YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Prefer unidentifiable clothes?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Prefer unidentifiable clothes? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:42:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438729 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:11:58 +0000 AM 1438729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rachylou: Your comment: "like a certain plainness even while at the same time I'm ok with being notable" -- that balance is what I am investigating. And my initial question, WHY do I enjoy minimal dressing?... because it is somewhat unidentifiable (and a bunch of other reasons)? Nice to hear how you come down on this question. And no, I did not know it's against the bankers' dress code to wear Rolex. Interesting. Thanks. Staysfit: Your comment: "I make good use of statement pieces, especially in the form of earrings, necklaces or scarves. Oh, and shoes/boots/bags!" -- this is definitely resonating with me. This also feels very comfortable for me when trying to add interest. Claudia: Your comment: "Many of the street style photos look like she could be walking the streets today" -- I'm glad to have a historical reference. I drop the word "timeless" without perhaps doing my homework. Still learning. I don't think my objective is to have timeless but more that this is a by-product (and a nice by-product) of dressing in minimal styling.<div> kkards: Your comment: "but that doesn't mean that you can wear the same jeans forever, the cut, color etc changes over time. timeless requires updates and refreshes otherwise it look like a time capsule." So very helpful to hear you make the distinction between "timeless" and "time capsule." Again, I'm very much a novice so these distinctions help me to understand the finer points and insights into fashion vs. refreshing...and again, the concept of "timeless". Thank you.</div> Peri on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438725 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:07:15 +0000 Peri 1438725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also late, because I've been thinking about this since you asked. I have a friend who won't buy anything that has been in a window display, or that looks strongly like a particular store...like WHBM prints are often identifiable as coming from WHBM. Even if she likes said window item, she won't buy it "because everyone will know where it came from".  I had never thought about it before but since hearing her thoughts I've been wondering too...do I want to wear something that has been in ads and windows? I get it, but at the same time it hits me as silly. Clothes come from stores. Unless you make your own, or shop only boutique, Etsy or international, they come from stores people might recognize. Worrying about that is sort of like Middle Schoolers who don't want to be seen with their parents..."yes I'm only 14, but I drove myself to this party. I'm much too cool to even have parents." Please, we know where you came from! I'm on the fence about it. I don't want to be a walking ad, I don't want anyone to be able to say "yeah, she has a mostly Ann Taylor wardrobe", but I don't think I care if someone recognizes something I bought and knows where I bought it.    kkards on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438695 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 15:35:54 +0000 kkards 1438695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i know i'm late to this conversation but i wanted to add my 2 cents. re: timeless. so, i still own my favorite levi's from high school...now assuming that they still fit, would i wear them today? No. now jeans are timeless right? of course they are, but that doesn't mean that you can wear the same jeans forever, the cut, color etc changes over time.  timeless requires updates and refreshes otherwise it look like a time capsule.  re: unidentifiable clothing. imo, the best outfits are those were you wear the clothes, instead of them wearing you (if that makes sense), so they have to be something that you are comfortable in. so for some, its important to fit in, so the more identifiable the better, for others just the opposite.  Claudia on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438610 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 11:49:15 +0000 Claudia 1438610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This discussion made me think of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's innate style. If you look at Pinterest boards devoted to her, you can really see this: neutral, timeless, minimalist, lack of obvious branding, often androgynous. Many of the street style photos look like she could be walking the streets today. Even her high school photos. She worked in the fashion industry, but nothing about her personal style screamed or even whispered "fashionista." Staysfit on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438606 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 11:04:23 +0000 Staysfit 1438606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am very much in line with everything Suz said. Perhaps it's the ash blond hair and light eyes/low contrast thing that really makes me relate to all of this. I would say my style is a mix of Modern Classic and Euro Chic. I am slightly more prone towards color and I make good use of statement pieces, especially in the form of earrings, necklaces or scarves. Oh, and shoes/boots/bags! Like you I am a fan of Vince, but I also have this tendency to purchase the majority of my clothing from one place. My look then becomes highly reflective of that brand, even without logo's. The main reason for this problem has been fit, which limits the number of brands and shops with which