Talk Thursday continues… don’t forget to send your fashion questions for a bit of stylist advice!
Hey Sharon, I went from a polished mod style and attending MBFW as an invite because of my fashion sketches, to literally digressing into a wardrobe of almost exclusively leggings and shapeless tunics.
I obtained a full-time job in graphic design where the bar is very, VERY low. Think: free t-shirts and Crocs on my co-workers– I will never stoop that low.
For me, the realization that I’ve gotten lazy is now a bit too much— it almost feels like I am uninspired on a daily basis.
I don’t want to go back to the mod look. I have been researching basic pieces for implementing a very classic Parisian Chic look. Do you have any out-of-the-ball-park suggestions to revamp my wardrobe from the ground up?
I bought a killer red Givenchy lipstick, Culture Phit cigarette pants, and am starting to stock up on unique accessories… but am totally overwhelmed with where to go from here. Thanks! (Kayla via fashion advice)
Hey Kayla, thanks for writing in. You want to rebuild your wardrobe from the ground up?! Paris wasn’t built in a day… oh wait, that was Rome. But they share the same aesthetic of cultivating excellence.
Freebie T-shirts and Crocs are without a doubt a fashion downer. Actually, they kinda top the bottom of style list with the exception of– maybe– wearing while you’re washing your Pinto under your fiberglass carport and then it’s just an all around dreck fest.
So, we agree on that.
Of course, I don’t expect you to stoop to yucko (non)style even if your coworkers are kind of slovenly. But don’t get wowed by TV shows that throw ALL your clothes in the dumpster to start anew either. That’s for entertainment shock value.
In real life, great things come with a trained eye and patience.
It is pretty easy to get stuck in a rut and not know what to put on the morning when you are in a world that’s very uninspiring. And, that’s ok (sometimes).
I’m glad that you’re able to muster up the inspirational energy to decide that you want to create a new look for yourself and step it up.
While you’re looking for Parisian style you also might want to look to the elements of French chic in the way many French people find the perfect piece. Their way of shopping is typically done over time. It’s curated. It’s edited. It’s cultivated. Culturally, Europeans usually don’t go hogwild in a store and buy every trend in sight with a “I have to buy this. I have to buy that” high consumerism attitude.
You will make yourself crazy if you try to “research basic pieces” that you think you should have rather than discover what looks great on YOU. Fashion tips should be a guide, not a black and white issue, to use as a LAUNCH POINT towards your signature style.
Find a few classic and modern pieces that flatter YOU. Build a wardrobe around them as you discover new things that catch your eye, make you feel self-confident, and look gorgeous on YOU. Add them as you go.
Remember, it’s NOT about the label. It’s how that piece is tailored to flatter you… that is really chic.
How do you shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below…
Here are a few items to GUIDE you into a style direction…
>>Do you want tips to master the easy elegance of French chic style? Here’s some superb reading:
- Join my FREE newsletter and download “Passport to French Chic,” now!
- The French Chic at a Certain Age Series
- French Chic Fashion Tips
- How to Dress French When You Are Not
- The French Chic Formula for Everyday Style a la Emmanuelle Alt
- French Chic Style
- Paris Street Style– How to wear IT!
- Cannes Do Chic Series
- French Chic Shoe Lesson 101: Red shoes pops a simple LBD, a la Berenice Bejo
- More French Chic posts
>> NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO WEAR? WANT SOME FASHION ADVICE? ASK SHARON!
Photo:Focusonstyle.onsugar