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Honing in on your style using descriptors

Anonymous

Hi there,
I know there was a style descriptors thread posted about a year ago (found it via a search), but I thought I'd resurrect the topic since I find it fascinating and a great way to get to know people.

What are your style descriptors?
Do you find they've helped you make fewer style mistakes?

(i am still making so many mistakes!)

I've come up with a few: Natural, long, lean, and maybe "early-adopter" (and most of these are copied from others and are still aspirational).

Also, do you think a love of leather fits under "natural" or do I need another word?

Dressing

38 replies

Latest reply was from tulle

Staysfit

Veteran

Those are great descriptors so far Smittie! My words are: Soft, Calm, Fresh, Classic, Polished. I include the ideas of Architectural to get at the long, lean, yang like qualities I have, and I include the idea of Ethereal for the color palette that I use. I would say that Architectural/Ethereal are parentheses to my style adjectives. I also have a two word Style Statement which is "Genuine Composed".

It took trial and error to come up with the words and the statement. I think the two word statement is actually the most helpful to me now, because in my mind anything that fits my statement seems to incorporate my adjectives also.

To get some adjectives I made a list of what I thought would be good. I also asked my DD, my DH and some friends for ideas and then I looked for commonality. Then I tried using them for shopping and when a word didn't seem helpful, I looked for another. I went through three or four iterations before settling. I have seen people post a few representative pictures and ask forum members to weigh in. I solicited some help at one point around refining mine.

The Style Statement is from a book by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte with the same title. It has some interesting exercises in the back to help you identify your statement, and it provides a list of potential adjectives which they call foundation words. The idea is that the statement should reflect your overall personality and not just your fashion sense. They suggest it can be used to make many types of life decisions, but I haven't taken it that seriously! :-). However, I still spent a lot of time struggling with this one and am glad I did because I think my statement is a good reflection of my personality.

Anonymous

Ok. Staysfit, I like your idea of asking others about this stuff, because sometimes those close to you know you better than you know yourself sometimes.

I like "ethereal" to describe your colors. They are definitely that, from what I've seen of your wardrobe.

"Genuine composed" seems so very vague to me, and the more specific words (classic, fresh, seem more easy to apply on a shopping trip!

I remember that book from another post, and I'd be interested to know how these personality concepts relate back to wardrobe. I'll check it out.

I've been putting a real effort into my wardrobe for the past 2 years, because the kids are in school full time now and I'm in a better position financially to afford experimenting with clothing. Progress is slow though

Figuring out what looks good on you, and what you like, is a real project, isn't it? Fun!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Colorful, Feminine, Boho,Sassy, Maximal

Helena

Veteran

Hi Smittie, I think those are great words, and it's a good idea to have something aspirational in there. I think a descriptor incorporating your love of leather depends on the styling of the leather - natural brings to mind well-worn leather in rich colors and comfortable pieces; another person's leather might be edgy - black, with zippers and sharp edges (terrible description, but you get me).

I did the Style Statement book too and it was an interesting exercise - but the descriptors I use now are CPC - casual polished classic - and I came up with these by talking it out right here on the forum I think - don't overthink it - go with your instincts and give them a whirl. You can always refine them if/as needed. Good luck and have fun with it!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree to go with your gut and don't force anything. I'm a natural, classic, with a bit of feminine tomboy I think. I feel my best in interesting tee shirts and jeans with some jewelry and more feminine shoes. My hair is long and wavy so that also adds the feminine to me. I have to work harder at wearing anything slightly dressed up since I so rarely need to dress up and feel a bit in costume when I do. I feel best when the dressed up items are classic, simple and neutral colors in natural fabrics and flattering, but not clinging fits.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I struggle with this. Bold, colorful, feminine, and modern are the ones I use. But I don't think I hit every single one of these words in every outfit - is that ok, I wonder?

Anonymous

Mine is classic and casual. I like clothes that defy time and are always in style, but I love comfort more.

