r/RitaFourEssenceSystem

I have been on a rather good streak lately, so here is what I have worn this month so far! I am wearing a wider variety of items I feel, and keeping in mind the need for a little extra no matter what I do (or not) that day.

I hope you have a great week 💜

I’ve been on vacation this week in Sweden and it’s been really fun. I was a little nervous about how to dress and it’s even more conservative and homogeneous here than I expected. To say I stick out like sore thumb is a massive understatement 😂😂

Still I am focusing on embracing the wise words from the Leo post

THINGS TO FOCUS ON THIS LEO SEASON
While the Sun travels through jovial and artistic Leo, we turn our attention to the themes of Courage and Creativity. Being courageous means being able to show up authentically as ourselves,with no apologies or regrets. We welcome the burning wildfire in our hearts, as we set flame toour souls and ignite the passionate natures within.

I met my band The Hives on Friday and was completely open-hearted and silly. Niklas, the guitarist, was very kind about my gushing over him lmao.
A few pics of what I’ve been wearing

1: Today in Gothenburg, looking like I’m from another planet in bright pink lol.
2: what I wore to the band meet and greet, except my hair was down.
3: Me telling Niklas he’s my favorite guitar player on earth and asking him for a hug 🫣.
4: Pelle amused by me lol.
5: At the park. It’s been much cooler than I expected so I’ve been having to layer in the AM.
6: outside the museum that was closed 😞 a pic of a bracelet a Reddit friend gave me before the festival.
7: a pic of what everyone else in Sweden is wearing lol.
8: my suspenders outfit from the festivals insta. Not my fav pic but it’s ok.
9: At the festival.

Tomorrow we’re off to Portugal

Slide 1: old becomes new. I picked this dress up second hand last year and have only worn it that one time. I loved the concept of it, but never find myself drawn to the white/light things that are in my wardrobe. I was going to dye it black, but I already have a black semi-transparent dress so I didn’t want the two to be competing for attention. Enter the orange. A colour I absolutely love and don’t own enough of. Same styling with the black leggings and flowy cardigan but a whole new look. I added the heart necklace for an extra detail and couldn’t decide what to do with my messy hair so covered it up with a matching beanie.

Slide 2: inspired by lichen on granite. Original outfit was from July 2025. I switched the barrels for wide leg jeans to capture the flow of the river. The original blue and orange shirt gave a messy appearance so I switched to a plain navy long sleeve to streamline the look. The long scarf captures the colours of the landscape and the lazy flowing motion of the river.

Slide 3: abandoned mall fit revisited. Wasn’t 100% happy with this last week. Middle restyle was another work look where I flipped the colours. I’ll keep this one in my rotation because it was effective. The best decision I’ve made this week is updating my plain black leather “professional” belt to this eyelet belt. Nobody has noticed but to me it feels like a massive improvement. The right outfit was a weekend version of the original with all the added accessories I felt it needed. The matching bag and beanie add to the intentionality of the monochrome fit. The checkerboard belt, heavy black necklace and belt chain give it the grungier feel I was missing.

This is a very long one so if you don't care about my style journey and all my personal thoughts on my new quadrant but you're curious about my character/the drawings and persona you can skip the post text, that topic will be in the comments 🦋

3 years happily RU and I'm changing it...?!👀
Was it all a lie? Was I secretly repressed, unhappy and only pretended like I was super satisfied with my outfits and my process?

No, it was all real, it wasn't false positivity. I have genuinely been very happy with my style for the past few years and using the Right + Up style logic. Lately I have just changed my mindset and approach to style a bit, and it really is just 'a bit', the shift is very small but somehow shifts my placement A Lot. Which might sound improbable but the style logics are not very opposite at all, we all kind of consider the same things, it's just about which aspects you feel best prioritizing and inspire you the most.

My style key story

I learned about the essences and immediately typed myself as Right Up because it really opened my eyes to what kind of look I actually wanted. I wanted a dreamy and more extravagant style. Shopping became fun and easy. Only a few weeks later Rita introduced the Style Logics. I felt sure I was UP but now I wasn't sure about L or R but I quickly settled on Right after looking back at precious outfit, my thought processes behind them and how I felt about them. Started using RU logic and was happy with it for years.
Until maybe half a year ago.

I have mentioned many times before that I have something like a very strong internal landscape and what I mean is a really defined but still varied aesthetic artistic vision. Which is not an inherently L thing, I chose the Icon specifically for the signature style aspect.

