Net-a-Porter’s online magazine, The Edit, today is GOOD. VERY GOOD. And full of wonderful quotes, tidbits, things to take away (besides all the lovely pieces from The Row I’d like to live in, but probably never will, sadly).
Virginie Mouzat says so eloquently what perhaps I’ve been struggling with in terms of defining my style:
I don’t like an outfit to speak louder than me.
When I wear color, or anything that is NOT ME, this is what I feel – like the outfit is speaking louder than me. It overshadows ME. She also talks a lot about knowing the types of things she cannot wear and what she can. I’m beginning to feel like I simply cannot wear jeans. As much as I try and try to find the perfect pair (again yesterday I went and tried on dozens of jeans at Nordstrom), I’m unhappy with all of them. And then I come home and try on my harem pants, a great dress or maxi skirt and say “what do I need jeans for?”
Also, I love what the Olsen twins say about their clothing line, The Row: that they want the pieces to be anonymous. Understated, but elegant – something you’d wear with a Chanel jacket to allow the Chanel to shine. Without knowing it, I think this is the way I’ve built my wardrobe. At this point, it’s probably filled with too many anonymous items, and not enough “special” ones, but I appreciate high quality, slightly luxurious basics.
Then of course, this next page is filled with bits to really make you think:
I especially love her statement about investment pieces being like diamonds – and that no one would recognize them as investment pieces necessarily. From afar, an investment white button down shirt looks like any other white button down shirt, but to the wearer it’s so much more. My investment pieces are far from Lanvin, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, they’re more like Rag & Bone and James Perse, but WERE an investment in terms of not only money, but the thought put into buying them. I treasure them because they’re not only well-made, they make me look & feel amazing. Worth the investment if I may say so.
The hardest part though is what the writer mentions here:
The key is to isolate what makes you feel great, as opposed to what you think others consider great.
And I’ll just leave it there, because I think that says it all.
What do you think?
I love how you brought this up. I’ve been thinking about it for a while… especially since it really calls for figuring out WHO you are. It’s easy to make a statement with clothes with loud pieces, but what is it really saying? Look at me? or LOOK AT ME!
I think it takes a bit of confidence to go for the understatement, which is why it’s more special when it works.
Oh thank you for this! Am sneaking a read right now on my “lunch hour”… 😉
Yes. This.
At one point on the blog I called my style, Quiet Dressing. And I think the rise of digital images has encouraged people to dress and more loudly, so as to show up.
YES! it is a way to show up, to stand out, dressing “loudly.”
there are so many articles now on how to get spotted by street style photographers: wear red, color, crazy shoes…
for some people, i think that is truly their personality (susie bubble), but for others (a lot of bloggers), it’s just a way try and fit in amongst all the other noise.
10000000% agree
I read the article by the Olson’s & loved it. I too really liked how they talked about wearing something anonymous to let another piece shine, it’s so true.
Kristin
Lisa, I like the term “quiet dressing,” and I practice it. Most of my clothes are earthy neutrals, with perhaps, a pop of color for contrast.
Grechen, I gave up on jeans a year ago. They always fit funny, and I was tired of tucking my tummy in. The older I get, the more I strive towards a subtle sophistication. I’ve never been a slave to fashion, but I’m devoted to the alter of personal style.
This is so on-point to what we were talking about the other day: Investment dressing vs. “throw away clothes.” I am aiming for this in my wardrobe/life from now on. Mark my words!! (Oh no…that will come back to kick me in the butt!)
And I am definitely a whisper person, in my clothing. Excuse me, my husband just rolled on the floor laughing…;-)