YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help: Style musings with 3 words

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help: Style musings with 3 words https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:07:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371623 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:32:26 +0000 Angie 2371623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bella, here are 2012 and 2013 blog posts that might help: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/01/09/describing-your-style-persona/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/01.....e-persona/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/02/04/coin-your-own-style-descriptor/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/02.....escriptor/</a> I'm with Dee. From what you've shown and described - and because I've had the pleasure of meeting you a few times! - I like these words for you: Relaxed Minimal Elegant Since I personally prefer 5 adjectives (per my blog post) - I'm with Brooklyn with words like: Quiet, Classic, Neutral for your style too. Resilient Relaxed Glam is a descriptor that comes to mind when I think of you on this leg of your style journey!  By way of example: Here are my five aspirational adjectives and style descriptor. Achieving three or four in an outfit are close enough. Modern, because I enjoy injecting carefully chosen hot-off-the-press trends into my seasonal look. That’s part of why fashion is fun, keeps things fresh, and it works well with my line of work. Crisp, because I love wearing shades of white and clear brights, and have a strong need to create a fresh, professional and tidy appearance. Retro, because of my fondness for fashion from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, but remixing retro sensibilities with a good dose of current. Playful, because it’s become important to me to wear outfits that are or have soft, amusing, sentimental, nostalgic and fun elements. LOTS of colour! This also reminds me to not take the fashion and style world too seriously, and to do my own thing. Dressy, because super casual does not make me happy. Urban Polish.  Jenni NZ on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371439 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:58:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2371439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aha, I thought when first reading your post Bella that we had discussed this topic on the forum quite recently- and yes it was Jenny H’s post about a month ago which you might find helpful to read.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/three-words-to-define-your-personal-style">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....onal-style</a> Brooklyn is right about the high heels, although you do have a lot of flats on your board as well. Maybe it’s a feeling you get from those high heeled outfits? They certainly “elevate” (ha ha) the outfits. The small number of even moderate heels I still own I very rarely wear as they are just not as comfortable, it does make me sad. I was never a very seasoned high heel wearer even in my 20s. Jenny H on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371433 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:39:52 +0000 Jenny H 2371433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love seeing the words people choose. I have a draft of my three words that may need to shift because a lot of the outfits that I am currently enjoying aren't quite fitting the words I chose. But I haven't changed my words yet because I still aspire to get there. (My current draft words are Casual, Playful, and Artistic.) I initially picked comfortable as my first word but got the same feedback you are getting here that comfortable should be a given. In my case, I decided that I won't be using comfortable in my words because then I have more room to express a different feeling/idea. Some of my favorite looks are ones that have a casual element even if they have one or two dressy pieces within the look. For example, dressy trousers with a graphic tee and sneakers, or a dressy pleated skirt and blouse also with sneakers and a denim jacket. But I think you make a good argument to keep comfortable in your three words if that is what resonates most strongly to you. I love your boards and can easily imagine you transitioning your existing wardrobe to fit the ideas in your inspiration board with some strategic additions.  unfrumped on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371432 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:58:51 +0000 unfrumped 2371432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire your goal of coming up with style words. I have not been able to commit, myself! I did read a piece that made me think about where “ comfortable “ fits in , style- word wise. The author's point was that ALL one’s clothing ought to be comfortable, ( and I would expand to, all comfortable enough for one’s own tolerance and expectations , not just the most casual items). That was kind of an aha! for me, because one, “ Comfortable “ has generally always been a contender for one of my style words also, and two, I have always assumed I would run several levels of”comfortable “, more fof loungewear & less for “ nice” clothing. But then I realized that clothes of any kind that were not quite comfortable enough, did not get worn much. And that even in more “ occasion” - focused clothes, I could identify items that had higher comfort , such as the feel of the fabric, the fit in sleeves or armholes, or pants. So I am gradually shifting to consider comfort along with fit, quality as basic requirements and not “ style” per se, because they should be there always. while it’s possible a” persona” could evolve, or I might have a main one & a “ shadow” or “ tryout “ one. I also realized that these expectations can help focus/limit purchases, or add some fun challenges to “ HEWI” hunts. I guess it could just be the “ fourth word”. But for me if began to fit in as a higher bar. RobinF on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371423 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:29:35 +0000 RobinF 2371423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many great comments here! And I love your Pinterest board.  