Charlotte Rampling is a woman I admire not only for her creative talent but also for her style.
Yes, she is gorgeous and with a tall lanky frame made to wear just about anything and yes, I love her wardrobe choices.
When I am at a loss to find an outfit idea my go-to is a few women whose style I admire and who I think dress brilliantly for their age and stage. There is nothing dowdy about them and nor is there anything embarrassingly ridiculous about them. They combine a signature style with elegance and grace and avoid the dull. Simplicity in fashion can be equally as exciting as embellishment and don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise.
I have been at a loss this week with what to wear for an upcoming work trip to Paris and (YES, I am very excited to use all those words in one sentence) in between writing to you I took a break and tried on about 20 pieces in the hope of finding a solution.
Do I ever listen to my own advice?
Breaking all the rules I ordered so many items I one, would never wear and two, would not suit me. What was I thinking? Did I imagine I had grown 2 feet in height? Have I forgotten Paris is an urban scene not a beachscape from the Amalfi coast? Seriously, sometimes I do astound my silly self.
The moral of my gargantuan waste of time, apart from heed my own advice, is to emulate those you admire and are simpatico with; like the forever poised and sophisticated Charlotte Rampling.
What am I going to wear?
The lace dress for starters. The lace dress is perfect for the evening and won’t be too dressed up or down. The daytime requires a professional look but not too office like and this is where the white blazer comes in. This is my solution; I’m going with black pants and a white/cream blazer. Thank you Ms Rampling for the inspiration via this wonderful portrait from the NY Times.
See here is an easy solution; simple and flattering with a heap of style and without too much to stress about. I will make two wears out of this blazer with the addition of drop earrings and a pair of boyfriend/girlfriend style jeans.
Why is it the obvious is so often in front of us?
Flirting with a style change is all well and good but practicality and suitability are the keys to comfort, happiness and feeling confident. It is important to admire fashion, follow trends and recognise what is happening around us but also the true art is in truly understanding our signature style.
I do know better.
My style is classic and straightforward and it has been with me for decades so I suspect there is a reason for that. The addition of a new white blazer will do make a welcome change from this one. (Which I absolutely love but it has been my one and only companion for the last 6 months.)
It’s been a long morning but I made it :) White jacket here I come. xv
If Charlotte Rampling Can
veronica beard turn up || rag & bone windsor || rag & bone redgrave || rag & bone club
akris punto mélange || altuzarra stretch || armani stretch (10 only)
Thank you Nordstrom for partnering with, “If Charlotte Rampling Can, We Can
images top to bottom, charlotte rampling new york times, bridgitte lacombe and paris match