Kirstjen

Veteran

My style descriptors: tough, architectural, sleek, colorful, downtown, edgy, modern

I'm not: girly, sexy, neutral, boho, uptown, ladylike, retro, ethereal

As for leather, I think it could be "natural" but it could also be tough, edgy. It kind of depends on the way you style it. Sort of like plaid can be classic & very ladylike, but it could also be London punk.

tulle

Veteran

Thanks, Smittie, for bringing this up for discussion! I've been struggling WAY too long with these descriptors, and something Angie told a YLF member recently (something like, "It's important to figure out your style aspirations first, and the rest will follow,") has been sticking in my brain. So far, I've been better at figuring out what I am NOT than what I am. The Style Statement book made me want to bang my head against the wall, and if it hadn't been on my beloved Kindle, I would have thrown it across the room.

You've made a great start, I think, and I second Torontogirl's thoughts on the various qualities of leather. The word that pops into mind when I see long, lean, natural, early-adopter, and leather together is "coltish." Does that feel like you?

Astrid

Veteran

Mine are simple, feminine, grounded. Not sure if they still fit though - I had a bit of a style shift or still am in the middle of one. Maybe these terms need something added to them. But I never used them much anyway, just sometimes for shopping. I found they helped me focus when I was trying on things. But I never think of them when I am creating outfits. I think I'm going more with my gut feeling these days.

J.J.

Kirstjen, your 'what I am' and 'what I'm not' lists are great-- I hadn't considered the 'what I'm not' but that's almost more helpful, I think (though maybe once I do that, I'll agree with Tulle and just get re-frustrated). I keep thinking 'basic'- but that has such a terrible connotation! I think I mean 'simple,' not 'basic,' but that keeps popping into my head. I like solid color pants (or jeans), slung sort-of low, with a solid color shirt, and bright/interesting necklaces or scarfs. Jewel tones, mostly. I don't know what that adds up to, though! As always, thanks everyone!

Anonymous

I just bumped my thread from 3 months ago so you can read some of the comments and thought processes involved in coming up with a personal style descriptor.

Anonymous

this is one of those subjects that goes right over my head (I understand it of course, but can't figure out its usefulness)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

For the last four years, mine have been: Modern, Crisp, Bold, Dressy and Simple.

But this year I changed the Bold to Soft.

So we now have: Modern, Crisp, Soft, Dressy and Simple.

Joy

Veteran

I have found my style descriptor very helpful when shopping or editing. It isn't written in stone and can be changed.
I used CLASS ( Classic, Ladylike, Accessorized, Structure, Surprise element)
Angie called my style goal Elegant Eclectic. I also saw Casual Creative Classic as a possibility.
When I consider buying something, I try to remember to ask myself if it will move me closer to Elegant Eclectic (mostly in a casual way for lifestyle).
Think more about where you would like to go with your style than what you are now. That will help you evolve.

tulle

Veteran

Joy, an acronym--how clever! And how fitting. I'm giving myself a time limit for narrowing these descriptors down--but that's the problem: narrowing. Diana Vreeland said "Elegance is refusal," and thus I fail at elegance. Things just seems so appealing, until they arrive at home and look so wrong.

Sal

Veteran

I chose Everyday Elegance...and I try to remember this in case I lean too hard on the casual/scruffy side.....I like my looks to have an easiness about them that is not too perfect.

I don't always achieve it but it is broad enough for me, it incorporates the main aspects of my style which I can mix up. A bit sporty sometimes, a bit retro sometimes, sometimes more classic.

Smittie, your desciptors sound good. It only really has to make sense to you, so if it assists with your choice of clothing and with developing a style that is wonderful.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I've used Urban Bohemian a lot. My vision of bohemian is NOT hippie though. The combination allows me to go in a darker, tougher direction. I've also been using Tomboy Rocker lately. They feel similar enough to me to coexist in my closet with a ton of overlap.

I am absolutely not: ladylike, dressy or bombshell.

