Wheatstan look and feel guide
Overview
Family, Music, Culture, Colour, Creativity, Flamboyant, Expressive, Community Wheatstan is the breadbasket of Saxum, where life revolves around agriculture, family, and community. The folk of Wheatstan are known for their farming of grains, vegetables, and fruits, as well as their sheep and fishing industries. The state is held together by tight-knit family groups, and its people express their joy and vibrant energy through bold fashion choices, art, and music.
While the farms start early, the towns awaken later in the day, building up to lively street parties, music-filled celebrations, and bustling markets. Wheatstan’s clothing is a reflection of this festive, community-centered lifestyle, with bold colours and creative embellishments standing out in everyday wear. The people of Wheatstan dress to show their pride in family and to make a statement of confidence and responsibility.
We also have a Pinterest to give a visual aid to the themes of Wheatstan clothing:
Influences
wild west, Paris, Central and South American, Spain, Portugal, New orleans from 1860’s to 1890’s
Colours
all the bold colours, white and black, Patterns are less likely with embellishment proving the visual interests in traditional clothing, but are more frequent higher up the social ladder
Materials
Many different materials, ranging from hard wearing, or lighter practical clothing to finer silks and cottons, depending on roles and social standing. Patterns are less likely and denim is a newer product of Tamarillo.
Clothing
Wheatstan fashion draws inspiration from various sources, blending Spanish and Portuguese styles, particularly those that influenced the traditional clothing of Mexico, with its own local flair. The bold, bright colours that define Wheatstan clothing are often paired with practical, sturdy fabrics to ensure they can withstand the demands of farm and town life. The most common pieces in Wheatstan are short jackets, typically no longer than mid-thigh. These jackets are often worn open, revealing a shirt or blouse underneath, and are rarely longer than halfway to the knee. They are made from heavier natural materials, and while they share a similar aesthetic to the jackets in Tamarillo, they are not made of denim. Instead, these jackets are crafted from sturdy cotton, wool, or other durable materials and often feature colourful embroidery, tassels, or decorative embellishments.
Shirts in Wheatstan are commonly unpatterned and come in bright colours like white, blue, yellow, or red. These shirts usually have collars, frills, lace, or other ornamental details that add a playful touch to the simplicity of the cut. The shirts are often tucked into sturdy trousers made from heavier materials such as wool or cotton. For warmer weather, lighter linen or cotton fabrics are used, while colder weather calls for heavier fabrics or additional layers. These shirts and trousers are often worn with large, decorative belts that have large buckles, which are also used to hold gun holsters or other accessories.
Neckwear is a signature feature of Wheatstan fashion. Various types of neck garments such as large cravats, ties, bows, and scarves are worn in vibrant colours, frequently paired with shirts to create a striking contrast. These neck pieces are often made from fine fabrics like silk or cotton and may include additional embellishments such as embroidery, lace, or fringed edges. The wide variety of neckwear helps add to the bold, flamboyant look that Wheatstan is known for, and is a key component of everyday wear.
One of the most iconic features of Wheatstan clothing is the wide-brimmed flat hat, which is worn by both men and women. These hats are simple in design but come in a wide variety of colours and styles, with decorative bands, feathers, or embroidery often added to make them stand out. The flat top and wide brim are the defining features, and the hats come in many different colours, ranging from bright and bold to more subdued earth tones. Although variations exist, the wide-brimmed flat hat remains a symbol of Wheatstan fashion.
In colder weather, people in Wheatstan will often layer their clothing with thicker materials or additional garments. This can include thigh-length coats made from heavier wool or cotton, or even large, coloured blankets worn in various ways for warmth. Blankets are often draped over the shoulders, worn like a poncho, or pinned with a brooch to be used as a cloak or shawl. These additions offer both practicality and style, contributing to the vibrant, yet practical, fashion of Wheatstan.
