OUTFIT DIARY: At A Fashionably Chic Debut
I’m used to receiving debut invitations requiring Formal or Semi-formal attire. When I got one that said “Attire: Fashionable Chic”, I wasn’t sure what it meant so I asked around. Responses went from “simply elegant and with sense of style” to “fabulous” and “confident”. I finally settled on this burgundy dress. It turned out to be just right and perfectly comfortable, allowing me to enjoy the evening with my friends.
It’s always a challenge to dress up for formal occasions because evening attire is often equated with baring some skin. It doesn’t help either that most of the dresses available in malls are too revealing. Looking for the right dress becomes not only a matter of style but of perseverance and patience. My advice: don’t give up. Find the dress that shows not your skin but shows who you really are as a person. You won’t only develop your style, you’ll learn to be persevering too. :)
MULTI-TASKING: 3 Looks in 1 Printed Short Dress
One can never go wrong with a piece of clothing that will do for various occasions. In my case, I have a dress, which I mix and match with other garments to arrive at different looks.
Casual Look
I paired it with my jeans so I can use it for everyday wear. I tucked it in to hide its length and used a mustard-colored belt to accentuate the whole get-up. I used my comfortable sandals to complete the look and thus, I’m ready for school!
Sunday Look
Since the dress is quite short, leggings will be perfect to give it a more decent and feminine look. I paired it with my orange wedge to compliment the feminine and classic prints of the blouse.
Corporate-ish Look
For unexpected formal gatherings and dinner parties, the dress can save me from the hassle. All I need is nice-fitting pencil cut skirt to give the outfit a corporate touch, and a good pair of high heels to match it with.
So, before you go to the stores to look for a desired outfit, try looking into your own closet. You might find just what you’re looking for!
DRESS CODE: Modern Maria Clara
Taking our cue from this month’s Linggo ng Wika and National Heroes’ Day, we revisit the Philippines of ages past and try to reconcile it with who we are today. Thus, the theme: Modern Maria Clara.
I decided to make a few researches before I jump in and begin typing. In Noli Me Tangere, Maria Clara was described by Rizal as having “…eyes large, black, long-lashed, merry and smiling when she was playing but sad, deep, and pensive in moments of repose.” She grew up “amidst smiles and love” and would “would be so merry and talk so sweetly in her childish simplicity…” She was also a character of purity and chastity being named after Our Lady and St. Clare.
I encountered a lot of disappointing criticisms about Maria Clara as I researched along. Some people regarded her as a weak character, who is submissive and unable to fight for herself, mahinhin and conservative. But what does it really mean to be a Maria Clara?
History will tell us that the Maria Claras of before have also learned to fight battles for our country. Even the sisters of Jose Rizal, the very author who brought Maria Clara to life, portrayed “non-mahinhin” roles by joining the fight for justice and freedom. I would like to think that Maria Clara portrays the very Filipina we ought to be- filled with elegance and grace and consciously fighting for what is right. With the non-stop invasions of media and fashion, the modern Maria Clara stands out not by wearing the latest revealing clothes but by carrying herself with poise and respect for herself.
In order to fit the rustic mood of Intramuros, I chose to wear: (1) a white top made of light fabric, with designs which reminded me of the details found in our ancestral home in Bulacan, then for a “doña” effect I added (2) a light blue stone necklace which matched my (3) tan open-toed sandals with aqua stones. Finally, to tone down the sophistication of everything else, they all came with my (4) favorite pair of jeans. Let’s face it- jeans are easy, practical, and it fits everything. :) This is how I mixed “modern” and “Maria Clara”.
When I heard of the term, modern Maria Clara, the first three words that came across my mind were traditional, old-fashioned and demure. I have to admit that it was quite a challenge choosing the right outfit for this theme for I was limited by the three words that I had first thought of. Then, I realized that I don’t have to be an 1800’s Maria Clara. I just have to be me inspired by her.
(She is) Traditional – (I am) Conservatively Adventurous.
I chose a dainty white blouse to emphasize the feminine and conservative characteristics of Maria Clara. I paired it with my bright red flats to show that with the shoes’ striking color, I can balance my on-the-go and adventurous side with my feminine and conservative side.
Old-fashioned - Classic.
Being inspired by a lady who is from more than a hundred years back does not necessarily mean that I have to be old-fashioned and wear exactly what she used to wear. I believe it’s just a matter of reinventing one’s style. That I did by adding simple accessories to update my look. Trends may change from season to season, but my classic top, simple accessories and my comfortable pair of jeans are there to remain.
Demure - Modestly laid-back.
It’s not impossible to wear something that is both modest and comfortable. I prefer to feel at ease with what I’m wearing because it is reflected when I carry myself. The soft fabric and refreshing color of my outfit makes me feel relaxed and easy-going without exposing too much skin.
So, this is my definition of a modern Maria Clara – conservatively adventurous, classic and modestly laid-back. How about you? :)
(part 1 of 2)
Sorry to keep you waiting. Here’s a hint of what we’re working on :)
OUTFIT DIARY: A Preview of Life After College
After years in college, the final term has finally arrived! I am now partially experiencing the world of work through the OJT program. Most of the companies require their interns to wear corporate attire and the question is … is your closet prepared? Fortunately, my company does not require it. It does not mean though, that I should take advantage of this freedom. I still have to dress appropriately, especially now that I am dealing mostly with professionals.
Wearing smart casual clothes is the safest attire to look professional but not too formal. I usually wear a cardigan or blazer over a plain top with dark-colored pants. The attire creates an easygoing mood but not too casual. I matched the outfit with a red bag to break the monotony of black and white.
