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Original poster

Anyone want to help style me?

28 replies

Thymeto · 07/02/2021 21:14

Hoping you clever people can help me out with some outfit ideas.

I’m a musician playing mainly at wedding receptions and being completely lacking in work right now thought it would be a good time to waste money on new clothes Grin

For the past however many years I’ve worn the same uniform to every wedding of neutral dress, cardigan, ballet flats. It just feels so boring and old-fashioned now and not very me? Also I feel like things have changed a lot over the past few years re weddings and I could get away with a bit of a cooler more alternative look, which is what I would like but to still look professional.

My problem is I’m a very very casual dresser, and I don’t really know how to translate my style into a more dressy look. I generally don’t like wearing very feminine clothes and don’t feel myself at all in them but have a wardrobe full of pretty dresses that keep coming out as I don’t know what else to wear!

OP posts:
BurningRed · 07/02/2021 21:17

Height, size/shape and age?

Original poster
Thymeto · 07/02/2021 21:22

5’2, pear-shaped size ten, 34

OP posts:
Barmbraic · 07/02/2021 21:27

What type of music do you play, classical, rock, jazz?

Original poster
Thymeto · 07/02/2021 21:35

Barmbraic play a mixture of pop, classical, folk, easy listening. Very much gentle background music - zero rock Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Thymeto · 07/02/2021 21:38

Also just noticed I said receptions when I meant mainly ceremonies.

OP posts:
Standrewsschool · 07/02/2021 21:48

Jumpsuit?

jumpsuit 1

jumpsuit 2

Maybe get a funky jacket to put over your dress?

When you say ‘alternative’, do you mean alternative folk? Punk? Goth?

sixties/seventies

maxi

Procrastatron · 08/02/2021 08:32

Someone on here coined the term “Swedish Architect” for the simple, elegant slightly androgynous look. I’m sure you’ll find threads if you search that term. Is does sound like that might be what you are looking for.

MarieAnneLecoeur · 08/02/2021 09:14

@Thymeto It would be useful to see photos of you in some of those "pretty" dresses and maybe your go to uniform. Also what instrument do you play? From my experience of dressing musicians there is a difference between what is okay for say a flute and what needs to be modest for say a cello or harp!

MaryLennoxsScowl · 08/02/2021 09:15

What do you play - do you get hot/need to lift your arms up a lot? I’d suggest a tailored blazer over a leather A-line mini and a camisole, but you might be playing a cello!
Culottes?
Silk shirt and wide-legged trousers a la Katharine Hepburn?
What is your favourite outfit when you’re going out with friends rather than thinking about being professional?

rattymcratrat · 08/02/2021 09:20

All black- black skinny jeans with shoes appropriate to the temp? Black silk shirt/blouse with silver jewellery.

That wouldn't make you 'rock' or goth but would be sleek and certainly different.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 08/02/2021 10:08

It needs to have an element of structure and formality otherwise you might look like a wedding guest. Definitely move away from beige.

I like the idea of all black but what is your colouring? Can you wear black?

Original poster
Thymeto · 08/02/2021 10:40

Sorry I had a terrible evening with toddler up with earache and forgot to check back! Yes Mary I play cello but also piano and organ. When I’m playing cello I usually wear a pair of 3 quarter lengthish culottes, at least I think this is what they are but they feel a bit too floaty and baggy for me. I think actually what I’d love is something that’s like leggings but appropriate to wear for work, does such a thing exist? Love the idea of the leather mini so thank you! When I’m going out with friends, me dressing up would be say disco pants with DMs or a mini with black tights and DMs and leather jacket. If I’m trying to look fancier, I put on lots of very plain rings and bracelets, not a fan of any other jewellery.

The jumpsuits are a good idea and the ones linked are nice but still a bit too feminine and floaty for me, I think. Is there such a thing as a jumpsuit that is like leggings? Grin

To answer some questions no I don’t usually get too hot, I am always first one there in freezing empty venues and can never seem to get warmed up after that.

I don’t think the Swedish architect is me although I love this look on other people! Think I prefer more fitted clothing on me as I’m short so I feel a bit swamped.

And yes, should’ve definitely clarified what I meant by alternative. I suppose what I mean is just something slightly on the edgy side but no definitely not full goth. So really not alternative at all, in fact, what I’m probably looking for is to be a bit more up to date and not my boring cardi and ballet flats. I think it’s probably the shoes that are dating me. I would love to wear some more androgynous shoes that would dress things down a bit. I just don’t know what I’m looking for.

ratty all black used to be the thing when playing classical and still would be if I’m playing in quartet, this is a lot easier for me as my whole wardrobe is black and it doesn’t matter as much about looking dressed up.

OP posts:
TardisThroughTime · 08/02/2021 10:43

That first jumpsuit is so lovely!!!

Throughabushbackwards · 08/02/2021 10:47

Gah! Sorry about the massive link Blush

Another nice one -
www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Outlet/Clothing/Jeans-and-Trousers/ROZIEE-Pearl-neck-detail-jumpsuit-Black/p/154889-BLACK

PursuingProxemicExactitude · 08/02/2021 11:11

Yes ... I'd have said your previous three quarter length trousers were possibly the least good solution when playing a cello. You want something sleek to the ankle.

H&M have leather leggings at the moment. They'd look good with a loose silk shirt. (They also do faux leather if you'd prefer that.)

Original poster
Thymeto · 08/02/2021 11:32

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions! Ted baker jumpsuits are on the right track, think I need something like that with a cuffed ankle, I think this is what’s always put me off jumpsuits is I’ve only ever had ones with a flappy ankle! What a revelation Grin and palavah yes cigarette pants is exactly the kind of thing I’m after! Maybe with chunkier black brogues would something like that work?

Lady you are so right I don’t want to look like a wedding guest, this is also a revelation to me Grin

Thanks everyone some great ideas here.

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Londonmummy66 · 08/02/2021 18:13

Someone I know has this one (or something very similar) for concerts - she often wears it with a polo neck underneath if the venue is a freezing church - aren't they always.

Bear in mind though that a fitted jumpsuit with skinny trousers might not give you enough "wiggle" for organ pedals.

Original poster
Thymeto · 09/02/2021 09:38

Thanks for the links, a couple of those jumpsuits are perfect! I love the John Lewis one but what kind of shoes would I wear with it?

OP posts:
Original poster
Thymeto · 09/02/2021 09:40

Sorry the 3rd John Lewis one I mean. Although the first one is beautiful as well!

OP posts:
NellietheNumpty · 09/02/2021 10:26

The French connection and reiss jumpsuits look great. You would look professional and stylish if they suit your colouring and body type. I think the idea about layering sounds practical.
The styling is important so you look like a performer not a guest. How about a metallic lace up brogue?

NellietheNumpty · 09/02/2021 10:28

Like this
www.modainpelle.com/shoes-c1/flat-and-ballerina-shoes-c46/gisella-pewter-leather-p8475
So you can transport equipment, play the organ, perform, keep your feet warm and look wonderful.
Perhaps I need some too after I look at that list!