And then, somehow, I found myself browsing Zara.

Now let me be clear: I don’t generally like Zara. The only time I usually go there is when I am looking for something for my kids. Primarily because every top seems to have bust darts two inches above my actual bust, the materials are of poor quality, the designs often assume you are bra-less, and every piece screams at me: “This is not for you, this is for a skinny teenager!” And yet, this time I somehow found some interesting pieces from their ZW Collection.

Since Zara is everywhere, it is pretty easy to go in and try things on, which I did. As usual, many pieces did not fit, but I did find some gems. What struck me most, however, was how different the shopping experience felt. There were no advanced CPW calculations, no massive deliberations, no “I will buy this now and save for that later.”

Zara pieces are very affordable for me at this point, so there is much less emotional noise around buying them - and much less scarcity brain. I can get most things at Zara without much deliberation, and as a result, paradoxically, it makes me crave less and shop less. Even though it was easy, I did not buy anything immediately. I waited a couple of days to see if I really wanted the pieces, and then purchased them without much drama.

The first piece I got was this beautiful eggplant Zara suit. This is how it looks on the model and on me. To be honest, the silhouette of the blazer is a bit too flared, but I still feel extremely relaxed in this suit, and the color is just amazing. This is the only suit - and actually the only blazer - that I wear while working from home without feeling completely out of place. It has been three days, and I have already worn it multiple times.

Zara suit, Aeyede green heels, Daria Deh green dress, Le Monde Beryl shoes, Uniqlo tops in wine and white, Tibi debrancus’d Brancusi jeans.

The second piece is this simple and easy skirt in a pale blue color. The skirt itself is very simple, but I love the interesting color and the styling opportunities it creates. I have worn it a couple of times and I love the color-blocking possibilities it offers - there are just so many options.

Zara skirt, Cos vest, Uniqlo tank, Flattered slides, Arket orange T-shirt, Le Monde Beryl shoes. Gray Matters pumps.

The quality level of these pieces is what you would expect from Zara. One button looks like it might fall off soon, and I also have the sustainability and business practices questions in the back of my mind.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the designs: they feel pretty modern, use interesting colors, contain no polyester, and are overall much better than I anticipated. Let’s see how they hold up after a bit more wear. For now, I can enjoy them while I strategize my future purchases from the Tibi sale and Resort 2027.

What is your take on Zara and fast fashion? Do you ever buy fast-fashion pieces - and more importantly, are you ever happy with them?

Since many pieces I was eyeing were online, with limited possibilities to try them on, I decided to use AI. I took a photo of myself in yellow Calders, uploaded it to Google Gemini, and uploaded the photo of the piece I wanted to try. The prompt was quite simple: “Put these pants on me.” That’s it.

Now, AI is getting better, but it is still not ideal. It usually misses the subtle nuances of design, such as the slight barrel leg of the cult Leset Kyoto pant. It can ignore your body, “slim” you, or add additional background and interior details that are completely irrelevant. Like a lazy intern, AI gets tired after 5–6 generations and starts generating random things - you need to kick off a new chat and start generating again.

Still, I found it quite useful for a quick try-on - to get a feel for the look, as well as the color and pattern. So here is what I “tried.”

Samsoe Samsoe dress. My first wishlist piece was a semi-casual but also business-appropriate dress. I tried this one from Samsoe Samsoe, and once I saw it on me, I realized the color washed me out quite a bit, so it became an easy skip.

Daria Deh dress. I vaguely remember that someone I really respect in the industry mentioned that this brand is of very high quality. They also offer full transparency in terms of their costs and margins, which is interesting. Most of their designs are fairly basic to my Tibi-trained eye, but I loved this dress - both the color and the rich material.

Tibi Tunic. As I was trying the pieces on, I decided to try pieces that I had already actually tried in real life - to see how accurate AI would be. It was fairly accurate with this bonded tunic, which is my number one sale item - although unfortunately it is not on sale. So far, so good.

Tibi Gingham jacket and skirt. Another one I tried IRL was this gingham set, and here AI did make me taller, slimmer, and for some reason removed my shoes. I’d say the piece lost a lot of its magic in AI, but nevertheless, the pattern held up.

Tibi Compact Ultra Stretch Skirt. Another Tibi wishlist item that is not on sale. I think here AI did the piece a disservice - I believe the actual material looks much more luxurious.

Tibi Ultra Light Silk Tencel Top. Now this is yet another piece that is not on sale, and let’s just say AI smoothed my curves quite a bit here. Still, the color is divine, and I’d love this piece if it hits sale at some point.

Tibi Nylon Snap Jogger. Thinking about how I need more color in my life, I decided to try these nylon sporty pants from Tibi. This is where AI really helped - while they look great on others, I find they do not look good on me at all. Is it something about my soft essence? I am sure Kibbe / Kitchener theories have an answer for that, and I am just happy I did not decide to buy them.

Tibi Liam Blazer. Finally, the Liam - here AI failed miserably. I believe when you are trained on the average of the internet, it is hard to imagine a pushed and oversized blazer. Nevertheless, I’ve tried Liam in person and know what to expect.

Simon Miller Pia pants. I then turned to Simon Miller pants. I crave colors and patterns this season, and the above pants were my choice. After trying them with AI, I had some second thoughts, so I decided to try some other options from this fun brand.

Simon Miller Pia pants. Still, cream and burgundy are probably best, maybe followed by orange? AI really illuminated how different colors can look and is very helpful here, in my humble opinion.

Dissh Lela skirts. I then remembered I do not have a good linen skirt, and thought of the Australian brand Dissh. To my surprise, it was also running a sale (it seems to be over by now) and was not as expensive as I remembered. Here AI really helped me choose the cream skirt over the white - but still, they are staying on the wishlist.

Dissh vest. The vest, though, is stunning - I did not expect that before “trying” it out. It moved up in my wishlist quite a bit.

Leset Kyoto pant. Leset is a cult brand and just recently released a summer collection that is, well, very summery - full of amazing colors. Within the cult brand Leset, there is a cult pant, Kyoto, and it has now been released in my favorite yellow. I tried it out and it looked really good - but the actual pant has a bit of a barrel vibe, which was quite ignored by AI.

J.Crew Luna Pant. As fashion Substack knows, there is a dupe of the Kyoto pant by J.Crew. I “tried” it out too, and it looked quite good. But again, there are the limitations of AI - I know that these pull-on waists don’t really sit so well on my waist, but in the AI try-on, there are no problems.

Leset May Collection. I tried on a big part of the Leset summer collection and some of their sale items. These colors are stunning and I loved many of the pieces, but I needed to talk myself out of purchasing, as for example, the green dress and the maxi pink skirt are likely to be too transparent on me. The standout try-ons from this batch? The short Barb silk skirt - it looks quite playful - and the Lauren pleated pants. Still, I did not pull the trigger on them.

Aritzia Interlock Script Top. I then found this Aritzia top and tried it on in various colors. It looks a bit worse with AI than in the real-life TikTok try-ons I found.

Aritzia Nominee Top. So did these Nominee tops from Aritzia - still on the fence about them.

I then ventured into The RealReal to try on some things from my obsessions (including Tory Burch bag, Jil Sander top, and Tod’s loafers), and the bag was by far the best (for some reason I am unable to link directly). Still, I need to prioritize ruthlessly.

Wandler bags. Finally, I went to try on the bags from my favorite bag brand, Wandler - and as usual, I want them all. But the standout from the try on was actually the Ida bag, which is also owned by Grace from Tibi and many fashion insiders. It looks really good.

Interestingly enough, Victoria Beckham already offers AI try-on directly on the site - you can go to the site, upload your picture, and see yourself in the dress. It is definitely interesting.

As usual, the best question when deciding what to buy for me has been: Will I wear it tomorrow, or at least for a concrete occasion? If not, the piece is likely too far from my daily lifestyle and therefore should not be purchased.

So what did I ultimately purchase? I bought the posture-correcting top from Forme Science (the brand previously gifted me socks which I liked and my Mom liked even more), the greenish Daria Deh dress, and two tops from COS to add to my daily rotation.

I am still on the fence about the others, so let’s see how the Tibi sale shapes up and whether there are more sale items I want to purchase. Hope your sale season has kicked off well - and we will all navigate it smoothly with ease and intention, with or without AI!

This article includes affiliate links. If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Since I have been watching these sales like a hawk for the past five years, as my main way of buying coveted Tibi pieces, I decided to share my observations and tips on how to shop the sale as the next semi-annual event approaches. Most of these tips are known by hardcore Tibi fans, but I am still sharing in case it is helpful to some of us!

The usual Tibi sale cadence is two semi-annual sales: one around late May / early June and one around December / early January. The first markdown is usually 40%. A few weeks later, there is often a second markdown - up to 60% - and then additional pieces and shoes are added to the sale too. After that, there is sometimes an extra 15% off, and once that ends, the sale items disappear for a while before reappearing in the Tibi outlet a few weeks or months later.

Of course, Tibi likes to switch things up, so none of this is guaranteed - but these are the patterns I have noticed over the years.

As someone who has shopped these sales way too much, here are my recommendations on how to make the most of them - have a look!

Check the item codes in advance

Tibi uses codes to identify garments, and you can find them on each product page. They look something like this:

What you need to pay attention to is the first letter and the three numbers of the style number. In Tibi’s system, S126 means Spring, 1st Drop, 2026. The letters usually stand for the season: U for summer, S for spring, F for fall, W for winter, and R for resort. Tibi usually has one or two drops per season, so the combination of the letter, drop number, and year tells you which collection the piece belongs to.

For example, we are now heading toward the end-of-season sale, which is likely to include Spring 2026 and Resort 2025. So the codes to search on the Tibi website are S126 and R125. Searching S126, for example, brings up the Spring 2026 collection. There is some talk that it is only Resort 125 this year on sale, but it remains to be seen.

Spring 2026 collection

Add multiple items to cart to figure out remaining stock

Once you know which pieces you are interested in, use the cart trick to understand how much stock is left in your size and how likely are they to sell out.

For example, the shirt below has three pieces left in XL, but only one in M. If M is your size, that is your sign that you may need to act more urgently.

Tibi Striped Shirting Easy Tuxedo Shirt

Pre-order your items with your Tibi stylist

Tibi has a number of stylists who can help with pre-orders, which means you can sometimes buy sale items a couple of weeks before the actual sale starts.

The process is simple: select the items you want, reach out to a Tibi stylist, and ask whether the pieces will be included in the sale and whether they can sell them to you at the sale price.

One important note: only reach out to stylists who have been specifically mentioned by Amy or Tibi, so you know they are trusted.

Follow Tibi St. Simons for sold-out inventory

This is my favorite hack - and the way I have found many sold-out pieces on sale.

Tibi St. Simons is the account for Tibi’s St. Simons boutique and warehouse. They occasionally post stories with pieces that are sold out online, and you can purchase them at sale or outlet prices. I also sometimes reach out and ask whether they have a specific sold-out piece. I have bought many items that way.

I purchased this all time favorite blazer via Tibi St Simons

Check fit and sizing in the Tibi fans group

Once the sale items start trickling in, check how they fit on real Tibi fans.

