In this look:
Dress: Hana Tajima for Uniqlo
How to be (successfully) overdressed.
Hint: channel Holly Golightly, in the supermarket, on the train, at the Laundromat…
Created in collaboration with Uniqlo Australia
Everyone is looking at you – whispered my commute companion, gesturing at the gaggle of archetypal scarved-to-the-upper-lip Parisian Madames that were our fellow passengers. ‘I guess you’re a bit overdressed for the Metro’, he concluded. Had I the get-up-and-go to argue at that moment, I might have suggested a number of similarly plausible explanations more kind to my eight in the morning delicate self-esteem.
However, glancing down at my flowy bias cut dress (from the functional and beautiful Hana Tajima for Uniqlo collection), the floor length skirt of which almost needed a seat all on its own, and feeling the weight of my oversized sunglasses on the bridge of my nose, I had to admit to feeling somewhat ridiculous within the context of this commonplace scenario.
As one determined to experience life by living out film references, I felt very much like a Holly Golightly in that quintessential Audrey Hepburn film. The protagonist, lending circumstance to the film’s name, takes a flimsy takeaway pastry and coffee breakfast while window shopping at a yet to open Fifth Avenue Tiffany & Co boutique. Her full length gown, diamond tiara and mysterioso cat-eye sunglasses were so out of place in the deserted streets of a somber New York morning.
There is something impishly diverting about pointedly overdressing without an occasion at all, creating an unsettling juxtaposition that may lead passers-by to ponder for all that day, ‘just what was that girl’s story?’ Then, on the other hand, it is simply a question of wearing what you like, peer approval not a prerequisit. The rule operates both ways, of course, whether it is sneakers to a party or a dramatic full skirted dress on the Metro. Yours truly, for one, approves.
As for being successfully overdressed, might I suggest:
- Floor grazing lengths that reference classical tastes of a romanticised last century
- A shrinking waistline optical elusion that conjures femininity overdose
- Personality affirming earrings slash works of sculpture, for which size does matter
- A tiny handbag (or no handbag at all), as if to imply your more glamorous plans had fallen through
- Blacked out sunglasses, lighting conditions be damned
In this look:
Dress by Hana Tajima for Uniqlo; Sunglasses & Bag by Céline; Scarf by Loweve; Shoes via Frankie Shop; Earrings by JW Anderson
Created in collaboration with Uniqlo Australia
Location: Paris, France | Photography: Louis Villers
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wow love this dress!!!!!
please check out my latest blog post featuring Paul Smith at Melbourne Fashion Festival:
http://www.bloggersboyfriend.com/melbourne-fashion-festival-paul-smith-2017/
I love this! One of my favorite quotes is ‘you can never be overdressed or over educated.” I wear skirts and dresses all the time and often feel kinda overdressed for everyday life, but there’s also something really satisfying about it. Also I love your style of writing.
Julia | juliainbluhm.com
Thank you so much Julia! Yes, that’s just the perfect quote! On that note I think educating one self is one of the most amazing things you can do, but if only it were easier to find the time…
Your hair color is gorgeous! How did you get it that color?
– Greta
http://www.mintyfrosting.com
Thanks so much dear! It’s bleached and toned slightly ash!
Get them talking, or thinking!! Loved this dress and how you styled it hon. So chic, as always.
I remember when I was studying in Prague for a bit wearing a full length black maxi dress, art supplies under my arm, black raybans on, taking the tram and probably feeling about the same. Audrey moments.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com/
As always great post!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Everyone thinks you’re dressed up when you wear a midi or maxi length skirt. I wear 50s flared skirts a lot and always get comments on being too dressed up and fancy. If I liked fur, I’d wear a big fur jacket to go with it and stuff them. As it is, maybe a dinner jacket to go with it would suffice
Yesssssssss, I love this. Thank you for sharing.
Yesterday, I visited the mall “overdressed” and I got so many stares that I began to question myself, but I think that dressing up to go out should be done more often. 🙂
I love that pantsuit, such beautiful shape!
http://azanah.wordpress.com
Inspiring piece, you write so beautifully and your pictures and styling genius is just Pshoo! beyond me!
it is very knowledgeable and valuable article. thanks for share with us..
ohhhh love love the look babe!!
kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
http://www.mahryska.com
it s always a pleasure see your special chic style.
love
http://www.theladycracy.it