YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Adding edginess to outfits?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Adding edginess to outfits? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:58:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Ariadne on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125754 Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:39:14 +0000 Ariadne 1125754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread is fantastic.  I'm trying to memorize every post!  One of my big goals this year is to focus on adding edge to my outfits and to really work on figuring out what permutation of edge suits me best and feels most natural.  Shoes, hair, belts and toppers are going to be key, I think.  What I'm craving, I think, is a mix of UWP (Una, Rae, cciele, etc.), Anna's more minimal outfits, Greyscale's looks, a dash of cocolion's arty boho rocker vibe (especialyl in summer), and a swipe of Suz and Angie's delicious polish.  Each outfit will probably skew more heavily in one direction or another depending on mood, weather, etc. I'm writing this off the top of my head so I probably forgot to mention a bunch of other lovely inspirational YLFers, for which I apologise profusely.   Sveta on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125424 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 17:57:20 +0000 Sveta 1125424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread! I don't think I have anything RATE about my style so for me adding edge to an outfit is to make it feel current by incorporating some trends which speak to me. Who would have thought that blush pink baggy trousers can add such edge to my summer style? This is a proof that blush pastel color can be as edgy as black, leather and studs for the right style and right person.:-) Suz on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125362 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:39:50 +0000 Suz 1125362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia, I feel exactly the way K.Can does. I would happily learn at your feet. Or from your footwear.  K. Can, you are a total inspiration and model to me! Like you, I needed to add trendiness to my style to give it what I thought of as "edge." Interesting.  Greyscale, you are so darn cool. I am learning from your investment in the perfect pieces.  Love this thread -- thank you all! Jaime on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125286 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:06:48 +0000 Jaime 1125286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Are you kidding me K.(question mark) I am flattered like a pancake! As a utterly unpopular girl in high school, you couldn't have said a more stunning or lovely thing to me. (Sorry Gigi for the sidetrack.) K. Period. on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125209 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 05:27:13 +0000 K. Period. 1125209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL! Shevia, I hope you know that I meant that as the highest compliment. As in, you are like the super cool girl I wanted to be in high school, except transplanted to the present, perfectly age appropriate and somehow utterly current.  :)   Jaime on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125122 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 03:16:26 +0000 Jaime 1125122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was innocently and happily reading this thread, wondering if I think of myself as edgy or have anything to say on this topic at all and then K. blew my mind by calling my style new wave. Well I am going to put that in my pipe and smoke it Period. (exclamation point) Anonymous on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125070 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 01:26:49 +0000 Anonymous 1125070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really enjoying this thread! Personally, I've always thought of edgy style only in its extreme version, with leather and studs and sharp, angular lines everywhere, and dismissed it as something that wouldn't ever work for my soft, shrimpy, mild-mannered self. But I'm wondering if a little bit of edginess might not actually work for me. In particular, since I tend toward RATE and am ridiculously obsessed with comfort and with clothes that don't feel overly fussy, some edginess might help my style read as more current and purposeful rather than just as kind of path-of-least-resistance. In particular, of the elements that people mentioned, I think draping and asymmetry, juxtaposition, and some edgier shoes and accessories might be good avenues for me to explore. Goldenpig, I really like your edgier outfits! They keep sticking in my mind as great examples of combining edge with softer, more feminine looks. I may have to try a slightly RATE-ified version sometime. catgirl on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125026 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:34:47 +0000 catgirl 1125026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been dying to chime here. Having been forced to tone it down for work, my edge is in hair, jewelry, specs and footwear. The gold spike necklace I sent to Rae, for instance. My wolverine skull necklace. The Gidigio boots. One or two out there pieces can be a signature look. And I do think conservative can be edgy, if contrast is introduced . I feel edgy in my Theory suit because the Lanai cut is somehow both conservative and avant garde. I wish I could find more such pieces and pinpoint why they work this way. A conservative cut in an outré pattern or vice versa...? Great topic - I am making this thread a favorite! Such a good read. Isabel on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125021 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:19:56 +0000 Isabel 1125021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a GREAT thread. Thanks Gigi.  I often wonder about this myself. I often think that my plain bob haircut makes everything non-edgy. But I don't have the guts to go "rad".    :  )    I also worry about age appropriateness.  A few years ago, I used to volunteer at an at-risk youth program. Most of the young men were either in gangs or trying to get out of a gang.  One late night, I drove one of them home. He had me park around the corner because he didn't want anyone to see him with " a white woman with chin length hair and driving a Prius" !   LOL   I continue to struggle with all three things.     :  )   goldenpig on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1125002 Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:04:32 +0000 goldenpig 1125002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this thread! I'm going to have to digest in more detail when I have more time. But I agree that edge is very person specific. I want to add more edge to my outfits this year. But I don't have a speck of RATE in me and I don't feel right in outfits that are too masculine or hard edged. So I'm going for polished ladylike edgy, which sounds kind of ridiculous but that's what I aspire to! I've been adding more Vince and Helmut Lang, with more black and grey and asymmetric hems and bra straps. Some studs on my purses/shoes/accessories, but just a touch. A little bit of my shadow persona coming out to play. Angie on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124983 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:40:10 +0000 Angie 1124983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *chuckle* @K and Greyscale: Well aren't you both hilarious and fabulous.  Greyscale on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124981 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:38:36 +0000 Greyscale 1124981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Me too, K! And I really liked your explanation. K. Period. on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124975 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:27:55 +0000 K. Period. 1124975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (@Angie! I feel like I just got an A+. Yeah!)   Anonymous on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124968 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:16:28 +0000 Anonymous 1124968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - you are asking some very thought provoking questions recently! Enjoyed the variety of responses. Will be looking to see how this evolves for you this year. Angie on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124963 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:13:36 +0000 Angie 1124963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Absolutely loved your explanations Greyscale and K.Period. Well done and thanks for sharing.  unfrumped on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124961 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:11:30 +0000 unfrumped 1124961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really enjoying this post. I don't know if the word edgy is the only word, but I know I need to look for more ways to make something more "me" and more unexpected. Or maybe, unexpected for me! While a single great piece in each outfit might do the most good, for the long run  I'm really interested in feeling free-er to do small things or use common things in less expected ways or combinations. There's a big chance that  that is more effort than I can muster, but I feel it's the road to style fun that has longevity and is not dependent on constant influx of new items, but is more creative. Or, perhaps find a way for just one or 2 items to be worn more often --so I really liked Angie's pointing out eyewear and footwear. rachylou on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits/page/2#post-1124950 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:00:48 +0000 rachylou 1124950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think at the moment I'm just adding things with leather trim to every outfit. Lol. But I agree that shoes matter. And also colours. I have a pink suit that I'm de-prettifying with brown. Maybe I'll try a plaid next to make it less pretty. shemarie on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124903 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:09:26 +0000 shemarie 1124903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a terrific post and a wonderful read.  I need to go through it again to begin to absorb it all.  I'm learning SO much and I just love all of the replies.   I think, for me, I'm K. Period.'s excellent analysis may just be the revelation I've been seeking in my oh-so-frustrating quest to begin understanding my own style and direction...and have it be authentic!  Edge v. trendy v. RATE is starting to make so much more sense.  Thank you all so much for sharing!! K. Period. on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124891 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 21:53:42 +0000 K. Period. 1124891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm right there too with edge being person specific.  My original goal in joining the forum and then in working with Angie was to add "edge" to my outfits.  I felt like I was a very good classic dresser, but I wanted to take my style in a more "fashion" direction.  Originally, I said "edgy." Angie responded "trendy." I panicked when I heard "trendy," but Angie was right.  For me, trendy was always the definition of what I didn't want to be: junky, too young fast-fashion clothing worn without regard to the wearer.  It was the mom putting on her teenage daughter's clothes along with her mom jeans in an attempt to make herself feel more current. Trendy equaled fashion disaster.  Of course, I was wrong. This year I incorporated a lot more trendy items in my wardrobe, and I've been loving it.  The juxtaposition of trendy items against classic items is exactly what I needed to feel more edgy and still me.    But wait: about edge!  The first major missteps that I made when I was trying to up my style were all "edge" related.  I equated edge with studded items, chains, tough boots, in all a much more RATE style and maybe a little bit of Urban Warrior Princess and Steampunk mixed in.  However, those things weren't me and they didn't feel comfortable when I tried to integrate them into my style.  The major style revelation for me was that I could admire that style, but I didn't need to duplicate it and that there were other examples of styles that were much more like me that were just as edgy.  So, I don't try to wear the same clothes as Una (AlaskaGirl).  And there are a bunch of other folks who I admire, and I might take small elements from, but I don't try to clone because their style isn't mine even if I admire it and it influences me: Anna/Annagybe's style is too fashion forward for me to wear comfortably; Denise/CocoLion's is a tad too bohemian; Dana/Ironkurtin's is too avant-garde; Shevia's is too new-wave; Deborah's is too dark (I love her season of all black and if you want to be wowed, go through her WIWs and see how amazing the right person can make a limited color palette; I just need color) and on and on!  Every single one of them has phenomenal style.  I follow all of their posts because they inspire me, but I don't try to clone their edge. Their edge isn't mine.  