I have success. I find I am not only limited by my coloring, but by my size and shape. I am relatively tall, but often fall between sizes so that the regular sizes are too short and the tall sizes too large (too wide and long). rachylou on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438599 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 09:12:46 +0000 rachylou 1438599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting question (and how happy I am that I can get on YLF on my computer now and use my keyboard, because I'm going to *E*xpound; I love to *E*xpound :D). I think it's interesting because, to me, clothes are always always telling. But I was a shop girl, and maybe shop girls don't count - or shouldn't. With regard to myself, every few year I get an attack of ghetto fab and just revel in logos. The giant Polo logo that Ralph Lauren introduced was just hilarious to me. It did have a certain wit IMO and thus that je ne sais quoi. I am also a traditionalist, so I wear my Native Costume quite a lot, which is pretty identifiable. (I suppose I should mention here that I'm from Hippy Dippy Land and am as WASPy as you can be without being W, A, S, or P, but what's a person to do?) Then again, I do like a certain plainness even while at the same time I'm ok with being notable. I want to make the world turn, and flash doesn't lend itself to that, so I don't like to be too sharp and stop traffic. Do you think maybe it's this kind of plainness that you really mean by unidentifiable? Did you know it's against the bankers' dress code to wear Rolex? AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438494 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 03:27:33 +0000 AM 1438494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ annagybe: Blunt is good. And what you are seeing in my profile is that I am a true novice. I have very limited knowledge of these designers so perhaps my lens is just from very few references. I see Vince as having a simplicity but yes, modern. And perhaps the subtly I am looking for is indeed some mix of modern with the timeless. That gives unidentifiable something with a bit more flair. But I would argue still minimal? This is your expertise, definitely not mine.  Alexander Wang - again, perhaps some modernity is what is helping to define my edge. I didn't realize his whole esthetic is sport chic, can't get more trendier than that. Yikes, sporty chic is not at all what appeals to me.  I liked  a moto that seemed incredibly classic in its styling and that is why I listed Wang. Again, love getting schooled on all of this. Maybe I should leave these areas blank on my profile until I get an education. "Vince has retreaded their designs for at least the last five years, if not longer." Please explain? Repeated designs? More schooling please. Comme de Garcons: I added this because this is the far edge (at least in my book). I wouldn't feel comfortable in what I saw when I looked at a history of this designer but it did give me insight into an artistic quality that I might want to push in my own minimal way.  I hope this is more clear. Oh, it is fun to be a novice, seriously. I really love to learn and it is fun to realize just how crazy off base I can be. Makes me laugh at myself. I just love it! annagybe on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438490 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 03:17:30 +0000 annagybe 1438490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, all my previous replies were typed on my phone. FYI, I tend to be VERY blunt. I looked at your profile, finally. Vince, Alexander Wang are NOT timeless. They're very popular right now, especially Alexander Wang, I mean think about it, his whole esthetic is sport chic, can't get more trendier than that. I have some of his earlier pieces, and yes they were truly more different. And Vince has retreaded their designs for at least the last five years, if not longer. So that could possibly last a decade currently.   Comme de Garcons, his Play line is trending hugely right now, especially the striped shirt with the heart logo. But oh wait you don't want branding. You say you work at home now, you'll find plenty of similar company here. I however do not fall into that category. AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes/page/2#post-1438481 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 03:00:20 +0000 AM 1438481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz: Thank you. It is very important for me to understand the "Why" behind my  style choices. I would say that is where I am in my style journey. And the "Why" I like unidentifiable clothes...and many other "Why's" Again, big help. Thank you again. I want to make some changes but need to understand where I am and "Why" I am right now. Suz on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438477 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:55:40 +0000 Suz 1438477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Someone with a high contrast colouring or very bright colouring can naturally take more contrast or colour without feeling overwhelmed by it. Personality also plays a role, and how much makeup you like to wear -- that kind of thing. Your whole "vibe." When we pick our clothes, we're unconsciously responding to signals from the world around us, but also to clues that we get from our own essence, as it were. As an ashy blonde with blue eyes and fair skin, you look great in the palette in Angie's blog post today, for example. Someone high contrast or warmer toned might be totally washed out by that. And someone with a very lively personality might not feel right in it, even if it looked good on the surface.  AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438468 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:44:09 +0000 AM 1438468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Annagybe: Your are correct when you say Zara and H&M -- not that these feel dead on but you bring up the point that I haven't kept up with newer brands. All Saints, Mango (I just saw this posted), and I'm sure the list goes on. Eager to learn about additional resources. Suz: Yes and yes. <ul> <li>Yes, modern classic style with minimalist leanings.</li> <li>Nice reference to a continuum of essentials to statements.</li> <li>Yes, my statements are still on the minimal side.</li> <li>Yes, because of minimal statements there is the need to explore the edge.</li> <li>Yes, enjoy uniform.</li> <li>Yes, I am someone with fairly low contrast colouring, part of your wish to wear clothes that don't scream for attention. At least I think (Blonde with blue eyes.) -- Never thought about this. Really great insight for me. This is a big one for me to recognize.</li> <li>And yes, you are wonderfully capturing many of these themes.</li> </ul> Suz on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438460 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:35:14 +0000 Suz 1438460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm. It also sounds as if uniform dressing appeals to you.  Suz on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438458 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:32:14 +0000 Suz 1438458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, it could be simply that you have a modern classic style with minimalist leanings. If so, I can join you on that bench.  This reminds me of the ongoing "essentials" vs. "statements" discussions we've had here from time to time.  Left to our own devices, some of us tend to gravitate towards a closet of "essentials" (or what some might call basics) -- simple, streamlined pieces that mix and match pretty well without drawing attention to themselves. And some of us gravitate more to a closet of "statement" items -- those items that have the "twist" you speak about, or more -- seem to draw attention to themselves.  We all fall somewhere on this continuum. And we have different reasons. For some, essentials feel more "practical" so they can justify the purchase. For others, essentials simply speak to their style sensibility more. Meanwhile, others find them dull or boring. "Statements" might feel more "fun" or "interesting" or represent a bigger luxury (which for some is a good thing and for others feels risky or "bad.")  The truth is, for most of us, a closet without some simple "unrecognizable" pieces (or perhaps less recognizable, more flexible/ adaptable pieces) is quite simply unworkable. A lot of forum members actually find themselves here because of that. They have a ton of great stuff but can't make outfits that work.  Meanwhile, even for the most classic, minimalist dresser, a closet of nothing but essentials will eventually get very boring. And that is another reason a lot of us end up here. For me, it's a constant battle to get myself to buy statement items, but I know that I must have them. What counts as a "statement" might be less obvious to a quiet minimalist dresser, but statement there must be.  And, as others have said, statement or not, all of it is identifiable to the trained eye and observers will read it in ways that we have little control over. Although obviously branded stuff is more easily identifiable. And loud patterns, bright colours, wild shapes are more memorable and in that sense "identifiable."  I suspect that as someone with fairly low contrast colouring, part of your wish to wear clothes that don't scream for attention is simply a wish to wear clothes that are in harmony with YOU. Does that make any sense?  Fascinating discussion, all. I have enjoyed everyone's comments.  AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438456 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:28:32 +0000 AM 1438456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ L'Abeille: Sounds like an interesting novel. I am in the process of identifying pieces I want in my wardrobe -- for example Menswear Gray Blazer; and then I just want to select the one that is pretty darn basic (because that's what appeals to me) but has just the right details. Because these details will be subtle and pretty timeless. I see this as a "unit" -- and it's not that I am steering away from brands -- it's just that my interest lies in design that I often have hard to find. And I'm often shocked by this as I think my taste is again so basic it could be from anywhere but it is often no where. So, this character having a remake of an obscure wartime aviator jacket -- well, that just bring a big smile to my face! Thanks for sharing. I keep repeating this but I am a real novice but want to understand my style for the simple purpose of articulating it, executing it, and making this process more efficient and more fun! Pretty simple, right?? <div></div> L'Abeille on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438446 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:16:54 +0000 L'Abeille 1438446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, you are reminding me of a novel I read recently, Pattern Recognition by William Gibson (although it's been out for probably a decade). The main character has an aversion to branding -- an allergy in fact. She not only cuts off or files off any identifying marks, but she only wears items that could have come from any time in the last 100 years. Her friends call her wardrobe items "Cayce Pollard units" (CP being her name). One of her items was an exclusive remake of an obscure wartime aviator jacket. Not only was the story a fascinating one, but since then I read an article in a fashion blog about a guy who wears all black