What makes something a statement piece?

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

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What makes something a statement piece?

— by Angie

on July 22, 2009

One of our readers left a very interesting reply to last week’s post on layered necklaces:

“Statement piece….? What is the statement? Is it something like a secret that only the wearer knows? But then you’d be making a statement to yourself. That word is used sooo much in fashion and I really want to understand. Like the necklaces above…is the statement something like “Oh, hey I AM BIG!” or “Look here!” Or is it more like “I am a deep person with a unique interest in complex/simple design… a reflection of my inner self…? Or is it like, “I am da bomb!”Maybe I am thinking too much…..impossible…aaaargh…..I do get the “Key” pieces in the wardrobe thing…..but again, what is the statement that the wearer is trying to make…?

I talk about statement pieces all the time, so this got me thinking. What is it about an item that makes it a statement piece?

I think of statement pieces as interesting, attractive and relatively eye-catching wardrobe items that reflect your personality. They are usually quite bold and unique, but not necessarily brightly coloured and oversized. They are often, but not always, the thing people notice first about your outfit. Sometimes they become items that people associate with your signature style.

For me personally, the first statement pieces that come to mind are accessories: my specs, my watch, my wedding ring and my handbags. But I also have coats, scarves and shoes that I consider to be statement pieces. My cream trench or red Kate Spade shoes, for example. All of my statement pieces make me confident and happy with my outfit.

Are statement pieces a personal inner thought, or an overt statement to the rest of the world? I think a true statement piece has elements of both. My philosophy is that style is about creating a positively reinforcing feedback loop between the way we feel and the way we look. It connects our inner thoughts and feelings to the story we tell to the rest of the world. Statement pieces are like the headlines in this story.

How would you define a statement piece? What are your statement pieces?

Individual Style

46 comments · Add a comment

LauraElizabeth

It’s a great question: “statement” in fashion is another word that I use often and hadn’t taken the time to think about how to define it…

I agree that a statement piece should speak both to the wearer and anyone else seeing it – my statements pieces make me feel extremely fab because they suit my style. My pieces include a cobalt purple winter coat, a grapey- purple trench, an orange ruffled wrap dress, and a caramel colored patent faux croc tote. All these pieces are investments (were a little more $ than I usually pay for an item) and I’ve never regretted buying them. Statement pieces that I’m looking to buy next are heeled knee-high boots, a sophisticated handbag and a puffer coat.

July 22, 2009 at 8:18 am

Chris

My statement pieces reflect my personality, make me feel confident and have that element of “pop” in my outfits. Uniqueness is also a big part of “statement”.
If I feel like I will see my statement on other people then it isn’t much of a reflection of my personality or unique choices.

Accessories are my go to statements and I have been known for necklaces
(so easy to wear when you use your hands at work – never get in the way).

Example:
Bold double strand turquoise necklace. Gives a sense of color, earthiness, warmth to the urban styles I sport with it. I would never wear my turquoise pieces in an Americana kind of way.

I also like to use jackets/blazers as statements – looking for unusual detail or shape or color.

July 22, 2009 at 8:36 am

Michelemybell

During the winter, it’s usually my brightly colored trench coats and jackets. I had a famous talk show host ask me where I got a shorter watermelon-colored short trench-style jacket. She loved it so much and I told her the truth—I got it at the Gap!
But during the summer in SoCal, I wear a lot of necklaces with an animal charm. I have a lot of charms—turtles, birds, owls, etc. I love wearing a simple gold necklaces with a single cute sea creature charm. I can wear the most simple outfit and it will dress it up and people will ask or comment about it.

July 22, 2009 at 8:40 am

Mary Rachel

(website)

Oh THANK YOU! Merci and Danke Schön ^__^

i was thinking about neclaces and belts that i wear and then trying to “apply”the statement piece thing to them….NOW it makes sense. i do think of these things, pieces as part of my multiaceted or never ending phyche…too much…?

k, just a wee bit of a glimpse or enhancement of how i may be feeling that particular day in a specific outfit.

i love my black haree rosary neclace, my amythest cross and ruby choker… i feel elegant, in connection with spirt and always romantic…

i like my men’s pocket watch when i am feeling a bit more well, dominant, in charge and strong…yes, i do have feminine pieces that also make me feel powerful, too like corset belts, gloves and high neckline shirts, jabots and streamlined jackets.

thank you angie, i was kinda feelin it but was not sure…. ^__^

July 22, 2009 at 9:00 am

Melody

I think a statement piece is a bold piece worn purposely to draw attention to the wearer when the wearer is feeling particularly bold & confident. And I think statement pieces differ from signature pieces in that signature pieces are something you wear very frequently and may be bold or subtle.

