WIW: "Feminine-Girly-Pretty" ... tomboy style

There was a thread recently regarding whether folks would describe their style as "pretty" and I really enjoyed people's personal interpretations of that descriptor as compared to the dictionary definition.

As a general rule, I would define my style as the antithesis of feminine or girly. When I think of the words pretty, feminine, girly, etc. what comes to mind is lace and pearls and florals all worn together. Not my usual style by any stretch of the imagination.

So the last of last week's outfits that were put together to keep me cool in the heat and warm in the office was a personal challenge to take elements I normally think of as overly "pretty" and combine them in a way that is still very me. So what I ended up with I would describe as "feminine tomboy" style.

The casualness of the outfit overall is definitely very me --and the use of a tank, cropped baggy-fit BFs and cabbie hat all move the ensemble squarely in the direction of tomboyish. To move it back into the realm of feminine/pretty I used a statement making vintage pearl and turquoise necklace that looks like it should be worn with a ball gown (I usually wear this piece with something as simple as a white button-down shirt, jeans and nude pumps to de-glam it). I then added elements of lace (the back of the sweater and the trim on the tank) and gave a nod to florals with the flower accented wedge sandals. All while keeping the color palette predominantly soft and light.

I think it was an interesting juxtaposition of style elements that felt both feminine and boyish in a way that made me feel comfortable -plus I was both warm enough and cool enough in it during the heat wave last week.

Cabbie hat: Goorin bros (via Zappos)
Lace trim tank: Banana Republic (from years ago)
Pale peach/nude silk sweater with lace back: Barney's Co-op (thrifted)
Cropped BF jeans: Blank NYC (via Zappos years ago)
Pale pink/nude metallic sandals with flower accents: Born (via Zappos years ago)
Nude leather bag: Michael Kors (via designer consignment)
Pearl, turquoise and enamel necklace: Vintage 1960s victorian revival (gift from BF)
Pearl bracelet and Apatite bead bracelet: both gifts
Gold snake ring: vintage (gift from BF)
Turquoise and gold ring: victorian era c.1900 (via ebay)
Tiny cameo and gold earrings: vintage (via estate buyout years ago, I think -had them forever so can't really remember)
turquoise snakeskin skinny belt: vintage (thrifted)

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11 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

I love the way you add a really dressy necklace to a more casual style and have it rock the way this does...The necklace makes the outfit sing...I have a rhinestone choker type and I wear it with chambray and denim and it does the same...
The way you put feminine and boyish together to form an interesting chic look rather than a pretty one definitely works...I like the cap going forward and the spot of lace as you pass...What a great contrast...
If I were to see you I would comment maybe just in my head, "very interesting outfit"...

LACeleste

Hmmmm. I've been trying so hard not to use "pretty" in my comments. Even though your style is original with lots of tomboy and you have mastered stealth juxto (here more direct juxto), I still see it! I really thought the orange harem serpent necklace outfit was cool and pretty and I see pretty here too. FWIW. I know it's not dictionary definition and I hope you don't mind. I mean it in the best possible way!

I LOVE your coloring!

Ledonna N.

I really enjoy seeing your day to day style. You breakdown the why behind wearing something and are willing to share your knowledge. I greatly appreciate that you really seem to know what works for your life. I, as usual like this fit it is girly but it keeps the edge that is you or your style,

Anonymous

I adore this! Girly tomboy personified. What a fabulous necklace that is and I love the touch of lace at the back of your cardigan. I think the balance of feminine and boyish is spot on for a fabulous outfit.

Greyscale

This works so well. The color palette is great, and I'm impressed because it's not your usual palette but you put it together perfectly.

Gracie

Feminine tomboy done very well indeed. What I'm picking up to try myself: the way you are wearing your cropped, deep V cardi buttoned and fluid over a tucked-in tank... never thought of wearing them like you show and I like it!

cciele

I really love watching how your style adapts to the hotter weather! This is a great juxtaposition of styles that totally still feels like you, with a nod to the environment/weather

LoriFLA

Active Member

The first thing that came to mind when I viewed your pics was "sexy". It must be the combination of tomboy and feminine and the fitted tank under the cardigan Looking great! Love the pops of turquoise.

Ingunn

(website)

I really think you achieved your goal. This is feminine but not girly, and the tomboy vibe is eminent. Love this! Beautiful colors and interesting details. You have great personal style.

rachylou

Roaring success! Wow, really like how you did it. You do indeed look pretty, but not too pretty.

Firecracker (Sharan)

What a great outfit, and you look terrific in it! Your look is cool and sassy. I love all the pieces and how they work together, style-wise, color-wise, and proportionally.

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