https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:54:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-579299 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:26:22 +0000 Astrid 579299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Traci, it's interesting to read what you see in these pictures!</p> <p>Elly, that' true. My wardrobe definitely doesn't have to stay as small as it is now, but it's true that I'd need a lot more than I have at the moment if I would stop layering so much. And you're right about the colors! I like cool colors and I don't really wear brown, orange or other earthy colors.</p> <p>Manidipa, me too! I plan to redecorate in the near future, I only have to think about what exactly I will do.</p> <p>Thanks fern! It's true that I have a better idea what I want and I can definitely see a trend when I look at the visuals. Maybe I don't need a name for it? It's interesting that you see more natural here too and not really boho, just like Aida. It's true that a big part of the things that come up when you search for 'boho' are not what I have in mind when I think about the term. Maybe it really isn't exactly the right term. Thanks for the link! That was really helpful. I knew about Jugendstil (and I like it), I just didn't know that it began with the arts and crafts movement. </p> <p>Christieanne, it looks great, doesn't it?</p> <p>Scarlet, that's really interesting. I understand where you're coming from. Like I said above, maybe my use of the term isn't quite right. What would you call this certain element I was talking about? It's not just minimalism and natural/organic, I think. Or is it? I definitely wouldn't call your style boho either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578448 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:31:54 +0000 Scarlet 578448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can get the concept of boho without a lot going on, but what still puzzles me a bit is that I would never have come up with boho as an adjective for your style with the exception of your fantastic dress, and actually that handbag too. The other thing that I find a bit puzzling is that this isn't how I would describe my style, but I still love everything that you posted. In any case it sounds like you have a clear visual idea of what you are going for, and that is very positive. I feel like I get what you are describing too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578432 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:24:24 +0000 christieanne 578432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm moving in to that house if you don't! Lovely </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578421 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:16:50 +0000 fern 578421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing this level of analysis with us - and all your inspiration pics! I agree you are getting it right - I'd recognize these as your choices.<br /> I think of "boho" as representing floaty and also flighty, but you are so grounded and thoughtful. I think "natural" is better and goes to those gorgeous texture-rich images - they get their interest from the weave of the tweed and the natural leather or suede. The house pics are lighter and brighter than the clothes - that's interesting. Maybe that's the climate part Elly mentioned.</p> <p>For Liz's question, Arts &amp; Crafts came out of England and grew into Art Nouveau in Europe - called Jugendstil (young style?) in Germany. That pattern of the dress in 10 has the abstracted nature &amp; curvy symmetry of the style. Here's a link I can't read at all for Astrid - but I like the pictures: <a href="http://www.innenarchitekten-in-berlin.de/kunst/jugendstil.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.innenarchitekten-in.....ndstil.htm</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578341 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:53:23 +0000 ManidipaM 578341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh those lovely interiors! Can I please have one of each room in my house? I swear I'm happy to give up my existing four (five?) in return! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578330 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:44:57 +0000 Elly 578330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think one thing that is impacting you simplifying is that you are on a tight budget and have a small wardrobe. Therefore, pieces often have to be very multipurpose when in all honesty maybe they are only "perfect" one or two ways and that is where the layering comes in. Plus, you live somewhere cold but don't have an entirely different wardrobe of heavier woolens, so that is more layers there. Sometimes I think there is a sacrifice of versatility when we hone our styles. </p> <p>Also, imo you don't tend to favor "boho" colors necessarily so that may also be making it more difficult to find pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578292 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:48:36 +0000 Traci 578292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes ! Those pictures are you in an interior. Sunny, warm, natural, crisp, sophisticated, artisan, playful, modern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578261 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:13:00 +0000 Astrid 578261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jilly!</p> <p>Thanks cjh! That's so nice to hear. I think I'll definitely get there with a few tweaks, I'm adjusting a bit, not reinventing myself!</p> <p>Thanks Jen! I really think that I worked out the main thing for myself, now I just have to work on implementing it for real! And that's so true about natural fibers, I feel exactly the same. I hate the feel of all the polyester blouses that are available at the moment in abundance. </p> <p>Thanks Aida! The difference between the terms minimal and simple wasn't clear to me until you pointed it out. And I think you're spot on with your assessment, maybe minimal is really the better word. It makes sense the way you explain it. I definitely see the organic/natural thing too, but I'm not sure if it's really a better term than boho. If I think of the first concept I have some things in mind that are a bit different to the items I posted above. I guess you can still see the organic/natural structure in the pictures, but they are somehow 'smoother'. Does that make sense? </p> <p>Thanks, Liz! I hadn't heard about the arts and crafts movement before but I like art deco.