https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:49:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1674408 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:59:11 +0000 jill58 1674408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think so many of the people featured in <i>Advanced Style</i> radiate sophistication--Beatrix Ost,&nbsp;Jenny Hirschowitz, Linda Rodin --- as well as lesser know subjects of Ari Seth Cohen's street photography. Maybe it's the character and self-knowledge that comes with aging combined with a continued desire to dress well.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1674380 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:14:46 +0000 Anonymous 1674380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to read more and add that I think whimsy can be sophisicated if it is subtle and educated. Not everyone will see it or "get" it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1674324 Mon, 06 Jun 2016 20:01:12 +0000 Anonymous 1674324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A sophisticated woman dresses in a way that allows her to move freely and comfortably through her own life but also through unusual and unfamiliar territory.<br />I don't think it's item specific or necessarily expensive, and it's not always elegant, although it often will be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1669564 Mon, 30 May 2016 12:13:20 +0000 Janet 1669564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I'm finally going to chime in here. I composed a response days ago and then it got lost when I went to post. </p> <p>It's interesting to read some of the more strict definitions of sophistication. But considering that it's one part of my aspirational style rubric, I feel the need to give this a little thought. </p> <p>To me, "sophisticated" can be a modifier. Obviously, I am not an all-over pearls and pencil skirts and sleek hair kind of woman -- it doesn't suit my lifestyle or my personality. However, I strive for (not sure if I attain it as often as I should) an element of sophistication in my rock'n'roll, casual style. </p> <p>What that means is that if I'm going to wear jeans and a tee and boots, at least one component of that look needs to lend some element of sophistication -- a grown-up style that makes it clear that even though I am a casual, creative, "young-feeling" person, I am still most definitely a mature, responsible, pulled-together adult. To me, that means the following:</p> <p>- an overall color pallette that is mostly neutral or fairly tonal. I default to outfits in neutrals plus one color at most.<br /> - streamlined silhouettes<br /> - perfect fit<br /> - not wearing too many trends at once<br /> - including at least one "modern classic" piece<br /> - not much embellishment or extraneous detail (not too much hardware etc)<br /> - avoiding any "girlie" elements -- no ruffles, bows, etc.</p> <p>So I think sophistication can exist in a look along with other things like an element of whimsy or toughness. I don't believe they have to be mutually exclusive. However, I do believe there is a tipping point where such elements can change the balance so the overall impression is not so much one of sophistication. But we all have different goals and needs when it comes to this, right? So it's only natural we see it In varying ways. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1669439 Mon, 30 May 2016 01:29:57 +0000 Anonymous 1669439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sophisticated clothing has a high level of refinement and polish, and so should the one who wears it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1669113 Sun, 29 May 2016 13:40:26 +0000 Anonymous 1669113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great topic to chew on. If Pinterest were not such a pain,. I'd want to look for examples of casually sophisticated looks. I suppose Emmauelle Alt is queen of sophisicated casual. She can wear double denim and look sophisticated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1669017 Sun, 29 May 2016 07:24:24 +0000 rachylou 1669017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course, Gaylene has the right of it In my mind, it's the difference between Emmanuelle Alt in skinnies and heels and Olivia Palermo in the same.</p> <p>But gosh darn it, one still wants desperately to find an item of clothing that says 'sophisticated' all by itself.</p> <p>(Oh, ok...argue with me about whether Olivia is sophisticated ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668984 Sun, 29 May 2016 03:25:04 +0000 Olen 1668984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, well said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668874 Sat, 28 May 2016 21:33:05 +0000 Gaylene 1668874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What makes an item, or outfit, "sophisticated"? </p> <p>Simple answer: the woman wearing it. It's perfectly possible to put exactly the same outfit on two different women with one looking utterly sophisticated and elegant--and the second looking like a poor imitation. Sophistication (and elegance) are in the eye of the beholder; it's the impression a woman creates by the WAY she wears her clothes, not the clothes themselves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668781 Sat, 28 May 2016 15:20:35 +0000 April 1668781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This will not help you if you never hang out with little people, but one of the best descriptors I can provide of "sophisticated" is this: a sophisticated look is not likely to be immediately adored by four-and five-year-old girls. &nbsp;</p> <p>Now, of course not all preschool girls are the same, but I taught preschool for a long time and I can tell you that at that age, most little girls respond better to glitter and sparkle, flounciness, pink and/or purple. &nbsp;They want Betsey Johnson, not Helmut Lang.