This is especially important because most sale items are final sale, and Tibi sizing can vary a lot. Seeing the pieces on people with similar sizing, height, proportions, and styling preferences is extremely helpful before committing.

Leave some budget for the second wave

A few weeks into the sale, Tibi often adds deeper markdowns and new pieces - and those pieces can be very good.

So do not spend your entire budget on the first markdown. The second wave sometimes includes higher-value pieces, shoes, and better discounts. Patience pays off, even though, obviously, it is very hard to be patient around discounted Tibi.

Check the last page of the outlet and sale sections

This is another very useful trick: Tibi constantly updates the outlet and sale sections.

I have been monitoring the last page of the Tibi outlet and have seen many sold-out pieces reappear in limited sizes. If you are looking for something specific, it is worth checking regularly - especially the very last pages, where the quiet restocks often hide.

Catch the sale fails on Futurereference.xyz resale

Because Tibi sale items are usually final sale, many pieces end up not fitting or not working for the buyer. As a result, they often appear on Futurereference.xyz, the Tibi community’s go-to resale platform.

It is a great place to buy from other Tibi fans, and it is where a lot of the community trades pieces.

Remember to stay sane

Do not go crazy during the sale - from someone who has done it many times.

Remember that many sold-out pieces reappear. No single piece will change your life. It is just clothes. Beautiful, interesting, deeply tempting clothes - but still clothes.

If you need more de-influencing, have a look at my posts on how I managed to get out of my Tibi obsession (kind of!).

I am also sharing below another post with try-ons of many pieces that will be on sale and closely map to my planned wishlist. At the same time, I am also considering is skipping the sale completely and just purchasing the Crispy Nylon Liam Blazer that I’ve been coveting for a while.

Let’s all try to stay sane this sale season - and I hope you find your best sale pieces!

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I Stopped Wearing T-shirts and Replaced Them with Blouses

I know what you are thinking: T-shirts are the key ingredient, and fashion Substack is full of images like the one below.

Source: Vogue

And yet, I found that on my more rounded figure, these looks translate quite differently. T-shirts can look frumpy, too casual, and just meh. Tucking them in does not solve it for my body type. And yet every morning, I would pull out a new T-shirt out of sheer habit and convenience, then wear it with fairly casual pants, sweatpants, or jeans. No wonder I was not feeling good about my daily uniform, and it would lead to looks like these.

Uniqlo T-shirts, Tibi sweats, Tibi skirt, Tibi jeans, Cos pants, Flattered bag, Wandler bag

These looks are not super bad per se, but they do underdeliver. As a result, I now wear white T-shirts only as a layering tool and try to avoid other T-shirts, even for WFH, unless there is a specific reason for it. Even with the same pants and skirt, the looks are so much better (at least to me!).

Tibi skirt, Massimo Dutti blouse and shirt, Cos pants, Le Monde Beryl shoes

I Bought a Few Key Hero Pieces

It is amazing how certain pieces can suddenly open up so many possibilities when it comes to wearing what you already own. These are my hero pieces this spring that made getting dressed so much easier.

Shoes // Shirt // Jeans // Track Jacket

Le Monde Beryl shoes are a perfect combination of modernity and practicality. They can be both a business shoe, because of the sharp vamp, and a casual shoe, because of the rounded front. So they literally work with everything - skirts, pants, etc. My best purchase of the year.

COS track jacket. I was not wearing any of my wool blazers for WFH, and as a result, the layering I could do was limited. However, I recently discovered that shorter, more casual jackets can be the answer, and this track jacket from COS was my gateway drug. I am sure I will look for more similar cropped blazers and track jackets to elevate my looks.

Massimo Dutti blouses. Massimo Dutti is amazing when it comes to unusual shirts and blouses. Yes, the quality can be hit or miss, and you really need to try them on, but once you find the right ones, you get that relaxed yet somewhat polished vibe. I am continually scanning their assortment for more options.

Toteme jeans. I was looking for beige/gray jeans and scoured the whole internet before settling on these Twisted Seam Toteme jeans. I love the color and the cut, and they instantly help me dress so much better day to day.

What I am still missing is a few dresses that work casually. I am eyeing this one from Unlabel, but it remains to be seen whether it looks the way I want it to on me.

I Discovered My Palette

In the past several years, I’ve been fully indoctrinated by Tibi Ring 3 theory and purchased many items in those dirtyish Ring 3 colors. What I discovered recently, with the help of AI, by the way, is that these dirtyish colors make my face look tired and dead. I’ve played with seasonal color analysis - I still don’t know if I am spring or autumn - but even without that analysis, I saw that wearing something warm, fresh, pastel, pure, or even neutrals in clear colors, like cream and chocolate brown, makes me look great. Dirtyish colors just do not do anything for my complexion.

I then realized that I really dislike blue jeans, and overall, denim blue in my wardrobe. I find that blue jeans are excellent if you have a primarily neutral wardrobe, but I like some color, and matching that with blue jeans is much more difficult. Beige or gray jeans open up many more possibilities.

I also cut black almost completely from my wardrobe, though it still trickles in - black is very hard to avoid. Nevertheless, I try to default to ivory, chocolate brown, and similar shades.

As a result, my previous palette looked like this.

And I replaced it with this one. The difference might not be immediately obvious, but I absolutely love it.

Note that this is not proportionate - I mostly wear pieces in the neutral colors and use the bright colors as accents. Nevertheless, removing denim blue and focusing on non-black neutrals, as well as softer taupes and creams, looks and feels so much more harmonized.

I Got Honest About My Lifestyle

On the lifestyle side, doing a school run every day to a muddy outdoor school means I cannot wear pants that drag. All blouses need to be machine washable, not dry-clean only, as I change them daily. The clothes need to be comfortable for WFH - I am not wearing wool pants and blazers, no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise.

So that created quite a bit of clarity: ankle-length or full-length pants that do not puddle and are convenient for daily wear. Casual jackets, like the track jacket, COS sweatshirt-cardigan, or Uniqlo windbreaker, or blazers that are not wool. Blouses that are machine washable and not too expensive - no $400 Tibi tops for me - as the risk of them getting dirty from daily wear is quite high. As a result, when I start dressing in the morning, I have options that actually work for my lifestyle.

I Am More in Tune With What Works for My Body

Over the past several years, I experimented a lot with different styles and clothes. My dream was to have a vast variety of clothes that I could pull from and choose between, across different styles. I thought that having many items in a similar style was not a good idea, because all stylists seem to claim this is the case. I changed my mind after doing a Kibbe-style experiment on myself. It made me understand very clearly how our bodies are just more in tune with certain styles.

There are many femininity archetypes - from femme fatale to tomboy, from cute girl to royal queen to natural bohemian - and you are not all of them at once. My body is quite soft, so when I push for something very sharp, like elongated sharp shoes, it contrasts in a way I do not like.

Trying out all Kibbe styles - from the sharpest, most angular and tall, to the most rounded and small.

I also prefer to dress in a way that is proportionate to my body. For example, now when I see narrow, cropped pants like the viral High Sport ones, I immediately think, “gamine.” Yes, these would look good on Emily in Paris, but on me? The proportions are off, and I feel like a woman in child’s clothes.

It is spring!

Finally, as fashion people know, spring is an amazing time to get dressed. Coats can make the outfit, and you can wear shoes that look good instead of shoes that are simply trying to keep you warm. It is easy to layer nicely, but it is not so cold that you have to tuck yourself into five scarves just to feel fine. It is also not hot, so you can actually layer multiple pieces.

Uniqlo skirt and jacket, Tibi skirt, Massimo Dutti blouse, Uniqlo coat, Le Monde Beryl shoes

Who knows - maybe this style expertise will melt away together with summer?

This article includes affiliate links. If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Morocco, and especially Marrakech, is beloved by fashion circles, and there is a big reason why. It has 1,000 years of tradition in leather and carpet production, and souks with an endless supply of leather shoes, bags, and accessories. Then there is the inspiration of Yves Saint Laurent, who spent many summers there and drew creative inspiration from Marrakech, leaving behind the legacy of the stunning Jardin Majorelle. The vibrant, richly colorful vibe of the city, along with the warm and friendly people, adds up to an unforgettable experience.

We spent our holidays in Morocco, visiting Essaouira and Marrakech, and I must say I am in love. This country has so much to offer. We surfed, went to the mountains, explored old medinas and stunning parks, visited museums, negotiated in souks, and enjoyed amazing cuisine, hammams, and Moroccan mint tea (I am a fan!). I am still smiling when I remember it.

What We Saw

Essaouira

Our itinerary started in Essaouira, a town on the Atlantic coast with a beautiful historic medina. There is a fish market in the town where you can buy fish and have it prepared and eaten immediately. Overall, Essaouira has a very relaxed vibe, where history mixes with the ocean. It is also called the Windy City, and since it has very strong winds, even in late March it was quite chilly despite the full-on sunshine.

We also stayed in a very nice villa, as we were a group of 10, and I highly recommend it. It had a very unique and beautiful aesthetic. It is a 10-minute drive from Essaouira, so you do need a car.

Sidi Kaouki and Imsouane

As it was very windy in Essaouira, we decided to drive to Imsouane, which is a 1.5-hour drive south. It is a small town that is essentially a surfer’s paradise. It has this laid-back vibe and a sandy beach, but the surfing itself is quite advanced. We asked for a lesson, and the coach talked us out of trying to surf there because we were too beginner for the high tide. It was still a nice place to chill, swim, and play in the sand with our little ones.

The next day we needed to move from our villa, so we went for a one-hour surfing lesson in Sidi Kaouki. If you are into surfing but are just a beginner, this is the best place to go. The beach is sandy and wide, with long waves that are perfect for beginners. Sidi Kaouki is mostly about the beach and surfing. There are a few chill coffee shops and restaurants, as well as camels and buggy rides, but the town itself is quite small. The surfing was amazing, though, even if my arms were aching for two days after.

Sidi Kaouki vibe

Marrakech

Marrakech can be quite overwhelming. Driving in Marrakech is its own extreme sport, with all kinds of traffic participants pushing their way through. It is common to see a mule in the street on the outskirts of Marrakech, and gazillions of motorcycles and mopeds ignoring traffic lights and squeezing through whenever they can. I had heard stories of random passengers jumping into the back of pickup trucks to get a lift and thought that would not happen to us because we had a closed car. Just then, I looked and saw a couple of roller skaters attached to our car for a faster ride.

When we went into the medina for the first time, it was a game of making sure that none of us, including two 5-year-olds, got hit by a moped driving through the narrow streets and souks. The walking looks a bit like this:

We then met a super “helpful” local who told us that Bahia Palace was closed for renovation and that he could walk us to a very good place instead. While people here are very warm and friendly in general, there was something about his demeanor that looked suspiciously, excessively pleasant. A few minutes later, we saw him and his friends running from undercover police. Bahia Palace was not closed, and apparently false guides are a thing in Marrakech, to which the city’s answer is police in civilian clothes to make sure the tourist experience stays good.