</p> <p>Traci, that's interesting! I'm from Germany but I love scandinavian flair - in fact I love what you find when you search for scandinavian interiors, like in the pics below. 'A blend of natural and minimalist' and 'boho modern' are good paraphrases! </p> <p>Thanks Manidipa! It think I agree with calling it minimalism, and I like Boho Minimalist! You perfectly said what I tried to explain above, I think my pictures have that natural or organic aspect but they somehow seem more boho to me, or at least these two aspects are balanced. It's true that it should be fairly easy to make some of my current outfits a bit more me with adding one different piece or making some tweaks. Oh and I love that cuff too, sadly it's no longer available!</p> <p>AJ, that's really a perfect solution, I think I'd love to wear the outfit you described. Getting some shoes and accessories along the line of the pieces above is a good idea. I need to add another pair of fab shoes to my wardrobe anyway.</p> <p>Thanks, Christieanne! Maybe I should. I guess at the moment that would be minimalist, boho and natural/organic? And maybe 'chic', although I'm not sure how that could be a rubric. I can't wait to see what you come up with for yourself when you're ready to share. :)</p> <p>Kirti, I've always thought boho has to be ALGO too - that was a bit of a problem when I thought about what styles I liked when I started here at YLF. I guess minimalism as a concept seems to work well and to tweak it a bit into the direction of boho seems to be the easiest solution. I'm definitely going to start with that. I always wear flats too, although I guess I could do a small heel if the shoes are comfortable. My everyday bag is a crossbady bag too. I can do bags with shoulder straps like the one above, but I've never used a bag I had to carry in my hand or in the crook of my arm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578167 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:58:13 +0000 Kirti 578167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, boho as I understand it can be a bit ALGO, but I think that you could work towards a more pared down boho look? I agree with Aida and Manidipa and AJ about adding in the idea of minimalism and playing with boho accessories like the slouchy bag.</p> <p>I also understand completely about the need to be comfortable - that is a big part of my personal style. It is why I have only cross body bags and why I prefer flats (and own no heels)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578098 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:57:48 +0000 christieanne 578098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how you used photos as inspiration for coming to terms with your style.<br /> Boho minimalism seems counter intuitive but in the way you put together the photo montage, it isn't. Perhaps if you set up your own "rubric" similar to Transconna Shannon - where you look for your special elements in your outfits it might start to be easier and make sense. </p> <p>I have this preppy thing competing with boho myself and it's driving me a bit crazy but I don't want to get ahead of myself in mulling it over just yet. The concept needs to "settle" in my brain and stew. You are on a beautiful path. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-578091 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:38:50 +0000 AJ 578091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're looking for clean lines with a bit of boho. For example, #1 is a classic look...nothing boho about it, but add the cute suede booties in #9 and the pendant necklace in #2 and you got your boho feel.</p> <p>So maybe if you start off with getting some subtle boho accessories and shoes that you can mix with the classic pieces that you already have, you'll feel like your closer to the style statement you are transition towards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577975 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:44:41 +0000 ManidipaM 577975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, that is a GIANT LEAP forward in style definition! Be very proud of yourself for clarity.</p> <p>I'm going to echo Aida about the minimalism, in direct opposition to ALGO, which you seem leery of: I think you're a Boho Minimalist! I'm not sure I'd restrict it to 100% organic though --- like you, I do see 'boho' in your old-new slouchy hobo bag, patterned dress, inspiration images in #10-11... more so than 'natural' or 'organic', as I've played with both sets of terms for my own style direction and have understood them to be often allied, but also distinct. The patterns and freedom you seem to be drawn to say 'boho' louder than 'organic' to me, personally. Though I can see how the matte textures and muted colours you prefer also speak 'natural/organic'. </p> <p>And yes, I can see where this is hard to pull off in real life, but it shouldn't be impossible if you concentrate on adding just ONE boho piece to the outfit --- which you're not likely to go overboard with anyway, being wary of ALGO. I'd also remember to bring your hair to the equation! Those luxurious bright curls are definitely boho-enabling, especially when worn loose as you often do. Remember to consider them an 'element' of your outfit. This season's 'tribal' and 'ethnic' element (though possibly not yet fully evident in the mainstream retail stops) should help.</p> <p>Oh, and can I possibly talk you into treating yourself to that cuff in #13. Delicious thing! And that colour would be so great on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577967 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:34:18 +0000 Traci 577967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to post and run, but reading this past and looking at your picture examples made me realize a component to your style that I've always admired but never been able to put my finger on. There is a very scandanavian flair to your style. When I think of scandanavian interiors in homes I think of the perfect blend of natural and minimalist....like boho modern, right? I know you're in Europe, but not sure which country, so if you're in Denmark rolling your eyes at me, please forgive my density. