My style has evolved immensely over the years, but there are certain looks and pieces that I will always and instantly feel like “myself” in. I am uncontrollably drawn to pencil shapes, pearls, drapey blouses, tweed, and a little Chanel…and this outfit embodies it all. Looking back on my first few posts (here and here), I embraced these pieces and aspired to channel this look even when I was clueless about putting together outfits.
If asked today about my signature style, I can answer with confidence (after years of experimentation and cultivating my wardrobe) that it’s comprised of:
– a combination of classic and feminine looks
– figure-defining but not revealing silhouettes
– a variety of soft textures; and
– a mix of splurge pieces and bargain finds
I’ve tried to “get more” out of my dresses before by wearing them as a top, but the bottom part just became too uncomfortable when layered under another skirt. Inspired by the combo at the bottom of this page, I did the reverse here with a very lightweight blouse…
It was much more comfortable than the other way around, and easier to keep in place (tied a knot in the front center and tucked it in, then folded the back of the blouse under a skinny waist belt).
I am a bit obsessed with these cropped tweed jackets from Uniqueen (see full review here) but I do want to note a few things:
– This jacket definitely runs smaller than that of Western brands, however sizing appears to be slightly inconsistent. A “Small” is equivalent to an XXS-XS in American sizing or H&M; 2-4. I heard from the owner that several ladies were disappointed that the jacket was too small, so I want to reiterate this. As for consistency…I tried on a total of three jackets – two fit me perfectly (except for sleeve length) and one was too big. I expressed my concerns to the owner and she has asked her factory to be very careful when hand-cutting the pieces, however I suspect there may still be some inconsistencies.
– I initially suggested simply pulling out the tinsel-like metallic trim. That worked well for me on my first jacket, but I yanked them out too hastily for this one and you may see that the edges of the jacket are now curved up. They won’t flatten back down no matter how much I pull on or iron them. If you want to remove the sparkly trim, please, please do so carefully at your own risk.
– The “Cream Ivory” is not ivory – it is a stark white. I have gotten a lot of wear out of this with spring/summer colors, neutrals, as well as denim.
– Last but not least, there has been such a response from you guys for Uniqueen tweed jackets that I asked if they’d consider some reader giveaways. They agreed, so please stayed tuned for a chance to win one of your choice.
i absolutely love this look! gorg! 🙂
http://www.kellydillon.com
Such a ladylike & elegant outfit, I really like that salmon shade of the skirt 🙂
Lubna | ELLE VOX
GIVEAWAY: WIN YOUR FAVORITE DRESS!
I love your (was) evolving and (now) content style!
Besides the change in your style, the tone of your blog entries and word choice had matured too. It really doesn't matter to me, but now it seems like you write with your readers in mind and to educate them and to share them of your failures/triumphs. Not that you didn't do that in the past, but now you're more aware of the impact of your blog therefore you always try to pass on honest opinions in a more positive and meaningful way.
I really enjoy your blog so keep up the good work!
I second this! I love the look but can't quite figure out what you did with the knotted blouse from pix.
I have always admired your style. You definitely know what looks good and what does not on you.
I'm about 10 years older but just recently realized that it is important how I feel when I get dressed. It's no longer a chore, but something I look forward to.
I do feel like I'm a more of a laid back casual type – like pencil jeans with a nautical top.
Helen
Thank you for sharing your signiture style with us. You have done a wonderful job of creating such a feminine and classic look! I love the soft color palette and the make up goes perfectly with it too. I also appreciate the explanation tucking in the blous to create the skirt look, it's something I've been experimentig with. Enjoy your weekend 🙂
I love their tweed jackets also. But yes, they are a bit smaller than sizes here. I am usually a medium and the medium from them is a bit snug. Just a bit. And another top I bought from them was quite snug as well. They didn't have any other size.
