WIW: Skinnies & a scarf - who me?

Talk about two things I NEVER wear - coloured skinnies and a scarf! I bought these burgundy skinnies last week and after playing with them some on the weekend for outfit ideas, I'm busting them out today. 

I decided to pair them with my grey Gap mesh sleeve sweater as I do love the combo of burgundy and grey. I added my black leather belt and a semi tuck. I know some do not care for a semi tuck with skinnies but I'm discovering that I really need a semi tuck for two reasons - with the belt lower than my natural waist, the semi tuck can visually elongate my torso which is very short. I also find that the semi tuck actually gives me a waist. 

I had to choose my black Clarks shooties again for comfort and would have preferred my pointy toe black patent booties but that's life. 

I've been toying with trying scarves as I do like the look on others and can see how they work to tie in colours. Since I wanted to find a way to repeat the burgundy in the top half of the outfit, I went digging through the scarf bin at my local Goodwill to see what I could find - a "test" scarf if you will. I found this dark red (not quite burgundy but close enough) scarf with a light grey and black abstract print (sort of a faux animal print) that fit the bill. One of my issues with scarves is the fuss factor - always adjusting, making sure the ends don't get caught in something, etc. So I went on Pinterest to look at different ways to tie scarves and found exactly what I was looking for. This makes the scarf almost more like a necklace, less bulky and less "flimsy". In fact, it actually gives the scarf structure - PERFECT!

Jewelry is my black/white oversized watch and silver wedding band and I chose my animal print oversized clutch for my handbag.

When I head out the door, I'll be wearing my berry coloured cashmere-blend knee length coat which amazingly, works perfectly with the scarf.

So this is a new look for me with new items - my happiness factor? SKY HIGH!!! What do you think - does it all work on me? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Sweater: Gap
Skinnies: Attitude by Jay Manuel
Shooties: Clarks
Scarf: Goodwill
Clutch: XOXO
Coat: Anne Klein

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52 Comments

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Smashing! That is all I have to say.

  • Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

    OMG, SPECTACULAR!  This really works for you.  I'm glad you found a way to tie a scarf you are happy with, scarves really can add easy bookending, tieing in colours etc to an outfit.  And I'm with you on the semi-tuck - I used to always wear things out, but now I'm finding that a semi tuck helps define my waist and when it shows a belt, it adds a bit of "oomph" to an outfit. 

  • E replied 10 years ago

    You look so so stunning! Everything just ties together so wonderfully, and that coat is magic. I love the way you tied that scarf! And why doesn't my Goodwill have a scarf bin? lol

  • replied 10 years ago

    Really nice, and I am SO happy you have discovered semi-tucking. It is my secret weapon against a short waist also :)

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    I love semi tucking too!  Love the way they look!  I even do a semi tuck with my lounge wear o_O!

    The color palatte is delicious.  The cranberry jacket is such a beautiful color that I could just eat it up! Yum!  And that clutch?!  Awesome!  You rock!!

    And would you be able to give a link to the scarf tutorial?  It seems fun!

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    This is a look I wear often, and I love it on you! I completely agree with you about the semi-tuck. Even though I'm tall, I am slightly short waisted, and I find the semi-tuck helps even me out a bit.

  • pastrygirl replied 10 years ago

    Perfect! I love it.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Your happiness factor is high wearing this outfit and mine is high looking at it! Fab! BTW I love burgundy and grey also.

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Wow - that works sooo well!  Way to go!

  • donnat replied 10 years ago

    It works beautifully.

  • Joyce B replied 10 years ago

    I love the whole outfit, you look fab.
    Those burgundy skinnies are great and the color combination that you chose is very flattering.
    I hope your ankle is getting better.

  • catherine replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful proportions and colors.  Wear more scarves!  The look clearly suits you.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Thank you so much ladies - I'm glad you think this looks ok. It's definitely different for me.

    Neel - I'll try to relocate the link for the scarf and post for you.

    I think another reason this way of wearing the scarf works for me is because most of my neck still shows. I have quite a short neck and having a scarf cover most of it makes me look like my head just sits atop my shoulders.

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    What a stylish, polished look you have here, Shannon, and I love the colors together. YLF!

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    Okay, I would think this is exactly you. You haven't shown us colored skinnies before? Definitely skinnies though.

    Anyway, perfect as usual! Sigh. Aspire to, aspire to....

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    Shannon - fabulous top to bottom. The new coat is so fantastic! 

  • Jude replied 10 years ago

    Does this work? YES IT DOES! 'nough said. Love the scarf necklace!

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    Super! The scarf ties everything together, and will keep your neck warm too. I am finding I'm especially loving outfits with pale grey.

  • MuseumGal replied 10 years ago

    WOW.  Totally amazing.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Oh yeah! This rocks! You look very natural in this combo, even thought you say it's foreign to you. That coat is yum-a-licious, and the clutch: be. still. my. heart. :D

  • Sarah A replied 10 years ago

    I love the scarf tied that way... this new look hits it out of the park. You are really honing in on what you need for happiness, structure and no fuss scarf tie is brilliant!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Now that's the way to wear an indoor scarf. Big Scarves are for outside. Great fit and proportions, Shannon. Good job discovering why it works on you. Loving you in those burgundy jeans. Fresh and fab. xo

  • RunswithDolphins replied 10 years ago

    Shannon, I've been following your WIW blog since I joined a month ago and I really admire how you present your outfits so beautifully and I particularly love the final accessory vignette.  You set the bar pretty high for those of us just starting out on YLF.