My statement pieces include a red wool winter coat, a black/white big-plaid wool winter coat, a nice red bag, and a red wrap dress (yeah, red is a trend with me).

July 22, 2009 at 9:02 am

Wendy

(website)

My statement pieces are generally accessories — handbags, my glasses, necklaces, brooches (I rarely wear a blazer without a pin on the lapel), but sometimes shoes (my red quasar patent Stuart Weitzman slingbacks!)

July 22, 2009 at 9:07 am

Patience

I think you’ve nailed down the definition of statement piece, Angie. Mine are shoes and tops. Occasionally bags.

July 22, 2009 at 9:08 am

Danja

(website)

“Statement piece” is a phrase I never used. I used a much more exact phrase “sumethin’ special”, but now that you have defined it, I realized that I have a few.
– bright red eye glasses
– bright purses (I only own a few, but they are all vibrant colors)
– red winter coat
– men’s watch – mine is light but manly, I love it
– murano glass pendants
– shoes in fun colors
– scarves and ties
– COLOR!!!, I think a nice bright color is a great statement piece any time

July 22, 2009 at 9:09 am

Antje

Veteran

Very interesting topic, and I too realize that I’ve often heard, read or used the word without a real conscious definition. Upon reflection, I think my definition is closer to Melody’s than to Angie’s. I think a statement piece is simply a piece of clothing or an accessory that draws attention. I don’t think it’s too closely related to signature style, since one’s signature style can be subtle and “blend” more in terms of various pieces coming together to create that signature style. I think of a statement piece as something that stands out, and that you notice as a unique individual piece rather than a part of an outfit.

I also don’t think a statement piece is necessarily one that reflects the wearer’s personality. A bold necklace is still a statement piece in my view, whether the wearer is confident or shy. However, it probably is most successful if it either underlines a known part of your personality or reveals an aspect of one’s personality that is less known to others.

July 22, 2009 at 9:20 am

Gina

My favorite statement pieces:

-long silver chain necklace with different sized circle charms attached everywhere

-long chain necklace with a key on it (the key used to open my grandmother’s back door, years and years ago)

-brightly colored tights and leggings. I own yellow, red, green, copper metallic, orange lace, blue, light blue, red fishnet, purple, dark pink, medium pink, hot pink, ballet pink, turquoise checkered, pink and black horizontal stripes, brown, navy, white, dark grey, light heather grey, and tons of black. Wow! I hadn’t realized how many pairs of tights and leggings I owned till I started listing all the colors.

-large piece sign earrings – I always get compliments on them

-headband with large black bow – I always get comments on it (not always compliments)

July 22, 2009 at 9:45 am

Ele

(website)

I think for something to be a statement piece, if just needs to be impactful. Obviously, oversized or brightly coloured pieces will do this more easily, but daintier or neutral things can make a statement, as well- whatever it is, it just has to make you look.

Having more statement items in my wardrobe is something I’m working toward. For me, it’s hand-in-hand with one of my style goals being “eclectic”, which I wrote on the “Name Your Style” thread on the forum. As of right now, my statement pieces are:

-my specs (chunky, with patterned arms)
-a Mackage trench from one of their earlier collections (black, asymmetric styling, leather trim and chunky zippers- I still get compliments on it, years later!)
-black leather Steve Madden moto boots I bought in NYC two years ago
-a vintage “coral” (actually plastic, but coral-coloured) carved-bead necklace
-oversized vintage “diamond” cluster studs
-scarves

I love all these pieces, though I am seeing a marked divide in them. Half are tough, edgy and modern, and half are very vintage and feminine. I wonder what that says about my style? Also interesting that all mine are accessories, except for the coat!

July 22, 2009 at 9:51 am

KristenKP

I think I agree with Antje and Melody: a statement piece is meant to be bold and draw attention, but it isn’t necessarily a signature piece. Of course, there is also the third — the investment piece — that can be a statement, a signature, or neither.

My NAS purchases I would qualify as investment pieces, and with time, the leather jacket and the grey sheath may become signature pieces. The mustard sweater already is; my collection of yellow tops is the first thing I am rebuilding! The turquoise blazer would probably be the one statement piece of the bunch, because it will be the centerpiece of any outfit and will draw the most attention.

