https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 17:09:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872690 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 17:42:00 +0000 harmonica 872690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Ingunn! I've been thinking about this too and you've got so many interesting replies, so I have to go back and read.</p> <p>I think some of my cardi's could be considered statement pieces. Maybe some of my vintage pieces too and they are also important in my personal style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872631 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:44:44 +0000 Ingunn 872631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne, Suz and Unfrumped, thanks for clearing that up. I suppose I mix up investment pieces and statements. But I still find my booties a statement, as they are high quality handmade Italian shoes, and to me, that is a similar added value as Angie's Anne Fontaine shirts have. It is something different. </p> <p>Angie, thanks for elaborating. I appreciate learning that omitting something also is a statement. That makes a lot of sense. I finally get this, I think:) It's been a valuable lesson! Now I can use this insight to play with the elements in my outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872515 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:49:28 +0000 Angie 872515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Statement piece" is really up to interpretation. It depends on the type of art that you put on your wall - which is why I made that analogy. </p> <p>Ingunn, I consider my Anne Fontaine shirts statement pieces, and some of them are very simple. Not all that eye-catching but a true statement. Conversely, my red and citron coats are very eye-catching and yes, very much statement pieces. </p> <p>Furthermore you can make a style statement without wearing a statement piece. For example, my hair, eyewear, minimal make-up and lack of jewelry are a huge style statement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872480 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:06:23 +0000 Greek Goddess 872480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne, that was such a good description, it has made me realise the difference in my pieces of wardrobe, so thank you. For instance, I realise one of my main statement pieces is my black and purple fringed suede jacket. Every time I wear it someone crosses the room and says they want it! It is eye catching and fits me to perfection. It is ten years old and never looks dated .</p> <p>With other things its a bit more difficult to pin down. I am known for my wearing of a wide eclectic range of clothes...as one person put it '' I never know what you might be wearing next, but in your case , it suits you!'' I see my outfits as a reflection of how I feel on that day but I try to keep them event appropriate. My style of dressing comes close to my clothes personality, which according to a quiz is that of a dramatic natural/casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872452 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:16:18 +0000 unfrumped 872452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there some confusion between Statement ,vs. investment pieces and quality plus cost? Or things that make you feel fab but are not statement?<br /> For example, if one gets a beautiful black blazer ( Armani!) but it's a classic style worn in classic way, that might be your wardrobe goal of great fit and quality, but is that statement? Or is it the man's vintage watch you wear with it?<br /> Same as a red coat might or.might not be a statement piece. And that a statement piece may well NOT be timeless if it's part of a generic concept such as wearing remarkable shoes, which have to evolve, as opposed to caro' s rings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872432 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 12:22:37 +0000 Suz 872432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think statement pieces have to be expensive. They might be. But they have to be interesting. So it tends to be something special in fabrication or cut (which usually leads to expense) or in colour, or some combination of these. From photos, at least, I still think your green jacket is more "statement" than your brown booties, which are completely FAB and gorgeous, but which tend to blend in a bit more. They may feel like a statement piece to you, however, because they moved your style in a new direction. So...another point ...for early trend adopters, statement pieces can be examples of the new trend, e.g. Denise's crossover trousers. But once an item becomes more mainstream, even if it feels like a risk for us personally, it is probably not making a statement -- though even there, it's a bit cloudy, because floral pants, say, are now pretty mainstream (or at least quite easily available) and they make a statement still! </p> <p>I thiink your new linen dress is an understated statement piece. Same, perhaps for the black dress. With your love of the classics, you prefer understated statement pieces, if that makes sense! