Style Sense: Vanilla Crème, A Styling Exercise in Summer Elegance

Introduction

You don’t need a closet full of coordinated outfits to look chic in summer. With just a few basic skirts and tops, you can create stylish, breathable looks that feel effortless. The key is simplicity—soft colors and gentle prints help you project calm and ease, even in heat and humidity.

This is the first post in my Style Sense series. Each look is built from two slim skirts and a mix of solid and printed tops. None of the pieces were bought as a set—they were collected over time. When you stay true to your style and color preferences, your wardrobe naturally works together. You can always shop your closet to create something fresh.

Summer Chic: Vanilla Crème

A vanilla-colored pencil skirt is a summer essential. It pairs beautifully with halter tops, tanks, and breezy overblouses. Its soft neutrality complements both prints and solids, making it a versatile base for countless outfits.

In this look, the top is the focal point. To keep the eye drawn upward, I added a simple gold bangle and chose beige sandals that contrast subtly with the skirt. The soft floral tones—roses and leaves—add a feminine touch without overwhelming the palette.

Necklaces can feel heavy or sticky in humid weather. This top features a clever solution: the necklace is detachable and secured with clear plastic loops sewn beneath each shoulder. Each side of the necklace has a clasp that hooks into the loops. It’s a thoughtful detail that can be adapted to your own summer sewing projects.

Style Notes

– Choose a mid-calf or ballerina-length pencil skirt in a neutral shade like vanilla
– Look for a stretch skirt with no zippers or wide waistbands—comfort matters in the heat
– If the skirt is sheer, wear a lightweight slip in white or off-white
– Select a top in a color or print that complements the skirt
– Sandals should be close to the skirt’s shade, or slightly lighter/darker
– Let the top be the focal point
– Keep jewelry minimal—bangles or earrings work well without adding bulk

Combining Minimalism and Vintage to Style a LBD

Introduction

For this styling exercise I wanted to apply the principles of Minumalism. Here are a few key elements of Minamulism in design and styling:

* Clothing is well fitting.
* Neutral shades predominate.
* Classic styling with minimal details.
* High quality fabrics and notions.
* Form follows function. There must be a purpose to every part of the garment. This results in fewer frills and non-essential details.
* Accessories must be carefully chosen and contribute to a refined look.

I started with my favorite Little Black Dress (LBD).

LBD Details

I bought this LBD at a small boutique on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. A sewista with mid-level skills will be able to analyze the style lines and understand how the fit is achieved. This LBD skims the body but is not form fitting. Fit is achieved through vertical princess seaming from shoulder to hem on each side of center front and center back. The princess seams intersect with the bust dart and vertical dart on the front of the basic sheath dress pattern. They also go through where the shoulder dart and vertical dart on the back basic pattern are.

There are two layers to the butterfly sleeves. Each layer is lined with a lightweight black satin. The dress is also lined with the same material. This helps the dress fit smoothly over the body. My challenge was to find one accessory that adds visual interest and works as a definitive focal point for the outfit. Determing the focal point is a skill developed through practice. My ability in this area is still developing.

The Focal Point for the LBD

I decided there could be two different focal points. Which one I would apply depended on the occassion.
Styling #1

The fluttery butterfly sleeves reminded me of similar sleeves on dresses and blouses of the 1930s. I wanted to add a combination of retro Art Deco and Modern Minimalism in the choice of the accessory to define the focal point.

I selected a wide elastic band belt with a triangular mock Marcasite belt. The sparkling belt buckle creates a striking contrast against the black dress. The width of the belt works well to create a more fitted look. The width of the belt is just right since it keeps the eye focused on the waist area. This is where I wanted the focal point to be.

Styling #2

For a different look, I removed the belt and considered accessories that create a different impact and vocal point. These accessories provide some interest but keep the eye focused on the fit and flow of the LBD. I chose costume jewelry in the form of a mock cubic zirconia ring set. The purse has a mock marcasite closure that also carries a little feeling of Art Deco. It may be used as a clutch. It also comes with silver chains with clasps that connect with loops that swivel up from the inside of the purse. For a little added sophistication, a silvery rhinestone perfume atomizer or lipstick case can add further interest to the purse as a focal point.

Conclusion

It is possible to combine the principles of timelessness and simplicity of Minimalism with one or two elements of vintage fashion. Practice and experimentation will help develop the sensibilities needed.

The Value of Styling and Visual Merchandising for Dressmakers

Have you ever wondered how you can sharpen your style sense and design vision? Developing your style sense is a path of continual improvement. How does a sewist or sewista practice color coordination and accessorizing? I asked myself these questions a few months ago. This is why I bought a mannequin. I named her Katie and she serves as a model and advisor. It is one thing to envision an outfit I will make or coordinate from clothing I purchased. It is another experience to see that outfit on a mannequin.

A mannequin can be another you, your muse or the customer you target for your creations. The mannequin enables you to step back and behold the impact of the outfit. In this sense, you can experience the outfit and the impression it makes. This experience takes place in real time, whenever you walk into the room and see the mannequin. It is more immediate and vivid that reviewing selfies, or photos others have taken of you in the outfit. The mannequin lets you experience the outfit in real time.

I am styling outfits for Katie from the clothing I already have. For this posting I created a casual back-to-the office look using separates. I did not buy any of the pieces at the same time. My preference for certain colors made the coordination of this outfit possible. Choosing a basic black mini-skirt and pumps also made the outfit come together. I would recommend a similar approach if you decide to start styling outfits on a mannequin. Choose one piece in black, white, navy blue, grey, or brown. Then pair it with a piece in a complementary color or print.