I don’t think I have many statement pieces these days, but it is something to consider as I refine my wardrobe. Thanks for all the ideas!

July 22, 2009 at 9:59 am

KristenKP

Oh, haha, I spoke too soon: my turquoise glasses are of course a statement piece!

July 22, 2009 at 10:00 am

Kari

These are my major statement pieces:
-Colorful, chunky plastic specs
-Multicolored/patterned scarves
-Patterned or brightly colored handbags, and definitely my yellow crossbody bag
-Chunky necklaces including a turquoise beaded necklace with oversized stones, a long “floating” faux-pearl necklace, and a silver chain necklace
-Brightly colored tops or dresses
-Brightly colored or boldly printed footwear: red patent pumps, coral silk flats, yellow canvas flats, beige and black patent flats, black and white giraffe print peeptoe pumps
-My black and white print pencil skirt or Boden “fun skirt” with a bright graphic print
-Mid-thigh length forest green wool winter coat with oversized buttons

More recently added:
-Floral brooches
-Hats

I also have some pieces that are becoming part of my “signature” but I don’t feel that they make a distinct statement on their own. Examples are my silver watch, some of my more demure necklaces and scarves, shoes or pencil skirts in neutral colors, vests/waistcoats, and my two moto jackets.

July 22, 2009 at 10:20 am

Statement piece is something that stands out from the rest of your look.

It’s not something I care for, I prefer the style of someone like Lena Horne or Jackie O, where everything is seamlessly blended together and creates a cumulative effect without the viewer quite being able to tell what the secret is.

July 22, 2009 at 10:26 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear ladies, a statement piece does not have to be a signature piece. I said it *might* be the case. *Sometimes*. Hope that makes sense.

Ele, “impactful” is a GREAT word. And actually my statement pieces are both modern and vintage too. I think the mix works. That’s why I added “retro” to your list of adjectives.

M, Jackie O’s black sunglasses are just about the most famous statement piece in America!

July 22, 2009 at 10:39 am

MAC

Yeah, I think when Jackie Kennedy wore pearl necklaces, those was a statement piece, too!
http://elanimagemanagement.com.....cklace.jpg

My statement pieces:
– my shoes, which often add a “pop” or colour or interest or texture to otherwise fairly sedate outfits
– a honkin diamond ring (heirloom) that only comes out of the safe about 3 times/ decade: makes a rather major statement
– white/ cream coats in winter: I have several of these and I get a lot of compliments and jealous looks when I wear them
– belts: I wore more wide, gorgeous belts when I was slim. Alas, the choices of fabulous belts for a size 16 are much more limited, although I continue to search…

July 22, 2009 at 10:59 am

MAC

Sorry… “those WERE statement pieces, too” is what I meant…

July 22, 2009 at 11:00 am

Marianna

Generally when I think of statement pieces I think of something big, bright, and bold. I have a very identifiable statement piece that I always wear — big dangly earrings. These earrings make me happy inside and at the same time I think they tell onlookers that I have a fun side to my personality and style. I feel naked when I don’t have big earrings on — that’s how attached I’ve become to them and how vital they’ve become to my style.

July 22, 2009 at 11:06 am

Palm Fronds

Fantastic discussion today!
I have wondered about “statement” pieces and in the past always assumed they were something expensive, an investment, that made.dominated a look, for good or bad. But recently I have accepted a different version of the definition much like what Angie described today, where the statement piece is something that fits with your own style, and somehow “pops” in a way. It is usually something that other folks would comment on, and not something that blends in with the rest of your look that day.And it doesn’t have to be expensive at all!
I realise that I don’t have many “statement” pieces at all, I tend to have very cohesive looks without any one feature dominating, whether that is “stylish” or not, I do not know.
For the few I have, color dictates my statement pieces–my yellow trench, my cream coat. my scarves. In addition, my family is from India so I have alot of jewelry from there which strikes others as “statements’ although for me they are quite homey.

Perhaps “statements” are also simply what are interesting to others?

July 22, 2009 at 11:11 am

Sal

(website)

Interesting. I think of statement pieces as mainly being bold and attention-grabbing, but not necessarily being aligned with your personal style. Not completely. In fact, when I wear what I consider to be a statement piece, it’s usually something that pushes me a little outside my comfort zone.

