How to wear comfortable luxe
I’ve had reason to be out and about looking at Melbourne and international fashion this week, including attending a few fashion events, and I’ve come to a conclusion; Comfortable Luxe is where it’s at.
What do I mean by that? Well lots of us are happy to be getting about in the world again, very often masked, but we’re out there. Some of us are even wearing more colour (yay!). There’s a cautious buzz in the air, and in my experience, less aggression. We know how fortunate we are to be free and we’re not taking it for granted. We know too, that saving our ‘best’ clothes for that special event is no longer a good idea. Better to celebrate every day and wear the clothes we love today!
And even if retail is not thriving right now, we are at least being a little more creative in our own closets and finding inexpensive treasures in op shops and charity stores. And as you have np doubt heard me say before, in recent years we’ve become accustomed to dressing for ourselves and embracing comfort.
So what do these intersecting movements tell us? That’s we’re living in an era of comfortable luxe! Ok, I’ve coined that term myself, but let me show you why I say it.
One of the events I attended this week was an intimate viewing of vintage designer pieces belonging to the late Shirley Strauss. I never met Shirley but I understand she was a flamboyant socialite who loved a bit of fun who dressed with style into her nineties.
As well as seeing some of the pieces modelled, I also had the opportunity to browse through much more of the collection. In hindsight I realised everything was beautiful yet extremely wearable and comfortable. Even the leather pants and sequin dresses were cut so that they were easy to move in. Check out the beautiful vintage styles on models Shona Grant and Ellie Donovan below.
I noticed a similar theme elsewhere. While undertaking retail research for a few clients in the city and the suburbs, and at one of the other events I attended this week. This being the launch of Fernanda Covarrubiasv’s new collection ‘Unparalleled Voyage’.
For me, Fernanda’s collection encapsulates a mix of history and futurism. Some of the pieces are bespoke as they are made from upcycled materials but they all unmistakably Fernanda Covarrubiasv and all fit within my definition of ‘comfortable luxe’.
So what fashion elements constitute comfortable luxe?
Silks
Soft quilting
Velvets
Flowy fabrics with good drape
Some shine or a sequin
Beautiful colours and prints
A little drama like an interesting sleeve or other flourish
Accommodating of weight fluctuation
No tricky fastenings
Easy to put on and remove
Heels you can walk in safely
Styles you can move freely in
And how can you emulate this at home?
Consider your most comfortable clothes… are they stretch jeans or leggings? A silk sarong or warm woollen tube skirt? A big, soft jumper? Whatever it is, grab it out.
Now think of what you have in your wardrobe that will work with the comfy item that will lift the look a little. Maybe a silk t-shirt? A jacket with lurex thread? A velvet bow or a sparkly piece of jewellery? Choose something in an uplifting colour or that has a bit of sheen to it. Remember that you want to create a little drama in a completely wearable outfit.
Whatever that second item is, try it on with your comfy item, but remember, it too, has to be comfy. You need to be able to move about freely in your comfortable luxe outfit with a smile on your face.
Now add some special shoes you can walk in and that’s it! You’ve achieved Comfortable Luxe!