Gosh what an interesting quesion!

Do you battle to like an outfit or item if it's not something that you would personally wear? Yes sometimes I will, but being on YLF has made me re-think about some pre-conceived ideas about some items or looks. I was one of those people Maya mentioned that wouldnt try skinny jeans purely because I thought something that was figure hugging on my bottom half wouldnt look good plus it was a look sported by the emo kids neither of which I wanted. When I started seeing outfits with skinny jeans on here it opened my mind about the possibility that anyone can wear them you just have to adapt it to suit yourself.

When you judge an outfit on this forum or on others around you, how objective can you actually be? I know that I havent commented on some outfit posts, because it's not what I would wear and I fear that I cant provide any constructive criticism. I take on board what Angie said earlier to Sarah about trying to pinpoint why I dont comment on an outfit I dont care for - I think it will be interesting to try to look at outfits posts and think "what do I actually see here that I dont like" and then try to convey it across to the original poster.

This is a fascinating thread. There certainly are looks that I just can't be objective about, but if I don't have something positive or at least constructive so say about someone's outfit I usually just stay quiet. When there is a trend that I can't get into, I think about why (jodhpurs make thighs look huge, sandal booties would create awful tan lines), though I might just be rationalizing my dislike of them

In other ways, I think I can be more objective about what other people wear than what I wear. It's much easier for me to discern which colors are better, what about an outfit can be tweaked, and what just isn't worth keeping when I see it on someone else. Taking pictures of myself helps. But I also get attached to some of my own clothes and accessories while I will never care as much about other people's items.

Wow! Thanks for the thoughtful responses. You are quite the cerebral bunch.

Julie, we must have posted at the same time. I’m glad that you brought up the question of modesty. I battle being “outfit – objective” is this regard, especially on the leg area. Then I wonder whether I’m just being conservative? But then, with all my heart, I believe that the silhouette in question would be more flattering if the length was a little longer. So then it ends up being a question of figure flattery – which I believe is objective.

Sarah, keep me posted on your discoveries.

Laura, I like how you compared this question to the role of an effective editor. I guess I “edit” in my own way.

Malcontent, bypassing trends that do not flatter your body is stylish.

Daligirl, you probably summed up best how I view an outfit. And then I add in the all important question of persona with the people that I know or “know”.

Jean and I are in a similar boat. (Great comment btw, Jean). I have been and am still subjected to all sorts of clothing styles and fashion personas, and it’s extremely important to keep a very, very, very open mind. I rely a lot on my gut reaction to things just because I have had lots of practice and trust my instincts (I’m and ENFJ).

But with every single outfit posted here, those on my clients and the outfits of others on their own blogs, I make a very strong effort to be objective – because as Cathy astutely put, fashion and style is a subjective thing. But the flip side to that argument is always – have your eyes adjusted to the look yet?

Great, thought-provoking thread, Angie!

Do you battle to like an outfit or item if it's not something that you would personally wear?
I'll be honest; yes, it is a struggle for me. But that also depends on what you mean by what I would not personally wear. I see it like this:
1. Outfits/items I might like but wouldn't wear because they're not appropriate for my style or life.
2. Outfits/item I don't like because I don't like the style. Usually this is a visceral and random response.

When you judge an outfit on this forum or on others around you, how objective can you actually be?
For #1, I can look beyond the style and evaluate objectively how it looks on the wearer.
For #2, I give those threads wide berth. My dislike of the style or item is usually so strong I know my criticism will be harsher than it should be, and since I can't dial it down, I don't say anything.

What is ENFJ??

Taylor, the term comes from Myers Briggs - it's a famous personality test. If you google it, you'll get a great summary of the various outcomes of the letters. So I'm an ENFJ but my Papa is an INTJ.

So lets take my number one style dislikes (and I have less than a handful): casual maxi dresses and casual maxi skirts. I think they are unflattering on everyone, so I feel I'm being objective when I say that. Leg shortening pant lengths is another example. Although I do qualify when this *can* work in very few instances. Other than that, items can probably work somehow, on someone.

Thanks, Angie!! Where have I been....off to google:)

What a fabulous thread!

And Angie FWIW I'm an INJF so besides being introverted to your extroverted I am now seeing why I adore you so much!!

For me, personally, the biggest issue I have is not about the actual style of an outfit, but rather its fit and flattery - I will shudder at an outfit that is ill-fitting or just not at all flattering even if it were the items of clothing that I personally like and wear.

There are so many fabulous outfits posted here that I absolutely adore on the wearer but know that they aren't my cup of tea - but because the wearer wears them well, they fit and are flattering, I can still like it. For example I'm not really into your johdpur jeans because I feel they are too "out there" for me, but on you - WOW - totally different story.

This is actually something quite important to me because as a mother of 2 girls, I feel that when it comes to choices like fashion (and no doubt plenty of other things!), the girls are going to have very different opinions/taste (I would actually be concerned if they didn't!) to me, but if I can instill in them the notions of fit and flattery (and modesty!) I'm sure that I will be able to cope with their individual style - does that make sense?