July 22, 2009 at 11:40 am

Joy

Such an fascinating topic! I’m realizing that I was unclear about signature pieces vs statement pieces. My statement pieces are mostly accessories that especially include necklaces of a variety of shapes and colors of pearls, semi-precious stones and other interesting beads and a large scarf collection. More recently, after having no patterned fabrics except scarves pre YLF, some interestingly patterned pieces have probably become statement pieces since they get comments.
I love it when someone has a signature piece..a girl in my college dorm who never removed her jade Buddah on a gold chain, an aquaintance with a quirky personality who always wears Troll doll earrings…but I’ve not yet found something that I want to wear consistantly.

July 22, 2009 at 1:00 pm

My statement pieces varies depending on my mood, the look I am after, etc. But I do have “permanent” statement pieces that I HAVE to wear. Without these I feel “incomplete.”

Here are my permanent, everday statement pieces:

1. My 13 mm South Sea pearls (I only make mention of the size because in the case of pearl – and diamond – studs, size is THE statement. But, I do think that appropriateness to the occasion takes precedence over statement. 13 mm is great for everyday wear. Anything bigger and you are ready to pose for the paparazzi in the Rose Garden. And anything smaller – there’s no point in wearing them. As far as diamond studs are concerned – I think a little under a carat to a carat is acceptable for daily wear.

2. Steel watch – the best you can afford, the better.

3. Good jeans – meaning jeans that fit well even if they are not luxury brands.

4. Well groomed hair and face, meaning washed and elegantly styled hair. A simple pony tail can make a statement, but it’s got to be done well. And, light make up to hide the flaws and enhance the features.

5. Well polished shoes (please keep the Havaianas, crocs, Merills for the beach, gardening, or hiking!)

July 22, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Laura

What a fun discussion! I have statement pieces, but I’d like to have a signature piece. Maybe my signature piece is actually my hair style.

July 22, 2009 at 1:15 pm

Shari

Well there are fashiony statement pieces and pieces that truly make a statement about the wearer. I love bold necklaces, scarves and bracelets and I will use these to pop an outfit, along with boldly colored shoes and bags. I consider my signature piecees to be cardigans, wrap dresses & tops, the color red and my Tiffany charm bracelet. However, the piece that makes the biggest statement is the Star of David I wear regularly. The same would be true of hijab, a bindi, a cross or a crucifix. Where I live it IS a statement, and one I’m proud to make.

July 22, 2009 at 1:52 pm

April

I think of a statement piece as a “thing unto itself.” Although it should go with the outfit, it is not meant to complement another part of the outfit, but to stand on its own.

A delicate gold chain is not a statement piece, nor are small pearl studs. Those are minor accessories. A statement piece is something that would be fun to look at whether its being worn or not.

July 22, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Taylor

(website)

I think it is possible to have several statement pieces going on.

That red trench….with those big gold earrings

That white handbag with the white watch and zebra shoes

Those killer boots with that killer scarf

You get the pic…along with signiture pieces(accessories) like…your spikey new haircut…the total look:)

July 22, 2009 at 2:23 pm

JewelryGirl

What what a fun thread & a lively debate!

Here’s my list, I *think*

My Statement Pieces – Bold pendant necklaces or layered necklaces. Multiple Bangles – this may become a signature style for me (time will tell). Once in awhile, a statement pair of shoes.

My Signature pieces – Animal Prints & a great shoe collection. Simple Oval hoops, they are my standard go-to earrings & a part of my look. Many times when I ask my husband to chose between earrings he tells me to wear my hoops because they are more “me” he says. My siilver/gold cross ring I wear everyday next to my wedding ring. Wedding ring (of course). Statement necklaces, they are part of my signature style. A great collection of skinny belts is becoming a part of my signature style again as well.

An interesting thing is that one thing I’ve found that I’m NOT drawn to (on me, I like on others) is a bold statement patterned jacket/cardi. I buy but then they sit in my closet & I rarely wear. Maybe to loud of a statement for me? I’m not sure…

My statement or signature purchases could be a thrift shop purchase or very expensive, that part makes no difference to me if I really love it & wear it!

July 22, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Lesa

(website)

One word for my statement pieces–ETSY. Everyone knows me for my unique jewelry. You can’t just go out to a dept store and buy the really great things the talented people at etsy make. I have a necklace in a few different colors that have a rose on the side and beads, I ALWAYS get compliments and usually they are repeat compliments “Oh, Lesa has that pretty necklace on again.

