Cool work. For the old one, I think if you had brought the hat down a few pixels it would've looked great. As it is, the hat just looks like it's resting on top of her hair - as opposed to being on her head. (If it's a she? Sorry, if it's a guy.)

As for why the new sprite looks less solid:

The outline on the older sprite is thinner and so the new one - with its thicker outline - definitely looks more rigid as phraktol said and almost like a sticker or cutout. The texturing is better on the new sprite - cool stars! - but the robe is very squared off at the base which makes it less lifelike. Your older robe was rounded and there were feet. Without the feet, the new sprite looks off - if the robe is longer than the character's feet, then it would be bunching along the ground. If it's still hanging, then you left off the feet - either way it will look odd and that might be why your eye feels that way.

Also you lost some nice shading on the sunglasses. They look pretty flat black.

Thanks for sharing. Keep workin'! Combine the strengths of both into a new third piece! 

 yeah i think the minimal colors help give the old one more character, as well as the face looks a little less refined which comes across as a more natural look (The new one looks more rigid) 

they're both good, and you can definitely see the progress you've made, but i think the old one just looks better due to its simplicity and lack of really dark outlining

 I agree, the old one has a lot more character. I think what is adding to that is the floppy hat. I like the old one better :)