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Elements of Style

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

With all apologies to Strunk & White. Settle in, ladies. This is a long one.

I'm still struggling with this style definition business, and my most recent WIW gave me a lot to think about in terms of what I want out of my wardrobe. Elly used words like "practical" and "functional" to describe her style, which set me to wondering if that's what I've been aiming for when I wear leisure and gear styles.

The answer is yes and no. I've linked several times here, to the Pinterest board of outfits I've been working on, but I decided it might also be helpful to make a mood board focused more on the feel of clothing/style than proportions. It's taught me a lot.

1. I'm a planner, so spontaneity is difficult for me, even though I know it leads to some amazing experiences. I never want my clothing to keep me from an adventure. Or, more accurately, I never want it to give me an excuse to avoid one. I don't need more excuses.

2. I'm an introvert, who often comes across as standoffish, especially to other women. I want my clothing to help me appear more relaxed and approachable. I don't hate people (much). I just look like I do.

3. I am happiest in an environment that's quiet and cozy. I like libraries and coffee shops, used bookstores and dusty museums, foggy days and peaceful mountain mornings. I want my clothing to bring me comfort, warmth, and peace.

4. Experiences and people are more important than things. I want my wardrobe to be genuine and easy-to-wear, so I can focus on the world around me.

5. I love chunky knits, plaid, tweed, western touches, polka dots, Oxfords, Chuck Taylors, boots, geeky glasses, denim, brown leather, big scarves, tote bags, and casual dresses. I want to wear what I love.

Am I asking way too much of a wardrobe? It's only clothes. Is it possible to integrate all of this? How much can we really expect from the things we wear?

Dressing

42 replies

Latest reply was from Jenn

Anonymous

I think the "I don't want my wardrobe to prevent me from having an adventure" is narrowing things down too much. You couldn't wear ballet flats, ever.

Is there something about your look that you're unhappy with? What do you think you'll gain from having style descriptors?

If you want to be ready for an adventure at any time, then you could go the gear route. There are a lot of great gear looks. I would love to do leggings and flip flops every day but I work in an office, and that's just a bit too casual.

I think the "partial gear" look is not a great look. I'm talking about say, a fleece with jeans and sensible shoes. Very dull, IMO.

On this board, u are not at all standoffish and you have a lot of interesting and thoughtful points! I don't think the goal of "being approachable through clothes" is really a reasonable goal. Being approachable is more your actual personality, isn't it? I think so.

To me, if you're happy with your look, maybe you don't need a style descriptor.

For me, I have an aspirational style descriptor, and it is "trendy" I keep repeating this to myself when I'm shopping. I am not at all trendy, but I am much happier when I'm wearing something trendy.

Maybe yours is "outdoorsy" and everything needs to fall into that camp.

A bit of a ramble, sorry!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I love this post, Jenn. Let me assure you, you aren't alone in your dilemma.

Yes, it's possible to have such a wardrobe. Your existing wardrobe is closer to this than what you may think.

I laughed at point 2. You don't hate people (much). I know that feeling all too well! But from what I see, you dress in a way that makes you come across as very relaxed and easy to approach. However, I will add this - it's your SMILE that completes every outfit. You don't need new clothes, lady....you need to smile more often. Or, in other words, you need clothes that make you feel so good that you smile more.

I have many of the same dilemmas as you. Right now, a huge bag of clothes is sitting in my guest room so that I can donate it. There is nothing 'wrong' with those clothes----they are just fussy.

I am very much like you in some ways. My life is moving in a new direction now. I used to chase things.... now I chase experiences; and there are a million things I'd rather see and do than buy. So everything that feels a little fussy, doesn't breathe, or just feels 'wrong' is out the door. I don't want my clothes to become an excuse for not trying something amazing! I want to be appropriately dressed for everything, all the time. I'd say my day to day style is also comfortable and practical.

But the truth is..... at heart, I'm a dressy classic gal. I love the fluff and the glamour of dressing like a lady, and I need to cater to that too. Currently, my wardrobe has 2 categories of clothes. One that works for my everyday life of working from home, walking and playing with my dog and enjoying outdoorsy stuff. And the other that I wear to fancier places only on weekends. I'm happy with this approach.... it works for me.

