Consistent style - YouLookFab Forum

Thanks to this wonderful site, I feel like I'm finally mastering fit and other style basics. My current fascination is with women who are able to achieve a very consistent style. Everything about them expresses their style.

While shopping yesterday, I saw a sea of women who (like me) were mainly just blending into the crowd. What caught my eye was two women who had strong individual styles. From hair to shoes, everything just seemed "right".

Woman #1 wore dark bootcut jeans, black heeled boots, simple white t (boring so far right?) but then had a long, gray cascading cardigan and big dramatic earrings. Her hair was medium short, highlighted, and a little spiky. Overall a dramatic look without being over the top.

Womn #2 wored brown clogs, med. wash bootcut jeans, burnt orange funky wool coat, brownish striped turtleneck, and brown toned casual cross body bag. Her hair was a cute layered bob. Very casual and simple, but somehow very together. Can't even think of a word to describe the style.

How do you do this? How do find your style and make everything so consistent?

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

(disclaimer... I am still learning too, but here are my thoughts and what little bit I've learned so far

With both of these ladies you mentioned their hairstyles. I think a current well kept hairstyle is a huge key to looking put together always. The other things you noticed about these woment were their "accessories" the grey cascading cardi, earrings, the funky coat, bag..... Things that add a bit of personality and individualism to an outfit.

The one thing you didn't mention, but I'd guess was true was that their clothing probably fit them impeccably. Jeans were probably nice fitting, not too short, not baggy... shirts and jackets I'm willing to bet were also-- nothing stretched out, sagging, ill fitting.

I'm not so sure you need to be concentrating so much on "what is my individual style" as just setting about adding one interesting piece at a time to your wardrobe and working it into outfits that you feel good in.... slowly your style will emerge.

As you try things, make note of people's comments "what a lovely jacket!" "wow, that is a great color on you" "I really like your necklace" these are the things people are noticing and appreciating and are setting your outfit apart.
If you had approached woman 1 you probably would have said "I love those earrings!" To woman 2 you might have said "great coat!" When you get lots of comments, this is probably a statement piece that you are wearing well.

Not too long ago I wore an outfit composed of jeans, black boots, black T, 3 seaon old purple blazer and a necklace that was 3 strands of chunky pearls with a silver bow thing. I must have had 20 women comment on my necklace that day. I had worn that necklace a few times before but never had gotten so much notice on it. I realized that setting that necklace on a simple outfit let it take center stage and it added just the right polish to an otherwise nice but simple outfit. I think maybe this says something about my style too.... simple, polished, sophisticated. This is not necessarily the style I would "pick" if I could, but it's a style I wear well and need to start building on.

Hope some of this rambling helps

Kristen

(website)

I think maybe this is two different questions. Finding your style is an involved process, and Angie has lots of blog posts about it. I couldn't really do the topic justice so I'll let her and others cover that.

As to how you put together a consistent outfit, for me it is a matter of thinking about what my plans are for the day, what kind of outerwear and shoes I need, and then planning the rest of my outfit from there. For instance today is a casual day but I am planning on going to the casino and perhaps stopping at the mall and doing some returns. I want a small crossbody purse (don't want my big one where I am digging around for my wallet at the casino), comfortable shoes (lots more walking there than you think), and I would like to leave my coat in the car at the casino but wear it at the mall. In addition, it is relatively mild and clear today; that means not only can I wear any of my boots or shoes, but I have a lot of flexibility in the layering of coats and outfits.

My crossbody is a mustard yellow, and since there is the coat issue I might wear a long cozy sweater in lieu of my bulky puffer. I have a new navy Gap one that will coordinate nicely, and I can add either my jeans or my black ponte skinnies, a top, a necklace, brown boots, and I am good to go.

That's one example. Look at Angie's MOTG formulas, and see how she swaps in and out various pieces depending on different factors, and soon you will get the hang of it!

Louise

I think a lot of it is to do with confidence. If you don't feel good you want to blend into the background and your posture alters. All the women who stand out for me are the ones with a straight posture and a sassy walk. I don't think it matters what you wear as long as it suits you, fits well and you like how it looks and feel good in it. For me if i don't feel good in an outfit i become hunched and kinda shuffle but if i feel great in an outfit i subconsiously walk taller and kinda stride with an arm swinging and a bum wiggle! x

Alecia

This is an interesting question because there's a fine line between consistency and getting in a rut. Remember, you only saw these ladies on one day. I bet they, too, have off days. Those can be an important part of learning process, too. But over time, I think you just get a feel for what is you while also being able to push the envelope to be able to ensure your style evolves.

I couldn't agree more with about the comments about fit and confidence. Those go a long way.

Kristine

I used to always think creative activities like dressing, decorating, art and design just came naturally to some lucky people. Now I realize it simply takes a lot of work and practice!

Even if you have an eye for it, you still have to find the clothes, have alterations, plan outfits. If you don't have an eye, like me, you have to try to learn. You can study your body type, learn about necklines, colors, guidelines for lengths. I guarantee those women would have told you that plenty of careful shopping and thought went into their casual outfits.

This week was one of my better so far and the difference was the planning and attention to detail. Hopefully it'll get easier over time, but when you're just getting started it takes effort. It's a playful, fun kind of work, but it's still work.

chelle

Active Member

Very insightful, ladies!
I have noticed that I'm paying more attention to the details of these outfits that make them seem a certain style. It all looks so effortless on someone else. I guess that fact that these women were out shopping is a testament to the fact that they work at it! Thanks for helping me think it through.

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