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872398 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:02:31 +0000 jayne 872398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My statement pieces are blazers in bright colors or with a bit of special bling, tailoring, or stiching Something that makes the blazer not just a blazer but one that will be noticed. </p> <p>Other statement pieces are necklaces, big, and bold. Or a scarf in a eye catching print. A back turtle and black slacks would be the basics (in a good quality or low quality) but adding a hot pink blazer makes a statement, or a leopard scarf makes another. The basics are the same, the result with the statement piece, very different. </p> <p>Signature pieces for me are blazers and necklaces....as I use them alot, or bling belts. I tend to want to buy only statement pieces and have t force myself to buy basics. But trying to wear just statement pieces means that you don't know which to look at and they overwhelm the look. When I finally got basics in place, I feel my statement pieces get to shine best. Learning restraint has been hard. I still have t force myself to put a basic on a list and actually buy it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872385 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 07:18:58 +0000 Ingunn 872385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm delighted to wake up and finding all these wise thoughts. You are really helpful! Thank you, everybody, for putting this into words. I think I'm getting a clearer picture of it now. Here's what I take away from the conversation:</p> <p>#1: A statement is 'the art on the wall', it lifts the entire image<br /> #2: A signature is a characteristics with your style, making it personal<br /> #3: Essentials, signatures and statements are not the same, but they are interlocked, like a VENN-diagram. </p> <p>My 'signature pieces' would be my hair (I agree, it is the first thing people would describe me by), fit-and-flare silhouettes, my use of red, green and b/w pattern. I often wear colorful scarves, but almost everybody does, so is it a signature then? </p> <p>My 'statements' would be the red coat, red dress and my brown booties. I find that I only consider my more expensive and/or well made items when I'm picking statements. To me, the new Boss LBD is a statement too, because the fit and quality is so extraordinary compared to most of my other dresses. Do you agree? It is so plain, but still I think (hope!) it will be noticed. I have very little jewelry, and nothing I consider statements. </p> <p>I find signature pieces to be the ones that define personal style. They can be cheap accessories or more pricey items, but are replaceable and can change over time. Statements, on the other side, are the 'investments', unique pieces that are irreplaceable, meant to last very long, and possibly something one could pass on to the next generation, being attractive to them because of their timeless qualities. Coats, bags, dresses, jewelry and scarves would fit that category. </p> <p>Denise, I like your suggestion. A statement bag could be something to look for. Yours would definitely fit me - it is original and structured, yet soft enough and very simple, which is exactly what I like about bags. Both color, surface and shape make it a statement piece to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872368 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 05:44:07 +0000 CocoLion 872368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your red coat is most certainly a statement piece.</p> <p>If you are looking for more statement pieces, how about a unique bag? I got this bag recently, not only is the red color statement-y, but the shape is also unusual, like a paper sack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872352 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 05:17:31 +0000 Suz 872352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neat questions, Runcarla! Except in my case the item would probably be a book or a notebook or a computer and the description would be "short hair" -- only the second being directly fashion related....but I get the point. For Ingunn now we might say a scarf or a fit-and-flare dress - but those are signatures, not (necessarily) statements. </p> <p>So...she could have a fit-and-flare dress that was a signature (because it's a key part of her style) but it might be plain and not very statement like (i.e. a neutral like her grey one). OR it could be made of ...spruce green brocade...in which case it would be a statement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872328 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 04:49:41 +0000 Carla 872328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If someone who knew you went into a room that was empty except for one thing, and they said 'Oh! That's Ingunn's', what would that item be?</p> <p>If you had to describe yourself to someone who had never seen you, so that you could meet up in a park, how would you describe yourself? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872324 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 04:38:43 +0000 Adelfa 872324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my shoes are often statement pieces. People say things like "Step into my office, I need to see what shoes you are wearing today." The thing is I think I made them statements because I was trying to detract attention from my weight, so I'll be interested to see what happens now.</p> <p>I love my jewelry but it tends to be very simple and smallish and doesn't attract attention.</p> <p>What do people notice about your look? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872268 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:37:21 +0000 Kalli 872268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic and everyone already explained what a statement piece is quite well. Since I love modern classic a lot I will explain my statement pieces in that context.</p> <p>Non statement- White button up shirt - worn as a workhorse several ways. Doesn't stand out.</p> <p>Statement - white button up with double collar and double cuff, this shirt will stand out from the rest of the outfit</p> <p>My favorites in my own wardrobe: lace bolero, sequin vest</p> <p>Can't wait for you to knit your piece, it'll be a statement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872257 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:28:42 +0000 Suz 872257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just popping back to add...my own haircut is both a statement and a signature. </p> <p>Signature pieces for me are similar to yours - mostly classics -- for me - jackets, sheath dresses, slouchy trousers, button downs, turtlenecks, and in winter, scarves. Plus chelsea boots.</p> <p>For me, also - certain patterns/ prints/colours, e.g. houndstooth, ink blue/ teal/peacock, orchid/raspberry/cranberry/fuchsia, TAUPE (lol).