I've been thinking of how to write this post for a while, for my own future reference. Style Essence was the business of the stylist I saw in 2010 when about to apply for a seminar presenter's job. I was petrified by the dress code for the joint interview day,
"Professional dress". I had recently gained all the weight and been bullied such that I lost my sense of self, and at that point had not done an interview for 6 years. The stylist did help, although not a patch on Angie!
So, I think my signature style involves the following:
Hints of vintage or retro style ( pic 1 1920s fringing, pic 2 1970s waistcoat, pics 3 and 4 my nod to the 70s)
Bright colours since an 80s girl ( pics 5, 6, 8, 9).
Pretty flowers, or butterflies, or peacocks, soft draping not too tailored, long over lean or tunics over trousers (pics 1 and 3)
Black and white/ monochrome/ geometric/ Art Deco- all triangle and diamond shapes loved. Houndstooth. Tartan.
Quirky additions. Fringing, minis, tights, studs, straps, zips. Boho. Sparkly.
Comfort is really important. I don't want to be fussing with my clothing.
Figure flattery: as pear/apple, camouflage the bottom half, so darker pants, or if white then a longer top( pics 1, 4, 5). Draw the eye to the neckline and/or the shoes, not the middle part. Have some details like patterns, buttons, edging near the neckline if possible. If dresses, then empire line or fit and flare are more flattering as they minimise or skim over the waist.
I'm petite, 5 foot 2, small feet ( euro 36, US 5.5, UK 4), short legs, short neck which needs space. So nothing too oversized that drowns me. Most shoes must look dainty and refined except for occasional deliberately clumpy boots which must be statements.
Dressed up casual, I'm not super casual. I prefer to look as though I planned an outfit since I always do. Even a casual one.
Jewellery: always my plain narrow gold band wedding ring. Sometimes my dainty diamond cluster engagement ring which looks like a flower. Occasionally other small rings ( tiny hands). Gold watch usually, sometimes vintage watch ( have several) or silver/ turquoise Pierre Cardin watch.
Occasional wide bracelet or cuff.
Always earrings, usually matching colours in my outfit, generally fine, may be dangly but not oversized.
Often a gold chain, occasional fine necklace, not usually a statement necklace.
Spectacles, every day. Previously gold( pics 2, 6 and 8) now rose gold with a dainty flower on the side ( pic 10).
Prescription sunglasses are Oroton, tortoiseshell ( no pic).
Statement items are tunics and shoes mainly. Shoes may be bright or vintage ( pics 8,9). Sometimes vests or jackets are statements eg faux fur vest ( pic 8). Occasionally a skirt is a statement, more so before my weight gain( pic 7).
Essentials are mainly layering tops and trousers and sometimes jackets. Many of these are black.
Handbags are not a love. They mostly tone but occasionally are changed up to match. I do have a collection of vintage clutches for evenings.
The occasional hat is vintage inspired eg cloches. Not a scarf lover as feel they overwhelm my short neck.
My grey pixie cut is a statement. Not much makeup, just blusher and lipstick and sometimes toenail or fingernail polish to match shoes or outfits. Yes, a matchy- matchy person!
Outfits rather than capsules. Everything doesn't have to go with everything else. So my wardrobe needs to be a little bigger so I don't get bored.
Style persona: "eclectic matriarch". I feel like a matriarch both personally ( older daughter of 2, mother died when I was 38, have 3 adult children) and professionally ( 32 years experience and still going strong).
Wow that's long. It's mainly for my use... Cheers to all.