Okay after clicking through all the designer links what hits me most is that they are wearing the street wear of city creatives from any field. Like they could be going to an art opening, or to give a TED talk, one could be a journalist, or a photographer, or a programmer, or a chef, or a PA. And that makes sense to me. It's a collection of looks that are ageless, inclusive, and just borrow whatever appeals from the cultural soup. Most of the looks are fairly minimalist in terms of number of items of clothing worn or accessories too, they look easy to wear.

I think "hip to be square" would be the trickiest for me, if I wanted to try it (which I don't really). I still can't wrap my brain around the mom jeans trend, and I just don't like wearing a bunch of oversized stuff at once. The closest I'm getting is ordering some Birki-like sandals.

I'm with IK. As I think you all know by now, although I over-analyze everything else in my life to the point of madness, I do fashion "by ear" so it wouldn't occur to me to consciously pick a trend and then try to make it work even if I weren't completely comfortable with it. I just pick things I like. LOL

Most recently I swore I would never wear flat shoes but I fell in love with a pair of white loafers and the rest is history!

Mary, Dana, Gaylene -- I think you're all speaking wisdom. It makes sense to just allow ourselves to evolve. I do have a tendency to get into a rut, though -- one of the reasons I came to YLF in the first place -- which is why I think that shaking things up a little bit can be a good exercise for me. Though not to the point of not feeling like myself. It's one thing to try something new and push the comfort zone a bit -- it's another thing to stick with it even if it feels gross.

Rae, I don't think you need hip to be square because you're naturally hip!

Rabbit -- you're so right. The designers have a freedom to dress as they like. Since I work from home and in a creative field, I share the same freedom. What I don't have (yet) is their confidence in putting things together and just doing what feels right to them. BTW, I totally agree with what you said about the his and hers harem pants outfits. Fabulous, and super practical for where I live, too!

More soon -- just going to look at the rest of your replies again!

Ok, so I am not a trendy person. So keep that in mind. : )

I have to agree with Shannon that it is a spectrum, a balance. I think we push until we get to a point it just doesn't work. The truth for me is that I don't want to look or be identified as 2014 or any year. I DO want to look modern and I have grown to like a bit of fun , maybe even right now, but that is usually something cheap for me. One thing that is somewhat disposal that is really "right now " . If I end up really liking it , then I go more expensive.

With all that said, pastels and juxtaposition and high low are all tough for me. But at least I am willing to give it a shot.

Jennifer — I agree, it can be a fine line, especially for those of us who are past the age of 20.

Have you done sassy sweatshirt with nice trousers and heels yet?

The hardest for me is mixing the classics with trends. I have such trouble with classics in the first place - I don't own anything classic in a classic fit. Also, I've lost my sense of what the trends are right now...

Rachylou, I can see the problem. When you live in hipster land your perspective inevitably changes..yet I think you do mix classics with trends...just different classics (puffer coat, anyone?) and (perhaps) different trends.

I've done the sweatshirt with nice pants and skirt thing..not so much with heels, since I never really wear them. But with boots and booties.

Isabel, you're so right -- trying out the trend in a cheaper version is usually such a smart thing to do. That's my strategy, too.

The only thing I can think of that would help you, Suz, is to scour the Internet or Pinterest and find outfits with irregular juxtaposition that you like, and then copy them. This will give you a framework in which to try it out. I think sometimes trying new trends can be difficult because there are just so many combinations to think of...kind of like an ocean when a pool is better if you're just dipping your feet in.

I have problems with all the trends listed. :^) But like some other posters have mentioned, I'm not sure that I want to try them either. I like the irregular outfit juxtaposition, but the more I try it (and am unsuccessful), the more I think that maybe it isn't "me." I'm still working on building a core wardrobe and determining my base style, so I think I am going to concentrate on that for the time being. Build the foundation first, that kind of thing. :^)

That makes sense, Suz. Glad you returned the drapey leather MK jacket. Rectangles and drape - not an ideal fit. But put us in simple masculine lines and things feel right. It's like magic.

I JUST pulled together my late Spring and Summer uniforms (played in my closet and had lots of fun), and I'm really happy with my decisions so far. They fit right into the adjectives of my style descriptor: Modern, Bold, Simple, Crisp and Dressy.

I.

• Relaxed Skinny jeans, rolled 3 inches above the ankle (Nikkis or BFs in white or blue).
• Masculine striped tailored tuxedo shirt or bold striped shirt. Tucked. Scrunched and popped.
• Ultra refined shoes: White Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, ankle strap pumps, or pointy toe pumps.
• Beautiful quality belt: Burberry, Kate Spade and MJ. Thinking of adding a Fendi or Gucci belt too.
• Clutch or Satchel

2.

