My Style Evolution for 2013

Deborah

Angie's post on evolving our personal style in 2013 got me thinking...

In relation to style goals, on Caro's post a week or so ago I posted that I wanted " to create a real consistency to my style that will remain constant even through my personal style evolution" And then Angie posted this phrase on the blog:

"Combining constancy with change is a prerequisite for my style at the start of each new year and fashion season"

I felt this very adequately expressed my own feelings as we head into 2013...so Angie, with your permission I may "borrow" this statement:)

I feel I am not quite as articulate as some of you lovely ladies in defining your style, but I have been giving this quite a bit of thought, and I am lazing at home in 40 something degree heat, so now seemed like a good time to put pen to paper (so to speak)

I feel I can comfortably identify my base style as Modern Classic. And I think the Modern Classic is at times tempered by arty, trendy and edgy elements. One challenge I have faced from time to time is wanting to be something (stylewise) that I am not. I have a belief that to a large extent our style is inherent. So for example, me trying to look RATE would probably not be particularly successful or genuine as it is not a true reflection of who I am. However, adding a subtle RATE element to my Modern Classic style might look more authentic, and allow me to still feel like 'me'.

YLF has helped me accept who I am style wise, embrace it and celebrate it. Thank You! In considering my style I am happy with it. I believe it reflects my personality and my lifestyle. I don't want to change it, but I do want to keep it fresh so base on these thoughts I have used Angie's blog post as a template for how I see my style evolving in 2013:

In 2013 I will strive to keep the following aspects of my style constant:

Combining the classics with a big dose of modern
Continued accents of Arty, Trendy and the unexpected
A colour palette of black, white, cream, blue, with colour accents
Lady Like
Dressy
Polish
Simplicity
Layering & Texture
Minimal Jewelry, occasional statement pieces
Variation of high and low heeled shoes
Minimal makeup always with a strong lip colour
Manicured Nails - staple colour red
Silver

Changes

Menswear - actual menswear items for Autumn/Winter casual (worn with that Parisian Chic influence.. I hope) Think sweaters and button downs.

Ink Blue: I have already added some but would like more. It is proving a softer and more flattering alternative to black.

Structure: More structured pieces combined with soft elements.

Flat Pointy Toed Footwear: I love how lady like a pointed toe looks, and how it elongates the leg even with a flat or low heel.

Edge: I recognise I am not Avant Garde, but I would love to work on adding more of the unexpected to my Modern Classic outfits.

If you have read this far, you are very sweet. I am documenting this so I can track my progress. The YLF community has been so integral in my style journey and your thoughts, opinions and suggestions are so very valuable to me.

xxx Deborah

11 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Deborah, you say that you're not articulate---but your musings here give the lie to that idea -- and anyway, your amazingly consistent yet evolving style speaks for itself!

The idea that style is somehow inherent -- this is a very interesting one. If that is true, figuring out one's style might be more analogous to sculpture than painting. A chipping away of what is inessential vs. an adding on. I am not sure if that's true of everyone, or of all styles, but it resonates for me and in particular when I think of what I see as your relatively "pure" style. Pure in the sense of consistent and true to itself; the arty or trendy touches always seem to meld so well into your modern classic, partly because your colour palette is quite consistent and partly for other reasons I'm not sure I fully understand (but am avidly studying!)

A similar conversation is going on over on Krish's thread about "cuteness" and age. I have been arguing that "cute" goes against the grain of some people's actual presence, so it isn't simply that we are aged out of cute; some people would never look very good in cute in the first place.

When you say you'd like to add more structure, what do you mean? You already wear a lot of jackets, right? Though I do realize that many of your pieces are quite drapey, too.

11 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Some very interesting thoughts here Deborah - like Suz, I was caught by your statement on style being somehow inherent. I need to mull this over a bit - it's something I have truly never thought of before.

I do like your analysis of your style and think you are spot on with calling it Modern Classic with elements of arty, trendy and edgy. A perfect recipe IMO! I'm thrilled to hear you wanting to add more ink blue as I think the colour is particularly stunning on you and let's hear it for a strong lip colour (says fellow red lipstick wearer!).

I'm very much looking forward to where you head in 2013!

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Very interesting & articulate Deborah (don't ever sell yourself short).
I agree with your assessment of your style it is very consistent - modern classic with an edge imo.

When I read through your goals the things that spring to my mind that may take you in the direction you want without any expensive mistakes (been there) are more monochrome outfits with blues & more texture - maybe in scarves or tops first then if you like it bags/shoes or anything else:) Ignore this if it is off - just random thoughts.

I'm not sure about style being inherent, but I do agree it is a combination of our personalities & shape that determine or restrict our choices.

