https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 04:53:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439497 Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:49:38 +0000 Deborah 1439497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the kind mention Suz:)&nbsp; I love the definition of refined and sophisticted.&nbsp; Polish is something I know when I see it, and it's not so easily defined IMHO.&nbsp; One picture that came to mind is the silver.&nbsp; The cutlery might be clean and ready for use, but that few minutes spend polishing each piece 'completes' it.&nbsp; What I tend to notice, and that I think add polish are things like attention to make up, hair and nails.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439437 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:59:43 +0000 margaretz 1439437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Polished to me is attention to detail. Did someone take the time to review each piece and make a conscious decision. With polish, with attention to detail, small adjustments are purposefully made.&nbsp;</p> <p>Versus everything is thrown together... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439379 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 21:40:56 +0000 Gigi 1439379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread! When I think of polished, I first and foremost think of personal grooming: makeup very well done, hair all in place and holding its style, nails clean and nicely shaped, etc. For the clothes, they can be oversized and not necessarily tailored, but even if they are oversized they fit in all the important parts (I'm thinking especially of the shoulders)&nbsp;to create a sense of structure so that you still have a cohesive outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have tried being more polished in the last several months, and it is a lot of work. But it is making me feel better about myself overall. It does get easier the more I make the effort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439184 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 15:11:06 +0000 Susie 1439184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's the word I think to myself when I use my flatiron on my hair a bit, rather than leaving it fuller and a bit wavy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439103 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 04:35:13 +0000 AM 1439103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would echo: personal grooming, make-up, jewelry, shoes (in great shape), clothes (in great shape) -- and details like scarves and hats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439101 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 04:30:58 +0000 Ann in New England 1439101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all. I think I agree that being "put together" in an elegant, refined way, alongside good grooming, would get someone most of the way to"polished." But yes, it's also confidence, posture, and I think some inexplicable something. I will never get completely there (my nails are proof of that), but I think I'm striving for elements of polished.</p> <p>I think I've nailed down my 5 descriptors, and it truly has helped me figure out where I'm trying to go with my style. I feel a longer post coming on, inspired by many of you, especially Suz. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439004 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:41:08 +0000 Gaylene 1439004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it's that HAIR!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439002 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:39:03 +0000 Suz 1439002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whereas my house is tidy, but I would not vouch for its cleanliness at all times.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439001 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:37:13 +0000 Jaime 1439001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of that polished does not necessarily mean good taste. Angie is extremely polished with extremely good taste, but as mentioned polished can be seen on lots of people. Speaking from camp unpolished, my sleeves are never stay&nbsp;the same length, my cuffs are uneven, my hair is undisciplined, something is always tugging the wrong way and so on. I am clean but I am not tidy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1439000 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:36:19 +0000 Gaylene 1439000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If "polished" is used as the opposite to "sloppy", then it means one thing, but, as a style descriptor, I think it denotes a certain look that relies on refinement, harmony, and elegance for its effect. In this sense, what we call RATE (Rough Around The Edges) would be its opposite. The RATE look is every bit as constructed, but the overall effect is nonchalant and edgy, with more than a hint of a rebel spirit that thumbs its nose at convention. Polished goes for an impeccable pair of well-fitted jeans that look high-end even if they are not, while RATE's distressed and "dirty" wash denim might cost $$$$, but looks like it has been heavily used and carelessly thrown on after spending the night on the floor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438999 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:35:56 +0000 rachylou 1438999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tailored, clean, neat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438993 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:16:40 +0000 Suz 1438993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I agree.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, it's a continuum, from shellac to RATE to nothin' but a hangnail.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438982 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:10:02 +0000 Anonymous 1438982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha&nbsp;<b>Suz !</b> Don't get me started &nbsp;As I was driving to the wine store, I was thinking more about this thread ( I am always cringing afterward at what I write, thinking it could have been worded better , been more intellectual and thoughtful, or less cranky-sounding) and the crux of it for me is polish is all about grooming. &nbsp;The clothes take a back seat. Meaning, you can be polished and wear inexpensive non-trendy clothing. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438972 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:04:16 +0000 Suz 1438972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not my favourite guy.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438968 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:55:43 +0000 Staysfit 1438968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! &nbsp;Shellac! &nbsp;Having a hard outer shell, shiny and slick! &nbsp;What a great description for a leader <b>Suz</b>.</p> <p>I like the refined and sophisticated definition. &nbsp;That sums it up nicely.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438964 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:29:58 +0000 shedev 1438964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would define polished as clean, sleek (could be tailored, but also could be more minimal, unfussy). As someone who does not seek polish, I get a cold prickly feeling at attention to detail as a descriptor unique to polished styles. I propose that anyone talking on a fashion forum cares about attention to detail no matter what degree of polish they seek. Rate items&nbsp;do tend to have a lot of detail to attend.&nbsp;I may be feeling a little contentious today&nbsp;though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438963 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:29:43 +0000 Suz 1438963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh! Denise -- that is an <b>excellent </b>point. Sometimes polish looks more like shellac!