Ways to bring in some "edge"? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ways to bring in some "edge"?

JewelryGirl

Ok, I've seen this commented on various threads about people wanting to bring more "edge" to their outfits. So, I thought it might be fun to start a post with ideas on how to do that. Here's some that I do or have seen on others that make me think of this for example...

~ animal prints (obvious one through a belt, or shoes, cami, etc.)
~ skinny biker belt (you know the little studs), I picked one up this weekend & today am wearing it with black pants (almost look like a cigarette pant on me I guess, white cami, cream tank with a little detail, gray BR jacket, black pointy toe pumps
~ different colored or pattern slip under a dress (read this on a couple of other blogs) - oh what fun this one sounds like I actually picked up one yesterday - haven't made my final decision yet as this isn't something I typically wear. Sounds fun though!!
~ fun specs (I think of Angie & others here)
~ unexpected combo's (biker jacket with pearls - Angie again)
~ something unexpected or new for you, this can feel quite edgy depending on what style you are used to
~ a great pair of heels that I can walk anywhere in (sounds simple but it's doing it for me lately)
~ knotted long pearls (Shiny does this, it's retro but feels edgy to me as well)
~ pulling off something like DH's belt with an outfit (Angie did this on her global challenge)

These are things that come to mind for me. I realize everyone may feel differently but what else? What does it for you that I haven't listed? Or, what have you seen that seems a little "edgy" that you're thinking of trying?

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

JewelryGirl

Hwo could I forget the obvious one's for me!

~ Leather & oxydized silver jewelry
~ Black mixed in

Inge

(website)

Hmm, let me think:

- "tough looking" riding style boots or biker boots with skirts and frocks
- 20 eyelet Dr. Martens boots
- waistcoats
- an androgynous outfit with one feminine accent, e.g. a floral pin
- some of the layered necklaces we're starting to see in stores right now
- blazer + boyfriend cardigan over a blouse or shirt: especially the combination of different patterns, textures and lengths, I quite like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults
...

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Hee, looking at this list I realize I have the most un-edgy style possible! I think the most I could do and feel comfortable in would be red Converse. LOL!

Vani

Veteran

I am naturally inclined to a lot of things on these two lists. I've always felt most comfortable in edgy, industrial, urban styles than classic, though I love classic styles too. I have a natural affinity for moto vests, military jackets, oxidised jewelry (have tons), androgynous outfits, docs etc. Thanks to my insecurities, I have only subtle or not so effective so far. But I am learning from some the queens of edge here

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hmmmm. How does one define “edge”. This is interesting. You have a nice list going so far.

Unexpected combinations is top of my list when it comes to describing edge. The looks are what I call “lateral”. And it’s not just about clothing. It’s a package deal. For some people it comes absolutely naturally.

I feel the need to say that looking “edgy” is NOT a style prerequisite. It makes most sense when it matches someone’s personality. It can look totally wrong when it doesn’t. And a totally un-edgy style is fabulous too. Most YLF’ers LOVE Jennifer Aniston’s style and she is very un-edgy. Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly were also un-edgy and they were just about the most stylish women who ever lived. Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet – all very stylish women with un-edgy styles.

On the other hand, Coco Chanel – very edgy. She totally defied the fashion odds of her time. Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, Cate Blanchette, Tilda Swinton and Vera Wang, all very edgy women. Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz can have edgy elements to their style too, but not always.

Anyway! I just want to reiterate that if you DON’T have an edgy element to your style and you don’t want one – that can be killer too. Something to chew on.

julijuli

Angie - I think you've hit the nail on the head - what I am looking for is not necessarily 'edgy' in terms of 'tough' or 'androgyneous' but instead I like an unexpected touch. If you look at Michelle Obama's style, she frequently adds something a little unexpected such as an ornate brooch, a fabulous belt or a mixture of patterns but she remains classic in the overall style. I really like that kind of 'edge' which may in fact not be edgy at all!

cciele

Veteran

I'm all about edgy, and Angie succinctly defines how I view edge: the introduction of the unexpected. Something out of the "norm," whatever that might be in your community. Color, pattern, fabric, style -- any unexpected combo of these can be edgy. It can be a subtle, subversive edgy, or an over-the-top, exuberant edgy.

Ele

(website)

Hmm, I think what a lot of people are calling "edgy" is more what I think of as "quirky", or eclectic. For me, edgy means tough. Black, leather, super-high ankle boots, biker, rocker and punk influences. I LOVE edge, but very rarely wear it. I'm more quirky; I think of my specs and unexpected outfit combos and accessories.

