WIW: (and WI didn't wear) straight leg jeans outfits

Yesterday and today I photographed versions of my outfits that did not leave the house, as well as the ones that did. Yesterday I tried pumps but wore booties. Today I tried a peplum jacket but wore a long cardigan. In each case, I went with the more casual and comfortable version of the outfit. What I learned: I don't actually mind feeling a little dressier, but if it means being even a tad less comfortable, I'll go with comfort!

The outfits (worn for days off):

1-4: olive print silk broadcloth popover blouse (Nexx); dark wash straight-leg jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Stevie); cropped black denim moto jacket (Free People); black satchel (Elliott Lucca, Olvera); flat black booties (Munro) vs. heeled black and burnished bold pumps (Anyi Lu).
I love these pumps and feel great when I wear them. I want to start wearing them more, rather than saving them for special occasions. They are very comfortable, for heels. The booties won, though, because of the chill in the air when we went out for breakfast, and I didn't want to bother with knee-high stockings.

5-8: same jeans; taupe and purple floral tee (made by me); gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma); long charcoal cardigan (Halogen) versus gray French terry zip-front jacket with peplum (Ambition).
I went with the cardi because it was more comfortable layered over the sleeves of the t-shirt. I am considering getting rid of the peplum jacket. It doesn't get that much wear, and lately I've been reaching for other jackets or toppers instead. Maybe it's dated. I has always seemed a difficult color (odd shade of gray), and yet, I have a boxy, V-neck cardigan in the exact same shade that I have worn until it really looks pretty awful. It's relegated to around-the-house-chores wear. So I'm not sure what gives. Any thoughts on keeping or divesting of this jacket?

Thanks for looking! All thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

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29 Comments

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Well I totally adore look #1 with the pumps, but hear you on the chill. Looks good with the booties too, of course. I'm afraid our pumps-wearing weather is about over for a while, unless you want to do fun socks with them. LOVE that little cropped denim moto! I prefer the look of the second outfit with the cardigan, not even considering the comfort factor. The jacket is cute and girly, and doesn't really jive with what I picture for your style. Maybe if the peplum part was more dramatic and arty?

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    I love the looks that made it outside. Nuts over #1, also digging 5/6. The peplum jacket seems fussy compared to how you have been dressing. The cardi capture a real stylish ease about you.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Aida and Ruth! I was really happy with #1, too, and even more so with the pumps, I have to say. I will have to wear that outfit or something like it when the temperatures permit. Aida, you may have identified a wardrobe hole--a more arty/flowy peplum jacket. Heh, heh!

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    One more sewing challenge after the allsaints coat!

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I hear you on the preference for booties over pumps when the temps get colder. The outfits that you actually wore look fantastic. I also prefer the cardi. The jacket doesn't seem to be your style - not arty enough.

  • Runcarla replied 9 years ago

    You have the best jeans, or maybe just a great jeans body, Firecracker! I want to see more of that fab olive shirt from Nexx. #1 has similar proportions to the short crop top sweater over button down look, and I find your riff on it interesting (as in like!).

    Not a fan of long cardi's, they make me think of Bea Arthur, but that's just my own poison eye. Love the graphic T. You do casual in the most consistently elegant way.

    Your hair, as usual, is the best! Love the perfectly layered curls in back.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Both the cropped jacket and long cardi look terrific here. Boots and pumps are both good. I think the peplum jacket is less good and can be passed on.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    It's unanimous so far--I can purge the jacket. Yay!

  • Jeanie replied 9 years ago

    Those are pretty pumps but, yeah booties usually win out in my house for comfort.  I love #5 it is so casual chic.  I like the peplum because it has a military vibe.  

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Jeanie, thanks! I think the jacket is cute, too--just doesn't feel quite me.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    These are fabulous outfits.  Love the denim moto!

