Fantasy vs. Real Lifestyle - ? Style Direction

I was hoping YLF would be able to help me sort a few things out - I just feel that my style direction is changing again, and I'm a bit worried that I'm moving into a fantasy lifestyle sort of a direction. I do realize that my lifestyle is changing again with this stage of work which is more like my future state of work than anything has been before. I don't really do physical exams anymore, I don't really run codes - so those aspects of my work wardrobes are mostly mute.

I think my biggest fashion inspiration (aspiration?) in the last little bit has been Kate M - although I suppose our budgets and lifestyles are completely different! I am a little happy that she is on the scene and a bit older than me, because she will serve as a good inspiration for years to come

I just posted a pic of my last 12 purchases to see if there are any patterns in what I like. I have been trying to find things that are less patterned and easier to mix and match.

It also look like that I have really boring (neutral) colour tones, and I like my pumps! HAHA.

I suppose I am asking permission to go ahead with this style direction change, and that it will work for me - more simple and less pattern, although I think quirky patterns will always have a place in my heart (the bears shirt is a love).

Do I still fit my fashion qualifiers? :p

Thanks for your help!

This post has 12 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I don't think Kate M is a bad style icon to have! I think it is normal at your age to change more quickly...your job has changed and you change too.

Raisin

Veteran

Wait, who is Kate M? Kate Moss, Kate Middleton, someone else? I don't know....

Ok, now that I'm looking at your purchases, I can probably assume it's not Kate Moss right? Lol

Runcarla

I've only been here half a year, but I have read some archival posting.

It seems to me that a lot of times there is either a lot of fussy styling, or folks are all over the place style-wise when they first join. It is just that they are trying to communicate who they are, but they are doing it with a lot of stuff-- bells and whistles, and maybe even costumes. Then there is a swing to minimalism and simple refined lines as folks start to invest in better quality items, but mainly classic pieces. The wardrobe gets purged hard, not just edited, it seems. Everything that gets added after is an essential item, and basic or simple, but refined and better quality that what there was previously.

Once the hair, specs, classic pieces are in place, there is a slow swing back to that persons style persona. But, it is done with confidence and every addition is carefully considered, no matter if it is studded shoes, a colourful bomber, a body con dress, or a fringed purse.

This is just my general observation. It seems you might be doing a simplification as you wrap your mind around the idea that you want a grown up professional wardrobe.

Do keep the youthful joy of the quirky prints, though--in beautiful fabrics, and classic styles.

Sveta

(website)

Permission granted!
I think you are growing up and your style is growing up with you which is a completely normal thing. I see less girly and more lady-like - but still not completely serious you know...
Have fun with your new style direction!

Looks like some refinement to me. Sveta makes some good points. I don't think it's fantasy vs reality as much as a changing life role and maturing into a new style in general.
Incidentally, I sense many of us are steamlining in one way or another in contrast to a few years ago. I remember scarves everywhere and adornment aplenty. I don't see so many scarves anymore. Then again, maybe many subtly are influenced by Angie's latest minimalist tendencies. Ah, I digress . . . I like it, go with it!!

cobaltblue

I am eager to watch this transformation! I've always liked your style and think that you are becoming a more elegant, grown up Dr. lyn*! Who makes the chevron skirt?

lyn*

Thanks! I always find that having too many bits (ALGO) really isn't for me, and I find that having simpler clothing helps in my work too - and that may be why the senior staff wear very neutral and tailored clothes; although I don't think I will be too tailored. Maybe I am feeling a bit better than myself too with all the working out and stuff...

@ Rae - Kate Middleton. HAHA. COULD YOU IMAGINE IF I DRESSED LIKE KATE MOSS? AT WORK? HAHAHAHA.

@ Ceit - Kate M is just an expensive style icon to have - but her love for longer lengths and flared skirts speak to me

@ Carla - I think your'e right; I have gone back and forth from styles a lot, and part of it is a body image issue, but part of it is where I want some fun and awesome patterns and fabrications! My silk skirts I love and kinda rub all day - because they feel so nice :p

@ Sveta - growing up is supposed to be not fun, though!

@ Mo - I had a scarf phase! My mom just recently brought me my big box of scarves and I want nothing to do with most of them!

@ Cobaltblue - The skirt is made by Anthropologie by Meadow Rue (http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....292994.jsp)

Firecracker (Sharan)

These selections seem to fit Romantic Eclectic. Maybe the Retro descriptor is becoming part of the Eclectic element--an occasional touch of retro whimsy. I do see a shift to more elegant and classic, with a young attitude. I'm not sure what to make of Princess. Maybe it should be Duchess? Is that what KM is? I like her as your style icon, seems a good fit with your leanings. You are definitely feminine, with the pumps and defined waists, full skirts, pretty touches of pink. I don't see any drabness among your neutrals; usually they are a backdrop for your lovely colors.

Beth Ann

Permission granted, Lyn! I think the simplification seems like a seeking of balance --- a little bit of playful personality against sleek basics shows to even better effect.

Thanks! Will head to Anthropologie ASAP.

I like it lyn! It looks more elegant and grown up, while still being very ladylike. Permission granted.

Deborah

Permission granted. Watching not only myself (though older posts) but others also, I see that few of us have styles that don't evolve over time predominantly due to lifestyle/work and perhaps maturity etc. I think the direction you are going in is simply a natural evolution. I look forward to being here to see it.

rae

I still see retro elements in the cuts of your clothes, even if you are cutting back on patterns. I like Firecracker's idea that you are becoming a Duchess, esp. with your style icon.

And on that note, I think Kate Middleton is actually a perfect icon for you. You both have a "public" of sorts, you spend time on your feet, and you have similar tastes.

Caro in Oz

I see modern classic with a lot of ladylike & a touch of fun. I also think if we love fashion & style we are always evolving - maybe not as dramatically as we get older but "stylish" has to include some modern imo.

Susie

I see more refinement and more sophistication yet maintaining a hint of whimsy or playfulness and femininity. Your choices appear more ladylike (as opposed to girlish).

Carla, I think your observations are interesting and worthy of a separate post for discussion!

Aziraphale

Who says neutral has to be boring?

rachylou

What Sveta said (!) I am a big Kate Middleton follower, but do hope you will be a little more interesting than her and make a point of keeping some of those prints.

Category