July 22, 2009 at 4:36 pm

Mary

My style is understated so my statement pieces are the fact that there are no statement pieces. (tongue-in-cheek)

July 22, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Imogen

(website)

I think of them as the Heroes in your wardrobe – they make the supporting acts (basics) work and create some element of interest and take your outfit away from boring.

July 22, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Cricket

In my wardrobe, a statement piece is the finishing piece, almost always a chunky necklace or scarf. This is new for me, and figuring it out (don’t know what took me so long!) has made a huge difference in how I feel about an outfit.

July 22, 2009 at 8:33 pm

san

All I can say is WOW what an interesting conversation. I’ve enjoyed reading this today.
This brings my Dad to mind with his cowboy boots and cowboy hat. He is a misplaced Texan. He left Texas as a young man but I don’t think the Texas ever leaves the man. His signature or statement pieces were always his boots and hat no matter what styles came and went over the years, or which state he resided in.
As my Dad gets older he no longer wears the cowboy boots and I really miss that. He still looks handsome in his cowboy hat.
I think these are both signature and statement pieces for him.

July 22, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Eva

Angie, thank you for the reminder on statement versus signiture pieces. I think I have several statement pieces. Bright or bold color shoes, especially when I am wearing a conservative suit. My snake skin looking trench coat (that I got in the spring but haven’t worn since because we have had such a great summer). My wedding ring, of course. Angie, I love your Wayfarer sunglasses as a statement piece.

July 22, 2009 at 9:21 pm

Ana

I think of a statement piece as something that someone looking at your outfit would notice straight away (as Angie describes). I tend to build my outfits around a statement piece. I often feel that when I am wearing one, everything else needs to be kept slightly more subdued, if that makes sense. If I happen to put on two “statement” pieces, I’ll feel that the outfit is “too much,” and that I need to take one of them off.

July 22, 2009 at 9:29 pm

Taylor

(website)

Now this is where I get confused..

I will see a red purse and yellow shoes…this confuses me because I think they carry equal weight, and are competing with each other, wich is why I never mix colors like that…. whereas zebra shoes and a white purse are also both statement pieces…but not competeing…to my eye….I guess because they are in the same color family..

I like the look of mixing bold colors like that, but I don’t “get” how to do that, and is why I tend to keep things in the same color family.

July 22, 2009 at 9:51 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such fab comments! Wow, indeed.

Mary, you’re naughty.

Ana, I build my outfits around my statement pieces too. I’ve found it really works for me.

Sal, your perspective is VERY different. Not quite sure I’m with you though. I think your statement pieces should absolutely be aligned with your personal style – unless you really want to change your sense of style to something else, which in that case means you are deliberately moving out of your comfort zone.

Taylor, I actually wear yellow shoes and carry a red bag (or vice versa) from time to time. I guess it’s a look I like – just like you prefer a more matched version with the zebra shoes and white bag, which is also a combination I love. I thinks it’s a question of aesthetic preferences. I happen to like both!

July 22, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Meg

(website)

My statement piece would have to be jewelry. It always matters on my mood of what I’ll wear that day, and people who know me can tell right away just by looking at my neck what kind of day I’ll be having. Sometimes I go for the bold chunky bright beaded necklace, other times the silver chain lariat with swarvoski crystals…either way they pop. I get lots of compliments on them, and to save money (although now I make so many, doubt I am really saving anything) and to have unique stuff I make my own jewelry.

Another thing I like to do is accent a regular outfit with a bold purse. My favorite is my UF Gators football purse (made out of an actual football…grabbed that one the second I saw it!). Even a pair of jeans and a t-shirt take on a whole new meaning when you are carrying around a football, and it starts conversations everywhere I go. Of course, living in a college town with a number 1 football team does add to the statement, but even when away from home I get comments (although mattering on the town, not always good).

July 23, 2009 at 5:33 am

JulieRo

Just my two thoughts on statement versus signature pieces…

I agree with the many who suggest that a “statement” piece is one that attracts attention, gives an ensemble that “pop” or that otherwise elicits commentary. Because of my sadly limited budget (I’m a grad student), it’s always accessories, usually those one-of-a-kind Etsy bold styles (Hi Lesa!) that I love.

