Plus Size Eclectic Style Aesthetic
Eclectic style type is a creative aesthetic that takes distinct elements from various style types to create an outfit. Eclectic style changes from wearer to wearer as the style is very individualistic. How one person wears their choice eclectic outfit is not the same as another wearer. Therefore, to have an eclectic style is to have one that is rooted in creativity and appreciation for a varying array of fashion elements and rules.
When I think of eclectic style, I think of people like Solange Knowles, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lupita Nyong’o, and Chloe Sevigny. These women all have a great eclectic styles that pull from various fashion elements and inspirations. The eclectic style type is really one of creativity and I don’t believe has hard and set rules or pieces that must be utilized. My take on the eclectic fashion type is that is on the user to play and mix their love of styles, textures, colors, and cuts to create something that speaks to them. In short, it’s all on you, baby. This is why I stress playing with fashion and thrifting. Yes, I thrift because I’m cheap, but also I enjoy finding interesting pieces that aren’t in regular stores. Old pieces, vintage pieces, random pieces that just need a creative touch. This leads into why I say play with fashion. You can follow rules all day, but it’s what you want to wear that matters. Pull from different style types and get to know what you like and not what social media tells you to buy. Okay, with my tiny rant out of the way, let’s get into how I like to create outfits.
Courtney’s random thoughts on making an outfit
Pick what makes you feel comfortable: most of my clothes are firmly rooted in a minimalist/casual/boho style type. It’s what blows my skirt up. That’s not to say that I don’t have pieces that don’t fit that type. Usually the base of my outfit is something that I’d feel comfortable wearing with dashes of other styles mixed in for flavor. If I head fully into one distinct style, I make sure it feels right. For example, I love the fitted but also baggy, athletic, hip hop street wear style that has resurfaced. You will not see me in this style because I don’t look good in this style. I didn’t look good when it came out in the 90s and I don’t look good now. I will go to my grave knowing that I can never cosplay as Aaliyah and I’ve come to terms with that. The point is, just because I like it doesn’t mean I will be comfortable in it. Just because I like the style doesn’t mean it was meant for me. The best way to look good in your clothes is to feel comfortable in your clothes. If you’re a big girl like me that’s a major key.
See the potential in individual pieces: most of my clothes are thrifted. This means they’re vintage, wardrobe staples, or off season pieces. Let’s talk about the vintage and the off season clothes. Given that fashion seasons come and go so quickly, a lot of clothes get donated when they still have a lot of style. As long as it’s not too trendy, there is nothing wrong with buying off season clothes. I like to go with pieces that I know I can mix in with my existing clothes or pieces that are interesting and can be worn in new ways. These are the same rules I use for vintage pieces. There are some pieces from certain decades that just have timeless charm. There are some pieces that can have a new life with modern styling. It really all depends on your style and creativity.
Buy your wardrobe basics: if you don’t have them, get them. That’s it. You need the wardrobe basics to build your outfits. They’re the foundation. You need a strong foundation. Please, just go get them. I promise it will be worth it.
Find inspo and build from there: you can find inspo from so many places. Just get a spark and then see what you have that can help you build something in the same vein.
Don’t be afraid to fail: if you’ve been around this blog long, you know I have lots of outfit fails. These internet streets keep a young thug humble. However, if I don’t try, then I will never learn what works for me and the things I like. There are so many outfits that I plan on paper but are a complete no when I put them on. It’s not that I did not put together a nice outfit. It just didn’t translate onto my body like I’d hoped it would. Then there are those outfits that I thought would never look good, but I tried them and was shocked at what I’d done.
Finishing Touches makes a world of difference: by this I mean complete the outfit before you give up. It has amazed me how belts, hats, jewelry, or just changing to a different pair of shoes have saved an outfit. The same goes with hair and your makeup. The one makeup trick I love is having a relatively basic outfit and adding a bold red lip. It feels so different when I’ve done nothing at all. Complete the look first and then, if it’s all wrong, let it go.
Courtney’s Favorite Outfits
Instead of telling you what you will need for this style type, as we’ve established, it’s kind of up to you. I will show you some of my favorite outfits that I’ve created that I feel are very “Courtney eclectic.” That means that I’ve created them and they’re creative and unique to me. Hopefully, they give you some inspo to dig in that closet and get to creating
