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Winter is the opposite of Flamboyant Gamine style to me, as many functional/practical winter lines can overwhelm petite styles. The key is to play with color and textures to break the lines and keep a rather fitted silhouette. I cover some Flamboyant Gamine Style Foundations in this blog post.
As long as you keep your under layer fitted and the lines short and broken, you can probably get away with a longish line from a coat so long as it’s a 3/4 length, because FG is long-ish/not tall/not short. There are also ways to break the line in a ‘long’ coat using contrasting buttons and belts or patterns and color, or stitching and fabric layering.
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WINTER STYLE ICON: Audrey Hepburn | sleek, elegant, feminine, warm, charming
You’ll find photos of Audrey all over this blogpost because she’s the master of coats and turtlenecks, two necessities of Flamboyant Gamine winter fashion. I find her to remain all that she is, even while donning a larger, heavier coat.
What I want you to know is that you can still honor your lines in winter and stay warm, and here’s how I plan to do that.
TOPS
Turtlenecks (My favorite is the fitted turtleneck from Kotn)
Dad sweaters (Thrift them, swipe them from your own dad, grandpa, uncle, whoever has one)
Button-Up Cardigans (Fitted and cropped are going to be your favorite words this winter)
Crewneck Sweaters (like the one on Audrey down there. How cozy does that look? And they’re perfect for layering.)
BOTTOMS
Proper Trousers (I think trousers show up in ever seasonal style edit I write, because they’re SO flattering on the gamine frame, especially when they’re cropped and in the proper rise for your unique expression of flamboyant gamine.)
Skirts with Tights (This is something I want to try out. Mini skirts are a beautiful, cropped line, and tights are a way to show of your personality while still staying warm-ish.)
High-Waisted Denim with a Belt (The key here is the belt. I love those examples of the belt that matches the color of the pant, creating a sleek, monochrome look for the yang, but a chunky, shiny texture with the belt buckle and waist emphasis for the yin. I love the Kate Jean from OZMA.)
SHOES
Leather Boots (I have an ongoing partnership with Nisolo, so definitely check out them out for a beautiful, quality pair of ethically and sustainably made boots!)
Heels with socks/tights (Okay, this one feels risky to me. Probably because if this trend is done improperly, you can either look like a little girl or a streetwalker, neither of which are bad, just not quite the vibe. I’ll have to try this out in an upcoming YouTube video, so be sure to subscribe if you want to see how to pull this off.)
Oxfords/Loafers (Nisolo also has lovely options for oxfords and loafers for a timeless element for your outfits. I recently added the James Oxfords in Black to my wardrobe after pining over them for a couple years now, thanks to my partnership with the brand.)
ACCESSORIES + OUTERWEAR
Scarves (A no brainer. Raises the neckline adds literal warmth and texture, and if you’re going for three points, go for a scarf with a small, geometric pattern like a fine plaid.)
Chunky Jewelry (I wear gold jewelry, personally. GLDN is a brand I started working with recently after loving their pieces and brand philosophy for a year or so now. I recommend their pieces if you want to start your gold jewelry collection! Shop GLDN here. Use code FRANIMATTHEWS5 for $5 off your purchase.)
Long Wool Coats (Here’s where you can add a long, structured line to your outfit, especially as a Flamboyant Gamine, play with different patterns and really express parts of your personal style with fabric choices.)
Oversized Blazers (Similar to the wool coat, here’s another yang leaning element to add to a more fitted silhouette as a finishing piece, pulling the whole outfit together.)
HAIR:
Low bun (tuck away those ends to keep them strong and healthy come springtime)
Protective styles (like braids and twists)
Hair is an incredibly subjective and personal recommendation, and I know that full well as a half-black woman. I prefer to have my hair pulled back and out of the way to reduce manipulation of my curls and keep the hair moisturized and protected from the cold, dry winter, hence my recommendations above. I have a video on my youtube channel about this topic of Natural Hairstyles for the Body Types, if you’re in a hairstyle rut.
Thanks for taking this trip into my brain,
FRANI <3
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