Julie's definition about pushing the boundaries of personal style is really resonating with me right now. I've received forum comments on some of my outfits that have left me rather puzzled (though always flattered and pleased). Outfits like the one I wore yesterday (black pencil skirt, teal top and grey boyfriend jacket) have been described as having an edge. I'm not disagreeing with that at all, since it's such a subjective adjective, but I was surprised to read it. A skirt, top and blazer sounded to me like a pretty conventional or classic combo, and therefore very much in line with my modern classic style. Clearly it was executed in a way that struck someone as unexpected, and this is great...it was just the last term I expected to see in my comments.
Conversely, my zipper floral pin was largely considered to be a fun, edgy accessory by forum ladies who were in on my quest for such items. When I bought it, I decided it would be the perfect piece to spunk up my Chanel-esque jacket, which popular opinion suggests is in need of a modern twist. When I trotted out the outfit, people at my office asked me if the pin had come with the jacket. Obviously it speaks to how well the pieces integrate, but it also illustrates exactly how hard it is to define "edgy." If the zipper pin looked like something that came with the jacket, clearly it wasn't presenting much of a visual surprise or departure from what would be expected on such a garment. Yet the pin embodies all conventional elements of an edgy piece (if a soft floral shape expressed in gleaming zipper teeth doesn't say contrast, I don't know what does). Perhaps the ladies of the forum only felt the pin was edgy because it was going to be a departure from my understated, feminine style. In which case, good on you for saying it that way, because your feedback put that pin in my wardrobe, and it's now one of my favourite pieces.
Basically, I suspect there is no truly universal definition of this term...but I love reading the discussion!

He was the one with the quote.

Although I will say he always seemed to be nicely dressed for the occasion, a la Angie's "Mad Men" post of this afternoon!

Edge is PERSONAL - just as personal as your own style. It's contextual, relative and evolving. So I understand it *exactly* the same way as Julie, Cathy and Anna do.

What is edgy for me, might not be edgy for Audi.

What is edgy for Jennifer Aniston, might not be edgy for SJP.

What is edgy for Marianna, might not be edgy for Anna.

What's edgy for Nora Jones, might not be edgy for Gwen Stefani.

What is edgy for Michelle, might not be edgy for Louise.

Hope this illustrates that the goal posts are different for almost everyone.

For my personal style, edge means contrast. But it has to be the right kind of contrast, in the right context, with the right elements. I'm still working this out. I did a post a while back about how the idea of contrast was really starting to resonate with me. I can no longer be satisfied with all modern classic in my outfit, as I would have been several years back. I need to add a distressed denim jacket, or a hoody, or a super high, high heel, or whatever. I think it depends on how you want people to perceive you. Dressing is communiating, and I want people to understand me. For me, part of that is playing in to what I know my audience thinks is unexpected. So, yeah, personal style and context both play roles in what I define as "edgy" both for myself and others.

Oh boy I'm not sure how to answer. I suppose edge for me means one eye catching piece that elevates the outfit to crisp, clean and sharp.

I think it can vary by individual also. I wear animal print (leopard) pretty frequently so when I pair it with my studded cognac JCrew belt, cargo pants, and cognac heeled brogue's that felt a little "edgy" to me. However, for someone that doesn't wear animal print often a simple skinny belt may feel "edgy" to that person with jeans & a t or sweater. Make sense?

LOL - just read the 2nd page of replies now - yeah what Angie said!

Wow! Just read this thread! Love the discussion. I agree with those who say it is all relative - as well as personal. When I go back to visit my family in the midwest, I sometimes stick out like a sore thumb for wearing something that here on the west coast would not even get a second look. I like the fact that everyone can have their own "edgy" look - regardless of their style.

Very thoughtful responses, which I haven't been honoring very well

Yes, location is definitely a factor. I work in the same building as Intermix's corporate office, and the girls that work there are always light years ahead of the curve. In fact, I changed my mind on the furry vest when I saw one of them wearing one on the elevator. Sometimes I feel as though I'd have more in common with their office than with mine (actually, I'm positive I would--I'm a fish out of water ).

Truly, I feel like I have seen it all over and over and over again. It's hard for me to really be taken aback by someone's style because nothing is truly new or innovative. It's HARD to be innovative, especially now when anything goes.

That's not to say no one lives up to my standards or no one is stylish enough. Style ≠ edge. You can be very stylish and not very edgy, and vice versa.

Michelle, I'm glad you mentioned that example, because it was exactly what I was thinking. There are others too, but that one was the most recent and fresh in my mind. Your outfit was outstanding, but it was as far from edgy as it gets--so I was very surprised to see it being described that way. Again, not being edgy isn't a bad thing in my mind. It doesn't detract from the value of the look in any way. It's just a way of describing it that I didn't see. I mean even by the loosest standards, there was nothing about that outfit that wasn't 100% classic and clean--exactly your style.