Anonymous

torontogirl: ok, I won't overthink. I just think I'm missing a word in there somewhere, but maybe it'll come.

texstyle: I'm with you, I like to keep things simple when I dress up and feel more comfortable that way.

milehighstyle: I'm not sure whether you're supposed to hit all your words in every outfit, but maybe there should be a priority order in the words? For example, it's more important for me (at least this year) to hit the 'long and lean' factor than the 'fashion forward' factor.

kirstyen: 'tough' is a strong word! What do you mean by tough? I love 'downtown' . I guess that's sort of what you might see in street style pics on the Internet?

tulle: What styles are you not? I got the Style Statement book from the library yesterday and found it to be too much for me...not prescriptive enough for me.

astrid: "

simple, feminine, grounded " --> that is definitely how I'd describe your style based on the looks you recently posted!

J.J: I'm not sure whether jewel tones with jeans and accessories is necessarily a simple look. Maybe you're just 'keeping it simple' by keeping your pants the same across different looks?

betteycrocker: Yes, I had a look at your thread. I guess this topic comes up a lot more than I thought. Doh!

lisap: I know, I know, the notion of 'style descriptors' is a bit wishy-washy I agree. BUT, if I go into a changing room with a bunch of polyester tops and think 'natural' then I'm less likely to buy those tops, which is a good thing - I *know* I don't like synthetics but I always seem to get sucked into buying them at Lululemon. I guess another thing is, if I have aspirational words like 'fashion forward' I'll be less likely to buy the simple grey shirt that I've always bought for the past 20 years. In other words, it will help me to get out of a style rut....I'm hoping anyway

angie: I'm surprised you said 'soft', because the last few outfits you posted still seem quite bold. Maybe the fabrics are softer?

kiwigal: yes, I think I'm might usurp 'elegance'. I tend to get scruffy too (because there is not much impetus for me to dress up) and 'elegance' is a good way to sort of, force myself to step it up a little. Good luck with your renos, btw. I just did a kitchen reno myself, last year (knocked out a load bearing wall! A 1950's house so new enough house that there weren't too many issues. My brother lives in NZ and says that no d/w and dryer is typical!)

desmo april: I think I might be a boho rocker as well! I'll be interested to see some of your looks.

Susie

Veteran

I think you have a good start. This was something I struggled with at first and it took a while to get it down to a few words. I started with lists of things that I like and a list of things I don't. The don't was especially helpful in narrowing my focus.

Then a while later I settled on these words:

Relaxed - casual, comfortable, approachable
Uncomplicated- unfussy, simple, minimal, uncontrived
Modern- current, fresh, some trends, contemporary
Interesting- has texture/shine/pattern or interesting lines or drape, not boring or dowdy, not overly classic, a bit different

I can't say that these descriptors saved me from purchasing mistakes, because I'm likely to be drawn to things that fit them.

Honing in on the silhouettes I want to wear and limiting the colors I buy were especially helpful in building a cohesive wardrobe that works well and feels like me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Great discussion and always worth revisiting this concept for ourselves.

Angie has some great blog posts about this in the archives. Worth reading the comments threads on those as well. Forum member Aida came up with a highly analytic list of questions to ask yourself/ categories to help narrow down your preferred style. She had one category called "elements of love" -- to name those "sugar-eye" features that you gravitate towards again and again. (For me, it would be chelsea boots -- whether they are "hot" or not, I love 'em! For LisaP, it would be scarves and jewellery. These items might become part of a signature style.) That was a useful tool.

Listing "what my style is not" can be easier -- I know I found it so. My style is not: bombshell or overtly sexy; hard-edge; frilly or girly; boho.

But I still find the 3 or 5 adjectives thing tricky. I mean, is "urban" "hard-edged." Or is it "black." Or is it clean lined and architectural? Or is it steampunk? You can take any of the adjectives in so many ways.

I can't remember the five I came up with for myself, but they weren't especially helpful. What really made a difference, for me, was the style persona. Angie dubbed me an "urban prince" and all of a sudden everything fell into place. Why? Maybe because a persona is more dynamic and flexible. And I really did (for a while) ask myself as I headed into a dressing room: Is this what an urban prince would wear? If not, back it went.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I've struggled with descriptors for myself. I get all keen to come up with some, then get sidetracked. Some days I think it's important, others I don't. But the bottom line is that I would like to have some, and maybe I'll put some thought into it again. Esp as I feel I'm arriving at a style that I'm happy with, whatever it is!

