How to Make Your Outfits More Eclectic in 6 Different Ways

Well, it's been a year since I did my last wardrobe showcase of ~bizarre~ outfits that I manage to hold on to and put together in new and interesting ways. It's been a while since I had a good excuse to dress up! In fact, most of my time this summer has been spent wearing hand-me-down shorts and unflattering T-shirts. The dog days of summer have really humbled my style.

But today I came back with a renewed motivation to see what I could throw together for a style "time capsule". I was surprised to find that almost all of the outfits I had in mind needed a little something extra. But what could that be? ACCESSORIES.

Somehow, I manage to purchase little to no of my actual own clothing. Bizarre, I know. And yet, I will spend a good chunk of money on accessories of all kinds. In high school, I had a downright earring obsession. In college, I managed to buy I think 10 pairs of sunglasses--most of which I never wear. Shoes somehow pile up in my closet, some brand new?? Some still white? Anyways, I manage to accumulate an astounding amount of neck scarves, gloves, headbands. The list goes on, and as I put my outfits down this time around I just couldn't do the whole "pair a whole outfit with different earrings, shoes, lipstick, etc."

So without realizing, I was able to make all of my outfits eclectic with very different feels to each with just a few changes including color schemes, fabrics, and sometimes a few accessories. But it required some thinking outside of my normal box. I felt challenged to discover "what makes an outfit good and eclectic without relying too much on accessories/shoes/lipstick?" So I chose to wear the same lip tint, earrings, and only a few accessories per each outfit! You can make a statement without 2 many statement necklaces.

And so, let's discover how to make your outfits more eclectic (if that's your style inspo) in 6 ways.

1. Challenge the season! It's Summertime? Wear an Alpaca Hat with your Floral dress!

It sounds weird, why wear a puffer vest in July? Why wear a bikini in the middle of winter?! But no, that's not quite what I mean. I think that with a dress like this one I would normally wear some fun earrings and maybe some boots. But the alpaca hat adds a new dimension to this outfit and the story. It feels deeper, like maybe I have a cool profession, like I'm actually an alpaca farmer? Or perhaps I drive across the country searching for expensive art in my VW bug? If you have any better ideas, let me know.

2. Wear the same print on Top and Bottom! Keep it simple buy wearing something busssyyyy that comes in matching parts--a 2 for 1 deal!

Patterns can feel overrated, overdone, and out the door for many people. And so the masses of people are resorting to neutral colors. Nudes. Greys. Whites and Blacks. Where is the inspiration? The fun colors? And so this outfit take the busy-feel of a floral pattern and pairs it down with the white and black. I feel like it makes it eclectic, yet tasteful.

3. Use your imagination. Sure, you might be going to lunch, but also you are on your way to a safari/adventure afterwards. Be ready for anything!

I've really been digging this show on Amazon Prime, which originally aired on PBS, and it's called the Durrells in Corfu. The show is about an English family that moves from England to Corfu (a Greek island) and the show I think is set in the 1950s?? Anyways their outfits and life on the beach really inspires me to dream bigger with my outfits. And so this outfit is a nod to the youngest son who wear his wide-brim hat and takes care of a bunch of animals. Watch the show, you'll understand what I'm saying. I feel like I'm ready to go and find an animal outside that I've never seen before and do some nature drawing. Or maybe more like a modern day Girl Scout? Eh, maybe not that far.

4. Experiment with the past. Ever wonder what a messenger girl looked like back in the day? Well, why don't you find out! Try some stretchy pants while you are at it!

I love these pants, the jacket, the hat. All of it! I feel like Susie from the show Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I like that it's a nice twist on a more masculine outfit. Apparently, the neck scarf was optional for the uniform as a news girl. Also, the pants have an elastic band and it is a complete game changer. So in order to be more eclectic, dress like your great-grandpa.

5. Make it easier than it has to be. Sure, you did you hair and got ready, but also choose to wear your *clean* bathrobe to work today. It functions as a nice light cardigan.

I feel like this is hilarious because the bathrobe thing almost takes away from the fact that I'm wearing butterfly pants. I think I've scared some of my family members with these pants, but my four year-old nephew likes them. So yes, in order to do it up without trying to hard--get yourself a mid-size bathrobe and some butterfly pants.

6. Feeling too domestic these days? Well, take that domestic life/role/look and flip it around! This vintage apron is worn BACKWARDS. Feeling extra rebellious today.

A simple white tank top and blue mom jeans. Very hip, right? Okay for those of you who like to challenge the laws of what's "in"--get yourself into a vintage store first and foremost! And then maybe take an unlikely item, and switch it up. Wear a shirt inside out. Cut off the sleeves. Wear an apron backwards. Simple little tricks to spice up your look!

Thanks for tuning in to this journey on how to not overdo it with accessories so that you can overdo it in not subtle eclectic style decisions.