https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 27 May 2026 12:58:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-710094 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:54:55 +0000 Vix 710094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Runnerchick --</p> <p>Others have already said most of what I would -- you have some flattering casual pieces that fit you and are a good base from which to explore! </p> <p>Since you are drawn to incorporating your cultural background and/or reflecting your multi-cultural family life don't be shy about experimenting! [&lt;-- said as much for me as for you, ha -- I love seeing how people incorporate their history/passions into their wardrobes]</p> <p>I don't know if you've seen the Academichic blog (now archives-only), but if not I highly recommend the posts and the comments:</p> <p><a href="http://www.academichic.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/</a></p> <p>Good luck on your goals...can't wait to see your evolution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709746 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:37:47 +0000 Prudence 709746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This! I agree with unfrumped: Try things on you would never wear because they are too ____, things you think could never look good on you or you could never "pull off". You'll start making mental list of what you like and what you don't. Just play dress-up in the change rooms. </p> <p>I also agree to look at real people here and in the many style blogs around. Magazines are too fantastical to be relatable for everyday wear at this point. Look for people with similar body structures who have styles you'd love to wear and who have really different styles. Both will be helpful. </p> <p>Take risks. start small. have fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709602 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:22:04 +0000 unfrumped 709602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You seem off to a great start to me. In the tunic photo, you look great in not only the print but the color combo--these are slightly deeper colors than in the first photos, sort of medium jewel, and are really flattering. You might want to play with colors--hold various tops or scarves or whatnot up by your face, in various different lighting-- and list "target" colors (but maybe don't go buy too much all at once) and that would be one of your style goals--wear more ___ and less ___.</p> <p>So far your style also looks "classic" to me, but you don't necessarily have to stay there. I can envision various edgy items added to the mix. Angie's column on grounding outfits with classic pieces is very good.</p> <p>Advice: try a lot of stuff on if you think you can walk away and not buy it at first (like, leave your $$ and credit card at home!) . You may be surprised that things you thought you couldn't or shouldn't wear look really good. You really can't tell from just looking at photos and the mannekins. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709520 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:10:44 +0000 Anonymous 709520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...and I'm about to ask Shiny to describe my style, if I have one lol;) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709512 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:03:23 +0000 Ingunn 709512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very interesting! I'm learning tons. Your style journey will be a success, I'm sure. I like Shiny's descriptors, they apply to you for sure, RC. I find a formula/style receit like that very helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709511 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:02:57 +0000 Anonymous 709511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I see here is a great group of items and the perfect canvas! </p> <p>I agree with all of the suggestions Queen Mom and Shiny gave you and I would suggest the same things myself. I wanted to comment especially to tell you that some of the statements you made really resonated with me, in the sense that, just like you, I am not too comfortable if and when my clothes gather too much attention. I like to look well put together, I strive for items that fit well and flatter my figure, but other than that, I don't expect to push the envelope or defy any boundaries, especially with my work attire. I think a somewhat "safe" style is fab too.<br /> .<br /> Unlike many of the ladies here, I found YLF while I felt like I was at a decent place, wardrobe wise, so my story is a bit different. I was not looking for a major overhaul but like you, I wanted to put more character and individuality into my outfits. I feel that as a result, I cannot comment much on the "evolutionary" aspect, but I think you are in a pretty good spot to begin with.</p> <p>My greatest "journey" discovery has been that accessories, including bags and shoes, have a great capacity to elevate any outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709449 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:50:05 +0000 catgirl 709449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I achieve a salwar-kameez-like silhouette with skinnies and tunics, only with something like camo skinnies and a edgy black top. That way I get my own style into a silhouette I know and love. It's really a great solution to the East-West combination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709401 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:34:47 +0000 shiny 709401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm hearing</p> <p>Elegant<br /> Understated<br /> Ethnic-inspired<br /> Structured<br /> Effortless</p> <p>... and I'm seeing color! You have a great eye for color. </p> <p>I hope I don't come across sounding clueless here, but Indian fashion to me is not elegant or understated -- I think of bold patterns and colors, piles of necklaces, gold jewelry, beautiful fabrics. So I want to ask if this may not be what is stopping you? The two style goals seem conflicting? </p> <p>I love the tunic-over-skinnies with the ballet flats. That seems to achieve all of your style goals -- elegant, understated, ethnic-inspired, effortless, structured. What would happen if you tucked that tunic into the white skirt? </p> <p>I love the green dress and the metallic heels, but I want to get you another purse....what if you did something ethnic-inspired here? </p> <p>For pic 3, what about embellished flats from India, and a bangle or two?