I’m still wearing those pants and still working on a more refined winter look. “Elegant” is a word that’s been applied to me in the past; I’d like to lean into it more. Angie’s blog post today clarified for me why I am so particular about the plaids I wear: big, loud plaids make me feel big (in a bad way), loud, and clunky/chunky, like the big chunky boxes.
My love affair with the lilac plaid pants this fall is reminding me that I was delighted to wear my pale pink jeans a couple winters ago. They are slightly warmer, but not really winter pants. Next time I’m buying pants for the winter, I’ll have to look for something pale and patterned. Outfits 2 & 3 are fully winterized, with (orchid) tights and a golden-brown silk undershirt.
The experiment with the tie is a disaster, imo. Any suggestions on how to do it better? I don’t think a 3- piece suit is for me, but I like the way the androgyny of the outfit in finds highlights the wearer’s femininity, a type that’s strong & fun.
Plan A for the pencil skirt and oversized jacket was the lace-up black boots, but I was afraid that would be too much/a caricature. What do you think?
The long plaid skirt is one I loved to wear in high school & college with a shrunken black cashmere sweater (from when my mother was in high school), a simple string of pearls, and patent leather ballet shoes with a tiny, narrow wedge. These shoes might be too staid.
The last outfit is a plaid mini skirt. I think lyn67 has the same one, would love to see what she wears with it.
The following text is what I wrote in June, looking ahead to the winter.
Still thinking through the differences in my summer and winter styles, I’m looking ahead to next winter. I appreciate the time people took to comment on this post https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/winter
My summer style is easy—bright colors, worn with attitude. Generally a juxtaposition somewhere. Lots of pattern, but not rigid, geometric patterns. Some swishy pieces, but outfits that show figure/skin. This is easy for me to wear and easy to pull together from my wardrobe. It feels authentic to me. I think components/descriptors of my style are: natural, sexy, playful, cheeky, rich, colorful.
I’ve been thinking through my winter style, trying to figure out how to carry out those same themes. It is harder, because the fabric needed to stay warm makes it hard for clothing to have much movement, unless it’s so much fabric it impedes *my* movement, which is not acceptable to me. Exposed skin is out, obviously. Mini skirts can show some shape (structure, in Angie’s use of the term) but what else is there?
I think next winter i want to amp up the flirty and steampunk sides of my style, moving in the direction of burlesque/pinup. By “moving in that direction” I don’t mean I want to become a glamonatrix; being all-natural and ready for action are important to me. So no full face of make-up or lacy camis peaking out or boudoir looks on the street, even though I do like the looks on The Lingerie Addict. The part of those styles that I want to try next winter is that cheeky, sexy playfulness. Aida, commenting on a collection of boots I liked, described the looks as “rich color, texture, maximal details, and actually a fairly refined overall look with a little dark glamor”. That’s where I want to head with this.
I don’t follow fashion pages, so the only references I have are from the forum. I admire the way MaryBeth and jessikams lean into a look, edging on costume, but never falling over that edge, Synne’s photo shoots are TDF—the kind of fun I want to have. Also inspiring this turn are Lana’s sophisticated allure, Brooklyn’s use of rich pattern and texture in several of her style turns, the playfulness of la ped and zaeobi’s outfits, while staying in a space no one could claim is impractical, and Ginger’s unrepentantly (& therefore very cool) retro looks. Jenn’s emerging rocker persona might also hold something for me. Debbi and Eva’s architectural styles perfectly manage the tension between drama and practical everyday life, which I also aspire to.
I took a stroll through my finds, which include pieces I own and others I just like. I did the same when I decided to build the berry wardrobe. Just like the berry colors, I found that this style turn has been bubbling under the surface for a while—the collection has things from my finds that fit. What do you think? How can I amp up that vibe? I’m not looking for lists of things to buy/what to throw away. I will probably buy a few new pieces, but am mostly looking for “how to” ideas, what pieces to wear with what, and sites to look at for further inspo. Ideas for styling my long layered locks without heat or hairspray (gel, coloring, or other product) would also be helpful. I’m getting it cut June 17, still planning to see if it can grow to my waist. Thanks for reading, humoring me, and any suggestions.
Clothes in these pix are older than in my last post.
Winter Silks raspberry sweater ca 2005
Boo-boo lilac plaid pants nwt 2019
Esprit Striped shirt late 1990s
St John’s sweatshirt 201x
Lands End pink no-iron linen top 2008???
Intimissimi tank 2020
Dad’s tie, probably from the 70s.
Plaid jacket 1980s
Halogen blue pencil skirt early 201x
Joe Fresh black LS T 201x
Joseph Seibels shoes 2021
Loft cardi 201x
Pleated plaid skirt early 1979/80
LS Intimissimi top 2020
Purple velour top, market, 2022
Soft Surroundings cardi/jacket 201x
Plaid skirt late 1990s
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