STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Suasoria · Chanel

Feminine versus juvenile/cutesy

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

One of my favorite things right now is this tank from jcrew. I don't have it yet but it's on the top of my list. It comes in several colors, including a couple of pastels, but I like the charcoal. The ruffles are very girly but the darker color toughens it up. I want to wear it to work in the spring with a bright pink cardi, dark (or maybe even white)jeans, lots of bracelets, and sexy shoes.

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Kitty · Hermes

I think feminine can often border on too cutesy if it's too over-the-top. I think things are more grown-up when the items are more subltle, or there is just feminine detail.

I think often times Anthro starts to verge on being too cutesy (not that I have anything against Anthro as a whole, or that there's anything wrong with 'cutesy') examples:

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I think things that are feminine and grown-up are usually more subdued:

Sandy · Kate Spade

I

that J. Crew tank, too! I might cross the line from feminine to cutesy sometimes, but I try to find a good balance between the two. If I wear my tweed bubble dress with a big bow across the chest (it's cuter than it sounds), I wear black tights and patent heels. I just bought a pair of flats with big bows at the vamp... I wanted to get them in silver, but I thought that they might be overkill with the outfits I tend to wear. Instead, I got them in black patent. I think the key is finding the right balance.

sydney · Kate Spade

Kitty wrote:
I think feminine can often border on too cutesy if it's too over-the-top. I think things are more grown-up when the items are more subltle, or there is just feminine detail.

I think often times Anthro starts to verge on being too cutesy (not that I have anything against Anthro as a whole, or that there's anything wrong with 'cutesy') examples:

I think things that are feminine and grown-up are usually more subdued:

Love these tops Kitty - and your comments are right on point

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

tri_sarah_tops wrote:

One of my favorite things right now is this tank from jcrew. I don't have it yet but it's on the top of my list. It comes in several colors, including a couple of pastels, but I like the charcoal. The ruffles are very girly but the darker color toughens it up. I want to wear it to work in the spring with a bright pink cardi, dark (or maybe even white)jeans, lots of bracelets, and sexy shoes.

This top is awesome! It reminds me of a young fabulous and broke top from a few seasons ago - and what a great price too!!!

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

tri_sarah_tops wrote:

One of my favorite things right now is this tank from jcrew. I don't have it yet but it's on the top of my list. It comes in several colors, including a couple of pastels, but I like the charcoal. The ruffles are very girly but the darker color toughens it up. I want to wear it to work in the spring with a bright pink cardi, dark (or maybe even white)jeans, lots of bracelets, and sexy shoes.

Cute top - I have one just like it but longer

relrel · Marc Jacobs

I apply the same rule to each type of dressing, whether it be sexy, feminine, or whatever. As long as the whole outfit doesn't fit into one type of dressing, than I think it's fine. I really believe that as long there's balance in an outfits, it's probably going to work.

Rocker-tshirt on top? Do tailored pants on the bottom.

Ruffly skirt? Top with clean lines, and tucked in.

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

relrel wrote:
I apply the same rule to each type of dressing, whether it be sexy, feminine, or whatever. As long as the whole outfit doesn't fit into one type of dressing, than I think it's fine. I really believe that as long there's balance in an outfits, it's probably going to work.

Rocker-tshirt on top? Do tailored pants on the bottom.

Ruffly skirt? Top with clean lines, and tucked in.

i agree with this. relrel is right on target.

NCshopper · Hermes

My rules for staying "feminine" without getting "girly/juvenile":

1) Be careful with pink. Darker pinks are easier to work with than lighter pinks. I think baby pink works well with paired with stronger/darker colors, like dark grey, darker pinks, browns, etc, but when paired with lighter colors like pale yellow, pale blue, white, and cream, it tends to get into "cutesy" territory.

2) Bows and ruffles can be fine, but I use them sparingly. I think it's totally possible to have a ruffled top and still look feminine without being cutesy. Again, darker/stronger colors help with this. That JCrew top is a good example: it's the right color. If it were light pink or baby blue, it'd be in "cute" territory.

3) Beware of primary colors. I notice that with a lot of Anthro's stuff, especially summer stuff, they use a lot of primary colors. I like reds, blues, yellows, etc., but they can lack the sophistication of richer colors and thus look a bit more juvenile.

4) Like relrel basically said, it's all about balance. You wouldn't wear a ruffled top with a headband, knee socks and mary janes. If you wear a ruffled top or a big bow, tame it with some tailored pants and sleek accessories.

That's my two (well, four) cents.

sydney · Kate Spade

NCshopper wrote:
My rules for staying "feminine" without getting "girly/juvenile": 1) Be careful with pink. Darker pinks are easier to work with than lighter pinks. I think baby pink works well with paired with stronger/darker colors, like dark grey, darker pinks, browns, etc, but when paired with lighter colors like pale yellow, pale blue, white, and cream, it tends to get into "cutesy" territory. 2) Bows and ruffles can be fine, but I use them sparingly. I think it's totally possible to have a ruffled top and still look feminine without being cutesy. Again, darker/stronger colors help with this. That JCrew top is a good example: it's the right color. If it were light pink or baby blue, it'd be in "cute" territory. 3) Beware of primary colors. I notice that with a lot of Anthro's stuff, especially summer stuff, they use a lot of primary colors. I like reds, blues, yellows, etc., but they can lack the sophistication of richer colors and thus look a bit more juvenile. 4) Like relrel basically said, it's all about balance. You wouldn't wear a ruffled top with a headband, knee socks and mary janes. If you wear a ruffled top or a big bow, tame it with some tailored pants and sleek accessories. That's my two (well, four) cents.

Great summation doh

Suasoria · Chanel

Kitty, I love your examples of both cutesy and non-cutesy. I would actually call that black dress "tailored." Maybe that's why I like it.

I usually avoid ruffles anywhere, although I have two tops with some ruffle details (basic black satin sleeveless, basic white oversized button-front shirt). The allover ruffle tank top would not be me, but I agree that the dark color takes it out of kiddie territory.

NCShopper, I think your rules are right on too. I would also throw florals into the "sparingly" category.

I kind of do think there's something wrong with "cutesy" being pushed on adult women. If it's someone's style, I have no issues with that, but periodically it seems the fashion powers that be want us to dress like children.