https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:15:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883602 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 13:11:34 +0000 Mac 1883602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@kkards: Yes!!! I have written before about my desire to better understand “fit” as I think fit - and, you’re totally right!, proportion - becomes more important as we *ahem* mature. I’m currently travelling with a wardrobe consisting of (I can already feel the collective ylf shudder, lol) mostly “gear” so I won’t be posting outfit/clothing photos til I return home (early April) . But I’ll be leaning heavily on all of you for help (and patience, and kindness), then.</p> <p>@jenn: I lived in Paris for years and very much admired how many women there could sport hair and makeup that looked gorgeously “undone.” I quickly learned how much thought and discipline this effortless look requires. :)</p> <p>@Angie. Yes, there is much in joan’s style I admire, maybe most all her willingness to embrace her curvy body shape, which is what i aspire to do in dressier outfits. </p> <p>@Pedestrienne: exactly! I would not have thought of “luxe” as a descriptor since I tend to associate that word with maximalism, bling, etc. However, you’re absolutely right bc I do love fabrics like cashmere and velvet, well-cut (usually frightfully expensive) coats and deceptively simple Italian boots and shoes... all of which are luxe in their own quieter way. </p> <p>@LBD: how interesting, and helpful, that you and many others used the descriptor “classic.” For reasons unknown, I always associated that word with well-pressed, crisp, tidy, polished aesthetic... all of which I admire and none of which are “me.” But, it seems that my aspirations/inspiration are classic in ways I did not understand or acknowledge. </p> <p>@Angie: yes, although nothing in my style is “futuristic,” Joan might have embraced a more intentional slouchiness in her casual-wear had she been transported into our current era. </p> <p>@unfrumped: relaxed is a descriptor that resonates strongly with me. As you can see, even my dressier, more “bombshell” choices have a soft ease to them. Frankly, I’m pretty lazy. While I’m willing to be more disciplined and put more time and money into my shopping, getting items tailored for fit, etc. , I’ll never, ever be someone who can commit to the daily discipline of an hour on hair and makeup each morning, or keeping my clothes pressed and crisp, etc. So, I must try to find that glorious, fine line between relaxed/easy/effortless-looking chic and slovenly mess.</p> <p>@rachylou: I think some got bombshell because, when dressed way down (which is 90% of my life, as a stay at home investor/MOTG), I like a bit of almost-androgynous slouch. However, when dressier, I prefer the more conventionally flattering aesthetic of embracing my larger bust and hips while showing off a smallish waist and draping gracefully over my juicy-apple tummy. </p> <p>@sarahd8: Ah, my fellow-lover of nubby sweaters... I don’t necessarily want dresses and skirts to be “very form-fitting” but I like dresses that skim over my stomach and bottom while showing that I have a waist and chest. I am fairly pear shaped with some definite apple tendencies, and I find silhouettes like wrap dresses and well-cut pencil skirts can help me feel feminine rather than dumpy.</p> <p>@shevia. Oui, c’est ca. I aspire to “slightly undone” (I think this qualifies as RATE?) but in reality I skew more sloppy-street person. My hair is straight, one length except for side-swept bangs, a bit below collar bone. unfortunately, the texture tends to be “puffy” in places (especially since every hair dresses has, at some point, tried to give me layers) which adds to the unkempt-rather-than-artfully-undone look. I prefer wash and go but maybe I have to accept that will never be a stylish look for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883594 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 11:58:23 +0000 Mac 1883594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank all of you So Much! Your input helps immensely and I’m grateful that you would take the time to share your observations and keen fashion insights with me. Xox</p> <p>Rachylou: I think the “bombshell” comments are based on some of the dress silhouettes. I’m a somewhat busty “pretty pear” and when it comes to dresses, I feel best in things that show my waist and are not high at the neck (not necessarily lots of cleavage, but v-necks or wrap dresses). However, as you can see, I also love nubby sweaters and oxfords, too, Does this make me fashion-inconsistent? </p> <p>TorontoGirl: hi, homegirl! (I live a bit north of bloor &amp; Yonge: you?). You’ll note I do not have a single summer outfit in this whole mix. I never “pin summer clothes. Honestly, in our muggy summer months, my real clothing concerns focus on how to avoid sunburn and overheating ( I tend to run warm, and spend much of June-August red-faced and perspiring profusely) and I don’t even think about fashion. How do you “do style” during Toronto’s sweaty summers, please?</p> <p>Suz: *chuckle*. Yes, you get it. I want to look thrown-together but fabulous. However, I do realize that, especially as I grow older, I need to actually put some more effort into looking gorgeously effortless. *sigh*. </p> <p>Suzanimal: I see that you are new, here. Welcome! *hug*. I rarely have time to visit this site but when I do, I find the most wonderful community of thoughtful, savvy women (+ one man). Yes, while animal print can at times be too glam for my personal aesthetic, it can also be worn in an easy, almost shabby, way that I find delightful. And while I don’t own a ton of red, this season has a lot of spicy, rusty reds which can look great with brown-based animal prints and are exactly my cuppa tea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883544 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:10:37 +0000 Jaime 1883544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also see what is often called French Chic - neutrals, slightly undone, or else bodycon but still minimal. What is your hairstyle? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883541 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 02:54:06 +0000 SarahD8 1883541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wasn’t seeing bombshell either, rachylou. But, now I notice that the dress and skirt looks are very form-fitting. The jeans outfits though have a lot of menswear elements. (I am salivating over that image with jeans, tassel loafers, and the Aran turtleneck.)</p> <p>Dresses: Understated Bombshell<br /> Pants: Androgynous Minimalist, or maybe: Newsboy Minimalist (bc the androgynous elements are old-times)<br /> Overall: Newsboy Bombshell ???? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883535 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 02:07:57 +0000 rachylou 1883535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Texture is a minimalist thing, I think. It adds interest while being integrated into the product of you will. </p> <p>... I’m not sure how we got ono bombshell... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883532 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 01:36:33 +0000 unfrumped 1883532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m also seeing Relaxed Bombshell, some drama. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883474 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 20:05:19 +0000 Angie 1883474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA: Style Moniker: Future Classic Joan (See pics further up) - if you're familiar with Mad Men.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883468 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 19:48:24 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1883468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou picked two of my three words, which were Modern Classic Minimalist.&nbsp; &nbsp;Your textiles are luxurious, so I'm going to add Luxury.</p> <p>Modern Classic Luxury Minimalist</p> <p>Some of your images make me think of Claire, on House of Cards, so I think 'Bombshell" might be apropos as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883466 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 19:44:34 +0000 LaPed 1883466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would add: luxe, urban, moody, romantic&nbsp;</p> <p>Geez, Moody Urban Romantic is a good moniker. It's so far removed from how I dress, but I still love the ring of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883458 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 19:11:53 +0000 Angie 1883458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Classic, Bombshell, Renaissance, Earthy, Refined.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: Style Moniker: Future Classic Joan&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883421 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 16:09:39 +0000 Jenn 1883421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these outfits too. They look Parisian chic to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883392 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 15:24:38 +0000 kkards 1883392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mac<br />what a great collection of&nbsp;inspirational pictures...<br />here's what i see<br />~clean lines<br />~crisp colors&nbsp;<br />~tailored (yes casual can be tailored)<br />~dimensional<br />~texture&nbsp;</p> <p>and yes i can see a 50+ women wearing them...and looking fab....for me, these are some of the keys to making it work...<br />~fit...to pull this off (at any age) it needs to fit well<br />~proportion...to make simple outfits work, the proportions need to work (i know easier said then done!)<br />~ palette...pick a small number of colors that work for you and that work together </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883352 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:13:30 +0000 Suzanimal 1883352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i><b>Mac </b>said...<i><br /><b></b><br />I wonder if my tastes verge on "normcore." I also wonder if these kinds of styles only look chic on the young and skinny and beautiful, and merely boring, maybe even sloppy, on an average-looking woman nearing 50. Eg. I see 19 year-old girls looking smashing in jeans, a beaten up crew-neck sweater and messy hair but <b>I am aware that I would just look homeless in the same outfit.<br /> <br /></b></i><br /> <br />LMAO! I hear you!! I'm 47 and I feel the same way. I've managed to pull off the release hem/raw hem jeans without looking/feeling ridiculous but that's about as deconstructed as I can get. I think the trick is only doing it in small doses.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Mac</b> also said...</p> <p>As much as I adore bright colour and crisp silhouettes on some of you</p> <p>...</p> <p><i>&nbsp;I'll have to start taking and posting photos of myself, here, <b>to see if my love of easy, casual fashion translates into cool or blah when attempted by me. </b>xo<br /> <br /></i><br /> <br />I love everything you posted but if you feel blah, try punching up your outfit with an interesting accessory. My style is classic, too. I love simple, well made, comfortable clothes with clean lines in basic colors and I'm not ironing anything unless it's for a wedding or funeral. It sounds boring BUT having a basic wardrobe allows me to go crazy with handbags, coats, shoes, jewelry, and belts. I'm not a scarf fan, either but I do have a nice red cashmere scarf I throw on with my winter coat sometimes. That splash of red seems to make my boring outfit (black turtleneck sweater, light khaki pencil pants, leopard flats, camel coat) pop. Plus, I love a little leopard paired with a splash of red. Red and leopard just go together like peas and carrots, to me. In another thread, someone brought up green and leopard and, I'd never considered it before, but that's a great pairing, too.