</p> <p>Ethnic-inspired is not in my own rubric, but this is going to be fun, and you are so lovely a subject to have for this challenge! Can we see what ethnic pieces you have to work with? Maybe we can brainstorm some more outfit ideas? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709323 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:29:41 +0000 Queen Mum 709323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RC. I love just simple pendant necklaces and actually most of mine have come from Kohl's I think. Cheap and easy!<br /> Let me see if I can find some examples....</p> <p>okay, here are some threads that show some of my pendant necklaces.<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-queen-mums-take-on-the-lemming-formula-skinnies-and-boots" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-and-boots</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-i-wont-do-it-again-if-you-tell-me-not-to-" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....me-not-to-</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-few-recent-wiws-including-saturday-rate" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....urday-rate</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-rain-and-shine" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-and-shine</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/last-minute-trip-to-la-what-to-pack-what-to-pack" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....at-to-pack</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-lady-who-lunches-and-shops-and-chauffeurs-kids-around" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ids-around</a></p> <p>so basically, any long chain with a simple pendant works for me... they lengthen my neckline and add just a touch of visual interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709318 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:16:11 +0000 RunnerChick 709318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Qm - you are so right about the fabric! I do like fabrication of woven pieces, but favor knits for their wash-and-wear convenience. I do like the outfit in the last picture a lot, although I have yet to wear it out anywhere because it is so different from how I usually dress. </p> <p>The point about gently pushing boundaries is well-taken! One thing that frequently stops me from pushing my style boundaries is my disinclination to draw comment or attention for dressing/ looking different from "usual". I'm usually not *that* concerned about what people might say, in general, but my appearance is a little more of a sensitive area. </p> <p>Love your ideas about how to integrate structure. I just purchased a denim jacket this week, which I look forward to integrating into my outfits! I have been thinking about long pendant necklaces - I think it would work with my style, actually - but have not been able to find any I like (I have been looking on Etsy). Do you have recommendations about the kind of necklace that would work for you with the outfits on top? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709311 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:05:10 +0000 Queen Mum 709311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read through all the responses so forgive me if I'm repeating others, but here are my initial reactions.</p> <p>The difference between your first set of outfit photos and the last one you just posted is the print...and wow, what a difference it makes! You come alive in that last outfit. (and I think the proportions are perfect here)</p> <p>I think the other difference is structure... it looks like all your pieces in the first three photos (other than the skirt) are all knit, leaving a flat, undefined look. Your last outfit looks like both pieces are woven fabric.. bringing texture and structure which again makes a huge difference. In each of the first three outfits, if you had added, say, a denim vest, you would have added that element of texture to bring some personality into the outfits. I personally would have also added a pendant necklace to each of those outfits, which again adds another dimension. </p> <p>You say when you try to add accessories, it feels a bit like you're trying too hard. Perhaps it's just a matter of you getting used to it? I do think that if we push our comfort zone boundaries, we move those boundaries. It feels funny the first few times we do it, but then it starts to feel much more normal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-709292 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 13:30:58 +0000 RunnerChick 709292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, Kristin, Merwoman, Gaylene, Caro, Shannon, Ceit, Suz – thank you for reassuring me about my FF (Frump Factor), and for the wise suggestions. </p> <p>Looking at archives and Angie’s formulas and thinking of how I would make them mine is a good starting point. A style rubric sounds like an intimidating exercise fun (AG, thanks for Aida’s list) and YLF would be the perfect place to try out candidates. And, finding YLF-ers whose style speaks to mine is also a wonderful idea (I can already think of a few).</p> <p>Kristin –I love me a little structure, and the blouse-y tops usually don’t have enough. I do like tunics though, and the idea of combining those with more western bottoms (like the pic below). The proportions seem a little off to my eye, but perhaps if I paired it with shorter leggings? What do you think?