Gah, that Sophie Billie Brahe image has been seared in my mind because I really want a ratty ole t-shirt (and a diamond necklace, but who's counting?!). Contrast, tension, depth; all concepts that are a bit vague but that I'm absolutely desperate for in an outfit. Thanks for breaking this one down!!
Everything about it feels on point for where we are in fashion: so many options and so much newness 24/7 but it’s the tension from those worn in gems that actually lights us up!
I’m always searching for the antonym of sporty or casual which is core to my style. I assumed the answer was structure, polish, formality. What your framework gave me is the realization that the antonym doesn’t have to come from a different category entirely. Precious, intricate, vintage…those can live right next to ratty and basic and still create the tension. It’s expanded my vocabulary for something I was already trying to do, just with a narrower word set. Thank you!
Drooling over your beat-up Kelly!! But also, this breakdown of the different high-low versions is brilliant. Yes to all of them, but I'm especially loving the emphasis on personal style with the vintage + new!
Nailed it. I’ve always struggled to explain why something works. Tension is exactly right. It’s not high/low per say, but sweatpants with a classic oversized button up and baubles. And LOVE precious and ratty.
i’ve also been thinking about friction alot lately and how powerful a tool it is, yet so much more nuanced than we’ve come to define it. This is so good, loved every word.
I love this, I’d add one more pairing, which is something you’ve inherited/got handed down with something you picked out yourself. While it’s similar enough to vintage, being in my case vintage Dior by Galliano or LV by M Jacobs among others, the feeling of pairing a hand-me-down with something I acquired myself is different; as compared to scouring TRR or Vestiare for that same type of 1990s/2000s vintage.
Perfect post, no notes. Precious + ratty might be my fave. Or vintage and new. Or intricate and basic.
I love your 🧠
We’ll take em all! In all seriousness I love using all of these combos to make things spicy. I’m lazy and need the easy wins!!
I think a drool came out of my mouth looking at your Kelly 🤤
Fair reaction. I’m still in shock she’s mine!
You know what else makes a zing? YOUR BRAIN. Love an old + new combo, but creating tension in general is FUN.
A lil tension goes a long way!! And yes honestly it makes every outfit FUN
Gah, that Sophie Billie Brahe image has been seared in my mind because I really want a ratty ole t-shirt (and a diamond necklace, but who's counting?!). Contrast, tension, depth; all concepts that are a bit vague but that I'm absolutely desperate for in an outfit. Thanks for breaking this one down!!
Everything about it feels on point for where we are in fashion: so many options and so much newness 24/7 but it’s the tension from those worn in gems that actually lights us up!
Precious + ratty is one I haven’t been able to put into words but it’s MAGNETIC. All so good
It’s the one we want right now!!
The way I outwardly swoon each time at your Kelly!!!! 🤤
Me too! I’m still not over it!!
Once, in Dover Street Market, Scott Schuman raised his camera at me, paused, and then lowered it again. I couldn’t bear it.
BRUTAL!
I wrote a whole piece about my experience of street style — it's free to read. Hope you like it. notesbyalfredtong.substack.com/p/i-got-papped-by-vogue-and-became
Tension is truly what takes an outfit from good to great.
Amen.
Love all the looks!! Give me it all
Thank you Ginny!
I’m always searching for the antonym of sporty or casual which is core to my style. I assumed the answer was structure, polish, formality. What your framework gave me is the realization that the antonym doesn’t have to come from a different category entirely. Precious, intricate, vintage…those can live right next to ratty and basic and still create the tension. It’s expanded my vocabulary for something I was already trying to do, just with a narrower word set. Thank you!
This makes me THRILLED to hear. Magic when we can sorta think about things in a different way, right?! Thank you!!
Yes!! You gave me language that I can act on, not just feel. Really glad I found this piece!
Drooling over your beat-up Kelly!! But also, this breakdown of the different high-low versions is brilliant. Yes to all of them, but I'm especially loving the emphasis on personal style with the vintage + new!
The best way to make our closets feel one of a kind! Thanks Maria!
A great read … previous and ratty loving this term of phrase:)
The best mix! Thanks for reading Sally x
Nailed it. I’ve always struggled to explain why something works. Tension is exactly right. It’s not high/low per say, but sweatpants with a classic oversized button up and baubles. And LOVE precious and ratty.
The secret sauce!!!
A VINTAGE KELLY! I hope she gets her own seat in the car.
Duhhhhhhhh
i’ve also been thinking about friction alot lately and how powerful a tool it is, yet so much more nuanced than we’ve come to define it. This is so good, loved every word.
It’s so powerful and so nuanced - so many ways we can tweak it!
I love this, I’d add one more pairing, which is something you’ve inherited/got handed down with something you picked out yourself. While it’s similar enough to vintage, being in my case vintage Dior by Galliano or LV by M Jacobs among others, the feeling of pairing a hand-me-down with something I acquired myself is different; as compared to scouring TRR or Vestiare for that same type of 1990s/2000s vintage.
Yes for sure. I tried to capture that in the vintage / new but nothing feels as good as a special hand-me-down!
Yes all about the ratty and precious 🤍🤍🤍
The best mix!