Hey, Style Slayers — Happy Moda Monday!
Welcome Inside the Closet! In this edition, we’re sharing 1 quest, 2 tips, and 3 looks to help you embrace your unique style superpowers — Let’s step in! 👇
1 Quest for you to try
September is that in-between time of the year, where your closet (and the weather) doesn’t quite know what it’s doing. One day it’s 80°F and sunny. Then suddenly, you’re reaching for a sweater, and the much-anticipated PSL seems to magically appear in your hand!
In addition to my love of autumn, this month is exciting for me because one of my siblings just got married, and it was a medieval-themed wedding, which means I’ve had fantasy fashion on my mind (well…more than usual at least)! September feels like the perfect time to explore how a little fantasy fashion inspiration can make your everyday fall wardrobe more interesting (especially with the local Ren Faire kicking off this month!). The best part? You don’t have to dress like you’re headed to the castle every day (…unless you want to. In which case, I fully support you and your journey, my leige!).
Think of this month as: Summer wardrobe + fall layers + a little bit of fantasy inspo = whimsical autumn style! Or, to officially turn that into a “style quest”: Take one summer piece and transform it into a fall outfit, with a touch of fantasy inspiration!
How to participate
-
- Choose: Pick one summer item from your closet that you aren’t ready to put away yet, even when the days get crisp (Maybe it’s a favorite dress, a cut-off tank, a linen button-down, or a favorite pair of shoes). Now choose your fantasy inspiration and ask yourself: “If this outfit were a character, who would they be?” Royal? Bard? Forest witch? Adventurer? Something entirely your own? You decide!
- Create: Build your fall outfit by incorporating at least one of the following items:
-A fall-friendly layer
-An interesting texture
-A statement accessory
-A character-inspired piece
-Boots or other “fall” footwear
Remember, the goal isn’t to create a costume. The goal is to create an outfit that feels like you—but with a little more lore! - Capture: Share your outfit with #VostraModaQuest, or reply to this email with your entry. Then ask yourself: “What part of this outfit makes me feel the most like myself?” Maybe it’s the boots. Maybe it’s the dramatic jacket. Maybe it’s a necklace that makes you feel like you just walked out of an enchanted forest.
Whatever it is, notice it. That’s useful information about your personal style—and information we can use to build even better outfits in the future.
The most inspiring outfit will be featured next month! Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.
2 Tips to help you slay
For all my summer-loving folks, Fall doesn’t mean you have to put away everything you loved about summer. Instead, layer it, remix it, and give it a new story! And if your fall wardrobe happens to make you feel like the main character on a quest? Even better.
— Your look could be as simple as layering your favorite summer dress over a long-sleeve blouse, and adding a pair of boots and a belt for a fair-forward and fall fashion feel (say that three times fast). This quest should be about having fun and getting creative with your wardrobe as we head into fall!
Our style suggestions
- Layers – not just applicable to Ogres, or onions: Layering is one of the key ways to transition from summer into fall, and it also happens to be a cornerstone of fantasy-inspired dressing! Start with something lightweight you already love: a tank, tee, dress, or blouse. Then add to it with items like vests, cardigans, shawls, or blazers. For a fantasy twist, look for layers with interesting silhouettes—capes, longline vests, dramatic sleeves, corset-inspired details, or asymmetrical hems.
- Style vs Costume: You don’t have to dress in full cosplay to create an outfit with fantasy influence.
Maybe your inspiration is:
🧙 The wise wizard — consider flowing layers, rich colors, and dramatic accessories
🗡️ The rogue — find fitted pieces with leather details, good boots, and asymmetry
👑 The royal — think regal with structured tailoring, luxurious textures, and statement jewelry
🌿 The forest guardian — embrace natural fabrics, earthy tones, and botanical details
🧝 The elf — look for flowing silhouettes, delicate details, and unusual proportions
Use the theme of the character as inspiration, but translate it into YOUR everyday wardrobe – that’s how you create a closet that feels like you instead of just a costume rack!
Bri shares her summer-to-fall fantasy-themed outfit (worn for a ren faire-themed wedding) from items in her own closet! Layers included a white knit puff-sleeve blouse, with an orange ribbed summer midi dress layered over top like a vest, and a long green maxi skirt over that! Paired with gold flower earrings, a flower cameo necklace, orange leaf, brass moon, and brown leather belt, and brown ankle boots. Topped with a white flower headband for a very hobbit-like look that embraces layers of outfit, and meals!
3 Looks for you to shop
Upgrade your wardrobe with just one click! Shop these fresh looks to trend the multiverse and never go out of style.
The Mr.
The Mr flatlay utilizes a summer base outfit with green linen pants and a white cotton V-neck T-shirt, with fall fashion items like a pair of brown embossed ankle boots and a brown leather jacket and belt. Adding a touch of fantasy with small accents like a silver scale ring, a silver and green ring, and a textile scarf in shades of brown and red for a unique addition to any outfit!
The Mx.
The Mx flatlay balances the transition of seasons and layers by using a lightweight chambray short-sleeve button-down and pairing it with a burgundy sweater over top for cooler weather. Paired with printed pants in a range of jewel tones and a mix of earth tones, using accessories like leather bracelets and even a purple wood ring! Completing the outfit with autumn-inspired cinnamon brown loafers, a cinnamon brown fedora, and a gold dragon bracelet for a touch of fantasy!
The Ms.
The Ms flatlay embraces the transition from summer to fall with a summery floral maxi dress in green tones paired with a mustard yellow sweater, brown knee-high boots, and a waist belt for some fall fashion. Labradorite earrings, ring, and a necklace, paired with a pair of brass “elf” earring cuffs, give a subtle nod to a fantasy theme for this look!
Until next month!
👉 Share your quest success with #VostraModaQuest or reply to this email for a chance to be featured in next week’s email. Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons” – Jim Bishop