I've been catching up on some new crime series, one of them being Elementary starring Lucy Liu as Joan Watson. Can never forget her level of hotness in Charlie's Angels, especially the scene when they zoomed in on her posterior in a leather skirt that squeaked as she strutted! Anyway, Elementary is set in NYC so I feel that the same kind of city chic style her character has can be applied in Singapore. It isn't as avant-garde as Gossip Girl (a good thing for us commoners) which means that the outfits are actually functional. Read: attainable.
They're centered around basics like tank tops or tee shirts in solid colors or subtle prints, but made chic and different with the art of layering. I've managed to screenshot some images from the show because I realized there're a few outerwear staples she has worth mentioning. Versatility is key for a poor student who doesn't have enough closet space.
1. Cardigans in neutral hues
The addition of a simple gray slouchy cardigan to the two different outfits above make such a difference. Coincidentally enough, I realized the two outfits are so contrasting: light and dark. If I were feeling happy and carefree, I'd choose the first outfit but if I wanted a little grunge and darkness to my look on a bad day (lol), I'd wear the second outfit.
Wearing just a tee or tank top can look pretty boring so adding either a neutral/bright colored cardigan will help pull the look together. I have three stacks of cardigans in my own wardrobe so that says a lot about my love for the item.
2. A white shirt
The piece she's wearing is not exactly a shirt but more so an outerwear. We can always use a soft white cotton/linen shirt as a substitute since it'll look pretty much the same. It makes the outfit look so clean and crisp, as well as add the right touch of effortless to the entire look. The best part is that it'll also work for warmer weather because it's lightweight so no excuses for not putting in any effort to dress up on a hot, hot day!
Lazy outfit = tank + denim shorts + white shirt + sandals + piled on jewelry + shades
3. Military green parka
If you know me well enough, you'll know that I love the second outfit to bits. Every single aspect of it from the shades to the silky cream dress and the simple accessories. The parka has been around forever, i.e. those on zookeepers, but it has recently become such a huge hit amongst youngsters in Singapore probably because of KPop influence? Do not quote me on that. Anyway, the standard uniform outfit would be throwing a parka over a tank top and high-waisted denim shorts completed with slippers and calling it a day. Never have I seen anyone wear a parka anyway else. I will now set that right so join my army. Oh so punny!
4. Dark colored jackets
If I lived somewhere with a cooler climate, I'd be using that as an excuse to hoard tons of jackets. Not that I'm not already doing that but you get what I mean. Jackets have the same effect as cardigans, just that jackets add more structure and that extra oomph if you want to look more presentable for an occasion. For example, if you're wearing a maxi dress at a beach but want to head someplace nice like a restaurant for brunch, throw on a denim/leather jacket and you're good to go!
5. Oxford blazers
I went through a tough period in my life when I could not stop buying blazers. It was an obsession. Can't put my finger on it but there's something about a blazer that puts order and intelligence into an outfit and if there's one thing I love, it's order. If you noticed, the tops she's wearing under the blazers are simple tees in stripes, solids, and subtle patterns respectively. The Oxford blazer is such a smart complement (so punny again) to an otherwise plain outfit. Definitely a must-have for the prepster in me.
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There're so many other elements to Joan Watson's style that add dimension to her looks. For example, her knack of pairing the right amount, size, and style of accessories. Her face or outfit is never overpowered by accessories even though they are usually layered, mixed metals and all.
Another thing I noticed is the kind of colors she wears. I'm not sure if I have mentioned here but I believe in a skill called color analysis whereby you identify what family of colors would look best with your skin tone/hair color and brighten up your overall look. I have seen which category Lucy Liu falls under so the kind of colors she wears, like jewel tones, is what is recommended for her skin tone.
As much as I love certain outfits, I will always be aware of what my body type can/cannot carry off. I can never stress enough how important it is to alter style inspiration according to your personality and body type. Something that looks good on someone else might not look the same on you. It is possible to look for alternatives that will give you the same kind of look that works for your body type.
Style should be individually tailored for everyone to always look their best, and not just another failed copycat.
