.
Mary: Never!! I offered to buy Dana (our mutual friend) lunch everyday for a week if she’d wear them one day to work, but she declined. The shoes with lips on them make me think of The Rolling Stones!!
Me: These shoes kicked off this post. I do think they’re a travesty. I don’t know if I would veto all novelty heels, I could see if they were done more subtly they could be fun, but these are a no go for me!
Next up, denim fashion:
4. Boyfriend/Cuff Denim – those that expressed opinion mainly said yes with a few age comments.
Mary: Yes. I like this look for a casual weekend. But more on the preppy side. Maybe with a sweater tied around the shoulders? When have you ever seen me to that?? Um…NEVER! But I like the look. Probably dated though.
Me: I don’t like the cuff. And boyfriend often translates to baggy which can do bad things to you if (a) you’re over 30, or (b) you’re carrying extra weight. It can read dumpy. So if you’re 25 and don’t remember the ’80s and want to cuff these and wear them with booties, go nuts. Otherwise, there’s probably a better jean for you.
5. Skinny Denim – Mostly yeses as long as the jeans fit (all of you needs to be in the jean).
Mary: Agreed. Again with the booties though? Not sure I like that look. Remember when we were teens/pre-teens, and we’d have to lay flat on our bed to zip up skin tight jeans? These skinny jeans make me reminisce about those good ole days….
Me: Ah yes, but wait, I did that this morning. I digress. Most of my jeans are narrow leg, although I wouldn’t go so far as to say skinny. I actually don’t like jeans painted on but I know it helps in the winter wearing boots. I think this is absolutely a matter of personal taste and comfort. If you go for skinny and you’re not rail thin, I prefer a darker wash.
6. Distressed Denim – Mostly no, with a couple of maybes depending on the jean and situation.
Mary: Nah…makes me think of “Bedazzling”….remember that?? You can still buy the “Bedazzler” for $19.95!
Me: No. I’m sorry. I don’t like it.
Finally, other random fashion issues:
7. Exposed Zippers – Very split, a few more yeses than nos.
Mary: Yes, as long as that’s not the focus of the piece. Again, a big yes for a concert!
Me: I actually really like exposed zippers, when done right. But big props to the commenter who said, “no way, it looks like what they made you do in home-ec class.” That cracked me up. She’s a little right.
8. Culottes – Every single person responded NO!
Mary: I like them, if done right!! These culottes I don’t like, but I think some can be flattering and very stylish!
Me: I completely agree with you. The ones you sent were hideous, but I’ve seen it done well – very dependent on fullness and length (and your body type).
9. Pencil skirt – mainly yeses.
Mary: Yes!! With a fitted blouse or sweater. Very “Mad Men” Even curvy women can pull this look off.
Me: While I almost universally agreed with you, here I depart a little. I love pencil skirts, but I don’t think most curvy women can pull this Mad Men look off. That’s why I would style it with an overpiece – e.g., a top with belt over the band of the skirt or a blazer that buttons. Some of us have a belly which can be unflattering from the side view if you’re wearing a fitted top or tucked in blouse.
Thanks for all the input – we’ll do it again soon! Up next, winter fashions hot off the runway (that you can WEAR)!
Additional Photo Credit Courtesy of:
Booties – GlamRadar
Mad Men Pencil – Bustle, Belted Pencil – Sortra
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