Jewellery and decoration
In Wheatstan, jewellery is not just a sign of personal wealth, but a symbolic reflection of generational wealth and family pride. Wearing large amounts of jewellery is common, with rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, and other adornments serving as markers of both social status and personal expression. However, the true value of the jewellery is not determined by the preciousness of the materials, but rather by its connection to family history and the symbolism it carries.
Jewellery in Wheatstan is diverse, with a mix of materials that represent the rich cultural heritage and creativity of its people. It can range from humble beads and shells to more luxurious items crafted from metals such as gold or silver, along with precious stones or gems. Each piece is often chosen for its personal or familial significance, with many pieces being handed down through generations. The use of natural materials like wood, bone, and stone is also common, representing the connection to the land and the importance of simplicity and durability in everyday life.
Decorative elements such as lace and embroidery also play an important role in Wheatstan fashion, often incorporated into both clothing and accessories. These delicate embellishments are typically added to neck garments, sleeves, and shirts, and can be found on jewellery pouches or hanging charms. They serve not only as decorative accents but also as a way to further express the wearer’s personality and heritage. Embroidered patterns might reflect important family milestones, community symbols, or represent the individual’s role within their family or society.
Overall, Wheatstan’s jewellery and decoration serve as a vibrant, expressive extension of its people’s lives and culture. Whether crafted from humble or luxurious materials, these adornments reflect the values of family, community, and creativity that are at the heart of Wheatstan life.
Less Appropriate
When considering clothing and decoration for Wheatstan, it is important to avoid misrepresentations or stereotypical depictions of Hispanic or Mexican cultures. This is not fantasy Mexico, and while the state’s fashion draws inspiration from Spanish, Mexican, and Hispanic styles, it is essential to keep these references grounded in a more authentic, historical context.
For example, avoid including elements such as mariachi band costumes, oversized ponchos, or exaggerated moustaches commonly associated with Halloween costumes. These are clichés that misrepresent the true essence of Wheatstan’s vibrant and unique fashion culture. Similarly, patterns traditionally tied to Hispanic or Mexican dress, such as overly intricate or brightly coloured woven textiles, should be avoided if they are not in keeping with the practical, everyday fashion seen in Wheatstan.
Remember, Wheatstan fashion is inspired by a blend of cultures, but it is distinctly its own, grounded in the practical and expressive nature of its people. Focus on bold colours, functional clothing, and the use of natural materials, and avoid falling into stereotypes that could misrepresent the state's diverse and culturally rich history.
Further Inspiration
- Spanish Iberian Influence: The clothing styles of rural Spain, especially from the southern regions, inspire much of Wheatstan’s fashion. Simple, practical cuts combined with bold colours and heavy fabrics make up the foundation.
Example: The Spanish Princess (2020) – showcasing vibrant colours, simple yet elegant rural garments that align with Wheatstan’s utilitarian yet flamboyant look.
- Mexican Traditional Clothing: Known for its bright colours, rich embroidery, and decorative elements, Mexican dress has significantly influenced Wheatstan’s vibrant and eye-catching style.
Example: Coco (2017) – the lively hues, intricate embroidery, and patterns seen in Mexican festivals provide an excellent reference for Wheatstan’s bold, expressive clothing.
- Frida Kahlo’s Influence: The personal style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, known for her eclectic use of bold colours, textured fabrics, and ethnic patterns, can be seen in Wheatstan’s fashion, particularly in the use of vibrant accessories and layered garments.
Example: Frida (2002) – this film shows the artist’s unique style, blending traditional Mexican elements with modern influences, mirroring Wheatstan’s playful and expressive take on fashion.
- Religious Influences (Shepherds): Shepherds in Wheatstan are known to wear religious vestments on top of their everyday clothing, with a simple cut and bright, decorated fabrics that align with the flamboyance of Wheatstan fashion.
Example: The Mission (1986) – the film features simple religious garments in bright hues, demonstrating how religious dress in rural communities can be functional yet decorative, much like the shepherds’ attire in Wheatstan.