Have you read any of the now-popular posts flooding publication sites like Substack saying that capsule wardrobes are the reason personal style is dying?
The theory is that needing to match everything together, or coordinate everything together, forces your clothes to inevitably be neutrals-focused because they’re the pieces that will inevitably work together most consistently. Pieces in are wardrobe have somehow become mandated to work “in a variety of ways” and if you style a skirt or dress in the same (or only one) way all the time, then it’s not enough of a workhorse or versatile enough to be in our wardrobes.
I’m not sure how much I believe in this. I think some people naturally gravitate to neutrals because they genuinely have that preference (Meghan Markle is a great example of this— all of that talk about being forced to wear neutrals during her time in the BRF is, in my opinion, complete baloney); I think other people tend to seek out pattern and color to the Nth degree (see Allie Provost for a highly curated version of this, or Emma McMorran for a daily dose of whimsy!).
So when a friend was telling me that she tends to include “fringe” neutrals (olive, burgundy, mustard) in her wardrobe, it got me thinking about how we can utilize fringe-neutrals as our tonal color palettes. When I then showed another friend what I was working on, he asked me “have you ever considered working at a museum?” and inspiration struck.
Below are a few outfits inspired by impressionist and watercolor paintings, fueled by a love of art, architecture, and drapey silhouettes. I hope you enjoy them, and consider how your favorite pieces of art might inspire your next fashion choice!
P.S., if you’re looking for great art/design-related content: Emma McMorran works for an art museum in DC; Natalie Peters is an art scholar who runs the color analysis firm District Color where I found out I’m a True Autumn; Grace Voegeli Smith is an interior stylist and owner of Voegeli Smith Interiors where she creates beautifully styled homes and sources incredible art (she’s also one of my best friends!!!!); Catherine de Montaigu is a French-born lawyer turned antiques dealer who sources some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen; and Caleb Jackson is an author and poet who collects Victorian portraiture and antique furniture (and is the one who inspired this collection!).
~As you may know, buying secondhand can be great when you find something, but it won’t last if you don’t snatch it up! At the time of publication all of these pieces were available, but things may sell out… so don’t let something get away from you if you have your eye on it!~
There are items on my ShopMy page that are included in individual collages but maybe not in the title image. Take a look and see what else you might like on my page!
Silky Ruffle Blouse | Multi-colored Midi Skirt (also comes in a dress) | Lady Bag | Rose Appliqué Heels | Pearl Drop Earrings | Mascara | Lip Stain | Eyeliner | Eyeshadow Palette
Floral Bow Blouse | Relaxed Drape Pants (more sizes on my ShopMy!)| Floral Mules | Lucite Bracelet | Nail Polish | Foundation Serum | Lip Stain | Eyeshadow Palette
Bow Blouse | Pleated Skirt (more options on my ShopMy!) | Ballet Flats | Acetate Earrings | Nail Polish | Lipstick | Eyeshadow Palette | Mascara
Floral Print Blouse (more options on ShopMy!) | Silk Wide Leg Pants (more on ShopMy!) | Leather Stacked Heels (more options on ShopMy!)| Ruched Leather Clutch | Tinted Foundation | Eyeliner | Lip Stain
I would love your feedback on these posts! I added sizing information to the pieces in ShopMy to help make navigation a little easier. Please let me know what you think in the comments below!
xx happy hunting!
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