https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:48:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190365 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:33:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2190365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cargo shorts are totally fine for his current job (although I did raise my eyebrows when he would wear them to the lab lol) - but his are so huge that even his belt struggles to keep them up lol. He tends to run hot, so jeans aren't really his thing - still can't figure out why he won't just wear hiking pants instead of cargo shorts to work then lol. He grew up in ATL, so footwear was more Timberlands &amp; basketball sneakers than cowboy boots or anything like that lol. </p> <p>But to bring it back to the thread topic, his clothing choices seem to be driven more by his personal comfort compass than situational appropriacy (like wearing shorts even in the lab). But part of me wonders if that 'personal' side isn't always solely about comfort (e.g. he buys cargo shorts from army surplus stores for durability, but refuses to buy them in camouflage print (despite growing up in GA). A style preference? He also complains about how thick the 'durable' material feels in the summer (but keeps wearing them anyways because of the pockets). This is when practicality no longer means the same as comfort, lol.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190337 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:18:10 +0000 Helena 2190337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, the image of toddler-Suz tapping her red shoes just made my day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190322 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:42:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2190322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi &amp; LaPed, I know a guy who’s in his 50s and wears cargo shorts to his job as a lead engineer in Hawaii all the time. I would’ve thought hiking pants were the Vt equivalent. But Z, growing up in the South, did he think boots &amp; his good jeans were formalwear? (I’m reading—please don’t cancel me for “anti Southern bias”) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190320 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:36:55 +0000 Suz 2190320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Echo,</b> I was very taken with your comments and loved the image of you as a little girl on that dance floor! So interesting to take it back to childhood and think how even as little ones we can express who we are with our choices/ preferences. I would say that was very true of me -- my interest and love of footwear showed immediately -- one of my earliest memories is of a pair of red "tapping" shoes (they were not tap shoes but they made a little noise on our parquet floors) and at age 3 I would dance and dance in them, much like you in your example. I also have distinct memories of the textures of fabrics and colours of my dresses at that age -- some I loved, some I did not. And later in childhood when I was going through a very difficult emotional time, I tended to select a white blouse and grey skirt, day after day after day.&nbsp;</p> <p>My own child -- who is non-binary but born biologically female -- expressed a hatred for "girly" clothes early on, especially dresses and the colour pink -- although they did warm up to pink in later years, interestingly enough, when their identity was more secure and they saw how well it flatters them! But no dresses. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190312 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:15:26 +0000 Sisi 2190312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, what is my personality? I am not sure. No expert has ever told me, never took a test (even if, well, I do not trust such things very much).&nbsp; I have always thought of myself as introvert and shy but when I say so people laugh in my face ...<br />So,&nbsp; let's do it the other way round.<br />I generally like to wear simple, practical, no-fuss&nbsp; clothing.<br />Merry colours. Juxtapositions - dressy/casual, black/white.<br />I would say I am simple, easy-going, sometimes lazy-ish. Do not like complications.&nbsp;With a merry side and a certain sense of humour. Sometimes contradictory. Sometimes either all-or-nothing.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190310 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:10:55 +0000 Zaeobi 2190310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@FashIntern that's true too - but I guess what I meant was that my partner still can't wrap his head around the idea that dressing nicely *can* make certain people feel nice (like myself). I know that's not the case for everyone, but he just doesn't get how wearing nice clothes can affect my mood. It was tempting to justify WFH in my loungewear when we first began, but I realised my concentration &amp; mood would slip - I would rather curl up on the couch when not in 'proper' clothes. Is that an aspect of personality affecting clothing, or clothing affecting personality, lol? </p> <p>Lol well my partner actually ethnically Chinese (from HK) but was raised for the majority of his life in the Deep South (USA) - so his love of baggy cargo shorts, long basketball shorts &amp; sports t-shirts makes sense based on his upbringing, but doesn't tend to align