For some reason, romantic style has gotten a bad rap.
When people hear the word romantic, they immediately picture ruffles, bows, pastel overload, and outfits that feel more costume than closet-friendly.
And honestly? I get it. I was that professional woman who turned my nose up at anything considered girly. So what’s changed?? I’ll share my thoughts and how the 3 of us wore it.
Quote of the day: “Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.” Ursula K. Le Guin
If you’ve ever thought, “That’s pretty… but not me,” you’re not alone. Especially those of us from the time when, as women, we wanted to be taken seriously and professionally.
Yet if it’s one thing I’ve learned in this style realm, it’s that romantic style doesn’t have to be over-the-top girly.
It doesn’t have to be sweet.
And it definitely doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable or fussy.
Instead of thinking of romantic style, let’s think of romantic details. And then pairing these details with other style vibes, which creates a unique and personal look.
And that’s exactly what my crew is showing here. 3 very different personalities, and 3 ways to make romantic details work without losing yourself in the process.
Before we break down the outfits, let’s reset the definition.
Romantic style isn’t about looking young.
It’s not about dressing “ladylike.”
And it’s definitely not about fitting into a stereotype.
At its core, romantic style is about:
The magic happens when you balance those elements with something grounded, such as structure, edge, or practicality.
That balance is what keeps romantic from feeling costume-y and turns it into something wearable, modern, and very you.
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Let’s start with Lesley.
She’s wearing a red dress, which on its own already carries a sense of romance. Red is bold, emotional, powerful, and yes, undeniably romantic.
As she says, “What could be more romantic than red chiffon swishing as you dance with a sweetheart?”
But here’s where Lesley brought it in the casual mode…by wearing loafers instead of heels or dainty shoes.
The footwear changes the entire tone of the look.
This is such an important reminder that shoes matter.
Details:
-The fluorescent Band-Aids add a lot, too, don’t you think? They are due to recent cortisone shots.
-Black pops in the jewelry and purse, and it goes well with the shawl. Lesley could even wear the shawl wrapped around her waist, which is a very modern way to style it.
I consider this an example of contrast doing the heavy lifting.
I’m wearing long gloves, a ruffle blouse, and a 3-D flower skirt, all very classic romantic elements. Elements that were inspired by a recent movie viewing.
This could have gone full-on romantic fantasy. But instead of leaning into softness from head to toe, I added a fur vest.
That vest changes everything. Now the look has some dichotomy and personality.
Insider tip: When something feels too sweet, add something tough like leather, spikes or even the color black.
Details:
-I’ve worn this skirt with an oversized sweater in the past.
-Wearing the tiara and gloves was totally inspired by Downton Abbey, and I love the huge ring over the gloves.
-Texture is a huge part of an outfit for me…the faux fur vest, the skirt is 3-D, and the fuzzy purse.
-I’m such a fan of bag charms to decorate a purse.
Charlotte’s outfit is another beautiful reminder that romantic details don’t have to whisper, but instead they can speak in full color.
She’s wearing a lace blazer, which is undeniably romantic. Lace is delicate, textured, and often associated with dressy occasions.
But instead of pairing it with something muted or traditional, she layers it over a bold, colorful shirt dress.
That pop of color instantly modernizes the lace.
This is such a great example of how romantic details can coexist with personality. The lace adds softness, while the color keeps it vibrant and current.
Stylist tip: If lace has ever felt too “precious” for you, this is your cue: pair it with color, print, or something unexpected.
Details:
-This gem colored shirt dress is one of those items that can be worn in so many ways. She’s worn it open over a striped dress in the past.
-My mom’s gold purse is actually one of those cosmetic bags…they work wonderfully as purses if need be.
-And did you notice where my mom bought these earrings? She can find treasures ANYWHERE.
Romantic style doesn’t have to mean frilly, girly, or overdone.
It can be strong.
It can be modern.
And it can absolutely evolve with age.
Whether it’s a red dress with loafers, florals paired with edge, or lace layered over bold color, romance is just another tool in your style toolbox.
And like all good tools, you get to decide how to use it.
So if romantic style has ever felt “not for you,” maybe it’s time to revisit it… on your own terms.
Because the fashion and textile industry can be a major contributor to landfills and other environmental pollution, we decided that the mission of this group is to focus on second-hand items.
Thrifty tip: Don’t forget to check out the men’s and kids’ sections of the store because you might be surprised.
Also, check out the other members of the Thrifty 6 group below for all kinds of romantic style looks.
“Romance to me is red, black, and white, satin and tulle, drizzled with some pearly goodness. Because pearls are believed to be tears of joy shed by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. My black silky floral robe is a recently thrifted beauty and I was very pleased for the chance to dress her up. My red turtleneck and black beaded necklace are also preloved thrift store finds.”
"I'm not romantic at all, and Valentine's Day means nothing to me. And I'm not into the color red either. Haha, but I have a pre-loved red sweater and even red ankle boots, and a red flower brooch too. Well, look, romantic enough for me!"
“This is Gothic Romance…
Melancholic Victoriana walks the modern runways of Paris, London and Milan.
Vampiric silhouettes fascinate the bright young things of 21st century fashion.
The sinister aesthetic captures our collective imagination through style, culture and the arts…
Lace layered over satin, a cinched waist, a demure neckline…
…velvets, silks, taffeta and damask in harmonious symphonies of darkness!
‘Romance’ is the T6 theme for February, this is ‘Gothic Romance’, a timeless beauty that will never fade”
“For this month’s Romance theme, I went all in with a classic Valentine’s Day color for a “pretty in pink” version of one of my go-to winter outfit formulas! My thrifted pieces are the light pink pants, quilted vest, and pink Cheshire Cat striped scarf. I wouldn’t typically wear ballet flats with this kind of outfit, but I liked the additional feminine touch they added.”
“My heart print blouse is my go-to Valentine’s Day piece. This was another item I hunted down on eBay for months…and it was worth the wait! Romance is in the everyday things for me, rather than grand, expensive gestures. So to reflect that, I’ve styled the blouse with jeans and trainers.”
If you don’t have great secondhand stores near you, then another great option is online thrifting. These are the ones I’ve used more than once (except Swap, but it comes highly recommended by a friend)
thredUp—FIRST50 gives you 50% off your first order.
Poshmark — here is the post about how to shop the site.
Preworn–10% off with code JODIEFILOGOMO
Etsy
ebay
Swap
Uncommon Closet— a nonprofit to help women.
Gild the Lily–a local Michigan store that sells online.
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us Stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and me. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all, it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun.
The post How to Wear Romantic Style Without Feeling Too Girly appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
