Book Outfits ~ Black & White Stripes for Soulless Vol. 1 Manga
Today I'm presenting a few outfits inspired by Soulless Vol. 1, the manga.
Something a little casual for day.
And something for evening.
I really love the idea of a mostly black and white outfit with a pop of red, but it was strangely difficult to find images of this.
So I settled on just black & white stripes, I figure you can use your imaginations to add the red element. I've talked about stripes before and how, handled with delicacy, I do believe they can be worn by a curvy lady. Here are some street shots of black & white.
I'm not hugely in favor of stripes on the bottom, except as tights under a cute little skirt. Trousers can look a little like a circus, and I urge caution when wearing the wide-legged version, although they can work if you are a great deal larger on top.
Instead, I would opt for a skirt, with v stripes (quite slimming) or something a little less regular (to break up the eye).
Should we consider tops now?
Broad 80s stripes are not a good plan over a Rack, only for the pear or boyish shape, although I do like a 3/4 sleeve. I love the sailor look but high wasted pants are not for the Rack either, although the thin stripes are much better over curves. The last option is to have a top with stripes only over one part, interrupting the horizontal can actually have a slimming effect.
All that said, fine vertical stripes with a neckline detail, like a Peter Pan collar and a little read pop of color = perfect!
There is also the striped jacket.
Not my favorite option, it can be a little too much.
Speaking of too much, there are also striped dresses to think about.
I like the 1960s mod look and I think that if I was going to wear a dress with this bold of a stripe it would be rather short. I like the first one with the miss-matched stripes and the pocket details, but the second is too much. Here's an actual 1960s outfit.
1960s The Aberdeen Art Gallery
Then again you could always do something like this...
But my personal favorite is something where the stripe is a little more subtle.
1950s Timeless Vixen Vintage
So how about a maxi-dress, is it even possible? I'd opt for something quite fitted and 1940s in style again with v-stripes and a break in pattern.
If you want a modern maxi dress and still have curves, I would suggest something stretchy and varied.
I have one like this in blue and it actually works rather well on a curvy girl. But this is the kind of thing that must be tried on to know for certain. Or, one could do something that combines stripes with the idea of a corset, not sheer (I hate sheer) but the following dres is an interesting idea that might translate well to something steampunk and could, theoretically be done with top stitched grosgrain ribbon.
How about an actual steampunk take? So lovely!
Right, were were we? Oh yes, maxi dresses.
1937 Jeanne Lanvin The Metropolitan Museum of Art; 1967 Norman Norell Augusta Auctions
So a big block of striped clothing too much? How about something a little more subtle and reserved?
The dreaded bathing suit.
We are so lucky this summer, no really. I don't say that lightly. But the high wasted retro cut bikini bottom is all over the place as are full coverage tops. If you prefer a maillot, they too are very retro this year. If there was any a time for a curvy girl to buy a suit, this is it. I know, I hate it too. But it's worth it.
And then if no clothing works for you there is also the option of black & white striped accessories!
Schiaparelli Spring-Summer 1940
Alternatively, you could always decorate in black and white stripes.
And now how about something for Alexia to wear?
1885 Walking Dress Charles Fredrick Worth The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Or something for Prudence?
1900 Afternoon Dress Jean-Philppe Worth The Museum of the City of New York
And I will end with a random moment of Christina Hendricks, because, why not?
