Wintershorts, Take 2

On 2 February 2011 · 18 Comments · In Features, Wardrobe Challenges

2 February 2011 -- Day 2

  • Long Magenta Cardigan: Talbots
  • Black Wintershorts: UO
  • Black Tank: Banana Republic
  • Grey Tights: HUE
  • Brown Oxfords: Seychelles, via Piperlime

Hey, Day #2! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Seriously, though, while it’s only Day #2 of this remix, I’m already rediscovering one of the things I loved best about my first go-round: the way working within a limited closet and a structured “goal” can give you the confidence to try things you otherwise wouldn’t have tried. While I nabbed these wintershorts off the sale rack at UO a few weeks before the other emily brought hers home, I can’t say I’ve been as brave as she has about making this look work. Every time I have, though, I’ve been thrilled with the results: with the way they seem to make instant peace with my legs in a way that nothing else does, with their unexpected comfort, with the way they add a little bit of (dare I say it!) sex appeal to my day, with the way accessories (here, tights and heels) make a shape and proportion I’d never, EVER otherwise wear both possible and flattering. So, go you, shorts! You may make me feel like I’m an inappropriate anime character, but it usually only lasts for a few minutes.

I’ve upped both the warmth and modesty level of this outfit by adding this slightly longer magenta cardigan, which was one of my last pre-30 for 30 purchases. I’d been on the hunt for a brightly colored cardigan as yet another way to remix some of my darker winter duds, and I loved the way it added a (loud!) pop to the soothing mixed neutrals here. It obscures my waist less in person than it does in these photos, but I was less concerned about eeking out every available ounce of hourglassiness out of this outfit than usual, given the extra foot of visible leg! It’s an unusual shape, but it’s a little more grown up than the way I’ve usually worn these shorts (with a fitted top tucked in). While I still wouldn’t wear it to class, I feel a little more like regular old adult me.

Have you been expanding your style horizons lately? Is there a new proportion you’ve been hoping to try or have tried out lately that you’ve been surprised by? How do you feel about the shorts with tights trend?

2 February 2011 -- Day 2

2 February 2011 -- Day 2

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  • http://chicchemistry.blogspot.com/ Beth Ellen

    I love this outfit! I need to find a simple, elegant way like this to style my formal-ish shorts with tights. I love the bold pop from the cardi and the mixed neutral shoe.

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks, Beth Ellen! I can’t wait to see what you do with yours.

  • http://fashionmommaintraining.blogspot.com Kimberly Parham

    Ow, ow! But in a super classy way! :) I like your anime reference. I’ve worn some things that make me feel that way for a few minutes. Then I remember I’m in my own closet, in my own skin. I’ve been trying a lot of different silhouettes and color/pattern mixing lately.

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks, Kimberly! I think it’s definitely worth pushing yourself out of your
      comfort zone to try silhouettes you otherwise wouldn’t — sometimes the
      results can be really surprising, as well as a helpful reminder that there’s
      more to life than looking as tall and narrow-waisted as possible :)

  • http://interrobangsanon.wordpress.com/ Katie

    Your legs look a mile long there, lady!
    In the first photo I thought it was a romper (which would have also totally worked), but I love the shape of the shorts. And your hair is looking fantastic – are you still going low-poo?

  • http://interrobangsanon.wordpress.com/ Katie

    Your legs look a mile long there, lady!
    In the first photo I thought it was a romper (which would have also totally worked), but I love the shape of the shorts. And your hair is looking fantastic – are you still going low-poo?

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks, Katie!

      While I wish these shorts were a smidgen longer, I have loved their surprisingly ladylike shape. I’ve always thought I was a little too old for the romper trend, but it’s nice to know I pulled off the pseudo-romper alright!

      I have still been going low-poo, and I’m loving it! It definitely takes longer for my hair to dry in the morning, but it’s sooooo much easier than trying to straighten it!

  • http://www.the-other-emily.blogspot.com emily

    Geez, you are off to a strong start, lady – both this outfit and the preceding one are fantastically bold and super flattering to boot. I love the colors you’ve got working here – by keeping most of the outfit in a darker neutral palette, the bright cardigan balances the nearly bare legs really nicely.

    (And btw, you could totally be Amanda’s leggy younger sister in that second photo – yowza!)
    the other emily

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Why thank you, dear! Definitely some raised eyebrows in my house full of very serious software engineers, but I had fun :)

  • http://www.trimmedandtaylored.blogspot.com Taylor

    Love the outfit but I confess to being totally distracted by that GORGEOUS wall of windows!! That’s stunning!

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks, Taylor! It can be a little challenging to shoot in front of, but, usually I figure it out…

  • http://ohmymyoh.blogspot.com Felicity

    Great outfit! I’m jealous of people who can pull off winter shorts; I really like the look. I have enough trouble finding shorts for summer, thinking about finding shorts in the winter too would make me crazy!

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks, Felicity, and thanks for stopping by! I normally hate shorts, so these are pretty far out of my comfort zone, but they ended up working better than I thought. I definitely should have brought tights with me to look for them, though — no one needs to see that much of their wintry legs in fluorescent lighting!

  • http://woodycakes.livejournal.com/619863.html patty

    i really love the color of your cardigan! it brings so much life to your outfit ;)

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks and nice meeting you! I was a bit apprehensive when it first came in the mail (the shape seemed a bit off), but I’ve ended up being really happy with it.

  • http://fashionmeblog.blogspot.com Angie

    I’m nicely surprised by the shorts! Well styled!!!

    • http://narrowlytailored.blogspot.com S. of Narrowly Tailored

      Thanks!

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