I no longer feel the urge to experiment with style and clothes, which is something I find pretty amazing and relieving truth be told. It’s as though I have ultimately merged with my alter ego, or that my looks are now deeply intertwined with my identity at last. My apologies for the vague descriptions, but it’s almost inexplicable. Sartorially speaking, I feel settled into my own style. As I see it, maintaining a common thread, which runs through my approach to dressing, is as exhilarating as the general thrill most people get out of pushing the envelope.
I don’t mind being a repeat offender; as a matter of fact I embrace my nature. These days I have two pairs of shoes that are practically cut from the same cloth; while the Isabel Marant boots are great for daywear, I reserve the high-heeled twin from The Kooples for casual eveningwear, as I want to dress up a bit for the occasion yet keep things consistent. Evidently, I have found a common thread in terms of style and aesthetics – my ‘going-out’ attires, for instance, are just slightly more dressed up versions of my everyday look. Having a very small wardrobe is, to be sincere, both limiting and challenging at the same time, but I thoroughly enjoy the consistency my wardrobe provides and the fact that I always feel like myself regardless of what I’m clad in.
On the other hand, I’m forever on the search for formal eveningwear that caters well to my style, taste and life. I believe it’s feasible to dress accordingly for a variety of different occasions and still look and feel like myself. ‘Shop and dress with conviction’ has been one of my shopping and style mantras for quite a while now.
(Sorry for the long ramble!)
So interesting: I'm writing about the eveningwear problem right now. I find that if I buy something specifically for night I go off it quite quickly because it can never replicate the 'surprise' which is so much the important 'cinderella' element of the first time you go out in eveningwear. Better to rent or borrow for a really formal occasion?
Refreshingly honest and beautifully written. I think this comfortability with personal style comes with age. Or at least, this is what I have personally found.
Badaude: I know what you mean. That's why I avoid buying statement dresses because I feel like only wearing them once.. so I'm pro borrowing/renting. For instance, I borrowed a statement dress from my friend for my graduation last year. Anyhow, the perfect little black dress can serve as a go-to dress for formal occasions. That said, I have never been to super-duper formal events so I don't know whether a LBD would work or not. But I think the might LBD work for such formal events if you incorporate a sense of elegance into a piece of garment which people may regard a bit casual. Fortunately, I'm only 19 and the parties, clubs, events, etc, I go to are more casual in a way (people dress eccentrically, camp-ish, etc). A: Thanks! I guess you're right, though I'm not that old but I already feel like an old lady who stays true to her aesthetics.
I usually wear a dress for formal occasions but last week I decided to go with some elegant trousers and a sleek jacket and that worked well for me – I felt much more myself. My biggest problem specifically, is shoes. I'm a dedicated flats-wearer and don't own any heels, and sometimes flats just don't work. I usually borrow some heels from my sisters. I suppose as you move to new schools, new lifestyles, and eventually, work, your style will probably evolve according to needs and new influences as well. It's not the same as experimenting…more like gentle tweaking.
I always have problems with formal wear because my style is so casual. Lately I've been in luck though – I've worn my suit and I just found my 21st dress, which is like a more dressed up version of my normal attire and it's from Alexander Wang. It is perfect in so many ways and it's subtle formality inspires me to get more creative with my formal wear.X
Please don't be sorry for the long ramble, I enjoyed every single word of it! x
I know what you mean. I've been doing a 6-item challenge for nearly a month now and although I'm looking forward to wearing other clothes again, I'm really unbothered by wearing jeans and a breton every day. It works for me. I've found that because I'm not coming up with outfits all the time, I'm thinking about other things more and I've been more productive.
Lovely post- I'm so glad you're back. I hope your exams went well. I think what you are describing is the very essence of style. Style is when looks merge with mannerisms, ideals, your identity as a whole. You can have beautiful clothes, but lack a style. It's vague and complicated, but when someone has it you realize it right away. I began a post on this last night that I hope to have up tonight.
Honestly written, I'd say :)It's impressing how far you've got developing your style.I myself find it difficult to wear a "uniform," – I have to change from day to day. But that doesn't nescessary mean that you have to own tons of clothes! Style is creativity.
Fleurette, this is exactly what I'm searching for–to settle into a style that matches my identity without overwhelming it! While I think I'm getting closer, some of my clothes can make me feel a bit like I'm wearing a costume.To add to what Baudade said, it's so hard to find those statement items that are also versatile enough to surprise you again and again. It's the equivalent of a fashion unicorn.
i've been doing the same for the past year or so and it's the best feeling to go back to wardrobe foundation pieces again and again. saves a ton of time too – which is the real reward of a well-edited closet.
Maybe you can just spice up things by using some more accessories at night? They really give a basic outfit a whole other look!http://thefashiondiet.blogspot.com/
I think it is the best when you finally know what works. I have about 4 pairs of exactly the same boots. Flat ones for work, high for night, mid for days off etc. It means that they go with the same outfits. I wear a lot of plain colours in maroon, navy, emerald green and they all work with denim and black. It's a winning situation. For night I just change my makeup a bit. Easy!
