https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:22:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1665217 Sun, 22 May 2016 11:51:46 +0000 Staysfit 1665217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, I think it's a great idea for me to post a few outfits that best represent my new style statement. I admire people that benefit from Pinterest. I have several Pinterest Boards that I use but they end up getting cluttered and confusing. There are the looks I love, but they are for my fantasy life, and then there are the looks that would never look good on me but I like them, and finally there are the looks that I would actually wear......all three are mixed on the same boards. It would be difficult to separate them. I should probably delete the mess and start over! :-)</p> <p>DonnaF, you raise an interesting point. Maybe I do have another style personality. I am a dedicated athlete and cannot recall a time when I haven't been. I exercise pretty much every day without fail. However, I am not particularly attracted to athleisure looks. I immediately change out of any gear like clothing when I'm done with the activity. My screen name has been an important acknowledgement of this very large aspect of my life. I have no intention of changing my screen name although Serenely Elegant might be more obviously relevant for a fashion forum. I like Staysfit. It has a fashion reference also, although its historical and clearly has some relevance to feminism. Stays are the corset like garments with boning that women wore, often tightly to cinch in their waists. They were often so tight that women would faint easily because they couldn't breathe. This made them seem delicate and helpless, etc. (Really an awful item right!). Fit obviously stands on its own. If clothes don't fit well, then they look awful. Plus, the stays were used to make clothes fit a certain way. So, my screen name has multiple meanings, because Staysfit also has the more standardly interpreted meaning of being athletically fit and possibly trim. A person like that wouldn't need stays right?! They are strong, and likely not delicate or helpless, the opposite of what occurred with stays in the past. Psychiatrists love words with multiple meanings. Did anyone know I picked my screen name with all that in mind? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1665067 Sun, 22 May 2016 02:09:33 +0000 Jaime 1665067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting analysis. Yes, descriptors come in most handy for me when considering new items or even inspiration pictures. But I am a creature of contradictory impulses like Vix and DonnaF above. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1665042 Sun, 22 May 2016 01:12:47 +0000 DonnaF 1665042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, will you be changing your board name from Staysfit to Serenely Elegant?</p> <p>I think I am more like Vix; I have a number of facets to my style so it is a matter of mood, day, and weather when each comes out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1665030 Sun, 22 May 2016 00:51:35 +0000 Beth Ann 1665030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always found my style rubric to be the most helpful for me, although I'm in the process of changing it. &nbsp;I'm findng my Pinterest boards to be most helpful to me at the moment. &nbsp;It sounds like your new moniker is give you great focus and success --- I think it suits you beautifully! &nbsp;</p> <p>What about posting a few outfits that you think best "embody" your new style direction? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664961 Sat, 21 May 2016 21:41:31 +0000 Style Fan 1664961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serene Elegant is very much you.&nbsp; Not that I would have come up with those words.&nbsp; I can see how a Style Statement is useful but I don't have one.&nbsp; Yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;I like to read about other Fabbers' Style journeys.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664868 Sat, 21 May 2016 18:49:59 +0000 Suz 1664868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serene Elegant is perfect for you and I agree that you're genuine and composed as well but those are harder words to shop by.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664755 Sat, 21 May 2016 15:26:30 +0000 Angie 1664755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, what a nice thing to say. Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664716 Sat, 21 May 2016 14:01:50 +0000 Anonymous 1664716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, SF. The new moniker seems more helpful when shopping, for sure, and also describes your style to a T. Your previous moniker required too much explaining to understand. Your new one has the benefit of being immediately understandable. Your clothes DO look genuine and composed though.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like how you are continually honing - in on your style. I find this is happening with me too -- I'm certainly preferring certain styles (sporty/preppy) more than others now, and I think this is a function of doing a lot of experimenting over the past 4 years. It's funny HOW MUCH experimenting I've had to do to narrow down my style, but I think it's because I never really embraced fashion before, and was always purchasing clothing for function rather than a specific look or vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664671 Sat, 21 May 2016 12:01:47 +0000 Staysfit 1664671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aliona, I could be easily wooed into the moniker Gracious Ace. It has great cache. (I wish I knew where the accents were on this keyboard!). I think that's a drawback of picking a style statement or even adjectives. It's a bit like candy. We are drawn to things that taste good but they aren't always good for us! :-)</p> <p>Lyn67 </p> <p>Colette, it was helpful to get feedback from family and friends about my style. I hope you try it. I'm fortunate that my family is kind hearted, I suppose they could have come up with some very different adjectives otherwise!! I have to admit it was a bit scary to ask my teenage son....