</p> <p>Gaylene, I’m all stocked up on basics and I’m on a 12X12 plan for the next 12 months. The specific 12 items are up for grabs, but statement, define-my-style items that would add character to my closet are high priorities. Getting YLF input on the list and specific items would be awesome. </p> <p>Merwoman –My challenge with pictures is that I’m easily distracted by what looks good, and sometimes don’t pay enough attention to what would look good on *me*…leading to style debacles. A Pinterest board would be fun, though, and inspiration for the days when I don’t know what to wear.</p> <p>Suz – love your thoughtful response. I’m a slow and messy learner too and, sadly, one that only learns from mistakes :). The good news is that I have my color palette mostly figured out – aside from black and white (which I love), I favor warm, earthy colors, greens, and some pink. These colors do predominate in my closet, so I know I (implicitly) gravitate toward them in my shopping. </p> <p>For capsules, I think work, weekend/date night, workout/ gear, and sleep are the major ones. (I also need one for India travel as I go once a year, and my clothing choices for those trips do tend to be different, including one or two fancy outfits). It’s a good place to start, though, and I think I am set for workout and sleepwear, leaving “only” work, weekend, and India to sort out </p> <p>Running Sue- good to know we are in this together. </p> <p>This is all such great advice – thanks to you all for getting me started! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708920 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:59:15 +0000 RunningSue 708920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be following this closely as I am on the same journey. I have decided to enlist the help of a stylist at Nordstrom who clearly understands what I am looking for. I realize that when I shop for myself, I buy what is on sale and not necessarily what is right for my body type or lifestyle (MOTG). I am now in my early 50s and want to look polished and trendy with a cohesive wardrobe and accessories. I did my first post today too and it was scary but we both did it.</p> <p>Best of luck to you on your journey It will be fun to see where we both are in 6 months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708913 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:43:05 +0000 Suz 708913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in this journey with you! And first off, I want to say, you are beautiful! With a lovely figure, and as Shannon says, your basics fit you well and are in terrific colours - this is already a huge head start. </p> <p>I second the advice to read up in the blog on Angie's formulas and also on dressing the IT body type. Una may be an inspiration here, as she has a similar body type AND a similar cultural heritage! Sona may be another inspiration. And I also think of Kirti. Her body type is very different and she is younger, but I think she is absolutely brilliant at combining what I might call an Indian sensibility with North American/European fashion ideas. She relies a lot on the COLOURS one would find in India, while generally wearing the shapes of Europe/North America - with a few Indian pieces thrown into the mix. It never seems overdone. </p> <p>I've been here for a little over a year. And I'm also a slow and messy learner -- who is still very much getting a handle on her own style. But the process of photographing, posting, and then reading people's style musings has been SO helpful. Even thinking in terms of "outfits" has been a huge change for me. In the past, I always thought in terms of items (does it fit? is it a basic? I'll buy it!!!). Practicality always ruled....but as a result, I never felt fab. </p> <p>I do think you'll inevitably stumble and make a few less-than-brilliant purchases. The Keep or Return threads are very helpful for figuring out if something really works. </p> <p>I also recommend figuring out a basic colour palette to help narrow your choices. You don't necessarily have to have your colours "done" (in fact, I'm not so sure that's a good idea at all, although I did it myself...). But you should get a sense of what works for you and narrow down your best colours and neutrals. Think in terms of "capsules." What are your needs? </p> <p>Work.<br /> Sleepwear.<br /> Workout.<br /> Date night?<br /> Weekends (there may be overlap with work...or date...hard to say..). </p> <p>Once you know your needs in each category, you can buy with a bit of a plan. </p> <p>Also, in terms of a style direction, follow the forum members whose style appeals and ask yourself WHY it appeals. You might find some of the style books out there helpful as well - Parisienne Chic is one many here have read. David Kibbe's theories date from the 80s but still hold a lot of interest. Carol Tuttle of Dressing Your Truth has a free 5 day course. You might look at the book Style Statement. </p> <p>And eventually, something will click. I promise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708911 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:41:46 +0000 Gaylene 708911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, there are quite a few of us in this forum. I don't post pics for professional reasons but this is my alter ego where I can have fun indulging in my passion. In my real life, I am, of course, much too busy thinking scholarly thoughts to worry about such trivial things as shoes and hemlines! *tongue planted firmly in my cheek* LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708902 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:29:51 +0000 RunnerChick 708902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cinnamon Fern -<br /> I wonder if there's just a lot of closet fashionistas in academia, and YLF is a safe place to come out :-). Hi! