YouLookFab Forum » Topic: new persona

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: new persona https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:16:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Beth Ann on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646528 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:29:52 +0000 Beth Ann 1646528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Based upon your pics, I'd say you're well on your way to your goal!  I think the Firecracker had a great suggestion to begin playing with some accessories and footwear as you move forward, particularly as the outfit formulas and proportions seem to be taking shape very nicely.   You're looking great, and your combinations, while casual, do look intentional and fab. I'm guessing that you might find a lot of accessories kind of fussy, but I could see an occasional scarf, or -- and I like this best of all for you -- a bold cuff bracelet or strong, updated watch. I could also see a simple slice of color in bag or shoes.   For footwear, slip on sneaks sound perfect, as would oxfords or a dressier slide sandal (not the athletic sort so popular among college students). Staysfit on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646521 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:07:35 +0000 Staysfit 1646521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sally, I'm glad to see you making progress. The book you read sounds so helpful. My style is clearly more casual than you can be at work because I actually wear jeans, but I hope you continue to share your thought process as you go forward. Your pictures are great! Suz, thanks for all the helpful links, which lead to even more links! I always wondered exactly what UWP meant! Summer on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646513 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 10:45:19 +0000 Summer 1646513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds really useful for pin-pointing your style, Sally.  Your outfits seem to fit the "Weekend Girl" persona very well, and you look lovely in them.  I  see a really cohesive style coming through. Actually, you have pointed me in a good direction for my own style, too.   I'd  like to take my smart casual wardrobe up a notch, so that my clothes are versatile enough to take me just about  anywhere, rather than having too many capsules, some of which might be rarely worn.  I'm thinking in terms of nicer quality fabrics, sophisticated colours and interesting footwear for starters - much in line with Firecracker's comments.  Also, although her style is quite different from mine, Deborah achieves this brilliantly with her own beautiful and highly- versatile wardrobe.  Plenty of food for thought here.     harmonica on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646486 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 09:37:43 +0000 harmonica 1646486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad you find inspiration in that book. It seems like you are on a good path and adding dressier pants is a great start for dressing more «grown up» or sophisticated. I love reading your posts and follow your style journey. Sally on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646474 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 08:30:27 +0000 Sally 1646474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks everyone for your tips. Firecracker - I understand what you mean by trying to be more grownup.  A lot of the pictures on blogs have really young people and I don't want to look like I"m trying to be that young.  I tried to be more solphisticated but find it really hard with my lifestyle so I end up looking dressed up or just slack...hence running around in leggings and flip flops.  So I'm approaching it with how can I add more thought to this weekend girl look and give it a bit of intention. I admire the way you put your jean outfits together so you are really on the right track. Chris987 I think you might right about the different tops marking casual or more professional. I am going to look for some better quality tops to wear for work.  I probably don't need that many.  I think I'll separate those considered more work appropriate from the others.   I may have a different shape from you as I don't like things to be fitted around the torso...that's where I carry any extra weight and I"m really short waisted.  I like it fitted at top/ shoulders etc and flaring out a bit around the middle. Suz - thanks for all the information.  I read it a few times to digest it.  I really liked the post about the urban prince.  I do have elements of some of those pieces in my wardrobe and could evoke my urban prince when I'm wanting to be more "badass"  I'd really like to find Aida's quiz...where would I look?  I think factors do change your style.  The biggest for me how active I am etc and this recent weight loss has made me go back to my original more sporty look as I am doing a lot of incidental exercise which means I need to be prepared.  I am a teacher but its in a poorer part of town and I have to do duty outside etc so can't be running around in heels.  I was wearing wedges one day and had to go and take them off because I was finding it too uncomfortable.  I found some reasonably cheap slip on sneakers and thought they would be easier instead of wearing flip flops to do chores.  So I'm trying to add a bit of style to my sporty or weekend look.  Suz on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646300 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 22:30:38 +0000 Suz 1646300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ They can be pretty helpful. There is also an "elements of love" questionnaire by Aida (forum member) that is helpful to some people.  You definitely look like a "weekend girl" to me in a good way. I see casual modern classic. Although you say "not sporty" the nautical stripes are a bit sporty or preppy. (I say that as someone who owns 3 nautical striped tops and just sadly parted with another that I'd worn out...)  