WIW: Manrepeller vs. the Edokko RESTYLED!

I take a lot of inspiration from various Asian street style blogs. I don't know if this is a good idea because what works on bright young things from Tokyo doesn't always translate to a middle aged English lady. It doesn't keep me from trying though. 

Today I tried to sharpen up what is probably the most un-fashion item in my possession, a slouchy men's jumper from Scotland. I love this thing. The soft knit and rich colour scheme have a happiness factor that is off the charts, but there's no denying it looks bigger than it is, and that's being polite.

So, with the help of this picture of a willowy young man who seems thoroughly at home in oversized knitwear, I'm trying to convince myself that frumpy can be edgy and a chunky jumper works with a faux-leather midi skirt.

ETA with pic: I took your advice. Revisiting the look today with a sheer navy button-down shirt from American Apparel and my venerable DvN pleated skirt. I think this works much better. Thanks merwoman and avicennia for the suggestions.

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24 Comments

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Works for me! Great look!

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Sounds and looks super cozy! Cool inspiration and well played :)

  • MsMary replied 9 years ago

    Super love!  So fun!!

  • harmonica replied 9 years ago

    Very cool! Love the inspirational photo, too.

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    I love it.

  • merwoman replied 9 years ago

    That's a gorgeous sweater,and I love the colour pairing with the turtleneck. Briliant with your beautiful hair and specs.
    I like the outfit combo - but am feeling with that particular skirt style  the outfit reads more 'static'. Would love to see the sweater paired with a pleated skirt to give it more movement.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Well, no wonder you love the sweater. I would, too. I like it with the faux leather skirt and the zips. 

    ETA: I also like how you showed us your inspiration, and that your inspiration was a young man. :)

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    Cool look.
    Love the red lippie with the masculine outfit.

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Kiwigal, Suz, Astrid, harmonica, MsMary, jackiec, rachylou...
    Thanks everyone for the feedback! Seems this is working somehow after all. Maybe I'm just doubtful because it's Monday. 

    Merwoman - I think I know what you mean. I'll work through a few different separates with this sweater and see what happens. Soon to be seen on screen with pleated skirts, knee shorts, gold jeans and wide legged pants...

  • westsidesue replied 9 years ago

    While I love the flash of red at the neck, I have been thinking a lot about necklines, and wonder if leaving off the turtleneck would also enliven the outfit. I feel like it is slightly crowding your face. I find it is amazing what a few more inches of skin at the neck do to lighten up an outfit. Don't know if this is true for you, but maybe something to try?

    I just love your willingness to try, and your fantastic eye for putting together unusual combinations. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

  • frannieb replied 9 years ago

    great outfit.  Really like how you match the slouchy sweater with the skirt. Great Rif off the inspiration outfit.

  • avicennia replied 9 years ago

    Your outfit looks stylish and intentional! In addition to the other suggestions, what about a collared blouse?

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    The reddish collar and the shoes are the key touches. The zipper on the skirt somehow helps rein it in too. Love the inspiration shot also.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    How clever are you!  Love the arty skirt and shiny oxfords alongside this lovely sweater.  You're right --- it is beautiful, but could easily appear frumpy.  Often, I just enjoy an item like this as lounge wear, but you've used your inspiration to create a wonderful outfit that works for many settings.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    You know what I would pair it with, and it wouldn't be half as cool as this outfit looks on you! (I'd wear it with skinny jeans or cords and tall boots.) Love how your outfit echoes your inspiration photo and how it flatters you and suits your style. The volume of the skirt is great on you, and it balances the chunky-looking (if soft, in real life) sweater. The thick-soled oxfords are an excellent choice, too. And your legs plus the bit of arm showing with scrunched sleeves provide what Angie would call structure. Nicely done!

  • Dixie replied 9 years ago

    Nice! You have an unique an interesting style. I like the oversized look.

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    Thumbs up, here.

  • rute replied 9 years ago

    wow! I love this!

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Thanks ladies once again for all the positive reinforcement and styling suggestions. This gives me the confidence that this lovely jumper is not just for my imaginary life of walks in the forest and nights by the fire! 

    Firecracker, I've been wearing this with skinny pants, but I don't have any knee boots right now. I was spoiled by a gorgeous pair I had for years and wore until they fell off my feet. I haven't been able to find any I like as much since. But they'd surely work if I had some.

    westsidesue, believe it or not, the turtle neck is there for warmth as much as style right now! That said, I do feel the need for a little detail at the neck with this one for some reason. avicennia, that can also be a little collar.

    shevia
    , thanks for saying so! I felt it needed the colour pop. 

    Suz, just spotted your ETA... the menswear on the Asian style blogs is just superb! The ladies look universally wonderful, but for some reason it's always the gents who have the edge for me!

  • karymk replied 9 years ago

    I think you done Leandra proud here. you are cool enough to pull this off!

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    karymk: what a lovely comment! you just made my day :D

  • E replied 9 years ago

    I love 'frumpy-ish' English countryside looks, and with your hair & specs, it definitely reads as deliberate. Well played. :)

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for feedback and suggestions ladies! I've made a few tweaks to this look and uploaded a new photo up top. Feels quite different, but I think I like this better. What do you think?

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    I love the button down with it! But I think I prefer the skirt in the first look... I actually like the "static" feel. So how's that? ;)

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