Valkyrie Style Archetype with Menswear Touches

Remember when I said I'd take on androgynous looks for the Fantasy 9 types? I tried half a dozen times without getting anywhere, because I was stuck on the term "androgynous". My conclusion after wrestling with it, is that what is androgynous is entirely specific to the particulars of an individual's features, and thus not something I can demonstrate without a specific person to style.

So instead I'm creating looks for the 9 with menswear touches that incorporate what's currently in style, and first up is Valkyrie:

 

A sleek tweed jacket that crosses neatly in the front and has a slim lapel. This could also work for some Nymphs. 

The blouse is the berry color I wanted to emphasize, and a nice step up from a t-shirt, but personally I'd rather swap it for something more fun- a chenille tank top or something with more interesting texture. 

Leather gloves in color and with braid detail.

A sparkly wrap bracelet for a little glitz.

Wide leg jeans with side slits to show off the details of the ankle bootie.

Her hair with a braid somewhere in the mix.

Sweater Weather: Sweaters for 9 Types of Fantastical Beauty

Sweater weather is fully upon us in the northern hemisphere, and we are looking to get cozy. I'll save cold weather accessories for another day (soon) and talk about main layer possibilities today.

Moving left to right and top to bottom.

This first pick is in Godiva territory, but would work for many Valkyrie as well as Maenads. Valkyrie might wear this with jeans and boots or a straight skirt in a different texture weight, tights, and boots. If you prefer something a bit tougher, there are plenty of great sweaters with the laced neckline right now.

For Fae, a sweater with airy chiffon sleeve ruffle cuffs. She will need her details in wise jewelry choices and a jacket with more visual interest. Another soft and romantic pick. A shorter skirt with tights and detailed booties or a print pair of culottes and patent booties are possible. 

This caped sweater with button detail is so gorgeously commanding for Magic Queens. Wear with a trim cropped pant and thin heeled (as low or high as you want), pointy boot. 

A simple slouchy sweater for Maenad means a great backdrop for incredible accessories. I'd really like to see a silk scarf with this one, and a great pair of dangly earrings. A pair of jeans and a boot with something interesting going on complete a casual fall look.

This is a quirky pick for Nymph to bring her polished basics to life. Reminiscent of mushroom ridges and ruffles, it is made for an autumn walk in the woods. I like it with a fine suede straight skirt with slits for walking, tights, and a smart pair of tall boots.

The neck is a bit overly chunky and bold for Angel, but I couldn't pass up this particular shade of blue and the dramatic cut outs for the cold shoulder. It's a good transitional sweater as she could wear it bare shouldered for warm early fall days and with another layer under (perhaps in a print, tone on tone for a subtle route) on cooler days. Maybe half tucked into nice jeans and with boots with button decor.

A bit simple for Dragon Princesses, but all the better for her jewelry. With fitted stretch pants, print optional, and a short slouchy boot, maybe velvet.

Mermaid casual with an asymmetrical stretch skirt and blue or green ankle booties. She'll want either a fun piece of jewelry or somewhat funky purse to top it off, or fence net tights to add the interest.

A perfectly draped backdrop for Seer jewelry, it would also be a great sweater to play with interesting belts, slightly dropped to hip. With pegged pants and button detail booties or a tapered jersey skirt.

Which of the looks most inspires you to up your cozy style game?

10 Item Capsule Wardrobe

10 item capsules are a way of structuring a capsule wardrobe that limits your core clothing items to ten. 

What is counted in the ten?
tops, bottoms, onesies (dresses, jumpsuits)

What isn't counted in the ten?
undergarments, outerwear, athletic wear, shoes, accessories, everything else

Your 10 items could be:
10 onesies
6 tops, 4 bottoms
6 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 onesies
etc

It's a great way to begin experimenting with minimal wardrobes while still ensuring you have enough variety in what you're wearing. The absolute best way to get good at something, is to slog your way through experimenting and making mistakes. If we learn from our failures, our failures will lead to success.

 

Here is a Base 10 capsule I put together for an Autumn Seer in her early 20s. 6 tops, 3 bottoms, and 1 dress. I included a few accessory possibilities to complete the picture.

If you'd like help putting together a Base 10 wardrobe, visit the shop: style: additional services. 

If you put a 10 item capsule together, I'd love to see it in the comments!