Another try at personal style - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Another try at personal style

jussie

Veteran

Hi guys. This is kind of a supplemental post to what I posted yesterday. I have been playing around with a style descriptor/moniker/guidepost or whatever term you like to call it. I initially was testing out
Very colorful, arty, trendy, eclectic. However I am thinking that “very colourful, playful, trendy” might be a slightly better fit.
I ditched the word eclectic, because as Jenni NZ pointed out, how does that word help us dress or choose things really? Also, artsy, possibly? has art student connotations, of a young person wearing converse sneaks with old jeans and a shabby knapsack over their shoulder, which really isn’t quite what I mean.
Anyway here is todays outfit. What do you think? Very colourful, playful and trendy? Feedback always encouraged xx
Apologies, the lighting is incredibly unflattering, I’ve never looked worse in the face, but no matter. Onwards.
I know these colours are frankly too bright for my complexion, but I promise in real life it doesn’t look quite this bad. Hopefully.

This post has 3 photos. 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.

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Minaminu

Vildy

Veteran

happy, joyful, lighthearted?

Runcarla

Veteran

Whimsical Modern Romantic? Pics below popped up under ‘Romantic Academia’ in Pinterest.

This post has 4 photos. 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.

Rejoiceandbe

I see pretty, clear happy colours, botanical illustrations and a touch of Scandi Maremiko.
Seems like your heading in the direction you were aiming for-colour and art

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes good point about eclectic as a descriptor - doesn't really help with refining things, does it! Playful, pretty, and practical is what I see here.

Rejoiceandbe

Also I suspect, if you are a teacher, that washability, crawling-around-on-the floorability and "approachability-but- not-a pushover" are silent style words that you also have to keep in the back of your mind.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This looks totally "you" Jussie!

Maybe because of my associations with your job, I'm thinking of a big glorious box of fresh Crayola crayons or markers, together with feminine elements.

Off-duty Crayola Princess?

Sal

Veteran

I like the outfit Jussie - it is great on you.

When I think of your style I see playful (always), I see colourful (mostly) and I see whimsical (often), practical (often) and modern/trendy.

I think it is what speaks to you and is helpful - you may not need a reminder to be practical for example, but a reminder to add the playful or colourful element might help you add pieces wisely.

For me - I have changed a little bit but have ended up with bold breezy and elegant. Not every outfit has all of the elements but my best ones do.

Star

Veteran

Love this outfit and it totally fits 'colourful, playful and trendy.'

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Yes I like those. Can you be colourful, playful, trendy without needing the “very” in there?
Are those guide words enough?
You don’t want a persona? Lots of Fabbers don’t seem to need one and I must say I don’t really use mine any more… it did help to have a good one for a while though.

Tanya

Veteran

What a fun outfit, and it really suits you! " Colourful, playful, trendy" seem like very good descriptor words to me for this type of outfit/your style.

jussie

Veteran

Vildy: thank you for those suggestions, I LOVE them, especially joyful. Who wouldn’t want to be joyful-looking? Xx

Runcarla: the whimsical romantic style is absolutely beautiful, I really do adore the pics you’ve added. I think those looks are kind of, well, aspirational for me. I love them, but think some of the delicate shirts are not something I currently wear due to dreadful practical constraints… but I do love the look. Maybe I could experiment with some pussybow blouses or Peter Pan collars, but in more economical/practical fabrics such as polyester or cotton? I also think slingback shoes or Mary janes, both currently having a moment, could be nice additions to my wardrobe at some point…. And they’re certainly whimsical romantic or light academia.

Rejoiceandbe: thank you for those excellent descriptions. I have a huge soft spot for flower prints, and I like the marrimekko aesthetic, though I never consciously thought about it for myself.

Jaime: practical is certainly there. It’s not what I aspire to look like, but I agree it’s the reality. I am always cooking, painting, walking, teaching little children, running around just generally from one thing to another, so a certain degree of practicality is just inherent in that.
The trick is to somehow make practicality and comfort look stylish and creative! And joyful

Suz: you certainly are a writer! With phrases like “off-duty Crayola princess”, you couldn’t be anything other than a wordsmith :). I am in awe of your mind right now, that’s how much I like that persona description! The off-duty part implies a certain undone-ness, someone who has just rolled out of bed and into their day with a certain amount of adorable naïveté and verve!

Sal: thank you for your astute and thoughtful comments. I agree with all of them, and I also think your own style guideposts of “bold, breezy and elegant” are very apt for your look.

Star: thanks!

Jenni: I guess I don’t need “very”. I just felt the need to emphasize that for me colour seems to be the top priority. But it’s not as catchy. I’m not sure about a persona, I didn’t think I needed one, however I am really warming to the one Suz suggested above…

Tanya: thanks for verifying that I am somewhat on the right track. It’s all so subjective so it’s reassuring to hear others can see what I’m seeing too…

Anonymous

This works perfectly for you, and love that romantic acadamia vibe for you too!
Agreeing that "very" isn't needed, but maybe think of it as a non negotiable? For example I have streamlined, feminine, exotic as my descriptors, but streamlined is a must, where the others are less important.

Dee

Veteran

Oh yes Suz’s suggestion is so creative and very apropos. It seems to sum up your style aspirations in a very fun moniker.

RobinF

Veteran

I really like the addition of playful to your words! I totally see it in your outfit. And agree about eclectic - might not be as helpful as you would want.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I see Playful, Trendy and Colourful here!

Thumbs up for Suz's moniker!

rachylou

Veteran

Pretty! Accessible!

I’m with Carla re whimsical, playful and romantic

rachylou

Veteran

Also, I think you made good points on the other thread re Scandi Cowboy and grittiness and great outfits v personal style. I think this outfit sits more easily, more lightly on your shoulders, if you will…

jussie

Veteran

Angie, Rachy, Robinf, Dee, Suntiger, thank you for all your valuable thoughts!

I do feel more clear now; thanks to this beautiful, wonderful community of fashion-folk. You have all been so helpful.

So far I have this description:

Persona: Off-duty Crayola princess

Descriptors: colourful, trendy, playful

Additional information: feminine, sweet, approachable, practical, joyful, childlike, unserious, unstructured, naïve, whimsical, slightly delicate and ethereal but also vibrant….

The toolbox: colour contrasts, pink of all shades, statement bright shoes, pattern mixing, neon, bright plastic-type jewelry, metallic clothing and shoes, sequins, soft fabrics, statement tights, pussybow blouses, chiffon, pastels, slingback shoes, Peter Pan collars, oversized artsy shirts, silk neckerchiefs, coloured denim, broderie anglais, silk, florals, gingham, polka dots, embroidery,

The kryptonite: entirely neutral outfits, highly structured garments, conservative shoes, hard edged or RATE items, earthy colours, fitted clothing, classic clothing such as plain white shirts or traditional Bretons, loafers, athleisure.

This post has 9 photos. 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.

Irina

Veteran

I think you are spot on! Great job figuring out your personal style. Very impressive!

BlueJay

Veteran

Well done! I think it does describe your style! Good for you to be reflective and to take the time to do the "work"!

I don't have any monikers or descriptors for myself, but I have been following your post. The journey has been very interesting when I think of my own personal style and what my clothes say about me.

jussie

Veteran

BlueJay: thank you! It has been an interesting journey

Irina: thanks

Minaminu

Veteran

Love the shirt!

From the pics that you shared, I think you really nailed the descriptor!!!