A Good Look: Sigrid's Wardrobe
No "feeling frumpy" on my watch
That’s also why I reached out to Sigrid. Something I really love about Substack is that the writers on here generally want and actively seek out others’ point of view. On fashion. On styling. On relationships, both to others and to one self. Thankfully, Sigrid is just like this too and agreed to hear my point of view on what could perhaps help her along with feeling less frumpy, finding new nuances within her style and finding inspiration during her low buy. During our call, I made sure to highlight the fact that I won’t be providing a shopping list, nor will I claim to have the “perfect pair of pants” for her to buy because more than just fit and comfort, style has to be *felt*. What someone feels amazing in can awaken another person’s frump.
So here goes nothing! Thank you Sigrid for being open to this together with me!
From the archive
Let’s begin by going through Sigrid’s own outfit pics and her actual current wardrobe.
Colours
Going of off these pictures as well as what is in Sigrid’s Indyx wardrobe (go follow her!) there is a lot of black/charcoal as well as a lot of shades of white. Other than that, there’s quite a few nuances of blueish green, woodsy green and some autumn leaves reds and oranges.
Key elements
Sigrid herself says that her go-to outfit formula has been “structured bottom + fluid top” whereas I’m seeing a bit of “fluid bottom + structured/fluid top”. Bottoms are generally quite straight, mid-rise and hit about 2 cm above the floor when wearing shoes. Tops are mostly long-sleeved and covered.
Styling
These outfits are more on the clean, simple, understated and professional side of things. All of these would be totally appropriate at an office, at least a relaxed one. Sigrid’s style words are classic, relaxed and sophisticated which totally translates in these outfits - although I would personally say the classic and sophisticated are more apparent to me.
From the saved folder
I asked Sigrid to send over some inspiration she’s loving as well as a few names of people she looks up to style-wise. Here’s what we’ve got.
Colours
We’ve got white and black here as well, but more shades of brown and blue too. Almost none of the outfits combine white/cream and black as the only components. White pairs with white, denim or light browns. Black pairs with green and mole. Or black with different textures.
Key elements
Denim!! (I happen to know that Sigrid “loves to wear, hates to buy” denim which I totally get, but we obviously need some jeans for this inspo. We’re also using handbags, jewelry, belts and scarves to accessorize. There are a lot of v-necks, but they’re all different in one being a cashmere sweater, another is a blazer-jacket, another is an oversized blouse.
Styling
I can definitely see classic, relaxed and sophisticated here. But I also see feminine, effortless, youthful, harmonious, flowing, structured, textured. These outfits are all clean and timeless, but there’s also an unforced boldness. A woman who feels good about herself.
A fresh pair of eyes (a scroll)
And now to the part where I try to infuse a new perspective, because why not?
Colours
I’m not deviating fully from the colours that have already been addressed in the previous steps, but rather giving even more nuances to them. This might mean that a few pieces need to be added to Sigrid’s closet but it can also be an adjustment of trying out new combinations of pieces that are already available. All in all there’s navy, chocolate, crisp white, greige, moss green - and red gingham! Wild card.
Key elements
I would personally love to get Sigrid in a cotton poplin large volume skirt. I think it would pair so well with her waist coat as well as any button up or tshirt really. A slightly boxier style of shirt or jacket would nicely balance out the more loose office-style pants that Sigrid wears. I would also love to see more layers in the outfits, which is easily achievable by acquiring a few tank tops or tshirts and wearing other things unbuttoned on top.
Styling
Like I said, new colour combos and more layering. But I also think Sigrid could afford to lean even more into her style words. When we’re doing classic, we go all the way Hamptons, tennis, popped collar, ironed cotton. When we’re doing relaxed, we go all the way airy, undone, scrunched up, untucked, breezy, effortless. These opposites are what will give the outfits real personality and interest.
I know Sigrid recently got some new denim, as well as a sportier jacket from Uniqlo that she loves and that looks great on her. And like I said from the beginning, I don’t really want to provide Sigrid with a “buy this”-list because frankly who am I to tell her what to spend her money on? I do however have some thoughts on what could be fun to keep an eye out for, that I think could be great “bridges” in her closet, together with the things she already has.
Like previously mentioned, a cotton poplin skirt would fit right into the sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic and is also super comfortable for summer days in the office as well as on vacation. This might be a bit too long on a shorter frame but such beautiful details, this looks like a classic that never goes out of style and this is my personal favourite for Sigrid.
A matching set in either linen or, again, cotton poplin. There are so many cute sets out there right now and these are such a great 2-for-1 as they are an automatic outfit when worn together, but also work separately with almost anything. Maybe too cutesy for Sigrid’s taste but would look so good on her with the matching pants, or a different set altogether that looks divine(ly comfy). Again, probably outside of Sigrid’s comfort zone but would look amazing with the matching pants or any of the high rise pants/shorts she already owns.
A cropped/boxier jacket or blazer or work shirt. I just think this would look great with a lot of the trousers Sigrid currently owns and wears, to give some structure to otherwise quite “fluid” shapes. These are all way too hot for the weather we currently have in Scandinavia but could be good investments: this, this, this or this (my favourite).
Some ring 2 or 3 coloured tank tops or tshirts for layering, which often work better than stark white or black. So expensive but so dang good. But any brand would do (except the really sh*tty ones that lose shape after one wear).
A lightweight sneaker for summer, like a pair of Keds (also come in different widths!) or Superga. These will lighten up work wear and add a sporty touch, just like the Uniqlo jacket does, which I think is a nice contrast to classic and relaxed pieces.
A nice statement necklace. Honestly these do such heavy-lifting when it comes to just adding that special something to anything, like a button up with jeans or trousers. Whenever I wear an outfit that is a little toooo classic, adding a slightly unexpected necklace that has a point of view just solves everything. I’m pretty sure
feels the same way. If Sigrid’s up for investing in a piece of jewelry then I love this, this, this, and this super gorgeous but super expensive one too.
So Sigrid, what do you think?
"Julia, you really nailed the analysis of my style - laughed several times because it's so true! I loved getting a different perspective and new ideas on how to combine colours in my wardrobe. Some of your suggestions for new "bridges" in my closet like a boxy jacket and a matching set are right up my alley while others like a cotton poplin skirt (being more of a pants girl), not to mention the red gingham dress are a bit out of my comfort zone. I'm very exited to see how the suggested pieces and styling could work with my wardrobe and help me feel more stylish and less frumpy."
Success! Honestly I’m just so happy Sigrid found this helpful in any way at all – it was a blast for me to get to do my very first style “job” for someone that wasn’t close friends or family. Biggest of thank-yous to you Sigrid for trusting me to do this. x
Oh and keep your ears and eyes open because there may or may not be a part 2 of this post coming!
This is brilliant and so helpful. Do you offer this type of evaluation as a service??
Oh I loved reading this and I'm looking forward for a part 2!