Styling help needed – Clueless in Pennsylvania

[Elaray]

I need styling help - desperately!

I have white linen for the blouse and blue & white seersucker stripe for the capris pictured below.  I want to add something to the blouse so that it is not completely white.  The problem is, I have no sense of style.   I'm thinking maybe a contrasting collar …or… blue topstitching and buttons …or… I don't know - something!  I don't want to do something that makes me look like I stepped out of another decade.  If left to my own devices, that is what I'll end up with!   My tastes are conservative so I don't want to do anything flashy - like a sequined applique!  What can I do to the blouse to make it coordinate quietly with the capris?

[vtmartha]

I would probably do the pants in the white linen and the blouse in the seersucker, with maybe a white collar.  I know that isn't what you asked about but it's just a thought. 

[Diane P.]

Cute pattern.  I'm like you and pretty conservative in my manner of dress.  I have a purchased outfit very similar (blue seersucker with white knit top) although the top is a white collared v-neck sleeveless pullover.  It has the fabric from the pants as the collar and an accent at the waist and shoulders.  Doesn't make the top too versatile but I did like how it looked pulled together.  Maybe you could do something with piping like Carolyn <cmarie) does on many of her outfits.

[ejvc]

I mean, they will co-ordinate, and a white blouse is very useful.  I suggest you use accessories.  How about a blue and white belt?  Or a white dotted navy scarf?   Or a pin?  Here's one from polyvore (search: blue ribbon)



Elizabeth

[Terri K]

Hi Elaray.  Since you said you have the white linen for the blouse, why not use the seersucker for the facing and collar, and, instead of hemming the sleeve, how about adding a facing of the seersucker that you can turn up.     These types of design changes make the difference between something having that home-made look vs a designer boutique garment.    I'm sure your outfit will turn out great  

[Carla]

I agree that mixing your fabrics is a good idea.  How about putting some of each — the white and the blue seersucker — in both the blouse and the capris?

[RuthieK]

The fact that one piece is white and the other blue and white means thay work together anyway. You don't need to add anything to either to make them 'go'.

All you need is a fun necklace  - which can have blue, or blue and white, or a completely different colour.
You don't have to match any more, and it can look younger and fresher if you don't.

[Janis]

I think RuthieK hit the nail on the head, and this is something I'm struggling with.  When I was younger, everything had to be matchy matchy.  That isn't the way anymore.  It's REALLY hard for me to let that go.  I just don't know how to unmatch the right way

[BeeBee]

It's time we all waved "bye-bye" to the 80's.   It's really tempting and easy for us to use scraps and make parts of pieces match with each other, to make piping or lining match a top or a bottom fabric.  But you get a very dated look.  It may be pretty and it may look nice, but it also looks dated. 
Rather than use the pants fabric, use another coordinating fabric - light blue maybe, for the collar band.  Or for top stitching.  Or buttons.  Think about whether you will be able to wear this with anything else (that you own or not).  If the answer is no, then don't do it.

[fzxdoc]

It is true that picking up some of the capri fabric and inserting it into the blouse is "matchy-matchy", but IMHO that can be done in a good way.  There's nothing wrong with coordinating the outfit with the use of fabric.

Here's a white blouse that I coordinated to a skirt.  Yes, it's matchy-matchy, but I get lots of compliments on it. And, more to the point, I enjoy wearing it.






Kathryn

[Terri K]

Thank you for posting your outfit Kathryn.    There is nothing 80's about combining a bit of coordinating fabric in a stylish and tasteful way.   Gosh, look at Ralph Lauren or Lily Pulitzer, two enduring designers who combine fabrics in TNT classics.   I love my striped vintage 70's polyester knit Izod Lacoste polo dress with its simple solid color collar and placket.  Even if your taste goes towards the artistic, look at the   fantastic fabrics that the artists at Project Alabama create and make into classic skirts, tops and other garments.   That's why we sew.
 

[Elaray]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Kathryn's outfit has the "quiet coordination" look I was going for.  I might do buttons, top stitching and collar band on my blouse.

[Robin]

I came up in the matchy era, too.  
Nowadays, lots of things just look downright confusing to me!  And yet it was styled by a professional.

How about if you topstitch your top with red thread -  or maybe a fun shade of green thread?
I am no expert, believe me, but that is how I try to stretch my taste limits to keep current.

As long as the color any embellishment would work on its own with blue and white seersucker, to me it's OK.  

oops, looks like we cross-posted!
I agree Kathryn's outfit is fab. 

[Carla]

I think your outfit looks splendid, Kathryn.  Yes, it matches, but there is nothing wrong with making separates specifically to coordinate together and that's exactly what Elaray said she wanted.  Sometimes we just want things to look like they make a complete set.  Good luck in your outfit, Elaray!

[fzxdoc]

Thank you, Terri, Elaray, Robin, and Carla for your comments on the coordinating outfit that I made.  I understand that it is not to everyone's tastes but I love it. 

As BeeBee pointed out, there may be some coordinating outfits out there that do not look right for today's styles. As with most things, subtle touches seem to be the way to go when working on coordinating pieces.

While it is true that coordinating a white shirt with the pants limits the other uses for the shirt, white shirts are pretty easy to come by. I would venture to guess that many of us have more than one white shirt in our wardrobes already. 

Elaray, you'll have to take photos of your completed outfit to show us (pretty please).  If it makes you happy to wear it, then it's a great success!

Kathryn

[Carole]

I just don't know how to unmatch the right way

  That's me!  I love Kathryn's outfit.

[Janis]

Ah, yes, Kathryn.  Your outfit reminds me why matchy/matchy isn't so bad.  I think you could teach the designers and the youngins' a thing or two.

[mom2five]

Kathryn,  I love your matchy outfit!  The very modern skirt keeps it from looking dated... I think that's the problem I've always had, by trying to play it safe I end up looking dated and plain  You've inspired me to branch out and try the more up-to-date patterns that I love but have been afraid of. Thanks!

angel

[fzxdoc]

Thank you, Carole, Janis, and angel(mom2five).  It's fun to share this creation again (I made it a couple of months ago), since I always enjoy seeing and being inspired by so much of what everyone else makes.

Kathryn

[cendrelle]

How about using Kathryn's idea of blue buttons and try blue thread for topstitching?  Another thought is to keep the linen blouse all white; but add some white topstitching or other white detailing to the capris. 

[ilikelemmings]

I would suggest using accessories to pull the outfit together (that way you can use the white blouse in other outfits too - they are always handy). something like a nice red scarf tied arround your neck. or a pretty gold necklace.

[mcgintie]

I like the idea of removable matching bits - what about covering the shirt buttons with some of the capri material, then you can take them off again when you are bored.
(I have just added leopardskin cotton knit to the back of a boring brown jacket collar, and also to the turnups on the sleeves. I will take it off again when I want a change).