Eclectic and Versatile. Is it possible?

Hello lovely ladies. The last month I’ve had limited Internet access and my closet has been boxed up for a move. Now that I’m feeling more settled I’m looking forward to participating more in this community and soliciting advice from all of you!

I have quite a few gaping holes in my wardrobe, so over the next few months I’m looking to shop more than I usual. Plus, fall is approaching and fall shopping is the best! As I’m thinking about upcoming purchases I’d really like to know how other eclectic dressers have created cohesion and functionality in their wardrobes. Should I add versatile classic pieces that work across my wardrobe? Should I throw versatility to the wind and focus on building individual outfits with specific looks? General thoughts on how to keep a closet eclectically fab and not eccentric are appreciated!

Bonus shot of the bomber jacket I posted about a few weeks
ago. I put this together for a last-minute invite to a concert. I am
not exaggerating when I say these were literally the only clean(ish) clothes I had. Glad the look worked, although probably not how I will style it in the future. I think I’m off skinny jeans.

Bomber jacket: Anna Sui

Jeans: J brand

Sandals: One of the less expensive Ralph Lauren labels

Tee: Gap (worn all day the previous day, but it was the
cleanest shirt I had – that’s what perfume is for, right?)

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

It seems so, but probably takes some planning.
I am not an eclectic dresser--not even sure what that is--but I think it sounds very fun to consider how to do! Later will look up what it is! I do appreciate "juxtaposing" though, even in conservative ways, to get a fresh and individual look from what might be readily available and fairly ordinary items.

As in, can you identify a lot of looks you love and see what pieces seem to be in those looks that can be worn repeatedly but look "different" based on how you mix them together? Versatile means everything goes with everything (or, well, with a lot of things), but it doesn't mean the resulting outfits have to be predictable or all classic. So your "basic" pieces might be different from a modern classic. Or, you might plan ahead for how your "versatile" basics can be made into much more eclectic outfits with the addition of key pieces that are relatively inexpensive.

Also, is it possible for color combinations to create the eclectic look? Some items chosen for how a certain color looks very different worn in a less-expected way.
Lastly, you might get mileage out of pieces by mixing more casual and more dressy together.

rabbit

I really love the concert look, great bomber!

I think I do eclectic a lot, with the occasional foray into eccentric. I would go for versatile in terms of color and silhouette but I'm not sure about defaulting to classic items always, I think that might water down the 'eclectic' too much.

I try to stick with a limited color scheme, and silhouettes that work on me and then mix and match across styles and price points, seasons, and dressy/casual. I think experimenting a lot in front of the mirror is key pairing up items by color and pattern rather than style.

I prefer not to buy something that only goes with one or two other things, I want to be able to wear it with at least five other options.

Meredith

Unfrumped and Rabbit, I think you both hit at the heart of the issue when you say my basic pieces shouldn’t necessarily be modern classics. I do genuinely like some aspects of modern classic style, but if I buy a piece related to that style descriptor it’s usually because I think it will have longevity, not because I
particularly love it. Then I end up with a closet of wearable, functional things that just seem ho-hum. Must take more risks.

Of course, you have to decide whether you like taking risks or not--but often we're in between and want to move in a direction and figure out how to get there, do something less "safe" but safe enough--baby steps for me, usually.

One way to take more risks is to run a leaner wardrobe and be willing to repeat. Sounds paradoxical, but I'm referring to not building up a "deep" wardrobe and investing a lot in many pieces sitting in the closet, but start doing your risk-taking with a few pieces, to develop a few signature "looks", and then if something doesn't work out, you can pass it along and get something else. It doesn't have to be strict "minimalism" but just keeping resources available for evolving. Then, too, I think vintage fits into eclectic for some folks, so if that's true for you, you may find pieces at thrift or consignment stores that work for this look.

Category