https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:01:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer/page/2#post-484447 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:08:02 +0000 Lisa 484447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread, that's for starting this. I find I want to say killer to someone's outfit when I see their photo and just go "wow." Maybe it's the fit, the colors, the textures, but something about the ensemble really catches my eye and I think the person just looks wonderful in the outfit. I find this far easier to do with members who have posted outfits before, having a reference of what I've seen them in, helps me to notice when an outfit "pops" out at me. For myself, any outfit that I am wearing and notice and extra bounce in my walk, or my head held a tad higher, are the one's I feel killer in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer/page/2#post-484293 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:47:11 +0000 Sara L. 484293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating conversation! I'm still learning about my style and find this conversation quite illuminating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer/page/2#post-484204 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:47:16 +0000 Angie 484204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't manage to get back to this thread because I was with a client all day, but I am SO impressed and also so very grateful for your insights and understanding into the "killer-phenomenon". You are all very spot on - and this makes my heart happy. I also appreciate your very kind words. THANK YOU. </p> <p>The most important things to remember are that:</p> <p>- style is an expression of individuality. YOU make your style, it does not make you. </p> <p>- there is no one way to be stylish.</p> <p>There are plenty of forum members here who have polar opposite styles - yet both sets of styles are KILLER. Just different. </p> <p>The crux of the matter is to be able to absorb and offer feedback through that person's style filter. If you can only see style through your own filter, it's hard to appreciate a style that is different to your own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer/page/2#post-484104 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:54:08 +0000 HelenInCanada 484104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best thread ever. I loved reading about the psychology behind the ultimate compliment!</p> <p>Killer worthy for me seems to be first a visceral reaction (upon the first look, a smile appears or a jaw drops) which leads me to examine the outfit more closely to see how all the elements were put together to create that WOW effect. I wholehearedly agree that when Angie endorses an outfit, it DOES trigger me to scrutinize it very well and figure out how it earned the honour! </p> <p>I trust Angie's eye because she's been successfully dressing people for years, and has been on the front lines of fashion where she can assess the hits and misses first hand. I've noticed a lot of naturally visual people here on YLF too who have a similar gift and have really helped those of us who are not so visually inclined. I love having that guidance - because I'm more of a kinesthetic person (feeler), I tend to haphazardly assess my outfits by how I "feel" in them, and it's often a hit or miss, but I'd MUCH prefer to have a trained, expert eye help me KNOW why a outfit works or doesn't work. I love style and fashion, but I'm learning so, so much here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer/page/2#post-484090 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:29:21 +0000 Transcona Shannon 484090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jean, I'm so glad you started this conversation. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the comments and have learned from them as well. For me, I'm finding KILLER to be a combination of how I feel in the outfit and how others perceive the outfit. I need to feel good in it - comfortable, well fitting, good colouring. But it also should strike a chord with those looking at the outfit - is it visually pleasing, contains interesting elements, etc. I think this relates to the type of compliments that mean the most to me - instead of someone saying "what a beautiful blouse" I would rather hear "that blouse is beautiful on you". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-484084 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:11:25 +0000 Aida 484084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I very very much enjoyed reading this thread! Everyone has such great insight into this idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-484018 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:24:40 +0000 Ornella 484018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic, fantastic question Jean and great list of criteria, so exhaustive but still very free and open for interpretations. Plus Suz's own additions are brilliant and so insightful. And, of course, Angie's take on things rounds it all up. The key IS in individual approach (and how blessed are we that Angie shares so selflessly her gift to "see" everyone!)</p> <p>I think we finally have a definition of KILLER, without it being limiting in any way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483937 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:43:10 +0000 Vicki 483937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread and I agree with Suz that it is an individualized process and Angie's comments on Killer and K-worthy really explain the person-specfic assistance we are all getting from her and our fab forum friends and makes perfect sense. I see it as a personal journey in finding my own style and joining on the road with Angie as my guide makes this an adventure in personal discovery. That's why it is so rewarding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483880 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:03:41 +0000 Suz 483880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the shout out, GP! </p> <p>My powers as a critic outstrip my powers as an outfit maker. But maybe that's a good sign...we are always one step of ourselves in art. </p> <p>I didn't really add the final, even more elusive part of all this: The outfits I feel are k-worthy are the outfits I LOVE! They might be completely different than something I would wear; in fact, I often love most the things that work for others (and would not work for me.) One amazing gift of the forum is that it allows us to vicariously experience wearing things we'd never be able to wear IRL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483837 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:06:18 +0000 catgirl 483837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GP, I think the remarkable thing about Angie is that she is able to look at everyone's style for what it is, rather than trying to convert everyone to "her" teams. Or if there's a bias, she acknowledges it openly, just like a good anthropologist would, so you can take that into consideration. That flexibility with what is K-worthy is what pushed me to explore my own boundaries more, knowing that I wasn't going to be an outcast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483827 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:58:02 +0000 goldenpig 483827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread! Thanks for posting Jean! Like Angie says, your whole style is killer and I love seeing all of your outfits!