I see minimal, chic, neutral. The items look expensive to me which maybe would translate to quality of fit and fabrics? Chic shoes (I always notice shoes).  Fun exercise that I consider once in a while and can never pin down :) Brooklyn on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371422 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:08:23 +0000 Brooklyn 2371422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would try to come up with several sub-descriptors for each of your words. So that the word acts as an easy summary of the look you are going for but the specifics are there too. My 3 words are modern moody bohemian and I have very firm ideas about what each of those terms means. Of course my ideas about what they mean might be different from others. For example, my ideas about “bohemian” differ vastly from what many other forum members think of as bohemian. It’s your style, and they are your descriptors, so you should choose the words that speak to you. Eg: comfortable. In your photos I see a lot of outfits that feature very high heel shoes. I know lots of women love high heels but I suspect “because they are comfortable” (in the physical sense) would not be high on the list of reasons. I think for many women they represent a classic, feminine look. So I wonder if “classic” and “feminine” could be 2 sub-descriptions of your word “comfortable”. I also think “neutral and monochromatic colour schemes” might also be sub-descriptions of that word. “Quiet” (in terms of palette) might be another? Thinking about these things might help you to find practical ways to achieve the look you are after. Suz on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371421 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:25:10 +0000 Suz 2371421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elegant ease is what I see in both your mood board and your own wardrobe items. But I do think the 3 word exercise can be useful and I know it can take a bit of time and concentration to figure out what words will help you achieve your style goals, in part because, as you point out, the same word has different connotations to each person.  I like what Jaime says about focusing on fit (and perhaps also cut and fabrication) to achieve the ease and fluidity you're seeking. An item can be the right size, technically -- but fail to drape in the way you are wanting -- if the cut or fabrication are off.  My own variation on the 3 word exercise is to do what we talked about. years ago on the forum and to envision a sort of style persona -- the character I want my clothes to help convey, if that makes sense. So my  own words (at this stage of my style life) are "laid-back luminous garçonne." But this requires some unpacking. To some, "laid-back" probably conjures up a 70s stoner! And that's not at all what I mean. For me, it's just a reminder that my actual lifestyle is (sadly) much more casual than my aspirational style, and I'm a practical person, so I need clothes that will work for me in my suburban world where I spend a lot of time walking on trails or on my bike, which means my clothes require a certain sturdiness or even (at times) a ruggedness that might not always match my preferred (more elegant) style. "Laid-back" also hints at the ease or fluid fit I prefer in my clothing, both for reasons of practicality and of appearance.  "Luminous" is aspirational, clearly. but it also gestures to my use of my silver hair as a feature, not a bug, and to including a bit of shine and elegance in every outfit, no matter how casual. It's a signature element.  "Garçonne" is the boyish, gamine, yet feminine figure I'd like to cut in the world -- one with lots of confidence and zest.  Anyway...creating a character with the words has helped me in my shopping and outfit planning. It feels less abstract when I ask myself "is this something a laid-back, luminous garçonne might wear?" If not, why not? (Is it simply too precious? Is it too dull and drab? Is it lacking that urban crispness or polish, or is it too frilly or fussy?) You get the idea.  Jaime on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371416 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 01:03:08 +0000 Jaime 2371416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like what Star said and I think the idea of fluid fit is key to both your comfortable and sophisticated word, as well as describing your mood board. I think you should focus on the fit of what you have and anything you might add. For me focusing on the shoulders is key. And making sure nothing looks stretched or puckered. Feeling strong, confident and capable is what I understand from your resilient word and I think that would flow from focusing on the fit of your pieces.  