WIW: less black

My wardrobe is still monochromatic, but I've been mixing in more white and grey recently. Today's outfit ended up much lighter than I intended. White and black striped silk shirt, high rise grey jeans, and my new biker jacket. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it! I don't like wearing this shirt with truly black jeans, but I think I'd prefer a darker grey or faded black. But I was in a rush and these were at the top of the pile. 

(Photo captures an unwitting motion that I do far more often than I realize: adjusting my glasses. It made me laugh so I didn't re-take the shot.)

I'm also really waffling about this sleeveless cardigan from J Crew. It has a belt, but no belt loops, so I'm wearing it without the belt here. If I keep it, I might add little thread loops. I think it would look better with a loosely draped belt pulling it in at the waist. What do you think of it? Too shapeless? It's a nice heavy cotton/wool blend and I have to admit I'm cold in my office right now, so it's tempting to cut the tags!

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18 Comments

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 6 years ago

    I like the jeans -- just got a replacement pair of light grey ones myself -- as well as the look you have going with them. The long sleeveless vest-cardigan I'm less sure about. It seems to have less structure than the looks you usually favor.

  • jussie replied 6 years ago

    This looks fab :). I don’t think the vest is too shapeless, personally. You look really sharp.

  • Jenni NZ replied 6 years ago

    All fab! I like the sleeveless gilet/vest/"thing". To me it does look like what I've seen of your style x

  • JAileen replied 6 years ago

    I love your grey jeans. I really like the look in #1. I think long vest would look nice with a belt.

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    LOVE!! Keep the sweater!

  • Molly Mac replied 6 years ago

    I think both outfits are right on trend and you wear both looks well. I like the vest without the belt, but if you want more structure, I would consider adding a thin leather belt. Patent leather or embossed for texture would add some subtle visual interest and you wouldn't have to worry about belt loops.

  • gryffin replied 6 years ago

    Greyscale - I made peace with gray when I realized it was "black light"!  Like the vest a lot.  You could always swap out to a braided leather belt and tuck the end in a la EA or add a drop hip belt.  Tie belts have a way of coming untied at least for me.  Both outfits look great.

  • Cee replied 6 years ago

    Hmm... I have one grey Woolovers cashmere/merino poloneck, a faded grey T-shirt and a medium grey Lands' End turtleneck skivvy and that's about it.

    I may have to invest some more. 

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    I love the grey jeans outfit and (of course) you are making me want a black moto jacket even though I know I'd feel like an idiot in one. Love this shrunken style on you! 

    I actually love the J. Crew vest as a bit of a wild card for you. It looks like a piece you could play around with and if it stays at the office, so what? You got a lot of wear out of that boxy cardigan that was basically an "office sweater." 

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    LOVE THE LESS BLACK SOOOO MUCH.

    KILLER to the Power of KILLER.

  • Barbara Diane replied 6 years ago

    I like the first outfit a lot, and can also see it with darker gray jeans.
    I think I'm the outlier here, I was wondering what the sweater would look like one size down.

  • karen13 replied 6 years ago

    Love 1 and the jeans look great. I’d like to see the belted version of the vest.

  • Greyscale replied 6 years ago

    Angie, I admit that many of my recent purchases are white... ;)

  • unfrumped replied 6 years ago

    Big fan of less black!
    Not sure about the vest, mainly for length— should it be a couple inches shorter or is it “ go long or go home”?!

  • Deborah replied 6 years ago

    Well big fan of all black everything dropping by and I like this look a lot. I would prefer a darker pair of jeans but thats me. Love the best. And I like it loose. Would you belt it a la Emmanuel Alt? You could carry that off x

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    Grey jeans are great - I want them! Long vest is interesting and versatile and great for a cold office when you need your arms free.

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    About the recent purchases:

    “HAPPY DANCE”

  • Cee replied 6 years ago

    Just so you know... Angie's happy dance is like Elaine's from Seinfeld...

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