</p> <p>I just wanted to say that I am impressed with Suz's ability to predict killer status from Angie! Whenever Suz says "k-worthy", Angie chimes in with KILLER. So Suz definitely has a great understanding of what makes it killer and I totally agree with the criteria she listed (and Jean's list too). Killer is usually the best examples of each member's style and pushing their own fashion boundaries, and I appreciate that Angie knows us so well that she can individualize it so well like that. And I think also having something that is unique or an interesting twist or detail makes it more likely to be killer.</p> <p>Another observation for myself, now that I have been lucky to get several killer ratings. Initially I thought I was only getting killer ratings for my more subdued, somber minimal outfits, like monochromatic looks. I thought that it was harder to get killer ratings for my ALGO outfits because Angie prefers minimalism. But I know MaryK has gotten plenty of killer ratings and now I have gotten some killers for my ALGO outfits too (double animal print, fall floral patterned skirt with cranberry and cognac) so I know that's totally not true! I think when I go all out crazy ALGO (like my raspberry lemon chocolate outfit or my triple pattern mixing outfits) Angie doesn't like that so much, but when I'm a little more restrained and classy ALGO she likes it a lot more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483820 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:45:40 +0000 at 483820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips..might I chime in?</p> <p>I feel that one of the most important things that makes an outfit killer is attitude. And that comes with comfort, of course, as already stated above, but also a great deal of self-confidence that goes beyond the outfit we choose on that day. </p> <p>Ideally the attitude is cultivated first so it's omnipresent but it is certainly inevitable that some outfits, perhaps it is showing off our best feature, or resonate with our deepest desires and inner style makes us feel like goddesses. (not necessarily of the vampy kind, just full of allure, I've seen women decked out in laidback tomboy style that looks just so amazing!)</p> <p>And I think that attitude, allure and your personal running commentary is ultimately what makes people look twice and I really believe this can't be faked but rather trained.</p> <p>:)</p> <p>So perhaps, what makes an outfit killer is how you feel when you put it on that brings out strong doses of the elusive attitude and allure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483793 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:43:43 +0000 celia 483793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurking for a little bit.I confess I was curious about Angie's answer on this subject and as always I was not disapointed.One of the things that makes this forum and blog so special is the integrity and consistency in Angie's commentaries and advices. In fact her trained eye always leads us in our own right path.</p> <p>As for me I have wondered also this, both in the forum and in real life.And although I agree with the lists you all gave for me an outfit is killer when I like it despite myself.Meaning, even if I don't understand it, when it's not my style,I still love it and it sets that person apart.</p> <p>And I also reached a conclusion of my own, I don't have the necessity of being killer every day with every outfit.Although I want to be well dressed , sometimes I am happy to be appropriatelly dressed, others quircky, others confortable . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483770 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:13:49 +0000 morethanbeige 483770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! Much food for thought. Jean, I love your list and Suz, your additions. I also love the *comparing is not a good thing* in artistic areas. It has to come from within me and it's the connection of me to my environment (trends, etc) that make the magic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483753 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:47:41 +0000 Suz 483753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay. I have mulled. I think I am most likely to use the k-word about someone's outfit if: </p> <p>It meets the criteria Jean already stated</p> <p>AND, it either: </p> <p>1. Seems like a stretch for the person, a bit of a risk. Moves her out of her comfort zone. I get really excited when I see a LEAP. Someone has posted a bunch of good or even great outfits for a while and then all of a sudden does something unexpected. </p> <p>OR</p> <p>2. Adds a playful element that might have been missing before. Shows a loosening, a freedom. </p> <p>OR</p> <p>3. Shows discipline that may have been lacking in previous outfits; a sense of focus. </p> <p>OR</p> <p>4. Seems like a perfect embodiment of that person's style persona.</p> <p>ETA: I guess in this I have just been trying to define that elusive WOW factor, which, as Jean states, does not have to be flashy at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483718 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:58:42 +0000 Sona 483718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting post. I really like how Angie explained that 'killer' is very individual. Also I feel when one pushes one's style boundaries in a good way or wears an on trend item- even if that might mean wearing your grandma's midi altered when midis came back that does tend to be more likely to be 'killer'. It doesn't necessarily mean buying trendy pieces or not sticking to your own individual styles but pushing the button a bit while staying true to your own style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483702 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:08:24 +0000 citygirldc 483702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe if you truly feel great in the outfit you are wearing (you usually know), then that makes a killer outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483699 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:19:10 +0000 Suz 483699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love that description, thunaluta!! Yes, I do that...and also the "I predict Angie will say the k-word about this one!" if I get there first. When she does, I feel almost as affirmed as the person wearing the outfit! </p> <p>You made some very interesting observations, too. I wonder if the k-rating results from those elements all playing so well together, or if we simply pay more attention to them once we see the k-rating?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483697 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:45:21 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 483697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurking as so pleased you posted this as it's something I've wondered about for a long time...