Now, I *can* do this one!
my style is not~
bohemian
arty
provocative
grunge
RATE
ALGO
romantic
maximal

This one’s easier! There are so many things that apply. I’m not:
-bohemian/granola/crunchy
-cutesy
-maximal
-pristine
-slick/sharp
-ladylike
-prairie/country
-animal print (whatever style that falls under… glam?)
-emo
-hipster

What is “maximal”?!

Yep – you’re right Angie – this one is easier: I’m not:

- bohemian
- country
- RATE
- ALGO
- bombshell
- UWP

@ Teri – Think of maximal as the opposite of minimal.

Hmm…for me not:
- Cutesy
- minimalist
- bombshell
- country
- grunge
- romantic
- tomboy

I’m don’t feel

preppy
glam
maximal
boho
UWP

I missed this morning’s one, but this one is easier anyway…

Starting from the top (the one that feels least ‘right’ for me):

Country
Maximal
Preppy
Romantic
Bohemian

Love this Angie! I could probably write pages on this lol!

What I actually find really interesting is when it triggers a “not this, but this”.

So I’m DEFINITELY not bohemian in an earthy-purple skirt-type way, but I love me some Seventies boho chic.

I’m not ALGO – but I want to learn what to add to lift my outfits from plain to elegant simplicity.

I’m not utilitarian – but I want to balance my desire for figure flattery with honouring kinaesthetic needs, wearing clothes I could run or even climb in.

I’m not whimsical – I don’t want to wear a cute owl print for example. I used to – I had a Hello Kitty dress, necklace of plastic apples, etc. I find these days, such whimsy is not as unexpected as it used to be, and it also disrupts my need for a streamlined look. But I’m also not cookie cutter. So I want to retain a whimsical flavour in an abstract way, rather than the direct coding of prints and jewellery; through silhouette like an exaggerated A-line perhaps, or a playful stripe combination. So yeah, I’m not whimsical, but I am playful. (I’ll keep the vintage kewpie dolls etc for my mantlepiece rather than for wearing. )

I missed the last conversation in defining what your style is, but I live in the Modern Classic world, and it feels like a second skin.

I don’t aspire to:

Bombshell
Maximal
Romantic
Earthy
Arty
RATE

Although I can (and do) admire these styles on others:)

I am currently not aspiring too:

-Bombshell
-ALGO
-UWP
-Exotic
-Funky
-Punk
-Whimsical

I’m tackling the not-define before I even attempt the define. So, I am sure I don’t want to be overly (or the slightest bit):

preppy
butch
ladylike
prim
goth
rocker chick
hippie
bombshell
mutton dressed as lamb

Maybe this will be easier than this morning’s exercise. I think part of my problem is not having a big fashion vocabulary.

I don’t aspire to be: trendy, maximally accessorized, funky, androgenous, dressy.

The thing is, there are exceptions to most of the ones I thought of at first. I don’t want to be dressy, but of course sometimes there are dressy occasions. Romantic isn’t a vibe I aspire to, but I do like to be really feminine from time to time.

Yes, this is easier:

I do not aspire to a style that is:

preppy
country
glam
maximal
boho
UWP
tomboy

haha fun! a great way to narrow down style more.

As for me, I do not aspire to these styles:
–country
–sporty
–funky urbanite
–nautical
–goth/emo

NOT:

Bombshell
Boho
Sporty (except for workouts and sports)
Rocker chick
Prim

Everyone else is right – this exercise is easier than the last! I do not aspire to be:
preppy
buttoned-up
classic
sporty
sexy
neutral
grunge

Hmm..this one is hard for me actually because i feel i borrow elements from a lot of styles…i would say i am not:

Western
Bombshell
Minimal
Prim

Oh i thought of one more: androgynous

Not:
Maximal or ALGO
Bombshell
Glam
UWP or rocker
Classic

My style is Not :
Butch
tomboy
ALGO
Loud
UWP
sporty
boho
punk
grunge
cluttered
relaxed/casual
I am obviously quite aware of how I don’t dress

I’m still thinking on my adjectives for this morning, but this is easier and helps. I’m not Bohemian/Hipster
Sexy/Bombshell
Casual/Sporty/Gear
Western/Prairie/Country
Edgy/UWP/RATE
Glam/Dramatic
Rocker Chic/Punk/Grunge
Romantic/Sweet/Ditsy floral

Although I don’t feel these are my style, there are elements I like at times:
Earthy: love a leaf theme in jewelry or prints
Androgynous: like pinstripes, oxfords, button-down shirts, blazers
Ethnic: some fabrics, prints and jewelry
Military: like pea coats, French sailor tees
Vintage: just a touch sometimes, usually with accessories

I’m not yet Minimal but moving away from Maximal.