• Stone washed flared jeans (YES. The sky is still falling down because I just bought dramatic flared jeans with a low rise, and love them).
• Cropped oversized pullover or silk t-shirt blouse. Untucked.
• Beautiful quality belt
• Pointy toe pumps
• Satchel or clutch

3.

• Silk harem pants
• Cropped t-shirt blouse or cropped button down shirt
• Extremely refined shoes: (see #1)
• Satchel or clutch

4.

• Full midi skirt
• Slouchy Summer pullover with welt or cropped top
• Pumps or pointy toe flats
• clutch

Toppers will be motos, blazers with low stances, boxy cropped jackets and denim jackets. No jewellry.

My 5th uniform will incorporate tailored bootcut trousers. No sure how I want to style them yet. I shop Zara to Designer brands and everything in-between. I LOVE 2014 fashion. Things get better and better in my mind.

FWIW, Suz. I just shared the next leg on my style journey. Hopefully, it will be helpful to you somehow. If not, feel free to gloss over my long ramble. xo

Oh my Angie - your outfits sound DIVINE and I can hardly wait to see them in action

Angie, of course it will be helpful! And it is most generous of you to share! I am taking notes, as I'm sure you can imagine.

I can't wait to see you in your new flares, by the way!!

It will be quite a while before I can bare ankles, alas. I would really like to do that. I do have my Okalas waiting in line for use!!

I think my HEWI (a suit) will really bring a huge amount into clearer focus for me. But I can't be sure of finding that. In the meantime, I'm going to concentrate on great footwear, a new summer bag, and a topper or two, along with a few other fun items I'm ordering from Zara.

And Gigi, thank you. You're so right. Clipping pics and trying to make copies or interpretations will give me a framework. So much smarter and easier than flailing around in the dark.

You are so sweet, Shannon. Thanks. xo

Suz, you are as sweet. YES. When the right suit comes your way - you will know it. Your plan sounds great. And perhaps I can help out in Boston? xo

Can't wait to see your flared jeans Angie!

Suz, great advice here already so I have nothing new to add. I do like the idea to mix things up with footwear. I think footwear is so key to a look and there is a really nice selection of colors coming out right now. I especially like the two toned shoes (toe one color, back/heel another color) with a strap and that may be fun for your style.

Coming back to say I hope I didn't sound dismissive of those who approach this whole thing differently than I do. I often feel envious of those of you who are able to articulate your fashion philosophies and strategies so precisely!!

And Angie! So fun to get a sneak preview of your upcoming looks!!!!

Great advice already & I think you are right, finding "that" suit is a key. #1 - I can see you in something similar to this one, an 80s example from the master - YSL.

Or #2 - drape & structure from Helmut Lang

Angie - you took me to another place with you outfit descriptions

Caro, you're so right. "The" elusive suit (or suits) will kind of help things fall into place for me, and either of those (or both, LOL) would be fab. I'll find it, eventually.

And Mary, no worries at all! You did not sound dismissive. I think you're right that it's best to let things fall into place and not obsess. Truth is, my post may have communicated more anxiety than I actually feel -- I'm more in the "curious, wonder how this will play out for me" camp than the "GOT TO DO IT THIS WAY OR ELSE" camp! If you know what I mean.

Without a doubt, the quasi-frumpy look is not going to be my friend. (I came here in the first place to get away from that look!)

BTW, what's the difference between quasi-frumpy and frumpy frumpy?

I suspect it has something to do with the context provided by a great haircut, fabulous makeup, sharp specs, etc. Those things make the look deliberate, as opposed to "I give up."

Suz: Maybe the inspiration your take from the fitness industry isn't literal, then, as in gear. Perhaps it can be expressed in clothing that allows and highlights movement, or add a sense of body-awareness of physical vitality.

Such interesting discussion! I mostly still cogitating and musing while reviewing last year's outfits and staring into my closet. Like you, I'm not anxious, it's just not all come together for me yet!

Beth Ann, I think that's exactly right, and what I crave. I definitely need to move in my clothes. And I do, after all, wear jeans a lot, and shoes that -- if not flat -- at least allow me to stride. Plus fluid fit knits. And I'm not entirely sure that I'll rule out the gear element, either. There might be something in that to ponder. So thank you!

As for your own style, it has never been better, and I can't wait to hear what you sing next.

April, that's true, I think -- it is easier to wear frumpy if no one would ever truly mistake you for frumpy. Having said that, you fall into that category, at least to my eyes! I mean the category of "could not look truly frumpy if she tried..."

