Discordant styles

annagybe

So I really like my new white Rick Owens sneakers and have been looking up ways to style them. Right now I'm wearing them with high waisted black skinnies. When it gets warmer I'll probably try them with a black midi tube skirt. Other ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144220480251/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144220480335/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/339036678173330483/

But I'm also still really attracted to the Rachel Comey, LaGarconne, Steven Alan fashion nerd look, sometimes frumpy. Cropped wide jeans, culottes, fuller skirts with flat oxfords, etc.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144219392675/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144216997328/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144219392672/

These are so,so different from each other. I can't quite figure out if by doing both these styles will be weird. Is it ok to not be cohesive?

10 years ago

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

Gigi

Veteran

I think that personalities can be messy sometimes. I have a very polished side (WHBM-type polished) and a very boho side (Free People). They seem to be a little contrary, but that's OK with me. There is apparently part of you that wants to express itself one way, and another part that wants to express itself in a different way. I think it's healthy to engage both of these parts. Maybe it's similar to wanting to act like a kid occasionally, but like an adult at other times? Not sure. All I know is that I don't think it's weird.

10 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

What about harem pants? Every interview with Mr. Rick describes him as wearing harem pants and a tank top 'cause he enjoys showing off his buff body.

Because the shoes are white and chunky and high top, I would keep the rest of the outfit more fitted rather than the baggy nerd clothing look. Sorry if I'm not making that look sound good. I'm actually more done with the oversized look than the sneaker look,* which I don't think is over at all. But I'm still wearing a ton of oversized sweaters and tops due to comfort. Does that make any sense?

*Also the RO sneakers aren't truly sneakers, more of a post-modern interpretation of the sneaker.

10 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

And it's ok not to be cohesive, totally ok.

10 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

Go for it!

10 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, go play in the clothes. It's okay and very fun.

10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I really love the black and white. I'm still jonesing on black and white. I developed a thing against being a PIB (Person In Black) while living in suburbia. First because it's what the fashion-conciousness-yet-fearful would do (not including urban warriors and punks), and second because it's so somber and heavy (in the suburbs). But since my return to the metropolis, well... there's a black pleather jacket in my closet now.

... Ok. That was a complete digression, lol! But i was just thinking about how sharp your new look is and how it's different from your old look. The new look is fiercer. The other look, however, is also urban and fashion forward. They both have a relaxed yet dressed air. I think there is commonality enough in that to bridge the difference day to day. Esp when I think of your WIW from the other day. with the sweater whose side view you didn't like so much but which is a great outfit truth be told...

10 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I don't really see too much of a discord with the styles that you have pinned. All look urban to me - whilst some have a more retro vibe, it all works well together. You have such a good eye for pulling looks together, having a mixture of different styles gives you more variety and room to be playful with your looks.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I am currently seeing white sneakers everywhere. I love them, but worry that either (1) their popularity will fade as soon as I buy a pair, or (2) I will be so sick of seeing them everywhere that I won't wear mine. For the time being, they look fresh, clean, and exciting to me. If anyone could rock these styles, you could Anna.

10 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I think mixing two styles is very modern ... I tend to think one should be dominant and the other somewhat of an accent, but that's a personal preference. I say you have a lot of fashion confidence, so go for it!

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I'm all for style discordance. Honestly I think the whole rage for a super cohesive wardrobe is all fine and good if your goal is to get dressed nicely every morning with a minimum of fuss, but is a bit boring and overrated if, like you and me, you think of fashion as a fun and creative outlet. And anyway your style is always still recognizably "Anna" no matter what.

Unexpected combinations are fun. And hey if they don't work the worst that happens is you look a little weird for one day. But there's always tomorrow and another fab outfit.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

PS- I'm not a white sneaker fan in general but I really like the black outfits you have pinned with them. Looking forward to seeing your take.

(PPS: in case you were wondering, that random person who just followed you on Pinterest is me.)

10 years ago

viva

Veteran

What Diana said. In both posts. (Although I am not following you on Pinterest because I am not so active there.)

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OF COURSE it's okay to do both sets of opposing looks. Both are ultra trendy - which is what you are. WHY NOT!

10 years ago

Anonymous

I started to write, got into a paragraph, then realized I didnt' know what i was talking about ...trying to draw parallels between the Rick Owens and Rachel Comey looks. I deleted it. Intuitively, I see them as not as disparate as one might think, and find them an interesting complement to one another. Very interesting that it's the footwear that ties them together. Which is great reason to wear/copy/like both.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the white sneakers and think you could wear them well with just about anything.

10 years ago

Colette

Veteran

I say yes! That's what makes fashion fun and keeps it interesting.

10 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Wear the white sneakers. I jumped that bandwagon too.

I slightly disagree with Diana about the cohesive wardrobe vs creative dressing, because thanks to YLF I've come to realise that the two are not mutually exclusive. It just means that you own several cohesive wardrobes and they take up a lot of space.

As for Rachel Comey and Rick Owens, who cares? Once it's on your back, the only context that matters is your own. Trust your instincts.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I don't see these as all that discordant. But they're both quite oversized, and drapey with minimal adornment.

If I saw you in one of the first outfits one day, and the next day in one of the last three, I wouldn't think anything of it.

10 years ago

Cerinda

Veteran

Does consistency/cohesion matter to you?

I've always admired your way of working trends without reproducing them. I look forward to seeing any/all of these.

10 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. I always loved that one, it may even be my motto. (One of them!) Lately I have been switching between Gucci wannabe and my version of minimalism. I'm moody, so what?

10 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I think it is OK. Especially if you don't mind/care to be noticed!:-) And as we know you, all you'll be wearing would still be gorgeous and fun!

10 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Anna, I love all of these looks for you! Why are you worried about some self-limiting notion of 'cohesive'? Imagine if Picasso or Salvador Dali had worried that they weren't cohesive.

You're an icon. If you're feeling a look, wear it

10 years ago

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