I am not:

ladylike
buttoned-up
bombshell
preppy

Hmmm…this is actually NOT that easy for me, I think because I still have twinges of wanting try styles that I like on others, even tho I know they don’t work for me. I don’t want to “give up” on something for fear I might be “missing out”. Does that make any sense? Having said that, I know that I don’t strive for:

UWP
bombshell

I also know that I’ll never bat for Team Too Dressy or Team Heels

OK, here’s what my style is NOT:

Bombshell/Sexy
Girly/Romantic
Preppy
Retro
Maximal
Glam
Edgy ( although I’d like to reserve the right to try a little edge…maybe…someday!)

I am definitely not:

Bohemian/70s
Bombshell
California Casual
Earthy/Natural/Country
Edgy
Global/Tribal/World/Ethnic
Goth/Punk
Grunge
Masculine
Military
Mod
Rock N’ Roll
Southwest/Western/Cowboy
Sporty/Casual (except for cycling & yoga workout wear)

Well, I like a little bit of each and every style, but I know they don’t all look that great on my, so . . . I am currently NOT aspiring for:

classic
glamour
bombshell
steampunk
prairie girl
Mod
earthy
Preppy
Bohemian

Gosh, this one is REALLY hard for me! A lot harder than defining what my style is! I want to try everything so I feel like it’s really hard to come up with a list of “prohibitions”. I am quite schizophrenic. Boho? Punk? Mod? Military? Euro? Girly? Sexy? Sure, bring it on! I love it all and I’ll try anything! I even have a plaid Western shirt so I can’t even add Western to the “no” list! LOL!

I would say I am trying not to be:
Modern classic (even if I do wear these outfits, I hate the term!)
Drab/neutral (trying to avoid beige and pastels)
Boring (I try to avoid this more than anything! That’s why I’m always trying to add a twist to the classic pieces!)
Plain/simple
Diva glam/blingy (as opposed to retro glam which I love!)
Showy/overtly sexy (subtly sexy is fine though!)
Status-conscious (ie obvious logos like Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chanel, etc.)
Androgynous/Tomboy
Preppy
Sporty

I am also not currently RATE or UWP but would like to inject more of that into my style. Also I said in the other thread that I wanted to be minimal. Well, that is not true. I wanted to be a little more minimal than I have been. But not completely Minimal! That’s no fun for me!

After writing this post I am wondering if I’m treating getting dressed like a big costume party. What persona do I feel like being today? LOL!

Well, I’m not
tomboy,
wallflower,
neutral,
bohemian,
classic,
diva blingy,
jeans&Tee
What I am, is still somewhat unclear to me.

This is like style spring cleaning!

I am not:
- punk
- bombshell
- androgynous
- all over boho

This is easier!
I’m not:

•Maximal
•Rough Around The Edges (RATE)
•Androgybous
•Tomboy
•Punk

I am definitely not:

business formal
polished
country
motherly (I’m thinking of the ladies who wear pastel couch florals and “world’s best mom/grandma sweatshirts at the office, here)
girlish/childlike
sexy/bombshell
minimalist
neutral

I reserve the right to be boho, military, steampunk, tribal, androgynous, rock and roll, street thug, romantic, or to dress as if inspired by Adam Ant, Jane Wiedlin, or Mark Wahlberg. But most days I am not those things.

This exercise is equally challenging as the first one.
I have a few adjectives for each group, and will think more on this subject.

However, I agree with Jenny’s comment —

It’s difficult to ascribe to the different styles, because of not understanding the fashion vocabulary.
Does this make sense?

In other words, since following this blog for several months, I still have to “google” fashion terms, i.e., Bohemian, preppy, and yes, even classic.

Then, the definitions of other websites and/or dictionaries may not be what others think here.

I have to ask YLF what the term, ALGO and RATE, means.
So, IMO, it would be helpful if there were some adjectives to describe the different styles mentioned here — like, earthy, bombshell, UPW.

Angie, I want you to know I’m taking your homework assignments very seriously! After agonizing about this for a while, here’s my take on what I *don’t* aspire to style-wise:

trendy fashionista
sexy/bombshell
mod
RATE
goth/punk/UWP
rocker/biker
calico country/old fashioned
vintage/retro
grunge/gritty street style
combat/camo anything
masculine
neon/flourescent/garish colors
neither minimal nor maximal

I have the same problems as some others because my fashion vocabularly is so limited. I’m not:

Bohemian
Arty
Southwestern
RATE
Maximal
Punk/grunge/goth
Cutesy

I actually think this is *harder* than the other exercise. I really don’t want to rule out anything. Perhaps that’s a sign that my tastes are too eclectic?