So, my advice would be to watch people on the forum and maybe start a pinterest board with pins of people wearing things that you own, but styled with just a bit more edge.  That might help you identify which edge is going to feel natural to you, rather than jumping right in with edgy items you admire, but may not feel comfortable wearing, like studded boots.   For what it is worth, to add edge, I've added metallic belts and purses, animal (mammal and reptile) prints in belts, shoes and purses, light and white footwear, bolder color combos and avant-garde cuts and can't imagine my style without them anymore.  I already had interesting jewelry, but I've added a few pieces for fun.  I also have a gorgeous, barely worn pair of Fiorentini & Baker boots that are looking for a new home, because I'm just not RATE.   Echo on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124726 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:10:37 +0000 Echo 1124726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I absolutely agree that "edge" is person and context specific. In other words, the leather or studs that may add edge to my outfit where I currently live would have been standard in the place and with the people I lived with in Chicago. This is the reason that many young women who wore lots of leather/black and RATE items started wearing Peter Pan collars and a few items that were girly-girl-ish; it created a juxtaposition against the all black, RATE clothing they were used to. So like Angie said, "edge" doesn't have to mean any one particular style or colour or look, and it very much depends on the style and location/surroundings of each person.  Greyscale on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124705 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:46:57 +0000 Greyscale 1124705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Refined edgy is my style goal. It's the main criterion I use when I try something on in a store (though as Angie notes, it's often not the individual item itself).  As a quiet, reserved nerd with long hair, I learned to add little elements that would counteract that so that my overall impression was edgy and interesting. My look is meant to be the opposite of "pretty" (nothing wrong with pretty at all, but it's not me). I admit it's a lot easier now that the side of my head is shaved, but shoes have always been my standby for adding edge, even back in high school when I wasn't very good at dressing myself. Combat boots or converse, at first. I am always envious of Kate Lanphear's arms full of spiky bracelets, but in the end, accessories are rarely part of my look, and that's ok. One of my favorite purchases of last year was my Dr Martens sandals. I usually go for a more refined version of edgy than Docs, but these sandals seriously look like something off the runway last year when a few labels had big chunky flat sandals. Any outfit I wear them with is automatically pulled in an edgy direction and always gets comments from salespeople. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dr-martens-clarissa-leather-sandal/3528188">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dr.....al/3528188</a> Another bit of my wardrobe that add edge (one of many examples): The strong-shoulder Theyskens blazer in my last WIW post has such interesting lines. Worn with skinnies, it makes an amazing silhouette. I have another black blazer that gets more wear, and I love it, but it's not nearly as dramatic even though they look similar on the rack. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://monochrome.lookfab.com/post/wiw-zippers">http://monochrome.lookfab.com/post/wiw-zippers</a> So I'm not sure if there's any advice in this, but maybe there's some useful inspiration. Aziraphale on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124680 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:20:45 +0000 Aziraphale 1124680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Art and not science" -- exactly! Angie on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124678 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:17:28 +0000 Angie 1124678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great, great thread and comments. You are all right. Here's my take on the question:  <ul> <li>Edgy is person-specific, meaning that there is no one way to be edgy. Edgy does not necessarily mean studs, hardware, wearing black all the time, and RATE style. Not at all. You can be very polished and very edgy - Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett and Gwen Stefani come to mind. You can wear white and pastels with edge. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Having "an edge" to your style means adding unconventional and unexpected aspects to it. Think irregular outfit juxtapositions. You can add an edge to boho, androgynous, rocker, modern classic, hard edged, trendy, eclectic and sporty style - you name it. It's HOW you put these pieces together within this style that makes it edgy. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Edgy runs on a continuum. A little or a lot of edge is a personal choice. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Finally, you don't need to be edgy to be stylish. </li> </ul> Shoes and hair are in my opinion the most powerful vehicles for edge. Eyewear is probably next if you wear specs. Then, it's HOW you mix up pieces in an outfit that makes it edgy, and not necessarily the pieces themselves. That's why style is Art and not Science.  Aziraphale on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124676 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:11:37 +0000 Aziraphale 1124676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of good suggestions here. To me, someone who looks edgy is often wearing an outfit that incorporates the following qualities: - there may be a small sacrifice of figure flattery for unexpectedness. Wearing jeans that are bleeding edge in terms of style with funky but flat shoes is a common one I see. It's very difficult to look edgy in sensible low heels. They have to be really cool shoes (or, more likely, boots), and they have to be worn with other elements of the outfit that are a bit different in a cool way. - If it looks conservative, it ain't edgy. Conventionally flattering but conservative items like, say, pumps (which make everybody's legs look longer and more shapely) can only be edgy if styled in a really unexpected way. "Edgy" relies on unexpectedness, coolness, and -- I'm going to say something here that people might disagree about -- a certain insouciance in the wearer's demeanour. That is, the person herself (or himself) must in fact be edgy. If not, I don't think her outfits can. It won't ring true. I realize this isn't particularly helpful. Let's see if I can't do better…well, to up the edginess factor of any woman, I'd concentrate on hairstyle and footwear, perhaps a hat, and, depending on the outfit, belts. Jewellery rarely makes someone look edgy unless it's particularly awesome or unless the person has non-standard piercings. Mo on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124667 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:59:27 +0000 Mo 1124667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can totally relate on the edgy enough but not too edgy pieces for oneself.  