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Take Canada's current Prime Minister, for instance.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438962 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:27:04 +0000 CocoLion 1438962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I looked it up in the dictionary, and polished in this context means refined and sophisticated.</p> <p>I guess everyone has their own interpretation though. &nbsp;The above definition implies good taste. &nbsp;However, I see a lot of polished presenters on TV that I don't think have elegance or good taste. &nbsp;Their hair and make-up can be overdone which isn't as tasteful to me. </p> <p>ETA -- I think my own definition veers towards "carefully groomed, carefully dressed" rather than refined and sophisticated. &nbsp;I guess I've been wrong all along.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438958 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:58:18 +0000 Anonymous 1438958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's my fault that lisap has typed the word descriptor so many times.<br />When I think of polished, I think of someone who is impeccably well groomed, wears clothing that fits perfectly and is in pristine condition, etc. Every hair is in place. Makeup is flawlessly applied. You get the idea. I do think there's more than one way to look polished, Attention to every last detail of grooming and dressing is key.</p> <p>My DH's boss is like that. He looks perfect all the time. I only saw him look less than perfect one time, and that was because he had been out mowing his lawn. He didn't look like himself, you know, because I am accustomed to seeing him wearing a suit and tie.</p> <p>I do think some people have an easier time looking polished than others, just because of what nature gave them to work with. Some of us have to spend a lot more time on our hair, etc.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438930 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:56:56 +0000 Aziraphale 1438930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Angie is very polished, but her style is not the only way to look polished. To me, 'polished' is the opposite of 'scruffy'. A polished woman looks fresh, even late in the day. She has an outfit that looks planned and intentional, and the individual pieces go well together, even if the overall look isn't 'matchy-matchy'. She doesn't have toothpaste stains down her shirt, or coffee drips on her lap.&nbsp;Her hair is usually smooth and sleek, or else in smooth, shiny, controlled&nbsp;curls.&nbsp;Or maybe her style is a bit tousled, like Angie's, but it <i>never</i> looks like bedhead. Her nails are neat, and if there is polish, it's not chipping.&nbsp;Her makeup is subtle but always there; she never has lipstick on her teeth&nbsp;and her face isn't an oil slick by lunchtime. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438929 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:55:24 +0000 Staysfit 1438929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of polished as attention to all the details in a way that they all work harmoniously, but they each are finished and attended to individually as well. That would include grooming, hair, makeup, nails, jewelry, shoes, handbag, undergarments, coats, and of course the outfit itself. I would be remiss if I didn't mention posture and attitude as being a big component. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438928 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:55:04 +0000 Anonymous 1438928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It&nbsp;<i>is&nbsp;</i>an interesting descriptor (I feel like I've typed this word - descriptor -&nbsp;&nbsp;about 10 times in the past couple of days) in that I know exactly what it looks like, but am not sure I could use specific words to illustrate it. &nbsp;The lack of polish is maybe easier to describe: messy, rumpled, no clear attention paid to creating &nbsp;"look" , details left unattended (maybe a missed belt, wrong hosiery, etc, no real hair look, no makeup etc) . &nbsp;I can visual easily friends in both camps. &nbsp;Unfortunately, unpolished can sound and look like a&nbsp;negative word, especially to those of us who have polish as a goal at any and all times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438927 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:54:57 +0000 Suz 1438927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a great question, <b>Ann.</b> Neat, tidy, spic and span and even, literally "shiny" is part of it. (Shiny hair, glowing skin, etc.) This is one reason <b>Angie </b>epitomizes it. &nbsp;I also think harmony is part of polish or contributes to a more polished appearance.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>gryffin</b>, I think I tend to envision&nbsp;polished as tailored, too -- or maybe it is easier to achieve polish with a tailored style? But then I think of someone like our <b>Deborah</b> from Oz. Her style&nbsp;is not tailored yet is very polished (IMO).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438925 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:50:51 +0000 shipskitty 1438925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Polished evokes several different things to me which I think<br /> individually or collectively can make an outfit or individual seem polished:</p> <ul> <li>A high degree of attention to general grooming and outfit<br /> finish.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Tailoring, fit and perceived quality of the components<br /> included in the outfit.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sophistication derived from the way components of an outfit complement or 'go' with&nbsp;each other.</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438922 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:44:08 +0000 Debbie 1438922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie is the definition of polished to me. She has all the details together. She always looks elegant. I think some of it may be inherent. I think everyone perceives it differently. I can't seem to achieve the polish I am after but if you ask me to articulate what's missing I can't tell you that either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438906 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 23:16:25 +0000 kkards 1438906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>like gryffin. i tend to think of polished as tailored, and complete, i.e. all the pieces fit together and work towards the same end. i think of&nbsp;polished as having an&nbsp;edge to it, but is not edgy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438888 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:38:16 +0000 gryffin 1438888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann - that's an interesting question and more complex as I think of it.&nbsp; I know what you mean, you know it when you see it!&nbsp; To me polished is, like elegance, an attention to detail - fit, harmony&nbsp;and quality being key.&nbsp; I tend to also think of polished as tailored - but I'm wrestling if this is due to my personal style.&nbsp; I'm not sure.&nbsp; To reference Caro's thread - from a book she mentioned "Simple isn't easy" - understated, appropriate, ease - and I'd add harmony of detail would be polished to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-does-polished-mean-to-you#post-1438885 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:31:23 +0000 Ann in New England 1438885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I think about my style goals and descriptors, I happened upon the term "polished." I remember a boss of mine once remarking on a customer, whom she described that way. I feel like I know it when I see it, but what would be the identifiable traits that someone would have if they were, indeed, "polished?" What does it mean for you? </p>