After this intense experience, we took a rest in a coffee shop with Moroccan mint tea, got acclimatized, and were ready to explore more. The medina is a massive labyrinth with fascinating souks and passages everywhere, culminating in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

In the evening, this square transforms into a sea of restaurants and rooftop bars. The experience is frankly hard to describe. There are tables everywhere, and as you walk along, the owners stop you to present the amazing dishes they have. We had already had dinner, but it is probably impossible to leave that square hungry.

The next day we went to the YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé spent quite a lot of time in Marrakech and purchased the abandoned Jardin Majorelle, which they restored and rebuilt. Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were actually scattered in Jardin Majorelle, and there is an amazing museum dedicated to his work. The garden itself is stunning. I came back so inspired by Jardin Majorelle that I am working in my garden every day to make it look better, although it bears no resemblance to Jardin Majorelle.

Jardin Majorelle’s aesthetic reminds of fashion a little bit. There are a number of statement plants that are given space to showcase their beauty, and they are very sculptural. It reminds me of fashion, when you tone down the rest of the outfit to let the statement piece speak.

Anyway, the place is stunning, and we loved exploring it. The only thing I would suggest avoiding is Café Majorelle. There are many better options around, like Moro restaurant.

While walking around Marrakech, I highly recommend booking a hammam. They are much less expensive than in Europe and really good. We went to the one closest to Jardin Majorelle, which was okay, but I would not say it was exceptional. There is, however, a huge list of hammams that are just stunning in Marrakech.

In terms of food, there are several main dishes to try. Tajine is the triangular pot that can slow-cook anything next to the fire, though it is often used for chicken with olives or similar dishes. Tangia is Marrakech’s old-boy dish, where beef or similar meat is slow-cooked. Couscous is traditional food, but it is usually served on Fridays, and some places will not even have couscous on other days. And then there is my favorite: Moroccan mint tea, which is a combination of green tea, mint, and a lot of sugar, and which I tried to recreate at home, though it was not quite as simple.

Around Marrakech

A drive of just about 90 minutes from Marrakech will take you to the mountains, where you can see snow-capped peaks. We drove to Imlil, saw the waterfalls, and passed by Kasbah du Toubkal, a hotel with an interesting story: its founders established a foundation that contributed significantly to infrastructure development in the surrounding villages.

We also visited Kasbah Tamadot by Richard Branson for lunch, which is a very beautiful luxury resort with breathtaking mountain views and a beautiful restaurant.

Kasbah Tamadot

If you see trips to the desert from Marrakech that take just two hours, you are probably going to Agafay, which is not a real desert. The Sahara is an eight-hour drive from Marrakech. As you can see below, the “desert” is green. We stopped at one of the places for a camel ride. It looks like the image below and could be a good option if there is no swimming pool in your area. The real Sahara trip takes about eight hours from Marrakech, so keep that in mind if you want to see the real desert.

Agafay “desert” experience

What I Wore

I packed at around 10 p.m. on a Friday night for a 6 a.m. departure, so I did not have time to try things out, which meant quite a bit of overpacking and not wearing everything I packed. Here is a look at my outfits throughout the week.

Cos pants, Uniqlo trench, Uniqlo T-shirt, Cos track jacket, The Curated bag

My airport outfit was simple and convenient and made sure I did not need to pack my sneakers into the bag, which is great.

Left: Cos pants, Uniqlo windbreaker, Cos track jacket, Varnelis bag. Right: Basic Apparel skirt, L.A. Apparel jellies, The Curated bag, Tibi sweater.

Essaouira was quite windy and we really needed long sleeves, which I had underpacked. I had to make do with what I had, and I must say the Uniqlo windbreaker really works.

Both: Tibi jersey skirt, Le Monde Beryl shoes, Varnelis bag, Left: Cos silk blazer, The Curated top. Right: Uniqlo satin top.

I loved wearing the Tibi jersey skirt in Marrakech. It felt very much in line with the vibe: relaxed, fluid, and drapey. I wore it multiple times as we were exploring.

Cos pants, Hoka sneakers, Massimo Dutti shirt, The Curated bag.

This is my mountains outfit. I needed convenient sneakers, but still wanted a decent, polished look.

Tibi skirt, Uniqlo satin top, The Curated bag

For the YSL Museum, I decided to pull the most fashion-forward piece from my closet, which is the Tibi Luxe Twill Skirt. In general, it was a bit too sculptural for the occasion. Somehow, Marrakech feels more like drape and rounded forms to me. Nevertheless, I definitely enjoyed wearing it.

The top performers from the trip:

• Le Monde Beryl shoes were amazing, and I wore them almost everywhere. Many thousands of steps were walked in them. They are closed-toe and do not get dirty quickly, which is an additional benefit.

• The Cos scuba track jacket and Tibi cashmere V-neck saved my day many times, as they were the only two long-sleeve options I took with me, which was probably a bit optimistic, as it gets quite chilly in late March, especially in the evenings.

• The Tibi jersey skirt was my true fundamental on this trip. It matches the vibe of Marrakech quite well and is relaxed, comfortable, but also refined. It can also be transformed into shorts by tying the skirt between your legs.

• The Uniqlo windbreaker, to my surprise, protects from wind. It was much warmer in Essaouira when I was wearing it.

• Uniqlo satin tops: one of the challenges of my dressing is relying excessively on T-shirts, but these satin tops are inexpensive, refined, and comfortable enough at a T-shirt-level price. I loved wearing them.

• Uniqlo T-shirts for layering: having said that, T-shirts were still essential for layering, and my go-to is now the simple Uniqlo crewneck. I have yet to try the Leset Margo, which the fashion Substack crowd is obsessed with.

• Massimo Dutti shirt: I only wore it once, but it made me very happy. Massimo Dutti is a great place for interesting tops at reasonable prices.

• Jellies or sand/sea shoes are a must whenever going by the sea. There are several options that I like. For example, I wore these L.A. Apparel transparent jellies to death last year. These are also good, or simple Havaianas are great too.

Meanwhile, these are the pieces I packed and did not wear:

• Dresses that were too short: I had two and planned to wear them around the villa, but I ended up wearing other clothes or swimsuits when we were back from the trips.

• Too many skirts: for example, I bought an Uniqlo satin skirt specifically for this trip but used other skirts instead.

• Too-open tops: it was not as hot as I expected, and I did not want to wear anything without at least short sleeves.

• Structured pieces: I wore my new Tibi skirt for the YSL Museum as a homage to fashion, but I felt that organic, drapey, free-flowing pieces were more in line with the Marrakech vibe.

What I Bought

Fashion shopping in Morocco is its own kind of sport. The souks are abundant wherever you go, mostly selling carpets, leather bags, shoes, jewelry, ceramics, interior decorations, and a number of other things. The key aspect is bargaining, pretending not to want the piece, and almost walking away to get a good price. It is quite an art, and similarly to assembling your own Ikea piece, after this negotiation you feel like you did it yourself and love it even more.

That said, I ventured out to shop with a big fear of being scammed. I felt like a tourist for whom the prices would be inflated and that I would imagine I got a good deal while actually being scammed. None of that happened, though, as far as I can tell.

At first, I passed a bunch of stands with fake designer bags and such. I have never seen so many fake Hermès slides. If I saw a Louis Vuitton piece, I would immediately disqualify the stand and pass it by. Some time later, I got to an area that seemed a bit more authentic.

I was looking for a leather bag that would fit my laptop, and there were plenty of options. I went into a small street with a number of vendors and started talking with one, who probably brought me bags from the whole street to see and try.

My eyes landed on this oversized tote, and as they did not have a full-length mirror, I asked them to film me trying various pieces. I was still not convinced, as I thought maybe the tote was too big, so we negotiated, and I was really undecided, which really helped the negotiation.

Apparently, the way to distinguish whether the leather is real is to smell it, so I smelled it, and indeed it was earthy and leathery. Spoiler alert: it still smells a few weeks later. He was also showing some kind of lighter trick, which I am not sure is really a legitimate way of testing or just showmanship, and I kept trying and trying and trying the bags while also trying to decide.

The initial price of this bag was 1,500 MAD (150 USD). Finally, I said I liked a smaller bag but preferred this bag’s color, and he said he could just paint the smaller one for me, no problem. We agreed on the price of 900 MAD (90 USD), and that I would be free to choose either this bag or the painted bag. He also agreed to let me watch the painting process.

Ultimately, I liked the initial tote better, as it had more gloss, and decided to embrace the oversize and make the deal. I brought it back with me, and I absolutely love it. It feels authentic and has this worn leather look.

The best negotiation I had, though, was for a cobalt suede shoe that I did not want, which I kept trying on and trying on, but in all honesty, summery suede in Lithuania has very few use cases, as it often rains. I think the price started at something like 400 MAD (40 USD), and I told him that the shoes were beautiful but I had nowhere to wear them, and started walking away. The price then went to 15 USD and then 10 USD as I was leaving. I still did not get them, as indeed I have nowhere to wear them.

In general, I loved shopping and negotiating in the souks, but I highly recommend looking for more obscure areas. The farther away from the main square you are, the better the prices and the more authentic the pieces, which I loved. There could have been much more shopping done. There were plenty of great belts, fringe bags, shoes, jewelry, and ceramics, but I did not have the time, so this bag and a bracelet I bought later were my only purchases.

So this is the recap of our trip. I will leave you with a few more pictures for the beauty of Morocco. It is definitely a stunning and very colorful country for those who get inspired by aesthetics, and I truly hope I will have a chance to go back.

This article includes affiliate links. If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Some of the affiliate revenue from this post will go to my 12-year-old stepson, who provided some photos for this post in exchange for a percentage of the affiliate revenue and a bottle of Lipton iced tea :)

Almost Reckless T-shirt, Tibi pants, Le Monde Beryl shoes, bag from a Morocco souk.

1. Amy Is an Exceptional Designer

Everyone knows that Amy is a savvy businesswoman, but in this book it is also obvious that she is a very good designer. She does not dwell on it much, but the first batch of her printed skirts sold out immediately, and her first collections sold through very quickly. It is presented as a matter of fact, but I think it is quite a big deal. Launching a brand from zero and getting it to sell immediately is noteworthy - it is nowhere near as easy as she makes it sound. Perhaps it is something she is naturally good at and does not pay much attention to? I found it quite amazing that she designed so well that even the first collections resonated with customers.

2. My Favorite Ruffles Top Is Probably Not Coming Back

In her book, Amy talks about designing by committee and miscommunication, which ends up in a top that no one on the team wants to wear. Too bad that I believe she is talking about my favorite top ever - the ruffles shirt, which I sold only because I could not pull off the color. It seems like it is not coming back - oh well! :)

Tibi top, Tibi skirt, Flattered bag, Flattered slides

3. Why Friction Matters Beyond Fashion

Friction is a topic in almost every style class, but in this book she dwells on how friction between people and in business is actually a desirable thing to have. She shares examples of how, because of communication issues with factories in Asia, they needed to think everything through very carefully and not assume that everyone was on the same page.