with what men wear here. He finds shalwar kameez very comfy in warm weather but doesn't feel comfortable wearing them in public without me around for 'context' lol, &amp; he refused to wear 'a skirt' for our wedding (his words, in regards to the traditional groom's robe). He instead wore the Zhongshan suit I got custom made for the wedding but feels it's 'too Chinese' to wear elsewhere (like an interview). So I just let him be when it comes to clothing, but will nudge him sometimes when needed (like when he wanted me to get him black cargo shorts instead of khaki to be 'professional enough' for work. Or convincing him that OK he doesn't need to wear a suit or tie for an interview (@sloper he's also in the game &amp; tech industry), but he should at least wear a shirt lol). </p> <p>PS - That reminds me, I never ended up sharing photos of our HK &amp; PK wedding outfits! Was planning to have a UK version eventually but COVID threw a spanner in all that. Will share them eventually here (to ask for forum help on sartorially bridging the cultural themes but with Western dress) - we wore a Qipao &amp; Zhongshan suit for the Chinese one then a Lehenga &amp; Sherwani for the desi one </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190307 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 14:57:21 +0000 LaPed 2190307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, Echo, Sloper and Zaeobi -- my husband is the same! When he switched jobs about 5 years ago, from a game design studio where he was one of the oldest employees to an engineering firm where he's one of the youngest, figuring out how to dress was a major source of stress. Luckily, I dress kind of like a preppy middle-aged coder ( ), so I was able to help him find some button-downs and chinos and nice sweaters that he didn't hate, and after a while he felt comfortable enough to bring dark rinse jeans back into the mix. But now that his office has been remote for a year, he is back in tees and jeans/hiking pants every day. He hasn't touched his "real clothes" since last March...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190293 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 14:22:36 +0000 suzieq 2190293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel nicer when I dress nicer. I feel more confident &amp; less lazy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190266 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:21:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2190266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi, I’m with your husband that dressing nicely does not make you feel nice. It can bring you down to have to wear “nice” clothes when you don’t want to. At least some of us, anyway. This is one of the few areas of attire where I think women have it easier than men( simply because of the range we can choose from. Is there anything in UK, Pakistani, or Hong Kong culture he can draw on? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190219 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:16:29 +0000 suzieq 2190219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even in retirement, I find it hard to dress down. I have a relaxed personality &amp; seek comfort due to the chronic pain I live with, but I still like to dress smart, like I have somewhere to go &amp; people to meet, even if I’m just at home—except I skip the makeup when at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190194 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 01:44:15 +0000 Zaeobi 2190194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha mine too - we've been watching Queer Eye lately but he still doesn't 'get' the concept that dressing up nicely can help you feel nice. In fact, he defends every single one of the guys receiving a makeover on that show who insist on wearing cargo pants - I'd have to pry them from his cold dead hands if I wanted them gone from his closet :P</p> <p>(Dragging him to go get himself measured for his wedding suit was difficult enough already!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190193 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 01:34:49 +0000 Sloper 2190193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicely put, Echo!</p> <p>My husband is similar to yours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/3#post-2190192 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 01:26:05 +0000 Echo 2190192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think our personal styles start shining through quite early. That isn't to say that those tendencies cannot be moulded or even quashed by the dominant influence of a parent or other authority figure, but one of my earliest memories is of getting dressed up to go out to eat. I had a special dress and shoes I saved for just such occasions (at the age of about 3). While dancing at my aunt's wedding, I cut it up on the dance floor, lifting my skirt to show everyone the ruffle-bottom tights I was wearing (slightly younger than age 3). From very early on, I wanted to be noticed, and I wanted to dress up.</p> <p>Likewise, my second son is very interested in how he dresses and how he looks, from hairstyle to shoes, and he always has been. But my oldest son is just like my Dh, and would be happy in jeans and a t-shirt all day, every day. Indeed, my Dh should wear a sign that says, "PLEASE, don't notice me!" Funny how opposites attract.