I need a style icon
January 30, 2015 2:58 PM Subscribe
I need a style icon. I'm a mid-30s married mom to a toddler who works in a casual office at a desk all day. What am I supposed to look like?
The last few years have limited my wardrobe to pregnancy clothes and then breastfeeding-friendly clothes. Top that off with being 15 pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant, so I have a closet full of clothes from 3+ years ago that don't really fit me. But where do I find my style icon? Of course I have to be picky about it, too.
I don't wear make-up. I don't like extra futzy stuff. But I like bold colors. But I like earth tones. My favorite outfits these days include:
1. purple skinny jeans, turquoise sweaters (so many turquoise sweaters), a fun under-stated silver necklace, and some red Toms shoes with blue squid painted on them
2. army green skinny jeans, various green or brown or grey toned sweaters, and either my hemp Fluevogs or tan calf-height boots.
3. sometimes a skirt or dress, if the mood strikes
I'm not a Target-goer or a Starbucks-goer, which both seem to be the 30-something mom target market. I want higher quality garments than Target, too, with better fit and fabric. But digging through the racks at the local thrift store with little direction on the weekends when I could be splashing in the gutters with my kid isn't what I want to do, either.
I'd like a style icon to give me some good ideas and direction. More than just "what's clean in the hamper".
Is there such thing as a funky minimalist utilitarian style?
The last few years have limited my wardrobe to pregnancy clothes and then breastfeeding-friendly clothes. Top that off with being 15 pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant, so I have a closet full of clothes from 3+ years ago that don't really fit me. But where do I find my style icon? Of course I have to be picky about it, too.
I don't wear make-up. I don't like extra futzy stuff. But I like bold colors. But I like earth tones. My favorite outfits these days include:
1. purple skinny jeans, turquoise sweaters (so many turquoise sweaters), a fun under-stated silver necklace, and some red Toms shoes with blue squid painted on them
2. army green skinny jeans, various green or brown or grey toned sweaters, and either my hemp Fluevogs or tan calf-height boots.
3. sometimes a skirt or dress, if the mood strikes
I'm not a Target-goer or a Starbucks-goer, which both seem to be the 30-something mom target market. I want higher quality garments than Target, too, with better fit and fabric. But digging through the racks at the local thrift store with little direction on the weekends when I could be splashing in the gutters with my kid isn't what I want to do, either.
I'd like a style icon to give me some good ideas and direction. More than just "what's clean in the hamper".
Is there such thing as a funky minimalist utilitarian style?
Best answer: Yes! There is such a thing as funky minimalist utilitarian style! That's kind of how I'd describe my style? I wear lots of black basics with neutral jackets/cardigans, a patterned something (scarf, belt), and geometric jewelry.
+1 to the Pinterest idea; that's what I've been doing for the last few months as I've been trying to refine my style, and it's been really helpful. I kind of scoffed at Pinterest for a long time out of some sort of misplaced feminist self-righteousness and finally signed up in September, and it's been really, really fun. I also think it has helped me not spend as much on clothes that don't really fit my aesthetic, because I have images in my head that do fit it really well.
You might also like the blogger at Already Pretty; she's been moving to a more utilitarian funky style and posts 'outfits of the day'* which might be inspirational. If you don't really like her style, she also has lots of links to other mid-thirties bloggers in her "lovely links" category, which can be another good way to find people whose style you'd like to emulate.
I'd also recommend Girls of A Certain Age; I'm 33 and younger than her audience, but it's been helpful for me to get an eye for minimalist and higher-end pieces. Much of what she features is well above my academic salary, but keep an eye out for a feature called "Cheap and Chic of the Week".
As for shopping ideas, you might try looking at ASOS; I'm tall so they have stuff that works for me, and of the pieces I've gotten so far, they seem to be good quality (or at least better than Target). I also like H&M, especially their Divided line; quality is usually pretty good, and it's easy to skim over the floral/too young pieces to find army jackets, anoraks, funky cardigans, and good basics (tunics and leggings). Their pants are too short on me, but I've seen jeans etc. in cute colors so that might be an option for you too. You can shop both online.
*"Outfit of the Day" or #ootd is something I see a lot of online; you can search it on Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr. Usually links to regular people or sometimes fashion bloggers. Really hit or miss since it's kinda hard to refine further than that, but ymmv.
posted by stellaluna at 3:41 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
+1 to the Pinterest idea; that's what I've been doing for the last few months as I've been trying to refine my style, and it's been really helpful. I kind of scoffed at Pinterest for a long time out of some sort of misplaced feminist self-righteousness and finally signed up in September, and it's been really, really fun. I also think it has helped me not spend as much on clothes that don't really fit my aesthetic, because I have images in my head that do fit it really well.
You might also like the blogger at Already Pretty; she's been moving to a more utilitarian funky style and posts 'outfits of the day'* which might be inspirational. If you don't really like her style, she also has lots of links to other mid-thirties bloggers in her "lovely links" category, which can be another good way to find people whose style you'd like to emulate.
I'd also recommend Girls of A Certain Age; I'm 33 and younger than her audience, but it's been helpful for me to get an eye for minimalist and higher-end pieces. Much of what she features is well above my academic salary, but keep an eye out for a feature called "Cheap and Chic of the Week".
As for shopping ideas, you might try looking at ASOS; I'm tall so they have stuff that works for me, and of the pieces I've gotten so far, they seem to be good quality (or at least better than Target). I also like H&M, especially their Divided line; quality is usually pretty good, and it's easy to skim over the floral/too young pieces to find army jackets, anoraks, funky cardigans, and good basics (tunics and leggings). Their pants are too short on me, but I've seen jeans etc. in cute colors so that might be an option for you too. You can shop both online.