I still do not know if this is true - being on the same page usually helps people move faster and be more efficient. However, if you need multiple perspectives to arrive at the right outcome, deliberately seeking friction might make the process less efficient but ultimately more interesting. In the long term, it can also create greater alignment, because people are forced to explain things explicitly rather than assume everyone just gets it - especially in decisions that are hard to reverse.

4. Tibi Rejects Data in Design - But Not in Business

Amy often speaks with disdain about algorithms or data-based design, preferring instead to design in a way that reflects her principles. But in business, she is very data-driven, and many of her decisions are highly rational. For example, she describes hiring a salesperson instead of paying for a showroom, along with other choices that went against industry norms but were, dare I say, highly data-driven. She does not make this distinction explicitly, but you can see in the book that there are areas where data can genuinely help, while in creative fields they often just produce average results.

5. Never Waste a Good Crisis

The pivotal moments in the company’s history came during times of crisis. One was when print was going out of fashion and Tibi, then primarily a print brand, had to completely rethink its ethos and the kinds of pieces it designed. Another was Covid, when Amy and the team decided to move to direct-to-consumer, bypass department stores, and build the business on their own terms.

Yes, the feeling that something was off had been lingering for a while, but the real impulse to act came when the market shifted in a major way. That was what pushed Tibi to move away from prints and toward the clothes they actually wanted to make, and later, during Covid, to commit to selling directly to customers rather than relying on department stores.

I have seen this strategic philosophy play out many times in my own career. It really is true that periods of disruption often create the conditions for badly needed change - but only if you are ready for it and are clear on what you actually want.

6. Launching a Brand You Do Not Even Like

In the book, Amy recalls how they launched a secret dress brand during Covid to finance the pivot away from the print brand and toward a version of Tibi that was more in line with their aesthetic. I did some digging and found an old Facebook page for a similar brand, showing designs that could not be further from Tibi’s brand essence. Is that the one? I am not really sure, but the name matches.

Source: 4.collective Facebook page. This is purely speculation - I have no idea whether this is the actual brand the Tibi team launched, but it does seem broadly in line with what they describe.

Still, it is amazing that they managed to pull it off. In business, launching a new product is never a guarantee of success, but the Tibi team seems to know exactly what they are doing and could probably print money if they were willing to compromise on their values and design philosophy - which makes their insistence on doing business on their own terms even more impressive.

7. Living on Your Own Terms

Ultimately, what the book is really about is living on your own terms. Through many tribulations, Amy has arrived at a version of Tibi that feels true to herself and her team. She could have grown Tibi into a much bigger business - even if it already generates a massive $70 million a year - but that would have required compromising either her design vision or her process, and she chose not to do that.

It takes courage, clarity, and a real willingness to think for yourself to live that way. That, to me, is where true leadership and true inspiration emerges.

It also made me think about my own life: which principles I compromise on, and how to more consciously design the life I actually want, rather than the one the industry, society, or simply “it-was-always-done-that-way” quietly expects me to live. Ultimately, the biggest risk - or perhaps the greatest recklessness - is wasting your life, and Amy clearly wants no part in that.

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In the latest such instance, I noticed a new message in my ShopMy account. Guess what? It was a gifting request - my first ever gifting request!! I was super happy, envisioning my life with free clothes flowing my way and having my dream wardrobe without buying anything (please don’t judge me for this childish fantasy! :) ) It also felt like some kind of milestone and appreciation for my blog, not only from readers but also from brands - like an “achievement unlocked” and I was all for it.

But then the actual gift was performance socks. Yes, the type that I never wear. I mean, getting gifts is amazing, but socks?? What will I do with them? Still, I thought the occasion was nice and accepted, and soon enough I had them in my hands.

The brand I got them from was also unknown to me - Forme Science. Apparently, they have a number of pieces that help keep a straight posture, which was intriguing to me, as I keep slouching. The pieces are quite technical and look like performance or athletic wear, but the anti-slouch tops made me curious. Yet the prices are quite steep - not Tibi-steep, but still around $200 for a supportive top and bra.

Forme Science posture correcting tops

The socks themselves are designed to help with arch support and similar issues. I have no problems with my feet or arches, and my legs do not really hurt. I spend most of the day at my desk, so I did not really feel the need for such socks. I asked my friends for their opinion, and one of them said she has flat feet and would love to try them out.

We had a friends’ weekend planned, and I was happy to give her the socks for a day. As she was putting them on, I had a thought what if she does not like it, and that this might put me in a strange situation. Still, I gave her the socks, and we went off for the day - including two museums, lunches, dinners, walks, and 20,000 steps.

The socks in action in during our friends weekend in a Amsterdam School Museum in Kaunas

“These socks are no different from regular running socks,” she said after the day. Oh no, I thought. What will I write about? Giving an honest review is non-negotiable for me. But my first gift, my milestone, and not a good experience? My mood dampened. Much less excited, I thought: still, I need to try them out myself.

So on Monday, I found myself putting the socks on with very low expectations and driving off for the school run. As I was driving, I started feeling the arch support in a subtle but pleasant way, like a light massage. I did not feel this while walking, but as I was driving and my feet were resting, I could feel the arch support in a pleasant way. I was so relieved. The socks work!

I am writing this now from a flight, where I chose to wear these socks again. I find them most useful in situations where the feet are not walking but rather resting - long drives, flights, and similar situations. There is indeed arch support, and while I do not need it for my feet, it makes me quite intrigued to see how the tops and anti-slouch support would work.

So, would I buy these socks? Probably not - I do not really have any issues with my feet. One of the tops, though, I probably should try, as I suspect it could help with posture - unless a very compelling Tibi sale gets in the way, which, as we know, it always does :)

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The store itself is such a delight. I was smiling from ear to ear as I looked at the different clothes and their clever design ideas and solutions. In the end, I am quite happy with my restraint. Here is what I tried and bought!

What I Tried

Chartreuse Crinkle and Plisse Dresses

Left: The Crinkle Slip Midi Bias Dress, Right: Viscose Plisse Sleeveless Bias Dress

I love chartreuse, and Tibi has no shortage of yellow-green hues this season. I tried a couple of dresses, and they felt a bit similar, even though the crinkle one was much thinner than the other. The fabrics did not fall very nicely on me, as I usually need a bit more structure in my clothes, so these were an easy skip.

Chartreuse Set of Top and Pant

Viscose Plisse Hinged Long Sleeve Top, Viscose Plisse Corbit Pant

I also tried this chartreuse set and quite liked it. It felt like a good alternative to an all-beige old-money outfit. Still, it felt a bit too unstructured for my body type, so I passed.

Washable Cashmere Oversized Easy Polo

Washable Cashmere Oversized Easy Polo

I loved the color in the pictures, but it is a bit more subdued in real life. It is very oversized, so I tried the S. I loved the sleeve length, but overall it did not fall very well on me, so this was another skip.

Nylon Asymmetrical Balloon Skirt and Cardigan Stitch V-Neck With Removable Dickie

Nylon Asymmetrical Balloon Skirt and Cardigan Stitch V-Neck With Removable Dickie

I already own this skirt in a white colorway, and I wore it very intensively for a while until I got a bit bored of it. Still, this pink colorway is pretty beautiful. This is a size 8, whereas I usually need a size 12. The cardigan was quite interesting and offers many styling options with the dickie, but it did not capture my heart in this shopping trip.

Chassis Hoop Pencil Skirt

Chassis Hoop Pencil Skirt

Of course I had to try the hoop skirt and the viral peplum belt. The hoop skirt is actually very wearable. I felt like royalty in it. There were no issues sitting down (you can see a video on my Instagram highlights), and overall it was a great skirt. It did not make it onto my wishlist because it requires a tucked-in top, which I do not really like. I bloat often, and it becomes very inconvenient. But if you love slim tops, I think it is a really amazing piece.

PVC Peplum Belt

PVC Peplum Belt

When I was planning my visit, I thought the peplum belt would be something I would take home with me. However, when I tried it on, I found it less versatile for me than I expected. I tried it with a big silk dress, and it looked stunning. Putting it over more regular clothes was a bit messier. Unfortunately, they did not have it in black in my size. I thought perhaps black would hide the messiness of the tucked T-shirts and such.

After Tibi, I stopped by Rachel Comey, and they had a skirt belt too, but with a slightly different vibe. They only had S and M sizes, and the M was too small for me and sat far too high, so I did not even consider it. Still, it was an interesting option but also a completely different vibe.

Rachel Comey skirt belt

Gerard Sandal and Karel Sandal

Left: Gerard Sandal, Right: Karel Sandal

The Gerard sandal was not my vibe, but the Karel looked very cool. It is quite stiff, though, and needs a bit of breaking in. I loved the design and may consider it for next summer.

What I Almost Bought

When choosing pieces at Tibi, I decided that fit on my body was non-negotiable, and that helped narrow things down quite a bit. I feel like my body type is not typical for a Tibi customer, as I have a larger bust, and my impression is that Tibi caters more to a pear-shaped customer, especially with so many bra-unfriendly looks that would be difficult for me to wear. But maybe that is just a bit of glass-half-empty take? Every body has its own constraints.

That said, I love pieces that are beautiful, modern, and fit my body well. From that perspective, I really loved these:

Tech Gingham Skirt and Jacket Set

Tech Gingham Slip Skirt and Tech Gingham Track Jacket

It is a modern, slightly sporty set in a “tech” gingham fabric, which sounded like a nylon blend, but it did not feel like bad, unbreathable nylon. Maybe because it is a skirt and a jacket, but I did not really notice the nylon at all. Anyway, it was very nice set, but other priorities won.

Bonded Viscose Zip Front Short Sleeve Slim Tunic

Bonded Viscose Zip Front Short Sleeve Slim Tunic

This tunic was really something when I tried it on. It felt so fresh and clean and looked amazing on me. The fabric feels almost like a sweatshirt, but it holds its shape really well. The reason it did not win, though, is that it has different proportions than usual. I would not wear it as a mini dress because it is quite short, and that leaves wearing it over pants or skirts, which would require a lot of figuring out. It also did not really pass the WFH test. I felt like the color would get dirty quickly, and I avoid anything fussy. Still, I am keeping an eye on it for the sale period.

Feather Weight Pleated Pull On Skirt

Feather Weight Pleated Pull On Skirt

This is a fan-favorite skirt, but I tried it for the first time and was pretty amazed. Despite being pleated, it reads as the least conservative version possible and has this elongating, sporty feel. The subtle sheen is also amazing, and I loved it with the white tunic. The reasons it did not win were primarily lifestyle-related: I could not really see myself wearing it for WFH, and I already have a number of business-dress options for the times I go to meetings, so it would become this elusive theater-or-lunch outfit. I also do not like wide waistbands on my body, although this one was as good as it gets. I fully understand the hype around this skirt, though.

Crispy Nylon Liam Blazer

Crispy Nylon Liam Blazer

When heading to the store, I thought maybe I would finally pull the trigger on the navy Crispy Nylon blazer. They only had an L, which is one size bigger than my usual size. Still, it looked really good and made a lot of dresses look better. I dream of them making it in colors other than navy, but even the navy is really very good and continues to be on my wishlist.