Btw, LJP and anyone else, I have read Allison's book but that doesn't mean I went through her steps in real life . Still it was inspiring. LJP on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371405 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:18:14 +0000 LJP 2371405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with everything Star wrote.  I bought Allison's book when it came out - I was so excited about it at that time, and I'm embarrassed (sort of) to say I haven't even cracked the cover. Maybe fear of having to commit to the plan after reading it?  Lol. I have to say that your Pinterest mood board contains many of the same images I have saved, and that the words modern and minimal come to mind when I look at them. Irina on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371404 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:50:12 +0000 Irina 2371404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also don’t think “comfortable “ is a style word (to me sweatpants are comfortable but hardly appropriate for out of a house wear). But I see your reasoning. <div>I see most of pieces on your board as tailored. It means well cut and well fitted. </div><div>As for the third word - I like “confident “ for it. We all can need it, in style and in life. </div><div>Best of luck, Bella!</div> Lisa on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371402 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:30:20 +0000 Lisa 2371402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The mood board and identifying your 3 style words are two brilliant first steps. I'd say the next step is to create outfits with clothes you already have and identify your wardrobe holes, then replace as time and budget allows.  I wish you good luck with your style goals! bella on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371399 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:19:55 +0000 bella 2371399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much for reading through my saga and chiming in with your very wise words.  Comfortable is straight from Alison Bornstein's vocabulary. I don't think I would want to substitute relaxed for comfortable. Relaxed feels more casual, oversized, undone to me. By the way, all of these words are very relative. The same word may mean different things to different people, naturally.  But you are right that together with resilient, that makes two very abstract words that are hard to visualize. So maybe changing the third word to powerful, strong or something along those lines might be more helpful.  The idea is to evaluate each outfit with reference to these three adjectives. So the next step would be to create some outfits with the items in my wardrobe.  Runcarla - Good call, yes I do have a white button down, which is a bit more tailored. And an off-white-ish, ecru-ish oversized, soft, button down blouse that I like even better. I should try to get some pictures of those or similar items on pinterest.  Carla on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371396 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:12:55 +0000 Carla 2371396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A lot of what you write resonates with me as well.  I’ve been playing with Comfortable, Classic, and Colourful - because I’m not willing to give up ‘fun’ (and pops of colour say fun to me) in a very black and navy blue dominant wardrobe.  (I have very little white or cream.)   Your Pinterest boards speak louder to me than your word choices, but I’m visual by nature, so take that with a grain of salt.  Star has done a good analysis, and I like what Dee suggests.  Relaxed, minimal and elegant - or change up the order for REM and you get some other tangential concepts wrapped in. What I don’t see in your wardrobe Pinterest board that you have in your Pinterest inspo board is a classic white or blue button down.  Do you have such a thing?  Do you iron?  LOL!   Sal on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371394 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:50:35 +0000 Sal 2371394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like a time of change, and we have these seasons in our life. Minor health ailments are annoying and can bring us down, as can the routine in these years. Enclothed recognition is helpful so I think building a wardrobe representing who you are now is a great step. And I think you have lots of pieces that tie with your aspirational style. So you have a head start. I also think comfortable is not quite right - although I think you mean both physically and emotionally comfortable. I see sophisticated classic and strong. I also see modern, clean lines and neutrals. There’s a bit of an edge but soft edge. It is practical and comfortable - but I think that goes without saying? I do see minimalist as well. My words are bold breezy elegant at the moment. I played around with sporty and ease ( your collection has ease) but in the end this is where I stuck. My style always looks a bit breezy due to my messy hair. This word could maybe be improved but it is the sense of ease and relaxation. The other words are the things that make me feel my best. I like a bit of boldness in contrast or colour or shape, and I have to remember to be more elegant or sophisticated. It’s not quite how Allison does it but it works for me. I am really happy with my wardrobe at the moment and this has been achieved by shopping at better places with higher quality pieces. On sale and second hand and full price new. And I have had lots of things tailored this year. I am always between sizes and now I buy the larger size and get it take in - not always but often. I have had pieces lengthened in the leg and tailored in the torso. It means being very selective and not buying too much but at 54 this feels right for me. Dee on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371393 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:41:16 +0000 Dee 2371393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Figuring out 3 style words is a tough exercise, so my 2 cents would be to trade the word comfortable for the word relaxed, then add minimal and elegance. When looking at your Pinterest aspirations they are simple or minimal in nature but there’s always a certain amount of elegance to them all.  