</p> <p>One thing I have noticed about 'killer' outfits is that when I look at them I find myself noticing individual items. So the outfit allows you to appreciate something new, whether it's the colour/texture of a jacket or scarf, or the shape of a dress, or a crisp button down; I find myself appreciating it in a new way.</p> <p>Each item in the killer outfit has its own important part and I find myself dwelling on it in turn, whether it's the star of the show, or a subtle black turtleneck that allows you to notice the shape of other things put with it.</p> <p>Does anyone else play this game?<br /> Look at a photo, think, oh yes that's a killer, scroll down to see Angie's comment and if it *is* a KILLER emit a silent 'yesssss' inside... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483683 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:19:40 +0000 Marley 483683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very helpful! I realized a few months into participating on the YLF forum that everybody's "killer" rating was different - all depending on where they were in their process of defining and refining their own unique style - and like Una, it freed me up to focus on how I WANTED to dress, rather than on how I thought I SHOULD dress. A BIG step for me - I had permission to be who I was! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483667 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:42:40 +0000 catgirl 483667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list! </p> <p>Angie recently pointed out what she did here, about each person having their own version of KILLER, and that was a huge epiphany for me. I feel it freed me to dress how I want and find the best version of my own style, instead of copying those I desperately admired but couldn't manage for whatever reason (body type, weather, different comfort levels, skill)... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483628 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:49:57 +0000 Anonymous 483628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jean, I love your list and reading the responses. When posting outfits I know I'd like ideas for taking an ok outfit making it killer, if possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483607 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:21:15 +0000 Sveta 483607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Debbie, what an astute comment about Angie's ability. Brilliant!<br /> Jean, this is a wonderful list, it gives so much food for thought. Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483597 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:07:40 +0000 Debbie 483597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jean I love you list. It has given me quite a bit to think about. I think my outfits that are the best are the ones I grab and go. If I have too much time to think i tend to over think.<br /> Angie I think you have a gift that's rare. You know where we are going on our journey's before we do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483596 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:06:09 +0000 Angie 483596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for chiming back in, Ana :)</p> <p>Loved the way you said that Suz: A killer rating is highly individualized. That's much more eloquent than how I put it. Thanks for that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483590 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:50:22 +0000 Ana 483590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just saw your edited comment. Thanks, Angie.</p> <p>ETA: I don't usually add a lot of introspection about the outfit because I don't want to unduly influence members of the forum. I don't want someone to feel like they can't be honest if they don't think my outfit is killer, but I write that I feel like it's killer. Does that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483589 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:49:37 +0000 Suz 483589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the outfits that made us feel killer, even if they don't rate the K-word from Angie and don't get rave reviews on the forum, have much to teach us. What are the elements that made us feel happy and stylish? By discerning them, maybe we can come up with outfits that WILL be k-worthy. </p> <p>I think yours is a great list, jean. And I've also noted what Angie says; her ratings are highly individualized, and have to do with her intuitive sense of where that person's style is headed. Because it doesn't really make sense to hold everyone to an identical standard. Not least because what looks K on you would not look K on me! </p> <p>I'm going to do a bit more thinking about the outfits that jump out at me and make me want to say the K word. I know fit/proportion/colours are key. But it must be more than that, too, because we all wear many outfits that are pleasing in all these ways, yet lack a certain wow factor. </p> <p>Off to ponder.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483582 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:42:55 +0000 Angie 483582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! We posted at the same time. It always amuses me :)</p> <p>(I added onto my last comment in case you missed it). </p> <p>Right back at you Jean, for being so sweet and very complimentary. You *know* that you rock my style world. Thanks for understanding my thoughts and position too. High five for reiterating that comparing is not a good thing in the artistic world. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483581 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:42:34 +0000 Mochi 483581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's pretty interesting that (to me, anyway) this topic also brings up the whole duality of getting dressed--you're doing it both for yourself and for the outside world. In fact, at least for most people, you're going to be seen a lot more than you'll be looking at yourself. And to different people, one or the other is much more important. I like to think I dress for myself....</p> <p>Anyway, the whole "killer" factor...it's truly the $64,000 question, isn't it? If it were that easy to break it down, wouldn't life be grand? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-an-outfit-killer#post-483569 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:34:01 +0000 greenglove 483569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie- you are so sweet, I know how supportive you are and that you "get" my style in a way that just delights me. It is worth more than you can imagine because of how much I respect your expertise and discerning eye.<br /> Your effort in understanding other's styles that are very different than your own is a gift and I am one of the recipients. I agree totally that a killer for one is not for another. </p> <p>Comparing is not ever a good thing in artistic areas. I just had to do a critique where the most successful students were completely different from one another, completely themselves. Their work all had certain principals in common which made them excellent.<br /> Glad that my list made sense to you and thank you for piping in !! </p>