A Good Look: Sigrid's Wardrobe (part 2)
From moodboard to real-life
There’s a part 1 of this post which you can read here.
Julia: So, we went from moodboarding (always an important step) to actual real-life styling – honestly a dream come true for me. It’s a simple truth that style is highly personal so being allowed into someone’s thought-process and actual decision-making like you, Sigrid, have allowed me to do feels really special. Even more so because I’ve never done something like this before (more than provide my sister with a mood board). The objective was of course to help you feel less frumpy, but I also wanted more than that for you. We all deserve to feel great in our clothes but it’s oh-so-hard sometimes as so many of us are exploring through Substack. Anyways, the point is that I was very excited to see what could come from giving you a new perspective and helping you step outside your comfort zone a little bit, stylewise.
Sigrid: When you reached out in response to my post Feeling Frumpy and very kindly offered to help me with my style, I was super excited. I loved the Sister Edition of a Spring Moodboard where you analysed your sister’s style as well as your post on Building bridges in your closet, so I couldn’t wait to see what you would come up with for me. And you didn’t disappoint! Seeing my closet with new eyes and getting some outfit suggestions will definitely help me feel less frumpy.
Outfit #1
Sigrid: I quite liked the idea of pairing my tailored trousers with a casual tee as well as the combination of olive and brown. You added a belt, but the trousers don’t have any belt loops, and I’ve never managed to get a belt to stay right without belt loops. If you have any tricks, let me know! I like the idea of the flip flops and a quite bare shoe, but they are honestly not comfortable for more than a short walk down to the beach. Sorry, but I can’t stand an uncomfortable shoe!
In the inspiration photo you referenced the tee was more fitted, so I switched the olive one for a fitted ring 3 coloured t-shirt, that I recently acquired. I also changed the sandals to a pair of leopard ones, so it ended up being quite far from what you sent. I actually would wear this, but I never would have thought to put it together.
Julia: I wanted to give you a starting point that felt quite close to what I’ve seen you wear before though I think the outfit you created with the more fitted t-shirt looks even better! It’s a little tricky styling in Indyx as you don’t know exactly how things fit but I love this on you (also with the leopard sandals). Since the pants and the shirt are similar colours, it could be nice to break things up a little with a bag in a different colour? I think the bag could also bring the “relaxed” element a little more, since this is pretty classic and sophisticated so far. Spontaneously, I’m thinking about the woven bag that Anna Newton has but I’m not sure it’s something you would gravitate towards since it might not be so practical for your everyday.
Outfit #2
Sigrid: The combination of the leopard top and the brown pants felt great, and I enjoyed the layering of the necklaces - so simple, but it had never occurred to me to layer those two together. I ended up keeping the necklace combi on for the rest of the day. I don't wear the top very often, so appreciate that you gave me a new option for it. The cardigan you choose is my thickest, warmest cardigan that I usually reserve for truly cold days and I wasn’t really a fan of how it looked - sorry! In person the sneakers are not a true grey, but have a bit of a red undertone. I’m not exactly sure why, but they weren’t doing it for me in this outfit. I liked the outfit with the flip flops, but not really practical, so would probably end up in the Tevas. A strappy sandal might have to be added to my wishlist!
Julia: Haha again, it’s hard knowing what textures you’re working with from only seeing pieces in Indyx so I completely understand not wanting to use your thickest cardi in the middle of summer. I do like the way the shirt peeks out from under the cardigan which gives the outfit some interesting lengths, so maybe there’s another cardigan in your closet you could use for this if you want to wear this on a cooler day? I’m glad you played around with shoes, and I (of course) love the flip flops again haha. But it works with your other sandals too!
Outfit #3
Sigrid: My jeans finally arrived back from the tailor so I could try this outfit. As expected I really liked it, but would change the shoe (really missing a strappy sandal). Ended up with the Flattered loafer again - it seems to be the answer for everything at the moment.
Julia: Seriously love this silhouette on you, and I’m glad you like it too. I do love this with the pointed ballerina but yeah the shoe really sets the tone for the outfit so you could mix it up with sandals or even sneakers. Rooting for a pair of strappy sandals to join your closet!
