Beginning my style journey

Thistle

So, after sifting through a lot of catalogues and look books, I have started to narrow down what I think conveys professional authority and competence.

The next step is to incorporate that into my workwear. I am starting on workwear as it feels the most important and I wear it 5 days a week.

I am thinking of copying looks and adjusting for my body type. For example, trade out skinniest for straight leg trousers, etc. I was then thinking, once I got this down, to tweak things to make them more mine.

Is that how others did it? How did you start your style journey?

The one thing I am noticing is how dark all the looks are. Perhaps that is just part of professionalism, but seems a bit harsh especially in cold gloomy Wisconsin winter!

13 years ago

Inspiration

11 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Ann in New England

Active Member

"I have started to narrow down what I think conveys professional authority and competence."

Please share what you've discovered, as I am trying to figure this out for myself as well. For too many years I thought it was a structured jacket, but I'm not sure that's true any more.

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Since you mentioned feeling like the corporate looks tend toward the dark, one thing I would suggest is looking at your inspirations and figuring out if you prefer high contrast or low contrast in colors. If you like high contrast you could buy some darker base items and then bring in light with your accents (blouse, accessories, etc.) If you like low contrast you'll want to start with a lighter base and accents that are close in color value. Your personal preference here is going to dictate which way you bring the light to your wardrobe. I had never thought of high vs low contrast before ylf.

13 years ago

Anonymous

That is exactly how I did it. I looked at hundreds (thousands) of pictures and formed an idea of what suited me professionally. Once I had that idea, I tweaked it so that it worked my my body type and comfort level. Once I had the background pieces, I added personal touches.

I did incorporate color though. I found that color was one of my statements. I added a lot of red to black/white background pieces. Lately I have been adding more and more blue. Both colors work well against my foundation pieces (which for me do tend to be black.). Good luck.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Traci -- I have never understood this contrast thing. Almost intuitively I have always been high contrast. I wonder what the benefits for low contrast are?

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Mary- I think it's just 100% personal preference. Here's a post from Angie on the topic.

http://youlookfab.com/2010/12/.....-contrast/

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I saved some images to my computer (currently on the iPad). I will share them when I get back, and I would love any help/critique.

I live in Wisconsin, so not cutting edge of fashion. And I work for a manufacturing company , that adds still more conservative. I need to meet that while still being true to me. I am thinking nice backbone that I can spruce up with accessories.

I guess on the positive side for my budget, a lot of designers are really outside what would fit in. While there are some nice pieces in Kate Spade's new line, none of what I saw would really be appropriate for where I work.

13 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Hi Traci! you said re: contrast, " I think it's just 100% personal preference"
personal preference does play a big role for many people, but if your natural coloration falls into very high contrast or very low contrast, wearing the opposite formulation may not be a very flattering look.

High contrast lady (pale skin, dark hair and eyes) can easily look awkward, either bland or garish in a low-contrast look. My body look is very low contrast - dark blond hair, blue/grey eyes, skin on the paler side. When i wear a completely high contrast look it knocks *me* completely into the background. i can stand up to small areas of high contrast (black and white striped ribbon, etc.) but wearing low contrast outfits provides a nice frame which allows me to be seen.

But a lot of ladies are more in the middle, so they can choose more which they like according to aesthetics, personality, etc. And of course hair color ane makeup can push things one way or the other. Just wanted to chime in as for some of us this factor can make a big difference for creating great looks. steph

13 years ago

Anonymous

That must be it, Mseccentric!! I am a high contrast person (black hair, dark brown eyes, and very pale skin). I never looked good in low contrast colorings. I always thought it was because i was tall and people say a hugh blob of color walking toward them. I thought that by breaking up the color they saw more of me. Maybe it was coloring all along though!!!

Thanks Traci. I will read Angies' blog.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Thistle -- I spent the first 30 years of my life in Minneapolis and my family works in manufacturing as well so I understand some of your issues. My family based their wardrobes around jeans with added accessories/blazers for flair.

I didn't hear that you wanted a professional wardrobe based on jeans though? Is that correct? Start with one nice pair of black (or neutral) slacks in a good washable fabric. I found slacks that met these criteria at both the Gap and J Jill. Dress the slacks up or down with either nice turtlenecks or blouses. Again, go for washable, easy to wear garments. Add a third piece ... either a blazer or scarf to add professional edge.

Let me know how this works for you. It starts out as a formula. You make it your own as you become more and more comfortable in it.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Check MaryK's WIWs. She conveys just that, professional authority and capacity, with a great use of color. Dark outfits are not required to convey such message. Demeanor has a lot to do with it as well, as you know.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

We only wear jeans on Fridays. Interestingly, most of our customers are a lot more casual than we are. We have the khaki polo shirt "uniform" going on.

Zap, I agree about demeanor. Just like it is important to actually be competent. I used to think that was all that really mattered, but my views have changed a bit. With how visual our society is, I think it also important to look the part. I don't think I have done a good job with that.

13 years ago

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