Your Guide to Whimsical Style
Fashion has a flare for drama, but sometimes it also has a flare for comedy. Enter: Whimsical Style. It is a style that demands a playful wearer, brings joy to its beholders, and never takes itself too seriously. Seeing someone in a mix of colors, prints and fabrics instantly catches the eye and feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s no coincidence that Whimsical style is also referred to as dopamine dressing, not only because it brings the wearer happiness but also anyone who has the joy of seeing them.
While we would typically consider the late Queen of England, Elizabeth the II’s style a model for Classic style, deep down, her head to toe monochromatic outfits in a rainbow of colors revealed an inner Whimsical style.
The Whimsical style goes by many names, like escapism style, wherein clothes are a way in which the wearer can escape the rules and conventions of everyday life. It’s no wonder Whimsical style made a resurgence into mainstream fashion in the months following the early Covid-19 quarantine. We can escape to a a happier or more vivacious place through our clothes, and Whimsical Style is a testament to the transformative power of clothing.
There is, however, one consistent rule in the Whimsical world: more is most definitely more. Take Carrie Bradshaw, a Whimsical icon, who sported a tulle skirt, colorful Manolo Blahniks and a purple sequin Fendi Baguette, all on a grocery run. However, Carrie was also an over-consumer, and it can feel that having Whimsical style invokes buying everything that catches the eye. But more doesn’t necessarily mean more clothes, it means more options. The Whimsical style is more willing to try new things, matching items not commonly associated with each other. Maximalism is not at odds with sustainability, it is all about using your wardrobe to the max.
All of the style archetypes seek to present a certain image - a statement of shared identity - and the Whimsical Style is no exception. And so, if you’re seeking more clarity on which archetype (or mix of archetypes!) fits you the best, it can be helpful as one input to consider how you aspire to be perceived. The Whimsical Style may be a good fit for you if you would like to be perceived as:
Fun. Dressing up has lost none of its childlike playfulness for you. You approach everything with a youthful excitement that renders you a magnetic person to be around.
Quirky.You don’t have the most conventional taste - or personality. But it’s exactly what makes you the main character.
Bold. You draw attention by the immediate presence you bring into every room you walk into. Your spirit is contagious, and unapologetically yourself.
Not sure about how to describe your style? We can help with that! Our in-app Style Quiz can help you take the first step towards defining your three style words. Download for free for on iOS and Android.
Whimsical Capsule Wardrobe
The Whimsical capsule wardrobe consists of items in an array of colors favoring the vibrant and bold. This Archetype also makes good use of several prints, such as stripes and polka dots with funky multicolored twists. The style is defined by its over the top silhouettes, dramatic but also always playful in nature. Curiosity is ingrained in the Whimsical style’s devotion to exploring every type of fabric, mixing and matching eye-catching materials such as frills, feathers, sequins, rhinestones, and much more. The image it creates encourages a childlike approach to mixing things, with no requirement for matching in the traditional sense.
We find that presenting a capsule wardrobe can be helpful to bring our style archetypes to life and to give you inspiration on how to confidently mix-and-match basic pieces that you may already own in new ways. But, as always, we want to emphasize that there is no one ‘perfect’ capsule wardrobe for everyone. Style is intensely personal, and what is ‘essential’ for one person is completely unimportant for another. You shouldn’t feel the need to rush out and buy all of these items like you’re ticking off a shopping list - that is the opposite of what Indyx is about! Rather, our hope is that this capsule wardrobe list is simply an illuminating tool on your own journey to build a timeless, versatile wardrobe that feels uniquely yours.
Learn more about how to create a personalized capsule wardrobe that actually fits your needs.
1. Printed mini or maxi dress
Nude and black stockings are very practical for most styles, but the beauty of the Whimsical style is that even the most bold items can be deemed practical for them. Color blocking and color popping definitely are though. Colorful stockings are one of the easiest accessories to add to any look.
9. Chunky platform sandals
Warmer months usually implies we wear less layers, so you have to make what you’re wearing count. Tiny, oversized, reflective or heart shaped are a few options to look out for when buying your next pair of sunglasses.
Whimsical Outfit Formulas
There are many possible outfits to pull together with the capsule Whimsical wardrobe - and even more if you take advantage of our Indyx styling services! - but to give you some inspiration, here are two outfit formulas: one for Spring and Summer and another for Fall and Winter.
Fall/Winter
Out-of-the-box pants + Statement coat + Colorful turtleneck + Fun boots + Textured bag
A printed pair of quirky pants in neutral colors is ideal for reiterating this formula with different accessories and colorful turtlenecks.
Matching the accessories can bring the outfit together, making it more powerful. A style hack for whimsical color blocking is to google what colors compliment or contrast each other.
Spring/Summer
Multicolored printed dress + Chunky platform sandals + Colorful funky shaped sunglasses + Chunky colorful jewelry
Wearing colorful clothes can be challenging, as too many colors can clash and feel overwhelming.
The trick with this formula is to accessorize using colors that are pulled from your colorful dress, adding at most one additional color (see: the purple shoe).
Don’t be afraid to be unabashedly yourself any time of year, but summer in particular is a perfect opportunity to use bright and loud colors.
Whimsical Style Inspiration
Creators to follow
Ellis Ranson, Anna Luiza Vasconcellos, Susie Lau, Courtney, Emilia Muss, April Lockhart, Blair Eadie
Celebrity muses
Sarah Jessica Parker, Katy Perry, Chiara Ferragni.
Brands to shop
$$$: Gucci, Christopher John Rogers, Miu Miu
$$: Desigual, Alice + Olivia, Susan Alexandra
$: Lucy & Yak, Monki, Modcloth
Want help developing your Whimsical style?
Check out our affordable digital styling services to get 1:1 help from a real personal stylist, all starting at just $15.
Rebecca is a fashion stylist and writer, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley; and currently living in London. She enjoys reading, skiing and having people cook for her.