and thinks of his wardrobe in Cayce Pollard units. So, I get it, and you are in exalted company! annagybe on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438436 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:08:14 +0000 annagybe 1438436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ohhhh you want something that could be bought anywhere. So based on my world travels that would be Zara or H&M. High end those branded designer labels you are adverse to. As an aside to my previous comment. If you do Japanese avant garde, it would only work in major metropolitan cities & only in certain circles. Otherwise everyone else thinks you are just weird. AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438429 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:57:35 +0000 AM 1438429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ isabel: Regarding "typed" - I know I am guilty of this but I also know that my eye goes to pieces of/or an entire outfit regardless of who is wearing it -- and something can make me pause. I enjoy asking people where they purchased that said item, I'm really much more interested in what they are wearing for my own personal knowledge. annagybe: "so basic it's not that unique" -- well said. That is the fine line that I am exploring. Where is that edge? Where is my edge? I find brands (even higher end like Vince or Theory) that the quality is higher but they can feel just a little basic but then there are those pieces within those line that are just have that "twist" that you speak of. And when I say "twist" I really mean something subtle.  <div> Echo: Your comment: "Some of the most prestigious consumer goods have no identifying logos, and yet to anyone who knows, they stand out the most." - If you are speaking about goods in the fashion/style category -- well, I'm a novice and just don't have this trained eye. And I wouldn't say I "give up on things because that are popular", I just buy what I like. Your comment: "We already DO look different" -- so true but my eye often explores what people are wearing in attempts to soak up inspiration. And often my eye is simply drawn in by some subtle detail that I find exceptionally pleasing. It is this balance of unidentifiable but with the subtle detail that really makes my heart sing that I am coming to realize is more my style.  </div><div>Laura (rhubarbgirl): Your comment: "There's a desire to want to differentiate ourselves from people and feel like we are unique and part of the in-crowd, even if our in-crowd is someone else's out-crowd." Interesting to explore differentiation and I just stopped to think about this for a little bit -- but for me, I am quite certain that I don't like what any crowd likes. I will spend hours flipping through web pages of numerous brands (low end, high end, who cares) but I so rarely find anything that I like. Back to liking unidentifiable, I just like (probably love) such basic/minimally styled pieces -- and a result (one would expect) that it could be bought anywhere.</div> Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438424 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:23:42 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1438424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echo, it does remind me a bit of that "I liked them before they were cool" backlash that happens with music when we're (generalizing) in our teenage and college years. There's a desire to want to differentiate ourselves from people and feel like we are unique and part of the in-crowd, even if our in-crowd is someone else's out-crowd. I don't mean to sound patronizing, but I think it's a phase that everyone goes through, developmentally, and some people get stuck in it for a very long time. Clothes are one of the big signifiers of socioeconomic class, political leanings, etc., in our society and so it's only natural that we seek to align ourselves either with certain groups, or explicitly against certain others, with our clothing and grooming. I don't think you can ever get away from it - just like you can't escape environmental norms, unless you stop interacting with society all together - you just become aware that there are multiple layers of meaning and interaction going on at the same time, and not all of them are within our control. I don't remember the name or blog of the woman who tried that "wear identical dresses for a year" thing but it would be an interesting read relevant to this discussion. I sew, inexpertly, and although a lot of my projects end up unwearable or as pajamas that never leave the house, I have found it an empowering and broadening thing to learn how a garment is conceived of and put together, in the mechanical sense, outside of any of our typical capitalist/consumerist concerns like cost, accessibility and branding. There's the level of clothes that are functional, the level that's aspirational/marketing, and all the messy bits of gender presentation, hidden expectations, assumptions about bodies, etc., all mixed together when you buy something or put it on in the morning and wear it out around other people. Echo on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438421 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:13:50 +0000 Echo 1438421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is interesting that so many people view "branded" merchandise as such a horrible thing. Yet most people don't think twice about their car being immediately identifiable (usually not only by the brand and make of the car itself, but also by the dealer's logo). And like someone else mentioned, when you learn to "read the signals", almost anything can be identified. Some of the most prestigious consumer goods have no identifying logos, and yet to anyone who knows, they stand out the most.  