What I Bought

So what did I buy in the end? I was very restrained, since full price is not something I usually pay for Tibi. Still, I started my try on with the Luxe Twill Skirt and it stole my heart - I could not stop thinking about it throughout the whole try-on.

Luxe Spring Twill Tucked Pleat Skirt

Luxe Spring Twill Tucked Pleat Skirt

I noticed this skirt in Style Class, in Vienna Tibi styling, and even on the runway. I loved its proportions. It is modern and “big,” but without the usual elaborate pleats and volume around the waist, which Tibi loves and of which I already have enough “natural pleats” there myself. It had the perfect waist, and then the pleats started much lower, bringing an extremely modern hourglass proportion to the whole look. I think it is just great. Aside from being very flattering, it feels very directional, but you can still wear it with anything. I can see myself wearing it with a simple T-shirt during the summer or with a blouse that can be partially tucked in. The fabric is 100% cotton, which I love, and the color is extremely versatile, although the brown version is just as versatile too.

My skirt was even appreciated by my husband. He said I looked like a ballistic missile, which sounds like an unfortunate sign of the times, and that it would be very convenient for jugglers to place their juggling pins there. Pushed design inspires everyone, I guess :)

Luxe Twill Shirt, Bomber and Short

Left: Luxe Spring Twill Hinged Shirt, Luxe Spring Twill Tucked Pleated Wide Leg Short, Right: Luxe Spring Twill Bomber, Luxe Spring Twill Tucked Pleat Skirt.

Inspired by the success of this skirt, I tried the other Luxe Twill pieces, but once again it was obvious that proportions are key. The shorts did not look nearly as good, and the shirt was kind of OK but not nearly as interesting as the skirt. So I did not push it, as the skirt alone was more than enough.

The Crinkle Slip Skirt

I bought this skirt not for myself, but for Ewelina from . As a fellow European Tibi fan, shopping from abroad is a major hassle. To be honest, before this try-on I was thinking Tibi slip skirts are not for me, as they felt too lightweight and too transparent. But when I tried this one for Ewelina, it was actually quite nice: extremely lightweight, with just the right amount of transparency. I believe Ewelina will comment herself on how she finds the skirt, but after trying it on, it appeared on my radar too.

The Crinkle Slip Skirt

So this was my try-on at the flagship. As usual, there were so many beautiful and interesting pieces in the store. Even if some were not for me, they were still pleasing to the eye and, as always, interesting.

I saved many of the try-on videos to Instagram, so if you want to see more, head to the Highlights section on my profile.

I will be waiting for sale season to explore some of these pieces, but in general I am good for now. And I am very thankful to Emmanuelle from Tibi for bearing with me while I tried on so many pieces - and to the Tibi team for the pushed, modern pieces as usual!

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While doing that experiment though, I had to find pieces that I really do not wear, so I went to a number of thrift stores to source them for under 10 USD. This exercise really opened my eyes. We are talking about friction while juxtaposing one Tibi piece with another Tibi piece, while there is a whole world of clothing out there that is completely, insanely, beautifully different. For example, look at these two thrift-store jacket finds - now these are truly antonyms and real friction compared to the usual Tibi aesthetic.

As a result, I bought a number of pieces that I would usually never wear and after the experiment, decided to play with how to incorporate them into my outfits. Surprisingly, I found them to be quite versatile.

Lilac Lace Shirt

This is a piece I truly despised when purchasing it. I found it pretentious, fussy, and overall completely not my style. That feeling did not change much, but I also saw how it could work in outfits. This shirt is a bit too tight and too short for me (it would be a much more interesting piece if it were oversized or at least relaxed), but it does provide excellent collar detail. Have a look.

Salanida sweater, Cos pants, Wandler bag, Tibi sweater, Le Monde Beryl flats, Tibi red skirt.

I also tried it as a layer under a jacket, but the tightness of the button up spoiled it a bit. Nevertheless, I also tried tying it around the waist, which was better, though still not stunning. But the popped collar I do really like.

Tibi red skirt, Le Monde Beryl flats, Uniqlo T-shirt, Uniqlo JW Anderson parka.

Vintage Jacket

I bought this one because it fit me so well, and I think it can go with a number of items, but I found it works much better with relaxed or wide bottoms, which also feel more modern. Have a look at it with the Tibi wide-leg pants.

Tibi pants, Uniqlo T-shirt, Le Monde Beryl flats, .

For my conservative outfit experiment, I tried it with a Tibi dress, and you can see it is really conservative and looks really poorly.

Tibi dress (heavily modified though, similar material here), Flattered heels.

However, when paired with truly relaxed items, it shines. My theory is that we are moving back toward a more dressed-up era and will be walking around in sweats much less, so these types of jackets are making a comeback.

Crocheted Jacket

I had high hopes for this, but unfortunately, as a jacket, it proved to be a bit too small and a bit too tight for me.

Cos pants, Le Monde Beryl flats, The Curated tank

However, it is a great way to add interest and texture when tied around the waist - crochet is so pretty!

Maxmara dress, Uniqlo jacket (similar), Flattered bag (similar), Le Monde Beryl flats, Tibi red skirt, The Curated sweater.

However, the true potential of this jacket appeared when my 5-year-old borrowed it and used it as a long trench - it was floor length on her. I started wishing for a similar “coat” in my size - what a hero piece for summer!

Blue and Red Poncho

I got this poncho as an attempt to create a bohemian outfit for my experiment. This one is a bit more problematic, in my opinion, as it is two steps outside of my style - a very unusual shape combined with really bright colors. Still, it is possible to wear it by combining it with some very modern pieces.

Cos pants, Lie studio wallet and necklace, Front Row shop necklace, Flattered bag, Le Monde Beryl flats.

I did style it in my bedroom, but I have not worn it out in the open yet. It might be too much for me, so do not count on me wearing it!

Le Monde Beryl flats, Tibi red skirt.

Interesting Tops

This mauve top and this purple top were also at the precious price of 1 EUR. Even though they are fairly simple, I find them quite different from my usual COS/Tibi purchases. The texture of the mauve one is not exactly modern, and the purple one has a bit of a vintage cut. Since the purple one is so relaxed, I think there are many ways to wear it, and here are both tops with my wardrobe.

Toteme jeans, Zara pumps (second hand), Front Row shop necklace, Flattered bag, Uniqlo jacket (similar), Cos pants, H&M belt (old).

So that is it - if you truly want friction, I highly recommend venturing outside of familiar brand territory and into the unknown. And who knows, maybe you will find something interesting at a fraction of the price!

Gray / Beige / Off-White Jeans

Top: Toteme, Toteme. Bottom: Citizens of Humanity, Not So Normal, Citizens of Humanity

The reality of my life is that every day I do a school run, and the school is outdoors - meaning it’s often extremely muddy, snowy, and everything in between. I have plenty of pants that can “puddle”, but in these situations there is a literal puddle on the ground. So I want to expand my collection of jeans or pants that are either straight or slightly tapered and, by and large, do not touch the ground.

The struggle is that I don’t want blue jeans. I find jeans much easier to style when they’re gray - but not dirty gray. That soft, clean gray is surprisingly rare. I’ve been wearing the Tibi Brancusi jeans in gray for a while (though they’re a bit too cropped for my proportions), and I’m manifesting that they’ll eventually make the Newman jean in this colorway.

I went down the rabbit hole searching for jeans in non-dirty gray or beige and even had some help from Monica from Overmycloset. This is the category I researched the most, so I’m sharing my findings with you.

Soeur jeans, Toteme jeans (ordered), Uniqlo jeans (ordered), Skall Studio, Still Here, Rachel Comey.

What I bought: Low risk this time - I went for the cheapest options: Uniqlo JW jeans (the color is quite “dirty,” though) and heavily discounted tapered jeans from Toteme. I haven’t received them yet, so I’ll report back.

Statement Pants

As I started my style evolution, I was initially very focused on not making mistakes, which meant I sometimes tamed my intuition. Now I make mistakes on purpose, and as a result my style has become much more interesting - at least to me. I finally feel mature enough for a truly statement pair of pants.

It also feels like we’re waking up from the quiet-luxury, neutrals-only era. The pure minimalist outfits are starting to feel a bit boring to me, and I really want to play. I went through quite a few brands, screenshotting different pants like the ones below.

Essentiel Antwerp, Stine Goya, Simon Miller, Simon Miller, Ganni, Ganni.

What I bought: nothing. This felt like a lower priority than jeans, so I’ll probably postpone it until the next sale season.

Non-Blazer Blazers and Cardigans

I work from home and my life is mostly casual, so I genuinely feel strange wearing a blazer at home. At the same time, I want to feel more elevated on a daily basis. That’s why I want to expand my collection of shirt-blazers and cardigan-blazers. Tibi excels at this, and this year I’m also discovering Bitte Kai Rand, which has all kinds of interesting pieces in jersey and similar materials.

Tibi, Bitte Kai Rand, Bitte Kai Rand, Bitte Kai Rand, Bitte Kai Rand, Salanida.

What I bought: Salanida sweater (a gift from friends), Tibi Relaxed blazer (my only Tibi sale purchase!). Bitte Kai Rand will have to wait for the next season!

Summer Shoes: Sandals and Closed-Toe Shoes

I’m almost out of summer shoes, as I’ve worn them to death, and I usually replace them during winter sales. For sandals, I opportunistically spotted a pair of slides I used to own in a different color from Gia Borghini and scored them for $40. (Side note: Gia Borghini shoes really don’t hold their value on TRR, despite being some of the best shoes I’ve tried.)

Other options from Gia Borghini available on TheRealReal

For closed-toe shoes, I wanted something similar to last year’s COS pair, with a round toe and a sharp vamp. I loved the iterations from Le Monde Beryl, Margaux, and Tony Bianco. I chose Le Monde Beryl for its high quality and the chocolate patent finish - they look amazing. Let’s see if they meet my expectations in terms of durability.

Tony Bianco, Margaux NY, Le Monde Beryl

What I bought: green Gia Borghini slides from TRR and Le Monde Beryl Stella flats in patent leather - both patiently waiting for summer.

Animal Print / Funky Loafers

I’m also out of loafers and would love an option that’s a bit more creative than the usual. I love the recent trend of animal-print loafers - there are some great iterations from COS and Tibi. My true love is the fringed animal-print pair from Gia Borghini, but the price is a bit steep even for my fashion-loving wallet and by now most sizes are sold out.

Cos, Tibi and Gia Borghini.

What I bought: nothing. I’m still thinking about the Gia Borghini ones, though - maybe I can catch them in resale!

Non-Basic Tops

I sometimes think my biggest style mistake is wearing T-shirts every day - they really don’t do me justice, and other pieces usually look much more elevated on me. That said, I still need to wear something. I have been reluctant to buy Tibi tops as they are quite costly and the CPW for tops is usually not as high as for pants, skirts or blazers. I usually look for more affordable options at COS, but this season I also discovered some surprisingly cool tops at Massimo Dutti.

Massimo Dutti, Massimo Dutti (similar), Cos.

What I bought: the three tops shown above (the middle one is very similar, but not the exact one)!

