YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Cool Factor

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Cool Factor https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:09:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1862013 Mon, 20 Nov 2017 12:36:52 +0000 Angie 1862013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread. Thanks for your perspectives, ladies. I enjoyed reading them. Krish, you express yourself very well - it's hard to believe that English is your second laguage. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.  FWIW, I found myself nodding along with Liz (Approprio). I also believe that "Authenticity" is the single word that best defines a great personal style. krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1862008 Mon, 20 Nov 2017 12:02:08 +0000 krishnidoux 1862008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aren't they Gigi? I want everything from that outfit. Gigi on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861978 Mon, 20 Nov 2017 08:57:48 +0000 Gigi 1861978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh, those snakeskin skinnies in pic 4 are to die for! Sal on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861866 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 19:39:04 +0000 Sal 1861866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing the article.... Interesting perspective (I agree with the take on the film - it is a lot of fun and has a definite Maori flavour to it, especially in the sense of humour).  I hadn't heard that regarding "a cool guy" but I can see that said in a sarcastic tone in could be insulting.  I will ask a few of my friends who will know more!! Nice pics Krish. krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861857 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 19:25:42 +0000 krishnidoux 1861857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, I think I figured out what I am trying to say.  I used the word "cool" because it's in the title of the book, but I think that what I am trying to channel really is badass.  approprio on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861757 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 12:11:52 +0000 approprio 1861757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal: FYI, I picked up the Maori reference here: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/31-10-2017/thor-and-his-magic-patu-notes-on-a-very-maori-marvel-movie/">https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/.....vel-movie/</a> In contemporary Māori culture there are few burns that scald quite so deep as being called “a cool guy”: “Far, what a cool guy”, “Cool guy is it?” There is no sin so cardinal as attempting to claim power or status that doesn’t rightly belong to you. Very broadly, it’s seen as a misappropriation of mana. Gigi on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861742 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 06:50:31 +0000 Gigi 1861742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a good book. I like the idea of combining strict pieces with more humble ones. I think that adding jewelry is also a great way to elevate the humble, casual pieces. Where I come from, "cool" is viewed as a good thing. Sal explained well how I think of the word. I think it can also take courage to try to look "cool" and stand out from the crowd. I'm so glad this is injecting some excitement into your fashion journey. Bijou on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861739 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 05:11:07 +0000 Bijou 1861739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting read and thread and one I identify with - as the real aim is to be happy at all ages and achieve self acceptance and a congruence between our visual identity and our inner self. I do not mind being older and enjoy being in my 40's and don't see that changing as I move into my 50's. As I age I want to learn more, get wiser and have more patience... all attributes that more than make up for losing my youth. However, I do want to be current. That is, I want to be open minded, accepting of new ideas, at the cutting edge of my profession and not closed off to the possibilities of the future.  I really applaud all the women on YLF as each and everyone of you have great and unique style. It is fun to be on this journey with you and I have learned so very much and enjoy participating in discussions such as this.  Sal on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861667 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 22:40:16 +0000 Sal 1861667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread - I love these threads that go in a few directions.   A couple of comments and observations; Approprio - I have never heard that.  "Cool" is a commonly used word here - as in "Your new haircut is cool", "That was a cool party" or even, as an affirmative answer to the question "Shall we meet at 4pm?".  I have never heard of it having negative associations - it is possibly a bit overused and ubiquitous and as with lots of words, it can mean different things.  It can mean an edgy sense of style, or someone who has that X factor, but it can also mean "That was a fun/happy/awesome night" or "Yes 4pm works". Where it can be disparaging is in the statement "Oh she is in the cool crowd" - in a school situation for example. Some people do have a cool, "not trying too hard", fun edge to their clothing...  but it is such a hard concept to pin down.  Being cool in your dress to me shows a lack of affectation - not showing too many brand names or too many trends at once.  And it is a style that appeals to me more than the Real Housewives style (to take the opposite end of the spectrum).   None the less I like the sound of the direction you plan to take Krish and think it sounds a fab style that I hope to adopt too (in my later 40s - or does 47 still count as mid 40s).   kerlyn on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861658 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 21:44:40 +0000 kerlyn 1861658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting!  I'm not sure I could really achieve cool no matter how hard I tried.  But of course that's the point, right?  Having to try hard probably means I don't have it! Krish, your point about a "make under" resonated too.  And that's where I think I'm at.  I'm not trying as hard to present myself in that very feminine, conventionally pretty way.  In this maximal fashion period, I'm almost going the opposite way.  Less jewelry, less makeup (ok, still plenty of eyeliner!), more natural hair, and just more simple outfits.  And while I"m enjoying the change, I'm sort of struggling with which of these is more "authentic" to myself.  