Turns Out My “Uptown Prairie” Style Is All Over The Internet (And Affordable, Too)

The “Uptown Prairie” look, my officially diagnosed 2019 style and possible “forever style” does not exist just in my closet; nay, it’s all over the internet (oh zeitgeist I’m your victim AGAIN). I’ve historically said that I’m a mix of Footloose-meets-Mad-Men-meets-Wes-Anderson-meets-Marie-Antoinette (in both home and fashion) and I think that the only thing I would take out now is Wes Anderson. I wish I had elements of that amazing weirdness, but not sure I do in my fashion anymore. ANYWAY, in case you are wondering what “Uptown Prairie” is, it’s a mix of country (ripped Levi’s, boots, plaids with ruffles, anything that feels you could ride a horse/bull in), Victorian (puffed sleeves, bohemian patterns, billowy silhouettes) with a slight hit of rogue Ren-Faire/Pirate/Outlander. The trick is to make sure that it’s not a costume, so I mix it with vans, sneakers, modern jackets and, of course, some basic T-shirts. It’s typically casual, but when needed can be elevated. Most of my uniform involves some sort of ripped pants/shorts, and a top from Ulla Johnson, The Great, or Doen which are three American-made brands that make high quality, long-lasting clothes that I wear for years and years. They are expensive, yes, so we wanted to do a roundup of a more affordable Uptown Prairie for all those who are interested in dabbling into the trend without making such an investment. (Of course, I understand “affordable” is relative, and some of below pieces are still not exactly “budget” but certainly not $300 for a top.)

So my team ordered me a few pieces, some of which I think worked; others were more Uptown Pirate than Uptown Prairie but I know someone who would love that—one Charlie Henderson. I have such a Nurse Betty brain though, guys, and as I am marathoning Outlander and legitimately obsessed with this 18th-century style, it has wormed its way into my wardrobe (and language and LITERALLY EVERYTHING I DO). So, now I’m like “Do I like this shirt or do I just want to be an extra on the boat as we sail to Jamaica to find Young Ian?” Aye. It can be confusing to me, too. But as for the three looks we did, I really liked a lot of the pieces and can vouch for their “Uptown Prairie” vibe.

Shop the Look: Shirt | Shorts | Hat | Shoes

First up, I like this shirt, I do, but it is oversized so just size WAY down. I’m wearing an XS if that helps you at all. I was coveting a few other shirts from Free People (here and here), but we couldn’t get them in time. (I’ll keep you updated if they are a “hell yes” when they come.) THAT HAT THOUGH. We all agreed that the hat is GREAT. It’s extremely lightweight and almost made out of that same material as Chilewich placemats (in a good way). It’s really breathable and I would even say really packable so you don’t have to be like me and wear 2-3 hats in the airport and on the plane because you don’t want to ruin them in your suitcase nor do you want to succumb to hat boxes.

Next is more of my “Uptown Chambermaid” look, hmm…or maybe just “Chambermaid.”

Shop the Look: Dress | Scarf (similar) | Shoes (similar here)

Wait. This is more appropriate:

I just need a wee bairn on me chebs! (Translation: a little baby on my breasts.)

I have to say I felt kinda sexy in this, but it could be because I’m channeling my inner Claire and awaiting Jamie to get back from the stables, while I tend to me garden. The dress falls really nicely but I fear that my bosoms might be too large for me to be comfortable wearing in public… in this century anyway.

For the last look, we ventured back to the year 2019 and went with a more basic and simple slightly on-look chambray dress, with cute little princess sleeves and a really flattering silhouette (am I not allowed to use the word “flattering”? I forget the rules to modern feminist PC at times…we didn’t have such restraints in 1754 Scotland—nye).

Shop the Look: Dress | Shoes | Scarf

I kept saying that it’s so good for church—so comfortable, easy to wear and wrangle kids in, but modest. And yes, I’m back to going to a church. Excited to hear the “journey” and see what denomination if any I’m currently liking?? Stay tuned… But yes, it’s a perfect “farmers market to church to Sunday supper” kind of dress and I know I have a lot of my LDS ladies reading so that one is for you.