Dawn

(website)

I also agree with Ele. What edgy means to me is punk, rocker & biker vibes... while eclectic is what I'd terms Angie's definition- adding your own stamp with something unexpected... hmmm... I have lots to think about edgy and eclectic in work tomorrow!

cciele

Veteran

Hm, I wondered what the dictionary had to say about "edgy":

"having bold, provocative, or unconventional quality"

I think edginess is subjective and needs to be compared to whatever your societal norm is. For example, within the aforementioned industrial/goth crowd, I'm not sure I would call the look (black, leather, ripped, dramatic, piercings, metal) "edgy," since that's how we normally dressed. But add something one would consider "conventional" (e.g., formal evening dress, pretty flowery sundress) into the mix -- then that would be edgy!

JewelryGirl

Oh this is so interesting, thank you all once again for enhancing perspective! This site is "edgy" in my opinion - just when you think you know how you feel about something or a look that you wore 20 yr's ago that you'd never do again, something unexpected comes along to challenge that. I love it!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice one JG. I regard THAT a compliment.

"Unconventional". There you go. A great word. I guess I define “edge” as the dictionary definition. Someone with an eclectic and arty sense of style can look edgy without the punk part. Jean, Legacy of Pearl, Tam and Danja spring to mind.

Alecia

Veteran

Another great post that I've been contemplating most of the day. A couple things that I think would bring some edge to my wardrobe would be a vest I could wear in the summer (the one I have is more of a winter fabric) and a straw fedora (a la Khris). I also like jumpsuits (could probably never get one that would work and haven't even really tried to look for one because how impractical!). A spiky hair cut.

fathenry

Veteran

I've been thinking about this too, and have settled on looking for accessories that add an edge to my look without overhauling my entire wardrobe. Doing this in smaller steps also makes it less intimidating to try something new.

New things I've added are:

- black platform cage shoes
- large unstructured metallic bag
- silver bracelets
- dark skinny jeans
- oversized black sunglasses
- husband's mesh belt worn on hips (inspired by Angie's style challenge last week)

My style is more structured, tailored and girly, so it is really fun to try these but also a challenge figuring out how and when these items are appropriate.

I tried the cage shoes with grey cityshorts and a black silk cami and it looked really good. I'm also thinking those shoes will pair well with the skinny jeans and my black pencil skirt. I'm trying to incorporate it into things I already have,so I will have the courage to leave the house!

For me, I also think this idea is coming from the motorcycle/leather trend out there, which I haven't done since college in the 90s. I still have the leather pants

I'm going to keep checking back here for ideas!

Anonymous

I hope my new specs have brought in some edge for me. I didn't get the ones that were considered the "safe choice", but the next day I had a momentary set back and emailed Angie with the worry that maybe I should have gone with the safe ones. She put my fears to rest with her assurance that I had made the right choice, and I am so glad I did.
I may not stirke you as a woman who likes a bit of edge, but I really always have had the edgey element to my personality. Let's say I always admire the look on others when it is done well, and so would like to incorporate it somewhat into my style persona in an age appropriate manner.
I think my new hair style has added some edge to my style persona also. So I'd say taking risks with style can bring in some edge.
However in general I think of edge as adding in a biker, rocker, tuff girl element. I would like my edge to be suttle but still there. I wouldn't be me if I was dressed too sweetly, or too conservatively.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I *love* your comment fatherny. You’re bright. Hope we see some of those elements in action.

Sandy, your new specs and haircut have brought PLENTY of edge to your existing style. And so has that new biker jacket. Rest assured!

Mac

Veteran

I admire women who can pull of the Edgy look but it's absolutely not for me. I love reading about the many ways that some of you are going to incorporate more Edge in your wardrobes, but I also certainly appreciate getting Angies "permission" to aim for a style that is utterly Edgeless. : )

crwilson

Veteran

I'm one of the people who has been wanting to bring more "edge" to my style, and I'm glad to see this discussion of what exactly that means. When I think about the word, I do associate it with the unconventional and an element of surprise. To me, edge is what adds a bit of personality to an outfit - it's the thing that you didn't expect to see. I don't necessarily associate it with toughness, although that's certainly one way to incorporate it. What I love about all of Angie's looks is that there are always details that are unexpected, at least to me.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I find this thread fascinating. I could have written Ele's post (and I spent years dressed almost entirely in black and punk looks), but I am trying to broaden my perspective. I like the unconventional definition and will try to keep that word in mind.

Ariadne

Veteran

For me, edge = tough, industrial, goth--anything that seems a little dangerous or gives a sense of sharpness (as in the blade of a knife, not as in "sharply dressed"). Everything else mentioned here I associate with the words eclectic, funky, creative, artsy, etc. That's just me! So I think of my silver 20-eye Docs and my Tsubo ankle boots (the ankle-height version of these: https://shopping.zappos.com/n/.....6/c/3.html) as edgy, whereas my waistcoat and flower pins are funky and artsy, respectively.

cciele

Veteran

Seems like many people think of "edge" as the tough biker/punk aesthetic. Shopbop includes "the edge" as one of their spring trends:
http://www.shopbop.com/ci/3/lp/shopby-trends.html

"Equal parts rebellious and refined, these '90s-inflected frayed, fringed, and studded looks put a fresh spin on downtown style"

Aside: interesting they have a lot of slashed/distressed styles, but I didn't see any studded jeans that seem to be popping up elsewhere!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice one, Cathy!

