Style By Natural Selection
 |
| Our front yard elm. I consider this tree a member of the family. |
Last week I linked to a blog post at 12 Blueprints that talked about finding inspiration for one’s seasonal color palette from landscapes. I loved some of the author’s free-association descriptions of the Soft Autumn palette (which incidentally jibes quite nicely with the updated color palette I just received from Imogen…hey, I’m a Spicy!) but especially the idea of noticing the harmony of colors in natural landscapes and applying that harmony to one’s own look. I suddenly realized that I’m surrounded by landscapes that sync up with my color palette, and took my camera out in the early evening light in search of inspiration.
 |
| Close up of elm bark |
 |
| Mexican Pine in the backyard, with ivy in background |
What also really resonated with me in the 12 Blueprints post was the description of the earthy, sensual nature of this palette. It feels almost like sliding into a warm bath to embrace that side of my style, (and of myself) and to quit fighting it.
I’ve often been defensive about those more sensual, earthy aspects of styles in which I feel most at home, but no more. I’m not talking about full-on-tie-dye-crunchy-granola-weekend-at-Esalen, but the softer, more casual kind of LA-meets-Napa-meets-Rive-Gauche style I’ve been leaning toward for a while now. The crisp-and-tailored, bright-and-sparkly, fashion-y, it’s-kate-spade’s-world-we-just-live-in-it looks that I used to aspire to have lost their allure. (Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen had a great post last week about how using What You Hate can help you hone your style, and the words that immediately came to mind describing my own dislikes were “fussy,” “forced,” “stiff,” and “contrived.”)
I’m feeling more at home, more bien dans ma peau than I’ve felt in quite a while, and very much reveling in it. It’s a feeling of shaking off expectations, of shedding a skin that no longer fits. And this “new” sense of my self and style? What’s so funny is that I look back through my favorite Polyvores, and realize this is the message I’ve been trying to send myself all along.
Do certain landscapes inspire your style? Are there particular seasons, or parts of the globe or certain times of day that particularly appeal to your aesthetics?
~
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
The photos are so pretty, une femme.
I love what you wrote: “It’s a feeling of shaking off expectations, of shedding a skin that no longer fits.” That’s a wonderful feeling for a change of season, or just a change of perspective in one’s style.
A wonderful post, and “message I have been trying to send myself all along” so wise. One of the big traps is that we are told certain colours will make us look younger, are “in this season” or “favoured by x designer” so we buy them- for all of these unsupportive reasons.
Gorgeous photos. One of the biggest inspirations I’ve drawn from the natural offerings around me is the rich possibilities for mixing greys and browns. Another message I’ve picked up is noticing how I’ve instinctively dressed over the past several months while on research leave and through my summer break. Elements of self are re-surfacing away from the social constraints of a work environment, and while those elements have manifested in clothes and combinations I wouldn’t wear to work, I’m thinking through how to preserve what they’re reminding me of.
Shaking off expectations resonates with me.
I have come to a comfortable place with my clothing, my body and my wallet.
Your inspiring polyvores have been a great tool if they have helped you decipher your style.
Your elm has many shades that inspire and the detail of the bark might be saying wear something with some added texture!
for me it’s always the earth color in Fall and winter.
In summer , the sea glass colors and the creams and beiges.
Lovely photos. The story goes that colour analysis originated from the Bauhaus school of arts and crafts in the 1030s where each artist tended to paint in colours from nature that attracted them and that harmonised with their own colouring. Can’t vouch for it’s accuracy but it is a nice anecdote.
We are similar in so many ways…my favorite colors are grey, brown, black, army green, golden yellow, and purples…I so often get inspiration from nature around me. I have kept leaves in a bowl in my house from seasons past because I liked the way the colors combined. I am wearing a cardigan today that I think you will like because of the color mix. It will posted tomorrow. I am so glad not to be the only one who looks closely at tree Bark!!
What a wonderful thought. Although my garden is largely green, and I don’t wear that color, my garden is also very serene, very woodland. I only wish I could calm myself so well with my wardrobe:). But the patterns I prefer are definitely the stuff of shade trees and bushes in the breeze.
Hello:
We are firmly with you in respect of seeking out your true self and creating your wardrobe around who you are rather than who the fashion houses might wish you to be in any particular season.
The photographs you show here are lovely and we can well see their appeal. We look forward to seeing how your clothes’ choices reflect these earthy, natural tones.
a field punctuated by bright flowers, windowsills with vases in the city, blue skies and overcast days…
I am so ready to be where you are in feeling good about yourself and shedding expectations. You are such an inspiration.
