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Writer's pictureTara Deighton

Inspirational Women ~ Georgia O'Keefe 'Style Icon'

Sometimes when I start researching topics and subjects for my monthly Fashion History & Culture talks on Patreon, I fall down a bit of a rabbit hole! And this was absolutely the case with the ever so inspiring and great artist, Georgia O'Keefe.

I've long been a fan of her paintings; the exuberant colours, the sense of space, the beauty of them, but I didn't really know a huge amount about her life until I took a deep dive.


And it was joyous and life affirming to spend time with her and I feel has changed my perspective on how I want to adorn my body as I ease into my later years ~ not an insignificant thing when fashion and clothing is your life's work!


I had so many ideas and was so inspired after giving my talk about Georgia in June {you can find the whole talk here at Tara's Stitch Coven plus many others about a huge range of fashion focused topics!} that I put together a video for my YouTube channel sharing some of my favourite casual looks she wore, accompanied with both pattern and fabric suggestions to create the look yourself. Something I shall be doing over the next few months to update my handmade wardrobe.





Look 1 ~ A simple skirt and blouse


In most professional imagery, Georgia turned to her beautifully tailored suits in monochromatic black and white, but when at home in New Mexico, she loved to wear other colours and dress in more of a western style.


Merchant & Mills Mathilde Skirt ~ https://merchantandmills.com/uk/the-mathilde


Look 2 ~ Georgia goes West


Georgia had an interest in the 'Wild West' and outlaw Billy the Kid and loved western style as can be seen from many photos taken of her near her homes in Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch. She'd wear these looks with simple plimsoles and a fabulous Spanish riding hat.

Tilly & the Buttons Rosa Shirt~


Look 3 Indigo and Denim in New Mexico


I really love this image of Georgia and that look on her face ~ I bet she had a brilliant sense of humour!


Look 4 ~ A Cape for all weathers


It's assumed that Georgia made this cape in a beautiful wool ~ she always chose the best quality fabric that she could and was a highly skilled seamstress. I've had my eye on this cape for many moons but have never got round to sewing it ~ Maybe now's the time!



Look 5 ~ A Classic Shirt Dress


Georgia wore this shirt dress often and she had one in a stripe too. She was what you would call a wardrobe repeater ~ if she liked something, she would have several of them made and wore them for many years.





Look 6 ~ A Wrap dress in EVERY Colour!


I didn't go for a style exactly like Georgia's Clare McCardell version, after all this is about getting inspired not replicating her fabulous look. I like the look of this wrap dress and think it would be beautiful in an array of fabrics although my suggestions are all pink. I'd do as Georgia did and make it in every colour I love and I'm especially loving the idea of a velvet one, like Georgia's emerald green one on the rail.



Look 7 ~ Georgia does Boho


Many other people when moving to New Mexico, wore a very costumey version of New Mexico style. Georgia, as ever adopted a more minimalist interpretation of the 'Boho' look and I'm here for it!


If I had unlimited pennies and a swathe of time, I would spend it making all of the looks I've put together here. Every item is a real wardrobe staple, or hero as I like to say, worthy of making as beautifully as possible and in the most beautiful cloth available.


Being both time and penny poor, I will have to make a decision and choose just 1 look, So I shall go for look 7 ~ Georgia's 'Boho' look. A vintage inspired chore jacket is top priority for my to be made list and I already have a lovely linen shirt.


I wanted to replace my linen tiered skirt as my one had been made by me about 20 years ago and was turning to rags after so much wear, so my Calypso skirt is next on the list too! It's a brilliant pattern to sew using only 2 metres of fabric, perfect for beginners to both pattern cutting and sewing and as I've loved this little project so much, I'm offering 20% off my Calypso Skirt PDF Pattern Cutting and Sewing Guide until August 13th {2024}! Simply use the code GEORGIA20 at checkout!



I hope you've enjoyed coming on this little journey with me and are inspired to make something with the Georgia O'Keefe spirit! My main take away from my time studying Georgia's life and style was that she was a strong and resourceful woman with impeccable style credentials at every stage of her life! A true Style Icon indeed!


Tara x


ps ~ If you do make yourself a Calypso Skirt, please tag me over on Instagram #thecalypsoskirt ~ I love to see what all you kindred spirits are making! It fills my soul with joy!

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