In my world, “signature” pieces are those that people associate with you. If they saw the same, or a similar, item on someone else, they’d think of you, and it could really be anything from a great bag to a funky watch to a fabulous pair of shoes or a stunning haircut! In my case, I’d guess it’s my sometimes unruly, but always striking, mop of red hair: when people who know me see other redheads with similar hair, they think of me; thus, my “signature” look. Just as we still see Jackie O’s glasses, I like to think my friends see JulieRo’s hair.

And there is some crossover, like a Venn diagram. Some items are both “signature” and “statement,” and others are just one or the other.

July 23, 2009 at 5:45 am

Joelle

I agree with Angie’s definition of a statement piece–something that attracts attention and that also expresses something about your personality. Like many others who have commented, most of my statement pieces are accessories–shoes, bags, and jewelry. I do have maybe 3-4 statement tops and skirts, but most of my clothing is basic items in neutral or other non-eyecatching solid color.

I think some people can consider their lipstick, haircolor, or unusual haircut as a statement piece, but I can’t. Bright lipstick is not a part of my style, and my hair is not unusual in any way.

July 23, 2009 at 8:23 am

Mamapicklejuice

To me, statement pieces should be your signature style – with an exclamation point. An example – your daily style is tweed “riding” jackets with leather trim and pearl studs. Your statement piece might be a heavy rope of pearls, worn with a tailored black sheath dress with interesting seaming. So statement piece is still you, just more so.

July 23, 2009 at 9:40 am

Victoria

(website)

My favorite statement pieces:

–a large-size cameo I bought at a street fair that somehow makes all outfits better

–my red patent-leather Mary Janes

–my tapestry messenger bag from Fossil

–and my newest, a shiny gold brocaded vest that dresses up jeans but can be more formal as well.

July 24, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Sarah

Well, pretty much everything has been said already, since I’m dropping in late on this topic. But it was fun to read, and I’ll add my two cents. To me, a “statement piece” is an item of clothing that says something about the wearer’s personality, even more so than “style” in general. It is something that they eye is drawn to and something that not everybody else is wearing. Unique is key, but bold is only important if bold is a part of your personality. Otherwise you will feel like you are wearing a costume. Excellent analogy with the headlines and story, Angie!

My statement pieces include: red heels, silver ballet flats, black knee-high heeled boots, silver Spring trench, long black winter trench, chunky turquoise beaded necklace, long chunky pearls, silver metal belt and matching pendant (which I do not wear together), gold metal belt, and my yellow cardi. I only wear the yellow cardi when I’m in a very happy, outgoing mood. Otherwise it makes me feel out of place, like everyone is staring at me. I call it my “sunny sweater.”

July 24, 2009 at 1:28 pm

Jennifer

Maybe I’m a little too pragmatic but I think a signature piece is something to catch the eye of whoever sees you ….. so that hopefully they won’t notice your wonky eyeliner, or your bra showing through your shirt, or any of the other little oddities that might catch their eye if there wasn’t something bright or sparkly to distract them.

August 16, 2009 at 10:53 am

Eva

(website)

Thank you for that post. Ive recently started a blog about my challenge- the Minimalistic approach in life and i started from my wardrobe. Now i am thinking about capsule wardrobe thing and when I read about it sometimes i saw those words “statement piece” as something needed. I wasn’t quite sure what was it and how to look for it. Now I get it!

May 16, 2016 at 5:28 am

Mel

Active Member

Such an interesting conversation! I’d like to note that whether or not a piece is a “statement” or is considered “unique” seems to depend as well on the culture, country, or even the times you live in. Wearing a slick leather jacket when I visit my friends in small-town USA is a real “statement”, but if I walk the street in a big Italian city, it’s quite normal, because lots of people are wearing leather jackets. In the first context, my jacket says “I’m different from you”, and in the second my jacket says “I’m just like you”…whether I wanted to say that or not!! One YLF reader noted that her Indian jewelry is considered a statement by her American friends, while back in India it’s “common” to wear such jewelry. Or think about how in the 50’s wearing pants was a statement, because everyone was wearing dresses, while today if you wear a dress in a sea of jeans, you are considered the statement maker! As well, a young woman wearing a blazer as a community college student would kind of stand out, while if she wore that blazer to some Ivy league schools she would fit right in. So our “statement” pieces could shift if we change cultures or countries, or environments, or simply grow older, as we find pieces that express who we are (or wish we were) and what we want to say. It’s delicate balance between being sensitive to messages we send through our dress and being true to our own personal style.

March 18, 2017 at 3:27 am

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