{Style Expert} What Do You Think Of This Look?

When done right, the preppy look never goes out of style–just ask Ralph Lauren. But when done wrong, it can look dated or even silly. So what do you think–is this FOF adorably ivy league, or out of her fashion league?

Susan Grant: “This a a perfectly assembled, luxurious, safe preppy look. Fairly monochromatic, yet made interesting by its combination of textures. It’s the uniform of the Connecticut suburb where I grew up. Thank goodness for the diversity and feast for the eyes found in Manhattan.”

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

Lovey Dash: “I personally do not care for this look, however it is preppy and pretty much in fashion these days. The color camel, the flat shoe  and the preppy car coat are huge this year. She could go without the belt and the top is, meh. Myself, I’ll take a pair of 5-inch heels, fishnets and a black leather coat any day….”

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills stylist to the stars. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.

Sherrie Mathieson: “I would always rather see a conservative, preppy FOF than an older gal who ‘blings out’ or overdoes her style. However the matchy-ness of her sweater and coat is a bit too cute and odd. Most of her outfit is fairly classic in concept, but the belted top is a mistake (chopping her figure) that a turtleneck alone would have easily corrected. She still has a girlish figure and just needs a bit of tweaking to reach her preppy potential.”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

0 Responses to “{Style Expert} What Do You Think Of This Look?”

  1. Marcia says:

    Definitely blah, in my opinion. Not that an outfit needs to jump out at people, but this one makes her invisible with everything nearly the same color. I would absolutely get rid of the belt. A cocoa-colored or rust-colored turtleneck would be a nice contrast and still stay in the color “family,” but that’s just my opinion.

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  2. Victoria says:

    This is okay for what it is..a particular kind of look for someone who wants to look conservative and put together. If you saw someone on the street dressed like this, you’d probably not give her a second look. Invisible and very predictable. That being said, not everyone is suited for five-inch heels, fishnets, and punk-rock leather jackets. I wouldn’t be caught dead in this outfit. But to each her own.

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  3. Ilenefaboverfifty says:

    Beige and black is as classic a combination as it is timeless. That said, I might reccomend a few tweaks- the pleated chinos are a bit too high waisted, even though this woman is slim. Cotton and lycra chinos to the rescue, please! The waistline belt defines her trim look, but it looks a little dated.

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  4. sfern@live.com says:

    Blah! There is no oomph to it, I feel depressed just looking at it!!

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  5. Nannaof2 says:

    Finally! A woman that isn’t screaming, “Hey, look at me.” Sorry, “5 inch heels fish nets” causes me to think, “geez old lady, get a grip.” There is a time and a place for everything, and it is always important to remember that. Allot of women, (including the 20 something crowd), have gone nutzoid with fashion; hooker clothes, flip flops, etc. Sheeshish!!! Are woman really that insecure and impressionable now? Not me, no thanks. Thanks FOF.

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  6. Patricia says:

    I like everything except the top. I just do not like the color or the frayed edge. Frayed does not go with preppy in my book.

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  7. Mmimilinda says:

    This is always a good look-not goofy! The white socks aren’t attractive, though, and, sure, it could be jazzed up, excuse me, I meant “tweaked” a bit. Very un-self-conscious look.

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  8. Elizabeth says:

    Oh the dreaded neck! A classic turtleneck would fix her right up and a snugger fit would enable her to lose the belted waist. The monochromatic scheme is soft, looks rich and works nicely for her coloring. She just needs a properly fitting trouser (maybe she’ just be wearing them too high on the hips.) Substitute a flat boot (suede preferred) and a pop of color (berry tones work nicely with camels) in either her hand bag or gloves and perhaps add a simple long necklace. Now she’s good to go!

    Agree with Sherrie, this beats bling any day.

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  9. sharon910 says:

    Omg I love it. It is so stylish, I would love to sport that look. So causal and comfy.

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  10. ctgal says:

    I think she looks fine. Just get rid of the belt and maybe the socks. She looks like she just left my junior high school. Oh, and the pants are too short. Ok, I guess she doesn’t look fine.

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  11. dbo says:

    wrong foot wear,socks & shoes. either models be sitting or pant have wrinkle problem…good colors other than from ankle down !

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  12. Pam Munro says:

    Like the Ivy look, it’s classic – but not the sox with loafers! Either No sox or sox hose – The all over beige is too much – as my hubby would say – Don’t you have a scarf (colorful) that you could wear with that?

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  13. Louise says:

    I think Katherine Hepburn would have loved this look. Tailored and well put together, with the slightest touch of haberdashery. I’m 64 and, other than ditching the socks for something a bit silkier, I find this look very attractive. The pants look like they may be linen, hence the wrinkles which are very acceptable. She’s not walking down a catwalk; she’s a living, breathing mature woman who maybe stops for a coffee before continuing on her way.

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  14. Janice says:

    Love the attempt, really dislike the slacks and loafers A nice pair of dark straight leg jeans and a kitten heeled shoe would have made this a “fresher” look. Losing the belt might be a good idea if she is petite but as she appears taller the belt is OK. Slacks are both ill fitting and wrinkled. Slacks and shirt shirt both look wrinkled and wrinkles just don’t equate with preppy.

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  15. Nancy says:

    You can tell the age group of this gal by her neck. Pants are too short in the rise; not attrative, the coat is good. To pair the coat and loafers with a nice pair of straight jeans, dark blue or black and a black or charcol turtleneck in cashmere would give this a classic prep look with a lot of class regardless of the planet she populates.

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  16. BlueBear says:

    I don’t care for this look at all! She looks rumpled! Also, if you’re going to wear a turtleneck to cover a turkey neck, as this woman appears to be doing, for heaven’s sake ensure the turtleneck covers your neck! Why keep it crumpled down? Never leave the house looking as if you slept in your clothes and this is exactly what this outfit screams!

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  17. Cynthia says:

    I like this look very much, however, have to agree with previous comments about camel-toe. Pants are too small/tight in a very inappropriate area.

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  18. Thereislightonthehorizon says:

    LOVE IT!!! This woman looks like she is ready to take on the day either working or shopping. I like the blending of fabrics, yet staying in “Fall” mode. Each of the pieces are fashionable without being “trendy”. This is a very classy ensemble.

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  19. SharShar65 says:

    I think I’d put on a top that had a POP of color and definitely DC the socks.

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  20. Constance says:

    Like this look alot, especially with her height. I’m 5’5″ and would not be caught dead in flats. I say thumbs up.

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  21. Rockyred says:

    The overall concept is ok, I was liking it until I got to the white socks and loafers…a bit too much prep. I would have gone with a different sort of flat, highly textered or suede. And the belt needs to go….not wild about the fringe on the turtleneck either, that looks too Western. Wow, I guess the more I rip this apart the less I like it. I’m a coat junkie therefore my eyes were temporarily glazed over. 🙂

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  22. VJ says:

    Boring. Pants look as though they are too tight in the crotch. Don’t like the top even though it might look better without the belt. The belt sits too high making her look chopped and too high waisted.
    Although I like a monochromatic look, this just doesn’t do it for me.

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  23. ABC says:

    Zzzzzzzz, and too many crotch wrinkles. Nice shoes, dumb socks. Punch it up!

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