Another word and color for 2024

My word for 2024 is: authentic.

I had a small realization this past year as I was once again faced with an occasion where I felt I should dress "professionally". This comes up every now and then. I wear a blouse and nice pair of pants, and it's fine. But I struggle with the shoes, and the topper, and the whole vibe. This time, I was determined to find something that was more "me", so I adapted my normal summer uniform silhouette with slightly upgraded fabrics. Better! Classy blouses are just not me.

So that's what I want to keep in mind this year. I would like my wardrobe to be beautiful, practical, cozy, cool. I do not need it to be professional, feminine, bold, polished, or even fun. Those aren't bad words; they're just not authentic to my style. I like to try new clothes, but I don't need to try out any new personalities.

As for a color, well I guess if I'm being authentic I need to choose blue. Blue has worked so well for so long, I'm guessing it is more highly represented in my wardrobe even compared to the forum's Queen Blue, Suz (though she looks great in red too). But I don't need any more blue, that's for sure. So, I think I will try out the bluish variation of sea-green. I have a couple of new thrifted items in this color, plus some older things, and am really loving them.

Authentic, but also open to a bit of evolution and experimentation: that's what I'm going for in 2024.

Thanks for what you do to make this forum such a nice part of the internet. I have never participated in this word-and-color of the year thing before, but you all are inspiring.

11 months ago

Ket

Veteran

Oh these teal blues are stupendous!!! The boots are so unique, too.You are going to look fabulous!

I love your word for 2024. It's such a good value and word <3 I can't wait to see more of what you find and wear this year

It's really important to be true to ourselves. That has been part of my journey this last year or so. It's really made a big difference. As has been being here with the other Fabbers! There is not better community for authentic style than YLF!

MsMaven

I agree with Ket on your word. Intriguing. I want to think about this more. I love the teal blue. It's a much better color for me than true blue.

Cardiff girl

Yay,well done you for acknowledging your true style self.It’s soeasyto get swayed onto another path that just isn’t authentic with style as there are so many images,advice etc re style these days.It takes a degree of self knowledge to find your own style l feel.l love your blues,it’s a very beautiful and slightly unusual shade .

rachylou

This is very good with room to play!

Bonnie

Great word and color. Those blues are lovely and your word "'authentic" will be a fine guide.

Jaime

(website)

Wonderful. Yes to authentic but open to change - such a good and complex goal! I love the exact blue of your pieces.

Suz

These teal blues are stunning! Wow. I love your necklace. And the hat, with its interesting textures. Waving at my ... well, I don't know...maybe you are my co-regent? Maybe you are Empress of Blue?

To me, "authentic" and "blue" go together like love and marriage (um, in the best circumstances, that is.)

I love your decision to find a way to dress that is "you" even in situations that seem to be asking for something more cookie-cutter. It's not always easy, but worth the effort. It seems as if juxtaposition might be helpful here. Or at least, that is what often works for me. Something a bit casual (like a denim jacket) with an otherwise dressier outfit.

Barbara Diane

I love your items. What is the necklace made of?

Jules

Great word, insightful analysis, and super pretty colour! Being both myself and ‘business’ is something I’ve struggled with but getting it right helps me feel more authentic self at work!

Julie

Active Member

Thanks all for the teal/blue appreciation!

Ket, I agree this is a great place for authentic style and acceptance.

Ms Maven, it's funny how slightly different colors have such different effects. Darker shades of teal don't have the same appeal for me, although they look so nice on people with warmer coloring. I have gotten so picky about particular colors.

Cardiffgirl, yes! It is surprisingly easy to be swayed by things that are beautiful on other people.

Rachylou and Bonnie, thanks!

Jamie, yes I guess my goal is a little complex. Maybe there's enough wiggle room that it will be easier to accomplish.

Suz, you are very kind and I love being able to see your outfits etc on the forum. And yes, juxtaposition seems like a very helpful concept in those situations where I feel like I "should" dress a certain way. Truly no one would be offended if I wore a denim jacket rather than a cardigan or blazer. I did recently wear my tall, not especially elegant, boots to the symphony along with a silk dress. It was cold outside, and I was comfortable but still felt dressed up enough.

Barbara Diane, the necklace is some kind of resin, purchased years ago from an artist/crafter on Etsy.

Joy

Very pretty color. It probably is not easy to find. It would look great with red too.

Jules, yes that "professional" thing has been the hardest to figure out. And I don't even really need to do it that often at all, usually jeans and sneakers are fine for my work activities. Maybe that's why it's a struggle. I have tended to go too out of my way to seem polished and business-like on occasion, and it did not help me feel at ease. But it turns out I can get dressed without jeans and sneakers, but still feel like myself. There is a middle ground.

Sisi

Nice word and colour for 2024. These are all beautiful pieces, I like them all!

Helena

Soft teal is such a beautiful, calming colour ... beautiful choice.

I resonated with this so much and think you expressed it so well:

"Those aren't bad words; they're just not authentic to my style. I like to try new clothes, but I don't need to try out any new personalities."

The essence of personal style right there and words to live by! x

Thanks very much Helena. Strangely, I hadn't thought of myself as even having a personal style until recently. And I'm 50 years old! Some things take a while to sink in I guess- better late than never.

Bijou

One of the joys of YLF is the diversity in style and encouragement to be authentic. Your teal items are beautiful.

Style Fan

Beautiful teal pieces! The boots are gorgeous.
Authentic is a great word.

ChristelJ

The teal items are exceptional. Lovely!

I am another who appreciates the idea of listing style words that don't fit one. I have trouble saying what my style is, but no trouble saying what it is not. Thanks for that concept. What feels authentic can sometimes be elusive to articulate.

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