</p> <p>So without the heavy-handed influence of others, we instinctively know who we are and dress to reflect that. Of course, as life goes on, a person's line of work, other demands in their life, the influence of friends and community, a changing body and more all exert influence on how someone dresses.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, personally, I still dress up and to be noticed (like Janet, I tend to go with traditionally figure flattering or JFE). I tend to make a wardrobe out of statement pieces on a canvas of black. Now that my body has changed, I find myself more willing to wear colour again, so the pieces I am choosing are getting "louder". Of course, I dress appropriately for my work and the occasion, as a person can always be themselves within most dress codes, but I most certainly push the limits of overdressed. But that's just me and everyone around me is used to it, so it doesn't even turn heads anymore.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regarding not knowing how to dress for certain occasions, I think that comes back to it being unavoidable to dress like ourselves. If a person is uncomfortable in certain social situations, nothing they wear will feel right because <i>they</i> don't feel right, if that makes sense. My Dh feels out of place wearing a suit because he feels out of place almost anywhere that requires one. Additionally, he is a rather imposing figure - 6'8" with very broad shoulders - and a suit only emphasizes those things, which garners him more attention, which makes him more uncomfortable - it's a cycle of negative reinforcement for him. So while he academically knows what he has to wear for certain things, he will never be comfortable in them because he will never be comfortable in those situations. The occasion feels wrong, so the clothes feel foreign. Ironically, I feel the same way about jeans and a t-shirt that he does about a suit. But I guess between the two of us, we have every occasion covered so at least ONE of us is at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2190179 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:14:28 +0000 Sal 2190179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern - I agree with your comment that there are layers for it to show through.&nbsp; Some are enforced on us externally(cultural requirements, dress codes, fit issues, availability of clothing etc) and some are more internal (personality, mood etc)...</p> <p>My son wears a very strict uniform to school with a strict haircut and grooming code... the only exceptions are for cultural reasons.&nbsp; Some personalities do shine through (some kids cannot keep their shirt tucked in or have permanently dirty knees) and push the haircut rules to the limit....&nbsp; And others are happy just to blend in.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2190062 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:21:37 +0000 Anonymous 2190062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never mind. Deleted.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189985 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 08:18:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2189985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to make sure I got back to this, because I appreciate the interaction. </p> <p>JenniNZ, I never watched WNTW, but I know many people here did. My impression is that it didn’t help people find their own style; being told to put something you love in the trash doesn’t sound at all like a way to discover who you are/your style. And I’ve seen many stories (including on YLF) about people ending up in outfits they clearly felt awkward in. </p> <p>Staysfit, thanks for your reply to my comment. Your observation that “unified personal style and being stylish” is a good one! I need to amend my earlier statement because finding ways to dress “like yourself” and also fit in with the latest requirements can be tricky indeed. My personal observations coincide with your expert opinion on people knowing themselves. The example of using bangles to fill in for too-short sleeves is an interesting one, because of course bangles aren’t everyone’s style, so there we see the conflict. I think i was considering physicality as separate from style, but of course there is no other way to express sartorial style than dressing the body we have. Your comments about loving things that don’t love you back surprises me a bit; I wouldn’t have anything against mustard, sage, and similar colors, if they looked right on me. But I am not everyone.</p> <p>Rachylou, good food for thought! I’ve thought of my wardrobe’s evolution during my adult years as throwing off my mom’s influence, but of course I might be influenced under the radar in ways I don’t fully realize, probably starting with my tendencies to take the less extreme version of trends and to wear things for years. I’m more like nemosmom, enjoying Cher flair, but not buying into it (though I loved wearing my funky pants, was much more comfortable in them than I’d expected, and now am wondering if I want to go a bit more extreme. This time I don’t wait a quarter century before wearing things). I tend to draw attention even when I wish to be an observant wallflower, so that tempers what I wear a bit, but I could just as easily say it doesn’t matter, people are going to notice me anyway. </p> <p>Helena, thanks for restating. </p> <p>So my revised opinion—thanks again to everybody who helped me think this through—is that your personality shines through—but there ican be a lot of stuff for it to go through. Not to be too poetic, but I’m thinking of a pattern on the ground, made by the light (personality) shining through leaves, lenses, and other filters in the environment, and is also shaped by the surface where it lands. </p> <p>Sal, thanks for tolerating my long comment. I had no intent to hi Jack. Thanks for starting this discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189978 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:48:16 +0000 Sal 2189978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to all for chiming in on this thread.