Fashion

[daisyk]

I'm not a fashion maven either, but I think the style is classic enough. I would take the shoulder pads out, as much as I like shoulders-they seem dated. New buttons as someone mentioned would be a good idea too. I think it could work.

[MacDUFF]

@XmasCarol

Hi and welcome to the forums where Opinions 'R Us!!  LOL!

I think your instincts are correct about the jacket...the shoulder pads can be removed and I would put cream colored buttons on it.  I'd get a scarf to contrast with it...perhaps brown or taupe-y blue or a dark taupe...plain so it doesn't clash with the texture, which is nice. 

I'm not crazy about the sheath at all...I'd wear the jacket with black or brown underneath...mix it up with pants, jeans, skirts...even a sheath, just not that sheath LOL!

You asked!

[Ms X]

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@XmasCarol wrote:

The layer under the jacket is a sheath dress.  Yes, it was sold as a set.

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Then it was the lighting.  I noticed that the close-up photo of the jacket shows a color that matches the dress.

Congratulations on your weight loss.  It might be a lot to do, but if you could take a picture of yourself in the dress (from the neck down if you want to hide your identity) people could get a better idea of whether it is outdated or not.  This is the kind of outfit that is very hard to judge on a hangar.

[MsLomo]

I'm trying to picture it "on" versus on the hanger. I like it ... I think it's classic. Disclosure: I'm in my late 60s, so what I think looks good may cause someone else to run from the room, screaming "Nooooo!" Shoulder pads are now back -- they are in two jackets I bought recently, and one was a Coco Rocha jacket on HSN -- love that Coco jacket.

I also like the buttons on your jacket! Classic! Here's what I would do: I'd wear a scarf to the side or a high neckpiece/jewelry in a vivid and intense color like burnt orange, as someone else said, to give the outfit a pop of color and to bring the eye UP -- but not a big scarf or a long neckpiece that is worn long and vertically where the eye will be drawn down to the buttons and then down again. I would wear earrings that echo the shape and color (gold?) of the buttons. Then I'd wear, for example, Judith Ripka's animal print shoes A270483. That's the only animal print I'd wear -- and a neutral handbag. It's OK to mix "patterns," especially since the jacket pattern is subtle.

I'd ramp up this neutral outfit with some colorful accessories and I think it will work and not look dowdy/outdated.

[handygal2]

I think it's a bit dated as it is now. But if it fits you well and flatters your figure, l think you could easily update the look. I imagine it's special to you b/c it now fits you again!

I agree that you could remove the shoulder pads and replace the buttons with neutral ones that blend with the jacket. I think you could wear a colorful "statement" necklace, and chunky bangle bracelets, and let those be the focal points.

[ROMARY]

Hey, you could mix and match the two pieces!  I'd replace the buttons.  The sheath dress is very 'in'.  Can wear it with scarves or a nice pin, or necklace.  The shoulder pads weren't overly large, as I recall.  I'll have to take a second look!

[XmasCarol]

Thank you for your opinions, everyone.  I appreciate the time you took to respond.

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do,  I'm tired and heading for bed.  Will look at my options and your ideas again tomorrow with fresh eyes.

[ROMARY]

I just might use the jacket as outerwear.  With a nice, large fringed knit scarf that would cover the V-neck. (Susan Graver has a nice one, lightweight, yet substantial.) Maybe in a golden-mustard color, if available, or a color that would be similar to the buttons (if you decide to keep them).

[ROMARY]

Yes, begin a new day, fresh with plenty of daylight!  'Makes all the difference' in the world, as often said.

[birkin baby]

The posters are correct...buttons and shoulder pads are dated. The proportions are also dating the outfit. If we could see the pieces separately it would be easier. I think the jacket buttoned looks out of style. Maybe if you didn't button the new buttons on the jacket and add a chunky necklace it might bring it more up to date. But hey,what do I know,LOL.