How I used this artistic vision in a RU way: First consider the Context sometimes Role then enter the art gallery in my mind palace (this sentance 😂 I can't 😆) and figure out which dimensions and aspect of my artistic vision would make sense for the context and communicate what I want.

But slowly I've been feeling less and less inspired by Role and Context. To the point now where I don't find it very inspiring at all and my desire to really prioritise, express and fully embody my artistic vision has been increasing steadily for a while now.

So I'm switching to Left + Up 💜

Since I'm already familiar with LU logic why not immediately claim an Archetype and I think it's clearly Enchantress based on what I wrote above. Which is an archetype I've always felt a strong connection towards.

I've dabbled in LU a bit so far and I found the process very exciting. Picking pieces just because I feel drawn to them because they fit my current mood and aesthetic vision and then putting together something that visually works and expresses that has worked really well so far but I'm super early in my jurney so we'll see. I've also decided to listen more to my body's cues and get rid of some clothes that I feel like my body rejects. 

Will this be a temporary adventure and eventually I will go back to RU? Maybe but I'm almost wondering if my time with RU was the temporary adventure? 🌝

Difficulty claiming Left Up

Essence and style
It doesn't fit as neatly. I don't think it's completely out of place but it's not a perfect fit.
RU was easy because my style and my essence are very aligned with that quadrant, I fit the stereotype.

This is a critique I've had since the beginning but it didn't bother me too much since I neatly fit anyway but I personally don't believe that the logics and essences have to be inherently connected, I see how they are most likely to be aligned with each other but I don't see the logic behind why the simple style logics would always be aligned with it's respective essence.

That being said I feel a pull towards elemental and mysterious styles now but I don't think that's directly related to my change in style logic it's just an aspect of my artistic vision that I feel connected to and that had been repressed for a while. And it's nothing new I started exploring that style in 2024. My style is not changing, I'm still going to dress as a cute princess.
And I still want to express an aura of beautiful and inspiring energy, it's really important to me and still one of my main goals in style.

LU scared me a lot because it feels too wild and free for me. I need limitations and to consider the context. This time really researching LU I noticed the mentiones of limitations and not just in reference to letting ones go but ones to keep as well. L of course considers context but what opened my eyes was that it can more then just practical like weather or not breaking dress codes but that It's doesn't have to be anti LU to care about dressing appropriately, you don't have to push boundaries with your style. It's just that the context don't spark inspiration, that's the practical, boring, limiting part and it's super important to not let that take over and lose embodying what actually feels like you. But there's a difference between dressing inappropriatly and respectfullly dressing true to yourself. I know a lot of LU especially celebrities really do push the limits and sometimes literally dress "inappropriate" but that's not what I want it doesn't align with me and my life mission.
My limitations might be stronger then most LU which is a personal choice that I am happy and comfortable with. It's not one of those I'm repressed and I need to fully embrace that I know who I am and what I want and that's not it. I reject provocative as provocing strong confused and negative reactions with my style really doesn't work for me and my life mission. But I don't feel attracted to styles like that anyway.

Environments as inspiration?

I thought this was R logic before but I don't think it has to be? Internal inspiration doesn't mean you're not inspired by the world, inspiration originates from outside sources. R logic is specifically finding inspiration in a role and context starting point.

Another aspect of my style logic that I don't want to adjust is considering and sometimes matching with my environments. For more special occasions I want to get dressed considering my environment as a backdrop, an extension of the visual experience of my outfit like I'm the centre piece of my outfit's visual experience and my environment is it's background. Backgrounds completely change the mood, look and impression of an artwork so for me it's helpful to dress with that in mind, wether it's matching or contrasting.

And I want to match when it's something that I really connect with. Something that I love doing is celebrating the seasons with my clothes, I'm always exited to dress like a flower for spring when the trees bloom and wear my snowflake earrings in winter. I feel a strong pull towards it, the seasons and where I am effect my internal landscape a lot. But with the environments I don't find it inspiring anymore to think about what other people are wearing or what a typical "castle visiting outfit" would be and then do my own version of that, instead I just want to take into consideration the look and feel of the actual place I'm going to be in and play with that.

Does this sound LU? Or am I confused and it's actually R but I'm just trying to make it sound L? To me the first part mostly just sounds like a an UP thing?

