Nikki’s Inbox: About “Scene,” Sixteen and Over-The-Knee Socks

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I found your blog about a month ago and instantly fell in love. I’ve never really been all too fashionable. My motto is “You can have good hair, good makeup or a good outfit, but never more than two on the same day.” That might clue you in on how clueless I am.

As for what I usually wear, my taste varies from tomboyish to kinda girly. I usually wear dark skinny jeans and a dark tee that’s either solid-colored or graphic. I live on the East Coast, so it gets pretty cold around here during winter. I also have blood circulation issues that make me either freezing or overheated all the time. I like comfy clothes a lot and I absolutely adore over-the-knee socks. One of my biggest dilemmas is styling over-the-knee socks without looking vulgar. A lot of my friends dress in the “scene” style, which I like, but my mom finds it trashy. I want to find pieces that let me go from cute-but-not-super-girly to things that won’t look way too outlandish around friends. I must sound so crazy for liking things so similar yet so different.

As for my body type, it’s nothing special. My height is 5’2 and I weigh 100 lbs. I’m a swimmer and I attend group workouts, so my body is tone and lean. My legs and waist are both balanced with everything, and my shoulders are bony-ish/normal? I wear a size 32A/B, and a lot of boys used to tease me for having such a flat chest, but I personally prefer to look flatter. My mom and sisters do say that I have a nice butt… My skin is pretty pale, and my hair/eyes are a blackish/brown. The colors I usually wear are black/grey/navy and I’d like to incorporate pale pinks and blue.

Sorry for such a long letter! I hope you’re able to help! I’m homeschooled so I’ve never been fashionable and I really need your help!

Sara, 16/USA


I actually enjoyed reading your email, Sara! I have to say it’s a nice change from the usual emails I get – brief, yes, but sadly lacking in any helpful detail that will make me choose that question. I’m glad you do actually read the postscript (P.S.) at the end of all my posts!

I also commend you for being comfortable in your own body. I don’t get a lot of those especially from people your age so it’s nice to hear from someone who’s perfectly fine with having a flat chest, who’s proud of her shoulders (Girl, you worked for it!), and knows what she wants. Baby steps are perfectly fine when it comes to expanding your fashion horizons so here are some of my suggestions!

Explore the Color Spectrum

You mentioned you mostly wear black, gray and navy. Well, I do too, Sara. The thing is though, while these colors are very neutral and easily match with everything else, they can get boring, too. I like my jeans dark but a couple of years ago, I decided to buy a pair of burgundy jeans and I’m now deciding whether to get a butter-yellow or a baby-pink pair next.

I suggest you do the same, because just adding a few brighter colors or at least those pale pinks and blues you wanted will make a huge difference in your wardrobe options. Color affects perception and mood so make sure to inject a bright note in your outfit occasionally. Expanding your color choices will also help you be more creative with outfit combinations!

chuu : Hotblock : Sechuna : Styleberry

Start Out Subtle

Like I said, baby steps are great. Since we’ve already mentioned color, you can also try adding more visual details to your clothes. Graphic prints are nice but you also want to rock simple femininity and cuteness, which is something YesStyle has plenty of! From something as simple as pintucks on the front and youthful Peter Pan collared-blouses to quirky and whimsical prints involving fuzzy animals, quotes and more, all these are guaranteed to transform your wardrobe. Think stripes are too plain? Not when they create a gorgeous V-neck detail using tonal ribbon, giving it a nautical style. The secret is to keep it simple, subtle and small for now. And since it’s winter, you can always cover it up with a cardigan or jacket.

DANI LOVE : Ashlee : Seoul Fashion : ELF SACK

Skirts, Socks and Dresses

If you’re not used to wearing skirts or dresses often, again, one step at a time. An easy look I can think of that combines your love for over-the-knee socks and something girly would be the school-uniform style. You can start with a cute plaid mini skirt or A-line mini skirt that hits just above your knees to suit your petite frame and pair it with a simple blouse and cardigan. For warmth, pair it with nude tights or be a little ingenious and wear those two-tone ones that make it look like you’re rocking over-the-knee socks. Finish with lace-up boots or platform sneakers.

chuu : Cosgirl : icecream12 : Kally Kay

For something a little more sophisticated, a sweater dress might be just the thing. Again, length is important so choose one that stops just above your knee. You don’t have to wear anything shorter if you’re not comfortable with it. Also, I suggest going for a relaxed fit – neither oversized nor tight / body-hugging – so you can style it with a belt or not, if you want. You can definitely wear over-the-knee socks or cute patterned tights with this type of dress, and finish the look with calf-length boots. Better to pick one with a little bit of heel for a discreet boost. You can wear a Sherpa-lined denim jacket with this ensemble or a bomber jacket over a plain hoodie.

ELF SACK : OrangeBear : Cherryville : Ashelee

Consider this your starter kit, Sara, and I hope my suggestions will help boost your confidence (and be mom-approved)!

P.S. If you’re sending a question, please don’t forget to include any helpful information about your body type or shape, your tastes or personality. You can include a selfie (link only please) or a photo of your clothes (which I will never publish without pre-approval). Thank you!

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