Yeah, that overused word! approprio on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861640 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 19:57:02 +0000 approprio 1861640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rachylou: well in that case, there must be multiple different meanings to the concept. Perhaps cool is like greatness: some are born with it, some achieve it and others have it thrust upon them. Or maybe it's like true love: if you go looking for it, you're doomed never to find it.... approprio on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861637 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 19:49:37 +0000 approprio 1861637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ krishnidoux, I'm sorry if that came over as insensitive to what you're trying to achieve here, which sounds like fun, and quite right for you at this point in your life. I've been going through something very similar myself lately (puberty in reverse) and now that I'm on the other side of it I feel like throwing a party.   I'm very prone to overthinking these things and frankly allergic to the kind of fashion writing that aims to make me envious of other people. "Cool=in-crowd" is definitely the impression I get from Andrea Linnett, who may be a very stylish woman for all I know, but no thanks, I don't want to be her.  rachylou on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861628 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 19:27:46 +0000 rachylou 1861628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That’s an interesting thought. Remind me not to say cool to anyone Maori, ahem! But it’s interesting, because no one likes the ‘cool kids’ in school, but when you say someone has got cool, it means they’re amazing. Anonymous on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor/page/2#post-1861608 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 17:30:08 +0000 Anonymous 1861608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Krish - very well put , and I agree with your take on cool 100% . krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861607 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 17:22:48 +0000 krishnidoux 1861607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Approprio, your comment was missed by me earlier. I realize that the word "cool" might mean something different than what I understand, This might be because we use it in French (esp. in Quebec French), to designate something desirable, positive. But I see the way you describe it, "cool" sounds like something that could pit people one against another. As in, you have it or you don't. And when you don't, you're automatically UNcool, automatically ugly and bad.  But that's not how I saw it... for me, it's a way to describe this positive vibe that comes from a person's poise and appearance, when this person is real and gives off an air of being onto fascinating projects even when these projects seem completely outside of what's in fashion, or what is usually done. This "poise", if you will, doesn't come from a specific item worn, but rather from the combinations, not only of clothes together, but also of clothes or accessories with the wearer. For me, everybody has their own personal cool. Sometimes, because life changes so fast, because we are so sollicitated, we kind of become alienated out of our own cool, and then, it's not that we are uncool, but we can't quite find it. What inspired me in this book, (and it could have been another book too, ultimately), was that it offered practical basic methods, like pathways, back to our own personal coolness. I so agree with you on authenticity. In the end I think we are saying the same thing. La Pedestrienne, could it be that you are experiencing a paradigm shift (to borrow a word from the world of education and pedagogy )? You bring up a very good point: staying true to oneself. LaPed on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861604 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 16:28:15 +0000 LaPed 1861604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah, Scarlet and Krishnidoux, I am that young mom, early 30s, trying to figure out how to look put together. The trick is making it feel authentic, like approprio says. Authentic is an over-used word, at least in the US (especially in the world or education and pedagogy) -- but I do think it is apt when speaking of style. This is making me think of Radhika Jones, the new Vanity Fair editor, getting snickered at by the Conde Nast folks for wearing tights with a fox print. I really need a pair of fox tights now. I think she out-cooled them with her twee bookishness. They're secretly jealous of her. Anonymous on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861602 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 15:36:36 +0000 Anonymous 1861602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ . krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861570 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:53:28 +0000 krishnidoux 1861570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scarlet, so funny! I know what you mean about working with younger pple and feeling a disparity with regards to attitudes towards dressing. I too work with younger colleagues and have noticed that those closer to 30 seem to experience a sudden put-togetherness shift, especially in the young mothers. And I remember going through this too at the same age. I have to check out the Lucky book you mention. Skylurker, what I took away from this book might not be what speaks to you in terms of how to wear your clothes. I feel it really is a question of how we are in our heads towards our body, our style, and finding that opportune outline that will bring us back to who we feel we are. And for you it might be working on structure, angles of clothing, proportion of pieces one against the other maybe, since you mention a need for structure. (I so understand this feeling BTW!). I find you very cool if it's ok for me to say this. I like how you play up your amazing long, lean silhouette and elegant shoulders with blazers and pants.  For me, I needed a make-under and that's what I registered from this reading. approprio on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861567 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:22:08 +0000 approprio 1861567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I've been mulling this over and I'm coming to think that the very concept of cool is rather shallow. For instance, when I ask the question: is (...) cool, or am I cool enough to wear (...), the thing I have in mind is likely to be something absurd (a monkey backpack) and the overall effect will be anything but. On the other hand, people sometimes tell me I'm cool, whereas I think I'm a bit awkward and dorky and not cool at all. Maybe NZ fabbers can put me right on this, but I read somewhere recently that in Maori culture, to say someone is "cool" is perhaps the worst insult you could level at them, because it implies they're trying to be something they're not. I would never have thought to use the word pejoratively, but this struck a chord.  