I have “just” defined eclectic as a type of edge (on the other thread). Think about it: edge means NOT mainstream because it’s “on the edge”. There is a strong hardcore element to edge (of the punk and biker variety), but that’s not ALL edge is in my opinion. But it’s always unconventional and usually quite bold.

Inge

(website)

I've thought about this some more and my 'definition' is very similar to Angie's. It's usually about unexpected combinations that are a bit bold or unconventional or very striking.

For me personally, this often involves (but not exclusively):
- rocker or biker elements
- strong, simple lines and structure
- an avant-garde element
- asymmetrical details and angular shapes
- unique detailing on sweaters/jackets, unusual necklines
- playing with different textures
because those are just things that I love very much/I feel fab in & are flattering on me AND combined with some softer/feminine pieces they often look unexpected, and there you have some edge;-)

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Angie I am tickled to hear you use me as an example of someone with edgey style elements. I know I certainly feel more "me" when there is something edgey in my look, whether it is something tough/eclectic/boho.

Otherwise I just feel all blah and uninspired. I used to feel that way all the time about my work outfits. Since ylf I'd like to think I have found some subtle ways to work some edge into my workwear but still have it office-appropriate. I am enjoying getting dressed a lot more for work thesedays as a result!!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

In my mind, a lot of what "edgy" means has to do with the material you have to work with -- your body, your hair, and your facial features. For example, I feel that my figure and facial features are "soft" -- meaning, I am petite, have big eyes, curvy figure, etc.

If I work against those features, by adding "tough" items, like a super cropped hairstyle, structured clothing, moto jackets, vests, Doc Martens, etc., I come up with an edgy look. Someone with a rectangular figure who's thin and athletic might work against that by wearing softer, more flowing shapes and styles, and look edgy too.

Sihaya

Veteran

Love this thread. Whatever the word you choose - if you're looking for something unconventional - I tend to agree with Angie's definition - to me it's really the combination of things vs. the things themselves. That includes adding in an unexpected shoe or handback or haircut or jewelery piece. Because of my Indian background, sometimes adding in an ethnic piece of jewelery to a very classic business outfit becomes edgy. But, as Angie said, that works on me because of my skin color and background and may not work on someone else.

Above all edge to me is something that makes me feel like a million bucks. Then I can carry it with confidence. *Only then* will it look edgy to the outside world. As Angie says, "style is from the inside out" - or something close to that in case I've mis-quoted her exact words. And to me, that's what edgy is about.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This thread gets better and better!

Tam, my pleasure. You are a delightfully warm, edgy lass.

Sihaya, I LOVE how someone with your Indian looks can add global accessories to a Western outfit and make is killer. I would look out of place, but you make it work!

Laura, I 100% agree with your personal analogy. That is precisely why you’re able to pull off YOUR type of edge. Your gorgeous eyes and perfect little button nose are KILLER with a tough look. That’s why I encouraged you to get the moto waistcoat!

marianne

I've been struggling with the whole concept of edge. I have a very reserved personality, and I always dressed very simply. Lately I've been trying to break out of it, because I feel like I am getting to the age where I need more visual interest - but somehow I cannot seem to overcome my penchant for simplicity. I'd say doc martens are the only "edgy" item I own. I am not saying that edgy is my style goal, but I do feel like I need some unexpected element, especially in this hopelessly casual lifestyle
I am also intrigued by Laura's comment about working with your appearance. I am pretty angular all around, but I have never been attracted to the softer, flowy shapes - maybe I need to explore those? I usually gravitate toward something military and androgynous.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I am new to this forum so will try my best to sound unpretentious.

I believe the difficulty with emulating edge is that it remains intrinsically linked to personality. For example are Kate Moss' clothes edgy or does she provide the edge?

Her Glastonbury outfit from a few years back is the prefect case in point, can a vest (waistcoat), cut off denims and Hunter wellies ever be considered edgy items of clothing? Yet this look has become a festival uniform across the globe.

Therefore I believe the only way to feel edgy is to push the boundaries of your own personal style every once in a while. This way the classic girl may still feel the rush of rebellion by wearing a colour outside of the norm, or a different style of handbag without betraying her inner self of style.

I have quite a number of tattoos yet feel most edgy wearing a black shift, courts and pearls. i guess it is the juxtaposition of what you wear aginst peoples expections of what you should wear.

I am away now to puree more sweet potato for cheeky rascal number two but would like to add that I have never visited a more intelligent or less intimidating style forum.

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