Chaos Couture

I am generally pretty satisfied with how this looks, but it is pretty simple. I am in the process of losing 20 lbs and toning my upper body in hopes I can take photos that I find the most flattering for my body.

My husband was very happy with how I looked, but ultimately how I feel about it is the most important.

For the record, this outfit cost me next to nothing to make. I found polka dot fabric in storage that was just enough to make this top. I drafted the top pattern from an old top. The skirt was also made from fabric I had laying around which was a bit of a higher quality blend, but it was another super simple project that took me a couple hours to make.

Tip for those with lower incomes trying to dress well: If you don’t know how to sew that’s fine, I would definitely recommend learning since it is a skill that makes it so you can repair old clothes, customize thrift store finds to newer fashions, and so you can alter when your body changes. However, to achieve something similar, you don’t have to know how to sew. Finding a basic black pencil skirt at a thrift store is super easy and affordable and a top like the one above can even be found brand new at retail outlets for less than ten dollars. The shoes were the most expensive because I have ridiculously large feet, but there are discount stores and thrift stores that sell strappy heels for cheap. For fellow tall girls with big feet, Torrid has sales where they sell their shoes for 50 percent of regularly. I got these for 20 dollars.

I know you can’t see the jewelry well in these photos, but I save money in jewelry by buying chains in bulk at Amazon or jewelry craft suppliers and then buy pendants I find beautiful. It ends up being cheaper and more customizable sometimes than buying a chain and pendant together. This isn’t always an option for more elaborate jewelry, but I find a lot of good quality jewelry on Etsy for decent prices. I actually found the bracelet I was wearing being given away in the lobby of my apartment complex. I might make a post going forward about how the neighbors in my building organized a little community sharing program by leaving things we no l I’monger want or need for other residents.

I recently was directed to a new aesthetic. It blends styles from grunge, goth, and hip-hop. It is extremely close to my aesthetic already. So I had to share more about the Acubi Aesthetic.

One thing that seems to be crucial to this aesthetic is a neutral palette. It also utilizes Y2K fashion, so you want things like low rise baggy pants, studded belts, chokers, and beanies in your closet. Thankfully, I have those things, but in case you are wondering where one can buy Acubi inspired wardrobe items, I suggest these sites:

• Minga London
• Lewkin
• LitLookZStudio (this link has a large variety of niche alt fashion aesthetics)

But you don’t even necessarily need to buy new clothing. Acubi is basic enough you could save some money and save the environment and find most items in a thrift store. Below is an old image of me, and I am not trying to do an Acubi aesthetic. However, I am getting pretty close with a solid black tank, a choker, and cargo pants. I could easily elevate the simple outfit like the one below by adding a few key items would transform it to Acubi:

Here are more websites that go into more depth about the Acubi style:

• A Style Set
• Night City Clothing

For more Acubi photos, check out the Pinterest board I made here. Also, keep an eye on my Pinterest for more aesthetic boards in the future.

• Pinterest