How to Express Your True Self Through Avant-Garde Style

I’d like to ask you to free your true self and try something new. Avant-garde style gives you the chance to use your artistic skills when you get dressed. Since older is bolder, age doesn’t matter. Anyone can dabble in or master this style. It depends on how far you’re willing to go with it. I say, be creative and show your true self!

Why I Am Interested in Avant-Garde Style

I was a founding member of an avant-garde, improvisational, free arts performing group in college. At first, I was the poet giving substance to the compositions of the electronic musicians. And then, I did a series of electronic voice pieces. We went on to create multi-media shows based on found instruments, free-form dance, games played with the audience and whatever else that came to mind. I stayed with the group for 25 years.

So there’s something about this style that strikes a chord in my soul. Now that I am retired and can wear what I want, comfort rules! I’m pretty laid back and stick to classic looks. But I am very experimental at heart so I don’t think I can describe myself with any one particular style. When it comes down to it, I am pretty flexible and eclectic.

I think you will find outfit elements here that you will like because they cover a wide range. Most women will at least like to wear something feminine like ruffles, feathers or tulle.

Are You Ready to Explore Avant-Garde Style?

In this post, I’m not including photos of experimental clothing that might possibly scare you; rather, I’m featuring looks that are on the tame side. I hope some of these will inspire you. All you need is an open mind and the courage to try new things. This might take a bit of attitude, or maybe just some whimsy.

What we choose to wear usually helps us to fit in to certain situations and lifestyles. But when we wear what we love, we show who we really are. As you read this post, even if you think avant-garde style is not you, see if anything here is something you like to wear. Then build an outfit out of that, pushing your sartorial boundaries, at least a little.

What Is Avant-Garde Style?

The implied meaning of the French phrase “avant-garde” is something in the forefront, on the leading edge, breaking into new territory. It is fashion as art, the kind of art that is bold and innovative with boundary-pushing designs.

Some elements of this style are:  architectural shapes, unusual silhouettes, one-sleeve tops, clothing with cutouts, new fabric textures and patterns, one-of-a-kind and handmade pieces, daring color combinations, unusual eyeglasses, earrings that go together but don’t match.

Does any of this remind you of Iris Apfel? She wears unusual eyeglasses, bold and unique jewelry, one-of-a-kind pieces and riotous color, among other things. See my blog post about Iris HERE.

Other aspects that denote avant-garde are asymmetric tops, skirts, necklines, even haircuts! See my post on exploring the many ways to wear asymmetric skirts HERE.

Dare to wear something new and/or unexpected such as an oversized suit over an oversized shirt with an oversized top coat, a dress made of feathers, or metallic blue lipstick.

You could give yourself permission to create a DIY outfit out of an old piece of clothing that you don’t like. This means you can cut it into a shape you like better, or paint your own designs or slogans on it, or safety pin it into a shape you like without worrying if the pins show.

Or, just buy something you love that you would never dare to wear and then…wear it!

Outfit Formula for Avant-Garde Style

Below is an avant-garde outfit formula that just about anyone can wear if they’d like to try. Plenty of clothing options are listed to choose from in each category:  bottoms, tops, toppers, footwear and accessories. So you can build an outfit without too much of a problem.

• Start with architectural bottoms, such as:  gauchos or cropped pants, harem pants, jogger pants, a black skirt over black leggings or skinnies, or a tulip skirt.
• Pair with a cropped top:  this should be a short, fitted or boxy top.
• Optional topper:  You might want to top off your basic outfit with another short, boxy silhouette or a cocoon coat or sweater.
• Finish with trendy footwear:  Think sandal booties, oxfords, chunky sandals or flatforms or platforms.
•  Top it all off with your choice of the following accessories:  Try an upscale backpack, oversized clutch or patent tote. Add arty and quirky jewelry. You might also want to add a hat or cap, a watch and/or sunglasses.

Avant-Garde Style:  Wearable Outfit Ideas

To create normal, everyday outfits, here are some examples.

• Try a long, draped vest or short-sleeved cardigan duster or a kimono over a column of black, such as a long-sleeve black crewneck & short black joggers, harem pants, palazzo pants or gauchos. Layer lots of colorful, chunky bead necklaces & bangles. Finish with black flats, such as Mary Jane ballet shoes.
• You could wear a short-sleeve black crewneck sweater + black or gray stovepipe trousers + a cocoon sweater in any color. Then add cut-out booties or oxfords.
• Pair an asymmetric-hem tunic with palazzo pants in the same or toned color. Add gold or silver jewelry that’s arty or quirky.

• Wear a long, asymmetric-hem sweater over black leather leggings with black combat boots. Add a long, geometric statement necklace. Or use what you have that’s similar.
• With an asymmetric black tunic, wear faux leather or tie-dye skinnies, printed harem pants, navy bike shorts or black palazzos…one of these or something similar.
• Wear a crochet cardigan or duster over a column of color (i.e., a top & bottom in the same color.)

Overall, I see this leading edge experimentation as a futuristic look. You might like to see more of my posts on this type of subject. To check them out, click on the following titles:  “How to Create Outfits for Any Age With Touches of Punk Futurism Now” and “How to Dress at the End of the World.”

Let’s Connect!

I hope this inspires you with some avant-garde outfit ideas! Please let me know how you like this style. Leave a reply for us in the comments below!

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Angie

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