</p> <p>And angles. Angles (for me) are hugely important.</p> <p>So STATEMENT pieces usually combine one of these elements (a signature colour or cut, e.g. angular) with TEXTURE, or shine. </p> <p>This is because I, like you, rely on a background (essentials) of mostly classic pieces. </p> <p>However, the longer I am at this fun game, the more, like Una, I realize that to please me thoroughly, even my essentials need to have something special about them that almost makes them statement-like. It might be invisible to other eyes, but it will be there in the draping or the cut. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872249 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:21:01 +0000 Suz 872249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, you might find Imogen's thoughts useful here: </p> <p>"A hero is a garment or accessory that has enough interest or detail to draw attention to it and make the whole outfit look more exciting. It might be an unusually constructed skirt or jacket, it could be a white shirt that has a ruffle down the front, it might even be a gorgeous pair of strappy sandals, or a big statement necklace.</p> <p>It makes the outfit less ‘plain and boring’ and creates a focal point for us to look at. It might also be a talking point, or become a signature of your appearance, for instance, I always wear larger scale necklaces, and now I’m known for it. Without these necklaces, my outfit might be deemed boring, but with my hero necklace, it creates action and excitement."</p> <p><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/08/the-movie-of-your-wardrobe.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......drobe.html</a></p> <p>Some of your "statement" or, if you like, "hero" pieces (as I see them) include: your bright green jacket (colour) your leather moto (texture), your leather tall boots (texture, style), your red coat (colour), your fit-and-flare dresses (cut). These are also (mostly) ESSENTIALS for you (vs. basics, which Angie defines as, essentially, underthings - not regular clothing at all - quite literally, what forms the BASE of the outfit.) Some are also signature items, e.g. fit-and-flare dresses could be viewed as a fundamental feature of your style. Ditto for classic blazers and scarves (some of which might also be statements). </p> <p>Your hair is also a statement and a signature. </p> <p>So... Beth Ann makes a really good point. Typically for interest in your outfits, you have relied on colour or occasionally pattern. For a NEW statement (particularly in a jacket) I think you'd be looking at cut and/or textural interest. You would need to make it very modern OR very arty or eclectic - depending on which direction you see your style going.</p> <p>Does that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872182 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:15:06 +0000 Beth Ann 872182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a penchant for filling my closet with "statement pieces," which to me means pieces that draw the eye and reflect the tastes and personality of the wearer. The right balance is tough sometimes. Too many and you can look a little hectic, which fewer outfit possibilities. Too few statement pieces and you risk a safe, but less interesting wardrobe. I think you have already shown a love of the pop of Red and the use of scarves. For you, I could see a statement in the architectural structure of a very modern garment, rather than just relying on pattern or color. The Celine show that Angie linked to in this weeks "Link Love" is a a good example of this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872181 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:14:29 +0000 Aida 872181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, the "statement' is going to be different person to person and is such a personal thing that I think you'll need to do some experimenting and soul searching to find it! As Runcarla said, your hair is a statement AND a signature so at the very least you always have that (mine is the same way). From there, you can split possible statement items into three categories: clothing, shoes, accessories. For some people, they get statements from accessories only; and for others, simple accessories but bold clothing is the way to go. When you put on a "basic outfit", what is it that you think could use punching up? Is it a particular item, say a shirt with a more interesting cut? Or is it that it needs a bold necklace or scarf? Just some thoughts to get you started </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872139 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:42:36 +0000 Carla 872139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, as soon as I read Ingunn's post, I thought of my big 'want' item, which is a simple, heavy gold neck chain! You beat me to it.</p> <p>Caro's post is right on.</p> <p>I've been following your WIW posts, Ingunn, but not long enough to discern a specific signature item, other than to say that like me, you have 'wild child' hair that consistently draws admiration. </p> <p>So, although you may find a statement item, or adopt a signature style, I think you have an inescapable defining, and 'crowning' characteristic that can always be your fall back signature! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872089 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:53:41 +0000 Ingunn 872089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Caro. They are enlightening for sure, but I find that I need more examples to fully grasp what it is. </p> <p>Deb, that would be a statement piece in my opinion. Definitely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872064 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:30:20 +0000 deb 872064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have special rings that I wear that always draw many compliments. I love wearing them so I guess they are statement pieces. I never really thought about it before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-872018 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:44:53 +0000 Caro in Oz 872018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2006/12/19/the-statement-piece/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2006/12/.....ent-piece/</a></p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/22/what-makes-something-a-statement-piece/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....ent-piece/</a></p> <p>These are old but very helpful imo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871972 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:11:22 +0000 Ingunn 871972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More double posting - hahahaha!