Over the last couple months Sarai of Colette Patterns has been writing a series of blog posts called the Wardrobe Architect, about defining your core style. I think many people, when they first learn to sew, make a lot of garments they won't actually wear on a day-to-day basis. It's easy to become enticed by beautiful patterns and vibrant fabrics and suddenly end up with a wardrobe full of garments that are too elegant or too quirky to fit into your everyday life.
I've only been sewing for about a year and I already have a handful of pieces that fit and that I really like, but that have only been worn once because they're just not "my style".
So in the interest of defining my style, I've created the following styleboards based on what I would consider my style to be: classic, minimalist, comfortable, effortless, and chic.
I also defined my color palette:
As you can see, it comprises mainly neutrals and near-neutrals, with the occasional pop of color. The colors are mostly on the cool side, no yellows/oranges etc. A simple black and white color combo is one of my favorites.
And my favorite patterns:
I'd say patterned clothing makes up about 20% of my wardrobe. I tend to go for very subtle patterns: needle stripes, tiny swiss dots, plaids in neutral colors. Occasionally I'll wear a bolder pattern, usually as a dress (like this one or this one) so I don't have to worry about matching it to other garments. I like interesting geometric patterns and occasionally a floral, though not often. I think florals have a tendency to go very young or very old.
I never wear novelty prints or anything overly girly or childish.
Up next week: my favorite silhouettes, identifying gaps in my wardrobe, and my sewing goals for this spring/summer
<3 Lindsay
Labels: wardrobe architect