</p> <p>Lisap, even though you don't have the analytical piece going on, I have seen enough of your posts to say I can also tell when something you are wearing is a "fit" with your style or if it isn't. I am glad however that I have a recognizable look. Even if it consists of cashmere sweaters, etc. :-)</p> <p>Texstyle, I think I got lucky to come up with this. The word Serene was a color of an eyeshadow I like, and someone made a comment on one of my posts about one of the dresses I posted not looking as Elegant one I would typically chose, and the words came together for me. </p> <p>Aziraphale, I like the idea of your questions. I need to ask myself if clothing is for a fantasy life also. </p> <p>Vix, you have three wonderful Style Statements. I absolutely believe that Genuine Composed still applies to me but in other areas of my life, so it's still useful. I don't know that I have another style for fashion though. I love that you have so many and can pick and choose depending on your mood. </p> <p>Astrid, I like Eclectic Simplicity for you. I can see how that works well for you and your life. It's perfect actually, and now whenever I think of you, I will have those words in mind.</p> <p>Adelfa, keep working at it. Maybe something will capture your mind like it did mine.</p> <p>Firecracker, I love that you have the word Invention in your Style Statement. I can see how both your words fit you, although they may not feel intuitive when you shop. That was the big problem for me.</p> <p>Angie, you are the greatest role model of all. Your style statement is absolutely perfect for you and clearly represents the direction your style is taking. </p> <p>Rachy, I haven't even started on my home decor....... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664631 Sat, 21 May 2016 08:13:57 +0000 rachylou 1664631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I like Serene Elegant - and yes, I don't find my Carrie &amp; Danielle style statement is a good visual guide either...but I do consider whether or not my outfits embody my style statement because it *is* what I'm about. </p> <p>And...now that you mention it, maybe I should look at my home decor issues in this light. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664448 Fri, 20 May 2016 22:15:16 +0000 Angie 1664448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the words&nbsp;<b>Serene</b> and <b>Elegant </b>for your style, Staysfit. Loved your reasoning and it all makes perfect sense. And your attitude is&nbsp;<i>composed</i> and <i>genuine, </i>so&nbsp;<i></i>along with your serene and elegant outfits, &nbsp;it's all good.&nbsp;</p> <p>I changed my style moniker to "Urban Pretty" last March, and it's still going strong. My 5 style adjectives are: Modern, Crisp, Soft, Dressy and Retro. (A year ago I changed the Bold to Soft, and this year I changed the Simple to Retro). So far, it's working very well.&nbsp;I have very much come back home to my style. (You appreciate home so much more after a good long holiday).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664438 Fri, 20 May 2016 22:02:40 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1664438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great words, Staysfit; they seem to reflect your style as I see it. Not that I could have come up with them! <br />My own style statement is Understated Invention. As I read your comments about how "Geniune Composed" didn't feel intuitive when you shopped, it occurred to me the same is true for my style statement. My words don't guide me in shopping. They don't guide me in creating outfits. I don't really use them. You've given me something to ponder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664291 Fri, 20 May 2016 15:46:28 +0000 Adelfa 1664291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your description of your new words. I haven't found mine yet, though I've tried. I do keep coming back to "elegance" but am not happy with any words I've used so far to modify it. And even that one word I'm not sure of. Not helped by the fact that my basic style has been slowly changing for some time. You inspire me to keep trying! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664285 Fri, 20 May 2016 15:26:27 +0000 Astrid 1664285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had various adjectives and style statements over the years. Right now I feel like "eclectic simplicity" fits my mood and style best. I was thinking "simple chic" for a while, but I am way more sporty right now (a consequence of shopping VERY little). I crave simplicity and what some would call "plain" clothes, but I'm not really just chic, sporty, boho or whatever. I think the eclectic fits well into that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664278 Fri, 20 May 2016 15:09:34 +0000 Vix 1664278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Staysfit --</p> <p>I like the new words, think they're a good match for you based on how you like to dress, and can see why they'll be an easier gauge for shopping than Genuine Composed. </p> <p>[Which I never got, but since the thing about Style Statements is that no one BUT the "owner" has to understand them I figured it was working for you!]