What I Bought Spontaneously

Gilyte Capsule Love dress, Cos pants

In addition to these, I bought a Gilytė dress and a pair of COS pants that I loved - without the meticulous planning. I had been looking for a cream dress and really loved this relaxed iteration by Capsule Love. The COS pants completely caught me off guard - I tried them on and they looked so good, as if they were made for me. These two feel like great additions.

What I Bought and Returned

With all this shopping, there were also some items that didn’t work out. For example, the Massimo Dutti jeans fit very strangely, so I decided to return them. The semi-sheer Cos skirt looked stunning, but it was actually sheer all the way through, and I realized it would be too much hassle to wear only with leggings. The Cos nylon bag on sale seemed like a promising solution for carrying my laptop, but it turned out to be quite inconvenient - it somehow has only one handle. So all of these went back.

So what’s next? I’m taming my purchases for a while and luckily Tibi sale is already over! Instead, I’ll play with these fresh new additions to my wardrobe and look forward to wearing them throughout the year. Have you added new pieces to your closet this sale season? Please share in the comments!

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The reason for its success, among others, is its clever design. The shoulders are dropped, so it doesn’t extend your frame or make you look stiff, yet it’s quite oversized, which makes everything feel more relaxed - while still being a blazer, and therefore elevated. It also has a third button that you can easily wear fastened, creating a more waisted look. It’s a fundamental piece that every Tibi fan has at least considered purchasing, and many own multiples.

My one and only Liam blazer I’ve since sold

I owned one Liam blazer that I quickly snapped up on Vestiaire when it appeared there in 2021. It was a dark taupe tropical wool Liam blazer. The color washed me out, the fabrication didn’t quite work for my toddler-full lifestyle, and the size was too small for me (I got an S, which is why I couldn’t button it with the third button) - the joys of buying second-hand!

As a result, I didn’t really wear it and sold it after a year of trying. Nevertheless, I saw the potential and have been eyeing different Liam fabrications ever since.

So I decided to share my thoughts on which Liam blazers are the best. Note that I haven’t owned all of them - and haven’t even tried all of them - so take this with a grain of salt. And if you own any, please share your favorites in the comments!

5. Tropical Wool Liam Blazer

One of the Tropical Wool Liam iterations from current season

For those who haven’t tried it, tropical wool is an amazing fabric from Tibi. It’s lightweight, so you can wear it in the summer; very sleek and soft, yet still wool. So it’s no surprise that the Liam in tropical wool is a go-to for many Tibi fans.

I personally find it a bit too elevated for my WFH lifestyle - but if you work in an office, have frequent business meetings, or generally love to dress up, it’s a really great option that will make everything sleek and polished in a relaxed way (chill modern classic as we know).

4. Detached Lapel Liam Blazer

Detached Lapel Blazer in bond wool (sold out) and all detached lapel blazers (also sold out, but I am sure Tibi will bring them back)

When I first saw this construction, I thought: wow. This blazer really shines when worn for evening occasions. For some reason, the fashion crowd has decided that with a dress, it’s better to wear a blazer over your shoulders rather than properly on your arms. To the extent that I’ve tried it, it’s not very convenient - the blazer can easily fall off, and you need to hunch your shoulders to keep it in place. I guess it’s meant to reminisce about borrowing your boyfriend’s blazer and draping it over your shoulders - oh well.

With a detached lapel, however, you can button it across the front, and it actually holds the blazer in place while worn over the shoulders. Win, win, win. It can also be worn more casually though - if you want to see more styling ideas for a detached lapel blazer, have a look at the Creative Classicist’s Instagram.

3. Drapey Suiting Liam Blazer

Drapey suiting Liam and Marit pant in deep violet

I saw this blazer on a Tibi fan and immediately thought: wow, this fabrication really leans into the Liam silhouette. As the name suggests, it’s drapey and lightweight, which means it’s fluid, and the dropped shoulders fall into a really nice slouch.

It also helps that Tibi made it in amazing colors - light gray, green, cumin, and violet. Many are sold out, but I hope Tibi continues using this material for even more Liams in even more stunning colors.

2. Blanket Blazers: Camille Check, Angora Wool and Cashmere Liams

Camille Check, Angora Wool and Cashmere Liams

I get that we’re heading toward spring, but let’s talk about the blanket blazers. In my opinion, blazers are inherently elevated and can quickly tip into too fancy territory if you need them in a casual setting. To suit a more casual lifestyle, you need a blazer that’s a bit non-blazer - something closer to a cozy cardigan.

Several years ago, I saw the Camille Check blazer sell out immediately due to being extremely cosy, and now I think the cashmere and angora versions could have a similar effect. Just wrap yourself in one and hibernate for winter.

Note: I haven’t tried these myself. Camille Check seemed more jersey-like (long sold out), Angora Wool might feel more outerwear-adjacent, and well - Cashmere is cashmere (including the price tag).

1. Crispy Nylon Liam blazer

Crispy Nylon Liam Blazer

I didn’t initially get the hype around this blazer when reading Tibi fan discussions. It sounded like just another nylon piece, and people were calling it great for summer - which made me think: who wants to wear that much nylon in the summer?

But then I tried it, and I got it.

This blazer is essentially an ultra-lightweight nylon layer that you can throw over anything and instantly look more polished. Wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt but want to look pulled together? Put it on - it works, and doesn’t feel off the way a tropical wool blazer might. You can pack it into a small ball, tie it around your waist, and use it very casually. It’s always a bit wrinkly anyway, so it doesn’t matter.

Want to look good on a plane? No problem - throw it on over whatever you’re wearing. Want to dress up for dinner? Also works: a slight sheen and a bit of structure go a long way.

On top of that, crispy nylon is basically indestructible in my experience. I wore crispy nylon joggers for two years when my daughter was two to three years old, and they survived everything spilled on them - still looking good.

That’s why crispy nylon is my number-one choice for the Liam blazer, and it’s the one I’m personally considering again.

Do you own a Liam blazer? Which one is your favorite? Tell me where I am wrong!

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I dreaded this one a bit, though less so than the ruffles experiment. I decided to give it a shot, especially since I’m about to get a perm again and have curly hair - this tends to remove a bit of stuck-up-ness and I might miss my shot. I had a breakfast with a journalist and business leaders, sponsored by an audit firm, and decided it was the perfect environment to test out my “stuck-up” look.

I woke up a bit earlier and, instead of my usual three-minute dressing ritual of wearing whatever I fancy, I started building my “stuck-up” outfit. It was not easy. I had strained my thumb the night before, so I spent 15 minutes trying to make my hair into a sleek bun. It didn’t work out (apparently it’s not so easy without using a thumb), so I compromised with a sleek ponytail. I also added glasses instead of my usual contacts.

For the clothes, I pulled my Tibi pants, Tibi blazer, and Vagabond shoes. I then added a button-up shirt from Uniqlo and pearl necklace and earrings. Mind you, the fact that the pants and blazer are Tibi already brings in some chill and modern vibe - but I did not want to buy a suit (even second-hand) that I would never wear. I made an effort to button everything up, tuck in my shirt, and button the blazer - and I ended up with the following look:

Tibi blazer, Tibi pants (similar), Vagabond shoes, The Curated bag, Uniqlo button up.

I went downstairs for the school run, and as I was making coffee, I caught myself thinking that with this outfit my life felt fully in control - and fully boring. I guess this is what a stuck-up outfit represents to me: someone so inflexible that there is no space for spontaneity or adventure in their life. As I was preparing to leave, I saw my husband. He asked, “Are you going for a job interview?” I said no, I was going to a business breakfast with a journalist from The Economist. He said it fits - you look like an economist yourself.

As I was walking to the event, I kept thinking that this really felt a bit nerdy - but why not lean into the nerdy, stuck-up look? Why do I want to look cool all the time? With these thoughts, I arrived at the hotel, took off my coat, and immediately felt the urge to pull up my sleeves. I had to stop myself from doing that and carried on.

I met an acquaintance from the startup world who didn’t recognize me at all. I didn’t remember his name either, but I knew I knew him - while he was completely blank. I reintroduced myself, and then the aha moment hit him. I think I blended in with the auditors and finance crowd quite well, and it was genuinely harder for my startup friends to place me.

I then went for coffee and met my classmate from university. I saw him processing for a few milliseconds longer than usual looking at me. We had a nice chat and he asked me if I am still at the same company (or maybe he thought I moved to audit? :) ).

Throughout the event I felt quite fine - not so out of place, and I almost forgot about my outfit. It is indeed easy to dress stuck-up at an auditor event, as many people wear suits and similar looks - perhaps in a bit more relaxed way, but still.

During the event, the journalist shared a story about a journalism prize for writing stories about West Germany when it was trying to build its brand, and how this opened the minds of many journalists. It opened my mind a bit too. As I’m doing this experiment, I wanted to invite you, my fashion friends, to try wearing an outfit you viscerally dislike (but that would be a good outfit for someone else), and send me your photos along with why you dislike it and how you felt wearing it. The “prize” will be far less exciting than a journalism foundation award, but if I get enough entries, I’ll do a post with all your “bad style” outfits and feelings.

After the event, I came back home and saw my stepdaughter. This time she didn’t hold back. “Where did you go dressed like this?” I asked why, and she said, “You look like a grandma - and like my informatics teacher, with pearls and all.”

Feeling much better with my beloved Cos pants

Anyway, I unbuttoned the blazer and the top of the shirt, changed into much more modern pants, and felt great. Just small tweaks turn this outfit, for me, from a rigid, boring life into something much better. A stuck-up outfit is not that bad - especially if I’m allowed to unbutton a few buttons :)

Imagine my joy when I learned that chartreuse is trending this year, according to Who What Wear.

(By the way, I’m still a bit confused about the exact distinction between lime and chartreuse, but broadly speaking, the green–yellow spectrum works for this.)

This year, my friends gifted me a gift card to Salanida, and after extensive try-ons, I chose this lime / chartreuse sweater that I absolutely love. As I was styling looks at home, I couldn’t help but notice how almost every color works with it. I also pulled out my yellow-green skirt from Tibi, which is slightly more yellow-leaning, and the same principle applies there too.

Chartreuse + Greens

Tibi skirt, Tibi Rudolph metallic flats, Uniqlo dress and T-shirt, Cos top.

Tonal looks work beautifully here - you can try almost anything. Just make sure to lean into warmer greens rather than blue-greens, and you’re good.

Chartreuse + Whites / Creams

Capsule.love dress, Le Monde Beryll Stella slippers in chocolate patent, Salanida sweater, Tibi de-brancusi’d Brancusi jeans, L.A. Apparel white jellies, Front Row necklace

A fresh, beautiful option for spring and summer. I love how whites and creams soften the yellow-green.

Chartreuse + Burgundy

Tibi boots, Salanida sweater, Mango skirt.

Easily one of my favorite combinations. A stunning juxtaposition of “young” chartreuse and “mature” burgundy.

Chartreuse + Reds and Pinks

Flattered Bo bucket bag, Tibi red sandals (other options), Tibi pink sweater (similar)

Is there a color chartreuse can’t pull off? Reds and pinks work beautifully too.

Chartreuse + Navy

Tibi Bronson boots, Tibi Bio Twill skirt, Uniqlo satin top, Front Row necklace.

