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?

I quite like this

I realise it's floral, but it isn't a dainty one

I have a mesh long sleeved top that I wear under cold shoulder stuff

Thanks, I love the coat. It gets a lot of compliments and the colour just makes me happy.

Things that are languishing in my etsy basket at the moment:

Does anyone have any good websites/etsy shops to share for alternative looks?

m.emp.co.uk/

www.katesclothing.co.uk/

If I looked in the mirror and saw myself wearing this I'd be as happy as a pig in 💩! This is what I kind off strive to be. Wether I am or not is another matter!

I like this thread.

Back in the late 80s/early 90s I used to recycle charity shop clothing into quirky skirts etc - my wardrobe was full of sparkly, spangly micro mini skirts!

Nowadays I find myself (at age 50) lost when it comes to style and what my style is. Think I lost it when I had the DC TBH.

I see things I love but just think a) I can't carry it off or b)I wouldn't know when to wear it.

I'll keep reading with interest and hopefully get some inspiration.

MrsG I know what you mean, when I was younger I never had the confidence, I always felt big and ugly but I've realized I'm nether of these things and so what if I'm both, I still deserve to feel nice and I actually wear what I like now more than I ever have. My wardrobe is over flowing with pretty colorful dresses, nothing makes me happier than wearing a beautiful dress, and I wear them to any occasion!

Oh i like the cape buster.

Following this thread with interest.

Jacob I don't own the cape but I have lots of suede boots and a lovely blue faux fur coat, made of teddy bear fur not animal type of fur. I've got a lovely pinky faux fur gilet too! 😍

I don't shy away from make up either, the brighter the lipstick the better!

Just here to say THANK YOU to everyone who has mentioned EMP, which (as of 5 minutes ago) is my new favourite store... never heard of it before today.

I think I belong on this thread. I was a teenager in the 90s and my basic style hasn't really changed.
I mostly shop in charity shop these days for reasons of budget.
Supposedly neutral colours don't really suit me anyway, I have auburn hair and pale skin so they make me look washed out. olive greens and muted purples are my 'neutrals' .

I'm somewhere in between 'expensive' and 'quirky' but I am definitely spiritually more at home discussing colourful, homemade & recycled fashion than designer handbags or diamond earrings!

I have a bob though so does that mean I am excluded?

I love this thread. I'm not keen on neutrals or Breton tops and I never wear jeans (I am curvy and they never fit properly). I'd never heard of Mori before but a quick look on Pinterest = love - although too much drape-age would make me look huge. Where do you shop for this look? It's a little bit Joe Brown isn't it? And that's not a bad thing in my book, I like a lot of Joe Brown and Desigual stuff. Agree with the hair too. I don't have the time, money or inclination for sleek, expensive hair. I'd never heard of Alys Fowler either - she's gorgeous.

I'm with you, shagged, probably. Wavy bob, pearls, lots of taupe and muted colours, nice cardies, but most of it looking vaguely Edwardian/1920s/1930s/1970s, usually with boots or clumpy shoes, and mist of it second hand.

I think my taste is rather tame by the standards here! Here's a few to represent what I'd love my look to be but I don't have the money or lifestyle for it! Adore the jacket though - it's my favourite and I wish I owned it.

Love all of those outfits, Breathe. Very similar to how I dress for work! That jacket is gorgeous.

Love the capes linked upthread too. I think my problem is that I like lots of different looks and as such my wardrobe ends up an eclectic mix of retro styles/hippy/goth.

My perfect thread :) Going to go back and look up all the various suggestions later on.

Day-to-day I live in combats & sleeveless t-shirts, but I love steampunk / cyberpunk looks for going out.

And yes, I may have spent the 90s (and much of the 80s) in utility style pinafore / leggings / converse / sloppy rainbow striped jumper.

These days now I have a bit more ££s to spend I love the more wearable / less rave-y end of Cyberdog clothing

Stuff I like is this, only scruffier:

Or this:

I am an art teacher ! but prefer a retro boho look. I wear those stretchy flowered dresses that everyone chucks out with coloured tights and clompy boots so I probably look a bit Brighton. Or I cut the feet off tights and wear them like leggings under a skirt.I cut my own hair with a severe fringe and long waves which I keep very dark. I wear a lot of jewellery, bling un-bling, love it all form junk to gold.

I get a lot of compliments, smiles - and stares too! Don't care too much.

I think Lotis makes a really good point about neutrals. It's no good someone telling you to wear navy and cream - you have to work out your own. I would say my neutrals are plums/purples, dark greens and charcoal grey. They may not be quite as flexible as navy, black and beige but I find they still work well together.