I wouldn't call myself a "weekend girl" exactly (I tend to like more structure than that description seems to encompass and more dressiness), but I definitely have the "casual" side of it and the extremely practical bent. I really need to dress for the life I lead. So I'm in jeans most of the time. I like to add a jacket and great footwear/ bag to kick things up a notch.  Chris987 on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646117 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:11:43 +0000 Chris987 1646117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz for reposting those!  As a newbie I probably saw them in my first pass through the archives but will definitely go back and re-read them now.  Suz on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646065 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:40:54 +0000 Suz 1646065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A few years ago a number of us adopted, coined, or borrowed "style personae" here on the forum. Did you see the big threads on this?  Here's one thread, with links that will take you back to other relevant posts:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hands-up-if-you-are-an-urban-warrior-princess-uwp">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....incess-uwp</a> And another: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summary-of-uwp-thread-pop-your-descritor-here">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ritor-here</a> Angie also has some great blog posts:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/14/what-is-your-fashion-persona/">http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/.....n-persona/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2007/01/17/revisiting-your-fashion-persona/">http://youlookfab.com/2007/01/.....n-persona/</a> I found that choosing a persona was more helpful to me than style descriptors at first. I would ask myself when I went shopping if this was something an "urban prince" would wear.  My style persona has changed since then, but I still find it helpful to think in terms of a fashion persona, and I'll bet it will be helpful to you as well!  Chris987 on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1646055 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:25:47 +0000 Chris987 1646055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm working on changing my persona too, just with a different goal than yours. I'm going to look for that book at the library, thanks for recommendation.  Here are some more ideas for being weekend girl at work: go with more substantial knits, not the paper-thin ones. Smaller scale prints in mid-dark colors seem a little less casual to me than larger scale ones...so in your examples #2 is a wider/lighter stripe = more casual and #3 is smaller stripe/darker = less casual. Both would be equally comfortable. I also think there is something about necklines that can be divided up this way but I'm not really sure what it is....that larger V-neck in # looks more casual for example. I also think more structure in the torso/shoulder area is a little less casual as opposed to large/flowy, but that might be just me thinking of my body type. Knit jackets are a great idea as others have said but try them on and look at them carefully. There is a huge variety in fit and quality so think about what you want. As far as spending a whole day thinking about this - you go girl!  I have spent far more time than that and not going to feel a bit guilty about it It does take time, you can't make this type of change in one fell swoop, it takes time to get used to the "new". And most of all HAVE FUN WITH IT! Firecracker (Sharan) on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645962 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 03:52:40 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1645962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's great to hear you're inspired by this book. I think part of developing a style that feels right is finding inspiration that helps us to envision something new for ourselves. Now you can look at a piece of clothing, try it on, and ask,"does it give me the feeling of the 'weekend girl' I'm envisioning?" "Weekend girl" resonates with me, too, btw. A couple of years ago, I realized I wanted to get more sophistication into my style, though. I just started looking at new purchases with an eye toward whether I would feel "sophisticated" in them (or "grown up" is another way I thought of it) or could wear them in a way that would feel sophisticated. I think accessories and footwear can go a long way toward lending a certain stylish cast to a wardrobe that is foremost all about comfort. Sally on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645934 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 02:00:59 +0000 Sally 1645934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BrieN- a knit blazer sounds good.  I must check them out.  I often wear roomy blazers. Vix - I looked through pinterest for some looks that I liked. I don't do baseball hats and while I'm active I don't really do sporty though I do a lot of walking and I am hanging out in the house in tracksuit pants at the moment.  I put together my favourite clothes that make me feel happy including work wear and a few inspiration pictures and came up with the words  - weekend girl,  minimalistic, RATE, simplistic.  I think I'm starting to see a pattern of what I like.  I just need to fine tune it and make the outfits work more...find the holes in my wardrobe etc.. I can't believe I've spent a day thinking about this..... Vix on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645903 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:52:26 +0000 Vix 1645903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sally -- I hope you share your discoveries along the way...I always think it's so interesting to see the different interpretations! The only thing I can think to add is to try to figure out if you're more sporty, organic etc -- of course those can combine, so maybe figure out a few key words to play around with! I already told you I'm envious that you find casual easy. I live in a casual/sporty place and try to stay active but I've learned that I often prefer casual skirts and like my activewear ruched/seamed and my hats wide-brimmed vs baseball. Funny how it's the little details that can make an item feel like us instead of a costume or covering! BrieN on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645895 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 23:31:28 +0000 BrieN 1645895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I *love* a knit blazer with stretch. All the comfort with the addition of just a bit of structure. H&M has a few right now that I'm considering although maybe a bit long for my body. Sally on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645889 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:59:53 +0000 Sally 1645889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BC and Dee...its nice to know there are others out there like me.  