I always found spring somewhat of a sartorial challenge. It is that in-between place when you are so much in need of getting rid of the heavy wool coats of winter yet the wind still has a good bite to it that a sundress makes you hopeful at best and delusional at worst. This year, I was scrolling on Pinterest and I was fascinated by a particular aesthetic Cloud Dancer.
In case you are not conversant, Cloud Dancer is actually the best spring mood. It is an array of off-whites, creamy tusk colors, light oatmeals, and light textures. It is clean, it is calm, and it seems so costly. The problem? my bank account was looking a little bleak, not cloud-like. Having a self-imposed budget of only £50, I chose to find out whether I could create a unified Cloud Dancer capsule wardrobe with Voghion.
This is what I did with my £50, how the pieces performed, and whether it is possible to get such a high-end appearance with a high-street-underground budget.
The Strategy: Texture Over Trend
You need to turn to texture when you are operating on a very small budget and you only have a monochromatic color scheme. When all is the same color, off-white, and is composed of the same flat polyester, you do not appear as a Cloud Dancer–you appear to be in uniform.
I went to Voghion with a strategy: one hero knit, one pair of wide-leg trousers, and something that is versatile and can be worn as an accessory or a base layer. Surprisingly I was able to squeeze the £50 a bit longer than I anticipated because of the pricing.
The Haul
1. The Oversized “Marshmallow” Knit (£18)
The transition sweater is the key to any spring wardrobe. I discovered a bulky, ribbed cream turtleneck with sleeves that were flared a bit. It appeared dense and organized in the pictures. To my delight, I was surprised when it came. Although it was not a thick wool mix (it was more of a light synthetic mix), it had the squish factor I was seeking.
Styling Tip: I folded the front of it in high-waisted jeans to make a figure. The “Cloud Dancer” vibe is all about volume, but you don’t want to get lost in the fabric.
2. The Wide-Leg “Airy” Trousers (£16)
These were The items I was most nervous about. Cheap white or cream trousers are notoriously unsafe- either they are made of paper, or are totally transparent. I opted for a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, made of a heavy crepe type of fabric.
Upon arrival, the weight was indeed impressive. They hung well, and did not instantly wrinkle when I went to sit down. This gave off ‘luxury resort’ vibes, although I was just going to my local coffee shop.
3. The Satin Base Slip (£9)
To further enhance the texture, I picked a champagne-colored satin camisole. This is the key weapon of the Cloud Dancer aesthetic. A neutral outfit with a matte knit over a shiny satin edge to add depth. It was average at the price – the straps felt a bit thin and the fabric was slightly sheer (transparent) in direct light, so I could not wear it as a standalone garment without a blazer or cardigan.
4. The Minimalist Gold Accents (£7)
My money was low, and I took a pair of big gold-plated earrings, in the shape of teardrops. Warm gold colors would be the ideal match to the creamy whites; it would not make the outfit appear washed out.
Total Spend: £50 on the dot.
The Reality Check: Quality vs. Price
The next point that should be discussed is the quality of fast fashion: the elephant in the room. When you are shopping on such sites as Voghion, you will need to cope with your expectations. You aren’t buying heirloom pieces that you’ll pass down to your grandchildren. But, as a summer treat, I was really impressed.
I was most afraid that the knit would pill but it didn’t after the first two times. The trousers needed a swift steam out of the pack, but when they were ready, they looked like having been bought at a fancy shop on Marylebone High Street.
The main takeaway? Go through the reviews and more so go through the fabric description. I avoided objects that were too shiny in the pictures and inclined towards the objects with clear texture (ribbing, crepe or satin finishes).
Living in “Cloud Dancer”
I put the complete outfit on to have a brunch and a walk in the park. Something about dressing in all-white/cream changes your mind. You sway a little more cautiously (primarily in order to prevent spills of coffee) and you feel immediately put together.
I had three compliments of strangers about the trousers alone. They were taken aback when I quoted the price.
The beauty of this wardrobe is the versatility.
- Knit: This is worn over a floral dress when it is colder.
- The trousers are paired with a plain black tee to look more formal.
- The satin cami is a spring-autumn-winter piece.
Is It Worth It?
In case you are a person, who likes to follow the trends but you do not want to spend £500 each time a new aesthetic takes over Tik Tok, then, yes, creating a budget capsule is highly fulfilling.
My Voghion experience taught me that style isn’t necessarily about the price tag; it’s about the cohesion. With the help of the strict adherence to the palette of the “Cloud Dancer,” I managed to make a row of outfits that appear purposeful and carefully selected.
Final Thoughts
It is a time of spring, a time of renewal and my wardrobe was definitely feeling renewed since my wallets were not being hit. If you’re looking to try the Cloud Dancer look, start with one great pair of neutral trousers and a textured knit. Stick to the same “warm/cool” family with your tones, and have no fear of blending texture.
Dream wardrobe does not have to be a nightmare that is costly to build. All it takes is sometimes, £50, a bit of scrolling and the eye to the light, airy stuff that makes you feel like you are walking on clouds.
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