4.01.2013

very simple

Random pashmina from an import store, L.L. Bean breton, second hand BCBG trousers, Sam Edelman suede booties

How simple is too simple when getting dressed? It's a boundary I'm still testing, I guess. Lately this basic silky black pashmina bought for under $10 has felt like the answer to everything, but even it is possibly the most simple garment of all. I recently started a new great job that unfortunately begins at 6am, 10 miles from my house, so unless I want to wake up deeper into the middle of the night than I already do, simple, elegant dressing is a must. I felt wonderful in this outfit today but sometimes I wonder if simple clothing looks too drab, too boring...

What are your thoughts on simple clothing?

17 comments:

  1. Not too simple at all Rachel. Just simply lovely. And I like the way you draped the scarf so it looks more dramatic. Most days I have a jumper and jeans on and I sometimes have a brain battle about trying to make it look more interesting and then there's the part of me that says why do I need to make it more interesting? I've become a little bolder since starting a blog (by about 1%) but essentially I'm quite a low key and simple dresser and that's what I prefer to look at as well. However I'm also conscious of the fine line between low key and looking boring - it's striking the right balance and I think you've got it just right here. I think the most important thing is that you feel wonderful and sometimes the simplest outfits do that for you (and me). It's the ones where I've tried a little harder where I feel uncomfortable.

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  2. Congrats on the job!
    You do look great, I like the slouchy combination of top and trousers. Your outfit has such a cool vibe.
    For me, a simple outfit doesn't mean the defeat of style but rather focusing on color association, cut, etc. Something that speaks to you and of you.

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  3. Simple, in a good way. Ever watch Gordon Ramsey cook? Whenever he sees a chef adding spices, flourishes, and everything in between it just becomes to much. Sure there's joys of being complicated, like harajuku style or gastronomic cooking, but I like simple, rustic, familiar. A few simple ingredients to really make a dish pop! Taste all the notes versus everything getting muddled. Sure we can all use a dash of pepper once and a while, but I like to let the food or in the case clothes do the taking versus making it look you tried much too hard

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  4. I feel the same way sometimes. I basically wear an outfit similar to this everyday (with a trench coat thrown over). If I want to overcome that drab feeling, I just take extra time to put on eyeliner and make my hair look good like, which basically mean just washing it (I hate washing my hair). But, you look anything but drab in what you're wearing right now. You look really elegant and nice! Sooo....maybe it's just all in our heads?

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  5. I'm all for simple clothing! But I think you should always have a very precise idea of how you like things to fall and what cuts you like. That way you do feel more confident by what you have on.

    I think simple doesn't always have to mean "generic" or "boring". A white shirt + black trousers combination can mean so many things in terms of silhouette, and then the shoes make a difference too. I think it's about paying attention to the details (the shape of a collar, the width of a stripe) that makes an outfit, even a "simple" one, stand out.

    (And I think you look terrific!)

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  6. Simple is really interesting- this is the last hurdle for me. How do you look simple and chic? I can see people like you do it so perfectly- this outfit is amazing and so simple. It's elegant though and it suits you perfectly! I'm still in my mad old thrift shop lady phase though, but I'm working on it. Keep going with simple chic, it's wonderful and oddly enough a skill. :D

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  7. did you know that new little shop victory on e burnside sells court shop jeans?! just saw them there today.

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    1. oh no way! I also realized that they do refund online so I returned mine, but I would love to try them on in person. That shop was opened by a super cute blogger named nicole and I've been meaning to check it out.

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  8. How are you my dear! This is such a lovely outfit.

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  9. Seriously in love with this outfit and no, I don't believe anything can be too simple. It really depends on your style and what you are most comfortable in. I'm trying to find the perfect la mariniere (i.e. slightly loose, stripes not too big and sleeves just over 3/4) I think that describes the one you have on, it is amazing! Those trousers, too! Where did you get them?

    Simply stunning outfit, Rachel!

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  10. Congratulations on your new job and new beginnings! You look lovely... I don't think there's anything too simply about this. There's a delicate slouch that jus looks perfect.

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  11. nothing is wrong with simple dressing. i think you look great here. simply is only boring if YOU think so. the little details however will matter more, but they seem great though. love the way you drape your scarf!

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  12. I feel that simple always has the potential to be great. Busy rarely does. I love the slouch of everything and also that you look so happy :)

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  13. Love your utter simplicity! Very Parisian chic. You make me realize that less is more and I should simplify my wardrobe some more. Paring down is very necessary. Simplicity in design takes more thought, same goes for fashion as well. xo bo

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  14. I'm all for simplicity when it comes to my outfits, in fact I hate too many layers or too much colour. Your outfit looks perfect!

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  15. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information. Keep updating, looking forward for more posts. Thanks.
    Rating Therapist

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