I mentioned on a thread to Una how I could never do the pyramid stud belts that were so often seen on punks and rockers.  Instead, my edgy belt was this half snakeskin pattern, half nailhead stud (much cleaner and streamlined hardware in my mind than pyramid studs).  Just an example that there is a level of edge out there for all of us ;)  cjh on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124645 Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:42:05 +0000 cjh 1124645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Right after reading this post, I was looking at some style blogs and found this fab example of edge: <a href="http://lellavictoria.creatorsofdesire.com/military-green/" rel="nofollow">http://lellavictoria.creatorso.....ary-green/</a>  - and was inspired to start with the classic shawl collar sweater to build a Polyvore with it, choosing pieces to make it lean towards edgy or classic. <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=108650025" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=108650025</a> The differences I discerned were in some of these areas: Shape - boxy or loose, tight or close fitting, proportions of each garment as well as overall from top to bottom, conventional, asymmetrical?  Color - traditional or unconventional combos, neutrals, accents?  Fabrications - textures, weights, drape, knits, leathers, natural or manmade, and juxtaposition of these?  Style - conventional or unexpected combinations, layers, quirky or usual arrangements, RATE or classic factors involved? The traditional shawl collar sweater in military green worn by the blogger becomes part of her edgy outfit by her combinations of slightly oversizing the sweater, the soft scarf worn inside the collar, the slouchy leather pants, slouchy wool socks with Birks (I hear they are coming back into the style spotlight!), oversize navy pea coat and Chanelesque bag.  You might also notice how she wears her watch over the sweater sleeve, the mod style ring, and the interesting zippers on the coat sleeves. In my classicized version, I would put this sweater together with a crisp white button shirt, a burgundy fringed scarf, black tailored slacks, burgundy Nordic print socks, black oxfords, and a classic, trimly shaped navy coat.  To me, the oxfords, socks and ankle pants would be the edge - modernized, comfortable and interesting yet within my style parameters. Thanks for this interesting discussion. Gigi on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124171 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 20:51:46 +0000 Gigi 1124171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for all your awesome ideas, everyone! I'm going to have to read this thread over a few times, because there is so much great information here. :^) Kim asked about what "edgy" means to me. Reading all the responses helped me refine my somewhat-murky definition. To me, it means a combination of things. One, it means harder-edge, like the Edward Scissorhands example. Two, it means combining elements that would not normally go together, like pearls and a t-shirt. Three, it means adding an item of clothing that is not the norm to a more typical outfit. (In this last definition, the nonstandard item does not have to be "harder-edge" but could simply be something very distinctive, like one of Alassë's maxi skirts, which I love). So "edgy" can be really quite versatile. I think part of my problem is that I sometimes have a knee-jerk reaction to items that are harder-edge, like studded booties. But I have to keep in mind that these elements would be only one piece of an overall outfit, not the whole thing. I need to be more open to these unusual types of pieces and allow myself the freedom to make mistakes in picking something that isn't really me or isn't edgy enough or is too edgy! I think that experimentation will be crucial in trying to add some edge to my outfits. And a big thank-you to Krishnidoux! I appreciated your breakdown of steps. And I had never imagined that there was so much to know about buying a t-shirt! I am glad that I do not have many t-shirts, because that way when the weather warms up I can afford to buy one or two without feeling like I'm overloading my closet. The responses to this thread have been like a Christmas present for me! There is so much knowledge on this forum. Thank you all for sharing it with me. :^) Joyce B on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124051 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:29:20 +0000 Joyce B 1124051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a great topic. I'm just tagging along as I would also like to keep all the great advice handy, I can definitely use it. Sorry that I can't contribute at this time. My goal is also to add edginess to my wardrobe. Mo on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124038 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:57:05 +0000 Mo 1124038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Janet!  I depend on my cuff bracelets and sandals with hardware in FL heat.  Add to that, some of the cooler options in the heat are floaty and by nature quite feminine. Janet on "Adding edginess to outfits?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-edginess-to-outfits#post-1124032 Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:32:28 +0000 Janet 1124032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find that in the colder months, jackets are boots are my main "edging up" pieces. ITA with Anna about footwear making a big difference. I will wear a quite classic outfit but popping on those turquoise Jeffrey Campbell boots definitely gives an edgier effect. This is why I find summer dressing so hard -- it's not so easy in the heat and humidity to "edge up" a simple lightweight dress or shorts and a tee, unless I have some killer sandals, and maybe a bold piece of jewelry.