Summer was long and cruel.
We waited and waited for the temperatures to drop to 28ºC, just to pretend it’s cold and finally feel like we’re styling the clothes we wear, instead of simply choosing whichever one irons the easiest—because, let’s face it, it’s going straight to the washing machine.
We chose this suit to play with:
Valisia’s Version
Honestly, I’ve never been a big fan of the color brown or earthy tones in general. But I have so many vivid memories of my mom rocking every kind of power suit in warm shades of brown, grey, and beige. And wow, did she accessorize everything for the gods! So, it’s pretty clear where my love for statement fashion comes from. This outfit is a tribute to her. I’m wearing her favorite gold paisley vest and her beloved gold chain belt, though I’ve styled it as a choker. The vintage Vogue sunglasses were hers, too. This photo feels like a snapshot from her life, a soundtrack, a treasure.
Sigourney Weaver or Melanie Griffith? I’d choose Sigourney every time —tall, stunning, and always flawlessly dressed. By now, I’m sure you’ve caught the "Working Girl" references and know where this is going. One thing about me is that I’m all about the “bigger the better” mindset of the ’80s, with a hint of corporate flair! The Begtütmish dress styled as a sweater vest, paired with an oversized white shirt and softly rounded white ballet flats, screams powerful to me! And let’s not forget the big bow —it adds just the right touch of drama to any outfit!
While I’m obsessed with perfectly matching shades of black or white, I don’t feel the same compulsion with other colors. Maybe it’s because I don’t wear them as often, who knows. But when it comes to brown, I actually enjoyed mixing two different shades. It still creates a monochromatic look, but with a bit more fun and variation. Plus, the versatility of a silk scarf is amazing —it can elevate any style. Whether you opt for a classic look by wearing it around your neck or go for something bolder as a headscarf, it works either way!
Stella’s Version
Rainymood.com : Press Play
Yes, I work, read, and shower (a bit redundant, as I realize now) with this website always open in a nearby tab. That has nothing to do with the outfits below, but I wanted to set the mood.
Starting off with something relaxed. This is by far my favorite pair of trousers. Slowly but steadily, I'm making a pair in every color. I’ve never worn brown before, but as a proper trickle-down trend, it grew on me. It’s a warm hue that pairs well with my beloved dark navy, burgundy, ivory, and even grey and silver. I kept it monochromatic but added a sliver of an ivory knitted tank top for both texture and to break the monotony of a single colour.
It’s rare to catch me during the winter without a turtleneck. Since it’s still September, I traded the coziness of a wool turtleneck for a brass choker that serves almost the same purpose and adds a bit of sheen. I added a vintage brooch to the trousers' button to act as a belt buckle—without the actual belt. Why? Why not! I think this could work with any brooch, even a quirky one, since belt buckles tend to be more conservative.
Now for the burgundy. I think this is the most autumnal combination of them all. The moment I put it on, I instantly want to light a candle and sip coffee from a Christmas (yes, I said it—we’re only 91 days away, and 61 days from putting up the Christmas tree) mug. I chose the Orghana blouse (or rather, half of the Kua Ujin dress) because of its chain embellishments —the brass really complements the brown perfectly. Plus, I can turn it into a jumpsuit with the Chechiyegen trousers, and Bob's your uncle.
I very rarely wear jeans, and when I do, it feels special and cool to me. Now that I think about it, I’d definitely wear this with my favourite Weejuns Larson Penny Loafers in Wine. So, try to imagine this outfit with those instead of the slingbacks. I’ve recently developed an obsession with white fabric belts, and until I make a proper one, I just tie fabric around my waist. I love this combination with a dark-themed outfit, especially when blue is involved.
Alexandra’s Version
September is blazer weather! I wanted to style the QUTUI chocolate brown tailored jacket in a way that works from a hectic morning at work all the way through to a much-needed after-work drink, or even a cinema night in the city centre—because of course, Athens International Film Festival are just around the corner. So, I basically deconstructed the BORAQCHIN jumpsuit—kept only the maroon shorts—and threw on a slim-fit long-sleeve top from COS underneath. Finished it off with white socks and my glossy ANSIE mary janes (sadly, this exact pair is sold out). And don’t forget the gold jewellery; just a simple pendant and a few bangle bracelets. Super easy, polished, and a bit playful.
It’s surprising how well chocolate brown pairs with navy blue —one of my favourite colours by the way, and my no-brainer when I’m mixing with black. But now, it turns out I can mix it with brown too, as you can see! So, to finish off my look with the GYEGUK tailored trousers, I went for the YANAÑAMCA fine cotton blouse —a cropped one, because obviously, we’re showing off a bit of belly here—, a tonal and structured small bag with those long, thin straps (it’s a bag I actually “stole” from my mum, some years ago), and slipped into the Nine West YEAP black leather strappy sandals (with the perfect 8cm heel to balance the long hem of the trousers). For a little extra something, I wrapped a silk Zeus+Dione scarf in blue-black tones around my neck and cinched it all together with a black leather belt. Done and dusted.
That’s a total monochromatic look —and I really love head-to-toe hues (most of the time, you’ll catch me dressed like this). The only exception here is this stunning gold, hand-painted ancient Mongolian horse on the front of my BEGTÜTMISH shift dress, which dress, by the way, matches completely with the same shade and silk-viscose blend of my QUTUI tailored jacket. I finished it off with some gold bangle bracelets, my glossy ANSIE Mary-Janes, and fishnet socks. Cool, calm and oh-so-demure.
I love layering a tailored jacket over loads of different pieces. It gives that whole I-just-threw-this-on mood (even though we both know it’s way more thought out—I’m not trying to end up looking like Joey in Friends #iykyk). So, I threw the chocolate brown QUTUI jacket over an oversized Ralph Lauren men’s off-white shirt, and underneath that, I snuck in a super mini cherry red silk dress, just for a cheeky pop of red at the hem. To balance it out, I went with red socks, a vintage from the ‘90s red metal chainmail bag, and silver heeled sandals with a mirrored finish for a bit of extra shine.
Happy dressing up season!
Valisia + Stella + Alexandra