</p> <p>That's just how they roll. &nbsp;</p> <p>Not helpful? &nbsp;Yeah, well, I try.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668574 Sat, 28 May 2016 02:52:15 +0000 Beth Ann 1668574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think sophistication has a bit of graciousness to it -- an awareness of the environment. &nbsp;I once heard someone describe sophistication as the ability to fill any vessel one is poured into with grace and ease -- Audrey Hepburn on her UNESCO trips, for example. &nbsp;</p> <p>What about using Jackie O as muse, and adopting little elements of her style into your outfits. &nbsp;Her glasses, a polished hairstyle, classic turtlenecks. &nbsp;It doesn't need to be head to toe, since it's not about copying, but rather about inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668410 Fri, 27 May 2016 21:23:39 +0000 Laura 1668410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Goldenpig, I love all your outfits! That dress in photo #1 is outrageously gorgeous on you, especially when matched with that clutch. Love how you can make something sophisticated &amp; playful at the same time although the first word out of my mouth after seeing your outfits is "gorgeous!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668299 Fri, 27 May 2016 18:18:55 +0000 cjh 1668299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i><b></b></i>@goldenpig, of all your outfits (beautiful, by the way), #2 says sophisticated to me. I tend to agree with Heather that whimsical is not generally included in sophisticated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668242 Fri, 27 May 2016 17:01:16 +0000 Summer 1668242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it means beautiful fabrics, clean, uncluttered lines, minimal but well-considered accessories - pearls come to mind - and a sleek hairstyle.<br />Angie has pointed out that any colour can be sophisticated, but I think that neutrals and darker colours are <i>more likely</i> to convey sophistication than,say, baby pink.&nbsp; It all depends on the wearer, of course.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668229 Fri, 27 May 2016 16:31:13 +0000 Chris987 1668229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale, &nbsp;that makes sense. Getting good at things mostly does require practice </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668207 Fri, 27 May 2016 16:02:09 +0000 Aziraphale 1668207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris987 -- about the seeming oxymoron of "deliberate" and "effortless": it's not, really. People who are good at a particular thing make it <i>look</i> effortless, but it's almost always the result of years of deliberate practice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668182 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:25:53 +0000 texstyle 1668182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the opposite of my own style. :-). I used to want to dress more sophisticated. I think it's very helpful when you are striving for success.&nbsp; Now I want to dress like I'm on vacation at the lake. </p> <p>I think of sophistication as having a serious tone to dressing that is stylish and a little less approachable - professional, pulled together, attention to detail in hair style, nails, skin care, stylish clothing without trying too hard, a little classic maybe even formal I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1668174 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:13:58 +0000 Chris987 1668174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whew, what a great discussion! I don't know about the rest of you but I have really learned a LOT from this. Here is my attempt to summarize what y'all had to say with a few of my own thoughts added. I think for me this would be just ONE of my style descriptors, my lifestyle is not suited to being sophisticated all the time. </p> <p></p> <p>---------------------------------------</p> <p>Sophisticated is just one approach to style (of many); it is not better or worse than any other style. Adding a little whimsy or boho etc can still leave you with a basically sophisticated style. </p> <p>Here are the general guidelines....not hard fasts rules</p> - grown up and somewhat serious&nbsp;<br />- Well-fitted, suited to body type, tailored, looks comfortable<br />- Streamlined shapes <br />- fit the wearer in terms of personality and lifestyle<br />- Polished high quality fabrics; mostly solids with limited prints<br />- Modern and well-groomed hair, nails, face/makeup (although does not require nail polish or a lot of makeup etc) plus good posture and self confidence<br />- Most people think of neutral colors but not really limited to that <br />- Shoes and bag that are stylish and go well with outfits and are of&nbsp;high quality (or look it), and generally meet the other descriptions<br />- Nothing that reads too strongly like a particular career/job or trend (unless it reads "sophisticated fashion stylist" ) <br />- Modern or classic...with just a little trendy<br />- Deliberate, effortless, elegant, timeless...although I'm not sure how to be deliberate and effortless at the same time </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1667976 Fri, 27 May 2016 03:43:56 +0000 heather.enhui 1667976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Goldenpig - that bag in #11 is calling my name. I love to have whimsical details in my outfits, so I'm really wondering about your question. My first thought is that whimsical touches are not sophisticated, but interested to know what others think.