I’m not:

Sloppy
Athletic
Cutesy
Labeled (i.e. I don’t wear brands/designers for the status…I would wear them because they’re nice things. I don’t want logos prominently printed on t-shirts, bags, etc.)

LOVE this post! Actually, it really made me do some thinking about what I buy in stores. I am definitely NOT romantic, bohemian, preppy or arty. Yet, every once in a while, I find myself looking at clothing that’s flowy, unstructured, flowery, ruffled, lacy, etc. These are all things that really don’t fit with my style. I buy them, bring them home, and then never ever wear them.

I think that the next time I shop I am going to think more about what I’m NOT than what I AM.

Preppy
conservative
businesslike
androgynous
overdone (maximal?)
western/prarie
club kid
vintage/rockabilly
outdoorsy(a la Maine catalogs)

Yeah, this is easier. I’m not nor do I want to look:

crisp
minimalistic
shiny clubby glam
tomboyish
preppy
Real Housewife of Wherever

I do not share what seems to be the general aversion to earthy, boho, retro, or steampunk, whether or not those actually describe my actual daily style.

I’m so into categorizing, my mother always comments on it, it’s amazing how completely I wilt when it comes to fashion categories and myself. But I will give it a try:

serene (i.e., Grace Kelly cool & classic)
ghetto fab (tho I kick myself for not getting this bell-sleeved Akademiks sweater years ago)
surfer chick
cyber grrl
Big Rich Texas (à la the show – bottle blond ringlets and alien face)
Jerseylicious (à la the other show)
The New Matron (embodied by Jane Fonda now)
Not Quite Junior League (embodied by Elizabeth Hasslebeck – cute as she is, I think she qualifies for ‘tasteful, not stylish’; actually, I’d put Stacy London and Gwyneth Paltrow in this category too, even tho they’re both ‘too ethnic’)
Political Wife
bombshell/pin-up girl
biker chick
asphalt angel
urban cowgirl
touch-my-snake-cult chic (white blouses with peter pan collars, light blue pinafores, lace anklet socks, and heart applique sweatshirts in royal blue when it gets cold)
casino chic

OMG. Rachylou’s list is the best ever. think “political wife” describes the ultimate in my anti-style.

Hahahahaha! I am laughing so hard at Rachylou’s list! The New Matron – hilarious! Not Quite Jr. League – LOVE it! Thanks for the laughs Rachylou – and I think you’re right on in your assessments!

Rhacylou, what is cyber grll style?:)

All I know for sure right now is that I don’t want to fall into the trap off being TJMaxximal – buying lots of things that aren’t quite right just because they are cheap!

Ladies, I’ve clearly been missing too many conversations. What is ALGO? UWP? (I’m glad Angie included the definition for RATE, the meaning of which I also always wondered about…) I guess there is a need for aYLF glossary…

Okay, my style is not:
- bohemian
- earthy
- romantic
- classic [though I enjoy mixing a classic element with a trendy piece; but my overall look is decidedly not classic]
- elegant
- high fashion
- brand oriented
- neutral
- sporty
- preppy

It’s been interesting, and hilarious reading these. Your style descriptions are creative and cut straight to the chase!

Antje, ALGO means “A Lot Going On”, and UWP means “Urban Warrior Princess”.

Thx, Linda & Marley. I *do* work on my categorizing, LOL. But seriously, this stuff is daunting! I don’t know how Angie does it so effortlessly.

Anya, when I think of cyber grrl style, I think of punk + biker chick + anime. A little bit like the movie *Sucker Punch,* only tougher. Motorcycle boots, said motorcycle, sailor skirt over your leathers, and some hair clips that make you look like you have plastic kitty ears (http://www.xinxingshop.us/product_805.html).

Rachy, you have a way with words and are a very amusing and eloquent writer! (Thanks for the compliment).

Ok, this is much more doable for me than the previous lists were. I get all tied up in knots trying to give my style a name, but saying what I am NOT should be easier. Here goes, my style persona is NOT:
- minimal
- nor maximal (hmmm…)
- romantic
- girly girl
- elegant
- arty
- grungy
- outdoorsy/LL Beany
- earthy
- preppy
- classic
- buttoned up
- designer conscious

This helps me get a bit closer to what my style is, but only vaguely:
- dressy casual (is that possible? I mean casual, but neat and tidy)
- form-fitting (not sexy as in cleavage – haven’t got any! – but a definite tendency to body-hugging outfits)
- colorful
- somewhat trendy

Sometimes with elements of:
- rocker chic
- occasional touches of western wear

What would you call someone who likes to wear jeans with high heel booties and a blazer, or a pencil skirt with form-fitting blouse and slim sweater???

Not:

Complicated/ALGO
uncomfortable
constricting/itchy
country ginham
cute
blingy
boho

That was fun!

