[This post is sponsored by Very.co.uk]
When Very.co.uk challenged me to create a ‘Poetcore’ inspired look recently, I figured it was going to be pretty easy. I mean, I’m a romance author, after all! Which, OK, is not the same thing as a ‘poet’, but … close enough? Right?
Then I actually did a bit of reading about the ‘poetcore’ look, and discovered that instead of the long, floaty dresses I was imagining, this aesthetic is actually much more ‘literary’ than it is ‘romantic’… so, think tweed, loafers, leather satchels, and lots of dark brown and other similarly muted colours. Which… did not sound very ‘me’, to be totally honest.
The good news, however, is that there are lots of different ways to interpret this look, without having to abandon your own personal style. We’re not actual poets, after all (Well, I mean, maybe you are, but I’m definitely not…), and fashion is supposed to be fun, so, with that in mind, here’s how I’ve been making poetcore work for me…
Ballet flats
A lot of people associate loafers with the poetcore look, but I’ve always found loafers a little too ‘sensible’ for my general aesthetic, so I was relieved to find that ballet flats work just as well. These pink satin flats give the look a slightly more romantic feel, and the neutral colour means they’ll work with just about anything you choose to wear them with.
(They’re also incredibly comfortable, which is another plus, because sore feet are definitely not very ‘poetic’, are they?)
Soft knits
September is the start of sweater season for me, so I’ve chosen a selection of fluffy knits, and have swapped the browns and other earth tones associated with autumn for a mix of soft pinks, greys, and antique ivory, which work better with my colouring, while still being really easy to mix and match. I’m a big fan of the oversized sweater, but the poetcore look works best with lots of layers, and I really like this puff-sleeved wrap cardigan, with just a hint of satin and lace underneath…
… while this oversized pink one is perfect for a more laid-back look.
Slouchy trousers
Wide leg trousers are my go-to these days, and not just because they’re as comfortable as PJs, but with the look of ‘real’ clothes. These ones have a drawstring waist for extra comfort, and I liked them so much I got them in both grey and brown, which should give me plenty of different outfit options from just two pairs of trousers and a selection of tops.
These are as great for lounging as they are for wearing out of the house, and they’d be easy to dress up with heeled boots and a tailored jacket, too.
Trench Coat
Finally, if you’re a longtime reader, you’ll probably already know how much I love a good trench coat, and, fortunately for me, trenches are apparently poet-approved outerwear, which is good news, because I’ve yet to find a trench coat I didn’t love.
This season, shorter trenches have been very much in fashion, as have funnel necks, and I really like the way both of those features make this New Look trench feel a little more current, without losing anything of that classic trench coat style:
All of these pieces are available at Very.co.uk, along with lots of other poetcore-appropriate pieces. Which are your favourites?