Sharing photos of your styled look will help you get feedback.. There is an excitement to discussing a new outfit and consulting with others what will round it out. In the process you will be interacting with others in a way that design team members do. Everyone will see the outfit in a different way. Some will suggest you add an element, and some may critique it. It is important to accept the feedback with grace and use it as a means to grow your style sense and design skills.

Styling Adventure: Taking inspiration from a retro look

Introduction

It is possible to create a retro inspired look interpreted through your own style sensibility. You do not even need to have authentic vintage fashions and accessories to do this. What you do need is a sense of adventure and a keen eye. These can be applied when evaluating the clothes and accessories you already have or shop for. The goal is to get a sense of feeling and look from the vintage fashion. Then express in such a way that it’s a combo of something old and something new!

The Look I took inspiration from

Claire McCardell was an American designer who had her peak popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. She designed comfortable fashions aimed at the American woman and her active lifestyle. Claire worked with knitwear as well as wovens. Her goal was to make elegance something that could be achieved in the simple pieces that make up a capsule wardrobe. She taught her followers how to do this in her book What shall I wear? By having comfortable, well fitting coordinates a woman was already on her way to elegant dressing every day of the week and any time of the day. Colors that worked well together and flattered the woman were important. Individual expression was achieved through beautiful accessories.

This photo comes from What shall I wear? I love the look of the chunky beaded necklace. And the multiple charm bracelets are enough to convey elegance and individuality.

The second outfit I took inspiration from is a trio of coordinates McCardell designed for beach wear. I especially like the slacks. The deep tucks at the waist and tapering legs of the slacks create a comfortable, easy garment flattering to a wide range of sizes. What I also love is the look of these slacks with the sandals.

With these inspirations in mind I set about recreating the look and making it my own.

How I expressed the look using modern clothing and accessories

I did not want a chunky beaded necklace. In the 1950s beading and sequins were very popular on cardigans and pullover sweaters. When I found this knitwear top it was perfect for starting the look. I also bought one in grey with silver beading.

I looked through the collection of costume jewlery my Mom left me and found the charm bracelets for the outfit.

The next step was to find a comfortable pair of slacks that approximated the look of the ones I liked. I also had to find sandals that worked with the slacks.

I ended up at the bargain store where I’d bought the tops. I found two pairs of floral print slacks: one with pink blossoms and one with grey blossoms.

When I saw the sandals I knew I now had the right combination to channel the expression of my vintage inspired vibe.

Photo of the completed look

I am very pleased with the way this look came together. It expresses my own style yet has some of the elements of the original outfit. I hope you take some ideas from this to start your own creative style expression using vintage fashions as a starting point.

Credits

Close-up from What shall I wear? by Claire Mccardell

Full length photo: Claire McCardell Beach Outfit
Public domain-WikimediaCommons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sunburn-brown_jersey_beachware_designed_by_Claire_McCardell.jpg

Spring Vacation 2022: Shopping and Styling Fun

Introduction

I’m on vacation from work this week. I decided to stay home and immerse myself in all my beloved hobbies and activities. I have not gone clothes shopping at a bricks-and-mortar location since before Lockdown of Spring 2020. I decided it is about time that changed.

There is a lovely boutique on Wood Avenue in Linden, New jersey called New Image. All during Lockdown 2020 I would go for walks and look at the window arrangements of clothes and accessories. Everything is so pleasing and in good taste. Things worked out this week and the shop was open when I went out. I usually get off work after New Image closes for the day, so it took some time for me to get there.

Shopping Experience

The store is well laid out with accessories and shoes featured near the outfits they would complement. There is lots of room to move around and many mirrors. The overall feeling is boutique like yet personal. There is no crowding in the store.

Merchandise cannot be returned so you have to make sure you try your selections on before buying. I found two tops on sale that came to a total of $25. They are perfect for dressing up the denim skirt I draped and sewed during Lockdown of 2020.

New Image Boutique is located at 116 N. Wood Avenue, Linden, New Jersey 07036. Telephone 973-803-6242.

My New Pullover Tops from New Image

This stiped top is from Orange Kiss. It is stretchy and comfortable. It is a size M and fits me just right with a little extra room to move in. I usually wear a Medium in stretch tops.

The polka dot top is from dianabelleNY and is labelled a size S. It fits me very well without being tight around the body or binding at the neck.

These are perfect for dressing up my denim skirt.

Accessories, Shoes and Stockings/Pantyhose

There are times I do not find my bare legs attractive with an outfit. The matter of choosing to wear stockings or pantyhose depends on personal preferences and the climate. During the summer I do not wear them but at other times of the year I think they look very sexy. They also hide bruises and imperfections. Dark stockings also add a youthful look.

The shoes I paired with these two looks are: 1. a pair of fabric square toed ballet flats from Bob’s Skeecher’s and 2. a pair of black pumps by Jaklyn Smith.

My late Mom left me her costume jewelry and collectibles which I treasure. The three gold tone charm bracelets were sold by Avon during the 1980s or early 1990s. I paired the hearts charm bracelet with the we’re in the money charm bracelet since I liked the idea of mixing up love (hearts) with symbols of wealth like diamond rings, yachts and gold bars.

My Finished Looks

I am very happy with the resulting looks and hope this gives you some ideas for styling your own denim skirts.