Thanks for your very precise and critical review. It's nice to have someone else's view point to look to.
kat
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
Definitely looking to this blog for some style advice. Looking for a fine line between trendy and classic now that I've graduated college and am in a professional career.
js-go.blogspot.com
I'm new to the blogging community and I happened upon your blog through blog lovin! I love the topic of your blog since I'm only 5' {technically 5' 1/2"} so it's hard for me to find clothes that perfectly fit as well! The trick is definitely a good but cheap tailor! Love your blog!
-slam
@ SweetsAndChicBoutiques.blogspot.com
Good look for sure although I'm not inlove with the jacket, it looks a little bit cheap, the other one you have in dark colors looks so much better.
My signature look used to be black pants and a top in solid colors. Now I'm more like dresses in solid colors. I'm trying to buy some nice blazers but the good ones are soooo expensive. I'm going to try Zara this weekend.
my signature look: for several years now – I 'live' in skinny jeans, 100% silk blouses (preference for peter pan collars) and cashmere cardis in various shades of grey. faux Pearls and hermes kelly cuffs. I just find this an easy way of dressing, though the silk tops are pretty high maintenance. Nothing is expensive, mostly ZARA, Uniqlo and top shop. I like your signature look too – well actually I like most of your looks. I ve asked you this before if you can do something on handbags, what is a good rounded collection. THANK YOU again love your posts!
I really like the neutral palette of this outfit, Jean. This is definitely a classic look for you and you wear it so well!
I love the idea of using the dress as a skirt instead of a top. I did it a few PFCs ago and received a lot of great feedback on it. A lot of readers emailed me asking for a more thorough description and it was a struggle trying to describe how I did it. I just saw an Anon above request a tutorial from you. That would be great for those who still don't understand!
I'm 1950's, modern, casual:
On weekends, I wear ankle-length pants with keds and boat-neck tops and crew tees) and a cardigan if necessary.
For work, I prefer A-Line skirts, peep-toe heels or wedges, versatile tops and cardigans.
This outfit is so “Extra Petite” =) That’s why I love your blog. You always stay true to your signature style even though it’s fun to try new trends from time to time. I'm always inspired when I see you wearing old pieces in a new way. You look so fresh and radiant in these photos.
I love this look! It's classic and cute without being too much. I am a total dork when it comes to "faking a fit" ( tm Kelly). Would you be willing to do an idiots guide with step by step pics of how you scrunch sleeves, tuck shirts into belts/dresses, etc? I like that your wardrobe doesn't have to be big to be useful!
Love this look – great colors, and that necklace is perfect!
http://www.highheelstosneakers.com
I always love your outfits. Very wearable and so lovely.
octoberchic.com
Love it! And your hair looks amazing 🙂
http://www.thebaloneybug.com
Perfect look!
Love it
You always look so classy and elegant, I just love it. My style is probably very similar to yours, but I'm a bit more casual with my looks. I adore that tweed jacket!
xo, Yi-chia
You are gorgeous Jean, love that blazer!
wud luv a more detailed tutorial on how to tuck in the blouse. Thanks!
Hi Jean, can you tell us the makeup products that you use? Thnx!
I've never been able to bring myself to do the using the dress as a top thing for that exact reason — it feels so bulky!
I've always loved your classic, ladylike style. I myself tend to like tailored and elegant, but with a little more rocker-chick edge — a little more leather than tweed!
I love this, you look beautiful. <3
♥♥♥
So ladylike & pretty – these neutral/blush tones are gorgeous on your skin! I think my signature style is definitely classic & feminine, but I'm occasionally drawn towards more modern styles too. 🙂
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
Wow I love this look so much! Very classy and soft. <3
Greetings from Germany! / Modekatastrophe.de
Jean: My signature style is not that dissimilar to yours, which is why I enjoy your blog so much. I too prefer figure-outlining clothes, but as an "older woman," I need to be careful not to overdo it or I look ridiculous. Even though an old boyfriend told me once that I look like I'm sampling paints, I usually wear dark or neutral slacks for everyday, and an interesting top — maybe knit, maybe a woven blouse, maybe a jacket, maybe a sweater. I'm finding, though, that it's no longer about the item for me — it's all about the fit.
