YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Elements of Style

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Elements of Style https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:12:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1539140 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 19:35:40 +0000 Jenn 1539140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann - River Song! Now, there's an Urban Warrior Princess, if I ever saw one! I'll have to go check out Ralph Lauren on Pinterest. I always wrote him off as "too preppy for me," but I never really looked. JAileen - So, what you're saying so diplomatically is... those famers smelled really bad! That's interesting about the waxed canvas. I love the look of it, but I don't know that I've ever felt it.  JAileen on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538826 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 04:00:20 +0000 JAileen 1538826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, re farmers wearing tweed: I believe that took place in the 30s and 40s. Wool was what they had. No Carhartt and no Levis.* And although dry cleaning existed, I don't think they used it much. Anyway, I live in the western high desert, in the sticks, and barely need anything beyond jeans, tees, and fleece. Pretty minimalist and definitely lacking style. Every weekend my husband and I go on birding outings and I need functional clothes for these trips. While I could wear the aforementioned fleece and a windbreaker, I don't want to. Recently I bought a couple of Barbour waxed jackets. I imagined how great they would look with my lovely wool sweaters. I loved their style and quality. It turns out I did not like having to wash my hands after touching them. My husband said, "You know we live in the 21st century and have goretex." Anyway, I returned them both (I was only planning to keep one anyway) and am continuing to look for an attractive functional modern jacket. * Of course these brands existed, the farmers just didn't have access to them. Beth Ann on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538825 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 03:57:52 +0000 Beth Ann 1538825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another Who fan here -- although I'm partial to River Song's wardrobe! I think your aesthetic priorities suit your environment beautifully!  I see Ralph Lauren in your mood board, too.  His line has a bit of a Luxe Prep vibe that I don't see in your descriptors, but I've always loved the fact that his garments have style integrity 10 years later.  What we see in the stores is always watered down -- I like to view his runway looks on Pinterest. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538678 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:23:23 +0000 Jenn 1538678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Doesn't she, though? I'd have to "grow up" her style a little, being about 15 years older, but I especially like those first two looks with the hi-lo hems and jackets. Anonymous on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538673 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:02:12 +0000 Anonymous 1538673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Clara Oswald looks very cute, and also like she could jump onto a speeding train -- in style! tulle on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538627 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 20:08:01 +0000 tulle 1538627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Outdoorsy Bookworm"--I like that! Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538612 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 19:49:30 +0000 Jenn 1538612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ torontogirl - I've been thinking on the moniker "outdoorsy bookworm" and think I'm going to experiment with combining some classic outdoorsy looks with some nerdy charm. On an added note, I was just watching the trailer for the new season of Doctor Who and thinking Clara Oswald is a fantastic style icon. There's a girl whose clothing doesn't keep her from an adventure! Helena on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538594 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 19:18:46 +0000 Helena 1538594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All I can add is that items 1 - 4 describe me to a "t", so I will follow your journey with interest. I too have been contemplating how to dress more appropriately for my life, which might mean a shift towards a little more of a gearish look. Good luck!! Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538497 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:25:53 +0000 Jenn 1538497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LavenderMoon - Yes! Ines and her daughter were showing up all over my Pinterest feed, so I grabbed her book at the library a few weeks ago. I admire her minimalism and easy, not-trying-too-hard style. She's also a master of mixing masculine/feminine. Alassë - Thanks! tulle - Thanks for the observations! Approachability was important to me when I wrote this, but since I just added a more interactive volunteer role to my life, it's even more important now! Marley - Yup, I like Sundance. It's a little more boho/romantic than I am overall, but good for statement pieces. Marley on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538313 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 07:13:37 +0000 Marley 1538313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Reminds me of the style featured in Sundance: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sundancecatalog.com/category/womens+clothing.do?nType=1">http://www.sundancecatalog.com.....do?nType=1</a> tulle on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538311 Wed, 12 Aug 2015 06:56:14 +0000 tulle 1538311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ E. has done such a thorough job (I felt the same way about All Creatures Great and Small--those noble, battered, indestructible tweeds!) of responding to your points, I don't have much left to say, but I did want to expand a little on the subject of approachability.  