How to do “dark romance” - YouLookFab Forum

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How to do “dark romance”

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi all

I am interested in pursuing a more “dark romantic” style this winter.

To help my thinking, I made a random list of what I think of as “romantic” and “dark” elements in fashion.

Romantic elements

Luxe fabrics - silk, velvet, brocade, satin
Sheer fabrics (eg chiffon)
Lace
Embroidery
Soft floaty blouses
Voluminous sleeves
Exaggerated and flared cuffs
Bows
Drape
Floral patterns
Baroque style patterns
Frills, flounces and peplums
Pearls
Brooches
Chokers
White
Pink
Gold
Victorian era styling eg high necks, frock coats, tall boots (equestrian and lace up), corsets, book chain necklaces, lockets
Floaty skirts or dresses with some length
Gloves
Curly or wavy hair

Dark elements

Black
Rich dark colours (for me: purple/plum, burgundy, dark green, darker shades of teal)
Leather
Military styling (this can be romantic too)
Fishnets
Studs
Spikes (eg on jewellery)
Mesh
Zippers
Silver
Dark motifs eg skulls
Biker styling (moto jackets, moto boots)
Ankle boots
Dark make up (probably not for me)

In Finds I made a collection of items I already have that I might be able to use towards this look.

I think I have many of the “dark” aspects covered. What I need is a bit more “romance”. (Hey, don’t we all?)

So I am on the lookout for some additions:

*Pearls. A couple of years ago when pearl mania swept the forum I said that I wasn’t a fan (for me). Oops. Luckily I am pretty sure I covered my bases with my usual “never say never” motto because I am now keen on adding some pearls to my look.

*Brooches. I have none but wouldn’t mind something vintage.

*Velvet coat or jacket. Preferably longish and a little bit military, in burgundy, plum, dark green or dark teal. Yum.

*Velvet pants in black, burgundy or plum. (I do already have some velvety black jeans.)

*White/ivory lace or floral blouse.

I also continue to be on the lookout for a dark floral asymmetrical midi skirt or midi dress.

I don’t plan to go overboard on the frills and flounces, but I do like the whole Gothic/Victorian vibe, as long as things don’t skew too black or costumey.

What do you think? Anything you would add? Any tips or places where I should look for additions or for inspiration?

And any thoughts on these burning questions:
* is there a romantic way to wear stripes and geometrics?
* what is a “romantic” style handbag?

This is going to be fun!

Jumper with Roll Neck and Sheer Panel Detail

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Arelia A-Line Coat

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DL1961 Heather High Rise Flare Jeans

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Vanessa Mooney The Delilah Choker Necklace

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KAOS 3/4 length skirt

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KUT from the Kloth Esther Corduroy Military Jacket

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51 replies

Latest reply was from Brooklyn

gryffin

Veteran

Brooklyn - this is a strong part of my style - after minimalist equestrian. Tuxedo style blouse black and white, grouped stick pins, pocket handkerchiefs in blazer outer pockets - extra points for lace trim. Granny boots, Lace edge silk camis (black and white - extra points for silk), poet's style blouse, waistcoats, sweater guards, pocket watch with fobs or as necklace, cameos, I'm sure I will come up with more!! Love it!!

ETA - you are looking for the JP jacket in velvet. Anna Sui did velvet frock coats embellished in the 90's. J Peterman has items that would go with your aesthetic. Also Rebecca Taylor, Etoile Isabel Marant, L'agence blouses, Frame blouses, Veronica Beard are all good designers to scan. PS please let me know what you find. I am always on the hunt for pieces like this!!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks gryffin. Great ideas. I am going to go through your Finds!

I have these older items in my wardrobe that I can resurrect:
*a black vest
*black, lace up boots
*a corset like belt

And I am already on the hunt for a lace cami.

What is a sweater guard? I will have to google that.

gryffin

Veteran

http://www.sparklz.com/buckles/

My favorite vintage site. I have not bought in awhile but they are lovely. Good quality. Don't forget the lace pocket square!!

I just bought the Anine Bing Lace cami - they "true sizing" said I was a medium. Way too big. Sending it back for a small.