Wow can a thread have too many treats? I was slowly digesting and then Angie came along with a sugar bomb!
Anyway, my random thoughts include:
1 Unusual outfit juxtaposition - actually I get this also with my environment. I often walk by a religious man who is wearing a very similar hat to mine and take an imaginary photograph. My closet is definitely second hand plus Zara so there's that too.
2. Classics with trends and JES work together for me and lately I see this happening more and more. I have started wearing white button downs and tailored jackets with oversized, drapey, and trendy clothes, and preferring more structured bags too.
3. I unintentionally arrive at frumpy (once Anna said my outfit was frump chic and how I prized that compliment!) but it is not a goal. I do have a new pair of white Birks that I thrifted brand new (the thong rather than two strap style) and I feel those will be coming out during the hottest days.

For you Suz, I think you have an itch to explore more avant garde looks and I look forward to seeing where that takes you! You have the structure already and the juxtaposition will follow. Great thread obviously!

Suz, This turned into such a great, informative post - great reading here and I loved Angie's summer outfit plans. She reminded me (believe it or not) that I need a couple more belts. Better quality this year. The $10 python print has gotten so much wear that I know it won't last much longer. The red and white wide belts haven't gotten much wear for me but it helped me identify more of what I think I do want - lower contrast for me. I'm considering looking for a light denim blue belt so it sort of "disappears" into my jeans but still offers support for the BFs and some textural interest.

I notice you said you were going to get a new bag. I recently got the one linked here and am loving how soft the leather is, how versatile it is, the size and the linen (off white really) and black trim color. It's very simple but for me it's just about perfect. The price was good too. And it's lightweight.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....onalizedso

Suz I fully endorse minimal modern style for you!! I love you in this look. You had a post with a month's worth of outfits in them and the days that reflected this simple style strategy were WOW and so organically you at the same time. I do think it's a type of avant garde but not the drapey arty kind, more the strict kind of avant garde. More Jil Sander than Rick Owens, if I am correctly understanding those designers.

Back to your original challenge of outfit juxtaposition. Perhaps someone else already mentioned this, but I struggle with this because I think of it as a dressy, big city living trend. It's dressy items being made more casual, but the dressy is still there. Ripped jeans -- yes yes yes for me, living a casual rural life. But 4" heels to make them look "2014" -- doesn't work. Denim shirt -- yes again but gem-rich statement necklace to go with it? Doesn't feel right, but I wouldn't hesitate to wear it on a trip to LA. So while I love the look of irregular outfit juxtaposition, it still relies on many dressy elements which challenge me.

I keep an OS X "Notes" style folder on my desktop and Angie's Spring outfits were immediately copied for inspiration! I am awed by how modern and on-trend she stays while keeping almost strictly true to her style vision. Which she articulated 3 years ago already!

Denise, you have a GREAT memory. Thanks for the kind words. And I love what you said on the Birkenstock post this morning (will reply shortly). Also, you are our Queen It's Hip To Be Square - it's a version of irregular outfit juxtaposition, don't you think?

Tex, high five fellow belt-lover.

Thanks Mary, Caro, Shevia and Lisa. You are all lovely.

Love those suits, Caro. I can see Suz in both of them.

Suz, hope your Spring and Summer outfit visions are clearer.

Hmm, for me the only thing I really want so far this year are those R13 destroyed jeans. But I have had boyfriend jeans for about four years.

It is way too easy for me to be frumpy, and not in the ironic sense. So hip to be square, while well within my realm, is not a look to which I intend to aspire.

Such a good read, this thread!

Golly what a lot in this thread. I've with Una "way too easy for me to be frumpy, and not in the ironic sense" - so not planning to try to be that way.

I've said elsewhere that I am not very sold on 2014 fashion and that has helpfully cooincided with very little money to spend on clothes, though this thread has reminded me that I need to get a belt (it is the most frequent suggestion on my thread)

I am also not one for the frumpy or more loose-fitting clothes. I know I need some structure to look my best.

I have, in general, been underwhelmed by what's in the stores right now. It is not as bad as it was in 2007 or so when it seemed that manufacturers were only making baby doll tops--easily my worst look--but just that I go into stores and there is just nothing there I like. I suppose it's easier on the wallet, but it's not very fun.

Suz, you're very kind, but in terms of trying not to look frumpy, I find several things work against me: curly hair (SO easy for it to become a frizzy mess when it's humid); avoiding heels (sadly, many flats have a high frump factor); and wearing glasses.

I know that glasses should be a fabulous style statement, but in a way that I don't fully understand, they somehow combine with curly hair to make it hard to look sleek and pulled-together.

So hard to look like Angie in specs; so easy to look like Janis Joplin.