Final thought

Ultimatey it doesn't matter if me and my process fit neatly or not, I'm just going to have fun using the tools and processes that seem to work for me and do my own thing. The core LU logic seems to work for me so far. I feel a strong desire to express what's within and I'm going to do that my way so I'm claiming LU. ☺️✨

I’m a soft Left, soft Down ('The Allure' archetype), and I’m trying to hone in on my personal style so I can build a more cohesive wardrobe. The Allure has themes of desire, indulgence, softness, magnetism, and dressing from inner resonance.

I made this moodboard and it feels very me, but I'm having trouble seeing how it could translate into my literal everyday style. I work from home (i.e. don't go out much) and need to prioritize comfort and natural fibers due to chronic illnesses, and this feels a lot more fantastical than my actual life.

I’m very curious what through-lines other people see in it so I can figure out what’s worth translating into my wardrobe. What feels most consistent across the images (mood, texture, energy, color, silhouette, etc.)? And how would you translate those qualities into everyday clothes without losing what makes the board compelling?

I’m especially interested in what feels like the 'essence' of the board rather than specific items, but I'm open to any thoughts your brilliant brains have :)

I posted outfits with these blue jacket and skirt so many times, any new outfits that use them probably qualify. Additionally, here I styled the blue dress and the patterned top given to me by my relative after she decluttered her wardrobe, so it's also an improvement (in a way) over these clothes collecting dust.

I wanted the first outfit to be a moody total blue look but the jacket was too scratchy so I put the red longsleeve underneath and then I had to add more red 🤣

The second outfit is the one I wore to get my ADHD diagnosis (a friend encouraged me not to tone my style down). I was so afraid that my concerns would get dismissed, that I'd be denied the medication. Instead, I received not just ADHD diagnosis but autism one as well. It brought up a lot of emotions; I think this might become one of those life-changing revelations.

I think discovering this system and learning to discern my style needs have taught me how to do that with all sorts of other needs, paving the way for this latest discovery.

I'm really grateful to everyone who shared their experience of being ND with me when I asked, and I'm proudly joining AuDHD ranks.

We made the decision at the very last minute to go to Europe for 3 music festivals. I only had a week to pack so I’ve been scrambling 😵‍💫 lol. I usually like to fiddle around with outfits for months.

I thought I’d share what helped me pack fast.
1: having experimented over the summer and taken pics, so I had an idea of what to start with.
2: having multiple tops in different colors so I could make basically one outfit but satisfy my need for novelty
3: having a uniform that covered my needs but allowed for variety.
4: knowing that I am interested in a very specific visual interest atm.
5: keeping Rita’s video on intuition in mind and paying attn when an outfit feels really me.

My needs for summer comfort and fun are:
Legs covered because I get cold in the morning and evening. And I am self-conscious about my legs being bare.
Socks to cut down on blisters.
Heeled maryjane’s for height and sturdiness and a back-up pair of sneakers.
3 shorts, from short to very short depending on how I feel.
Sleeveless camisoles so I won’t be sweaty.
Bras in matching colors because they are part of the outfit, adding a pop of color and not to be bothered hiding straps and all that nonsense.
Ribbons to add color to my hair, match the outfit, add variety.
Only very fine lightweight jewelry because I get hot with necklaces or anything significant on.
A cheap throw away purse. Usually in tatters by the end of the trip because I throw it down on the ground during the show.

It looks like a lot of clothes but since it’s all camisoles and little shorts that mix and match, it’s not actually that much.

Pic 1: the main festival outfits.
Pic 2: daily outfits. I might wear any of these to a festival day too depending on how I feel.
Pic 3: going out in the evening. Not sure on these. My fav is the peach off the shoulder outfits
Pic 4: travel outfits but im not sure if I’ll bring a pair of jeans. Idk that I need them. Leg warmers might be more useful 🤔.

The other pics:
Some outfit details, alternate combos, and pics of the tights and socks I’m loving. I bought some socks that are sheer on top but have regular sock cloth on bottom for comfort. Also fishnets tights that are super comfy and more breathable than my regular sheer stockings, some with rhinestones.
The last pics are my accessories bag.