I love the soft autumn palette too. It’s very peaceful. It must be a good feeling to see those colors around you, in your natural landscape.
Thank you for linking to me, I am so honored you liked it that much!
Since I can remember I have been drawn to the combination of colors in a sunset. The grays and navys pierced with orange, purple, and hot pink. I love how it looks against the neutrals of sand at the beach, and I see how that is reflected in my wardrobe.
Chicatanyage – thank you! There’s probably some truth in that anecdote. From my own experience, I do find that I’m attracted to the colors that are best on me.
Patti – thank you! It is a good feeling. I hope I can hang onto it.
Pam – I think we are, and I think we probably have similar coloring, though yours is a bit deeper, and you seem to carry off bolder colors well. I’m a Tree Hugger…literally!
Duchesse – thank you, and it’s so nice to see your name pop up in comments again! I think it’s not just colors, but certain styles that have swayed me in the past, and yes, based on someone else’s decree.
Jane and Lance Hattatt – it’s sometimes hard to remember that style is such a subjective thing, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison,” as it were. And thank you, glad you enjoyed the photos.
materfamilias – thank you! Trees have always been one of my favorite subjects to photograph. I’m endlessly fascinated by them in all of their glorious variety. It will be interesting to see how you incorporate some of those rediscovered elements into your work wardrobe!
hostess – yes, you do seem to have evolved your own distinct style. Playing with polyvore is so fun because it’s so unlimited, and really gives creativity free rein. It’s so funny that you mention texture; I have something I’m going to show you all next week!
cigalechanta – those combinations sound so lovely and serene!
Susan Tiner – thank you. You will get there, but the play and experimentation you’re doing right now is so important! What a joy it is to rediscover ourselves.
Allie – I don’t know how you do it, keeping up such a great blog, and posting as much as you do! Your sunset colors sound gorgeous, and I can definitely see that influence in your wardrobe. I hope you guys get “back to normal” after the storm damage soon!
LPC – thanks! I see your choices as being very natural and serene as well, even without the greens.
Gretchen – thank you! It’s sometimes so hard to let go of what we think we “should” wear, versus what brings us the most joy. I hope you’re able to incorporate some of those sea colors into your wardrobe.
Luna – thanks again for getting me back onto this journey.
The colors of nature in your photos are inspiring, warm and inviting. Looking forward to following what you put together with the ‘new.’
This is brilliant, a mantra for each of us as we embrace what makes us happy and unique. I’m in a purging state, too. I instinctively feel best in greasy, sea greens and blues, with a shot of blush pink now and then. So why do I have all these brown, black, and lime green things? You inspire me to keep whittling away and let myself just be myself. Thanks!
Or shall I say grey, not greasy? Dang auto correct!
This is such an inspiring post 🙂 Though our colour palettes are quite opposite and our lifestyles different, your advice and your own style evolution has been very much a source of inspiration and guidelines for my own wardrobe choices. Especially now ,that I have to find a way to incorporate my sometimes tongue-in-cheek attitude with the strict business fashion I am expected to wear.
@The Style Crone
Thanks so very much. These colors have always drawn me in. The upside is that I already have so many pieces in my wardrobe that fall into this spectrum, so am mostly just looking at how to combine.
@coffeeaddict
Thanks so much! I think we each have to find our own style, but the journey itself is something we all share. Back when I used to have to dress in a more corporate style, I mainly used accessories to express my individuality. I think in all but the strictest corporate environments, we have more leeway than ever.
@fashion and frank
You’ve reminded me, I saw the most amazing bright orange dragonfly the other day. Have never seen one that color before! Hope you enjoy perusing your environment for inspiration, and have a good weekend yourself!
This post really made me think – i love nature and usually think how we as creator can never compare – the colours on the dragon and butterflies around my pond are amazing but you know what i am feeling inspired and i am going to look at it with new eyes – great post and have a wonderful weekend x
http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/
I love your photos. And I get so much inspiration from nature. The only bummer is winter. All the dull colors sort of depress me. So I look for a tropical place where the colors INSPIRE me!
@fashionoverfifty
Thanks so much! It’s funny, but winter here is probably one of our more colorful seasons, as it’s the only time that landscapes are really GREEN thanks to the rain. I think tropical colors can be a wonderful antidote to a dreary winter landscape.