How did I miss this? And is there a difference between what we are not and what we aspire to?

I am not and do not aspire to be:

country
cutesy
girly
sporty
classic
bombshell
prim
conservative

I am not but sometimes aspire to be:

polished
minimal
alternatively, maximal
sexy
elegant

Your welcome, Angie. I really have no idea how you do it. After a little bit, I go cross-eyed and have a brain melt down and no longer know what I’m talking about…

***
Saretta – I call that Urban Individualist

I missed this, too! What I am NOT:

Bohemian
Bombshell
Country girly
EMO
Maximal/ALGO
RATE
Romantic

I think it’s time Rachylou hit the YLF Comedy Store/Laugh Factory circuit, too!

XO,

“Chameleon Chic” (after Angie’s style persona post yesterday about chameleon integrity as part of one’s style).

Urban Individualist? Hmm, I’ll have to mull that one over for a while… Thanks Rachylou!

Love Fruitful’s approach on this exercise, and feel much like her in terms of “Not this but…”

And I find JennyAnne has a point about vocabulary. For ex. I think I know what one means by “Romantic” but how to separate it from “Bohemian” or even “70′s”? RATE and ALGO appear to me as more of mistakes than styles per say… or am I wrong? Anyway I appreciated the above comments where the words were illustrated with a small explanation. I will try to do the same.

I do not aspire to:

- Ladylike: in the sense, too made up, too stiff, constrained, high-heels-and-nylons, corporate, very made up, using hairspray, evident lipstick, noisy jewellery. BUT I like well cared for hands and nails, some makeup, well maintained hair, attention to details, I appreciate how heels can give oomph to an outfit.

- Maximal: as in too much of anything, as I am going for the “less is more” philosophy in general in my life. And as in: too loud, too big, because I am petite and tend to disappear easily. Maximal hides me. BUT I like a little bit of drama in what I wear.

- Preppy: as in: penny in the loafer, polo collars, boxy square boyish sweaters with a brand tag well in evidence, squarish haircut, Ivy League… BUT I like Ralf Lauren in general, I find wearing a sleeveless sweater over a blouse interesting and cool, and I envy the women who have enough hair to wear a long bob elegantly. I also like strings of pearls.

It’s funny how for some people it’s easier to say what they ARE, but I have an easier time saying what I’m not.

Rachylou’s descriptions are the funniest ever, evn if I don’t know all the celebrity references!

What I’m not:
Girly, frilly, floral
Prim, proper, stiff
Demure
Preppy
RATE
Bohemian, romantic
Retro
Provocative
Maximal
Trendy

Maybe after doing this exercise it will be easier to come up with what I *am*. Whether I can distill it down to 2 or 3 words I don’t know, but I’m going to try.

I can’t believe I missed this!

I don’t feel:

maximal
bombshell (although sometimes I like to dress up and do lady-like)
arty (as in, how Sal does it)

I really like mixing in contrasting styles to my core style (casual, minimal, bold, edgy). For example — Boho, Glam, Ladylike and Classic (preppy) are all themes I like to work into my look from time to time.

I do not want to be:

bohemian
western/country
grunge
punk/goth/rock
cute/girly
trendy
maximal/ALGO
androgenous
sporty
vintage/retro
businesslike

These are not my style goals, but they are allowed to be part of my style in *very* small doses.

arty
romantic
exotic/global/world
animal print
bombshell
preppy
sexy
minimal

I am not:

maximal
androgenous
cute/girly/Anthro/ruffly
preppy (was in college, no more!)
hip hop/clubby
overly trendy
ALGO

This is harder than I thought!

What I’m not …

sporty
country
grunge
tomboy
hoochie (as in hoochie mama)

Huh, I totally missed this, but I want to play along as well!

Here are some things that I don’t aspire to:

- trendy or designer
- western or country
- glam, bling, or hip-hop
- minimalistic
- androgynous
- ALGO
- juvenile or cutesy, cosplay
- prim, polished, ladylike
- sporty/nautical/preppy (except when actually engaged in sports!)
- retro (as in 80s)
- romantic, boho, or hippie

Some things that do resonate with me, on the other hand:

- rock/punk/goth/edgy
- RATE/UWP in small doses
- steampunk (not that I ever wear it, it just looks cool!)
- authoritative and powerful, but relaxed at the same time
- streamlined, crisp, practical
- small amounts of bombshell and 30s-50s vintage, perhaps a tiny bit of rockabilly
- alluring (but not “hot”)
- balanced (vs. minimal or maximal)
- modern (but not artsy)

Although I don’t actually dress in these ways much at all, it seems. Maybe I just need to pick one style persona and start working on coming up with outfits to match it.