https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:13:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172632 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:03:35 +0000 E 1172632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>JAileen, that's an interesting comparison! Oksana reminds me of the way Disney Princesses are always drawn. I wonder if we'd call them fussy if they were real people vs cartoons?</div><div><br /></div><div>Aubergine, yes, I should have clarified that for special occasions I don't expect my footwear to be able to go for a hike! lol I just don't have many of those occasions in my life. I like your definition of fussy as decoration that's 'not pulling its weight.' That's interesting that you try to stay away from certain markers of femininity to balance your other leanings that way. I think I do that to a certain extent as well, which is why I have so much grey in my wardrobe!</div><div><br /></div><div>Joy, very true re: maximal &amp; simple both having their place! Ugh, scratchy fabric is the worst; I'm so picky about how my clothes feel against my skin. I don't usually think of others as fussy either!</div><div><br /></div><div>Gigi, I think I subconsciously try to balance my 'fussy' details for sure. I really like what Caro says about giving the eye a place to rest, and I wonder if that's why I've never felt any desire to pattern mix! The thing about little details too, though, is that they don't always show up from a distance, even the distance of a WIW photo (hence why I take close ups too). So I think that affects things too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth Ann, I'm all about the close-up items! Your analysis does help, so thank you.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172399 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:18:49 +0000 Beth Ann 1172399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, yes!&nbsp; I've been thinking about these things too, although in my case, dressing <i>boldly</i> and fussy would be a hot mess -- like something out of an 80's sitcom!&nbsp; I'm choosing to think of one big focus, like strong color, and one "close-up" item -- you know, the kind of detail that is viewed by people close enough to be, well, <i>close</i> to you!&nbsp; </p> <p>Your outfits have lots of details, but they harmonize well -- playing in ensemble, rather than fighting for featured solo.&nbsp; You also send toward mid-tones and low contrast, which lends a relaxed calm to your dressing. </p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172311 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 06:56:05 +0000 Gigi 1172311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I couldn't read all the comments, but I liked what Day Vies said. My first reaction to "fussy" is that it means *lots* of intricate feminine details--ruffles, bows, pink detailing--as Day pointed out. There would be so many of these details&nbsp;that the outfit would go from being feminine to being saccharine.</p> <p>So, if that is the case, then your outfits would not be considered "fussy" (imho). They are "fussier" than many people's, since you do wear more intricate feminine details than most (small prints, little pins, brooches), but there are not so many of these details&nbsp;that the outfit crosses the line into saccharine.</p> <p>In determining your own style, maybe over time you will notice that you can combine, say, only up to&nbsp;three "possibly fussy" elements to avoid going over the top. Or maybe you will see that if you wear one "fussy" detail in a large expanse (as in a print on a full skirt), your other two "fussy" details have to be small ones.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fun discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172282 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 05:42:04 +0000 Anonymous 1172282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love JAileen's example!&nbsp; I don't think that there is anything wrong with fussy if that is what one likes to wear.&nbsp; It may have to do with personality or the way they move.&nbsp; Both maximal and simplicity have their place.&nbsp; What may be fussy to one may be someone else's comfort.&nbsp; What is most fussy to me is something that doesn't fit well or is scratchy or a fabric that catches on things or is a lint and pet hair magnet...that sort of thing.&nbsp; I seldom think of anything that someone else is wearing as fussy unless it looks like an instrument of torture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172260 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 05:14:44 +0000 Anonymous 1172260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I'm applying it to myself, "fussy" more or less means something&nbsp;dressy, decorative, uncomfortable, or&nbsp;impractical that isn't pulling its weight for me. </p> <p>For example, wearing high heels to a fancy event isn't fussy at all for me&nbsp;because it's part of feeling like I'm dressed the way I'm supposed to be. Wearing heels instead of more polished&nbsp;flats for a situation where either one would be fine,&nbsp;like work or a nice-ish dinner out, doesn't feel fussy if I really love the shoes or the outfit just looks better to me with heels. But it's another story if&nbsp;I don't feel like the heels are bringing something to the&nbsp;outfit that justifies the comfort trade-off and the possibility of feeling overdressed for the situation.