Star (Lise) on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371391 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:11:03 +0000 Star (Lise) 2371391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First off I love the style that you have chosen and I do see your own pieces that you have earmarked as compatible.  I am not an expert on style words by any means so my humble opinion is as follows:  I don't think Comfortable is a style word.  I think all clothes should always be comfortable for everyone, it should be non-negotiable.  I also cannot envision Resilient as a style word.  What I see in your inspiration outfits is Simplistic Fluid Elegance/Sophistication.  These outfits are simple in the way you explained, not too much pattern, not too much colour.  Clean cut straight lines, not overly frilly, etc.  The fits are not bodycon or overly over-sized, so fluid.   However they all look Elegant to me (which is probably Sophistication to you).  So in a nutshell, on a day-to-day basis you want to wear simple yet sophisticated clothes.  You will be comfortable because of the fluid fit.   I hope this helps.  I look forward to reading how other Fabbers see this. bella on "Help: Style musings with 3 words" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-style-musings-with-3-words#post-2371388 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:52:04 +0000 bella 2371388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello all, This is a very long post; I apologize in advance. I’ve been feeling a little uninspired with my wardrobe (which usually happens during this transitional weather), so I was looking online for new pieces to add to my fall wardrobe. It made me realize that I need more than just a refresh, but a thorough revaluation of my wardrobe and the style direction I want to take. After watching some YouTube videos, I came upon Allison Bornstein’s 3 words. I gave it a go and here is what I came up with. Word 1 (Realistic word that corresponds to what you wear on a day-to-day basis): Comfortable I do spend a fair amount of time working from home and going from activity to activity on the weekend with my family. When I teach, I am ons tage with 200 pairs of eyes on me. So, comfort really is the name of the game.I need to feel comfortable in every way to forget about the clothes and go about my day. If shoes pinch, straps fall, skirts fly open, pants ride up, shirts come untucked, etc. (you get my drift), I don’t reach for them. Word 2 (Aspirational word): Sophisticated I want to project an image of unstudied, effortless sophistication that emanates from within. I think my hair is a big help here, but my clothes leave something to be desired. Word 3 (How I want clothes to make me feel): Resilient This was hard. I thought long about powerful, confident and finally strong. But I settled upon resilient. I want to feel all those things, and resilience for me encompasses the ability to face both physical and mental challenges. I’ve been encountering minor but annoying physical issues (disturbed sleep, recalcitrant weight, recurring stomach issues, skin irritations, etc.) so I would like to build up my body both from within and without to better face these challenges. I am also in the process of making some difficult life decisions and I would like to also be mentally in a good place to make them and deal with the consequences of my choices. I am not invulnerable, but I would like to feel like I am capable of harnessing the necessary resources to get up when I take a hit. I don’t know how all that translates to fashion, unfortunately. So, I ask for your help. I created a mood board to visualize the word sophisticated. I would very much like to know how you think I should go about translating this to my own style. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/bellaremixes/sophisticated/">https://www.pinterest.com/bell.....isticated/</a> Looking at it, what I observe in all these outfits is a sense of ease, of give so that everything fits fluidly tailored and the wearers seem to be comfortable.  I don’t see any pattern, which is expected, I hardly have any patterned items in my wardrobe. I don’t see a lot of color, and my own wardrobe seems a bit colorless these days as well, apart from red. I also see long, lean lines. One thing I am worried is that all these outfits at the end of the day come down to the body of the wearer, and I don’t happen to possess such a physique. I know some of you here are much better at analyzing fashion pictures and translating them into real-life, digestible information than I am. So I hope you can give me some ideas. I also created another board with a selection of items from my wardrobe that I think can work within these style parameters. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/bellaremixes/winter-2024-sophisticated/">https://www.pinterest.com/bell.....isticated/</a> I cannot afford to overhaul all my clothes but could add a few intentional pieces. Thank you very much in advance!