Sometimes I take OOTD pictures and then think “Hmm, this outfit is just not working.” I like the outfits, but they don’t seem complete. Something is missing, but I can’t figure out what exactly would take the outfit to a complete look. I didn’t think the following two outfits deserved an individual post, but I figured you fashionistas could help me figure out how to fix these outfits.

If there’s one thing I noticed, both outfits i have my hair up. For some reason, I just don’t care for my hair to be up. I hope that once my hair is longer, I can do some up-dos that are much more fun.

Outfit #1 — I was a bit inspired by the girls who do Five Take’s nautical looks (Here’s Nicole’s post which links to all of the others’), so navy stripes have been calling my name.

This outfit is just okay. It’s very basic, which sometimes is exactly what I’m looking for. I got almost all of this at Target: the v-neck pocket tee, striped cardigan, bracelet, and shoes. The jeans are Old Navy.

Basic is okay and all, but how can I make this outfit more than basic?

I do like the shoes with the scalloped edge. (And I really need to get my tattoo touched up!)

So help me out, guys. What can I do to Look #1?

Look #2 was for a dinner celebrating my sister’s birthday. I wanted to wear this top I bought from Torrid last summer, but hadn’t worn before. Prints are something that I’m just now wanting to try out. I’m much more comfortable mixing textures than prints, so that’s why this one has been sitting in my closet for almost a year. It has butterfly wings (or bat wings, whatever ya wanna call it), so a belt is out of the option, although I think a belt could help it.

I’m wearing it with my new jeans from City Chic, which have an amazing fit. Maybe if I had worn this with closed-toed shoes I’d like it better.. or with a jacket, but that kind of defeats the purpose of the sleeve. Maybe loose, wavy hair would have done the trick.

So again, I ask for your help; how can I make this work?