August 2024, part four – Blue Collar Red Lipstick

Details: Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Ralph Lauren sweater, Fossil belt, Coach bag (all secondhand), Banana Republic jeans (retail)

Thoughts: With fall approaching, I feel a shift in aesthetic coming — Prairie Ralph to Preppy Ralph. And I am here for it!! I think this year’s version of the Historian is going to be a mix of 70s and 90s, Ivy/collegiate, Annie Hall, and the usual RL influences mixed in. Men’s shirts, sweaters, sweater vests and waistcoats, midi skirts, and a lot of wide leg, pleated pants. Oh, and corduroy, of course! Sorry, getting carried away here a bit. Anyway, this is a transitional outfit for a rainy late-summer day. Loving navy and dark blue lately, especially with cream and different shades of brown. So simple and satisfying!

Details: Zara top, Grass Rags dress, vintage cowboy boots, turquoise accessories (all secondhand), Ricki’s skirt (retail)

Thoughts: But I’m not letting go of summer just yet! This skirt has been one of my fave purchases this year; it’s such a great addition to my summer wardrobe. It works both as a focal piece in outfits, and as a blank canvas. Here, it’s a bit of both. Denim and white with turquoise accessories is my total jam.

Details: No label dress, Prairie Trail goods jacket, Brixton hat, Hondo boots (all secondhand)

Thoughts: Can you believe that I thrifted this cotton dress specifically for this jacket and these boots? I mean, I think it makes sense, no? The colour is a perfect match for the jacket, and the length is perfect for showcasing the boots. I’ve been loving short, swing dresses this summer even though the length is a big departure from my usual style. For me, short + voluminous is the way to go — I would not feel like “me” if the dress was short and very form-fitting. I think part of it has to do with my torso-to-legs ratio (which favours the former); swing dresses make it seem like I have longer legs than I actually do, because they don’t let you see where my waist actually is, and I do enjoy feeling like a gazelle every now and then, LOL!

Details: H&M top, Only & Sons shirt, Mexx skirt, Napoleoni shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: A little Disco Southwest moment. I thought it would be fun to layer a sparkly crop top under this SW patterned shirt … and I was right. I kept the colour palette very simple, so the textures could be the focal point. It’s minimalism, Adina style 😉

Details: Uniqlo top, Prairie Trail Goods jacket & bag, Ralph Lauren skirt, Old Navy shoes (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I just threw a bunch of my fave floral summer pieces together, and called it an outfit. And it was a good one! I’m surprised I’d never thought to pair this skirt and jacket before; the colours go together so well, and despite the fact that there are a million different patterns involved, the result is very harmonious and pleasing to my eyes. And you’ll notice that I added a new, solid-colour tee to my cropped top rotation; I think the soft lilac colour will be versatile for my wardrobe. Crop tops are one of my closet staples these days, since I wear so many high-waisted skirts and pants. They eliminate the need for tucking, and still let me show off my waist (and belts).