Ophelia's Gaze: Guide to Everyday, Catwalk-Free Fashion

 

Exclusive to NWN, Iris Ophelia's ongoing showcase of all things stylish in SL

It's exhausting to be hyper-fantastic all the time, especially (for example) if you're in-world to meet with co-workers or you use SL as an education resource with students.  Then, being too glammed up might seem inappropriate, or even make you appear less approachable. Even when the topic of an article is casual clothing, it feels like everything ends up just as glamorous as any party dress spread. Bright red lips and smoky eyes are not something I think of when I'm going out to run some errands. I'm pretty guilty of doing this in my own articles, so I felt that it was time to try and get true casual, non-glamorous clothing right-- everyday looks that mix practicality and charm, for those of us in SL who don't really need to look like we're on the runway all the time. Read on for three anti-glam looks to live by (and in.)

I'll admit that the Nomad Boots by Truth Hawks of Truth are pretty glam-casual, but bear with me. I'm pretty fond of the disheveled creative-girl look, and I couldn't bear to put her in sneakers. I chose Armin Wiefel's Sexy Jeans in Grey from Drawmachine because, while I would normally recoil from having "Sexy" branded on my rear, these are some genuinely flattering jeans. I paired the H5 Shirt by Mirai Jun of Cubic Effect with the Iris Knitted Top from Myllie Writer's shop, Persona, to add a little more colour while still complimenting the boots. I think the hair, Momo Foulon's Drop style from TekuTeku, is really what makes this outfit. When all is said and done, this frantic updo (complete with haphazardly pinned-back strands along the right side) is the antithesis of the red carpet. Classy and casual can still go together, even if you want to look like a bit of a mess.

I think layers are at the heart of the best casual outfits, because there's nothing wrong with being practical, especially in the winter. The undershirt and black top are both from Kotobuki Jewell's Snap outfit, available for free at Bijou. The transparent top layer is also Kotobuki's work, from the Tough outfit. The addition of the Lace Ribbon Necklace by Kanako Clip makes this look a little bit dressier than it might otherwise, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who occasionally still accessorizes for a day in, right? A pair of jeans by AIR Winx of Argrace and some Murphy oxfords from Shiny Things tie this outfit together, along with the fantastically mussed-up Ylva hair by Falastear Aeon of Little Heaven.

We can all pretend to bitterly hate that big fluffy sweater we got for Christmas from that one crafty relative, but stop fighting it, that sweater is so comfortable. Sure, it's bordering on being too kitschy, but there's something so homey and enticing about putting on a "mom" sweater sometimes. It's exactly this feeling that makes me love the Honeybee Sweater by Eko Strom of EkoEko. There is the option of a plain collar without the charming appliqué, but I just can't resist those cute little bees. I decided to just go all out and add the In Suspension plaid pants from Decoy by Annette Voight, as well as the Mixflip Sneakers from Detour by Keri Clip. Normally I avoid sneakers like the plague, but there's just no way to work a pair of pumps in here. Rei Gully of Zero Style has been playing around with some very wild and frizzy textures on his newer styles, so I knew I just had to wear one (pictured is Dana). The final detail is a free tote bag by Morphine Janick of Sweetest Goodbye (who also makes some jawdropped Korean-inspired dresses, for when you're in a less casual mood). It's no fashionista purse, but it's one of the most well-made totes in SL as far as I'm concerned, and it's free.

One more thing worh mentioning. In all three looks, I've used skins by DynamiteTanaka Payne of D-Skin. Dynamite makes some of my favourite skins in SL, but focuses on more neutral makeups. If you're looking for simple, natural and more bare looks in a variety of face styles, D-Skin is well worth a visit.

Iris Ophelia has been featured in the New York Times and has spoken about SL-based design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

Comments

[Nexii Malthus]

Always so interesting to read these articles Iris, even though im really not the target audience, it reminds me a lot of how a designer of a website would think... it is all very similiar after all, patterns, styles, colours, fashion, to me it is all an advanced level of art.

[Pappy Enoch]

Next thang y'all knows, Miz Ofeelya will be a-goin' Hillbilly.

Feed-sacks am rite comfy, year round. Yu jist puts mo' on wen the weathur am cold.

Tu dress 'em up, jist git a can o' black paint & Eureaky! Hillbilly Evunin' Gown.

[Nexii Malthus]

Well, secondlife clothes are actually just painted on Lol...

[Arcadia Codesmith]

Thanks, Iris. This is a segment that's woefully under-represented in most of the fashion blogs, and I hope we can see more of it.