Lately my looks have been very much pared down to super casual. I mean, 'super casual' is my go-to style, but I kind of miss being a little extra when it comes to dressing up, you know?
It seems like my style "heyday" happened whenever I traveled overseas; I remember being completely inspired by the street style of Tokyo and incorporating whatever new tip or trick I spotted into my own personal style, and how much fun it was to experiment.
I'm not going to abandon my "Canadian tuxedo" outfits and sneakers, but there's something about taking small steps to make an outfit feel fresh and just that little bit special once in a while. I figured the best ways to do it — while still maintaining my own personal style — are to add on "extra" pieces to things that I usually wear casually, and/or substitute the regular accessories that I'm used to putting on for something unexpected.
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Take this outfit as an example:
I always wear this black maxi skirt but it usually goes under a casual oversized sweater or a t-shirt + denim jacket. And then there's this kitschy shapeless grey duster coat, which has always been a bit tricky to style. They actually look pretty good together on their own but adding an edgy waist belt really transforms both pieces for me!
I would be really tempted to finish with sneakers (can't help it I LOVE MY SNEAKERS OK) but the goal was to substitute and be different this time around, so I went with these red mules with glass blocked heels that I should definitely wear more often (and would have if they were really made for walking).
As for those earrings? Ever since I discovered I love wearing earrings with my hijab, I've been sticking with mostly hoops so I'm happy to discover crazier statement earrings could definitely work for me too!
(It makes such a statement though, so I'd probably save such fancy earrings for fancier events — or for a photoshoot, that obvs works as well...)
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See: How I matched this duster coat with my usual sneakers and culottes, and the last time I wore the maxi skirt with a mesh top
Not my usual kind of outfit, but it succeeded in making my OOTD feel fresh and new, plus it feels great to be riding on a new wave of inspiration! ❤
What do you think of this "a litte extra" outfit compared to my super casual outfits?
Wearing: Duster from Shibuya 109 | Uniqlo maxi skirt | Mango heeles mules | H&M belt
Wow Liyana... you are stunning here!
ReplyDeleteYour skintone and that beautiful lipstick.... gorgeous.
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous | Style and fun with fashion, over 40
Thank you so much Samantha <3 I did have a good skin day hence good "foundation day" on this day (I can't be the only one who has those days), and I also added plenty of highlighter actually. Highlighter does look good in photos I have to admit but I don't usually apply highlighter for a normal day out!
DeleteOnce again I think your experimentation with a touch of something creative, unexpected and just outside the tried and true has proven successful!
ReplyDeleteI think the earrings are great especially when your hijab is a single dark color. The earrings (very cool) add interest near your face.
I think the shoes do the same thing to draw your eye over your complete look. I LOVE the belt Liyana!!!! Not only does it reveal your lovely waist line but it's also something I rarely see you wear and I like it!!
I'm glad you approve of my experiment, Judy! Very happy =D
DeleteYou're right, those earrings would work well on a dark hijab, but it wouldn't look nowhere as good - almost tacky perhaps - against a colourful printed one, wouldn't it?
I used to collect waist belts but stopped doing so because I find them hard to include in my outfits. This opened up my eyes to the possibilities though, I'm going to keep my eyes open for cool waist belts!
Sweetie, you always stun me with your unexpectedness. I just love the pops of red from your pout and those delicate mules! I don't know where to begin, but everything about this outfit is so street style, so you. BTW, I love the loop hoops. You make them look ever so eye-catching with your black hijab. And of course, your swaggy poses. URGH! Why so cantik????? :D x
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU SHANAZ <3 <3 <3 Sometimes I get doubts about blogging so getting comments like yours helps a lot in making those doubts vanish.
DeleteI love that you mentioned "swaggy poses" because I am terrible at taking photos; I say "I tak tau nak pose macam manaaa" in every single "photoshoot" with my husband (he claims he's a better photographer than I am a model, a sentiment I agree with a 100%!), but fortunately he is able to help me loosen up and I really have him to thank for for the "swag" hahaha.
Thank you so much for your sweet compliments, I appreciate it xxooxxoo