How I'm Planning An Outfit For My Secret Hen Do (+ using style roots as code)

I break down a 3 step method for finding inspiration and turning into outfits which actually work for you - through the lens of planning my outfit for my 🌱🌸☀️

My friends did the cutest thing for my invitation to my hen do (bachelorette party) which I thought you guys might appreciate 😉 To keep the theme a secret until the day, they used my style roots system to communicate to me what I need to wear! I absolutely love this - of course I have my suspicions based on colour palette and the style roots - beachy, 70s vibe + girl-power hen night vibes is giving me a few clues 👀.

This is my process of creating the perfect outfit based on style roots and a colour palette - it’s a good microcosm of how to start building a wardrobe.

1. Browse style roots pinterest board

I started by reviewing my sun flower earth pinterest board to see what kinds of styles were showcased. I found colourful, bohemian patterns in shades of pink and purple, western motifs like cowboy boots and straw hats, silk headscarves, floaty skirts and blouses, lots of denim, waistcoats over hyper-feminine items, sandals, maxi skirts, layered necklaces, cosy vibes and feminine details.

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2. Find relevant aesthetics

My first step was to brainstorm inspiration using key words on pinterest. There are so many aesthetics within this set of style roots from 1960s twee, beach chic, coastal cowgirl, 1970s retro, boho, French bohemian, 90s whimsigoth, western - I could take this set of style roots in so many directions. However, with the colour scheme of whites and blues, I found myself drawn to the idea of something mermaid core inspired - which veers slightly off from many of the outfits in the pinterest board, taking this set of style roots off on a tangent, like opening a door within that world.

Mermaid core largely consists of:

• dreamy summer-coded colours like pastel pinks, blues, purples, greens, whites, beiges, creams - think of colours you might find at the beach

• beaded y2k camisoles + beaded items generally

• shimmery textures

• shell-inspired jewellery including shell bracelets, pendant necklaces, starfish motifs

• pearls (because, of course, they come from the sea) - can be on necklaces, on the clothing itself, in the hair

• hip belts - metallic, beaded, ropes - a variety of options

• charm bracelets - I love this, it reminds me of Ariel finding little trinkets and keeping them

• floral hair pieces

• strappy sandals

• maxi and miniskirts

• crochet tops or cardigans

• sheer fabrics

• layered, thin necklaces

• shell-inspired handbags

• asymmetric hems + deconstructed outfits

• beachy waves

3. What I want

I am so excited by the dress code, I love this sort of vibe. But, I also want to honour how I want to feel on my hen night - I want to feel a little extra than normal, I want to wear white, I want to feel fancy. So, for me, I want a more formal version of all of these influences I have pulled so far.

I know I want a mini dress, and I want it to be from a brand I have wanted to buy from for a long time, so I have purchased one from House of CB - we will see if it fits. I’ve then purchased some shell jewellery from Vinted. For something like this, I would rarely buy cheap accessories new intended to be (probably) worn once as its part of a costume - if I’m going to do that it’s going to be second hand. With this kind of outfit, second hand works even better as there are so many 00s necklaces on Vinted for two quid, where buying new I’d have to pay so much more for something which isn’t even quite right!! I’m going to wear wedges I already own. I’m undecided on whether to do my hair beachy or just curly - I can get really annoyed with my hair when it’s messy so I think a variation of what I usually do is probably safest.

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Although I have used this method for a specific event, it makes sense when trying to find your style in general

1. Do broad research, finding as many angles as possible to broaden your horizons

2. Do niche research once you’ve picked up on what you like more, and expand one line of interest

3. Pick what YOU like, pick the things which reflect your style goals and tastes

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Is there anything you would add to this method? Share in the comments below!

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What’s new:

💭 YouTube

✨ Moulin Rouge party inspo this Saturday I’m going to a Moulin Rouge party for my friend Charlotte - these are some pictures I pulled to get ideas for my outfit. As it happens, I’m wearing an outfit I wore to my partners gangsters and flappers 21st birthday as I managed to find it under a pile of clothes somewhere, but if you like this film this is about the only thing I’ve managed to produce this week 🤣

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