There are times that we are asked to go to a particular store branch then observe the market and its surroundings. This task requires a lot of walking so I make sure that I wear comfortable shoes or sandals. I also bring my sunglasses to protect my eyes whenever we walk under the heat of the sun.
The real world is much complicated than I thought but if we love what we are doing, surely we can do it! Just face it with a lot of cheerfulness and positivity! A smile completes the whole look :)
BOOK LOOK: Sense and Sensibility
One great thing about summer is the chance to read up on good books. I was not into classic novels … until I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I liked her style and the way she would describe and put the characters into play, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. After reading that, I found myself craving for more classics. This eventually led me to another Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility.
THE BOOK: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Unfairly deprived of their family inheritance by the grasping Mrs. JohnDashwood and her husband, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood and their mother find then themselves in greatly reduced circumstances.
Compelled to leave Norland in Sussex for Barton Cottage in Devonshire, the two sisters are soon accepted into their new society. Marianne, whose sweet radiance and open nature charm the roguish JohnWilloughby, is soon deeply in love. Elinor, whose disposition is more cautious and considered, who carefully conceals her emotions, is suffering the loss of Edward Ferrars whom she left behind.
Despite their very different personalities, both sisters experience great sorrows in the affairs of the heart. Marianne, demonstrably wretched and Elinor allowing no one to see her private heartache. It is however, the qualities common to the both – discernment, constancy and integrity in the face of the fecklessness of others – that allow them entry into a new life of peace and contentment.
THE LOOK: Simple & Feminine
The contrasting personalities of the two sisters can serve as an inspiration for dressing up. I attempted two distinct looks by using different colored accessories on the same white blouse and white skirt. I made sure that it’s simple and feminine, to keep it Jane Austen-ish.
Elinor personifies sense and I imagine that she would choose a professional or formal style of clothing, such as the safe black and white combination. Marianne on the other hand, reminds me of someone who is outgoing and youthful. Bright colors never fail to create a vibrant aura and I think the blue green accessories and strappy sandals fit her personality.
It’s nice how accessories can serve as a wardrobe extender and let you use the same basic outfit for different occasions. You can take your cue from Elinor for your OJT attire or from Marianne for family celebrations.
DRESS CODE: Heat-proof Casual
Dressing up for hot weather can be a challenge. Usual alternatives would be sleeveless shirts and shorts. But we think there are other ways to keep cool and stylish during summer.
The blouse is made of a light and cottony material, making it perfect for summer wear. I find it comfortable and, I like the way it flows when the wind blows. Plus, the bright colors and print patterns add a refreshing and lively look. As for the pants, I think capri is better than jeans now that the weather is humid and hot. I can choose to wear it with sandals or doll shoes. This attire is flexible enough whether I will be going out with family and friends or going to school for summer classes. :)
Summer is made happier with a lot bright colors! A nice shirt and a comfortable pair of jeans are like my security blanket- I’m confident that I can never go wrong with them. Besides, the light fabric helps me keep cool. I keep things simple most of the time because what I enjoy the most is accessorizing! For me, the accessories set the whole look and set the specific “theme” and mood one might have for the day. I balance bright colors with safe neutrals like this belt and these pair of shoes. Finally, I get a pair of shades to protect my eyes from the sun… or simply just to complete my summer look.
Getting Started
QUESTION: Is it possible to dress up well without being revealing?
ANSWER: Yes and No.
Yes, we think it is possible to dress up well without showing too much skin.
No, we think it is not possible to dress up well without revealing even just a bit of who you are as a person and what you believe in.
But don’t just take our word for it, join us as we put this to the test and go off on an adventure in personal style and self-expression.
ABOUT US
Hi, I’m Danê and I am an incoming second year student of Medicine proper. Apart from the highly demanding requirements of college life, I resort to many unrelated things to chill out and detoxify. I love trying a lot of things: from arts, to sports, to geeky stuff. We can play outdoors, talk about a book, or do domestic stuff like crochet. I’d most probably enjoy it. But most of all, I love love love music and singing on top of it all. I do a lot of things because I believe that life, being the only one we have, has a lot to offer and so it has always been my dream to grow in all its aspects- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I love dressing up too! Although I am not your stereotypical shopaholic fashionista, I make it a point to step outside the house with an extra ounce of confidence all thanks to a perfectly looking outfit.
Hello! I’m Den and I’m taking up Marketing Management. I like the way college keeps me busy with a mix of academics and extra-curricular activities both in the campus and outside school. I think this helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle. I wouldn’t want to just study all the time or to just relax and do nothing. I choose activities which I find meaningful and helpful, and also fun and enjoyable. People often see me as a laidback girly-girl, which makes it a bit surprising for some to discover that I like sports and actually love playing volleyball. This is why when it comes to dressing-up, my style can go from very feminine to very sporty, while always making sure that it’s practical and right for the occasion.
Hello, my name is Louise and I’m a Marketing major. I have always enjoyed clothes and dressing up, but I am not the type of girl who follows the prevailing fashion or trend. Generally, I can describe my choice of clothes as flexible. I would usually go for what is simple, classic and basic, which I can just modify for various occasions like going to school, to the movies with friends, or to attend a simple family gathering and even attend Mass. My manner of dressing up is usually based on my mood, but I always make sure that I a dress appropriately, and that I look presentable. I think the key is appropriateness. Dressing appropriately can help you feel comfortable with yourself and boost your confidence, which will emanate from you as you carry yourself with your outfit of choice. Then, you are good to go!
Email us at dressdecoded@gmail.com.
