Style and Motherhood, Part 3: Round Faces and High Necklines

My quest to find my mom-style identity continues!

Today’s post is Part 3 of the Style and Motherhood series. (Catch up with Part 1 and Part 2.)

I rarely feel cool. Sometimes I feel stylish, or creative, or snazzy, but cool? No. There was, however, one fashion experiment here on Costume Parade where I felt COOL. (Not just “cool”, but ALL CAPS COOL.) That post was, “I Swear This Isn’t An All Black Relapse” and for the first time in 20 years, I wore a turtleneck.

I’d avoided turtlenecks for decades because I was convinced that the high neckline would make my round face look like a soccer ball. In reality, that first turtleneck felt transformative. Rarely have I tried on anything that immediately made me feel so interesting!

Now, as I revisit old Costume Parade experiments, I’m hoping that turtleneck magic might find me again. Do I still love a high neckline? Do they still make me feel COOL? On a rare evening out, I fully committed to finding out. I wore not one, but two turtlenecks.

The Outfit

The inspiration

My double-turtleneck look was inspired By Gabriela Hearst’s designs for Chloé. Gabriela Hearst took over the Creative Director position at the French luxury brand last year. In her first four collections, Hearst has melded the handcrafted pieces and streamlined shapes she’s known for with Chloé’s Parisian, bohemian, aesthetic.

Suffice to say, I am very into her designs.I find them to be surprising and cool yet practical. I attempted to pay homage to her work by combining a white, high-neck mini dress with this orange, handmade poncho that Christian brought for me from Chile.

And the verdict? Did the turtleneck strike again?

Yes! I loved this outfit. I called Part One of this Style and Motherhood series a “small beginning.” I didn’t feel particularly lit up by my outfit, but it was still a step up from where I began. Part Two hit a solid 70%. But Part Three feels just right. I loved the high-low aspect of this outfit. I loved feeling both snazzy and practical, and I loved the surprise of that fancy dress/poncho pairing.

How do you feel about a turtleneck? What do you think of Gabriela Hearst’s looks for Chloé? Can you see how she inspired my outfit? Which designers inspire your style? I’m always here to chat!