YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Updating my style adjectives today

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Updating my style adjectives today https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:17:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926431 Mon, 06 May 2013 22:50:16 +0000 Suz 926431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting discussion. I like your style adjectives, and if you feel these are the ones that will move you forward, then full speed ahead!  Savvy: this makes sense to me. You are aiming to look more intentional and less...well...frumpy in your outfits. Less plain and boring. Well, to do that, you need knowledge. Nothing wrong with acquiring some and then showing that you've done so!  Trim: I agree that with your body shape and size, keeping a trim profile is figure flattering and makes sense.  Angular: includes structure. Again, this fits with what I think looks good on you.  Classic: absolutely, and the trick is learning to blend the classic with the more fashion forward for that savvy look you are aiming towards.  Dramatic: I am less sure on this one for you, but may not fully understand your meaning (even with explanations.)  Sporty-action: this makes sense again. You like footwear, especially, that allows you to move. And it works with crisp detailing (see angular).  Pretty: absolutely.  Lady-feminine: ditto -- might be a repeat in meaning to pretty? So maybe you can cut back to seven? :-) I need to update my own style adjectives. I think they would be something like: Sleek, crisp, angular, classic, minimal.  unfrumped on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926384 Mon, 06 May 2013 21:26:35 +0000 unfrumped 926384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn, yours sound more fun than mine. I'm not pinning, but if I were I would pin a lot of your outfits. I am really into rachylou's quirky analysis--may get more quirky myself. There is something about whether a descriptor actually pulls its weight in moving me forward even though it sounds good. Like the difference between elegance and insouciance. Hmm, need a Thesaurus in my closet. Carole on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926351 Mon, 06 May 2013 20:54:00 +0000 Carole 926351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet....one of these days! Ingunn on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926282 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:41:26 +0000 Ingunn 926282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm truly impressed, unfrumped! This is so informative. I think I'm FINALLY able to put my style goals into words, too. I've been looking for a few adjectives to use as guidelines for my outfits, and now I think I have them. But enough about me! Let's rather discuss yours: Savvy - I like savvy! To me, it implies competent, which you definitely are. Trim - This is it! not fit, but in good shape. Love that. Angular - I read this as structured. And I relate to the need for angular pieces; no round, soft bags for me either.  Classic - the fundament of great outfits in my opinion. It could go in ANY direction. Dramatic - dainty dramatic is a wonderful moniker? Maybe I'll adopt it! I think I get it, and I think we are a bit related here, too.  Sporty-action - I read this as effective, free, unrestrained. Very important. Today I wore heels to work that made me go slower than I wanted to, and it felt so wrong. Pretty - yes! We all feel better about ourselves when we feel at least a little pretty. At least I do. Lady - it's perfect. A savvy, trim, structured dainty dramatic pretty lady. My adjectives are Chic Playful Simple Classic Modern. I think. Have to work a little more on that, but I'm getting closer. bj1111 on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926253 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:26:33 +0000 bj1111 926253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ surprising that two of a detail, usually a color, makes it look more intentional than a single POP.  but here is where i fail..top and pants 1 color, shoe and necklace, another color.  no other items.  there the 2/2 divide actually feels unbalanced to me.  odd numbered works better for my brain.   rachylou on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-926248 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:22:10 +0000 rachylou 926248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's interesting how telling yourself "elegant" may not get you there, but thinking other things will. I esp. like your "sporty-action" definition. I want to be ready to go myself, but am a serious non-athlete. Sad, but true. I took the story of The Hare & The Tortoise too seriously as a child. unfrumped on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925567 Sun, 05 May 2013 16:22:05 +0000 unfrumped 925567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ jenava,   futurist sounds like it is fashion-forward. Ahead of the curve. Futurist has the least syllables... bj1111, yes, I think that's closer--finished or polished or cohesive in some way that has been lacking. And I'm thinking that sometimes there is something I'd not thought of that provides the cohesiveness--might be color that takes over where neutrals would not be enough, though the more obvious thing would be a necklace that bookends, or something else repeated in the outfit. In gardening, there is the idea of repetition that makes the garden read as a whole and not just parts. bj1111 on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925556 Sun, 05 May 2013 16:11:40 +0000 bj1111 925556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For contemporary...how about modern (two syllables, similar connotation) For dramatic...how about finished (as in that detail that completes the outfit and ties together the elements of eg. Pants and a sweater) unfrumped on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925528 Sun, 05 May 2013 15:17:49 +0000 unfrumped 925528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ pil, thanks--not sure. Where it came from was that so many of my outfits are BORING and the ones I am liking more are less so in some way--bright color, or details, or something. caro, I like contemporary--lot of syllables, though.   