Sophisticated Style

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Sophisticated Style

— by Angie

on September 18, 2008

The July 2008 issue of InStyle magazine described sophisticated style as follows:

“Feminine but not frilly, seductive but not showy, you live for luxury but are allergic to bling. Grace Kelly is your ideal, and Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera are your sartorial guardian angels”.

This is pretty close to my interpretation of sophisticated style. Clothes and accessories are streamlined, refined and tailored. Colour combinations are clean-cut and crisp. The fit and finish on garments is impeccable and you are polished to the extreme.

I think this approach makes it easier to look chic, but I also thoroughly enjoy looking a little less sophisticated and more arty and playful from time to time. There is room for both fashion personas and, in my opinion, they are equally stylish.

I’d like to open up an interesting discussion that started on the forum: Do you aspire to a sophisticated style, or do you feel “severe and unapproachable” when you dress this way.

Individual Style

30 comments · Add a comment

Ashley

(website)

I completely agree with the InStyle description and I also agree with the concept that there is room for both classics and trends in one’s wardrobe. As far as how I feel when dressing classically, its not so much severe as it is a slight worry that perhaps I am dating myself, looking older than I really am. Ultimately what suits your body type, your lifestyle and provides you with confidence is probably the best way to go. Interesting topic, I’ll be interested to see what others say.

September 18, 2008 at 5:40 am

Laura

Great question, Angie. Feeling comfortable in my lifestyle and looking sophisticated a fine line, as I’m discovering as I change my style thanks to this wonderful web site. For example, on Tuesday I took my 2-year-old to playgroup. I was wearing jeans, flats, JCrew woven shirt, cardi and chunky pearls. Another mom commented on how “dressed up” I was and that I must be changing my style to suit the new town we moved to (we moved to the next town, one mile away from our old house!). It wasn’t very complimentary, believe me! Do I need to tone it down a bit around other moms? Hope not!

September 18, 2008 at 6:32 am

Julia

A very good question. I missed it on the forum somehow.

I would dress more sophisticated in some occasion but not all. If I’m going to work, I’d like to look sophisticated; if I’m going to my child’s softball games, I’d rather look casual and sporty. For a ladies night out, I’ll let my mood guide me and dress what I feel like at that moment.

I do feel uncomfortable if I’m overdressed in a situation but in that case, personality can totally make it up. If you are warm and nice and open to others, you won’t be severe and unapproachable even if you overdressed.

September 18, 2008 at 7:13 am

Patience

I think the sophisticated look is the one that I admire the most. While I do aspire to be more sophisticated, “sophisticated style” is a broad overarching style and in the end I want to be true to my personal sense of style which does not always mesh with sophisticated style as you have pointed out, Angie. I certainly hope that sophisticated does not have to equal severe and unapproachable. I also think it’s fun to incorporate different types of styles into my personal style. In the end, what I really aspire to is just to feel good in my clothes.

Julia’s and Laura’s comments makes me wonder– is it possible to be casual and sophisticated? I think the answer is yes.

September 18, 2008 at 7:35 am

Pat

Hmmmm…just yesterday, a coworker described my style as “sophisticated” and I was very complimented. So I’d say I’ve achieved this goal for my work wardrobe…but I’m working on “fabulous”!

I do wear my hair pulled back daily, and am pretty “no-nonsense”, so I bet some would rate my look as “unapproachable,” but they will have to get over it…!

I am still working on casual sophistication in my warm weather look though. I find it easier to look casually sophisticated in cooler weather when I can easily slip on a great boot.

September 18, 2008 at 8:10 am

Munequita

See for me, dressing with that aura of sophistication means that you have mastered the art of dressing (polish included) and applying it perfectly to your body type and style. I think that even if someone is dressed artsy or casually they can still come across with a sophisticated style, because to me it means more than just the way they are dressed. It is their confidence with their body and their choice in clothes (in other words, confidence in who they are) that makes them appear like that.

Being cultured and knowledgeable (life experiences and/or education) also adds to the sophistication, in my very humble opinion. I think that this makes people more attractive and interesting in anything, and not unapproachable at all.

I admire someone that is always polished no matter what the occasion.

September 18, 2008 at 8:16 am

Maya

I think there are two ways of seeing sophistication. One is in attitude, the other in clothes. I do not believe they necessarily overlap. I agree with Munequita that real sophistication comes from within. It’s about culture, knowledge, attitude, confidence and social grace. That’s what really made Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly sophisticated, not their clothes. However, because of their inner sophistication, the clothes that they wore have come to represent those personality traits. You can put Paris Hilton in a sophisticated outfit, and she will still be Paris Hilton (I am tempted to make some kind of lipstick-on-a-pig comment here, but I think everyone is tired of hearing about that).