Toban

Veteran

I love this color palette and the silhouettes. I wear a more minimalist version of this, with a love for dark moody florals. I especially like your use of dark blue rather than only black. I look forward to your WIWs from this capsule.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Are you thinking a bit like the to-die-for mysterious look of Jennifer Lawrence's character in Silver Linings?

lyn67

Veteran

Hope you'll post your outfits as I can't wait to see your romantic "dark side", Brooklyn!!! Love you've choosen a theme for the season, so much fun!:-)

Bijou

Veteran

Dark romance makes me think of dark florals, so you have a great collection to draw from already. I can see this look working beautifully on you and love the idea of adding pearls as a pretty contrast against the dark colours.

To get a good gothic look, you need a statement coat, probably in black. I could see you in this one that I bought from Cue early in the season, although it may not be dark enough. Cue does have some amazing dark lace and velvet floral dresses.

I love the items that Gryffin has suggested and I am looking forward to seeing your outfits.

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cjh

(website)

Veteran

Stripes (top) - add lacy, flowing-sleeved poets blouse over as topper, velvet pants or skirt, swashbuckling boots. Going for the pirate theme...

Geometric prints - depends on the brightness in the colors, but perhaps dark velvet wrap shirt or kimono as topper, and an intricate pendant or cameo style piece of jewelry picking up one of the darker colors in the print. There will be some interest in the juxtaposition and it won’t be necessary to go full-on romance with every outfit.

Anonymous

BOOKLYN- considering how far from my wheelhouse the term "dark romance" is, I have to say I really like your picks. The fabrics you mention are lush and have great texture and lend itself to romantic dressing. Great job on plan -and hope you have good luck and great success in implementing it

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think you are well on your way with some of those Finds and what you have in your closet. A romantic style handbag to me would be one with some subtle floral undertone - like maybe Patricia Nash styles if you want leather.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(It's always pearl mania in my life ).

FUN thoughts and assortment. Effective too.

Brooklyn, try grey pearls.

I think of soft flounces as romantic - you need those in dresses and tops.

To answer your questions:

A lace stripe perhaps?
patent bag?

White House Black Market

Petite Three Quarter-Sleeve Lace-Detail Tee

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tulle

Veteran

I think you've nailed the look with this list, Brooklyn, and I would put the longish frock coats in rich velvet or brocade at the top of the list. I had one years ago, and absolutely loved wearing it. My inspiration was a collection of expensively tailored (by Favor, I think) long Edwardian-style jackets in a magazine. My economical adaptation was a semi-fitted dark chocolate velvet pin-striped coat I found in a thrift shop. I cut several inches from the knee-length hem and used the fabric to make covered buttons. With a high-collared shirt, dark brown bootcut jeans , and heeled boots, I felt luxe and full of swagger. It should be fun adding to your Dark Romantic wardrobe. Happy hunting--and don't forget to check out the second hand shops!

Diana

Veteran

Well, you know this is like 1000% up my alley. Can't wait to see what you come up with. I think you have a really good collection already.

Re: pearls, I don't do classic strands of white pearls, but I do like black/grey pearls, the irregular natural sort of pearls, pearls stranded with silver/filigree/whatever, you get the idea. Example in photo 1, although the outfit is not dark romantic at all. Mother of pearl might be another option - I have this big oval mother of pearl and silver pendant (photo 2).

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Sara L.

Veteran

I think this is perfect for you. You already have the dark florals as a good base and just need to add a bit of romance. I love the idea of velvet - so luxe.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

we'll just call you Stevie Nicks from now on. Here's my romantic handbag (more of an evening bag tho) - a hand embroidered velvet pouch I picked up in Beirut last fall.

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The Cat

Veteran

Great lists, Brooklyn! I think I'll save this post for inspiration for when "my" winter arrives. To my surprise, I love and own several of the items and elements you have listed. So maybe I have a dark romantic side that I haven't been aware of ... I'll have to think about it.

I am sure you will manage to create an exciting, unique "dark romance" style, and look forward to seeing your outfits.

At first, it surprised me that you have listed "silver" among dark elements, as silver is often viewed as light and shiny. But then I came to think of oxidized silver, which will probably be perfect for "dark romance".