I've concluded dramatic must not be right--I'll have to see if I can put my finger on what's going on in my higher happiness oufits. Caro in Oz on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925349 Sun, 05 May 2013 06:08:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 925349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really interesting dissection unfrumped. What about contemporary rather than savvy or modern; as modern doesn't resonate? Contemporary would allow for that forward expression without any of the negative connotations of savvy imo. pil on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925192 Sun, 05 May 2013 00:19:40 +0000 pil 925192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Would Jenava's use of "intentional" work in place of drama? I'm always so impressed with how you and so many others are able to describe your style. My little pea brain just doesn't work that way. Anonymous on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925154 Sat, 04 May 2013 23:20:52 +0000 Anonymous 925154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think drama is necessarily the wrong word. It can be achieved with asymmetry, but also with volume, oversized details like collars, severe lines or cuts perhaps. Less extreme touches could be through higher contrast, like tipping on a jacket lapel or things that make the outfit look more "sharp". That is my own sad little take on drama but I'm not that dramatic so maybe someone with a better handle on it will chime in.  unfrumped on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925141 Sat, 04 May 2013 23:04:37 +0000 unfrumped 925141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good descriptions  of your style and recent outfits, clearlyclaire! I'm glad you  questioned  the dramatic adjective. It may not be the right on word at all. I don't like asymmetry!  Maybe something more like interesting-- pockets, buttons, trim, stitching, even perhaps embellishment. Subtle.pattern mixing. More texture. More of something. But not too.much.What is that, I wonder? Anonymous on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925124 Sat, 04 May 2013 22:30:58 +0000 Anonymous 925124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Actually, I spent some time in the archives yesterday and I did update my five adjectives, but let's talk about yours first. I can relate on many levels!  savvy: I take it to mean that you look current and that you look like you know what's going on in the fashion world, even if you are only giving one or two trends a nod this season. Am I right? trim: I'm going for this too, I think sleek might be a good word for it? Like you, I don't do a lot of volume well. It also helps when you are rushing around and can't have a lot of movement in your clothing for practical reasons.  angular: I've also pared down my silhouette to straighter, if not angular lines. Not so many ruffles, ruching, shirring, puffed sleeves, peter pan collars or scalloped edges.  classic: totally. This goes with out saying dramatic: could you give an example of a dramatic detail in a classic outfit, or do you use accessories to achieve this? Is it asymmetry or a bold feature on an item of clothing? I'm just curious and I need to learn.  sporty-action: Yes me too. I will not mince or hobble! Not sure practical is the right word because some people take that to mean machine washable, lol!  pretty: why not? I feel happier when I feel pretty too. lady-feminine: sign me up. I feel I start out already skewed a little towards the masculine side with my angular face, short hair, heavy brows and slight curves. I feel the need to accentuate the feminine parts of me for balance.  Hey, you picked eight! No fair. Here's my five. I had to just take some for granted like comfort/ease of movement and modesty.  Classic- first and foremost. Chic-someday, I hope. Need to stay current, mix high-low and juxtapose. Sophisticated-no more T-shirts. Hello dryclean only.  Tailored- more wovens, applies to fit as well.  Subtle-textures, neutrals and prints and style (opposite of bold) Great thread! Trishalee on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925080 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:53:13 +0000 Trishalee 925080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great post! I realized that my "current state" words all have negative connotations. As part of my fashion re-awakening I am going to spend some time coming up with my own words that will fit the vision I have for myself. Thanks so much for this post. It has challenged me. Parsley on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925065 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:36:25 +0000 Parsley 925065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the way you've analyzed yours, unfrumped! I wonder if rather than sporty-action something like no-nonsense or practical would work. I am so terrible at this for myself! So far I don't have any descriptor at all. I feel like I really need to have one,  to guide me when I'm shopping. Off to ponder... Jenava on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925043 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:04:33 +0000 Jenava 925043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am updating mine, but haven't gotten to the bottom of it yet.  