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577946 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:01:59 +0000 Liz 577946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There was something nagging at me when I saw the simple, nature-inspired, graphic, natural, somewhat middle-eastern designs in your inspiration pictures. I wonder...are you drawn toward the arts and crafts movement or art deco styles at all? (I don't think those are clothing styles, merely art and design eras -- and I don't know if the arts and crafts movement was a specifically U.S. movement or if it was also seen in Europe.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577899 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 01:16:56 +0000 Aida 577899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid I wonder if instead of simple you want something more minimal? Clean, few pieces, distinctive. You seem drawn to visually interesting shapes and textures, and I certainly wouldn't call your style simple; the first two examples you posted look "minimal" rather than "simple" to me and have very clean, deliberate lines.</p> <p>Your style examples in #4-15 are lovely! (I ADORE the shoes in #6, MAN I _really_ want those!!) To me, Denise (CocoLion) has Boho Minimalist style, but in your examples I see "organic" or "natural" more than "boho". This is also reinforced by your comment "I don't want super floaty and I don't need flounces on everything either", the way you wear your hair, your make up, even the colors you wear. Wearing organic or naturally inspired accessories, shoes, and bags is a great way to add some boho to your look without having to wear floaty/flouncy clothing items. The shoes in #20 look like they'd work really well for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577877 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:36:31 +0000 jen 577877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forgot to add I only feel comfortable in natural fibers like cotton, wool, leather and linen! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577872 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:34:27 +0000 jen 577872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All the examples are things I'd love to wear! I think you know your self really well and seem to have really found the earthy boho chic style. The style also goes perfectly with how you wear your hair and probably pairs well with your personality.</p> <p>Especially love to wear 2. I also love to wear blazers but they must be deconstructed boyfriend style (for comfort), I love to wear just one long pendant only as well and carry my Balanciaga classic bag with the tassels. Being boho chic is a long way from being Hippie but it still echoes the same layback feel and style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577833 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:46:33 +0000 cjh 577833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your chosen photos are beautiful and I don't think you are very far away from this style in your current execution. What you wear seems to really reflect your loves in the shapes you choose (skirts, blazer), the soft fabrics and earthy colors (scarf, jewelry), and the "mood" of simple, perhaps a bit androgynous but feminized by your gorgeous curly hair, sweet smile and ladylike combos. </p> <p>Well, if you can understand any of that... It's meant to be encouraging and affirming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577829 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:42:48 +0000 Jilly 577829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm afraid I don't have anything super helpful to add, but I think this is a great idea and will look forward to seeing the fruits of your thoughts </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577808 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:19:52 +0000 Astrid 577808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mo! I also really think this helped, just doing the exercise. </p> <p>Thanks missvee! That really makes sense about the shoes. I think you're right about the organic quality, now that you've said it. It's these things that I somehow just don't see, maybe I'm too near to the subject matter. </p> <p>Meredith, you said it perfectly! I guess I want the boho with the patterns and the fabrics and the colors, but more of a classic tailoring. That sounds right to me. I really think I have a better idea of it now! You're unfortunately also right that those pieces will maybe be hard to find, but I'm fairly patient and ready to pay a bit more for the right item. And I don't need lots of things - I've always been comfortable with a fairly small wardrobe. </p> <p>Thanks Suz! Good to know that the visuals are helpful - I'm looking forward to hear anything that comes to mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577804 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:10:04 +0000 Suz 577804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The visuals are very interesting, Astrid, and helpful in defining your style. I do think you are onto something with this, although I will have to think on it some more before saying anything terribly helpful, I suspect. I like what missvee said. And what Mo said, about liking your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577803 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:06:12 +0000 Meredith1953 577803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid,<br /> I think I get the general drift of where you are coming from. It sounds like you need classic in the wardrobe because classic usually is simple and wellcut and comfortable! I think you additionally want it to have a more organic feel to it which means not so sharply tailored? The boho is the "touch" of pattern and print that enlivens the classic. You have picked some lovely images for inspiration and I can totally see them working