&nbsp; I have left it too long to reply individually but to my mind...</p> <p>- personality mostly does shine through - unless we don't want it to.&nbsp; And I would argue that as we get older, it shines through more.&nbsp; Teenagers often dress in trends, or tribes.&nbsp; The teenagers I know mostly either dress to conform or rebel.&nbsp; But that makes sense - as we mature we have older pieces in our wardrobes, we have seen a few fashion cycles, and have experienced stylish successes and misfires...</p> <p>- I think we can have areas that are beyond our comfort zone - the baby shower, travelling, formal occasions etc...&nbsp; When it is outside our natural tribe or situation - I have felt like that with a group of gorgeous glamourous ladies who lunch with diamonds and designer bags etc..&nbsp; I didn't know what to wear and felt I got it wrong (but actually it probably didn't matter).</p> <p>- I think that it is hard to dissociate the external from the internal.&nbsp; If I am feeling good about myself, and healthy and not stressed, my confidence in my fashion is higher.&nbsp; If you are vulnerable about yourself, your life, clothing can be harder.&nbsp; But I think dressing well can help boost your confidence if you can muster the energy or resource to do so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189693 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 04:42:05 +0000 Sally 2189693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DonnaF ...... That is so like me.&nbsp; I'm reallly bad at parties and any large social occasion like a wedding, baby shower or evening party, and tend to avoid them.&nbsp; I wonder if that is why I find it so hard to dress for them.&nbsp; I'm great with meeting up friends for breakfast, lunch or even an evening meal but large crowds and late nights put me off. I get up at 5am and do yoga which I know a lot of people would find awful.&nbsp; My introversion, dislike of crowds and formal occasions is a big part of my personality and is a bit of a block in preparing for these occasions.&nbsp; The photo below is of the last wedding I went to.&nbsp; I&nbsp; couldn't organise what to wear so I ended up borrowing my sister's dress and jewellery.&nbsp; This was before my recent weight loss.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189656 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:51:23 +0000 DonnaF 2189656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish we had a thumb's up or Like button. . .I so agree with LaPed's comment about not figuring out how to dress for certain situations to feel authentic. For me that's wedding and baby showers. Showers themselves are so not me so it's hardly a jump to conclude that I struggle to dress for them because I feel as though I ought to dress to societal norms so as not to embarrass the guest of honor and/or hostess. Normally, I dress to please myself without regard to what others think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189631 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 20:18:41 +0000 Sal 2189631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow this thread has really taken off and so many great thoughts.</p> <p>There is no correct or wrong answer here. I know my Mum struggled to find clothes she liked, fitted and that she could manage with arthritic hands. Almost impossible. </p> <p>I think experimentation, finding our own style, self expression - are all fun. And yes I do want to present myself in a way that makes me look interesting, stylish and current without looking too cliche. </p> <p>I hope to draw more thoughts together but on my phone away for the weekend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189584 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 17:05:39 +0000 LaPed 2189584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with <b>slim cat</b> 100% -- without some outside inspiration, combined with experimentation and self-reflection, my wardrobe would be pretty boring! </p> <p>Also, there are certain situations&nbsp;(formal and festive occasions) that I haven't really figured out how to dress for in a way that satisfies me. I apparently have no inner compass capable of guiding me to the right looks <i>for me</i> for those events, so instead of being intuitive I have to pay attention to what works for others and go from there. Totally an outside-in process, not an inside-out one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189579 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:59:45 +0000 nemosmom 2189579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I am super late to this thread but wow, what a great one, Sal!