Sophia Loren as Tuscan farm wife: how to recreate this in a modern way?

I absolutely adore this editorial shoot of Ashley Graham. She just sings in it. To me it's very "Sophia Loren as Tuscan farm wife." Which I LOVE!

Earlier this winter I tried to capture her skirt and sweater outfit. I don't know if the look is me? If it is appropriate for everyday life, like running to the grocery store? Is it too costumey? I've owned the skirt forever -- it's a handmade skirt that is one-of-a-kind and was in the Appalachian mountains. It's in dark autumn colors to boot. I've probably had it 25 years? I rarely wear it. It's hard to style it and not feel conspicuous. But it's so gorgeous and I would love to wear it at least some. I'm not crazy about all of the color? The navy cardigan makes it feel too color blocked. A plum or burnt orange cardigan or cropped sweater would be better; I may really have to knit one.

Anyway. Are there some ways to recreate these styles without it being costumey or idk... weird? What do you think? Maybe I just need to do some sewing or shopping, to find some similar vibe things?

Would love your thoughts and ideas! xo

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1 year ago

Nomad

Active Member

Oh wow, Ashley is smolderingly beautiful in those photos, and you are *gorgeous* in that skirt (you have amazing eyes).

I agree that I'd like to see it with a burnt orange or plum sweater to tie it closer to the skirt, but I'm a little shy with color mixing so my suggestions won't be the most fashion-forward. Regardless, I think it's a lovely skirt. Maybe try tucking the tie into the waistband? That might remove one detail and make it feel less costumey?

CarolS

Veteran

Wow - the inspiration photos are just beautiful -- as are YOU. That skirt is fabulous. I'd love to see it with a patterned top -- that brings both colours from the skirt in -- but that could also include others. Kind of inspired by photo 7. I think solid cognac could still feel a bit colour blocky/sandwichy. Solid burgundy/plum would be less choppy. but you'll still be very much colour blocked. Pattern might be your friend here...

And I think if you love it, feel good in it, and it makes you feel like 'you', it will not be a costume.

rachylou

I’m all about Sophia Loren inspiration for summer - the full-skirted sundress is a staple for me. The skirt is super fun. I agree the navy sweater isn’t quite right visually. A cropped ‘ballet top’ sweater is what I envision, something with a looser stitch. And a short sleeve top for when summer really arrives. Also, a cropped bomber jacket has just popped into my head.

Suz

(website)

What Carol said! You can totally pull off a version of this look. Rachy's right that a cropped sweater might also look good.

It looks like the burgundy portion has a tonal pattern going on already, right? That might make it a bit harder to work with pattern, so another option would be to go with something white or cream. I guess an embroidered blouse could end up feeling more costumey than you like, but still, could be worth a try?

Indigoprint

You can completely do this....just as photo worthy looking FAB.
especially with your fav colors.

Jaime

You nailed it with Sophia Loren in a Tuscan farm - for both gorgeous you and the gorgeous photo shoot. Agree that a more earthy color top would play to the vibe even better.

Bijou

What a wonderful post. I love your skirt and knit, which are both stunning pieces. A white billowing blouse would be lovely with your skirt too.

This reminds me of a short documentary on Netflix that I watched, What would Sophia Loren do? It highlights Sophia’s beauty and strength through the eyes of her greatest fan. I found it inspirational and a celebration of Sophia.

SarahD8

I think this is a great outfit and looks stunning on you. I like the suggestions you are getting here but nor does the navy sweater bother me. (I’m imagining it with navy shoes to bookend, maybe clogs?)

Maybe it’s fine to risk being a little costumey now and then. Especially if you are dressing up as your innermost self.

Brooklyn

You look amazing! And the inspiration photos are so cool.

I think you can wear the skirt (which is beautiful) as shown. A tonal sweater or wrap top plum, burgundy or aubergine could look great too.

RobinF

Ooh yes, a top that has both colors would be great with that skirt! Also like the idea of a wrap top or cropped sweater. I like the blue sweater a lot but agree it isn't quite right with the skirt.

Kim M

Ooo, good suggestions, above. I think you nailed it with the Sophia Loren comparison. The key to emulating the style and make it current is to experiment with footwear and accessories, in my opinion. A bootie or sneaker might make this read less costume-y (?). Also, a crossbody handbag or well chosen chunky piece of jewelry. Keep us posted!

Janet

I love the inspiration and you do indeed favor her a bit! I love the idea of a top in a plum-merlot-aubergine color to do a more tonal color block treatment, or how brilliant would it be to find a printed top in a pattern that incorporates the skirt colors? My default is to wear black with everything (bookend with black footwear too) but I like the softer more tonal approach for you.

Firecracker (Sharan)

You nailed the look, and you wear it well! I can see it working for day to day life. I don't see it as costumey.

In your other post, you were talking about wanting some playful elements without going all gamine or juniors-department. That made me think of Gudrun Sjõdén. The colors are usually more toward bright spring or winter, but perhaps you'll find some inspiration there.

Anonymous

Big yay to a tonal burgundy top with the skirt- and love the inspo photos!

Sal

Very inspiring. Great shoot of Ashley Graham - so beautiful.

I like your outfit - it’s really good on you. I like it as is or with a brown rust or cream top. Sometimes just wearing something makes it feel right.

Jenni NZ

Wow you look fab in this skirt! I do like the ideas the others have given of toning colours or else a white blouse of some sort- a bit peasanty.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

NAILED it!

Carol

ooh, fun project. if you lived in the Southwest region of the US, you could probably dress like this and no one would blink an eye. Some possibilities are reversing the kerchief so that it ties at the top, like a lot of girls wear now. Another possibility is pairing it with a bodysuit instead of sweater--any color from black to hot pink. That lets the volume of the skirt do all the talking.

VioletMyra

I love the navy to burgundy to brown . . . I don't know what your footwear looks like but personally, I wouldn't change anything. Best wishes to all.

Jenava

I like the outfit you put together, although I think the head scarf brings a little too much costume to my eye. I'd add a white top under the cardigan and let the sleeves and neckline peek out. I also wonder if you have a shorter skirt? Maybe even one in a heavier fabric? And I second the clogs suggestion.

I also get a bit of "undone, sexy Lena Hoschek" from this look. Maybe check out her styles for more inspo? https://www.lenahoschek.com/en.....tore=en_us

Ket

You all are brilliant and affirming!! Thank you so dearly! I had some health stuff flare-up so just now getting back to read everything. I'm eager to try a bunch of things. I actually do have a cream poet blouse. So I may try that first. I also have some bodysuit-esque ribbed camisoles that might work. I'm going to try what I have, posting for some feedback. Maybe even today! I've also considered finding (or knitting??) a few options. While I feel a touch tired of knitting lately, I'm game for a simple little something. I'll post soon.

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