So you must wear what you love! It's a lovely feeling...and it really makes you look forward to getting dressed every morning

Staysfit

Veteran

I think you have a very clearly defined direction here. It's interesting how closely your personality description echoes mine until you get to the 5th statement. I would have to say that each person has unique taste, experience, living and working environments and that's a big piece of what makes up style.

My 5th statement would be very different than yours and say that I love cashmere, merino wool, light weight knits, anything lightly opaque, transparent, fluid and soft, and solid colors. I like interesting quirky jewelry, fun pops of color and playful, maybe whimsical touches. I also love denim, leather bags, casual attire, and comfortable shoes of all varieties.

So, with similar introverted personalities, desires to be genuine, etc., you get very different style. I think you have the excellent makings for your personal style in what you have written above. So, yes, wear what you love, that's exactly what I have done. (I think I have developed a sense of style). I also use a style statement, that seems to make sense only to me, but it's "Genuine Composed". If I think about those words when I get dressed, I can put together an outfit that works and feels right for me.

Traci

Veteran

Interesting. I don't really know your style, but your descriptors sounded reminiscent of my likes. I checked out your pinterest boards and sure enough, we share quite a few pins and themes.

I was recently inspired by the descriptor of "minimalist boho". Boho on it's own never felt right to me because it feels like arms full of bangles and intricate textiles. Minimalist on it's own seemed too cold and synthetic.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Hey Traci! I just looked at your profile, and we're birthday twins! Happy early birthday! I really like that descriptor. I always knew I had boho tendencies (it comes out more in my home decor), but the look is usually maximal and that's definitely not me.

(Everyone else, I'm reading and processing and will be back to comment, once I've mulled things over. You are all wise and helpful, though!)

always trying

Veteran

most of us on this board, actually all of us, are fashion conscious people.

But in the big world, we are a minority. I am of the opinion most of the people we encounter in our everyday lives do not even notice what we are wearing. Maybe if you work in a place where there are lots of younger women, at events like weddings or social things like parties, go out with girlfriends on things like girls night out, ladies luncheons with a wealthier set, certain fund raiser events, or such, there will be a larger number who notice what you are wearing. so unless you are more stand outish, inappropriately dressed, or such, what does it matter, except to you and how you feel? No one pays much attention unless you look different than everyone else. BUT maybe this is just me!

T

Traci

Veteran

Happy early birthday, Jenn!

eta: Here's my pinterest fashion board. https://www.pinterest.com/trac.....spiration/

I haven't been keeping it very up to date lately.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

It sounds a lot like Boden.
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/.....g.html#nav

Or Garnet Hill

http://www.garnethill.com/

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I know how bad you want to figure out your style descriptors! So I'm going to pitch in and try to describe the thoughts that come into my mind when I see your sense of style through your WIWs and the Pinterest board.

Practical, artsy, grounded, bookish, modern classic, earthy, comfortable, warm and cosy, feminine, boho, relaxed, romantic, eclectic, minimalistic, organic

Hope that helps.

Elly

Veteran

Jenn-- A lot of the elements that you mention really speak to me, perhaps because of being a fellow Colorado girl.

Based on your pinterest boards, you gravitate toward styles that should meet your first point-- looks that are layered without being over-accesorized, skirts in a activity-ready length, walkable shoes, and loose-but not oversize (perfect for movement). If you are really concerned keep an extra pair of shoes and a softshell in the car and you'll be ready for anything at a moments notice!

I think the warmth you want to interject will help with point two. I personally find that your looks with layers or accessories and color all warm up your look and make you look more approachable than some of your starker outfits. I love your eggplant capris remixed many ways and shirt dress w/cowboy boots as well as your striped convention look. I also like the plaid pixies-- but think they need a chambray shirt and a cognac leather belt or cuff-- too stark with the black and super-mod jewelry.

From your pin boards I've noticed 3 things:

There is not a lot of black unless it has some interesting or feminizing details or is layered heavily (even less on your mood board). Not high contrast.

Almost every look is edited (not cluttered) but incorporates layering, details, or accessories -- building complexity in a balanced and subtle way.