For navy lovers: all versions of yellow-green look amazing when paired with navy, bringing it to life in a very satisfying way.

Chartreuse + Gray

All Tibi: boots, skirt, and blazer

Obviously. Gray works with almost everything - no exception here.

Chartreuse + Orange

Tibi skirt, Arket T-shirt, L.K. Bennet accessories.

I didn’t expect this one to work - but it kind of does, doesn’t it?
(Also note the little hands peeking in - my 5-year-old loves to “play fashion” too.)

Chartreuse + Black

All old Tibi: skirt, shoes and dress

Black is a pretentious queen, and not every color works with it - but chartreuse, of course, does.

There were a couple of combinations I couldn’t make work - such as chartreuse with powder blue or apricot - but other than that, I find it incredibly versatile. Needless to say, I’m quite excited about the arrival of this trend. Tibi has also launched several pieces in a similar colorway, which they call Pea Pod (interestingly they also have chartreuse color which is much more green in my opinion).

Are you wearing this color, or skipping it? Let me know in the comments!

The Flamboyant Gamine vibe is Sassy Chic. You are a mix of petite scale and angular bones. These brands prioritize the broken vertical lines, boxy crops, and sharp details you need, rather than the flowy, shapeless, or overly draped styles that drown your frame.

Miu Miu

The ultimate Flamboyant Gamine muse. Miuccia Prada practically designs for the Gamine body: micro-minis, cropped cable knits, and boxy jackets. The Vibe is preppy rebellion and you can find a lot of it in the Miu Miu collection.

Courrèges

Pure Flamboyant Gamine geometry. The 60s “Space Age” aesthetic offers stiff vinyl, high necklines, and sharp cutouts that look sculptural, not overwhelming. The vibe is future-retro cool.

Coperni

Coperni is known for “tech-chic” tailoring. Their pieces often feature sharp shoulders and interesting necklines that frame the face without drowning the body. The vibe is sculptural minimalism.

Diesel (Glenn Martens Era)

Perfect for the edgy Flamboyant Gamine. The distress, asymmetry, and body-con-but-structured denim break the vertical line in exactly the right way. The Vibe: Y2K Grunge remastered.

Jacquemus

Simon Porte Jacquemus designs with wit and playfulness. His tiny cropped cardigans and micro-bags are FG staples that play with scale. The Vibe: Playful French girl.

Tibi

Tibi has a number of shrunken pieces and sharp geometries that can bring a good and playful angle for Flamboyant Gamines. Search for cropped, shrunken and geometric pieces on the Tibi site.

Source Unknown

If you love the “Old Money” aesthetic of The Row but need FG proportions. They excel at architectural, boxy cuts that look expensive.

Gimaguas

A Spanish brand that nails eclectic vacation style without being too boho/flowy. They use shorter hemlines and shrunken knitwear that sits perfectly on a smaller frame.

Ganni

While some Scandi style is too wide and unstructured for Gamines (it is better for Naturals), Ganni excels at the fun details FGs need: sharp collars, animal prints, and stiff denim.

Stine Goya

Most Scandi brands are minimalist (Acne Studios, Toteme). Stine Goya is the rebel. Her clothes often feature hand-painted prints, metallic fabrics, and shapes that stand away from the body in a sculptural way. The Vibe: Scandinavian Maximalism. Painterly, architectural, and fearless.

Essentiel Antwerp

If Stine Goya is an art gallery, Essentiel Antwerp is a disco. This brand is about clashing - wearing sequins with sweatshirts, or leopard print with stripes.

Los Angeles Apparel

The best place for high-quality basics. The FG Pick: The “Baby Rib” tees. FGs need shrunken basics; a regular tee looks sloppy, but a baby tee looks chic.

Adidas Originals

Sportswear is practically made for FGs (color blocking, high necks, stiff fabrics) - and Adidas is the best with its signature stripes.

The FG Shopping Cheat Sheet

Use this filter when browsing any of the brands above.

1. Crop It: If a top hits your hip bone, it’s likely too long. Look for waist-length.

2. High Necks: Mock necks, turtlenecks, and racerbacks > Deep V-necks.

3. Fabric Weight: You need fabrics that stand up on their own (denim, leather, poplin). Avoid flimsy, draped fabrics.

4. Staccato Rhythm: Never wear one color from head to toe without a belt or skin break. You need contrast.

My next bad-style outfit was a mismatched one - and let me tell you, it was not easy to make an outfit truly mismatched. I first started with some pieces that were a bit all over the place, but when I put them all together, they were giving me this “ton” energy that was actually somewhat pleasing to the eye (maybe not for everyone, but I think Tibi fans would get it).

Massimo Dutti shoes (on sale now), Tibi skirt, Cos shirt (similar), second hand jacket (similar)

I mean, it’s not a perfect outfit, but it has some vibe to it. I played with my clothes a bit more and still kept ending up either in friction or in “ton” territory.

I then decided to lean into the infamous “two,” where mismatching pieces come in pairs. I tried the apricot dress from Tibi with my recent new addition - a Salanida sweater in lime - and this color combo just did not work (although lime usually works with almost everything). Maybe they’re too close to each other on the color wheel and/or have the same intensity?

Anyway, under skirts in winter I usually wear leggings or tights with open toes and socks, and I decided to mismatch those really badly as well. In general, black doesn’t work well with bright pastels, but then adding sporty socks is just a cherry on top.

Tibi melon dress, Salanida sweater, Labadiena socks.

By the way, see how the socks on top look exceptionally bad - it mirrors the ankle boots that are usually problematic to wear under a skirt. Instead of a “skin sandwich,” it’s a “leggings sandwich.” At the same time, keeping the socks tucked under the leggings is almost okay, like you were wearing loafers.

So the first stop I made was taking my 5-year-old daughter together with my 15-year-old stepdaughter to the swimming pool and a shopping mall. I took off my coat while walking around the mall and at the swimming pool, and very clearly no one noticed anything. I got no looks from passers-by in the mall - it takes much more than a simple mismatch to impress strangers.

That day we also had dinner at a friend’s house, and once again I got no stares or looks. We discussed my sweater and how the color really fits my complexion. Then another friend commented that I always have these interesting colors, like these orange and lime hues. I got no other reactions though. I thought that since I’ve worn a lot of experimental or questionable outfits, nobody reacts to a simple mismatch anymore.

Surprised a bit by the lack of attention to a mismatch I thought was obvious, the next day I asked my husband how he liked yesterday’s outfit. He said, “What were you wearing? I don’t remember.” It really did not register. I said, “That orange dress and yellow sweater.” “Oh, that one,” he said. “It looked fun and a bit childish - like Telebimbam,” which is a children’s TV production in Lithuania.

I started thinking about it and realized that the evening we spent felt really positive and relaxed. It was a fun, lighthearted evening - maybe a little Telebimbam :) I generally don’t think clothes influence how we feel that much, but now I’m starting to reconsider. So drop your grays and browns, and add a little pastel and neon Telebimbam if you want to have fun :)

And mismatch apparently is really not a problem - if you manage to achieve it!

There is something about overly slim outfits that makes me feel very exposed. It feels like there is nowhere to hide, and I am just there in my full self. What exactly am I hiding? I am not entirely sure. Is it a reflex to hide imperfections and always project perfection - while, interestingly, I love honesty in other people? Is it something else? In any case, an overly slim outfit is something I really did not want to do. So, with that sense of dread, I dressed up for my overly slim outfit look.

Filippa K dress, Simone Wild turtleneck (similar), Tibi Bronson boots, The Curated bag (not shown).

To be honest, I love this outfit. I love the sheer turtleneck under the sage green dress with draping that I had done by a tailor. I love the color combination of green and brown. I love how it is still relaxed, soft, and feminine, and in line with my style. In general, I feel like it is a very good outfit.

The only problem? It emphasizes my midsection in a way that I do not really like. It also does not look very proportionate on my body. As a result, I do not really feel free in it - I feel like I need to suck my belly in, stand like a ballerina, prevent bloating, and so on. (I intentionally did not wear any Spanx or anything like that - I wanted to avoid “solving” the challenge of this outfit for the sake of experiment.)

But let’s not stay in my head - let’s venture into the real world. I decided to wear this outfit to a concert we went to with my husband and my cousin.

I got dressed, went downstairs, and there was my teenage stepdaughter. She made no comment (she does make comments). I asked her how my outfit was - she said “OK,” and that was it. No comments about it being too tight or anything else. Well, OK then, I thought.

My husband made no comments whatsoever, and neither did my extended family (very different from the ruffled top in the previous experiment :D). I went to the concert and actually felt quite in place there - it was a slightly casual club, and the outfit felt right for it.

Surprised by the lack of comments, I asked my husband what he thought of my outfit. He said it looked a bit casual for an evening out, like I was wearing a hoodie - but that it worked here because the club had a relaxed vibe. This was completely not what I felt, as my only concern was being too exposed.

Then I remembered a realization I had: while I try to hide my imperfections, when I look around at my friends and people I meet, I clearly see their imperfections - and it does not bother me at all. When it comes to appearance, I appreciate much more how they style their pieces, how they combine colors, and how their taste and personality are reflected in their clothes. So why should I hide mine? With this in mind, I concluded that while this outfit does not make me feel free, it does expand my comfort zone and encourages me to try new things that I previously thought are off (self-imposed) limits.

So would I go out in this outfit again? Maybe - but I would still want to throw on an oversized knit or a blazer. It just feels so much better. Overly slim outfit, thank you for pushing me - I do not mind you, but I do not love you either :)

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My first outfit archetype I dislike was feminine, ruffles, girly. I do not know what bothers me about excessive ruffling so much. I feel almost too girly, cute, and lacking any kind of agency and power. I do not mind stylish ruffles here and there, like those of the Tibi variety, but when it is excessive it becomes somehow very at odds with both my body/look and my personality.

As the time to start my experiment came, I realised I did not have any clothes for my first outfit (obviously, since I do not like them) and did not really want to buy any, as once again - I do not like them. Luckily, there are really good second-hand stores here where you can get anything for around 7 EUR or so. I went to a couple of them and started shopping.

This shopping was very interesting. I picked up only things that I really felt strong dislike for. Interestingly enough, there were many pieces I disliked. For example, I stumbled upon a half-fur, half-knitted vest with many leather and fake diamond details. Another piece was a T-shirt with a not-high-not-low décolleté, very small ruffles, and a rose composition on top of black ruffles. I noticed that, like in design in general, when a piece tries to be everything to everyone, that is when truly bad design appears.

It did not take long, and I was heading to the fitting room with a number of ruffle pieces. I tried them all and picked up a couple for my outfit-making, both excited and dreading this experiment.

For my first outfit - feminine ruffles girly - I decided to start easy. I went to visit my brother’s new flat, with my other brother and my mom. After that, we went to a restaurant and into the city for dessert, so the outfit had plenty of sightings. Here is what I came up with.

Second hand top and skirt, Tibi Bronson boots.