I must admit that I find it hard to see how skulls can fit into a romantic style even if it is dark. That said, I love many of your ideas here and your analytical approach. Here are some tips and ideas from me:

● Even if you don't want a general dark makeup, you can use a dark brown or dark grey eye pencil as eyeliner and, if you like, smudge the line with a Q-tip or your finger. Even a subtle dark line adds definition and depth.
● A simple pearl string might be too ordinary/boring for your style. Try styles where white or blush pearls are mixed with black or charcoal pearls/stones/crystals/glass. Or try a mix of pearls in rich shades.
● With your colouring, amber (in any shade) would be lovely. For your "dark romance" style, try a dark amber combined with oxidized silver. Terrific for a brooch!
● Another idea for a brooch: A Chanel style camelia in black, black & white, purple or wine.
● A chunky silver heart pendant in a black leather cord would probably look great with a "dark romance" style.
● How about a short and feminine waistcoat in dark leather? Some years ago, I had a black one which was much admired. It had small rufles in front and interesting cut-outs in the back and looked great with different materials in tops and bottoms.
● Stripes and geometrics will probably be easier to combine with a "dark romance" style if they contain black or other dark colours. I recently had a wine cardigan with black argyle and subtle sequins. It looked fine with lace tops and velvet bottoms.
● In search for a romantic handbag, look for the romantic elements you have listed, like velvet, brocade, embroidery, dark florals ... Probably easiest to find in evening bags. Everyday bags might be more difficult to find. But look for curved lines and details like a bow, long fringes, or mixed soft materials in dark colours. Or styles like retro doctor bags.
● Try a romantic winter hat like a velvet or knitted soft beret in a deep/rich colour and perhaps with some embellishment, like a bow or a flower.

The Cat

Veteran

Brooklyn, I understand that you are primarily planning your winter wardrobe. But do you have any plans to extend this style for summer? I find your planned style very fascinating and wonder how it could be "translated" to a summer wardrobe ...

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Witchery has quite a lot of burgundy this year? I love your burgundy patent boots!
Would a teal velvet duster like what I wore on St Patrick's Day be the kind of thing? Sorry it's an NZ brand that I'm not sure exports, and 4 years old. Also try vintage for embroidered bags hopefully bigger than my mother's small one, which I love?

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Sal

Veteran

I think you will have it nailed!!

I can imagine stripes working for a dark romance lite version

eg. black and white striped top with a velvet jacket and dark pants....

Or an asymmetric striped skirt with a dark floral top...

I suspect smaller stripes and maybe slightly less "crisp" ones. Black and white or black and grey or even burgundy and cream rather than red and white for example......

Handbag - yes I think darker but maybe bone or blush - not white or a clear colour....

I can see this look for summer too especially in the evening...

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks everyone for these comments, which are very useful. And I must say it is great to have this forum to engage with me on such issues as "what constitutes a romantic handbag". It may save my marriage in the long term. My husband, although he tries very hard, is not really into detailed style analysis

On the stripes/geometrics issue, I should have clarified that I am not really looking to add stripes and geometrics to my winter wardrobe. I already have many. Although I still like them, I was pondering more romantic ways to wear them. To change up the look a bit. They have that crisp, sharp thing happening.

The handbag is just a bit of fantasy. I don't really need anymore handbags! But I was thinking, like others here, that maybe I could pick up something velvet or brocade second hand. I was thinking a clutch or portmanteau style bag, but I like the pouch idea too.

I will come back later to respond to individual comments.

Oeuvre Stripe Top

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M Missoni Sweater

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Sal

Veteran

In our house the most clothes are talked about is whether the pants match the shirt (often they don't) and whether sneakers or leather shoes are required.....

We are lucky to have this forum!!

Gigi

Veteran

This sounds like tons of fun! I can't wait to see your outfits. My only suggestion to you is to check out Free People--not sure if you have them easily available in Australia (though I'm pretty sure at least one of your finds is from Free People). They often have stuff like this.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Gigi. We do have FP here. And I will keep an eye on them.

Sally, my husband indulges me a lot. But I think he is grateful for the relief duty the forum provides I agree that velvet would be a good counterpoint to the stripes.