*"Outfit of the Day" or #ootd is something I see a lot of online; you can search it on Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr. Usually links to regular people or sometimes fashion bloggers. Really hit or miss since it's kinda hard to refine further than that, but ymmv.
posted by stellaluna at 3:41 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Check out Eileen Fisher's Pinterest, especially their nascent board for thirty-something women (and their store as well). They're generally aimed at an older demographic but their clothes are high quality and versatile and getting attention from a younger set thanks to the popularity of minimalist style. It would be very easy to add a colorful or whimsical touch to any of those outfits and apparently their stuff just lasts forever.
For luxe inspiration: Creatures of Comfort is a mix of minimal and funky. For more understated and classic clothes, you might like the stores (and Instagrams/Pinterests) of La Garconne, Steven Alan, and Margaret Howell.
posted by The Giant Rat of Sumatra at 3:51 PM on January 30, 2015
For luxe inspiration: Creatures of Comfort is a mix of minimal and funky. For more understated and classic clothes, you might like the stores (and Instagrams/Pinterests) of La Garconne, Steven Alan, and Margaret Howell.
posted by The Giant Rat of Sumatra at 3:51 PM on January 30, 2015
I think Anthropologie would suit you perfectly. I find them pricey, but they have sales. If it were in my size though...I'd invest.
Check out their Look Book.
For example, I think this sweater is darling, funky and would look great with blue jeans, or black jeans, and brightly colored flats. The buttons up the back...obsessed.
I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe, especially if you're running after a little one. A few wonderful pieces that you mix and match, rather than a closet full of one-off outfits that you have to think about.
Here's a Blog for the minimalist mom.
I think of this as being French. Very good quality, timeless items, put together with panache.
Now I'm jealous!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 3:51 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Check out their Look Book.
For example, I think this sweater is darling, funky and would look great with blue jeans, or black jeans, and brightly colored flats. The buttons up the back...obsessed.
I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe, especially if you're running after a little one. A few wonderful pieces that you mix and match, rather than a closet full of one-off outfits that you have to think about.
Here's a Blog for the minimalist mom.
I think of this as being French. Very good quality, timeless items, put together with panache.
Now I'm jealous!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 3:51 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Is there such thing as a funky minimalist utilitarian style?
From your description, I think Tilda Swinton would be a great style icon. See here, here, here.
posted by jabes at 4:27 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
From your description, I think Tilda Swinton would be a great style icon. See here, here, here.
posted by jabes at 4:27 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Your description made me think of Boden. Bright colors, grown up but still whimsical.
posted by katieanne at 5:28 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by katieanne at 5:28 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I wonder if you might like Madewell. They have really flattering dresses, in particular (something like this, maybe...makes the waist look incredible). The clothes are very simple and minimalistic.
posted by three_red_balloons at 5:33 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by three_red_balloons at 5:33 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Your style already sounds awesome! I would check out celebrities whose style you admire or within the same age range and get inspiration from them. I don't feel like fashion should everhave a timestamp or age on it. As long as you feel comfortable and together in it, wear it. Google Stacey London! She has the best style and its very classic and timeless yet fun. I think the best way to always look together is to mix your classic pieces with fun pieces. For simple and chic example, you wear a nice white tee(great basic) with dark denim but you through on well fitted trench coat or parka jacket. a more fun option for example, a simple yet tailored dress with a bright colored cardigan on top but belted. There are so many options! I would say have fun with it! You want to stay away from clingy or cheap fabrics and try to buy nicer quality items. Zara, asos.com, Madewell, JCrew, Nordstrom's and Ann Taylor Loft are known for having affordable pieces that still fun, trendy, and well made. Good luck!
posted by ruebeignet at 5:38 PM on January 30, 2015
posted by ruebeignet at 5:38 PM on January 30, 2015
Best answer: Your mention of bold colors, colored skinny jeans and other on-trend pieces makes me think you will like the style blogger Audrey from Putting Me Together. She does shop at Target, but also at places like Loft. More importantly, you can use her outfit ideas to shop at the stores you prefer. She's also got a lot of great tips on building a wardrobe.
Others to check out: Outfit Posts (her style may be a little too professional for you), Stylin' Mommies (gah, that name makes me cringe), and Merrick's Art
posted by geeky at 7:21 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Others to check out: Outfit Posts (her style may be a little too professional for you), Stylin' Mommies (gah, that name makes me cringe), and Merrick's Art
posted by geeky at 7:21 PM on January 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I like the suggestion of Tilda Swinton as style icon, above. Also think an equally well dressed but less androgynous taste woman is Eva Mendes if you filter out all the red carpet outfits. Have you ever looked at CoS? Not sure if it's available in the US but it's got great basic but slightly unusual clothes which are reasonably well made in it. Other slightly pricier brands which do a pared down aesthetic and might appeal are Maison Scotch, sportmax, Vanessa Bruno, APC, Baum and Pferdgarten and YMC. All available on Asos in Europe, hopefully in the us too
posted by stevedawg at 2:28 AM on January 31, 2015
posted by stevedawg at 2:28 AM on January 31, 2015
Best answer: You kind of make me think of Michelle Williams, who has fans tracking her look online. She's a mother your age. Love her style, adorable, quirky, approachable, comfortable.
posted by lillian.elmtree at 2:28 PM on February 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by lillian.elmtree at 2:28 PM on February 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
"Funky Minimalist Utilitarian" put me in mind of http://qualityrivets.blogspot.com
posted by Ness at 3:47 AM on February 2, 2015
posted by Ness at 3:47 AM on February 2, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by matildaben at 3:07 PM on January 30, 2015 [2 favorites]