Now, the top in this outfit is something - and it is not particularly high-quality, which damages its look - but otherwise it still has a direction and a relaxed vibe. However, what I truly dislike is the skirt. It feels so girly and so cute. And this does not say anything about the skirt itself - just psychologically, I cannot stand it. A recent post by raised some thoughts on this topic, and I believe I do not like these girly clothes because they remind me of women being powerless and just cute, with no say over anything. It also does not help that there is pretty bad color matching with green and yellow, which I do not really like. Nevertheless, I powered through.

My first hypothesis was that no one would really notice - and it was quickly busted. First of all, I saw my 5-year-old daughter, who reacted with enthusiasm: “Mom, you look so good!! And everything matches so well!!” (bless her :) ). Just goes to show everything is a matter of taste.

I then saw my husband, who asked, “Will you be going dressed like that?” I said yes, why. He said this look is quite summery - it is cold outside (diplomacy at its best :) ). I said, “You don’t like it?” He said, “No, it does not look very good.” We joked about going separately or meeting his friends, and that was the end of it.

We then went to our destination, and just as I took off my coat, my mom’s reaction was immediate: “Where did you dress up like that to go?” My family was making jokes about my outfit (lovingly, though), and I told them about the experiment. My family decided that the skirt still had potential, but the top was way over the top. It was quite fun for me, as we were joking a lot about how the sleeves could hide bones like in the fairy tale about The Frog Princess, and it really made the day quite fun.

For a few moments, I thought about how it would feel to dress like this in a more hostile environment, and I felt it would not be so much fun. But then we hit a Mexican restaurant, and my outfit felt exactly in place. They had colorful hats and colorful blankets, and my husband dressed with the blanket and I took a picture and posted it on Instagram - it felt like we dressed up for a specific occasion. No one even blinked; the “costume” felt completely in place.

I then came back home and thought: could I make these pieces work by pairing them with different items? Indeed, I could.

Second hand top, Unlabel skirt, Zara mules (found second-hand)

I first paired the top with a straight skirt and red shoes, and it kind of worked? The top is still super big (I think I took too large of a size, as you can see from the pictures), but now it feels intentional and balanced, not as overwhelming.

Tibi Celia drape pants, Flattered shoes, LK Bennet bag, Talje belt and the hero top

Another evening outfit - looking very promising, and I could almost wear it if I figure out what to do with the oversized back.

Tibi shoes, second hand skirt, left: Cos top (I love it and it is on sale now!), right: Tibi sweater

When it came to the skirt, I came up with a couple of outfits that I find manageable, but really, I still dislike the girliness of it. I know, I know - it is not the skirt, it is me. On the upside, my 5-year-old daughter begged me to gift her this skirt, and I gladly agreed. In the same holiday spirit, in case someone would like me to gift them the yellow top, I will happily ship it to you - please let me know!

So what are the conclusions of this experiment for feminine ruffles girly? An over-the-top outfit does not go unnoticed, for sure, and it can be hard in difficult environments. But in a supportive environment, experimentation can be so fun. And remember, I picked up clothes I truly dislike to try this out - and still could make a decent outfit by pairing them with my regular pieces. On the contrary, the ruffled piece actually brought in some patina and some oomph to my usually modern and rather minimalistic outfits. So maybe I was just imposing mental limits for my style? Perhaps it makes a lot of sense to try things you do not like and avoid limiting ourselves?

With this in mind, I was excited to move on to the next outfit I hate - an overly slim outfit. Stay tuned.

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In all honesty, I am no stranger to bad style. In fact, I used to completely ignore my clothes or dress really badly for a long time. I remember one instance when I was an intern in a bank in my early 20s and wore my heels down to the extent that only half of the heel was still there. My parents visited me on their European trip and, horrified, dragged me to a shoe shop to find new shoes ASAP. I was unfazed.

In another instance, I went to meet potential partners in New York with some kind of startup delegation. I was staying in a hostel without a full-length mirror and wore a dress that probably was supposed to be a tunic - so short that I could barely bend to change a slide while doing a presentation. We went to The New York Times (!) of all places to present our startups, and I had to make elaborate moves to avoid the dress riding up. Thankfully, I wore opaque tights, but the feeling was terrible.

Nevertheless, now I feel pretty knowledgeable about style. Yes, I do miss an outfit here and there, or sometimes just don’t try hard enough, but I wanted to understand how important style really is after years of a Tibi-infused brain - and how breaking these rules would make me feel.

The bad-style experiment is something I procrastinated on for quite a while. When I first came up with this idea, my brain immediately started plotting: I can’t do it this week because I have event X; next week I’ll be in this type of business meeting; and so on. It showed me that I can wear anything (i.e., do this experiment) when working from home or meeting family - I feel very secure and accepted in this environment. I also don’t mind wearing anything around friends, but when a friend had a birthday celebration, I felt that dressing badly would be somewhat disrespectful to the party she was throwing.

On the other hand - business and networking events - phew. I dreaded dressing badly for an event with a lot of high-profile business leaders, which I think illuminates the areas in my life where I’m less secure and try to patch things with superb style - or simply where people don’t know me, so first impressions matter more.

So what constitutes bad style? I wanted to come up with ideas that would be genuinely uncomfortable to wear, and decided to lean into aesthetics I viscerally dislike. I also realized this is extremely personal, and these looks might be perfect for others. Here’s what I came up with:

• Feminine ruffles girly. I don’t know why, but ruffles and ultra-feminine elements always look very bad on me - like a woman in a doll’s clothes.

• Overly slim outfit. I feel extremely exposed. I hate it, but I will do it.

• Stuck-up conservative overdresser. I’m dreading this one - no ease or effortlessness, dressing extra maturely for my age. It feels against my look and personality, as I am quite flexible in nature and do not really like very stringent “vibes”.

• Basic outfit. Slim jeans, simple top, basic shoes. No style rules followed. I don’t feel terrible about it, but definitely won’t be impressing anyone.

• Boho queen. Patterns, prints, flowy materials. Natural spirit singing in the rain. Even if feminine, it’s just so not me.

• Mismatching outfit. I think this one is the hardest - to truly make an outfit bad is surprisingly complicated, especially when you’re trying to.

• Crazy fashion person. Over the top, full of herself look. A bit foreign to me, but let’s try it.

The rule for this challenge is to dress like this for a day when I leave the house and meet someone outside my immediate family - and see how it goes. Let’s roll and wish me luck!

Do you have aesthetics you viscerally dislike? Let me know in the comments!

Drapey Suiting Liam and Marit pant

I rest my case: drapey suiting is the best material for the Tibi Liam blazer. It’s summery, relaxed, and drapes beautifully. This purple Liam with the corresponding pant has been on my wishlist since I tried it last summer - the Liam in purple is now gone, but the faded green is also not bad.

Relaxed Suiting Asymmetrical Wrap Blazer

I haven’t tried this blazer on, so it’s unclear how it would look on me, but it has all the ingredients of an amazing Tibi blazer. Asymmetrical, modern, but streamlined enough not to drown you. One of my top favorites from this sale.

Washable Cashmere Easy V-Neck Sweater

I bought the asymmetrical washable cashmere V-neck recently and it has been one of my favorite sweaters - the cashmere is very soft, and it’s extremely comfy to wear at home. I’m paying special attention to these washable cashmere pieces… perhaps something to revisit during the second markdown.

Lloyd Tote Bag

I was surprised to see this bag on sale - it’s cool, roomy, and I think you can easily fit a laptop inside. It has a certain edginess to it, and right now, in my imaginary laptop-bag battle, the Lloyd and Wandler’s Penelope Tote are neck and neck.

Compact Ultra Stretch Knit Sculpted Meir Pant

I discovered this pant recently, and the most intriguing part is the sculpted shape in a compact stretch material. It signals edginess without sacrificing comfort - ideal for my WFH life. It also comes in the Sculpted Meir Trouser Skirt. In an ideal world, I’d love to try it before buying to see how it fits and how the proportions actually land.

Bio Twill Triple Pleat Cropped Pant

Tibi has done some magic with the triple-pleat silhouette - it just looks good, even on people who struggle with wide-leg pants (like me). The gray colorway is great for summer without being too light - definitely something to consider.

Bonded Dry Loop Terry Skirt

I loved this skirt when I first saw it - it gives me Dries vibes for some reason. My only reservation is the towelling fabric; I’m not yet sure if it really works for summer. But it’s on my wishlist for sure.

So what am I buying? For now - nothing. I’ve acquired several pieces recently and want to clear my head. I still need to figure out my real needs for next season (e.g., a flat summer shoe). And I don’t like feeling rushed, so at the risk of these pieces selling out, I’m taking it slowly this time. How about you?

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I also realised that for evening dresses, I love a very particular silhouette: covered shoulders, relaxed and closed on the bust, and fitted at the high waist. I had one dress like that from Raey, but at this point it’s a bit too small for me.

Raey dress, Aeyde shoes, Reserved bag - all old

I was recommended to check a Lithuanian brand Undress and found this silhouette there - the perfect amount of coverage, great for my body type, and at an okay-ish price point. Since I almost never find dresses in this shape, I tried it out in both burgundy and black, and settled on burgundy.

(By the way, after the event I discovered that this pure silk dress from Róhe was also on sale - I would have seriously considered it if I had noticed beforehand.)

Tori dress in black and burgundy by Undress.

The dress is quite closed, so I was thinking about how to style it and took inspiration from Pinterest.

Source: Pinterest

Burgundy is not trivial to style (even Amy said so in one of her stories) - it’s a serious colour, and you have to play with it to avoid looking too mature. From the images above, the gold accessories immediately caught my attention, and after some searching I found these beautiful gold shoes from Massimo Dutti. I fell in love with them immediately and bought them.

Now the only question was: what to do about the bag? I tried the bags I already had and then experimented with colours by putting different tops over a bag to simulate how they’d look with the burgundy.

My usual go-to LK Bennett gold clutch (similar) was off the table immediately, as its metallic hue clashed with the gold shoes. The COS satin bag was fine but still not convincing. I tested various colours by draping my tops over a bag to see how they played with the dress.

I briefly considered turning my Varnelis tote into a clutch (and it almost worked if I didn’t need to put anything inside), but ultimately decided it was a bit too creative -even for me - and not very practical, although I loved the colour combination.

I settled on light purple - I loved it the most when trying things out. Since I had already spent quite a bit, I didn’t want anything expensive, so I ordered three bags from Vinted for €10 each. I thought it would be useful to have some colours to play with, so I got light purple, green, and greenish-blue.

In reality, the bags do look like they cost €10, and their texture didn’t really work with either the dress or the shoes. I also experimented with yellow tights - last year I learned that burgundy, yellow, and silver is an amazing combination. But I found that for statement tights, the dress really needs to be shorter, and when I tried lifting it, it didn’t look as elegant as I expected.

The photos above are actually from after the event, because the cheap bags didn’t arrive on time. On the day, I ended up going with the COS satin bag.

I chose burgundy tights to contrast with the golden shoes, but I’m still not 100% sure it was the right decision. A full metallic statement boot, like the Tibi silver boot, would probably have been better. However, I still felt great and really festive - and had an amazing gala - so I’d say the dress and the outfit was a success!

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