New addition: Linen set
Sigrid: I loved your suggestion of a linen set, although I ended going with this brown set from Uniqlo instead of the options you provided. I adore the outfit you styled with it and I like the idea of the scarf, but this felt a bit too small. Unfortunately I don’t have a bigger one that would work. If the top was long enough to tuck it might work, but it’s too short. I would wear it without the scarf, but would love to add a statement necklace as you suggested.
Julia: This looks GREAT on you and I’m glad you found a set that works for you. I love the smaller scarf but it’s definitely not a necessity as the set looks great as is. I agree that a slightly longer statement necklace would take this outfit to the next level.
New addition: Poplin skirt
Sigrid: This was probably the suggestion I was most sceptical about beforehand - except for the gingham dress ;) but also one I really wanted to try, even though I rarely wear skirts. I’m still unsure how I feel about it - or at least this specific skirt from the brand Part Two. I really like the structure it provides as well as the colour, but would it be something I would actually wear? It might be I just have to get used to seeing myself in this silhouette… An alternative might be getting a pair of poplin culottes with a similar silhouette to gently move in this direction.
Julia: I love this on you but I knew I would. Why do you feel hesitant towards it? I personally think it would work great both at work with a cropped blazer, on the weekends with the white top you are in in the first picture and for dressing up with a blouse or a t-shirt and a great necklace. Again, totally up to you because you know yourself the best but I would definitely vote for “keep”.
Sigrid: I have a really hard time to put my finger on why this skirt doesn’t feel completely right. I don’t know if it’s the voluminous silhouette, or it’s because it’s a bit more girly and sweet that what I normally go for... something just feels off. Maybe a slightly slimmer skirt would feel more like me? Still mulling this one over, but I haven’t given completely up on the idea of a poplin skirt, but I won’t be keeping this one.
Reflections
Sigrid: I loved that Julia pushed me out of my comfort zone with some of her suggestions - even though it might take me a little while to get used it! Including a (somewhat) structured piece in every outfit ensured that it doesn’t feel frumpy in any way!
Something that became clear is that I tend to mentally assign a category to my items. I would never have thought of combining the brown wool trousers with a t-shirt and wearing in summer, because wool means winter to me. But they are made of very fine wool, and a lot of summer days here in Scandinavia aren’t that hot. The same goes for casual and work clothes. It just wouldn’t occur to me to combine them, because I’ve assigned them to a specific occasion. I need to break out of that kind of box thinking.
Due to your suggestions for “bridges” in my wardrobe a cropped blazer, a strappy sandal and a statement necklace has been added to my wishlist. Just haven’t found the right version yet. It’s been so much fun getting my habits challenged and having a fresh look at my wardrobe. Thank you so much, again!
Julia: That makes me so happy! My main objective was to help you explore your options further without necessarily needing to go out and get a completely new wardrobe. Little things like pairing the leopard shirt with a new pair of pants or just mentally un-assigning certain pieces one single category (aka letting pieces be worn in multiple ways) go a long way – and I’m so glad you seem to agree.
Regarding “box thinking”, I definitely get stuck in this way of thinking too sometimes so a pair of fresh eyes can really help you (me) get more use out of all clothes in general. I’m also really excited I was able to help you identify some really great wishlist additions, and I think you do such a great job of really scouting out the version that fits YOU the best. So many just go for the first thing they happen to see and I think that’s where a lot of us end up with things we like in theory more than in reality. No need to rush into buying things! When you find something great you’ll be able to more clearly identify it.
A thousand times thank you Sigrid, this was so much fun!
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Love hearing the back and forth! I tried Indyx styling (both paid and social) and I also felt a bit bad that I didn’t like the outfits as is for many reasons from the cuts not working together to something straight up not my style. But it did help illuminate what isn’t my style.
I recently bought a maxi poplin skirt (probably influenced by Substack), and usually I don’t like dressing very feminine either. Maybe it’s the color? I bought it in off white, which feels fresh.
You two are the perfect pairing! Love the brown linen set idea! x