A Light Bulb Moment! - YouLookFab Forum

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A Light Bulb Moment!

Deborah

Veteran

I thought some Fabbers might appreciate this:)

Biscuitsmom was asking what to wear to meet Sal, and I tried not to stress over what to wear for my new assignment, and many times we stress over what to wear for events.

Well, this put it into perspective for me, particularly in relation to occasion dresssing, but it helped me find perspective with relation to dressing up for day to day 'events'.

I came across it on Who What Wear, and the writer was addressing what to wear to a fashion event, but I think it translates to other important events as well.

Simply her response was:

Think: your everyday style-but elevated!

I know it's simple but it was a bit of a light bulb moment for me:)

xxx Deborah

General

14 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

Lantana

Veteran

I like that, very much.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think it's a lightbulb if you know your style pretty well, as you do, Deborah. Even if you don't always articulate it verbally, you have a very clear vision of how you want to look.

But for those who don't have a clear style focus, this could be confusing. They might say, "But I don't HAVE a style, that's my problem!!"

Well, at least that is what I would have said. Even now this would be a bit tricky for me to put into practice. My everyday style is far more casual than my event dressing style (for most events) -- and simply telling myself to "elevate" it might not get me very far. Well, maybe I'd go shopping for heels, LOL.

More seriously, I think this strategy would serve me quite well if I could identify the elements of a style that make me feel "me." So, for example, in my case, a certain degree of simplicity (so I will go from sweater and jeans to a sheath dress, but not from sweater and jeans to a frilly fit-and-flare).

unfrumped

Veteran

That is a great and practical way to look at it.
The simplest analogy is the LBD , accessorized.
But it gets back to finding your go- to silhouettes and preferences. Pants- person can go to dressy pants and toppers. Pencil skirts can be lace or velvet. (These would be dressy occasions-- other " elevated occasions don't have to be dressy per se).
For literal elevation, I can wear a higher heel for some occasions! Or a dressy or more standout flat than usual.

Raisin

Veteran

Good point! I like it!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I agree. This is part of why I'm finding myself purging some 'dressy' dresses that just aren't my style.
I think finding your fave silhouettes in nicer fabrics is a start - silk, leather, velvet, what ever. Maybe add some shine or bling.
If I like jeans and a tee, I can step it up with my matte satin cigarette pants and a silk tank, for instance.

Day Vies

Veteran

I think it's genius! Thanks for sharing.

unfrumped

Veteran

This approach can fit into wardrobe item crossover, too.
A dressy top can go with jeans for "smart casual" or casual evening out, or with a more dressy bottom.
A useful concept has to do with proportions. This of course is about the same as outfit formulae, but since I find proportions are so key--tops that go with trousers vs. skirts, jackets the same--it can help me "screen" for items with the right proportions, in the dressy fabrics, as Mo noted, or with some bling or whatever.

Anonymous

@ Deborah: What you posted makes perfect sense to me, though yes, knowing one's personal style is key to figuring out how to elevate it.

@ Unfrumped: Ditto!

While my sense of style has not drifted too far in any direction, I never really honed in on my best look (one that reflects who I am and works best with my body type, personal coloring, etc. and so on ad nauseam) until recently. It took a lot of trial and error--mostly error. I wish I had figured it all out years ago, but then again, I'm glad my mother allowed me to dress the way I wanted to dress and encouraged me to dress appropriately. Had I not been able to try so many different styles, I would not be as sure of myself now. I think it's helpful to know what doesn't work for me as well as what does. Angie and all you great girls here at YLF have been of more help than you can possibly know. I appreciate all of you!

Lisa

Veteran

Great tip!

In My Joi

(website)

Veteran

simple & authentic! I love it!

rachylou

Veteran

Nice. Ok, but now I have to think on what that means for my style, which I'm going blank on... hehe.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Deborah, great insight and it makes sense. On that note, this was my mantra for my wedding day of all things: Wear something I'd feel like myself in. So, apart from the skirt being long, I actually opted for a simple style of the dress that would easily be something I wear every day (but made of prettier fabric), a bigger 'scarf' that was actually the wrap and my hair was how I wore it mostly in those days, just prettier and done professionally. And that's all. Never for a second did I feel like not-me.

I think the key is in removing anything that makes us self-conscious in negative way, as it literally destroys the outfit. And thus the mood. And finally confidence.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ornella, I really like how you have formulated this and put this way, I think anyone could make sense of it! Very helpful!

Lyn D.

Veteran

This makes sense to me too.
I used to automatically think 'dresses' for special occasions, then felt awkward in them on the day.
Now I know that a jacket, shoes and different pants can do the same job and the happiness factor will be higher.