Can't wait to see where you go with this:)

11 years ago

Anonymous

Deborah, I had to log back in just to comment on your post! You have articulated your style very, very well. Actually when I look at your pictures you seem *very* modern, arty and edgy in the details, but perhaps with a modern classic base which I have to look harder to see. The way that you play with proportions and always add the unexpected touch is what seems particularly new and fresh to me. You are meeting so many of your goals and with such flair. There has to be a way to make summer easier to dress (stylishly) for doesn't there? Could you please figure it all out for me before summer gets here?

But seriously, you already embody Angie's goal to keep constancy but add some newness each season. Carry on!

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

You are such gems to take the time to read my thoughts...thank you.

Suz, I think what I mean when I say inherent is that we often have a natural leaning towards a particular style. When I was 19 and in my first office job, I dressed in a very classic style, in fact I probably dressed older than I was. It was what I was attracted to. However away from work I dressed in a very mod style which I still love but rather than dress 100% in that style I might now add elements or subtle stylings. My hair style is a nod to my love of the 60's but it crosses over and would be regarded as quite modern. As a teen style wise I dabbled in mod and new romantic stylings but even then I think my modern classic leanings were evident in how I wore those looks. At one stage I was quite drawn to the punk aesthetic (my teens were all about the music) but in reality that is not me so I admired from a far. I feel that modern classic has always been there somewhere in my dressing. Regarding more structure, this might be a reaction to all the slouchy looks about at the moment. I do love and wear them but I like them with structured pieces. I think the truth of this statement is that I want more really tailored slim line and structured pants in my wardrobe;)

Shannon and Caro it was good to read that you affirm my style can sometimes have an edge. Edginess in fashion, for me, is such a tricky thing to define. The definition I have developed is edginess = unexpected. I don't want to kid myself that I do edgy like Anna, Cocolion or Una but I hope that I can successfully add to my look in a way that does edge it up.

Caro I agree with your thoughts. In fact shoes have been big on my priority list recently because I think they can make or break an outfit and often just bring it up a notch too.

Claire I really appreciate your thoughts:). When I work out summer dressing you will be the first to know. But seriously where I have got to on summer dressing (for me) so far is this...simple lines, single or one additional layer only, and minimal accessories and because the outfit is so simple things like nails, make up etc i.e. general grooming (I know it's an old fashioned word) need to be spot on. Because you can't wear much YOU really have to WEAR IT...does that make sense?

11 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Deborah, you have a really well honed styled. You are chic. In your best of 2012 outfits there are some outfits I'm dying to copy (but might not have just the right pieces-- which matters). I like your style the way it is. But I understand, that to continue to look fresh and modern and stylish, we need to evolve. Otherwise, we will look dated (unless we develop a uniform and stick to it). I guess I'm just saying, keep doing what you're doing. And yes, I could see a pair of sharp, tailored narrow trousers in your future.

11 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i find your style inspirational.

11 years ago

Anonymous

My tiny phone keyboard doesn't allow me to articulate all that I want to. That, and I suposed to be working lol.

As a lurker but seldom poster, I hope it is not too forward to say I love your style and as bj1111 said, I also find it inspirational. I think I have similiar style tendencies as a result if my upbringing and industry (British parents who were shocked at the lack of school uniforms in Canada, thereby dressing me plainly and conservative banking)

I haven't completly honed my style yet although one difference I do have: I am a magpie
with jewelry but I look forward to your future WIW. I hope to copy a few.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Denise, to think that you would want to copy any of my outfits is a huge compliment. I had you in mind recently when I was trying to put together a warm weather holiday capsule and purchased some high low casual tops;). You know I am an admirer of your style with so much of what you wear and how you wear your pieces really resonating with me.

bj, I'm overwhelmed! You have such a distinct and put together style and some of your recent pants outfits have been very inspiring, particularly the subtly patterned trousers.

A, not too forward at all. Thank you for the encouragement. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your outfits:)

11 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Deborah, from reading the 2013 style direction posts in the last week, I have noticed that the most stylish of the stylish here are the ones who can articulate their own style and style direction the best.
I am concluding that one of the most important aspects of style is knowing your own attributes well, and dressing to celebrate the great parts as best we can.
More importantly, having confidence in our own self-worth and being mindful of those around us will always shine through, as it does with all your (FAB) and thoughtful posts.

11 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think you are less lady like and classic and more avant garde than you realize.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Lyn, thank you! I am blessed by your kind words:). I agree being able to articulate and recognise your style clearly makes a difference, and I have been in awe of Angie, Suz, Claire, Mochi and many others who are able to put pen to paper and really nut out what works for them.

Anna, you have made my day! Confession time....If I aspire to anything it is Avant Garde but at the risk of sounding delusional I tend not to voice it:).

11 years ago

Category