I love people watching and I love observing what people are wearing -- be it on the street, or on the forum. I have seen MANY outfits which I know I would never/could never wear, but at the same time I think they are amazing ensembles. If a person looks stylish and put together, I can appreciate their tastes even if they differ from mine. I have a hard time appreciating "cheap" looks though. I suppose that includes lack of modesty, but also outfits/clothing that look overly unsophisticated -- these sorts of looks boggle my mind.

If there's anything I've learned in my short months at YLF, it's to start asking myself "have my eyes adjusted yet?" It's a great way of reframing a negative knee-jerk reaction to a look and it reflects the fluidity of evolving style. I keep this in mind when I'm considering my look or others'.

And yes, I've definitely battled to like an outfit, but only since YLF. Before, if I wasn't immediately drawn to a look, I wouldn't even try it...how's that for being rigid?! Things are changing, though.

Here's a great example: the magic Nine West dress. Angie posted it in the store and I glanced at it and moved on. Then a few posters mentioned that they liked it, so I took another look at it but decided I didn't love the colors. Then with raves starting to flow into YLF, I went to look at it at a local Macy's. And I said no just looking at it on the rack. Why? It dangled sadly on the hanger in a loud color and print I'd never wear. Besides, I only really wear structured dresses. Uh-huh.

Ha! I finally caved and bought it online when the price dropped. Opened the box in my bedroom, pulled it on, and turned around to the mirror. And my jaw dropped. The loud, unstructured dress in the bright colors was a knockout!

So, I learned a lesson in being openminded:) There are definitely trends I've tried that I just don't feel comfortable in, like leggings. There are others I never thought I'd wear, like cowgirl boots. But I can definitely enjoy the looks on others, and besides, just like mother always said, "how do you know you don't like it if you won't try it?!"

Sometimes I'd really love to be able to look at the world obectively, weigh up pros and cons and decide an outcome based purely on fact. It could make life a lot easier at times, that's for sure!

However, a huge facet of my personality is that I am guided by emotion and the desire to be expressive. I believe that even my love of music stems predominantly from a love of music being a very expressive and emotive art-form.

I'd say it is this notion of EXPRESSION and EMOTION therefore that influences me the most when considering my reaction as to how others choose to style their outfits.

I believe that when people wake up in the morning they make choices to wear certain items of clothing as one method of reflecting their own unique character, their geography, their genetics and their past, present and future experiences to the world.

I am always fascinated by the realisation that a woman who dresses in a baggy old and faded white t-shirt, ripped "mom" jeans and sneakers, is expressing something about herself just as much as a woman who chose to wear skinnies, boots and a gorgeous tunic (*ahem*).

I may not care for a particular look or item of clothing, but if the "look" flatters or expresses something in a unique or clever way about the person who is donning it, then I will always have a positive reaction.

Theresa, I'm an INFJ too! I've found that of all of my close friends that have taken the test, most are iNtuitive and Judging, with an even mix of introverted/extroverted and feeling/thinking. Interesting stuff...

I"m sure I'm less objective than I'd like to think I am but...

Do you battle to like an outfit or item if it's not something that you would personally wear?
I love alot of looks on others that I know I could never in a million year pull off.. so that is not necessarily a criteria for me. Some things are just downright wrong though...

When you judge an outfit on this forum or on others around you, how objective can you actually be?
When I open a link to an outfit I usually have an initial impression based on whether is seems harmonious or "off key" to me. When something seems "off key" I examine to see what it is that is bothering me. Is it proportions, color, or a look that my eye has not adjusted to? I *think* that most of my reaction is based on how an outfit translates on the wearer... not whether it is something I would wear myself.

I think I am an INTP. I don't know what that actually means in a practical sense though.

I have to admit when I see people my age dressing or younger super conservatively or buying things that are, frankly, above their station in life, I do want to nudge them or perhaps push them off the edge a bit (figuratively, of course)! I think a huge part of the reason I dress the way I do is because I know now is the time to do it. I don't really understand why people under 35 want to look classic, polished, and sophisticated, or why they need luxurious quality. You'll have the rest of your life to look that way and spend that money! It's simply not worth it at this stage. To me, being able to buy beautiful luxury pieces is a reward that I look forward to when I'm older for all the hard work I have done.

I will never get this time back nor will I get any younger. The more I embrace my age now, I think the more comfortable I will be making the transition to a more polished look later because I will have no regrets about things I didn't try.

I don't think I'm being subjective necessarily. It's not that these looks are "bad" or unflattering. I just sometimes find them a bit incongruous. Age appropriateness is just as relevant to a 25 year old as it is to a 55 year old, IMO.

Maya, check out: http://typelogic.com/intp.html and http://www.personalitypage.com/INTP.html if you're interested

This is such an interesting question, Angie.