</p> <p>Another example for me&nbsp;is camisoles with lace trim. I used to have a few of them, but they always annoyed me. The lace always seemed like it was one element too many when I was wearing a bold&nbsp;pattern&nbsp;or more dramatic accessories, but that one measly strip of cheap lace&nbsp;never seemed interesting enough to justify paring down the other stuff to let it stand out.</p> <p>I don't really strive for "feminine but not fussy" on purpose,&nbsp;but I think it's my default. Since I like dresses and soft fabrics, and since my figure and hair are very conventionally feminine, I think I end up staying away from the kinds of colors and details that have come up as being associated with being "visually fussy" like pastels and ruffles and bows partly as a way to balance that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172152 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:37:00 +0000 JAileen 1172152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think of fussy I think of a lot going on, and when I think of a lot going on, I always think of Oksana Baiul, gold medal winning skater in the 1994 Olympics. Her outfit had not just a lot going on, but everything going on - sparkles, lace, feathers, and color. Contrast that with Nancy Kerrigan's outfit which I believe was designed by Vera Wang. It was very streamlined and monochromatic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172063 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:40:42 +0000 E 1172063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped, I agree that&nbsp;fussy is definitely related to femininity! The girlish/'innocent' kind of femininity too, vs say the bombshell version.&nbsp;It's almost like the phrase is saying 'feminine but not too feminine'. I agree, I evaluate my outfits on whether I like them or not, not what adjectives relate to them, but I think it's interesting to explore words too! Especially others' perceptions, since I can only see my outfits from my own view.</p> <p>Suz, I'm not sure it does, after all of this talking about it! hehe I liked it at the time, but I think I prefer more details than someone focused on being 'not fussy' would care for. It's funny, because I'm so verbal &amp; analytical, but when I'm shopping/putting outfits together, it's much more instinctive. So maybe that's why I haven't had to narrow it down to one catchy phrase! But I've had fun with this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172029 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:43:18 +0000 Suz 1172029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Faith -- however someone might describe the details of some of your outfits in the abstract, they do not appear 'fussy" on you. I like "sensibly feminine" and "cultivated nostalgia" as well...but if "feminine but not fussy" helps you more, go for it, I say! That's what it's all about, really -- some image, or phrase or persona that will allow you to shop with confidence for the looks that give you the highest happiness factor.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I think you already do that quite brilliantly.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ditto by the way what others have said about maximal style like Anna's&nbsp;not necessarily being "fussy." It might feel fussy to me, personally, (I mean to wear it)&nbsp;but I don't see it as "fussy" on others.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172026 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:35:44 +0000 unfrumped 1172026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As usual there are different ways to use the term. So at some point the adjectives break down and you just have to see if you like what YOU see.<br />Fussy as a verb, to fuss with (or with which to fuss!) or fussy in the little old lady sense, or like prissy, or even prim. Or sometimes I think fussy in the second sense overlaps with dated in ways I can't explain.</p> <p>It&nbsp; &nbsp;seems like it should be different from ALGO, but it probably overlaps. But fussy might have more prim&nbsp;GO&nbsp;whereas&nbsp;all-out Goth or something could&nbsp;be ALGO, but&nbsp; &nbsp;fussy wouldn't come to mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I think someone else noted this but fussy seems more likely to be linked to negative aspects of feminine clothing or styles (hence bows, frills, lace, delicacy) , and not just too many focal points. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1172000 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:32:29 +0000 E 1172000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoops, cross posted!</p> <p><div>Rabbit, oh yes, that photo definitely shows a fussy outfit. There are connotations of weakness and femininity to the word fussy (i.e.: if I picture a fussy man, I also picture an 'effeminite' one), in a way it's a very patriarchal word, so I appreciate your observations re: strength and power.</div><div><br /></div><div>Faith, oh, I like that disctinction of little details that are easily removed vs structural aspects of the clothes. I don't care to be frilly either, although I think at times I dance dangerously close to that line. I think Caro nailed it too. But the whole conversation has been fascinating!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1171996 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:26:44 +0000 E 1171996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>EveningMood, I was once a nanny to a toddler &amp; wore full skirts even then! hehe But I definitely didn't wear heels or more than one bag. Thnx for sharing your experiences with fussiness vs practicality!