</p> <p>I think the best key words for your style have already been posted but I would add..</p> <p>laid back<br />smart<br />and&nbsp;<br />ageless</p> <p>The things you picked out never go out of style (as far as I'm concerned) and I would wear all of them.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883351 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:12:56 +0000 Suz 1883351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mac, photos will really help -- you'll get a better view yourself and we will be able to offer more help.&nbsp;</p> <p>I see:&nbsp;</p> <p>casual<br />easy<br />relaxed<br />simple<br />alluring/ body revealing (for dresses especially)<br />cozy&nbsp;<br />classic<br />"thrown-together" That, oh, I just threw this on and ran out the door! look. But somehow it looks fabulous. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>There's a preference for structure in the accessories. The fine leather definitely adds structure of a kind. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883343 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:06:31 +0000 Helena 1883343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the comments above have covered all my ideas! Ease, unfussy, classic, uncluttered, and natural would be the standouts that I see. Good luck with the process! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883285 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:42:41 +0000 Mac 1883285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, RachyLou.&nbsp; I've definitely got a minimalist streak, since I'm not crazy about bling or pattern or scarves (except for cozy mufflers worn in cold weather).&nbsp; However, I also love textured fabric like velvet and tweed, wide leather belts and leather boots of all kinds; I'm not sure if that takes me out of the minimalist camp.</p> <p>I wonder if my tastes verge on "normcore." I also wonder if these kinds of styles only look chic on the young and skinny and beautiful, and merely boring, maybe even sloppy, on an average-looking woman nearing 50. Eg. I see 19 year-old girls looking smashing in jeans, a beaten up crew-neck sweater and messy hair but I am aware that I would just look homeless in the same outfit.&nbsp; I'll have to start taking and posting photos of myself, here, to see if my love of easy, casual fashion translates into cool or blah when attempted by me.&nbsp; xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883271 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:05:23 +0000 rachylou 1883271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see Classic Minimalist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883267 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:38:38 +0000 jussie 1883267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You also seem to like fitted dresses, knitwear and slightly androgynous jackets... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883266 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:36:10 +0000 Mac 1883266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Jussie.&nbsp; Those words definitely help.&nbsp; I notice, looking at these images, there is not one single "stiff" or "crisp" fabric in the whole lot.&nbsp; One need never own an iron :)&nbsp; I think "ease" or "soft" might be descriptors, although I do adore wide leather belts and leather boots, which mightn't be considered soft.&nbsp; xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883265 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:33:54 +0000 Mac 1883265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And finally:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883264 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:31:52 +0000 jussie 1883264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm<br /> Tasteful<br /> Sleek<br /> Minimalist<br /> Sophisticated<br /> Uncluttered<br /> Unfussy<br /> High quality<br /> Natural<br /> Classy<br /> Harmonious colours<br /> Classic<br /> I hope that helps! Cheers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883263 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:29:55 +0000 Mac 1883263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are more photos:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-with-descriptors#post-1883262 Sat, 27 Jan 2018 10:28:54 +0000 Mac 1883262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello, sweet friends.&nbsp; Can't sleep, so decided to raid my Pinterest board for images.&nbsp; I wondered if you would mind glancing at them and seeing what kind of words you would use to describe this style.</p> <p>As much as I adore bright colour and crisp silhouettes on some of you, the pictures I'm sharing here better represent the kinds of clothes I would wear and feel good in. Of course, they are rather inspirational, since I tend to be more (for lack of better word) frazzled than the lovely ladies depicted in these images. &nbsp; Two caveats: there's a lot of black in these photos, and I actually prefer charcoal, ink, olive, cognac... but it's much harder to find those colours represented in photos available online.&nbsp; Also, some of these photos show women sporting towering heels, which I now rarely wear. </p> <p>Thank you in advance for your help.&nbsp; xo </p>