Working with small children taught me that clothes can, indeed, be approachable, or not.  When I wore dark gray and black, they didn't like it. Scratchy textures upset them, too.  They loved soft cashmere (one little girl threw her arms around me and said, "I LOVE you in this sweater!") and happy colors like pink and turquoise. Dressing for them, I noticed that paying attention to the effects of colors and textures made me happier, too, and even strangers were more likely to smile at me. Good luck with your search! It sounds as though you are aware of what you are looking for. E on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538130 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 22:58:43 +0000 E 1538130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I nodded my head along side your rant! I do think there's quality to be found in clothkng nowadays, but it's sort of a crap shoot. Secondhand shopping is almost easier; you can already see how a piece has held up! Lol I have a handful of true vintage pieces though, and they do seem to come from another world. Especially the vintage wool coats; they're like mini furnaces. Alassë on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style/page/2#post-1538011 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:55:32 +0000 Alassë 1538011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a very comprehensive list of words/feelings to guide your wardrobe choices. Congratulations, Jenn! And you can certainly expect that much from your clothes; it may just take a year or two. I look forward to seeing how your real-life wardrobe evolves to match your word guides! Anonymous on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1538010 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:53:43 +0000 Anonymous 1538010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I noted on your profile that your style icon is Ines de la Fressange, so you might be a chic Parisienne at heart!  She, in fact, wrote a book called Parisian Chic, that might be worth a read.  You can't ever go wrong with French style.  What a fab icon she is. Anonymous on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1538001 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:33:53 +0000 Anonymous 1538001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn-,I trek around in my ballet flats too. I think restricting your colour palette and making sure the quality of the items is high are the two key things to keep in mind while shopping. Hopefully you're able to find some excellent basics. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537930 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:56:52 +0000 Jenn 1537930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ shedev - Thank you for saying this: When you described the places you like, I pictured the kinds of clothing items that you listed. Then I read your list. That's the best indicator I'm on the right path that I could have asked for. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537918 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:29:32 +0000 Jenn 1537918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "I remember watching some episodes of Creatures Great and Small, and just being fascinated by how even low income farmers were wearing tweedy suits & separates as their work gear! The vet too; he just takes off his blazer, rolls up his shirt sleeves, and of course makes sure he's got some sturdy wellies on, then gets down to business." This, E. Totally this, only the image in my head is always Catherine and Heathcliff out walking the moors. On a side note, my family makes fun of me because I have a go-to rant about planned obsolescence in today's consumer goods. See, I have this electric skillet I inherited from my grandmother. It was made in 1955, is, hands down, the best, sturdiest electrical appliance I own--the only one I haven't had to replace since setting up my own household--and it makes me angry about the quality of manufacturing today. I think the same is true of clothing. It's harder to wear/work in/live in our clothing today because it's really not made as well. It's made to wear for a season or two and then throw away. I wish I fit into more vintage pieces, but since I don't, I'm working to educate myself on how to identify quality (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2014/05/04/how-to-assess-the-quality-of-garments-a-beginners-guide-cheat-sheet/">this guide helped a lot</a>) and purchase mindfully. E on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537434 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:29:14 +0000 E 1537434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Loved this post! And any grammar reference is always going to please my heart. ;) I have far too many thoughts, so I’m categorising them based on your original numbers. <ol> <li>I love to feel that my clothes are up to adventures too…I sum that up in the word ‘sturdy,’ in case that’s any help to you. I feel that for most of human history, people have done all of their accomplishments without the help of gear, so I can probably make do with wool and cotton and silk and linen too. ;D (Since I don’t do any gym or jogging or other very modern exercise routines…just good old walking for me, lol.) I remember watching some episodes of Creatures Great and Small, and just being fascinated by how even low income farmers were wearing tweedy suits & separates as their work gear! The vet too; he just takes off his blazer, rolls up his shirt sleeves, and of course makes sure he's got some sturdy wellies on, then gets down to business. Also, if you don’t mind clunkier shoes, Aurora Shoe Co makes super comfortable, all-leather flats. They’re not fashion forward, but I do think they have a distinctive style.</li> <li>Lol! I know just what you mean. I do think clothes can help you look more approachable, especially to women who might share your environment.