    This outfit colour scheme and style is probably my favourite of everything I've seen you post to date.  I absolutely adore your grey and burgundy combo on you and the scarf is so perfect.  What a find from Goodwill!

    From a fellow member of the walking wounded club the Clark shoes look really cute and practical.  Good choice.

  • Mo replied 10 years ago

    Those jeans were a great buy - I love this!  Might have to copycat a little with my wine cords and F21 sweater/sweatshirt ;)  Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Well my goodness....such lovely comments! You have all totally made my day :)

    RunswithDolphins - thank you so much for your kind words about my outfits and pics. I very much appreciate it. I've been on YLF almost three years and it really took me the better part of two years to figure out what I'm doing, both outfit wise and photo wise. I have learned so much from being part of this amazing community - and so will you :)

  • Amy replied 10 years ago

    Fabulous! You look great!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Squeee!!! Waving at my style sister! This looks like something I would wear. And you look amazing in it. 

    Don't you just LOVE the semi-tuck with drapey top? I adore it. With skinnies and ANY kind of pant. Or skirt, for that matter. I don't know what I was thinking of, before, when I rejected it. I think it had to do with the types of top available, actually -- there needs to be fluidity to it or it won't work. But, like you, I find it helps to deal with proportions. It doesn't cut me off in half and allows me to wear high contrast tops and bottoms if I want. It shows what little waist I have. And looks and feels "effortless." 

    Your scarf looks terrific. Way to bookend, baby. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Suz - I am totally flattered to be considered your style sister :) And yes, I find the semi tuck to be completely transformative. It's amazing how just that tuck of an inch of fabric can give an outfit structure, proper drape and great proportions.

    All hail Angie for teaching us about the semi tuck!!!

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    Stunning!  I love this on you!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    You look wonderful in this outfit!!!

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    Love the semituck with skinnies.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    More love here - YLF. 

  • Carole replied 10 years ago

    Love this combo! YLF

  • MsMary replied 10 years ago

    I am going to name you Mary Poppins because in this outfit you are Practically Perfect in Every Way!  :)

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Love it, Shannon! That is my favorite way to wear a scarf, too. Scarf-as-necklace is so much less fuss. Interested to see if the scarves catch on or if it will stay in the testing phase a while.

  • Windchime replied 10 years ago

    I would say that your venture into skinnies and scarves was a smashing success! You look amazing, even if you're still getting used to the look. Your Goodwill scarf plays equally well with your top and your coat-- this is the happy result of planning a color coordinated wardrobe.

  • Greyscale replied 10 years ago

    Perfect in so many ways. I'm impressed by how well it goes with the red coat.

  • carambola replied 10 years ago

    You look wonderful! The semi-tuck with skinnies is super flattering on you. Love how the clutch complements the whole thing.

  • gryffin replied 10 years ago

    Omg!!! So gorgeous!! Love every element and you look radiant!! Please come here and make me look as good as you do every day!!

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Superb!  Love this:)

  • Aida replied 10 years ago

    Fab Shannon! You've got the proportions and colors working really well here. The retro side of you makes me want to suggest finding a BIG silk scarf (square!) and playing with that, too :)

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Absolutely fantastic, Shannon. Did you already share the secret of the scarf?

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    MaryK - Mary Poppins - lol!

    Rae - it will be interesting for me too to see if the scarf sticks around. Gotta say I really enjoyed wearing it today and didn't fuss once over it.

    Aida - hmmm...big silk scarf? Well you just never know!

    Thank you all so much for your sweet comments :)

    ETA: Una - I haven't yet. I can't find the tutorial again. I'll have to look some more.

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    Awesome, Shannon. I love the way you did you scarf. You look terrific in skinnies too! 

  • minimalist replied 10 years ago

    Woot woot! These pics make me happy.

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    Just fabulous.
    Your scarf tying is great. I have reached similar scarf aha's in that the filmy silk ones flap in the breeze when I'm striding from place to place, and require too much fussing--I need a soft heavy texture like thin wool or cotton that will not fly away, and a tie or drape that is higher up, not long  floppy ends but not neck-strangling.

  • Petite Marj replied 10 years ago

    Shannon, you took my breath away in #4...stunning!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    I so love the burgundy skinnies, and the drapey top w/ fab scarf is a perfect way to style them. 

    I tired of my scarves last spring, but I find myself interested again.  Who knew?

  • qfbrenda replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous!! 

  • Jjsloane replied 10 years ago

    In the words of Stacy London "SHUT UP"! You are beaming head to toe. Nicely done. 

  • Debora replied 10 years ago

    Yay for scarves and the semi tuck! YLF!

  • Alexandra replied 10 years ago

    Don"t know how I missed this earlier. You look great! I love how you tied the scarf.

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