I long ago gave up on the idea of deciding not to like something because it was popular. Who does that hurt? If I genuinely liked it before everyone and their brother discovered it, then that decision only hurts me. I am giving up something I genuinely liked simply to look different from the crowd. It's an attitude I gave up in high school.  To anyone who cares, we already DO look different from everyone else, because people who know us identify us by our gait, the tone of our voices, our mannerisms, our laugh. We could be wearing the exact same thing as 10 others in the room, and no one who knows us could mistake us for anyone else. On the other hand, those who don't know us generally don't care. It is rare for anyone else to notice where your clothing came from simply because 80% of people look straight through you anyway. You're thinking about you; they're thinking about themselves. Think about it this way: how many people do you figure you saw today? A hundred? A thousand? Now, how many outfits, bags, shoes, even hairstyles do you remember? On an average day, it is likely to be none. My point is simply that in the end, the only person it really matters to is yourself. So I am a big proponent of wearing what you love (provided it is situationally appropriate). If a person prefers "unidentifiable" clothing, great. But if you pass something by simply because it is popular or is on the mannequin at your favourite store, I think that's unfortunate. A year from now, no one will remember where it came from, but you may still love it and wear it for another few years.  annagybe on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438420 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:13:01 +0000 annagybe 1438420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the only way not to appear dated is to go with heritage brands, think Pendleton. In the US that's pretty much Americana. But that's probably not what your looking for. Or so basic it's not that unique, special snowflake or "twist". ie Levi's 501 & tshirt. Or basically go full on Japanese avant garde, Yohji etc Even Tilda Swinton's look will date Anonymous on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438418 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 01:06:32 +0000 Anonymous 1438418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also with Approprio, although I don't like text of any kind on my clothes.The information we use to categorize each other includes specific items of clothing but also grooming, styling, overall presentation, etc. and I'm sure that no matter what shirt I'm wearing I'm still identifiable as a "type". Which is fine, because having repeatedly underestimated the complexity and originality of individuals I had "typed" I know how superficial that categorization is.  AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438403 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:22:31 +0000 AM 1438403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ old chic: Making my own clothes is highly appealing. So jealous of you gals that have had that experience. And shame, shame on that shop owner. But perhaps the upside (I'm always looking for an upside) -- is that this experience challenged your style diva inside. Another comment: I am also thinking that there might be a cost aspect to this. If it isn't identifiable as "this season" -- it will never look dated. Hence saving some cash on not feeling that it needs to be updated. I keep my clothes for a very long time (not just because some are finer pieces but also because I tend to have a uniform -- and I just didn't have to think or update this outfit). I am thinking that this has probably robbed me of some creative fun which I am going to fully embrace moving forward.  old chic on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438393 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:09:19 +0000 old chic 1438393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was young, I used to make sure my clothing was unique and therefore unidentifiable by making my own. But my real motivation was usually to have something that was stylish but couldn't be found in my small, backwater town. (No internet then, obviously.) Once in awhile I would stretch and buy something I really loved, but as a result I had the horrifying experience of confronting a girl who was much prettier than I in an identical dress (her's was blue, mine pink) at a high school junior prom. Mortifying for a 16-year-old. And it should have been prevented by the local dress shop who sold us both that dress. I made my own dress for the senior prom. I have bought some pieces from designer collabs at H&M (especially from the first I remember, KL) and I have enjoyed wearing them. But I never like seeing those pieces on others -- because I fear a repeat of the prom, I guess. AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438382 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:00:25 +0000 AM 1438382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura (and approprio): Sounds like appropro (study this long enough and you can read all the messages). And your comment: "I, for sure, can eye brands and approximate eras of clothes that most people wouldn't manage, because I'm interested in that sort of thing and I remember obscure details." -- What a wonderful skill that both of you have. I wonder if this skill would neutralize some of my sensitivity (as you seem to have seen at all at this point) or up the intellectual process of selecting pieces. I'm thinking BOTH. You both are in enviable positions with your brain trust on style! AM on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438367 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:52:44 +0000 AM 1438367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene: