I love that Katherine Hepburn look and would wear a variation on that to the office every day. I had some pants from the mid-90s that were cut like that and they were insanely flattering and comfortable. I was hoping they had come back in with the wider leg, higher rise styles, but I'm still having trouble finding just the right thing. |
I think Loft and WHBM are good places to start. Not every item they have is great quality, but they do have some good quality items. They tend to have coupons and sales often enough that you can easily fit your budget. They also have lookbooks and outfit ideas to show you how to use items you like.
Here's the inspiration page from Loft: https://www.loft.com/outfit-inspo/cat1330012?pcid=cat5280004 For WHBM, they have outfit ideas with each item. For example, scroll down on this: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/jetsetter+tee/570309194?color=3442&catId=cat11679560 |
I like these. With the 25% off coupon now, they would be reasonably priced
https://www.jcrew.com/p/shops/linen_shop/womens/wideleg-linen-pant/AY501?color_name=icy-orchid-yd&colorProductCode=AY501 Pair that with a black or white slim fit tee from jcrew tucked in. Or a shorter tee untucked like this https://www.madewell.com/baby-tee-H8168.html?dwvar_H8168_color=NA5622&cgid=apparel-topstees-tees#start=16 You can wear the same tops with a maxi or midi casual skirt like https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0844935006.html https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=685685002&cid=1082574&pcid=1082574&vid=1&nav=hamnav%3AWomen%3A%3ASkirts&cpos=23&cexp=1567&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D1082574&cvar=11754&ctype=Listing&cpid=res21052919244317001776917#pdp-page-content https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=681226022&cid=1082574&pcid=1082574&vid=1&nav=hamnav%3AWomen%3A%3ASkirts&cpos=22&cexp=1567&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D1082574&cvar=11754&ctype=Listing&cpid=res21052919244317001776917#pdp-page-content |
NP. Minimalism is all the rage now. And it's classic. You can definitely mix those items with more festive/feminine pieces, like that jacket would go well with a flowy midi dress. That's what I do. Those are good staples. I was kind of surprised when I recently re-watched French Kiss with Meg Ryan. It was filmed in 1995 but almost all her outfits look very up-to-date now. A breton shirt, high waist pants, a masculine jacket, that white voluminous shirt. (The only exception is that light blue dress in the end, too skimpy now). https://www.google.com/search?q=French+kiss+meg+Ryan&client=ms-android-xiaomi&prmd=ivsn&sxsrf=ALeKk011SQf4NfTClP0cbg9V1NjlkxfOTA:1622358049939&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi41Y7a6vDwAhXLgP0HHYfbBCcQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=360&bih=592&dpr=2 |
I have these and like them. They do run large. |
Yes! So feminine. I wish I could buy each of those dresses and all of the tan coats. |
1942 was early 40s, but point taken. If you like this aesthetic, you'll like eShakti. I'm 5'2, 150 pounds of muscle (small waist / flat stomach / ginormous, solid booty) and I can't buy anything off the rack. I order all of my dresses custom-sized from eShakti and get tons of compliments. They have hundreds of patterns at any given time, you just need to take the time to browse and find what you like. |
I love the idea of effortlessly slouchy linen pants, but I ordered a white pair from One Quince and they looked like sad pajamas ... plus you could see the pockets. I’m 5’6” and slim/medium build but for some reason i can’t nail this. What is the secret? I also avoid joggers like the plague — I just think they look ... bad/sloppy. |
OP I like Aritzia for their drapey pants (check out the Babaton line). The fabric is magic. Figure out what cuts you like and your size and you can find them on poshmark or thredup. Boden is great for casual dresses that have enough shape to not look frumpy but still casual for your everyday activities. Also easy to find on consignment websites. Get a flattering haircut with some summery highlights and trendy sneakers to go with your new outfits and you will feel great! |
+ 1 Seems like that Kate Middleton wears some of these...with just tiny bit of modification. |