The blog post for busy women who love versatile outfits and effortless style. Celebrating being kind to the planet, others and ourselves through our clothes.
Don’t tell anyone but I’ve got a big secret that I would love to share with you. It’s a hidden gem of stylish dressing. A bit like the essentials of Parisian Chic but with a bit more flamboyance. It is Sevillana Style. I am half Spanish and have spent a lot of time there. Growing up I was mesmerised by the style and air that a lot of Spanish women exude. In my early 20s I lived in Sevilla (the capital of Andalucia) and one of my favourite things was eating tapas, drinking Tinto de Verano and people watching. I became slightly obsessed working out how Spanish women, regardless of age (more on this later!) knew how to dress so stylishly and put together. It seems Dior has also worked out that there is something pretty special at play in Spain, the latest Cruise Collection has just taken place in the stunning Plaza de Espana* and was all about celebrating the strength of Spanish Women.
I’d love to share with you some thoughts
1. COLOUR PALETTE
The Sevillana knows what colour suits them and invests in pieces that are varying shades of the same colour, this includes tights that match their shoes and boots. It creates an effortless, put together look. Having key pieces that work well together and can be mixed and matched means when the Sevillana is buying a new piece they will instinctively know whether the piece is for them or not. Café au lait shades are very popular, I’ve tried this and realised pretty quickly this is not my colour palette. This is style over fashion. As Oscar de la Renta said “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”
Penelope Cruz is amazing at working the tonal colour palette.
2. CLOTHES THAT FEEL BESPOKE
The Sevillana knows that the devil is in the detail. I have a beautiful older cousin and looked up to her so much when I was growing up. I could never understand how her clothes looked so expensive and yet when I asked her where they were from she would tell me they were from Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti. It baffled me for some time but I discovered by chance that in Spain lots and lots of women have an important last step to their clothes purchases. After they have bought the items they will take them to a tailor or seamstress who will tweak the clothes so they fit better. This takes you from feeling good in an outfit to feeling great. It may seem an unnecessary expense but I promise you it is worth it as it will give you that spring in your step and make you want to wear these items more often. This is also a brilliant idea for changing body shapes. A good tailor or seamstress can help your clothes last longer by letting hems out and help you love your wardrobe friends longer rather than throwing them away because they don’t look or feel beautiful anymore. Plus, you get to support a small, local business. It’s a win-win right?
Ines Sastre in a dress which was surely tailored for her.
- CONFIDENCE
This is, I think, the most impressive thing about the Sevillana. The strength of a Spanish woman is not to be underestimated. The Sevillana knows her mind and isn’t afraid to show it. This woman walks with an air of confidence. Maybe it’s the heat of Spain that forces people to slow down and enjoy their surroundings. Walking with shoulders back and a smile on their face, gives this individual an air of contentment. Little things when getting dressed like a squirt of perfume or a slick of your favourite lipstick can give a boost to the Sevillana. I love how older Spanish women embrace their age and don’t stop wearing knee high boots when they get over a certain age. They look elegant and chic. If this isn’t inspirational I want to know what is.
The female cast of Pedro Almodovar's film 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown'. It's all about owning your style and being you.
So amigas, those are my thoughts. As I have been writing this I have fallen in love with Seville all over again and now need to head back there. Maybe I’ll see you at the Plaza Espana looking self-assured and owning your style.
Besos
Alicia x
* apologies for the lack of accent on "n".