&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's funny, I think for me it comes in waves. There are times I have made an effort to fit in/not stand out and felt pressure to dress to the societal norm. And there are times when I am less concerned with whether my clothes make a difference.&nbsp; I am also extremely introverted and realllllly hate to draw attention to myself. Which is totally crazy because my shadow persona wants to be in sequins, velvet bell bottoms, and platform boots, but neither my lifestyle nor my location is conducive to Cher flair ;)&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I am guilty of feeling pressured by influencers on social media to dress a certain way, but I have felt a shift over the last year or two to lean more into what *I* want to wear.&nbsp; I live in a Stepford land of logos and black leggings and that is the opposite of what I like.&nbsp; But, I refuse to adopt to a prescribed way of dressing in order to feel accepted.&nbsp; Maybe that's part of getting older?&nbsp; It's DYOT with zero concern of what people think about what I wear. Does that make it less DYOT and more DGAF?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think I am learning how to identify the "me" in pieces I buy and the way I wear them. For example: I am hardly sporty and I am not drawn to athleisure in general. But hoodies are an essential; I pair them with structured topper or pants.&nbsp; I enjoy the outdoors and camping BUT - I am more camping-as-meditation and less camping-as-activity. I think my flannel shirts lean more beach bum than Brawny.&nbsp; I am relaxed and very easy-going, I am drawn to shirts that are gauzey and loose instead of poplin and crisp; denim that is faded with patina.&nbsp; My preferences for chunky, cozy, textured may be more of a way to self-soothe in a world that feels harsh and intrusive - maybe that's a personality thing?&nbsp; I am not sure.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189566 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:41:51 +0000 Helena 2189566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think personality shines through regardless, but to me this does not negate the process of trying to refine, home, learn, etc. ... I am always trying to do this, and love learning more about what works for my body type, personal colours, etc. I guess I would only say that this in itself is an expression of my personality, because I am naturally drawn to these sort of systematic approaches ... Whereas for someone else using a totally intuitive approach might be an expression of their personality. The two things can absolutely work together as I understand it, and both approaches can be valid expressions of personality. If that makes sense! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189562 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:23:34 +0000 rachylou 2189562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI, I would say you’d think so, but it doesn’t necessarily... that is, one’s personality will inevitably show, but it might have to fight its way through one’s clothing. If you simply dress the way your mom taught you, or via one of those magazine essentials list every student will read getting ready for their ‘first real job’, or if you haven’t explored the world or visual vocabulary of clothing... As a young person, I often defaulted to tribal Preppy dress, confusing tribe for style personality. As an adult, even tho I got more creative, I found my clothing to be deceptive for others. They’d think me laidback or sweet and then find out I can be as mean as anyone else in my mum’s family... ha! And I always found it, and still do, difficult to communicate what I want in a) summer wear and b) proper office dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189550 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 15:20:02 +0000 slim cat 2189550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seeing beautiful outfits, smart wardrobes, inspiring combinations of many members of YLF forum, magazines articles, fun and thought provoking posts by bloggers with unique visions helps immensely.<br />Dressing on my own would leave me in a simple outfits that would eventually become too boring and too repetitive - my personality is very comfort driven, casual and laid back. Gowns, special occasion outfits, complicated garments are always difficult for me ( some are just absent from my life ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189541 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:53:37 +0000 smittie 2189541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m pretty much with Fashiontern —for me, it’s all instinct and emotion. (I wouldn’t have said this 5 years ago when I fancied myself a bit of left-brainer )</p> <p>People take different approaches, depending on how analytical you are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189538 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:46:33 +0000 Anonymous 2189538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, I agree with you that "personality shines through" and I was thinking about this specifically after viewing Lisap's classics outfits in which her spirit was just as dominant as in her less traditional outfits, and added real beauty and interest to the outfits.</p> <p>But! The desire to develop a style could also be related to personality, an expression of it, and even the "make it work" aspect described by Staysfit and Janet could be re-viewed as personality traits, like perseverance in the face of opposition, or the ability to meet a challenge.