Cee Fardoe (32) is a writer who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris. She shares her passion for fashion and travel on her blog, Coco & Vera. Cee is a colour minimalist who mainly wears her favourite neutrals: black, grey, white and tan. Her style is Modern Classic and trendy with a bit of soft edge, rock ‘n’ roll, and the occasional avant-garde touch. Our blogger enjoys sporting skinnies, culottes, and distressed jeans, and likes to remix her favourite pieces.
“My style has changed considerably in the last five years, and particularly in the last three, since I started working from home. My sartorial choices these days are much more casual and minimal. There was a time when I was known for wearing tulle skirts. Now, I almost never wear any skirts at all! I’m all about a good pair of jeans paired with great basis. My style is a kind of modern-classic hybrid. I love timeless styles, but I also tend to shy away from skirts and dresses, favouring trousers and jeans and garments with more unique, even masculine, silhouettes.”
5’2” Cee demonstrates that you don’t have to be tall to rock a midi dress. Here, she is wearing a form-fitting long-sleeved black dress that accentuates her curves. The body-con silhouette of the calf-length frock creates structure. On-trend white Stan Smith sneakers are low-contrast against Cee’s skin, which lengthens the leg line. They add a Sporty Luxe touch to this casual look. The oversized black and white plaid scarf provides textural interest and cosy warmth. The gold chain-strap and closure on Cee’s bag add polish and subtle bling, while the lighter grey complements the rest of the minimal colour palette.
A Modern Classic look built around a timeless white button-down. The tunic-length makes it perfect to wear untucked over skinny jeans, that taper the volume of the fluid fit. Cee’s ripped blue jeans add a RATE (rough around the edges) touch that, together with the black leather jacket, creates a Parisian rock ‘n’ roll vibe. The white shirt adds classic polish and dresses up the look. Black patent pointy toe pumps bookend Cee’s dark hair. Oversized sunnies, a compact shoulder bag and dangly earrings finish off the look.
A second black midi dress, and a Summery-rendition this time. Our blogger’s ponte knit dress is form-fitting up top and has a pleated skirt that flares out in an elegant A-line shape. The spaghetti straps make it ideal for hot weather days. Cee added a thin brown vintage belt that accentuates her waist and picks up the colours in her tortoise-rimmed sunglasses. The brown is low contrast against the black, but adds visual interest. Pairing the dress with on-trend black flat mules with gold buckles creates a fashionable vibe. The straw tote, a favourite accessory, is the fun finishing touch.
“I have a serious affinity for all straw handbags. My obsession began last year, and I acquired two in quick succession, but I can’t get enough! There are still so many styles I feel like I need in my wardrobe. I’m envisioning styling them in a very South of France way, paired with white linen trousers, a silk blouse and flat leather sandals.”
Light grey, cream and black makes for a beautiful low-contrast colour palette that looks marvelous with Cee’s dark wavy locks. She is sporting below-the-knee black culottes with an untucked cream turtleneck sweater. Black patent boots that snugly fit around the calf lengthen the leg line and create a streamlined look. Black leather gloves and the black buttons on the tailored light grey wool coat tie the look together. A matching beret adorned with a glitzy brooch adds charming Parisian flair. Cee’s soft peachy-pink lipstick complements the soft palette.
This is a great example of Angie’s knife-pleated skirt ensemble. Our blogger is wearing an elegant sunray-pleated skirt with a simple light grey turtleneck sweater. The longer length of the pullover creates a drop-waist dress effect, while the drapey turtleneck adds soft movement. The welted sweater tempers the volume of the skirt by tapering back to the contour of the body. Dainty ankle-strap stiletto sandals help to create vertical integrity and work well with the elegant feminine vibe of this lovely Spring look.
Cee loves clothing with interesting design details, and this tie-front blouse fits that bill perfectly. The blouse is structured on the shoulders and flows out from the bustline. The silhouette works well with the relaxed-fit cropped skinnies. The ripped denim makes the look casual, while the lighter wash jeans and crisp white blouse give it a Summer-y vibe. This carefree feeling is enhanced by the dark tan flat gladiator-style sandals and pretty circular straw bag that echoes the colour of the footwear. Our blogger’s tied back hair, sunnies, and fun earrings complete the Summer vibe.
Let us know what you think of Cee’s modern minimalist style, and be sure to check out the rest of her fab outfits on her blog, Coco & Vera.