I don't want myself to disappear but I like the idea of someone looking at me and saying there's something a little different about her style. It's not my objective to be noticed, but I can truthfully say I like this idea. My larger issue is finding pieces I love. Meredith: Your comment: "I wouldn't pass by a print that I love just because I think someone might know where it came from." This is an interesting comment to me. Prints feel too flashy for me (I'm feeling odder by the moment) -- but I can relate to this because you are wanting to wear what you love. And I absolutely want to wear what I love. approprio: "because I'd learned how to read those messages myself"; interesting comment about the more informed you are, the more you are able to recognize a brand, a line, a designer, etc. And I am thinking more about a lux brand or those rockstud shoes previously posted this week. I can see myself falling in love with a designer piece if it was in my mind -- rarified gold. And your earlier post -- "keeping people guessing" -- you really master that! bettycrocker: Your comment, "I try to use my own personal touches" -- precisely. I'm really thinking one aspect of this is individuality. Vildy: Your comment, "She thought that this was *really, really* old. I told her I bought it the week before..." This is a wonderful concept -- and very appealing to me. Love this story. Thank you for sharing. Made me smile.<div> Crutcher: Your comment, "clothes that don't have an expiration date...clothes that don't have a twin walking in the room" Yes, yes. You get it but your words are evoke much better visuals. LOL. Windchime: Oh, you really are hitting on an item on my wish list. The moto jacket. And when you find lines that are so, so classic -- there is comfort that there isn't much to identify this item. Still struggling with this purchase but wanting ultra classic (I think??). Ugh. tr3kkie9rl: Great question. The BIG WHY. I think it has to do with individuality -- wanting to be uncommon (not having what everyone else has), not being easily copied but I happily share when people ask about my clothes (without a problem in the slightest, I see it as a huge compliment), and the "identifiable feature" -- so many patterns or a strong statement detail make me feel like I'm blinking. And that is just too much attention. Thanks to all for entering the conversation. And for those that relate, what do you do about it?</div> Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438366 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:51:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1438366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with approprio. I tend to avoid stuff with obvious branding, but I don't think I'm somehow above our consumerist culture or anything like that. If I really wanted to manage that it would take a lot more effort and clothes wouldn't necessarily be the place to start. I think that anything that's mass manufactured probably is recognizable by some. I, for sure, can eye brands and approximate eras of clothes that most people wouldn't manage, because I'm interested in that sort of thing and I remember obscure details. But people have their own associations with colors, shapes, and fabrics, as Vildy's charming story reminds us, and you can't control what other people think when they look at you. That way lies madness. Anonymous on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438359 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:41:56 +0000 Anonymous 1438359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My reason for wanting to be different in an unidentifiable way is because I don't want to look exactly like anyone else (if I can help it) and because I think if companies like RL want me to advertise their brand by wearing it or (in the case of handbags) carrying it, they should pay me - maybe in the form of giving me their garments or accessories rather than selling them to me. trekkiegirl on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438347 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:25:48 +0000 trekkiegirl 1438347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In hopes of provoking further thought and discussion, I'd like to ask: Have you considered the motivation beneath your desire for and attraction to these unidentifiable pieces? Is it because you want the clothing to disappear, as Gaylene says, so that who you are is more noticeable? Or if the item is "a piece that isn't in the mass market that you might see on other people" you want the clothing to be so unidentifiable that it stands out in its uniqueness? Or some other reason I've not identified here? Windchime on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438342 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:19:42 +0000 Windchime 1438342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Bettycrocker said, except substitute "tall" for "petite." I have a moto jacket from Gap which I love but feel a wee bit self conscious when I wear it because it is quite distinctive and I wonder if someone might recognize it as the Gap moto jacket from last year. crutcher on "Prefer unidentifiable clothes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/prefer-unidentifyable-clothes#post-1438338 Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:08:55 +0000 crutcher 1438338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, you mean clothes that don't have RALPH LAUREN or TOMMY HILFIGER written across the front...smile...or clothes that don't have an expiration date of the last year or so...I totally get this...How about clothes that don't have a twin walking in the room and eyeing you?...By all of these definitions, I, too, am into the unidentifiable garments...smile...