I don't want to look expensive thread. I like colour, prints and comfortable quirky stuff.

[NevermetaGilesIlike]

Thought I'd start a thread for anyone who finds capsule wardrobes in muted tones tedious as feck.

Ditto little diamond studs and designer bags with glossy bobs.

I personally admire the style of Alys Fowler and Helena Bonham-Carter.

Also love a bit of Gudrun/Lagenlook and other cheerful offerings.

A successful charity shop rummage is a joy to behold. I like messy hair, well -loved clothes and making my own stuff too.

Anyone else?

Ugh sorry - I'd like to try etsy and am confined to maternity clothes.

Ugh sorry - I'd like to try etsy and am confined to maternity clothes.

Oh, my people!

I think I still dress like a student from the early 1990s. Docs, Levi's, a bit of tie dye, tunic tops, long jumpers. Though my absolute favourite garment is a skirt from Etsy - below knee, balloon style, in a large houndstooth check of black and dark turquoise. Sounds awful but really isn't.

And I wear pearls - choker-ish style necklace of big bobbly irregular ones. It rocks IMHO.

You gals are my people. I was a bit vintage and very tweedy for a while, then went mori. Now I've settled on Strega- which is kind of dark mori. Basically dressing like witch! Lots of layers and textures, strange jewellery, mainly greys and blacks, with clumpy boots and interesting jewellery. H&M is a great place for my look, there's lots of potential for dressing like one of the characters from The Craft in there at the moment. One of my favourite accessories is a hair comb with a taxidermy mouse on it.

I lost this thread. So glad to have found it again. Have saved it for a proper perusal later.

In the meantime, for those of you who share the tartan love, I'm planning on getting on of these this autumn
www.sowsearstudio.co.uk/index.html

I also like this website.
www.kitandkaboodal.co.uk
Not bought anything from them yet, as my baggy linen has come from eBay so far, but I'm happy to know it's there.

I've never really had the courage to dress how I want for many reasons (probably more suited to the dysfunctional family thread!!!) BUT I'm going to be 48 next month & I'm bloody well going to start dressing to make me feel good! I love the Lagenlook style (have wobbly bits!) so will be taking notes from you lovely ladies.
Who are your style inspirations? Mine are Judi Dench & Phyllida Law... but up til now I look more like middle-aged frumpy mum!!! But it's going to change! Goodbye caterpillar, hello colourful butterfly!!! x

I love this thread...I tend to go more towards the classic with the occasional quirky twist myself as it suits me but I love quirky dressing. The world would be a much more boring place if everyone dressed in pencil skirts and nude tones.

Hello!
I don't do beige
I like to dye my hair and wear what I want.

I buy stuff from everywhere. I even have a Cos shirt

I have recently started buying unstructured tops and dresses. I have never been able to do casual without looking like an extra from Eastenders so I love this sort of stuff. I can put one of those long, weirdly shaped teeshirt/dresses with a pair of skinny jeans and feel comfortable but not depressed.

Dresses are my first love. I have literally hundreds. Tea dresses are my favourite.

I can do glam/punkish/rock etc. I am quite confident with my clothes but need nudge every now and again to try something new.

newpants that is the type of unconstructed thing I am talking about!
There is shop where I live that sells this stuff very cheaply.
I have some jersey versions of those long tops that I got for £10

NewPants thanks for the Sowsear link - it got me out of bed so I could see the stuff properly on the laptop. I love those tweedy trousers although I think I'd prefer them full length. I think I may have to suggest a long weekend in Somerset

Wannabe I could talk about style inspirations all day. Mine change all the time as I'm quite fickle but, at the moment, I'd say Katharine Hepburn and Heloise Letissier (Christine and the Queens) as I'm going through a bit of an androgyny revival. I'd throw in a touch of Patti Smith, Grace Kelly and Miss Marple too.

My wardrobe is full of Desigual stuff - it's cost me an absolute fucking fortune as I'm truly in love. Beautiful bright colours, and all true to size to boot!

This thread has inspired me to buy a pair of very pale jeans (from Sainsbury's, currently 25% off) and dye them purple. I've always fancied purple jeans

Oh, and I'm 50!

I have found my tribe

Ive saved the sows ear link. The tartan dresses and the knitted tunic

This thread is great.

lasttime im not very well endowed and a lot of steampunk looks are dependent on being curvy and feminine. So I go try for a more tailored Steampunk assassin look. Skinny jeans/slim trousers with a pair of kick arse boots, shirt and a blazer or coat. And quirky jewellery.

Jacob - that jacket is gorgeous. I especially love the 'steampunk assassin' description.

Some great links being shared and it's so inspiring to see how other people dress.

I've now got a wish list as long as my arm!

I like the Lagenlook but it doesn't suit me at all. I need a bit of structure in a outfit. I would typically pair something flowing with something fitted.

Sows ear sell on Etsy too
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/sowsearstudio1/items
Fabulous, aren't they?

Thank you and I love the jackets you've linked! Jackets and coats are my thing at the moment because like boldly, I need a bit of structure. But I like to mix it up, either through a jacket with interesting detail or by wearing it with something a bit off.

I think Vivienne Westwood is the Queen for that (should have added upthread that my style influences ome and go but she's always up there). I keep trying to save up for one of her tailored jackets but always fall off the wagon as soon as I hit three figures. I've recently gone back to vintage because I can still find tailored 40s/50s/60s jackets at a more affordable price.

I love that you posted the Katherine Hepburn pic flows. I think she's wonderful and often feel in terms of style image more into her than the ubiquitous Audrey. But I feel I lack height for it. Although I like wearing more mannish clothes often

Meant to be flois not flows

Audrey is lovely of course but Katharine Hepburn is The Boss.

I'm short too so, although I love mannish trousers (so pleased to see them back) I do have reign it in a little and not go too wide.

Waves right back, Jacob.

Love those steampunk jackets so much, but think I'm probably getting a bit old/busty for them.

I did buy this today though, which I realise is from MN middle aged middle class favourite Hush, but is very me! Hoping to wear it with a full black midi skirt and Converse in the summer.