</li> <li>Ohhh, we are on the same page! For me, certain silhouettes & styles & colours make me feel psychologically uncomfortable, while others make me feel what you're talking about here. And of course some fibers or clothing cuts make me physically uncomfortable as well! Hence why I enjoy having limits to in those categories.</li> <li>I wash all of my clothes, including silks & store-bought woolens, on the most delicate setting of the washing machine and then hang/lay flat to dry. They all seem happy with this treatment (although I don’t wash them more frequently than I have to)…if you’re not as big a risk-taker as me, they make gentle detergent you can use to wash clothes in the sink/bucket/whatever that doesn’t even require rinsing. I use it on my hand knits and bras and swimwear. There are at least two companies: Eucalan and Soak. Anyway, my point is that in my experience nice, natural fibers can be easy to wear.</li> <li>What a fun list!</li> </ol> I don’t think you’re asking too much of your wardrobe. I’ve found the more I expect from my clothes, the more they give me! Especially as an introvert that enjoys making things. I've molded my current clothing persona over the past few years, and I think the effort & time & money were worth it, because now my closet does a lot of what you describe. I do think there can be a dangerous line, in our consumer-driven culture, between expressing your inner self via clothes and 'I shop therefore I am,' but I'm sure you wouldn't fall into the latter. You just want to align your closet with your already-established lifestyle, and you tend towards minimalism anyway. Also, I love the phrase hummingbird shopping!!! This describes me perfectly, and explains why I still end up with wardrobe orphans, in the cases when I decide to get something even though I know it's not the most flattering option, because I just fall in love with it as an object. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537314 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:16:37 +0000 Jenn 1537314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie - I'm catching on! celia - I totally hear you on this. It's what I referred to earlier as "hummingbird shopping." I really love all sorts of textiles and am drawn to colors and patterns and textures that I don't really want to wear, but buy because... PRETTY. shedev on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537308 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:12:33 +0000 shedev 1537308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've simplified the list of descriptors into the phrase "hard edge with soft drape" as a way to describe my style. It gives me a visual image instead of a list of words. When you described the places you like, I pictured the kinds of clothing items that you listed. Then I read your list. I think you have a clear concept of your aspirational style. Personas and descriptors are only useful as tools that enhance our style journey. celia on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537050 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:32:13 +0000 celia 1537050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I could relate to many of your points( maybe we have more in common than coloring). I believe it is possible to reach the point where you plan for your wardrobe and have there the elements you love but at the same time come across as effortless and ready for anything. This has been my goal and I find that the problem is in the buying. I forget how an outfit will fill and just look at it for how pretty it is. Angie on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537048 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:30:20 +0000 Angie 1537048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Style IS from the inside out, so these are excellent insights, Jenn.  Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1537016 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:58:56 +0000 Jenn 1537016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Word Lily - I was wondering if anyone would mention the Strunk&White thing.  :)  I'd love to see your version of this post! It actually helped me a lot, just writing it out. The advice from all of you on top that was icing on the cake. rachylou - I've kind of been doing both simultaneously, but I realized that looking at colors and silhouettes just doesn't make sense without knowing the interior goals behind them. If I were the sort of person who loved hanging out at the pool by day and clubbing at night and wanted my clothing to make me look smoking hot, I'd be building an entirely different kind of wardrobe! rachylou on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536875 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 04:32:59 +0000 rachylou 1536875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You sound a little like me in that you are working from the inside out, not the visual finale. This has caused me frustration in the past because not only can I not describe my look, I doubt I can produce it by aiming for visuals either. That is, I think I'm doing one thing and then discover what I've actually done only afterward. So I like the idea of your mood board because that's more inside out... Word Lily on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536744 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:15:16 +0000 Word Lily 1536744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Heh, I like the Strunk & White reference. :) I feel like I could have written most of your post (and probably do need to write my own version of it). Actually, I think the largest difference between us style wise (at least aspirationally), is color palette. I can’t wear those mustard ochre olive colors that are so awesome for you. (And maybe that I’ve finally resigned myself to ditch my Chucks and not replace them, because they’re too narrow for my feet.) I don’t think you’re asking too much of your wardrobe, no. I don’t think your 5 points are disparate or mutually exclusive, so it should be quite doable to integrate them into a cohesive wardrobe. At least I hope so. Because I have similarly high hopes. Hope you keep having fun on your journey! Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536735 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:39:41 +0000 Jenn 1536735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It helps a lot! Thanks, Kiwigal! Sal on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536734 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:30:36 +0000 Sal 1536734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I took a look at your mood board. What I noticed was Textures- tweed, leather, wool Muted colours - but not much black Mountains - it is classic outdoors, not hi-tec gear outdoors. The words I would use would be Natural, feminine, outdoorsy, layered, textured, calm. A couple of YLFers that have some similarities, they are different but a couple of common features. Brooklyn - she has great colour palettes and a similar taste in textures E - layered, natural fabrics, flat leather boots and shoes Texstyle - natural, outdoorsy. Your style reminds me of rural Australia, Scotland or the South Island of NZ.  Not sure if that helps or not :) Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536732 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:16:09 +0000 Jenn 1536732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elly -  I appreciate your insights, especially as a fellow Coloradan. I'm sure I'm drawn to layered looks, at least in part, because of living here. For a good part of the year, we almost have to dress in layers if we're going to be comfortable all day long. When you say things like, "they need a chambray shirt and a cognac leather belt or cuff," you're absolutely speaking my language, and those last three points are especially good. They're things I think I probably knew but hadn't been thinking about directly, and it helps to have those ideas articulated. Thank you! Style Fan - Always nice to find someone with a similar style! I'm going to go check out your WIWs. Laura - I've only watched a few episodes, but I'll go searching for photos of her. It's always good to have sources of inspiration. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536719 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:26:33 +0000 Jenn 1536719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Staysfit - Your post was incredibly insightful. Despite the differences in our taste in colors, patterns, and textures, I can see the similarities in our wardrobe goals. If I were to alter your descriptor for myself, I'd say "Genuine Relaxed." It all comes down to authenticity, and I think, for both of us, that comes into play through a desire for personal touches, natural fabrics, and dressing for our lives. always trying - Others may not notice the brands or pieces or silhouettes we're wearing, but I'm sure they notice the general "vibe" we put out through our style. I absolutely agree with you when you say, "what does it matter, except to you and how you feel?" which is why most of my bullet points were more about that. That being said, I can't even tell you how many of my female friends have told me, "I was sure you hated me when we first met," so anything, however slight, I can do to mitigate that helps, especially since I occasionally work in a sales capacity. Traci -  Thanks for the Pinterest link. I love exploring other peoples' boards, and we do seem to have some tastes in common. I just remembered that a blog I work on did a post on boho minimalism (in home decor) a while back. Maybe you'll enjoy it: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://tributarygoods.com/blogs/tributary-goods/18478409-get-the-look-home-decor-boho-minimalism">http://tributarygoods.com/blog.....minimalism</a> annagybe - Spot-on. I have ordered from both those retailers, although  I have to be careful with the preponderance of too-light clingy jersey from Garnet Hill. That's true of pretty much everywhere these days. Sundance is another, for a  western boho fix. More coming. Jenn on "Elements of Style" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elements-of-style#post-1536713 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:53:18 +0000 Jenn 1536713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all. So far, you've given me tons of food for thought. smittie - It's funny to me that you don't see ballet flats as adventure-worthy, because they've been my go-to for urban exploration for years! Those and Chucks are my shoe of choice for major city walking. Maybe we're crossing wires in that, to me, "adventure" doesn't necessarily mean "hike," although, as Elly recommended, I'm not averse to keeping a pair of flats in my tote or hiking shoes in the car, just in case. Rest assured, you'll never see me in a fleece. They (literally) give me hives. There's a lot about my current style I don't like, but I mostly want the style descriptors to guide my purchasing. Over the last ten years I have lost 45 pounds, regained 65, and slowly lost another 20 due to a hormonal condition, so I have some body image issues and a lot of wardrobe turnover. My biggest style problem right now is that I don't have basic pieces, so when I purchase those this time around, I want to do so with intention and I'm a writer, so it helps me to have words. I like words (in case you haven't noticed--jeebus, I'm chatty today.) Maneera - Your style descriptors for me made me laugh. "Practical, artsy, grounded, bookish, modern classic, earthy, comfortable, warm and cosy, feminine, boho, relaxed, romantic, eclectic, minimalistic, organic" That's a little bit of everything, isn't it? No wonder I'm having problems! Your words about wanting to be "appropriately dressed for everything, all the time" spoke to me, but it's always a balancing act, isn't it? Thank you so much for all the time you take to help out. I appreciate it more than you know. I have more to say and more people to respond to, but I'm afraid of losing the book I've already written, so I'll be back.