When I try to define cool, and really pin it down, I find myself coming around to something quite superficial. If I were to meet someone fitting that description, I think I'd be looking at someone who's so hung up on how they look to others they're not expressing themselves effectively. However, if you asked me for a single quality that defines great personal style, I'd say authenticity. Are any of my more stylish friends genuinely cool? Honestly I don't know. Probably not. Do they express themselves authentically? Most definitely.  skylurker on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861550 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 09:34:59 +0000 skylurker 1861550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting, I’ll have to mull this over. My first impression is that I’ve never been cool and I’m not sure it would be a good idea to start now :) With my body becoming sloppier and shapeless, I crave more structure and strictness (and coverage, of course). Scarlet on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861538 Sat, 18 Nov 2017 08:53:00 +0000 Scarlet 1861538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You remind me now that I actually have that book, but when it came I didn't have time to read it, and it got lost in the shelf. I will pull it out again. Good to read the ways in which you have found it helpful. I am still hanging on to my thirties just, but I can already understand what you mean about the aging process. I work with young people, twentyish, and for many of them it seems they barely make it out of pajamas and slippers. I think to myself, someday, my friend, you are going to need to learn to get dressed. Looking forward to checking out that book again. I always liked about Andrea Linnett that she seemed more about defining a personal style as opposed to the trend of the moment. I remember in the Lucky book that she advocated clogs when pointy-toed high heels were the only way to go, officially. Stagiaire Fash on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861312 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 12:24:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1861312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto Sal and JD krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861307 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 11:51:18 +0000 krishnidoux 1861307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  Runcarla, I'm glad to learn this, it's encouraging! Had heard about I.d.L.F.'s quote about high end and low end, but hadn't made the connection with coolness. In fact, I always mix expensive, classic items with cheaper ones but it not always leads to an outfit being cool or funner to wear. Maybe I'm doing it wrong? I am intrigued now and certainly will go check her book out now. Carla on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861287 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 04:08:01 +0000 Carla 1861287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ines de La Fresange has a new book out and in a promotional article described the juxtoposition of what you call 'strict vs delinquent'. She suggested mixing high end with low end to avoid 'looking old' - her term, not mine - and uses as an example wearing sneakers with a business suit. Angie and other fashion bloggers have explored the concept of juxtoposition as well, and the role it plays in being fashion forward. You can sign me up as a fan, as well. The jean jacket or leather moto over an otherwise classic or dressy outfit, pearls and pointy toe shoes with jeans and a T, etc. FWIW, my 50's have been fantastic! (I'm 57). Sal on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861270 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 01:40:55 +0000 Sal 1861270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This statement from Jazzy Dance is true for me too What was adorably hot-mess when I was younger no longer looks that way.  Fun to change it up a bit too!!  Sounds like you are on the right track Krishnidoux! UmmLila (Lisa) on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861260 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 01:02:28 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1861260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I liked Andrea Linnett's book too, though I don't follow all the ideas. Her blog is one of few that I read regularly. Also, I need to buy leather pants. krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861248 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:40:17 +0000 krishnidoux 1861248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kerlyn, I am happy if I pointed you to something with this. It was my initial intent! What you describe about your style, it shifting without your complete consent, reasonates with me too. You tell so well the way it happens. I also had a strong boho vibe along my style journey in my late 30's, and dropped it completely in my early 40's (around when I started visiting this blog!). I know exactly what you mean. I think part of what you are experiencing might be directly related to your new body shape. You are discovering new silhouettes relative to your new build and new proportions. Do play around with new styles because you might be pleasantly surprised. When we lose weight, chunkier accessories become more flattering. Anyway that's what happens to me for sure. I recommend also playing around with footwear, it can really change the whole look. krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861244 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:22:40 +0000 krishnidoux 1861244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jazzy, hank you for this input! It sounds you are in a transition too. I hope this reading can inspire you too. I like how you describe a certain younger look not ageing well. I have been through that too! I found that before 40, I could pull off the hipster/thrift look in a cute way; afterwards, not so much anymore. That's because as I aged, there was less of a contrast between my (then fresh) face and the retro, old school clothes.  Thank you for sharing what your 50+ friends revealed to you. It is very uplifting to read. It certainly is also in line with what I am experiencing too so far.  Jazzy Dance on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861241 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:15:22 +0000 Jazzy Dance 1861241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for this review! I've just gone to Amazon and downloaded it to my Kindle for a long travel day coming up. I'm turning 40 in 2018 and have felt the need to present myself differently. What was adorably hot-mess when I was younger no longer looks that way. My goal is to enter my 40's with a higher level of polish and self-regard than my 30's. All my 50+ friends tell me it's the most liberating and freeing decade of them all. I hope you enjoy your first year of your 50's and that it's exciting, memorable, and all on your terms. ;) krishnidoux on "The Cool Factor" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-cool-factor#post-1861240 Thu, 16 Nov 2017 23:06:29 +0000 krishnidoux 1861240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, I certainly think you can!