Linda

I've been thinking about my descriptors for several months now, and think I have finally come up with three. Classic, polished, and minimal. Maybe by minimal, I mean simple. I'll have to think about that!

rachylou

Veteran

I was just wondering if it was time to revisit this question!

re. leather: I think it fits Natural when done a certain way. Has to be a little RATE. If slick or Japanese bike aficionado, it's not Natural but Urban, Anime, Futuristic, etc.

Anyhoo, my Style Statement is Contemporary Beauty. (I did the consultation with Carrie and Danielle before the book came out.) It's accurate, but a bit hard for me to work with. It's what I do, but not what I do to do what I do... hehe, if you can parse that!

My YLF Style Persona is Quirky Waif. The persona has been a much easier tool for me to work with. It's intuitive. It leaves room to play. All you have to do is be yourself and let the spirit carry you. I do running themes inside Quirky Waif. Quirky Waif has many faces (like Eve, *evil cackle*). I had my Put A Bird On It phase (cutesy hipster). For maybe as long as a year now, I've been working on Country Punk Goes To The Office - not that I've hit it often. I have these Italian In A French New Wave Kinda Way moments. And then there's Minimalist Milkmaid when I've browsed La Garconne too long.

Anyways, I desperately need to work out a Summer Country Punk look... I think this needs to include, somehow, light wash denim, plaid patchwork, eyelet, and white scallop trim... No idea how to make these things look professional...

AJ

Veteran

Mine are casual, feminine, and fun. Casual to remind me not buy for my fantasy life. Feminine because I am not much for the androgenous looks. Fun usually means I add a dose of print, color, or a fun silhouette (i.e. swing dress). It's simple, but it works for me.

shedev

Veteran

This is timely, as I'm doing a closet edit that reflects my current style direction. I do find my persona, Asphalt Angel, to be much more helpful than descriptors. My descriptors would be

dystopian- integrates old descriptors of gritty and alternative

Hard edge with soft drape

texture,

Ginkgo

Veteran

My descriptors are "casual elegance, everyday". The "everyday" means both that I should exert myself a little bit everyday so that I don't fall into the baggy jeans, t-shirt, clunky shoes rut, and also than when I'm considering buying an item I stop to think is this something I can wear in my real, everyday life. This has worked well for me, it doesn't matter if other people don't understand the meaning, it only has to be clear to me.

Also, a few times I've fallen in love with a piece of dramatic clothing and then felt too self conscious to actually wear it. So, the everyday descriptor also asks me "are you really going to wear this?"

I found it useful to look at my favorite pinterest style boards and see what words they used.

gryffin

Veteran

I find touchstones very helpful. I have used style statement and chose the words : Enduring Classic - which really sums up what I like but didn't really give me a direction. For more than 20 yrs my mantra has been: Classic, Elegant, Timeless, Understated and Unique. I also summed up my statements pieces as the 5 B's - Bob, Blazers, Black, Booties, Belts. I found these statements helpful but they did not give me clarity or real direction. Then I was replying to a post and tossed off "Princess of Darkness here." The subconscious is a wonderful thing. I now modify this as "P-POD" or Profession Princess of Darkness. This phrase conjures up images that really keep me on track - classic, ladylike, professional working girl, formal, black, minimal, elegant with an edge but always in a refined and polished way. Now when I look at a potential purchase, trend, style I can literally ask myself, "Is that what a P-POD wears?" May sound weird but that one off-hand comment has done more to clarify my style to me than anything else!! Sometimes it pays not to think too hard!!

Nebraskim

Veteran

My descriptors are classic, preppy, collegiate, crisp, casual. I worked in academia for close to 30 years, so that's where the "collegiate" comes from, although "academic" might also apply. I love a hard crease and well-ironed clothing. I love tartan plaid, wool and cotton. But I also am casual in nature so while I might love a 3 piece suit, I would never wear all the pieces at the same time and would mix items together in unexpected ways. I do find that those descriptors have been helpful in sharpening my style. Now that I am not working in an office, my style is becoming a little more casual, but I still prefer the preppy over the pretty; and the classic over the trendy.

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