There are always masculine AND feminine elements being balanced. There are rugged and menswear elements, but they are tempered with full skirts, soft colors, scarves, small prints, ladylike shoes, etc. Very strong but viewed through an Instagram filter-- washed, shaded, softened by a cloudy day.

Denim, chinos, wool and linen rather than nylon, poly, satin and gear.

Style Fan

Veteran

I can relate to a lot of what you have written. I do feel I have a pretty firm idea of my style although I don't have a descriptor. I go with Kibbe Natural in Warm Autumn Colours. Works for me.
I share a lot of your pinterest boards and suspect that we like the same kind of clothing.
I am also an introvert (there are a lot on the forum) and have been seen as standoffish. I am much friendlier when I am with my dog or there are dogs around.
I think wanting to feel comfortable in your clothes and to love your wardrobe so you can enjoy your experiences is very reasonable. I enjoy experiences more when I like what I am wearing. I also find putting outfits together a creative process that I enjoy but I don't think it is for everyone.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I relate to a lot of your descriptors and I also work hard on that balance between not fussy but not minimalist or too dull. It's tricky sometimes to manage simple but not (aesthetically) minimalist, especially when all the practical concerns are also added in.

Have you ever watched the tv show Once? I'm watching back episodes now and have been thinking a lot about Snow/Mary 'Margaret's wardrobe. Her contemporary wardrobe is profoundly feminine on one level, but also incorporates a lot of traditionally masculine stuff - she almost never wears skirts, and all her footwear is flat and practical. Everything is profoundly simple and retro inspired on one level but it doesn't feel like the usual retro dresses and twee angle that something like the actress on New Girl wears. I doubt that you (or I) want to copy her look exactly but it might be worth considering for he elements to borrow.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all. So far, you've given me tons of food for thought.

smittie - It's funny to me that you don't see ballet flats as adventure-worthy, because they've been my go-to for urban exploration for years! Those and Chucks are my shoe of choice for major city walking. Maybe we're crossing wires in that, to me, "adventure" doesn't necessarily mean "hike," although, as Elly recommended, I'm not averse to keeping a pair of flats in my tote or hiking shoes in the car, just in case. Rest assured, you'll never see me in a fleece. They (literally) give me hives.

There's a lot about my current style I don't like, but I mostly want the style descriptors to guide my purchasing. Over the last ten years I have lost 45 pounds, regained 65, and slowly lost another 20 due to a hormonal condition, so I have some body image issues and a lot of wardrobe turnover. My biggest style problem right now is that I don't have basic pieces, so when I purchase those this time around, I want to do so with intention and I'm a writer, so it helps me to have words. I like words (in case you haven't noticed--jeebus, I'm chatty today.)

Maneera - Your style descriptors for me made me laugh. "Practical, artsy, grounded, bookish, modern classic, earthy, comfortable, warm and cosy, feminine, boho, relaxed, romantic, eclectic, minimalistic, organic" That's a little bit of everything, isn't it? No wonder I'm having problems! Your words about wanting to be "appropriately dressed for everything, all the time" spoke to me, but it's always a balancing act, isn't it? Thank you so much for all the time you take to help out. I appreciate it more than you know.

I have more to say and more people to respond to, but I'm afraid of losing the book I've already written, so I'll be back.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Staysfit - Your post was incredibly insightful. Despite the differences in our taste in colors, patterns, and textures, I can see the similarities in our wardrobe goals. If I were to alter your descriptor for myself, I'd say "Genuine Relaxed." It all comes down to authenticity, and I think, for both of us, that comes into play through a desire for personal touches, natural fabrics, and dressing for our lives.

always trying - Others may not notice the brands or pieces or silhouettes we're wearing, but I'm sure they notice the general "vibe" we put out through our style. I absolutely agree with you when you say, "what does it matter, except to you and how you feel?" which is why most of my bullet points were more about that. That being said, I can't even tell you how many of my female friends have told me, "I was sure you hated me when we first met," so anything, however slight, I can do to mitigate that helps, especially since I occasionally work in a sales capacity.