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708901 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:28:52 +0000 RunnerChick 708901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear YLFers -<br /> Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to weigh in. You have given me so much to think about, and so many good ideas! I want to soak in your comments and respond in more detail -- your comments lead to more questions too -- but I have to run right now to the post office before it closes. I'll be back soon to continue the conversation.<br /> And, yes, posting outfits to get feedback sounds like great (if nerve-wracking) place to start. More soon, x. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708895 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:24:03 +0000 cinnamon fern 708895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have anything useful to add, but I just wanted to say: hi! For some reason there are a lot of us academic types on here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708871 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:59:41 +0000 Anonymous 708871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, post outfits --- it is invaluable to get comments and analysis on why something works or doesn't work. Everyone here is respectful but honest, so it is so valuable a tool.</p> <p>It is a bit nervewracking, yes, but try things and you will figure out what works and doesn't work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708862 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:52:22 +0000 Transcona Shannon 708862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You don't look frumpy at all and basics are what we build our wardrobes on. I can tell looking at your outfits that you understand your body and fit - these items look good on you. That's a HUGE advantage, believe me.</p> <p>And Una's so right about going slow. I belonged to YLF for 8 months before I posted an outfit and 10 months before I even bought anything. I absorbed all sorts of information from the wise members of the forum and most of all by reading Angie's blog posts. I also learned a TON by looking at others members WIW posts. I would suggest finding a few members on the forum whose style speaks to you in some way - grabs your attention, makes you smile and that you can envision yourself wearing (at least elements of it). </p> <p>I ended up developing what many of us are calling a "rubric" for my style when I was trying to figure out what I wanted in my wardrobe and what I wanted to say about myself through my clothes. I thought about what elements of an outfit made me feel good, made me feel like a better version of myself - not specific items like this pair of pants or that blouse - but more abstract ideas. For example, my rubric included words like "structure", "colour", "retro" - when I include these elements in an outfit, these are the ones that tend to work for me.</p> <p>Also post your outfits, as nerve wracking as that can be. I learned far more by seeing my outfits in a picture and getting feedback than from anything else.</p> <p>We're here to help - take your time and enjoy the journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708829 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:30:52 +0000 Caro in Oz 708829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some great advice here! I just want to add I don't think you look frumpy at all. Your "basics" look really good on you.</p> <p>For me alaskagirls comments about going slow &amp; articulating what you want &amp; don't want really resonate - I wish I'd done this before buying anything - I would have saved a lot of money. </p> <p>I also found a "mood board" really helpful, I gathered together images I was drawn to (they don't have to be of clothes) then tried to analyse what they had in common. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708812 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:11:17 +0000 merwoman 708812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These photos show a very beautiful woman!<br /> Some advice that has been given out on this blog is to collect pictures of what styles you find appealing. Some common elements will emerge. Then you can seek out these pieces - and see if they work for you. You will discover your preferred style and colours.<br /> Also I would suggest going thru previous blog postings - Angie has a wonderful way of helping you define your style. Sometimes it's easier to say what it isn't before you can articulate what it is. It won't happen overnight - but the journey is worthwhile, and you have all the fab ylfers to help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708769 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:17:22 +0000 catgirl 708769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's Aida's list, and a bunch of us did versions of this afterward:</p> <p>-------- COLORS --------<br /> PRIMARY NEUTRALS: black, gray/charcoal, white, navy<br /> SECONDARY NEUTRALS: brown, tan/taupe, ivory<br /> MAIN COLORS: red/burgundy, purple, blue, turquoise/teal, green/olive<br /> ACCENT COLORS: mustard, berry, coral, peach, aqua<br /> DON'T WEAR COLORS: orange, yellow, pink, lime</p> <p>-------- ELEMENTS OF LOVE --------<br /> [[[PUNK + VINTAGE + PARIS/ITALY]]]<br /> 70s, 80s<br /> gray, black, olive<br /> military<br /> chains<br /> studs/hardware<br /> distressing<br /> leather<br /> leather jackets<br /> blazers<br /> black skinny jeans<br /> sweaters<br /> boots<br /> colored heels<br /> belts<br /> scarves<br /> stripes<br /> plaid<br /> abstract patterns </p> <p>I added a list of dislikes to mine, because sometimes I am sucked in to buying things I shouldn't because I'm crazy like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708766 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:14:51 +0000 Gaylene 708766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your basics look wonderful on you. And you wear them with such elegance.