<Do you battle to like an outfit or item if it's not something that you would personally wear?>

Not really. I like variety and I appreciate many different styles. YLF definitely expanded my horizons in this respect, too. I'm a moody dresser, too, and I think this may affect how I look at a variety of styles.

<When you judge an outfit on this forum or on others around you, how objective can you actually be? >

I'd like to be objective, yet I recognize that I have my own preferences. I think YLF forum had a thread on a similar subject very early on, and I try to keep it in mind as often as possible. Certainly I get VERY excited when I see something that fits my own aesthetic, and in those cases, I think I lose some objectivity.

Also, when I look at people on the street, and especially other women, I try to analyze and catalog what seems to work and what's off (especially things like fit and pant length, hehee), so I can apply what I see to my own dressing. I take lots of mental notes. Heh, unfortunately I don't always remember them when it matters

Theresa, hugs! What a lovely thing to say. The forum has been enriched by your presence.

Marianna, that's a clean cut way of thinking about things. Good stuff.

Katie, that's a really interesting perspective.

Beth, that's fabulous :0)

Maya, I encourage younger gals (teens and 20's) to explore their quirky, creative and trendy fashion side too. Age appropriate dressing has a totally other dimension to it for sure. However, I do know 20 somethings who look splendid dressed in a more sophisticated way. It actually suits their persona - a key point. Style is a sum of it's parts. Which is why some 60 year olds get away with looking killer in leggings and some 40 year olds struggle to pull off the look :0

Maya - I think I am one of those 20 somethings that dress in a sophisticated way, but it's exactly as Angie states-- it just suits my persona. I may be only 23, but I do want to look (modern) classic, polished, and sophisticated... and I think that's okay! I don't think I come off looking stuffy or conservative -- which I definitely am not! This is just who I am -- like you are edgy, I am not.

I love seeing outfits that I would never wear myself, if they're done well. It's like looking at travel photography, a little window in on another lifestyle or personality. But I only like seeing them on 'real' people, not models in magazines, it doesn't seem interesting otherwise.

That said, I think it's why I struggle a bit with my own outfits - I like everything, and think that there's a time and a place for nearly any ensemble. But then how do I know if I like something because it's an interesting look/fabric/colour, or because it actually suits my figure and colouring? I can't always tell the difference.

YLF has helped so much, but I've got a long way to go yet. Knowing that you ladies will do your best to give me objective advice helps a lot!

One thing I love about YLF is all of the styles that are not to my taste that people post here. I think it's so interesting to see how creative people can be and watch as they put outfits together. So even if something is not what I would wear, I am definitely still open to seeing it.

I do agree with several women here who said that if they see something that isn't flattering, they just don't comment, or they try to find something nice to say. I do the same because I don't want to seem negative when everyone else is being so positive. Having said that, I wonder how helpful I'm being. One reason I don't post myself in outfits here is that my questions would almost always be a question of whether the outfit flatters my body--does it make me look thinner, do you see any unsightly rolls, etc. But I feel like it's rare to have people point those flaws out. Personally, I know I would welcome it, and I am guessing others would as well, but this forum is so unique in being positive and supportive, and I wonder if those types of comments (even if expressed in the nicest terms) would change that vibe.

Just something I was thinking about as I was reading these responses!

Steph makes a really good point, and this is something I wonder about too.

I have no problem appreciating items that I wouldn't wear myself. But at the same time I can't call myself objective because I do have a personal aesthetic which is inherently subjective. I might not like something on the hanger but then someone wears it with style and I'll love it. So I guess it's about context. But also, there are items that I don't think look good on anyone and that makes it subjective. I think I also find it hard to label myself as objective because I feel like I would need to be conscious of a lot of technical information on the things in Jean's list (color, balance, etc.) but I usually just go with the gut.

Since we are mentioning Myers-Brigg, I am an INTJ. I do sometimes struggle not to be overly critical of myself and others, or overly rigid about my ideas of what will flatter me. At the same time, I don't mind going my own way and being the only girl in red lipstick or high heels at a party. (I hang out with a causal crowd, obviously.)

Maya, I'm under 35 and I probably do dress conservatively compared to you. I'm a mother and have been married nine years, so I feel relatively settled into adulthood. For example, last night I went out and wore snug, dark denim jeans with red whipstitching on the seams and pockets, yellow high-heeled sandals, a blue-gray and cream Sweet Pea top, a large red chiyogami pendant, large silver bead stud earrings in the Tiffany style, and a poppy-red lace scarf that I knitted myself. I'll admit this is kind of a safe outfit, but I received nearly a dozen compliments, felt pretty but also age-appropriate and taken seriously. I've never felt all that comfortable wearing clothes that marked me as young and I don't think they suit my looks or personality type. I'm not the type to carry very expensive handbags or to wear big diamond studs on a daily basis though. There's nothing wrong with doing either, of course, but I'd still rather experiment with fun jewelry like my chiyogami pendant than move on to a look that seems so adult and settled.