</div><div><br /></div><div>Cciele, hmmm: overly decorative! That's a fun definition, especially since everyone's going to have different thresholds of 'overly.'</div><div><br /></div><div>Caro, I love what you have to say and how you drew the comparison to art. And the idea of unnecessary/distracting details not allowing the eye to rest. Much food for thought!</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, sensibily feminine? Really, I should just be happy with what I came up with from the Style Statement book: cultivated nostalgia. It fits me quite well! I just found the feminine but not fussy phrase so appealing that I wanted to explore it. I have too many words I like! I do think I feel my best with at least a touch of quirkiness so Anna is definitely right!</div><div><br /></div><div>Day Vies, I think of soft fabrics too! I like that you allow a few details but not too many. And your comparison of every day dress vs party dress. All very true!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy/page/2#post-1171989 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:18:15 +0000 Faith 1171989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mind immediately goes to the connotation of visual fussiness, and, I confess, I may have initially made the immediate mental leap to one of my own preferred style descriptors, "feminine but not&nbsp;<i>frilly</i>."&nbsp;I do think there's something to the smallness of a detail rendering it fussy (in excess), however, as I would never describe a maximal style like Anna's as "fussy." I also think of the potentially-fussy as being extraneous, or on the surface, as Suz describes. I almost think of it as anything that could be easily removed -- by taking off a brooch or taking a seam ripper to a ruffle. All that said,&nbsp;I recognize the details in your outfits as potentially fussy when reading about them, but I don't find them fussy to look at, probably to Caro's point. And I emphatically&nbsp;<i>do not</i> read pleats as inherently fussy, either on skirts or on trousers (again, to Suz's point). Actually, the more I consider it, the more convinced I am that Caro has really nailed the issue -- fussiness does not allow the eye to rest. However feminine or even girlish your outfits, you're definitely not suffering from this problem! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171981 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:14:03 +0000 rabbit 1171981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love her to bits, but the dowager countess is my mental image of fussy dressing, in it's various definitions.&nbsp;</p> <p>But then again, it served a purpose and signaled things about her status and wealth. &nbsp;Part of the&nbsp;point of her&nbsp;elaborate clothes was that you needed a ladies maid to put them on and maintain them, and you wouldn't be doing anything physical in them of course, unless it was a riding or hunting&nbsp;outfit and you were decorously sitting sidesaddle.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me it's also a good example of how you can project strength and confidence no matter what style you favor, if it expresses you perfectly.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171959 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:57:08 +0000 Day Vies 1171959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think feminine but not fussy I think of fluid outfits particularly skirts and dresses in soft fabrics like chiffon or silk possibly a light weight cotton in a pastel however the details aren't tiny intricate like lace or eyelet, nor are they over done think several rows of ruffles, pintucking, draping, or gathers <i>and </i>pink <i>and </i>lace edging (OH NO!!!!). <br />Feminine but not fussy would use color and fabric, or 1 or 2 of the aforementioned details with a soft fabric. I tend to think of the difference in my mind's eye as between an every day dress that is conventionally pretty and a party dress which would have a lot more embellishment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171936 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:41:53 +0000 Suz 1171936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trust Caro to say something very smart that makes me think.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think that Anna hit on something with "quirky cute." But that is more about what your style IS than what it is NOT. (i.e. feminine but NOT fussy). Hmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>How about "practical pretty" ? &nbsp;That's how I see it, anyway.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171890 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:59:18 +0000 Caro in Oz 1171890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would break fussy into the two components as well. The&nbsp;personal aspect of comfort levels &amp;&nbsp;the visual one. </p> <p>I&nbsp;see visual fussiness as an outfit or painting or a room as one&nbsp;<span>full of <b>unnecessary</b> or <b>distracting </b>detail. Whether we see something as fussy&nbsp;may be in part to do with our leaning toward minimal or maximal outfits but imo it is more to do with where the eye rests. We need movement &amp; negative space to obtain&nbsp;visual balance. Picasso was able to achieve it&nbsp;with one line &amp; Monet did it with hundreds of brush strokes &amp; colour, so I don't think it is always about details.