WIW...plain (inspired by Synne)

...inspired by Irina https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/plain-wiw. The idea of creating an outfit from ‘plain’ garments has been running through my head all weekend, and I wondered if I could come up with something out of my closet. Can’t replicate the flowing minimalist look of Synne’s flamboyant natural style. Her garments are soft and loose, whereas mine are crisp and structured. I peg myself as having natural classic style, perhaps leaning more heavily towards the classic.

Maybe this is just another outfit composed entirely of essentials?

FWIW the trench isn’t completely plain. It is a heavy cotton brocade with a floral motif.

#1 and #2 for a walk with DH, and a stop at the bank on a chilly and windy day.

What’s your version of ‘plain’?

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by Runcarla

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3 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

A totally different take on plain, but equally as interesting! I'm getting equestrian vibes.

Irina

This would be my version of plain I, myself would wear black oxfords instead of boots, though.

cat2

Crisp white blouse, dark wash jeans and dark blue loafers? I think I can find pieces without ornamentation, but it’s hard given my love of texture and shine.

madeline

Almost exactly like yours. Black sweater, white jeans, leopard sneakers. Uniqlo ultralight down jacket-black.
Love your layering tan jacket and trench coat. I never think to do that!

slim cat

Fab look! Crisp and authoritative ( if I’ve got the spelling right..). Can’t do that style - dying without the printed
pieces .

Anonymous

What is this plain business ? I don’t compute .

rachylou

I really like the coat over puffer. ‘Plain’ but layered, so some interest. This is a cool challenge. I don’t know what my plain is... I think I look really unfinished in ‘plain’ outfits. Like a navy skirt, navy leggings, and grey tee. But I see these ads and stock photos and YLF’ers, where the look is amazingly complete!

Runcarla

@ rachylou - don’t overthink it! Select individual ‘plain’ garments (your basics?) and see what happens when you put them together to assemble an outfit. I think that’s what Synne was trying to do. Of course the end result for her was anything but plain. If it wasn’t so darn cold, I might have put together the outfit from Finds below. Then I kind of run out of plain.

notsaf

CLASSIC!

Jaime

To me plain pieces means no prints, mostly neutrals, classic to minimalist cuts. But the result is anything but plain as demonstrated beautifully here.

Leslie

Active Member

Minimal and sharp, NOT plain. Plus your hair and the pants echo each other, as do the coat and boots. Bravo!

Sally

Your look here is very classic. Good for walking in style and hanging out at a polo match with a glass of champagne.

Joy

Fabulous outfit! I would have to add texture and a scarf. That would spoil
the simplicity.
My idea of plain is all solid neutrals with no accessorizing, play with texture or even much contrast. I don’t think I do plain.

Brooklyn

Timeless and super elegant. Perhaps more minimalist than plain.

I don’t think I do plain. I like fancy schmancy

Synne

Oh yes, sharp indeed! You have some very elegant drama to your style, I just realized. It is usually toned down with your more classic on-the-go looks. Very interesting! Fab outfit! I see you strolling down Manhattan on your way to a very important and secret rendezvous in this

Star

Classic outfit. YLF! My plain is light gray and camel together. No print. Totally calms me.

Sisi

For me plain means simple essential garments. My usual version is a blue v-neck pullover, jeans and cognac booties or black moccasins.

I think Shevia is right - the result can be beautiful. You look very elegant.

ChristelJ

This is very striking with the high contrast. Really nice.
I think the eye is drawn to the shapes more when there is no pattern or ornament to distract. Also the face and hair stand out more.
My personal plain is a white tee and blue jeans.

Staysfit

Runcarla, I think you said it best when asking about individual versions of plain. I think you nailed it! I like the crisp structure in your version. Without it, you might look sloppy rather than chic. My version of plain for Spring would include medium to low contrast, solid colors, and sleek lines and structure, because I am am Vertical Yang dominant. I would wear evenly dyed slim straight jeans, a solid narrow, minimally draped V neck top fitted at the shoulders, and either a simple sleek blazer, or a simple, narrow, long line cardigan, also crisp at the shoulders. I would choose either oxfords or sneakers as shoes. I like the way laces extent the long vertical line but still look fairly simple/plain. I would pare down my jewelry, but I would wear something, most likely simple earrings and always a bangle or two.

Love it! I guess plain to me would be a lbd, or black or beige top + black skirt. Or of course my all black sleep- loungewear. Maybe I'll do one tomorrow when I have to go out!
I'm definitely wanting to go more in the simple classic direction, backlash against all the brights, ruffles, and chaos at retail now.

Zaeobi

I especially love how the neckline makes your puffer plain, but the colour still adds some interest under your topper.

Haha I thought I wore a rather 'plain' outfit to work the other day but, looking back at it now, it probably wouldn't be considered so by other people! Oh well, I shall post it as a WiW anyway - all aboard the Plain Train

Sloper

Love it! Very Copenhagen-style too.
Looks like you mean A LOT of business!

Jonesy

I love it! The high contrast = drama. Classic yet dramatic and sharp.

Once in a blue moon I wear navy head to toe in the form of jeans, pullover & bootie or jeans, T and sneaks or oxfords. Guess that’s my plain.

You look very intriguing here and mysterious (in my mind:)
Like Synne, I feel like you’re off for an important or clandestine meeting/rendezvous. In the best way.

Like you were trying to be incognito but it backfired and people can’t help noticing your outfit/hair/ambiance.

Too funny, I was going to try the crisp white shirt today and realized I don’t have a single plain white shirt; one has silver lace trim, the second has a massive bow at the waist, and the third is mixed media with puffy sleeves! I think I should just skip the Plain Challenge.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the equestrian vibe and fab topper layering! I see simple and not plain. Punchy with the crisp and high contrast white!

sunnyday

I have that Uniqlo puffer in four colors.

I agree with @Jenna's@ wonderful description of this outfit - forget being a Bond girl, you look like you just left a secret meeting to successfully foil all of Bond's plans, & now you're calmly leaving without a hair out of place. The woman maketh the clothes, not the other way around

Suz

Simple or minimal, not plain! Love the contrast.

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