Traci - Thanks for the Pinterest link. I love exploring other peoples' boards, and we do seem to have some tastes in common. I just remembered that a blog I work on did a post on boho minimalism (in home decor) a while back. Maybe you'll enjoy it: http://tributarygoods.com/blog.....minimalism

annagybe - Spot-on. I have ordered from both those retailers, although I have to be careful with the preponderance of too-light clingy jersey from Garnet Hill. That's true of pretty much everywhere these days. Sundance is another, for a western boho fix.

More coming.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Elly - I appreciate your insights, especially as a fellow Coloradan. I'm sure I'm drawn to layered looks, at least in part, because of living here. For a good part of the year, we almost have to dress in layers if we're going to be comfortable all day long. When you say things like, "they need a chambray shirt and a cognac leather belt or cuff," you're absolutely speaking my language, and those last three points are especially good. They're things I think I probably knew but hadn't been thinking about directly, and it helps to have those ideas articulated. Thank you!

Style Fan - Always nice to find someone with a similar style! I'm going to go check out your WIWs.

Laura - I've only watched a few episodes, but I'll go searching for photos of her. It's always good to have sources of inspiration.

Sal

Veteran

I took a look at your mood board.

What I noticed was

Textures- tweed, leather, wool
Muted colours - but not much black
Mountains - it is classic outdoors, not hi-tec gear outdoors.

The words I would use would be

Natural, feminine, outdoorsy, layered, textured, calm.

A couple of YLFers that have some similarities, they are different but a couple of common features.

Brooklyn - she has great colour palettes and a similar taste in textures
E - layered, natural fabrics, flat leather boots and shoes
Texstyle - natural, outdoorsy.

Your style reminds me of rural Australia, Scotland or the South Island of NZ.

Not sure if that helps or not

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

It helps a lot! Thanks, Kiwigal!

Word Lily

Veteran

Heh, I like the Strunk & White reference.

I feel like I could have written most of your post (and probably do need to write my own version of it).

Actually, I think the largest difference between us style wise (at least aspirationally), is color palette. I can’t wear those mustard ochre olive colors that are so awesome for you. (And maybe that I’ve finally resigned myself to ditch my Chucks and not replace them, because they’re too narrow for my feet.)

I don’t think you’re asking too much of your wardrobe, no. I don’t think your 5 points are disparate or mutually exclusive, so it should be quite doable to integrate them into a cohesive wardrobe. At least I hope so. Because I have similarly high hopes.

Hope you keep having fun on your journey!

rachylou

Veteran

You sound a little like me in that you are working from the inside out, not the visual finale. This has caused me frustration in the past because not only can I not describe my look, I doubt I can produce it by aiming for visuals either. That is, I think I'm doing one thing and then discover what I've actually done only afterward. So I like the idea of your mood board because that's more inside out...

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Word Lily - I was wondering if anyone would mention the Strunk&White thing. I'd love to see your version of this post! It actually helped me a lot, just writing it out. The advice from all of you on top that was icing on the cake.

rachylou - I've kind of been doing both simultaneously, but I realized that looking at colors and silhouettes just doesn't make sense without knowing the interior goals behind them. If I were the sort of person who loved hanging out at the pool by day and clubbing at night and wanted my clothing to make me look smoking hot, I'd be building an entirely different kind of wardrobe!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Style IS from the inside out, so these are excellent insights, Jenn.

celia

Veteran

I could relate to many of your points( maybe we have more in common than coloring).
I believe it is possible to reach the point where you plan for your wardrobe and have there the elements you love but at the same time come across as effortless and ready for anything.
This has been my goal and I find that the problem is in the buying. I forget how an outfit will fill and just look at it for how pretty it is.

shedev

Veteran

I've simplified the list of descriptors into the phrase "hard edge with soft drape" as a way to describe my style. It gives me a visual image instead of a list of words.

When you described the places you like, I pictured the kinds of clothing items that you listed. Then I read your list. I think you have a clear concept of your aspirational style. Personas and descriptors are only useful as tools that enhance our style journey.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Angie - I'm catching on!

celia - I totally hear you on this. It's what I referred to earlier as "hummingbird shopping." I really love all sorts of textiles and am drawn to colors and patterns and textures that I don't really want to wear, but buy because... PRETTY.

