No Chloe Girl
Fashion Designer Bella Freud recently said turning up at a dinner party wearing something she felt uncomfortable wearing got on her nerves so much it was as though she had a stone in her shoe, she had chosen the outfit whilst feeling insecure, didn’t follow her instincts and wound up in clothes she instantly regretted.
Bella is a self confessed punk having worked for Vivienne Westwood, her now infamous 1970 jumper isn’t the year of her birth, but a pivotal year in the New York punk movement, she has a very laid back understated style, the word cool is overused, but Bella Freud is cool, so it was good to hear a woman who usually appears so self assured admit to feeling fazed by a sartorial mis-step. It also reaffirmed my belief that getting dressed is about more than just picking matching clothes, a good outfit can be the difference between a good day and a great day, it has that much of an impact on how you feel.
Her admission made me think of all the times I have worn an outfit that made me feel uncomfortable and I spotted a pattern, I have always wanted to be bohemian, picture the Chloe girls, the ultimate rich hippies, all mermaid waves, vintage inspired denim, ruffles and flowing voluminous dresses in powdery muted tones, given extra sex appeal with thigh high slouchy boots. I love and aspire to this styling but I can’t do it, its just not an aesthetic I can pull off without feeling as though I am wearing a 1970s fancy dress costume.
Fashion gives us the freedom to wear exactly what we want, but that doesn’t always equate to being able to wear exactly what we want, I don’t lack in confidence when getting dressed, but my inability to dress like a Chloe girl is something I can’t quite explain, It just makes me feel awkward and clunky, flowing cuffs look dramatic and ethereal on others, while I look messy and out of balance, and don’t get me started on me in pastel shades.
Despite my propensity for bohemian styling, I know I need more structure in my styling, tailored pieces make me feel more confident and put together, I am more of classic leather belt than a Chloe chain belt girl, anything boho-infused will instantly throw me off. So this season while the Chloe girls waft around in sheer tiered chiffon I will be sitting comfortably in a collarless blazer, or perhaps a crisp white shirt, there will be no stone in my shoe.
