Your Guide to Whimsical Style

Fashion has a flare for drama, but sometimes it also has a flare for comedy. Enter: Whimsical Style. It is a  style that demands a playful wearer, brings joy to its beholders, and never takes itself too seriously. Seeing someone in a mix of colors, prints and fabrics instantly catches the eye and feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s no coincidence that Whimsical style is also referred to as dopamine dressing, not only because it brings the wearer happiness but also anyone who has the joy of seeing them.

While we would typically consider the late Queen of England, Elizabeth the II’s style a model for Classic style, deep down, her head to toe monochromatic outfits in a rainbow of colors revealed an inner Whimsical style. 

The Whimsical style goes by many names, like escapism style, wherein clothes are a way in which the wearer can escape the rules and conventions of everyday life. It’s no wonder Whimsical style made a resurgence into mainstream fashion in the months following the early Covid-19 quarantine. We can escape to a  a happier or more vivacious place through our clothes, and Whimsical Style is a testament to the transformative power of clothing. 

There is, however, one consistent rule in the Whimsical world: more is most definitely more. Take Carrie Bradshaw, a Whimsical icon, who sported a tulle skirt, colorful Manolo Blahniks and a purple sequin Fendi Baguette, all on a grocery run. However, Carrie was also an over-consumer, and it can feel that having Whimsical style invokes buying everything that catches the eye. But more doesn’t necessarily mean more clothes, it means more options. The Whimsical style is more willing to try new things, matching items not commonly associated with each other. Maximalism is not at odds with sustainability, it is all about using your wardrobe to the max. 

All of the style archetypes seek to present a certain image - a statement of shared identity - and the Whimsical Style is no exception. And so, if you’re seeking more clarity on which archetype (or mix of archetypes!) fits you the best, it can be helpful as one input to consider how you aspire to be perceived. The Whimsical Style may be a good fit for you if you would like to be perceived as:

• Fun. Dressing up has lost none of its childlike playfulness for you. You approach everything with a youthful excitement that renders you a magnetic person to be around.

• Quirky.You don’t have the most conventional taste - or personality. But it’s exactly what makes you the main character.

• Bold. You draw attention by the immediate presence you bring into every room you walk into. Your spirit is contagious, and unapologetically yourself.

Not sure about how to describe your style? We can help with that! Our in-app Style Quiz can help you take the first step towards defining your three style words. Download for free for on iOS and Android.

Whimsical Capsule Wardrobe

The Whimsical capsule wardrobe consists of items in an array of colors favoring the vibrant and bold. This Archetype also makes good use of several prints, such as stripes and polka dots with funky multicolored twists. The style is defined by its over the top silhouettes, dramatic but also always playful in nature. Curiosity is ingrained in the Whimsical style’s devotion to exploring every type of fabric, mixing and matching eye-catching materials such as frills, feathers, sequins, rhinestones, and much more. The image it creates encourages a childlike approach to mixing things, with no requirement for matching in the traditional sense.

We find that presenting a capsule wardrobe can be helpful to bring our style archetypes to life and to give you inspiration on how to confidently mix-and-match basic pieces that you may already own in new ways. But, as always, we want to emphasize that there is no one ‘perfect’ capsule wardrobe for everyone. Style is intensely personal, and what is ‘essential’ for one person is completely unimportant for another. You shouldn’t feel the need to rush out and buy all of these items like you’re ticking off a shopping list - that is the opposite of what Indyx is about! Rather, our hope is that this capsule wardrobe list is simply an illuminating tool on your own journey to build a timeless, versatile wardrobe that feels uniquely yours.

1. Printed mini or maxi dress

A little black dress may go with everything but a multicolored print dress doesn’t need anything else. That’s not to say some colorful heels and chunky jewelry won’t add to the look.

2. Out-of-the-box pants

Patched, embroidered, painted, bejeweled, scribbled, are just a few of the options of details that can make your pants interesting. And if you can’t find anything that sparks your interest, do it yourself, just the way you want it.

3. Peter pan collared shirt

Whimsical style has a funky retro look that is best achieved with a dramatic collar - think Harry Styles in his Gucci suits. A peter pan collar is bold enough to be worn on its own or perfect for adding a layer of quirkiness.

4. Colorful turtleneck

It’s important to have a colorful turtleneck or two on hand during the colder months, you can layer to keep warm while still looking vibrant. 

5. Full, brightly colored skirt

A full skirt will give you a fairytale-like look - think Alice in Wonderland or Wendy from Peter Pan. It is ideal to replicate the playful and magical characteristics of the Whimsical style.

6. Matching colorful pantsuit

This can be worn as a complete look for a powerful impression that is equal parts fun and can also be mixed with different items to add more color.

7. A statement coat

Winter can feel so glum and gray, which makes it the ideal time to wear a loud and colorful statement coat. There is no reason to sacrifice style for comfort, you can have it both.

8. Colorful stockings

Nude and black stockings are very practical for most styles, but the beauty of the Whimsical style is that even the most bold items can be deemed practical for them. Color blocking and color popping definitely are though. Colorful stockings are one of the easiest accessories to add to any look.

9. Chunky platform sandals

Platform sandals are extremely comfortable but also attention grabbing. You don’t even need something extremely colorful or decorated because the design is whimsical in itself.

10. Fun boots

For the winter months it is important to have something fun but also warm. Cowboy boots are very on-trend right now and can be worn year-round.

11. Chunky colorful jewelry

Materials like enamel, acrylic and crystals are ideal for chunky colorful jewelry that can be layered. This is really the opportunity to get creative with your accessories, jewelry includes fun watches and colorful hair accessories. 

12. Textured bag 

Glitter, sequins and anything sparkly are the “it” items for bags this year, but for a woman with Whimsical Style, that is true every year. Invest in a bag that brings you joy and makes you feel like you’re always heading to a special event. 

13. Colorful funky-shaped sunglasses

Warmer months usually implies we wear less layers, so you have to make what you’re wearing count. Tiny, oversized, reflective or heart shaped are a few options to look out for when buying your next pair of sunglasses. 

Whimsical Outfit Formulas

There are many possible outfits to pull together with the capsule Whimsical wardrobe - and even more if you take advantage of our Indyx styling services! - but to give you some inspiration, here are two outfit formulas: one for Spring and Summer and another for Fall and Winter.

Fall/Winter

Spring/Summer

Whimsical Style Inspiration

Creators to follow

Ellis Ranson, Anna Luiza Vasconcellos, Susie Lau, Courtney, Emilia Muss, April Lockhart, Blair Eadie

Celebrity muses

Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, Chiara Ferragni.

Brands to shop

$$$: Gucci, Christopher John Rogers, Miu Miu

$$: Desigual, Alice + Olivia, Susan Alexandra

$: Lucy & Yak, Monki, Modcloth

Rebecca is a fashion stylist and writer, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley; and currently living in London. She enjoys reading, skiing and having people cook for her.

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