E

Veteran

Loved this post! And any grammar reference is always going to please my heart.

I have far too many thoughts, so I’m categorising them based on your original numbers.

I love to feel that my clothes are up to adventures too…I sum that up in the word ‘sturdy,’ in case that’s any help to you. I feel that for most of human history, people have done all of their accomplishments without the help of gear, so I can probably make do with wool and cotton and silk and linen too. ;D (Since I don’t do any gym or jogging or other very modern exercise routines…just good old walking for me, lol.) I remember watching some episodes of Creatures Great and Small, and just being fascinated by how even low income farmers were wearing tweedy suits & separates as their work gear! The vet too; he just takes off his blazer, rolls up his shirt sleeves, and of course makes sure he's got some sturdy wellies on, then gets down to business. Also, if you don’t mind clunkier shoes, Aurora Shoe Co makes super comfortable, all-leather flats. They’re not fashion forward, but I do think they have a distinctive style.
Lol! I know just what you mean. I do think clothes can help you look more approachable, especially to women who might share your environment.
Ohhh, we are on the same page! For me, certain silhouettes & styles & colours make me feel psychologically uncomfortable, while others make me feel what you're talking about here. And of course some fibers or clothing cuts make me physically uncomfortable as well! Hence why I enjoy having limits to in those categories.
I wash all of my clothes, including silks & store-bought woolens, on the most delicate setting of the washing machine and then hang/lay flat to dry. They all seem happy with this treatment (although I don’t wash them more frequently than I have to)…if you’re not as big a risk-taker as me, they make gentle detergent you can use to wash clothes in the sink/bucket/whatever that doesn’t even require rinsing. I use it on my hand knits and bras and swimwear. There are at least two companies: Eucalan and Soak. Anyway, my point is that in my experience nice, natural fibers can be easy to wear.
What a fun list!

I don’t think you’re asking too much of your wardrobe. I’ve found the more I expect from my clothes, the more they give me! Especially as an introvert that enjoys making things. I've molded my current clothing persona over the past few years, and I think the effort & time & money were worth it, because now my closet does a lot of what you describe. I do think there can be a dangerous line, in our consumer-driven culture, between expressing your inner self via clothes and 'I shop therefore I am,' but I'm sure you wouldn't fall into the latter. You just want to align your closet with your already-established lifestyle, and you tend towards minimalism anyway.

Also, I love the phrase hummingbird shopping!!! This describes me perfectly, and explains why I still end up with wardrobe orphans, in the cases when I decide to get something even though I know it's not the most flattering option, because I just fall in love with it as an object.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

"I remember watching some episodes of Creatures Great and Small, and just being fascinated by how even low income farmers were wearing tweedy suits & separates as their work gear! The vet too; he just takes off his blazer, rolls up his shirt sleeves, and of course makes sure he's got some sturdy wellies on, then gets down to business."

This, E. Totally this, only the image in my head is always Catherine and Heathcliff out walking the moors. On a side note, my family makes fun of me because I have a go-to rant about planned obsolescence in today's consumer goods. See, I have this electric skillet I inherited from my grandmother. It was made in 1955, is, hands down, the best, sturdiest electrical appliance I own--the only one I haven't had to replace since setting up my own household--and it makes me angry about the quality of manufacturing today. I think the same is true of clothing. It's harder to wear/work in/live in our clothing today because it's really not made as well. It's made to wear for a season or two and then throw away. I wish I fit into more vintage pieces, but since I don't, I'm working to educate myself on how to identify quality (this guide helped a lot) and purchase mindfully.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

shedev - Thank you for saying this: When you described the places you like, I pictured the kinds of clothing items that you listed. Then I read your list. That's the best indicator I'm on the right path that I could have asked for.

Anonymous

Jenn-,I trek around in my ballet flats too.
I think restricting your colour palette and making sure the quality of the items is high are the two key things to keep in mind while shopping.
Hopefully you're able to find some excellent basics.

Anonymous

I noted on your profile that your style icon is Ines de la Fressange, so you might be a chic Parisienne at heart! She, in fact, wrote a book called Parisian Chic, that might be worth a read. You can't ever go wrong with French style. What a fab icon she is.

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