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189523 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 13:33:38 +0000 Janet 2189523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, to continue on your last paragraph, is kind of circling back to one of my points. There are styles I would love to wear for a cool, casual, rock'n'roll look that just don't translate quite right on a body with hips and chest. Not only is fitting those "attributes" a challenge in general, but a lot of the styles traditionally cut for curvier bodies -- classics like wrap dresses, for example -- don't convey the attitude of funky, trendy jeans and crop tops which generally are a much easier fit on those with narrower, straighter figures. I'm always compromising a bit of my personality for flattery and practicality, but finding the balance for each individual person is what makes individual style!&nbsp;</p> <p>I also absolutely agree that not everyone can do this by instinct. I'm a trained artist and am still constantly learning things about dressing my body to suit my evolving wishes. Are there constants throughout the decades? Sure! But I like the process of learning more and mixing things up a bit to stay current and keep myself from getting bored or falling into a rut. I was most definitely in a comfort zone rut when I first discovered YLF 11 years ago -- I defaulted to only bootcut jeans (was afraid of skinnies), with t-shirts or buttondowns. I went a little overboard with experimenting during my first year or so on the forum, figuring out what aspects of my personality I wanted to dress for. I wore things that *seemed* right for an artist -- skirts with funky hosiery, quirky tricky tops, thrifted jewelry, etc. But I tired of that quickly and came to land somewhere in between that and the bootcuts-and-tees rut. But it's an ongoing process that I think can be a fun exercise in self-discovery and self-expression.</p> <p>It reminds me of a quote I use in my creativity presentations: "When you are finished changing, you are finished." ;-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189510 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 10:56:02 +0000 Staysfit 2189510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, I’m not sure I fully understand what you are tying to say, maybe some additional clarification would help. &nbsp;If I am understanding you correctly, you are saying that we do not need to cultivate personal style because our innate choices would automatically dictate unique personal style. &nbsp;I think that may be partially true, but there is a difference between a unified personal style and being stylish, or allowing personality to be reflected in the clothing lines that are most flattering. &nbsp;I see two problems with your line of thought as I understand it. &nbsp;Firstly, in my experience, very few people know themselves well or understand and have full confidence in their choices. &nbsp;Secondly, my take on this aspect of Sals question is that our taste preferences may in fact be different or perhaps broader than the way we define our personal style. &nbsp;In my case, for example. I would love to wear bright warm colors, like sunny lemon yellow, or an elegant black and white outfit, but they do not work well with my coloring. Does this mean since I look better in certain colors and contrast levels that they reflect my personality? &nbsp;I do not think so. By default, to create a stylish working wardrobe, we all have to make choices, and select those aspects that will in fact define our style. &nbsp;In making those choices we are eliminating others that may still reflect our personality, but not work within our style parameters. &nbsp;If we select too narrowly, perhaps we may narrow our ability to express the full range of our personality.</p> <div><br /></div><div>Also, speaking as a tall, narrow lady, some people may have a very hard time finding clothing that fits. &nbsp;Oddly, I have fallen into that category as a tall, small person, particularly with sleeves and leg lengths. &nbsp;Almost all tall sized clothing is made only in sizes too large for my frame. &nbsp;I often have to take what is available and make it work. &nbsp;Sometimes it’s the “make it work” part that creates the personal in my style.....ie. Adding bangles because sleeves are too short when the torso fits, etc. &nbsp; </p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-effect-of-your-personality-on-your-style/page/2#post-2189487 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 02:19:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2189487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, FashIntern, I do often agree with you but I think not in this case? We wouldn’t have programmes like What Not To Wear ( I am more familiar with the British original with Trinny and Susannah- think I have that correct) if there weren’t people who didn’t know their style? I know that those shows did tend to dress people in a certain way that was trendy at the time, but I think many of the people featured would have probably learned a lot about what flattered them and been able to tweak their style in an ongoing way? But maybe not... don’t think there was ever a follow-up? Maybe they did already know themselves but not their style... </p>