    I don't the peplum is dated -- it has an arty/vintage feel.  It sounds like you feel it doesn't represent your current style.  If that's the case, feel free to pass it on and make room for something fresh to you!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Oh, and bj1111, I have this jacket pattern, which I haven't yet made. It has kind of a peplum feel to it.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Hmmm, Beth Ann. Maybe I should keep it around just in case the feeling comes back?? I'm so terrible at these decisions.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I vote pass on the peplum jacket too, although I don't think it's dated. It seems a little "juvenile" for your style if you know what I mean. LOVE the chic long cardigan looks here. And the renditions with the pumps.

    Comfort plays a huge role in our style lives does't it? 

  • replied 9 years ago

    I really like how you wear that cropped jacket, Sharan.  Something a little unexpected and it looks fantastic on you.  I also love the 2nd outfit with the longer cardigan - really great casual look. I see what you mean about the peplum jacket, and it obviously has nothing to do with its colour. I guess the peplum is somewhat dated, and maybe just not dramatic enough to make a look here.  

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    I always enjoy seeing your outfits, and these two are no exception. What a fun denim jacket! The cardigan looks just right with your pretty tee shirt, and I love the pumps on you. You'll have to remember to wear them with jeans next spring when it warms up.

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    Great pattern...just bought a sweatshirt from uniqlo with a similar hem. I can see that jacket on you.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    OMG I die when I see you in that cardigan. Seriously. It is so awesome on you. Yes, I'd pass on the peplum, it's just not really as you. Love both of the first outfits, but gawd I just love the cardi.

    ETA coming back to say I've ordered a similar one in black for myself from the Bay (per Aziraphale). I just love this look on you, and think we have similar heights. Thx for the inspiration :)

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    My favorite is 5/6 but I love a great graphic tee. You must make a jacket with that pattern and a vest too. Love the hemline.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Windchime, good idea. I need to wear pumps with jeans, like I always imagined doing and somehow haven't gotten around to. :)

    Angie, thanks, Yes, comfort is a big factor, and in ways I don't always think about (as in, temperature, rather than, say, fit).

    Runcarla, I'm laughing at your Bea Arthur reference. That's a blast from the past! So funny! Sometimes I remind myself of her!

    Lisap and Windchime, thanks for the jacket admiration. The cropped length is a new challenge to me. I first tried semi-tucking the blouse, and then it occurred to me to wear it untucked.

    Jackie, I look forward to seeing your long cardigan. I can definitely envision you in one like this.

    Joy and bj1111, thanks for your encouragement on the sewing project!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    I completely understand what you are talking about. For me, it's often centred around the footwear. I am happy to be dressier (in fact, I'm happier dressier than less dressy) but if it means that footwear will be uncomfortable, then I can't do it. And end up defaulting to more casual. '

    #1 is such a fantastic outfit on you with either choice of footwear. You look just wonderful in it. 

    I agree about the peplum. I don't think it is dated but it seems a bit girlish for your style. 

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    I love the long cardigan outfit! The tee is so beautiful! I vote pass on the peplum jacket too. I have the same feelings as Angie on it.

    I observed that outfits 1-4 don't feature any *made by me* labels :). One of a kind .... ;)

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    I like all of the outfits and think they look really nice on you.  I hear you on comfort though.  I realized at some point that most of my choices regarding what to wear were dictated by the comfort of the shoes I could wear.  No matter how good you look, if you don't feel comfortable, you won't be happy.

    I had to go back and read the Bea Arthur comment made by Carla.  How interesting.  Long cardigans should be very flattering because they create long vertical lines down the torso but they aren't worn as much as other styles.  I wonder if this is a common perception.

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    For the record...I heart bea Arthur in any of her incarnations.

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Love the moto and the long cardigan. Both look so modern to me. perhaps the peplum might work better with a skirt?

  • Lyn D. replied 9 years ago

    Having just re-visited Angie's long cardigan Blog I am really liking yours in the second outfit :)

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    I LOVE #1 - 4 fab look on you. Agreeing with the oters the peplum jacket doesn't look sleek enough imo.

  • AJ replied 9 years ago

    Love the first outfit with both shoe versions. Are those the pumps you wore to the cocktail party?

    I do think the peplum jacket just doesn't mesh with your style. Not sophisticated enough. :-)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    AJ, this is a different pair of pumps. Here's a photo of them.

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