</p> <p>I'm still a fan of style descriptors/statements; the mix analytical with creative appeals to me. And I love reading what others' think about their style!</p> <p>As I've posted about on YLF a fair amount, I half-assedly did the Style Statement stuff 8 or so years ago and came up with 3 sets of words (yes, I went rogue) that still resonate with me today -- <b>Contrarian Classicist, Minimalist Magpie, and Persnickety Bohemian.</b>&nbsp;I've found they both help me make smarter choices when shopping and make it easier to combine things in ways that feel natural/good.&nbsp;</p> <p>The only time I get in trouble is when I can't figure out what mood I want to play into -- generally this happens more with "event" dressing vs daily life because each set appeals strongly to me in different ways!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664265 Fri, 20 May 2016 14:29:23 +0000 Aziraphale 1664265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serene and elegant are excellent guiding words, Staysfit. I admire elegant style myself, and, especially when I'm dressing for an event, I aim to look elegant. Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought, and you're on the right track. :-)</p> <p>To answer your question, I don't find myself using style adjectives for several reasons. The main one is that when it comes to dressing and shopping, I tend toward more intuitive choices laced with a dash of practicality. That is, I choose items that speak to me, but I do run them through the "am I buying this for a fantasy life?" filter to make sure I don't end up with a wardrobe full of things I can't wear in real life. Another reason is that I don't think I see myself very objectively, so it might actually be better to ask other people what they think my style moniker should be. Also, I think make a lot of decisions based on the vibes I <i>don't</i> want to give -- like, "will this make me look like a suburban soccer mom?" or "will this make me look like a hipster doofus?". ;-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664263 Fri, 20 May 2016 14:20:46 +0000 texstyle 1664263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you have nailed it!&nbsp; I still haven't I'm afraid, but Angie's post this morning is pretty much the look I strive for on a daily basis. I guess minimal is part of my descriptor. Thank you for sharing your process, it really is helpful to read about your experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664248 Fri, 20 May 2016 13:56:37 +0000 Anonymous 1664248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, it's interesting - I find your style so clearly honed &nbsp;now , that when you do post a collection of choices or outfits, the ones that aren't "you" stand out pretty clearly to me. But that's just me looking in from afar. &nbsp;I quite like your Serene Elegance moniker - seems pretty right to me. I cannot imagine you wearing anything else - these colours and style elements suit your body and your overall appearance. &nbsp;Plus your penchant for the finer things in life - lol - like high end bags and shoes and cashmere sweaters etc etc etc - it all just works for you.</p> <p>I don't get into the style descriptors myself - I'm not terribly introspective when it comes to personal style - it either comes to me or it doesn't and I don't spend time struggling to nail it down. I dress more for what fits and looks right on my &nbsp;body, and less for fitting into a specific style category. That said, I do really enjoy reading about you, and others like you, dive into this whole thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664207 Fri, 20 May 2016 12:32:54 +0000 Colette 1664207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's definitely a process that I've been working through for quite a while but haven't quite mastered. It would be interesting to see how my family would describe my style. Thanks for sharing your process it's very helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664203 Fri, 20 May 2016 12:15:14 +0000 lyn67 1664203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your descriptors (think they suit you even better then the previous ones) may I steal them?:-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664200 Fri, 20 May 2016 12:07:19 +0000 Anonymous 1664200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your style descriptor process, SF! I always look out for these thoughtful posts of yours, and agree with the other commenters that reading threads like this helps me so much. I don't have your ability to self-analyse on my own. I remember being impressed by your 'genuine composed' statement, and it's fascinating to learn how this didn't work out so you kept exploring. You are, indeed, serenely elegant. (You are also composed and -- as this honest post shows--genuine.). </p> <p>Like you, I struggled with style descriptors. I bought the books. I read the books. I did the exercises. Nothing ever seemed right. Then, one day I looked up from my reading to see a ship called Gracious Ace, a huge, weathered old workhorse, slipping quietly through the shipping channel. Those two words, gracious and ace, resonated with me. I like outfits that combine grace and a touch of edge, so I've been experimenting with them. But I now see how, like your genuine composed, they aren't true style descriptors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664191 Fri, 20 May 2016 11:27:32 +0000 Staysfit 1664191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, the first part of my process was to come up with style adjectives. I asked my friends and family to describe what they saw in me, style wise when I was at my best, etc. They each contributed 4-5 adjectives and they were remarkably similar. I picked from those, using the direction I thought I wanted to head. My DD was surprisingly helpful with sorting out the words.