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1667973 Fri, 27 May 2016 03:30:12 +0000 goldenpig 1667973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok wait...sophisticated outfits cannot be fun or playful? I am in trouble then! I do want to look sophisticated, but I don't want to take myself Too Seriously. What about matchy matchy or whimsy? I generally consider Kate Spade a sophisticated brand but does carrying a fun purse or clutch automatically make an outfit unsophisticated? Just wondering!</p> <p>OK examples 1-5 don't have any whimsy in them. (ETA: whoops, a dragonfly cuff sneaked by in #5 and koi fish in #4, LOL).<br />6-7 are super matchy.<br />8-12 all with whimsy. Beetle/dragonfly, camera clutch, Star Wars, ice cream truck clutch.<br />Would you consider the first five outfits more sophisticated than the rest? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1667963 Fri, 27 May 2016 02:41:16 +0000 tulle 1667963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen, Rabbit!&nbsp; And that playful "cheekiness" (great word!) is what makes your posts so appealing for me.&nbsp; You understand your look perfectly, and you have fun with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated/page/2#post-1667945 Fri, 27 May 2016 01:58:49 +0000 Jaime 1667945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I like the contrast between grown up and fun. Both are good but the former is sophisticated. I went sandal shopping with DD and she picked out a plain leather strap sandal instead of a shiny pair with little flowers. I told her I love them - they are so sophisticated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667791 Thu, 26 May 2016 22:19:12 +0000 Traci 1667791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to "grown up"! &nbsp;That's the first thought for me.</p> <p>I asked my 18 year old daughter what it means to her and she said it is similar to "hoity toity" but without the negative implications. &nbsp;This makes sense to me because there are clothes we would describe as too sophisticated for her because of age or lifestyle.</p> <p>Also, yes to Rachy's notion of "knowledge of the world". &nbsp;I think that summarizes a piece to sophistication that goes beyond the polish and tailoring that also comprise sophistication. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667786 Thu, 26 May 2016 22:09:43 +0000 Vildy 1667786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think sophisticated is knowing. And then you can choose what to do about what you know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667774 Thu, 26 May 2016 21:38:52 +0000 rabbit 1667774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Sophisticated looks are</i><b><i>&nbsp;grown-up. </i><br /></b><i></i></p> <i><br /> </i> <p><i></i><br /><i>A sophisticated style is stylish, but you don't need to look sophisticated to look stylish.<br /> </i></p> <p>Reading through the comments and nodding my head. &nbsp;What strikes me is that sophisticated isn't associated with&nbsp;<i><b>fun</b></i>. &nbsp;Not that it can't be enjoyable to dress in a sophisticated manner, but for me it's fundamentally about being serious --- taking oneself seriously, and being taken seriously by others. &nbsp; So maybe the elements of fun, and play and humor, and cheekiness can be part of style, but not really part of a sophisticated outfit or presentation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667761 Thu, 26 May 2016 20:58:13 +0000 rachylou 1667761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Waiting to start my bday festivities...me me me! ...oh and just had the thought that my idea of sophisticated really does involve knowledge of the world. Classic to me is a different ballgame. Although, I think peeps with another style can have touches of sophistication. Am I a tyrant? Blame it on my mum. She's very particular about how she doles out this word. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667748 Thu, 26 May 2016 20:46:44 +0000 Anonymous 1667748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Timeless<br />Clean lines<br />Polished<br />Not exaggerated </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667742 Thu, 26 May 2016 20:40:31 +0000 Chris987 1667742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow so much great stuff here, I'm going to have to catch up with it all tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667736 Thu, 26 May 2016 20:35:16 +0000 Aziraphale 1667736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol you DO NOT look like a concentration camp survivor Give it three weeks -- it'll have grown out a titch, plus you'll have gotten used to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-item-or-outfit-sophisticated#post-1667734 Thu, 26 May 2016 20:31:58 +0000 Suz 1667734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, thank you <b>Elisabeth</b>. In my better moments I think it is sophisticated. In my worse moments I think it is a bit post-chemo or concentration camp survivor...oy!!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>