Jenni, that duster is awesome. A teal velvet coat or jacket would be fantastic. I would like something structured, single breasted and with a mandarin collar. I can practically see it. Just need to find it.

The Cat, I don't have any plans to take it into summer as yet. Mostly because fabrics like velvet and brocade would be hard to incorporate in our heat. But maybe a dark romantic lite version. Thanks for all your suggestions, which I am going to keep in mind. I am using "dark" to cover elements that are harder, tougher or more somber. To me silver has a certain fierceness to it that reads tough and gold reads warm and soft. Of course, a lot would depend on the individual pieces.

Lisa, it's funny that you mention Stevie Nicks. Every time I start thinking about this project I get that Stevie Nicks song "Leather and Lace" in my head. That being such a dark romantic combination of elements. I actually think of her style as more dark bohemian than dark romantic. I do adore her however. Love your bag too.

Sara, thanks for the vote of confidence.

Diana, your layering of pearls is exactly the sort of look that I have in mind. I have dug out some traditional pearls given to me by my grandfather. They are the traditional gold version, but I have a vision of layering them up with other necklaces to achieve a slightly Coco Chanel/ flapper/1920s look. I am also thinking about combining them with filigree necklaces or more modernist chain necklaces (as you have shown here).

Brooklyn

Veteran

Tulle, the coat is top of my list. I love your idea about shortening a coat to jacket length. I will keep that in mind if I find something that's too long. I used to have a chocolate brown velvet coat that was a total favourite of mine until it eventually developed holes. Swagger is right

Angie, pearl mania is a recognised and serious fashion condition. Much like boot mania, which I have suffered from for a long time. The only advice that I can give you is to accept the diagnosis and try to manage the adverse side effects (especially on your budget) as best you can. Thanks for your suggestions.

Texstyle, I know Patricia Nash. I once bought one of her handbags for my mum. Maybe I can borrow it (mum is always borrowing mine).

efbgen, lyn67 and Toban thanks too for the vote of confidence.

cjh, good ideas, thanks. You are right that not every outfit needs to be full on romance. I am only aiming for a slight shift in that direction.

Bijou, I love your coat sooo much. Something like that, but single breasted and in plum, dark green or teal, would be perfect. I also love your white floral dress and have had my eye out for something similar for ages.

Krish, I have read that book but never seen the movie. I will put that on the play list now. Thanks for the tip.

gryfiin, I will investigate that site, thanks. I am not sure whether they ship to Australia. My go to for vintage is Etsy and Ruby Lane. I wish I had some vintage stores in my area. Some of the brands you mention are not really available here except by O/S purchase, and super spendy of course, but I will keep an eye out, and keep you informed!

unfrumped

Veteran

This sounds like fun!

I can see these elements working great for you. You can experiment with how “ much”. Not sure what styles or “ muchness” is for work vs. personal time, but that can be part of the experiment.
“ Juxtaposition” likely to help some. Not necessary when you’re free to dress full- on romantic, but good for work. Like accessorizing advice— get all dressed and accessized, then remove one accessory.
I think of that for using stripes and geometrical, too. They can add interest and also dial back the boho- romance when needed. Such as the striped top worn with a “ romantic “ jacket instead of the expected preppy blazer, but maybe combing the colors and “ darkness” carefully to avoid a jarring effect. You have a great knack for color- pattern combos that look “ effortless “ and yet like they were made to go together.

Helen11

Veteran

Sounds like a fun way to start the winter wardrobe. I had a chuckle at your husband taking on fashion analysis, and at Sal's household fashion discussions.
My only tip: A dressmaker can make you that perfect coat.
I know this because I'm spending the week at Dance Eisteddfod, and, oh the costumes! With fabric and imagination anything is possible!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Brooklyn, that whole movie is wrth seeing, really, it's a very ggod movie. Howerever, THIS is the exact scene I was thinking of in terms of your post. No spoiler alert, not to worry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNFUGWmYldc

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love this idea for you, Brooklyn, and it seems you are well on your way. I also like the more general idea of setting a tone for the season and thinking in those terms. I have never consciously done this but now that you say it, it sounds brilliant!

JAileen

Veteran

This is such an interesting turn. I’m going enjoy seeing your evolution. So much of what you have will work anyway.

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