</p> <p>Claire, that's excactly how I interpret it, too. Like Una's Theory blazer? But she can wear it with a lot, I think. It doesn't look ordinary basic in any way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871970 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:09:18 +0000 Ingunn 871970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Texstyle, you have a good eye! I really like that shell. Yes, I could see more lace in my wardrobe. I would actually love to add a black lace topper to my LBD! That would make it party ready in a second. I also think my red coat is a statement, and it makes me different from most people I socialize with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871965 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:07:24 +0000 Anonymous 871965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It might mean a more memorable or outstanding piece in an outfit. Like a blazer with a special cut or texture that makes it extra-ordinary. And it probably wouldn't go with everything in your wardrobe the way a basic or an essential might. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871956 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:02:04 +0000 Ingunn 871956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie refers to the statement as 'the stunning piece on the wall' - ie a piece that is something more than your essentials, and nothing that you are depending on to make your wardrobe work. I suppose that would mean a piece that is more expensive or/and better quality than our average purchases. </p> <p>Nicole, thank you for commenting so favorable on my wrap dress week:) I think your gold necklaces must be statements, or at least signature pieces if you wear them often.</p> <p>Claire, I agree! I want my statement pieces to reflect my values and personality. A 'signature' could be a color, a particular style, silhouette, or always wearing a certain print or scarf etc. It wouldn't need to be of particular quality or value. </p> <p>I *think* my brown booties were my statement piece of last season. They were more expensive than any boots or booties I've ever bought before, but I've worn them SO much, and I always feel that they add a particular quality to my outfit. I will be wearing them until they fall apart. Is that it - a statement piece? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871953 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:00:05 +0000 texstyle 871953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great post Ingunn - I'll have to look back at your photo posts - but I personally think your red coat is a statment piece and your scarves - esp. using scarves as belts in some cases is a statement.</p> <p>As for what to add -- Do you have a good collection of belts that you love? I've really enjoyed building a collection myself and it's a treat having options in that category. You've worn a lace scalloped shell a few times - do you like wearing lace items? I'm seeing a lot of lace options lately. Not to mention you look fantastic in that LBD so I wonder if you have other black options in your wardrobe? (I know, I know, some people have too much black, but if it really flatters...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871948 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:51:46 +0000 Anonymous 871948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And then there are signature pieces, and I'm not sure how they differ from statement pieces. Is a statement piece anything that is not a *basic*? I am kind of in the same place as you with them. If a piece is making a statement about me, I want to make sure it's saying conveying the right message, or at least the message I want it to be conveying, if that makes any sense at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871946 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:49:31 +0000 Nicole D 871946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, you certainly made a statement with your wrap dress week - that statement was creative, classy, and polished! I notice you really have a high happiness factor in a colorful scarf and you wear them so well - could that be your statement?</p> <p>I just noticed that I have several chunky gold necklaces (short ones) that I love wearing and I am wondering if that is a statement piece? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-incorporating-statement-pieces#post-871937 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:39:27 +0000 Ingunn 871937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The last year I've been updating a lot of basics and essentials in my wardrobe. I have added several classics (blazers, black dressy pants, LBD, navy v-neck) that I realize make a huge difference for the versatility of my wardrobe. This is all good news, of course. I think I'm more or less set adding/replacing essentials now, and I would like to start thinking more of how to incorporate a few real statement pieces, too. What would they be? Do I have any already? I'm finding the concept 'statement piece' a little confusing. </p> <p>What are your statement pieces, and how do you know which they are? Have you seen any pieces in my wardrobe that are 'statements'? I'm thinking that the red coat and dress were transformative pieces for me, but I'm not sure if they are statements. </p>