Aspirational Style - Help me?

I am a fussy dresser, but I do not have a cohesive style.

I am more fussy in terms of comfort - I live in a sub-tropical climate, and summer is long, hot and sticky, so fabrics *have* to be natural.

I also just love colours and prints and textures. But I am not really a master at mixing them!

To this end, I want to pick some adjectives to describe my aspirational style. So I assembled some pictures (from some old InStyle magazines).

I want to wear these outfits. Do these look dated? I know it's hard to tell when things aren't on a body.

Do any adjectives spring to mind?

The last picture is of me today thinking about buying a denim shirt - to go with the embroidered skirt I am wearing. But I think this shirt is too thick for what I want. I did like it though.

I wonder what the backbones of this kind of wardrobe would be? Is having so many patterns too higgledy piggledy for real life, working wardrobe?

Thank you for ladies, for being so lovely.

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13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These outfits look fun and practical for your climate; it seems that your actual life is influencing your aspirational choice, and that is a good thing! The overall look is feminine, playful and perhaps maximal, though within the confines of a climate that does not allow you to layer a lot. No wonder prints are appealing; they let you express those tendencies without layers.

Denim might be too hot for what you describe (except maybe your winter?) but the shirt itself looks good!

texstyle

Looks like a fun, flirty vibe. Do you were halters and sleeveless a lot? If so, I'd definitely try a couple of halter style tops to go with the colors in your great skirt - it would be much coolor than denim and bring out more of the "fun, flirty" I see in your inspiration photos. I don't see anything "western" in your inspiration images - is that something you also like?

Jules

I'm a total newbie at this but I don't think the shirt and skirt are working well together. I think the beautiful skirt deserves better "billing" ie/ a tucked in or shorter shirt that doesn't hide so much of the skirt. A simple sleeveless white shirt or in a coordinating colour as already suggested. Maybe even a well-fitting tee. If you still want to incorporate denim you could possibly try topping that with a denim jacket or an open denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up (but I already feel out of my element with that suggestion, lol).

ironkurtin

You definitely know your style! I love that skirt. (WIsh I owned it myself!) And I know JUST what you mean about natural fibers when it is hot and sticky.

My adjectives would be
- feminine
- patterns and colors
- body-skimming

To match the skirt, I would look for a more fitted, shorter-in-the-length denim top that is a single color. I'd go very dark, or very faded. Either one is an endlessly versatile piece that can be worn with many things. You could also look for a lightweight denim jacket.

IMO a range of fitted cotton tees and tanks in white and other colors would be handy for you for layering. I like Petit Bateau in sizes 14, 16, and 18 - they are all cotton but non see-through, and they come in lovely shades.

merwoman

4L - I will comment on the colours you have shown - I definitley see a common denominator here. Seems you are drawn to the warm golds, oranges - like a spicey mix, but always a neutral thrown in to balance the mix. To my eye this is a fab pallette for your colouring.

Astrid

I like what Suz said, feminine and playful. I understand the love for pattern, I love them too, although I haven't incorporated them as much in my wardrobe yet. I think the easiest way to mix patterns and own a lot of patterns in a not too big wardrobe is to restrict your colors. I'd choose your best neutrals and buy some solid things in them, like a skirt, shirt and so on. Than I'd try to find patterned pieces which patterns contain at least one of these neutrals. That way you can have only a few neutral pieces to make (almost) all of your patterned ones work. And that way your patterned pieces have some consistent colors too.

rachylou

I agree that the denim shirt was a bit heavy.

Re. your style pics: Looking at them, I thought "Ladylike" and "Africa". Maybe North Africa-ish if we want to be like that, lol (because of the flowers). A bit Anthropologie if you could take all the Boho out...

jayne

hhmmm, I see Boho, definitely in the elements and in the styling...but a ladylike version.

MsLuna

I would say light, fun, flirty, feminine, earthy. I would say bohemian as well.

You seem to like a lot of earth tones, ruffles and a lot of lighter fabrics. Suggestion on the denim shirt - you can work the same vibe if you wear a sundress underneath and you can actually tie the tails of the shirt at your waist and wear it slightly open. It will have that similar fun, flirty vibe!

Caro in Oz

Like merwoman I see the colour palette too. I see you as elegant boho. So not the long floppy pieces but lots of pattern & maybe texture, but grounded with classic pieces. I love the skirt. I think it would be great with a simple top maybe in one of the colours from the skirt. I also see a 60s vibe too, which is mod/boho.

Deborah

I know Caro sees a 60's vibe but I think I am seeing a bit of a 50's feel. I definitely see a coherent style here. The adjectives that come to mind are:

Colourful
Ladylike
Womanly
Fun
Flirty

I don't think the denim shirt is the best with the skirt as it doesn't showcase the gorgeous skirt. A top that allows the skirt to the feature might be the better option.

Looking at those pictures makes me think of Veronica Maine, and Jacqui E as two possible shopping options:). Jacqui E have some cute skirts out that might have the vibe you seem to like.

Laurenlaurielala

Active Member

Thank you ladies, for your consideration!

You are right, Merwoman - I love spicy colours. Why do I keep buying navy blue?

Texstyle, I don't tend to wear a lot of halter tops, but I do wear sleeveless. I wouldn't mind wearing halters - I have just never found one I liked!

And no, I am not really feeling the denim shirt. I just tried it on because I felt the material and it was so soft - and the sales assistant suggested it went with my skirt. Eh. You've all confirmed it's not for me!

Thanks Astrid - that is a really good idea to keep my colour palette restricted. I think that could really help keep my wardrobe cohesive.

So my main adjectives are:
- Feminine and flirty
- Patterned and Boho
- Spicy/Earthy and neutrals
- Playful and fun
- Body Skimming

Thank you all - it helps so much! Not all of my current wardrobe fits those adjectives but I can use that to help inform my future purchases.

ETA: Thanks Deborah - that is a good point about being womanly. I think that is a vibe I want - I do want to look womanly, or even sophisticated. I want my clothes to be playful but not silly; colourful, but also say: *take me seriously*.

Also, I love both 50s and 60s fashions. I bought a tropical print shift dress from the 60s a few years ago from a vintage shop in Singapore, and wore it every day it was clean. It was a sturdy cotton, but being already old and me being so hard on it, it started to fray at the seams. I can't bear to part with it thought - that dress really fits all my adjectives!

Navy Blue would work wonderful as your neutral to ground your "spicy" ensembles!

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