</p> <p>When I started to rebuild my wardrobe a few years ago, I also had an over abundance of basics because they were "safe" buys. Once I realized that I didn't need anymore basics, I started looking for jackets, tops, and bottoms that were a bit different, but that still felt wearable. I looked for texture, but others here on the forum use color or shape or pattern, or some combination of all of these, to make those basics more exciting.</p> <p>You might also want to check back in the archives. Many of Angie's outfit formulas really helped me figure out that "extra" piece which made my basics come alive. And looking at the WIW on this forum is always an inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708763 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:12:06 +0000 Kristin L 708763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I don't think you look frumpy. My first thought when looking at your pics was how pretty you look. But, I can understand being in rut. Most of my wardrobe is basics. </p> <p>There are a couple of Indian girls in my lab. They both wear a lot of blousey tops with embroidery and sometimes sequins. The embroidery usually stands out from the top and I've always thought it looked great. Maybe you could also wear more colors at the same time. I'm not sure what color your staples are, but a purple top with a yellow cardigan to me could a start in the right direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708757 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:07:13 +0000 catgirl 708757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runnerchick, a few years back I was in the same boat as you, especially because I found dressing for work so boring. I had black pants, tan pants, black jackets, and a couple of tanks. And one pair of shoes. All of these items were as basic as could be. No wonder I was bored! But I didn't know how to put together anything that interested me yet could still be worn to an office. </p> <p>My biggest piece of advice is to go slow. I spent (perhaps wasted) a lot of time and money copying other people, trying anything that caught my fancy, and generally messing about. That's how I learn, sadly. But I wish I had been more focused from the start on knowing myself and my tastes and personal realities (body type, weather, lifestyle). If pinterest had been around when I started out i could have saved a lot of money by doing all that flailing virtually instead of in cold hard cash. </p> <p>Two things that really helped me tremendously from YLF were coming up with a style descriptor or acronym (which I made up, Urban Warrior Princess) and doing what we called "Aida's list" after Aida posted a list of criteria for her style. I''ll see if I can find a link to it for you.</p> <p>You're in the right place to make this journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708752 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:02:38 +0000 RunnerChick 708752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m attaching some pictures here, since I’m new, to give you a sense of my everyday style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-with-the-next-step-of-my-style-evolution#post-708746 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:58:32 +0000 RunnerChick 708746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The theoretical discussions about personal style are only one among the numerous reasons why I love this forum as much as I do. YLF posts I have read over the last few days (Hello, Suz and Una!) have sparked some introspection on my part; I have been thinking quite a bit about my style, and the statements I want (or don’t want) to make with it.</p> <p>First off, some “basic” facts about me. At the risk of sounding like a *really* boring person (from a fashion perspective, at least), almost everything I own is a basic! My wardrobe is full of nothing but staples – jeans, button front shirts, khakis, and cardigans – in safe cuts and colors. My clothing budget is limited, but I do have more resources now than I did as a struggling graduate student a few years ago, and I have been trying to prioritize quality over immediate gratification in my clothing purchases. Typically, I don’t wear a lot of accessories; when I do, I favor scarves and delicate pieces of jewelry (think small pendants and tear drop earrings).</p> <p>Identifying the items of clothing that do count as *my* basics has been a style journey in and of itself. Moving to a new country 12 years ago turned my definition of “basic” upside down (given my current lifestyle, salwar kamizes are now optional, special occasion pieces rather than everyday wear, for example). Finishing school and starting work in a new (academic) profession added an interesting wrinkle, as did dressing a body that’s considerably different in my 40’s (and changing!) than when I was younger.</p> <p>At the same, it’s a little hard not to be disappointed with the “basic” nature of my wardrobe. My challenge now is one of figuring out how to add character to my outfits. Right now, I fall too easily into the trap of looking boring -- or worse, frumpy -- when I am wearing nothing but basics. Also, as an Indian woman married into a Mexican family, living in California, I also want my style to reflect my multi-cultural lifestyle. </p> <p>I often toy with the idea of mixing in accessories (scarves, jewelry) that'll both point back to my ethnic origins and add some character to my outfits. I’ve tried a few times, but he results have been sub-optimal. I don't yet know how to do it in a way that's elegant and understated; right now, it usually feels a little too much like I'm trying too hard, and that doesn't feel right.</p> <p>They say it’s about the journey, not the destination. But, even so, I’m struggling to find the next step. And I’m turning to this warm, wonderful community for wise insight: I’m looking for baby steps to inch my style evolution forward, so please weigh in and tell me what you think. As always, thank you for listening and for stopping by to share your thoughts. </p>