A Mod new year... - YouLookFab Forum

I've been thinking about my style direction quite a bit lately. Before I found YLF I really didn't have a clear style at all. I thought Modern Classic would be my style but after reading the Lucky guide on mastering any style, I was left a little cold on American Classic. There are parts of it I like, but it's a little preppy for my taste. I know I can adapt any style to my own taste, but I feel like a definitive direction might help.

I kind of skimmed over Mod, but then found myself coming back to it. I really like the clean lines and graphic colors. I think the style would suit my body type very well (slim rectangle) and I prefer flats over heels. And I like that it's edgy but still clean and polished.

Is it kind of odd to consciously select a style? I can use most of what's already in my closet and then just develop it with more with accessories and future purchases.

Here's what I'm thinking:

-Hair- Either straighten or cut into a chin/shoulder length bob. I'll probably go with an inverted bob, because it works well with my hair texture and looks somewhat geometric. I've been thinking about this cut for a while anyway.

-Accessories- more bold jewelry, graphic scarves, wide or skinny belts, some patent leather.

-Clothes- 3/4 length sleeve tops. Black and white wide stripes. Slim pants. Capris once the weather's warm enough. Sheath and shift dresses.

-Shoes/boots- Once spring gets here, patent flats in black and white or simple bold colors. Maybe some patent or stovepipe boots for winter?

-Mini skirts and dresses? Not for work, but with opaque tights and flats for weekend nights. Maybe not true mini but a couple inches above the knee. Or are minis out regardless of style?

Thoughts welcome, thanks!! I'm having fun thinking about this but haven't committed yet.

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

it sounds lovely! I think it's good to start with an inspiration, and as you add bits you'll see what works and adapt it to make it your own. Looking forward to seeing your new style direction evolve!

crwilson

I've been thinking about going in this direction myself. I think that you're on the right track, and I don't think that it's odd to consciously pick out a style that appeals to you and then use that as your inspiration. I find it very helpful to have something to help me determine what to buy and what not to buy so that I don't end up with a closet that's full of things that just don't go together.

I think minis are fine, as long as they're not micro-minis, especially with opaque tights.

Maya

Much of my wardrobe is very mod, if I do say so myself.

I don't like to be too literal, though. I want to look mod-inspired, not like I'm in a costume. My hair isn't very mod, and I don't think I'll ever look too literal just because of my features and ethnicity (and body type). So, how closely and literally you follow a style is up to you, but I personally don't like to go 100%. It still has to feel fresh, modern, and fit my unique style.

Kyle

K, I think this look will suit you to a T. The simplicity and the lines will work well with your body type -- and having guidelines can keep you from buying the wrong things for the wrong reasons. My only word of caution is the haircut. I might be concerned about anything that looks too severe, as I think softness is quite flattering to you. This is not my area of expertise, however, so I defer to those who do this for a living! Can't wait to see some of your mod new outfits. I adore 60s-inspired styles.

Georgia

Active Member

The style you describe is mine and I'm blending American Classic and Mod. It seems easy to me when I shop Lauren, Kors, Klein, Club Monaco, you get the idea! Sticking to designers who make your style type makes putting pieces together to make different outfits much easier. My palette is red, black, white with some jewel tones here and there. You have a nice long neck, so I say bring that bob just to your traps, not letting the hair "break" your shoulder. It looks sharp, like the lines you want to wear, and leaves you open to interesting necklines and scarves. Just my humble opinion.

Kristine

Thanks for all of the feedback, it's exciting to think about a new direction!

Maya, I definitely agree, it has to be a modern interpretation, not costumey!

taylor

I really love the amount of thought and consideration you have given this...that should = success and this style will work perfectly for you and your slender frame!

LeahJanes

I love Mod. I haven't read the Lucky guide but I have a sneaking suspicion that would be the style I most lean towards. If you're tall and slim it would work really well on your frame.

I love bold colours and geometric shapes & patterns. You can avoid costumey vibes by looking for edgy architectural shapes for punctuation. Stuff the mods would have worn if the manufacturing technology existed to mass produce it!

I think I'm with Kyle on the hair thing for that reason, Kristine. It would create a nice contrast and look more modern that way. A spunky, soft, messy style would work too but that might be hard to get with curly hair.

Kari

Sounds like, fun, Kristine. My only hesitation was the haircut, not because it would look severe on you, but because I would hesitate to wear a hair style that would require me to straighten my hair every day. Perhaps your stylist can come up with a compromise and find a bob or inverted bob style that would still look great if you left your hair wavy, but that you could still flatten into a sleek retro style when you felt the urge.

I consciously adopted a very Mad-Men, 60's inspired style a year and a half ago after stumbling across the series. Aspects of my style tended in that direction before, but I decided to make a more intentional move in that direction. I'm not literally head-to-toe out of the 60's (at least, not most days), but I love the flexibility of being able to wear historically inspired items like pencil skirts and sheath dresses, but enjoy the comfort of modern fabrics and undergarments!

Thanks for all for the encouragement!

If I cut the inverted bob, I wouldn't straighten it. It's a cut I had a few years ago and the waves fall nicely into place. I've realized a lot of mod fashion has longer, looser hair though too, so I'm not completely decided yet.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

I don't think it's odd at all. Deciding upon a look allows you to really make it your own. This way it's *you* not something that you constantly have to reference, which I think helps make it looks un-costume. It also helps keep your wardrobe small and very functional.

I wish I had the discipline to do this. I'm far too all over the place.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am SO into seeing you with a sleek short bob with fringe I'm champing at the bit!

Ooohhh, this sounds quite interesting and I'm looking forward to this new chapter in your style journey!

Really Angie?? I'm going to go for it! I think the hair will set the tone and make some of my more simple clothes (sheath dresses, button downs, retro cardigans) look mod on their own. Then a few bold accessories and I should be well on my way.

I realize the quality of this photo is awful, but this gives an idea. This is from several years ago. I think I'll go more blunt with the fringe. My hair can never be completely sleek which should hopefully prevent a severe look. Does this make my chin too prominent?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Appointment for Thursday evening. Running around the room with excitement (and a little fear)!!

Tricia

I think you are going to look adorable! I like the little mod sheath dresses but can't really wear them because of my bust. If you're interested in mod-style clothing, you can find tons of those dresses on Etsy or Ebay. Red Dress Shoppe has some reproductions, too.

Yes! But this time a straighter bob which is more angular in the front and with a fairly severe fringe. It's going to look amazing, Kristine!

Katiepea

Can I just jump in and say YES YES YES YES!!!!

I think your figure, your creativity and your lifestyle certainly lends itself to the mod look. In terms of your hair I am so excited for you and simply can't wait to see your "after" photos. Two more sleeps!

Category