Question: Do you get your Chanel bags off eBay? I'm coveting one of them very much.
I love this look 🙂 Such great style and class!
Maria
http://www.daintyanddecadent.com
i love your style, so feminine and classy x
loving the white and pink hues xxx
http://dancing-in-high-heels.blogspot.co.uk/
You definitely know your style. I seldom see you in a an outfit that doesn't fit into the description you've given. I love your necklace!
xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
Beautiful and elegant style! The jacket is gorgeous x
http://www.nostrictdresscode.com
I love the way you style your hair 😀
victoireannie.com
I love this look! So classy. Those Louboutins are gorgeous! I have such a difficult time finding small CLs on ebay for a decent price.
very classic!
Jean, this is very you and such a nice classic look. I love those pumps, I think AT made something similar. I should have gotten it when it was available since Im too cheap for CLs. LoL.
i am always stumped when people ask me what my style is. i am a bit of everything really. i will try *almost* any trend. love boho chi and feminine pieces…but i'm not afraid of edgy looks either. i always like to ask people how they think i dress and most of the time their first response is feminine. i am definitely more comfortable in a dress than pants. and now i'm rambling! btw, you look adorable.
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
This looks great Jean! I still need to try the blouse over a dress look. Not something to do in Vegas during the summer, but maybe once it Oct/Nov hits! 🙂
I am looking forward to the giveaway!
I was wondering what blush and lipstick are you using? I love the colors!
I've always looked to you for classic and flattering outfits, seriously, I love visiting your blog for info, and inspo. My signature style…hmm…I love experimenting with a lot of different textures and items, that wouldn't necessarily go together in the first place, but a lot of the time I'd say very girly, and quirky. My range can go anywhere from combat boots to nude pumps to crazy prints, so right now I can't really say but I do believe that fashion is an opportunity to do what you feel is good every morning even if it isn't necessarily your norm.
xoxo,
Genie
http://www.uniqueandchicstyle.blogspot.com
I love the classic feminine style and this outfit is gorgeous! I love the soft pink color of the dress and how you paired it with taupe pieces. Thanks for the heads up on your experience with pulling out the tinsel trim. I was debating whether I should pull it out on mine but I think I'll just hold off for now 🙂
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
I have followed your blogs for a long time. I really like your style.
I am also a petite asian. The Uniqueen jacket looks very nice. I wanna get one for my spring/summer closet. I like the cream ivory and lemon. Which color is better? Thank you. 🙂
Jean,
I love love love your outfit! Especially the matching belt, bag, and necklace! How do you tuck in your shirt so that it doesn't look weird/baggy?
Thanks,
Lisa =)
Hello! I was wondering if you could show us how you tucked your blouse into your dress…I looked at your older post with the green dress where you also did this and would love to learn this genius technique! 🙂 Thanks, Jean!
Did you just tuck the sleeves in or had it tailored? And i have to agree on the inconstancy on the size of those tweed.
Beautiful look, as always. I very much admire your classic style–it's something I aspire to as soon as I get a job that would allow it (ie, anything but a humanities grad student!) 🙂
I think I'm still trying to figure that one out! I would totally agree with your assessment– your style is very much 'Chanel' — classic and feminine!
Absolutely adore your classic style, it is very reminiscent of my own. Love the mix of splurge pieces with more affordable options. And of course your Chanel is enviable!
My style is very classic, with clean lines. I love bright colors but most of all, I look to flatter my pearshaped figure 🙂
The colors work so well on you. Love the whole signature style! Cant wait for the giveaway!
I always adore your classic style, Jean! A long time admirer 🙂 I love the tweed jacket in particular; it seems like such a lady-like staple for a wardrobe!
xoxo,
Sabrina
http://www.thepetitestyle.com