Thank you for looking. 48 hrs before we leave so I’m low-key an outfit maniac right now, trying to get it right 🤣

I’m gonna be brave and claim the Siren flair for this post because why not. I’m keeping in mind that wonderful Leo challenge post and going to try and be my most authentic self. ☀️☀️

The last few weeks I felt like I finally had a cool winter style sorted with funky tights, shorts and boots. Then I went and got two leg tattoos in a week and now I can’t wear tights, leggings or tall boots for about a month (facepalm). Of course it’s worth it, I’m just tired of wearing wide leg jeans because I wear them all week at work and they lack the sensuality I need in my style. So this week is a little bit different to my recent outfits, I’m 90% happy with them but also feel something missing.

Slide 1: Leo season creativity. Photography is my main creative outlet, (the other is style). I decided to go on a little photography adventure after my tattoo appointment on Sunday to capture my two favourite sides of the city, the wide boulevards with their stunning architecture and the hidden laneways with their graffiti and grime. I made this little collage of some of my favourites, the juxtaposition of the ornate and the undone.

Slide 2: tattoo fit 1. The fur hoodie blocks the wind very efficiently so was perfect for a typical dreary Melbourne day. New belt purchase to add to my collection of studded belts, specifically to match these shoes and for my black and white outfits in summer. I don’t like the length these jeans sit at and am thinking about adding some contrasting fabric to the ends. Skull ring to match my new skull ice cream cone. I own a tank top with a similar motif which inspired me to get this piece. That shirt is on its last legs but this will last forever. I forgot to add my belt chain to this which made it feel unfinished.

Slide 3: tattoo fit 2. The skirt is comfortable and cosy for lying down for a few hours. I wanted to portray that I’m cool and creative so I chose the well worn zebra jumper. I’d been eyeing this laughing kookaburra tattoo for a while but didn’t like the beer can in the original design. My artist changed it to an alcopop label for me as I’d been wanting a memorial tattoo for my friend but not an overtly obvious one. Guava Cruisers were her absolute favourite.

Slide 4: dog walking outfit. I got three separate compliments on these overalls when I was out, which was lovely. They are super cool. I struggle to style them for winter so took the opportunity of the sun being out. This feels very different for me than what I’ve been wearing recently, lighter and softer, which is perhaps what made me more approachable for comments.

Slide 5: work outfit. I’d wanted to try the red shirt with the burgundy jeans for a while but was worried about it being too “out there” for work (or for my boss’s delicate sensibilities). The Leo lesson of courage helped me to just do it (also the fact I was exhausted from working an event the day before meant I gave less fucks). The colour and shapes combination reminded me of this photo I took the week before in a wasteland 70s style mall that is super aesthetically pleasing in its semi-abandoned state. This outfit would benefit a lot from more jewellery but I couldn’t because of work. I’ll probably do a re-do at some point.

Hi all!

This week we challenge you to re-create and improve an old outfits of yours! We hope to inspire and give a little challenge to get you thinking in a fun way.

Here's the link to a previous challenge post, which will be available until this Wednesday, as always: Leo Season.

We hope you'll enjoy this challenge, and we can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

This week went really well imho. I tried to go a bit beyond my usual comfort level and take u/manicpixiedreamgill suggestion of experimenting with the Icon in addition to the Princess - being more comfortable standing out & a bit more Up in my process.

I think it fits well with this week's challenge! I also bought a leopard cardigan in a bout of temporary insanity - but I hope I can make it work!

So it turns out I get to go see my fav band The Hives again next week. After being sad all summer about not being able to go, I’m now feeling like god’s favorite 🤣🤣

I’m having to do the quickest packing job ever which I’ll probably post about later.
But while I was going through my packing pics I was thinking, mmmm not sure if these white suspenders work or look a little stupid but I have to wear them because it’s The Hives! And it made me laugh thinking about how this is what context, environment, and external inspo means to me on the Left.

I thought it might make you laugh too so here is me and my context. What makes it more funny to me is these pics, the buttons and white suspenders band era, was like 20 years ago. It’s the same guitarist in the pics but like 5 years apart so different hair color. The lore is deep for this outfit haha.

If you’re not familiar with The Hives, they always wear cute little matching outfits (they just like me fr lmao) and they have different eras, outfits to match each album but always black and white. So white suspenders, top hats and tails, mariachi suits, now they’re on light-up suits. Makes it extra fun for me to go to their shows because I feel like if they’re gonna dress up I gotta dress up. Which of course is just the excuse I’m looking for lol.

I do think it super interesting the difference between context, environment, and inspo on the left vs right. Idk if the inspiration is really that different? What do you think? This is external but I guess filtered through me but we all do that I think?