Yes I want to be the polished girl or solphisticated one but I don't put in the effort and usually my hair is too fly away or messy to pull that off.  I turned up to a wedding last week and realized that I hadn't done my nails.  Oh well they were clean.  Ledonna I think you are right about not being too rigid.  I have lots of fun with clothes.  As I told a friend this morning, some people bake to unwind, I like to sort out my wardrobe.  I find it quite therapeutic to have a capsule going where I know what I 'm wearing and I play with some rules...so I have fun with the rules.  Then I change my capsule often...hence the thrift shopping.  Xtabay I always get my bra fitted so I'm wearing the right size.  Its probably something I spend a fair amount of money on.  I'm quite weekendy in the style though...I generally look for sports bras.. El Cee I'm not taking the rules too seriously ...its fun to have some guidelines though.  Dee on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645868 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:03:31 +0000 Dee 1645868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That describes me pretty well. I always want to be the sophisticated girl, but I'm drawn to drape, unstructured garments, and soft knits, and overall a more comfort in my daily life. Nice sneakers or oxfords, knit motos, and statement necklaces work well for me at work and on the weekend. El Cee on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645865 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:58:51 +0000 El Cee 1645865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ledonna is right -- do not get bogged down with too many ridged rules. This journey should be fun, first and foremost. I try to create flexible goals for myself instead of hard and fast rules. This allows me to enjoy the process a lot more. Anonymous on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645860 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:50:46 +0000 Anonymous 1645860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's exactly right, and the advice about lingerie is spot on. Have fun in your fashion journey! Ledonna N. on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645859 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:47:07 +0000 Ledonna N. 1645859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The only rule you should follow is there is no rules. Wear what makes you feel and look your best. Sometimes we are so ridge with rules and structure we forget that Fashion and style are supposed to be an expression of who we are or who we want to become. Good luck on your fashion journey. Anonymous on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645858 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:46:25 +0000 Anonymous 1645858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Make sure your underthings are ship-shape.  The right size and style of bra can make all the difference in how you look, and it's amazing how many people are wearing the wrong size.  And no raggedy panties!  The psychological effect of having on nice underwear is immeasurable. Anonymous on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645856 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:43:36 +0000 Anonymous 1645856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That weekend girl advice sounds like it was written for me. I do things like wear ponte trousers to work so I'll feel comfortable and appropriately dressed at the same time. I bought a few drapey knit jackets that are dressier than cardigans but more comfortable than Blazers. I love my cropped soft white vest that goes with so many things, so I just ordered a cropped dark wash denim vest. I could go on, but I think you get the point. I strive to look professional in an office that has a business casual dress code and still feel like I'm wearing my comfortable weekend clothes. Sally on "new persona" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-persona#post-1645853 Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:39:34 +0000 Sally 1645853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I found a great book in the library.  Its a bit old (2013) but I love the concept.   Its called "Style and the Successful girl" by Greta Monahan. She divides style up into four different types....weekend girl, girly girl, solphisticated girl and sexy girl.  Yeah really simplistic I know and certainly wouldn't suit everyone.  The category 'weekend girl' just resonated with me because it describes "everyday is a weekend even at work".  It gives some examples of how to stick to casual but maintain "the weekend feel"  As Vix said I need to find a way of going to work but still feeling myself"    So my task for my holidays is to fill the holes in my wardrobe so I feel "weekendy" but look appropriate.  My goal for the year was to look polished but I somehow need to do it around my style persona....so my first rule of thumb is not to wear flip flops outside unless its just to check the mail and put the rubbish out...so I'm going to get some nice slip on sneakers.   My next rule is not to wear skinny jeans to work (unless they are formal black ) and get myself some new ponte or knit trousers that replace them.  I think I can work on this now I have this persona to work with.  Some inspiration pictures and descriptions from the book attached.   Can anyone think of any other rules I should follow?