</p> <p>There is a book about Style Statements that Suz told me about. It's called<br /> Style Statement, Live by your own design by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. I read the book. It has helpful exercises. In the back. I did some of them.</p> <p>Ledonna N. I did a fall mood board as one of my first posts when I joined YLF. I picked three items that I loved. I think there was an ivory bangle, a hummingbird, and I cannot recall the third. In any case, I remember thinking it was helpful at the time. I would say it was a part of this process also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664190 Fri, 20 May 2016 11:25:56 +0000 LaPed 1664190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, I really enjoyed reading your thought process. I think your new descriptors are perfect! I can see how genuine would be hard to apply to clothes; what looks genuine on one person will look like a costume on someone else... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664178 Fri, 20 May 2016 10:34:34 +0000 Ledonna N. 1664178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading your post and gaining knowledge of your thoughts behind your style descriptions has me intrigued. So very well detailed and thought out. Thank you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664177 Fri, 20 May 2016 10:24:42 +0000 Sally 1664177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am always interested in reading others style journeys and descriptors.&nbsp; It sounds like you have it sorted and serenely elegant does conjure a picture for me of a style.&nbsp; I dont use style descriptors except I did come up with weekend girl just because I dress like I'm at the weekend all the time ....however I dont know if that descriptor is accurate...as I think weekend is only half of it..will have to ponder on this some more.&nbsp; How did you come up with your style statement?&nbsp; Did you look at what you like to wear first and describe it or did you think about what you wanted to say with your clothes?&nbsp; Do you have a pin board for ideas?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-simplification-of-style#post-1664174 Fri, 20 May 2016 10:17:28 +0000 Staysfit 1664174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Descriptors has really helped me hone in on things this season. I am using only two words now</p> <p>SERENE and ELEGANT</p> <p>Serene reminds me of calm, light, the ocean, water, beaches, waves, softness, and a look that is genuine, easily approached but maybe a bit regal also. It calls up my light summer color palette. </p> <p>Elegant to me means polished, fresh, refined, updated, well made, tasteful, classic, well fitting, projecting confidence, statuesque, composed.</p> <p>So with these two words I think I have finally nailed my Style Statement.</p> <p>I had been using Genuine Composed. These words also apply to me in a very real way but they are not intuitive when I shop for clothes. I have a hard time figuring out when a dress looks genuine. It's not a typical style word, it's more of an overall feeling that goes with the personality of the wearer. Clearly a lack of garish color and prints, and it rules out overly edgy and modern, etc. Composed is also tough to translate into clothing style. It's beyond explanation here, and the complexity of it becomes very baffling when shopping. It is strange asking myself if a dress looks Genuine Composed, but somehow feels natural asking if it looks Serenely Elegant. </p> <p>In fact Genuine Composed Worked so poorly that I had to use my five style adjectives also which defeats the purpose of a Style Statement. A Style Statement should be two words that can encompass your style, and I needed 5 or even 6! They were Calm, Fresh, Classic, Polished, Light and I added architectural and ethereal as modifiers. As you can see, my five style adjectives are swallowed up by my new two word style statement Serenely Elegant. In fact I no longer use the style adjectives. They were a good starting point, though. </p> <p>Whenever I judge an outfit to be Serenely Elegant, I look and feel my very best. When I make a new purchase the items that are both Serene and Elegant play best with my existing wardrobe.</p> <p>I have gone through quite an evolution. I started out with no style direction. Then I learned about style adjectives and Style Statements here on YLF. I picked words that seemed to apply, and used them. When they didn't work I changed them and tried them again. I have gone through 3-4 versions before hitting on this.</p> <p>Do you use a Style Statements or style adjectives? Have you changed them? Why did you change them? Was it a change of style? A poor fit (like mine)? Some other reason? Have you found any that seem to fit?</p> <p>I am open to the possibility that these words will change again in the future, but for now, they are an excellent fit for my style journey. Getting to this point was tough. I became skeptical along the way about whether the use of adjectives would be meaningful or truly helpful. I read with trepidation as all the UWP's were happily shopping and wondered if some helpful epiphany would occur to me. I stuck with my trial and error method. It has paid off! Finally! </p>