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree about fussy = hot weather :)</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171840 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:08:11 +0000 cciele 1171840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of "fussy" in two ways. 1, what EveningMood said -- opposite of practical and easy. 2, the dictionary definition, "overly decorative."</p> <p>So, both definitions are subjective, but I think 1 more than 2. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171820 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:47:22 +0000 EveningMood 1171820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fussy, for me, is the opposite of practical and easy. As a working mom, I am always on the run, and need my outfits to keep up with me. So, after my kids were born, skirts became fussy, jackets with more than three buttons impractical, jewellery time-consuming, using more than one bag impossible, high heels a bad idea, and so on. My clothes need to be easy to pair and wash and store, and I lack the energy to care for details! Your style is adorable, and I admire it but cannot imitate it, it's fussy for my lifestyle and lack of organization </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171813 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:42:15 +0000 E 1171813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Catnip, how interesting! Perhaps fussy is details/extras taken to a negative extreme while something like boring/dull would be simplicity taken to a negative extreme? Is chic always simple?</div><div><br /></div><div>How concise Ceit! I feel that way too. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Liz, that's an important distinction! I think you're on to something with the connotations of the word fussy: it implies a certain type of ALGO, doesn't it? Kind of like prissy. Hmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hil, I hate those types of clothes!</div><div><br /></div><div>Adorkable, very true. I don't think I own anything sequined actually!</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, ok so I don't have to be able to hike in every single one of my shoes. lol But I do expect to be able to walk around on a sidewalk for a mile or two (minimum) in all of them! That's a reflection of my life style though, which lacks black tie/fancy events. I understand why you don't care for small details &amp; embellishments: you look so beautiful and perfect in your simpler pieces! How good that you know yourself well enough now to not try to force that issue. I feel very uncomfortable in columns of colour, without any contrast, despite how nicely all kinds of people pull it off. I've pretty much given up on trying at this point, and instead make sure there's always a bit of contrast between my upper and lower halves.</div><div><br /></div><div>April, I never iron (unless I'm sewing &amp; something needs pressing)! lol I'm terrible at it &amp; things seem to wrinkle again shortly after I wear them anyway. But I can imagine that would be a useful test otherwise!</div><div><br /></div><div>TG, so perhaps fussy is the opposite of effortless?</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, I didn't realise until quite recently that not everyone could wear a belt at their waist without it moving! Mine literally don't move at all, either twisting or up and down, as long as they're at my belly button. That makes sense that you perceive fussy based on your own experiences!</div><div><br /></div><div>AviaMariah, I know an outfit is fussy when I find myself waiting to go to the bathroom because I don't want to have to readjust things afterwards. lol Good point!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pamela, it sounds like you're in the fussy as the opposite of effortless camp!</div><div><br /></div><div>Shedev, good to know!</div><div><br /></div><div>RachyLou, that makes a lot of sense!</div><div><br /></div><div>IK, I'm quite taken with the phrase 'humorously prim.' Thank you. :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Neel, ugh: if I ever wore Spanx I would find that terribly fussy too! I find bras fussy enough on their own.</div><div><br /></div><div>MG, everything feels fussy to me when the weather is over 95 degrees. It seems like a lot of us see fussy as the opposite of effortless.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alasse, how interesting re: the tucked cardigan! The only time I find tucking fussy is when the top doesn't want to be tucked and keeps pulling out, which is part of why my blouse collection is so large: the boxy ones I wear untucked over trousers don't work tucked into skirts! I don't judge others much as fussy either, come to think of it. I hate clothes that limit my range of motion too, which is why full skirts are such fun to wear! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, my mom is turning 54 this year, so I think you're about the same! I completely understand your point about style evolving over time, and I agree that all of the differences in people's style is what makes things so fun. I suppose I'm trying to decide if 'not fussy' is a useful addition to thinking about my style or not. I'm not sure any more: I think I could come up with a better word for it, one that celebrates my love of details more. But the basic idea of taking some aesthetic elements of traditional femininity without the accompanying constraints still appeals to me. (Which is after all the point of girly tomboy too, I think.)