Part of getting to that level of confidence is knowing what is and isn’t appropriate. A woman who shows up to a baseball game wearing lipstick, perfume, a silk blouse, high heels, and swishy skirt does not look sophisticated to me: she looks ridiculous. Overdressed, insecure, and trying too hard. I’d rather be sitting next to the woman in a ponytail, hat, jeans, and Cons, who is having fun and enjoying herself, and is more focused on the game than on her appearance (pretending for a moment that I like sports). There are women out there who can’t leave the house without makeup or heels, and those women are not sophisticated to me. I just feel sorry for them, and I pity how insecure they must be.

Last semester I had to show up in class in a “sophisticated” outfit because I had an interview immediately after, and I felt so out of place…but once I got the interview, I felt like a star. If there was no such thing as dress codes and we could just wear whatever we wanted whenever we wanted to, it isn’t something that I would have chosen for myself though, so I still wouldn’t have described it as my style, but I added a few touches to it that made it more “me” and that kept me from feeling awkward in it. Overall, being sophisticated just feels wrong on me though. I have to do something to a sophisticated outfit in order to make it work for me. Luckily the only times I will ever have to look this way is for interviews and for client presentations, but I was smart enough to choose a field where I can more or less be myself

September 18, 2008 at 9:08 am

Basia

(website)

So girls, Victoria sophisticated or totally out of place?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvs.....ndbag.html

September 18, 2008 at 9:48 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such articulate voices! I absolutely agree with everything that has been said. Here’s what I think:

o Sophistication is not just about an outfit, it’s about personality. The same way looking sexy or alluring is not just about the clothes, it’s about an attitude. You can look sophisticated from afar but if you’re not confident and comfortable about how you look – you won’t be approachable, or look appropriate. In fact you won’t feel sophisticated. You’ll feel uncomfortable.

o Wearing a sophisticated outfit is instantly chic which is why makeover shows push the sophistication level. It’s sort of a flop-proof style formula. But these shows do not often take the personality and age of the person into account. I don’t think youngsters need to look sophisticated to look stylish. Maya, you are still young and looking too sophisticated daily feels out of place for you and quite rightly so. That’s why adding a funky flair to your look feels right.

o This is a hard one to explain: looking sophisticated is stylish, but having an unsophisticated style can be stylish too. I guess I do not view arty, eclectic and super funky and bohemian styles as sophisticated, BUT they can be very stylish. What I am trying to say is that “sophistication” and “having style” are not the same thing. Julia posted a fabulous casual outfit with her new funky anorak on the forum yesterday and she looked super, super stylish. But that’s not a sophisticated outfit. However, her grace, perfect polish and impeccable dress sense makes her look like a sophisticated person in grey cords and Converse! That’s truly stylish.

I’ll let you in on my opinion about Posh later.

September 18, 2008 at 9:54 am

Real Style Real People

(website)

Like others have said, it depends on the time and place. But I feel I can still look “put together” and stylish (instead of grubby) even when I walk my dog,for example. I can put on that great two piece hoodie /track pants set with decent shoes and some jewelry/make-up and still feel pretty good.

September 18, 2008 at 9:54 am

Laura

The more I think about the playgroup scenario I described, the more I think what my friend said has more to do with her than me. She was wearing gray lounge pants, t shirt and jean jacket. Usually she dresses better. But I did feel bad that how I dressed made her wonder out loud if I was trying to be “better” than the other moms. That was a bad feeling.

September 18, 2008 at 10:30 am

San

When I first began reading YLF I thought my style would be boho and that sofisticated would be an over dressed and uncomfortable style. I have learned alot here and no longer see it that way at all. It took time to learn and let my eye adjust to certain looks and become comfortable with the concept of style, any kind of style.
I now feel that a sofisticated style can be approachable, comfortable and casual depending on how you wear it. Any type of style can seem stiff and unapproachable if over done.

September 18, 2008 at 10:53 am

mirah

To me a sophisticated style is effortless style..when the clothes seem incidental. They dont define a woman but at the same time reflect her personality. And the style evolves with age and experience.