together! It will not be easy since having less clothing that makes more of an impact means the clothing itself needs to be special, something that is not easy to find on a budget. I totally get wanting to be able to feel unrestricted in your clothing. Like you can do ANYTHING. I think you have a good sense of what you want....Now the hunt is on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577802 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:04:02 +0000 missvee 577802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While there is simplicity here, there is also an organic quality to a lot of these images in terms of colours, shapes and fabrics - the loose florals, leaf motifs, soft leathers and suedes, natural textures. When seen in this context, the shoes in #19 are too shiny, too 'manmade' compared with #20. What an interesting exercise for you to further define your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577798 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:56:53 +0000 Mo 577798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand having two opposite pulls within the same style. I like ruffly romantic soft flouncy pink as much as I like zippers and black and silver and studs. And I also understand pieces that come across as too classic or preppy when you are really looking for simple. I think just taking the time to write down what's coming to mind and working through it is a HUGE step. I happen to love your style </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits#post-577796 Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:51:09 +0000 Astrid 577796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's the thread that resulted in the following musings:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-thoughts-about-my-dressing-habits" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-habits</a></p> <p>I was on the train on Saturday for five hours and tried to figure this out. I wrote some things down and I'm going to try to organize it now. If something doesn't make any sense at all speak up! Or if it does! No matter what, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.</p> <p>After all of my past threads about style and the outfits you've seen me wearing I came to the conclusion that I could identify to a certain degree with the words "(grounded) boho chic" or "ladylike boho". Other people made suggestions that were completely lacking the word boho and I can see how you could draw this conclusion. </p> <p>Another thing that's important to know is that when I first did the style statement exercise I was fairly sure that my main word (the 70% of my style) could be "simple". I really liked the idea of simple!</p> <p>And I think that's maybe the main problem. Because I still do like simple, I think I just got a bit confused what exactly that could mean for me and my style preferences. Simple and boho (see that I'm coming back to that word?), those styles always seemed mutually exclusive to me. I still feel drawn to pictures like #1/2/3. I love how SIMPLE they are. And a big part of my clothes feel like they could belong into that category in a certain way. They are simple and classic/preppy/retro... you get what I mean. But most of them aren't simple and boho. And a lot of the pictures I save for inspiration have that boho feel that I think I'm missing. Or at least it's what I think could be named both boho and simple, if you know other terms that fit better feel free to comment. I thought I'd post some more pics for you (#4-15), do you see what I mean?</p> <p>I think my new shoes and the bag I rediscovered the day before yesterday fit that style and I love them (#16/17). The most boho thing I have at the moment is my black flowery dress I think (#18). I loved it every time I wore it. I also loved to wear my black velvet skirt that I had to retire!</p> <p>I think the problem is that a lot of things in the stores that have this simple feel are often rather classic too. And I don't really have other items to pair them with to balance that feel and end up with a look that's too classic or preppy or whatever for me. </p> <p>I love the idea of red shoes for example, but I'm always feeling a bit strange wearing mine (#19) - I think I would be more comfortable in something like the red suede shoes in #20.</p> <p>I also think I can safely say that ALGO is not my thing at all. With the pieces I have at the moment I have to accessorize or layer most of the time to make them look interesting enough. But I don't like that at all. </p> <p>I think I want fewer constituent parts in an outfit. Like a cardi with a dress, a skirt with a sweater, pants with a blouse... I still love pattern and color, but I think I want to stop bringing them into my outfits with so many pieces. So maybe just a tunic over skinnies and booties instead of a top with a cardi with a scarf with a belt with a skirt with tights with booties. Instead of getting the simple with wearing many simple items, I'll get the simple (to a certain degree) over the reducing of the pieces overall. I mean this one piece could be interesting with colors, pattern, cut or texture, right? </p> <p>One problem with this would be the need to find these pieces. Not as easy as I said, I think. Items with a boho feel (patterns or fabrics) often lack the cuts or tailoring I like. I don't want super floaty and I don't need flounces on everything either. </p> <p>And there were also a few things that I thought about that were quite tangible - and some had to do with my physical comfort as well! </p> <p>So it has to be said at this point that I hate to have my range of movement impaired. I don't like shoes that I can't do everything I want to in. I don't feel that great in my two pencil skirts because I feel like they shorten my stride. And no matter the look of a garment, I feel in it like it feels on me! I can wear my sweatshirt material blazer and it looks great, but i feel like I'm wearing sweatpants in public all the same, I just can't help it.</p> <p>I'm not sure if I did write everything coherently down, but I'll post this now all the same. I know that this is a lot at once, but feel free to pick out pieces to comment on. </p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p>