&nbsp;Thank you so much for all of the compliments. I promise I wasn't fishing for them, but I do appreciate them! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Gilly, that's a great way to put it: the outfit distracting from the person.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Anna! I've never seen your style as fussy just maximal &amp; definitely fun! To clarify, I wasn't necessarily saying unfussy is what we should be striving for, just wondering what a 'feminine but not fussy' style would look like.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171796 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:13:22 +0000 annagybe 1171796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think your style is fussy, more quirky cute.<br /> I wear lots of layers and often add statement necklaces. To others my look may seem fussy to them. But to me it's fun and maximal.<br /> The scrubs I wear at work are the epitome of unfussy. Why would I want to dress like I'm at work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171786 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 20:00:37 +0000 Gilly 1171786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fussy to me means details and add-ons to the point of distracting attention from the overall look and/or the person wearing it.</p> <p>If details detract from each other so you don't know what to look at, or you can't see the person for the outfit, I would call that fussy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171768 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:43:45 +0000 Suz 1171768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of these outfits look adorable on you. They are super fab.&nbsp;</p> <p>All of these outfits would feel "too fussy" to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>They would also feel too "girlish" to me. But I am probably your mother's age (if not older) so this makes sense. They wouldn't be age appropriate for me. </p> <p>At your age, I actually wore some similar (though not as thoughtfully put-together) outfits and at that time they were neither too girlish nor too fussy for me. Style evolves.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's personal. I don't judge other people for liking details that I don't care for on myself, or for looking good in things that would drive me bananas. Instead, I treasure them! It's more fun when the world is full of difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>You look terrific in every one of these. If I saw you walking towards me on the street, I&nbsp;&nbsp;would not think "What a fussy dresser." I would be much more likely to think, "What a cute young woman...she seems different from most of the others her age. She has something unique. I wonder what her interests are. I'll bet she is literary or arty."&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171764 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:39:10 +0000 Alassë 1171764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Outfit pairs: of the first set, #2 has more going on, but I wouldn't call it fussy. Of set 2, I wouldn't term either fussy. Of the trouser set, the 1st outfit reads as fussy to my eye - probably the tucked in cardigan, which if I wore would mean I was trying too hard to make the outfit work (so self-bias).&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, fussy is mostly what feels fussy - too much re-tucking or stiff button-downs or jackets that don't permit range of movement, or undue gathering up of skirts as well as the hitched step in a tight pencil skirt. Also something that feels "precious" to wear in that I'm afraid I'll ruin it.</p> <p>Seeing others' outfits: fussy is too many details that I think would be hard to wear, I guess. I don't think about it much or judge others as fussy (usually just ALGO).&nbsp;</p> <p>And may I say that I wholeheartedly agree with you that full skirts are not fussy? I got tired of defending myself as a late teen wearing almost exclusively skirts that I most certainly could run and hop over gates just as well. Nothing about full range of motion skirts prevents physical activity! Ahem, off soapbox. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171746 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:26:33 +0000 MuseumGal 1171746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fussy is so individual.&nbsp; For instance, I find long unbound hair to be incrediby fussy - it drives me bananas, and I'm always fussing or fiddling with it.&nbsp; But on other people it looks marvelously natural and simple.&nbsp; And I'm sure lots of people would find my necklaces to be incredibly fussy and/or clunky, but on me they are easy breezy comfy.&nbsp; Sometimes I even find my own scarves to be too fussy, especially when it's hot.&nbsp; </p> <p>Your detailed outfits are intentional and meaningful - if that's "fussy," then sign me up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171681 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 18:07:30 +0000 Neel 1171681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find bows, high heels, short skirts, hair falling on my face, spanx, even cami .... Fussy. But that's only on me. On others I don't really judge by the outfit alone. If the wearer is comfortable then I would term it non fussy. If it involves constant tugging, pulling, adjusting and discomfort in general .... It is fussy.