I really admire this post! I love your confidence and the fact that you know yourself so well (it seems that way at least). I have such eclectic taste and my wardrobe really reflects my moods (which honestly are all over the place)! Maybe one day I will reach this point too, and it will be a whole new adventure of putting outfits together with key pieces!xxxwww.ladyalamode.com
I am with you in regards to the search for formal evening wear that accurately reflects your personal style and taste. I've spent the last few days searching the internets for a suitable formal dress that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and doesn't look like an ugly bridesmaid or prom dress. It isn't easy.
My going-out clothes are generally just slightly more dressed up versions of my everyday look…often all this consists of is adding a pair of heels and vamping up my make-up!xhttp://millyfellintothewardrobe.blogspot.com/
I love these boots!! I'm searching for similar versions some time now-Do you know where I can find them? xxhttp://tastearea.blogspot.com/
Insightful as always. How do you avoid the temptation to "upgrade" though? I mean, finding your personal style is one thing but how to you limit yourself from buying something that seems better or nicer when this culture of consumerism keeps advertising sales and items that seem so perfect for your wardrobe? I'd really like to hear your thoughts.
Formalwear is a good trick. When I moved to a space with a 24" closet, my party-dress collection had to change, although my commitment to needing party dresses has not. I have 4 knockout pieces that mix with basics and each other for fancy occasions. Different jewelry helps too. This has been the case for four years now and I'm still happy with the choices. Allow yourself at least one lovely thing for special occasions and wear it as often as you like. Good luck!
Dont be sorry for the long ramble, so inspiring! From my experience, a pair of black high heels is the key if you want to dress up your usual attire.
I think it's great and very admirable that you have such a strong personal style focus. I can understand how evening wear is difficult for you, since pants/jeans are definitely the foundation of your look. I generally don't buy anything fancy anymore, but I've accumulated a lot of dresses and skirts over the years that I fall back on for weddings and things like that. Vanessa Bruno often has some really lovely dresses which might be to your liking, though not necessarily the little black shift type. They have to be tried on though, since her proportions are often best for taller women, but some things do work.
I'm finding that my 'everday' looks and pieces are blending into the 'evening' section, to the point where nothing feels that special anymore – it's probably more of a general dissatisfaction with what's in my closet, if anything. I desperately need to clean it out and clear my head a bit. I've been saying that for months but I'll get on it this time I swear — I'm really looking forward to having the clarity you do when it comes to such a regimented wardrobe & clear aesthetic!Pulled out my flute tonight – I just started work in a cafe that's the epicentre for my city's jazz scene, I'm finding I really need to polish my musical skills to keep up with the conversations, it's wonderful!
I've missed your writing! I doubt I'll ever cease to experiment (or want to experiment) with clothes and style but I'm quite familiar with what you mean, I too desire to achieve a look/style that is the epitome of me, it would be comfortable, cool and elegant (not saying that I'm those things ;). I think it's great that you've accomplished that so early, it will take me years to settle with a style of my own because I doubt I really have one, playing with things that I like has been "my thing" for a while and although i'm now shopping with a bit more consistency and dedication (going through my wardrobe, making lists, checking the importance of the piece, searching for it, etc) I still am able to buy a little flimsy red dress and espadrilles (frenchy things) and then denim shorts and feather earrings (a bit bohemian)…When it comes to evening wear, I thank whoever is above for the two little black dresses with extremely cute cut and design I've found, a navy dress and my black skinny trousers that I pair with a cream silk shirt with no colar and hidden buttons and lovely ribbon to put around the neck…
My wardrobe is also very casual, I don't own any formal eveningwear, or pumps for that matter, just ankle boots. It hasn't been a problem yet, but it'd be nice find a great evening dress and some good heels for those rare occations.
Your style and your blog are always perfect!Love it :)xx
Hello dead fleurette!I know that you are investing in better clothes and I have a question for you. How do you feel when someone says that your expensive an gorgeous dress is not good to wear in a special day and that you must bay a low-cost dress instead?Have a good day!
i know it sounds cliche', but i think a little black dress would be your perfect evening wear item. i have one from the label theory, bought a few years ago; the cut is practically perfect, it has a bit of stretch for comfort, and the design will never be dated. my dress looks great with classic black pumps, ballet flats, and even my over-the-top statement shoes and boots; i can wear it with tights or bare legs. the only issue i've had with it: it doesn't work with my jackets because of the wide, structured boatneck collar- which makes it the perfect LBD for my warm climate.
Really great blog..learning so much. I also have a blog, but I not as experienced as most of you are at designing. I really like the 'You might also like' feature at the end of each of your post. I would be so grateful if you could teach me how you do this. x
I like how you describe the way your wardrobe makes you feel. And the fact that you get almost a rush out of dressing the same day in and day out is fascinating to me. I enjoy wearing the same styles, but to me it feels more comfortable and comforting in a way, rather than exciting. Exciting is when I'm feeling bold and step out of my comfort zone somehow. But I love to hear such different perspectives on fashion, I think that's precisely why I love fashion in general so much.http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com
Fleurette, I loved your 'ramble'! It's wonderful and inspiring to read how you think about your wardrobe, I try and emulate it as much as possible! I was thinking, would you write an entry on how you pack for weekends and holidays away? x
I like to design shoes that look cute
Lovin both boots!