September 18, 2008 at 11:04 am

Lisa

I love the sophisticated look myself. Things are pretty classic, clean, and easy to put together. I am into retro 1940’s made more modern too. Plus, I’m a rocker chic/guitarist, so I can pull off adding a bit of edge to my look at times. But, it really depends because I dress differently for clients versus how I look when I go out, etc. My fashion heroes/icons are so ecclectic. I love Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O., Marilyn Monroe, Ralph Lauren (but with a punk edge more) as much as I love more edgy style akin to Ed Hardy, Betsy Johnson, Vivian Westwood, etc. Yes, I’m a bit untraditional. I’m not a mom, so I can get away with it. But, I still think Converse black tennies & jeans with a black trenchcoat, big sunglasses and my Ruby Retro Red lipstick by MAC and my Bettie Page dark hair is my signature look. Hee hee!

September 18, 2008 at 11:04 am

Joelle

A sophisticated look is definitely something I aim for, and I don’t think that automatically means that you have to be uncomfortable or unapproachable. If you have a friendly and down to earth personality people will find you approachable no matter what you have on. And if you buy only clothes that fit properly, you will not be uncomfortable. Since it’s a look that tends to rely mostly on simple, classic pieces, I would think it’s also a look that is quite economical because you can wear the same things year after year without looking dated.

Speaking of Grace Kelly, I saw the movie Rear Window on TV the other night and there is a beautiful white halter top she wore with a green pencil skirt that I absolutely must have!

September 18, 2008 at 11:31 am

Sarah

I watched the Lifetime movie about Coco Chanel the other day, and absolutely fell in love with several of her quotes. This one seems to fit here: A fashion that does not reach the streets is not a fashion.
To me, Chanel is the very definiton of sophistication, but even she realized it had to be realistic. I think what makes someone sophisticated is who they are more than what they wear. When someone is aware of their style, they pull it off effortlessly and appear sophisticated to me.

September 18, 2008 at 11:40 am

Sal

(website)

Great question! I generally aim for sophistication – though the designers mentioned are FAR out of my reach – though I am careful to add personality and interest with lots of color and quirky details. Big jewelry, funky shoes, scarves, and other bits of non-polish.

September 18, 2008 at 12:26 pm

Antje

What an interesting discussion! I haven’t fully wrapped my head around the concept of “sophisticated” style quite yet. I tend to think that it’s also a very classic style, is that right? Or could someone sporting the latest trends be sophisticated?
I like Maya’s point about appropriateness depending on context, though I’m not sure this is only related to sophisticated nor does it fully explain sophistication. But is sure is one element of it.
I personally very much admire what I see as sophisticated style on others, but I don’t aspire to it myself. I prefer to integrate funky and playful elements into my style. (E.g., if one definition of sophisticated style really is that the clothes don’t get noticed so much, then I really don’t strive for this; I enjoy the creativity of putting outfits together that others notice and that make me unique looking.)
In terms of celebs, I’ve seen Anne Hathaway in a lot of outfits lately that I’m thinking might be sophisticated. She has a classic and elegant style and really knows what flatters her, and she doesn’t look super trendy. Angie, would you call her style sophisticated?

September 18, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Antje

Oh, and Laura, I so empathize with your playground experience. It’s “the compliment that isn’t”. We had a thread on this a while ago, discussing snarky remarks that other women sometimes make commenting on your outfit this way – sort of saying you look stylish but in a way that makes you feel bad in the end. I looked for the thread but can’t find it anymore. Anyhow, just wanted to let you know that I’ve experienced this, too, and I encourage you to just let it rub off you. It really is an expression about your friend feeling insecure about her own style, and not about you. Go girl and continue showing the world that a mom on the playground does not need to look frumpy!

September 18, 2008 at 1:27 pm

Laura

Thank you Antje! That’s just what I needed to hear.

September 18, 2008 at 2:14 pm

Kyle

Laura, you hit the nail on the head when you said it was more about the other mom than about you. Hold your head high. I’ll bet the other moms start upping their style quotients before long. You have absolutely nothing to feel bad about, and please don’t allow small minded people to bring you down.

September 18, 2008 at 6:08 pm

Julia

Angie thank you so much for the compliments! *blushing*

September 18, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Laura, the lasses have come to your rescue and I will too. Never apologize, or feel bad about looking well pulled together. Inspire others! (You might find the forum thread about this topic interesting. It was discussed at length).

Yes Antje, I would call Anne Hathaway’s style sophisticated. But a sophisticated style does not need to be “very classic”. Sophisticated styles can be super modern and trendy. In fact, that’s when I personally like them best. Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman always look sophisticated, but they push the fashion envelope. But Jennifer Aniston has more of a classic sophisticated style. Does that help you understand the concept of sophisticated style?

Sophisticated styles in my opinion are extremely eye-catching. Possibly the most eye-catching style. A sophisticated style always turns heads.