</p> <p>So your outfits are not fussy for me. Since you wear them like second skin. At least that's what I feel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171649 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:43:05 +0000 ironkurtin 1171649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think those outfits are fussy.&nbsp; They are a little bit prim, but humorously so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171644 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:39:44 +0000 rachylou 1171644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fussy, to me, means there's stuff all over *it.* It's something that's been "made a fuss over." In general, I do think it's also a fuss to wear - you can't sit on the ground, you have to be careful not to brush against things, etc. etc. The stuff might fall off... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171633 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:34:35 +0000 E 1171633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to everyone who has replied! I'll try to reply individually later, but I wanted to add a more general reply now.&nbsp;I love the distinction between physical &amp; visual fussiness. So does my predilection for little details put me in the fussy camp?</p> <p>Going back through my WIWs, there are <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-candy-is-dandy-bringing-closet-orphans-back-into-the-fold">two</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-inspired-by-marie-laurencin-ballet">outfits</a> that I found physically fussy (in both cases due to the sweater: one too slippery, one too stiff)&nbsp;&amp; <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia">one</a> that, in retrospect, I can see I found visually fussy despite loving it in theory (it crossed the line into just too many details/points of interest).</p> <p>Luckily, I've worn the skirt from that last one in<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-folksy"> a different way</a>, which got a 'killer cute'&nbsp;from Angie as well as a lot of positive feedback. Both outfits have quite a few small-scale details though. Am I right in seeing the grey one as fussier than the blue one? Or is the difference between them unrelated to fussiness? The blue one definitely has a lot of small scale details from the bow to the buttons to the embroidery. So maybe I'm wrong.</p> <p>I've added another <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fairy-tale-inspired">two</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-inspired-by-astrid">skirt</a>&nbsp;outfits for comparison. I felt equally good in both of these outfits, both got excellent feedback from both Angie and the forum, and both involve the same elements: fitted knit top, full skirt, dark hosiery, belt/sash, and brooch. Both also include one colourful pattern and one solid dark neutral. Is the floral top one visually fussy because of its smaller scale pattern?</p> <p>Finally, there are <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-flaneuse">two</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-40s-inspired">trouser</a> outfits that both feature silk blouses complete with ruffles and bows and in one case little polka dots! Are these visually fussy? Would they read as fussier with a skirt vs the trousers or with colours vs the all neutrals?</p> <p>I'm really interested in this, because I feel like there's something lurking within that will help me determine when I cross the line from my norma detail loving self to overly embellished/cutesy, a kind of psychological fussiness as it were.</p> <p>(And to be clear: it won't hurt my feelings at all if you perceive some of the outfits I felt good in as visually fussy. I'm not looking to dramatically change my style to look less fussy, just wondering if the phrase 'feminine but not fussy' would be helpful to me or not. I'm very verbal, as I'm sure you've noticed by now, so these kinds of discussions help me tremendously. And I have a very thick skin!)</p> <p>Feel free to add your own visuals! I won't want this to be a discussion all about me, it just seemed easiest to use my old wiws to get more clarity on the small details aspect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171597 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:09:36 +0000 shedev 1171597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fussy to me means items that I have to fuss with. I have different descriptors for design details. I also think of things that have very specific care instructions to be fussy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-fussy#post-1171569 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 16:57:10 +0000 PamelaK 1171569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. Interesting question. Fussy is a state of mind, for me. So fussy is&nbsp;anything that contributes to the discomfort of my outfit, like the issues mentioned by several earlier,&nbsp;or describes anyone whose own discomfort seems based in or expressed by constantly adjusting details of their outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love seeing people who are happy and at ease&nbsp;in their clothes whether it is my style or not, regardless of embellishment or details. That is the antithesis of fussy. </p>