Overall, for me, I want to be more of a futurist in the way I dress. Here is mine, from the last time I updated it: <div><div>feminist - modest cleavage/leg coverage, feminine, comfortable</div></div><div><div>luxurious - glamourous jewelry, rich colors and fabrics, often tailored, exotic details intelligent - bold and unusual color combinations, unexpected details and construction</div></div><div><div>serious - not whimsical or playful, not costumed</div></div><div><div>refined - referencing the traditional, carefully curated</div></div><div><div>soft - pleated, wrapped, draped, sheer, textured, matte, worn</div></div><div><div>straight-forward - details are apparent and intentional, and are in harmony with the overall look All these things still resonate with me, but something is missing.  So, maybe I will add "futuristic"  in there an modify or replace "luxurious".  I still think "referencing the traditional" applies, because I want my outfits to have recognizable elements but in a way that is advanced or uses innovations.</div></div> CocoLion on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925018 Sat, 04 May 2013 19:24:04 +0000 CocoLion 925018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am really impressed.  People often post these "what is my style moniker" threads and unless you're Angie or some of our more clever forum members, I am always lost as to what to say.  So I often will say something like, just wear what you like, who cares about style monikers that might also restrict your expression. But the way you've approached it totally makes sense.  And I really like how you have explained the thinking behind each word, it's inspiring. As for myself, these are some words that come to mind (at first).  Maybe I'll think on it more over the next few days. - Casual.  As dictated by my rural, ranch-living, uniform-wearing lifestyle. - Soft.  I prefer some elements of soft, always.  Whether it be my hair, purse, top or pants. - Effortless.  Self-explanatory. - Edgy.  I like being on trend with some tough, rocker, more masculine elements. The soft is in contrast with the edgy because the soft is more feminine; I think this contrast describes me fairly well. unfrumped on "Updating my style adjectives today" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-my-style-adjectives-today#post-925004 Sat, 04 May 2013 18:47:18 +0000 unfrumped 925004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou's post and Angie's posts came at a good time, as I have been trying to develop more focus this year and figure out what gives me the 10's and happiness factors. On style adjective threads in the past year or so, I had picked words but it seemed some were ones I thought I ought to be but maybe haven’t panned out. Hence the timely post on guidelines, tweaking and humor. I thought in addition to needing closet and wardrobe editing and updating, I needed to do style adjective updating and editing. So on the weekend, I have come up with: Savvy trim angular dramatic classic sporty-action pretty lady. Savvy—can have a negative connotation so it's a bit fraught; could compete with effortless. A fashion alternative  would be modern, which for some reason does not resonate with me even though a big goal has been to keep moving forward—go figure. Trim—different from thin—more the idea of fit-- not sloppy. Too loose, flowing, or exaggerated is overwhelming; I can’t carry that off. Controlled. Structured. Others might say crisp or tailored, but crisp fabrics aren’t always the key. Angular--pieces that resonate with me tend to have  sharp or straight lapels and hems, not rounded; longer lines, not too cropped; no puffs in sleeves; more rectangular handbags to round ones; straighter lines in general. Ruffles are not off limits but limited. Classic--I'm pretty sure I skew this way in what appeals to me. Not boho or arty or whatever. Kinda traditional. Dramatic—this adjective is totally new to me, but after looking at some of my favorite outfits, I’m experimenting to see if this is a clue. Should be simple and clean-lined but I’m liking a bit more going on in some way or I feel dull and plain. Maybe dainty dramatic, or subdued dramatic, as my size and features are not dramatic at all. Maybe more a matter of garment details and careful accessorizing ? More than just a cashmere sweater and slacks—need something else. Sporty-action  (better adjectives? )--NOT claiming athleticism,  but at work, even if dressed nicely, it's important to be  able to move fast & roll up sleeves and get down to business  when needed- clothing should not look unable to handle that. Outside of work, I also don't like to mince or hobble. Pretty—HA! There—I used the P-word! Maybe should have used lovely, or beautiful, but  I lack all drama or bombshell-ness so stuck with what may be more attainable!  I concluded that I may as well admit that my high happiness outfits make me feel pretty in some way, even though it may only be the colors or fabrics or accessories. Lady—or lady-like, feminine--perhaps because it's easy for me to look boyish or androgynous due to choosing plainer items, comfort footwear & lacking major real estate, but I've noticed that more of my happiness-10 outfits  look or feel more  feminine than I used to aim for or thought I would have wanted before. This was kind of an epiphany. But not girly or twee, so balanced by the angular-action factors. Elegant still seems like it ought to be in there but it isn’t serving me quite as well—why, I wonder. Effortless and relaxed ? are  aspirations but maybe grow from more success in basic style. Youthful and fun might be in there. Since this is aspirational style, I probably should have put the word “pretty” at the beginning of all of them… You might see something totally different—that’s the fun thing about rachylou’s post—we might not see what’s right in front of us, or we might be trying to do something that doesn’t fit. And I expect these will need revising still. Have you updated and edited your adjectives today?!