A well deserved compliment, Julia!

September 18, 2008 at 6:48 pm

Sarah

Wow, everybody has made such good comments already that I hardly feel I have anything to add. Like Antje, I’m not sure that I completely understand the sophisticated look. I guess I try to avoid outfits that completely fall into the “sophisticated” category, because that’s how I was forced to dress in high school. Artsy outfits express me much better, and that’s when I feel fabulous. On the other hand, I can feel fab in a sophisticated outfit that has some sort of element of my personality added to it. For the most part though, I dress more classic/sophisticated when I don’t feel like thinking about my outfit much. *sigh* That seems backwards, but it’s true. As someone else said, confidence seems more important to me than sophistication.

September 18, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Kyla

I love the sophisticated look, but I have trouble achieving it. I feel like I often end up dressing “old”. By “old” I don’t mean objectively old, just older than my actual age. At 23, I feel like I can wear things that later on in life will be “too young”, so I should wear them now, if that makes any sense. Unfortunately, most clothes I can afford on a student budget are either these more mature looks, or fit more into the “funky” streetwear category, which I’m frankly just not stylish enough to pull off regularly.

September 18, 2008 at 7:31 pm

Anita

(website)

Sophistication is as sophistication does. Sounds rather Gumpie but as with any style, the look is only part of the equation. How you carry it off is really what creates ‘that style’.
Being a mood dresser and an options girl, If the mood sways me towards sophistication…I’m certain to dive in and do it…and yes, less is definitely more in the sophisticated stakes.
As for over dressing, I’ve learned that particularly here in Australia, almost anything goes.It really gets down to how comfortable you feel wearing it and if your heart is in it, you’ll pull it off. So, if you want to wear those pearls with thongs/flip flops and jeans at playgroup they yes, you absolutely must because….it’s YOU!

September 18, 2008 at 7:56 pm

Ellen

Laura, I have been in that situation and it is NOT fun. In the past month there have even been a couple times that I have been dressed nicely and then taken the outfit off and gone more casual because I knew I’d get those “overdressed” looks… and I was wearing trouser jeans! I am working on owning my oufits and being thoroughly comfortable with what I’m wearing.

Classic sophisticated is the style I love and go for and I have always said that Jennifer Aniston is my style icon. I just love how perfectly polished she looks without drawing attention and she rarely used colour, just perfect neutrals, which is my norm.

That being said, there are exceptions for me:

Sports events or casually hanging out with my husband – he is a talented hockey player and loves seeing me in sporty outfits, so often I go with that. Sometimes I combine: today I was in Montreal with family and wore dark wash jeans, grey Converse, and a cream turtleneck with a graphic tee layered over top. He loved it.

Youth group – I work with high school kids one night a week and, quite frankly, my classier outfits do not fit it. While I still sometimes go the smart casual route, I do tend to go for what Angie calls “gear” on occasion. It fits right in with what the teens are wearing and my time with them is more about dealing with life issues than making a fashion statement.

Busy SAHM mornings – I still make a point to wear well-fitted jeans and tops, but often do grab tees. I accessorize, though, and if I’m going out I will grab a cardi or blazer and a great bag to pump things up a level.

September 18, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Nikki

(website)

Ladies:
I think the real problem is that every situation now has become too casual. I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed. I think you should wear what you like, what makes you feel good about yourself. I think people who make comments are incredibly rude and ill mannered. I hope this is the beginning of the end of casual Friday’s and work casual looks. I think people behave better when they are dressed more formally. I personally don’t want to see people in their pajamas at the grocery store of coffee shop. I don’t think having pride in your appearance is a bad thing. I wish others would dress appropriately when they leave their homes. I love how ladies dressed in the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s. They looked feminine and lady like, sophisticated and polished. They were most definitely respected more and that has a lot to do with appearance. Bring back Sophisticated Style everyday!

September 22, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Cynthia

I love you all!!
I love the classy sophisticated look! I love Audrey Hepburn, and Ralph Lauren… All of those styles. The problem? I’m 18. So I look mature a lot of the time, but I think tha the classy style isn’t just about neutrals. A splash of color goes a long way! Also,does anyone know how to incorporate this style into summer wear?!? I have perfect fall, winter and spring but with this heat it’s nearly impossible to consider style when dressing. How do I look casual yet classy??? Thanks!

June 19, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Eliane

I love this site!!
I love the sophisticated style and wish I lived in a time/place where “everybody” wore skirts, dress, and heels – MOST of the time, it not all the time.

March 25, 2013 at 7:49 pm

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