Have I defined my style? - YouLookFab Forum

This has not been existential drama for me, I knew my style was there all along, but being able to put it into words seemed like it would be a very useful thing. Up until now, everything I tried seemed to not quite get it. The closest I have come has been Suz's "artistic professional". Which was pretty good, but somehow seemed to leave something out.

When I first joined the forum, I introduced myself in one of those threads at the top that rarely get read using the analogy of jazz, and I think that I unintentionally nailed it right there. Jazz is all about taking a classic foundation and putting a spontaneous, individualistic spin on it. Start with a classic chord progression and riff off of it, find something new to do with it. And you can take it in almost any direction: romantic, swinging, melancholy, quiet and introspective, joyful and loud... And so now I know how to integrate all those disparate elements I love into one metaphor: classic jazz.

I want, I think, above all else, to look classy. Trashy and tacky are major turn-offs for me. But while I admire the Jackie O's and Audrey Hepburn's immensely, their polished, sophisticated elegance is not me. I have to throw in more fun, more spontaneity. I want to be the classy lady who will kick off her shoes and chase kids up and down the lawn, or clap a fedora on her head and tilt it back. Sometimes I want a touch of sweetness or romanticism, sometimes funky. And jazz seems to encapsulate all that so well. A core of well-balanced classic that is constantly re-inventing itself while staying true to its central identity, and overlaid with fun and funk and delight, or whatever persona I want to put on for the day.

What do you think?

Next up: the rubric. This will take a bit more thought. Thank God for the word eclectic...

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

That is so funny to me, because I love your style, and don't particularly care for jazz. Let's say you are the one kind of jazz that does it for me.

Anonymous

I think you have some great starting points conceptually speaking. However, from your threads I gather you might not be ready to make any major clothing purchases. I think it might be difficult to put the theory into practice without a little investment here and there. I like your train of thought, however.

goldenpig

(website)

I love how you think about your style! Thanks for sharing your style musings. Jazz is a perfect metaphor! Can't wait to see more of your improvisations!

Suz

It's going to be fun to watch the coming chord progressions!

All this thinking is going to pay off when you are down to your desired weight and ready to go crazy with a little shopping!

Kari

I love that metaphor, JR. I will be very interested and excited to see how you interpret this idea in your style!

RoseandJoan

Brilliant, each outfit is like a new song.

You guys are so sweet.

I'm kind of curious to see if this will have any visible impact on the way I dress too, or if it will be an abstract concept only. Time will tell.

Today is soft, melancholy jazz. Didn't even feel like taking a picture, because of my mood, not the outfit. Background mood music, black on brown.

Caro in Oz

Fabulous analogy. My riff on this would be, when you are ready, spend on the classic foundations & play with the cheaper elements till you home in on your "sound".

I like your thinking, Caro.

I actually did pick up a good quality white blouse a couple of days ago. A bit too snug to wear quite yet, but a nice straight cut that will hang nicely on me when it's time. I was willing to lay out a little more, because I figured this one I should be able to wear until it starts falling apart. A welcome change!

Jenava

This is a good starting point. It took me a long time of thinking and experimenting to come up with some guidelines that I think are good, and I'm still working on mine, too. I'd like to see you be more specific. By way of example, here is mine (by no means complete, perfect, finished, etc.). Mind you, I'm a long ways from actually getting the ol' wardrobe and outfits to match up to this! I also defined colors that I'd like to stick to which I know flatter and work together for me, which I have also found very helpful.

feminist - covered, but not frumpy; feminine but not overtly sexy; comfortable
luxurious - rich colors and fabrics; well made, well fitting, tailored
intelligent - bold and unusual color combinations, unexpected details and construction
serious - not whimsical or playful, not oversized, not costumed
refined - referencing the traditional, carefully curated, not perceived as obnoxious or loud
soft - pleated, wrapped, draped, sheer, textured, matte, distressed
straight-forward - details are apparent and intentional, and are in harmony with the overall look
Neutrals - Black, Grey, Navy, Mushroom, Olive, Light Cream
Main Colors - Muted Pinks, Burgundy, Plum, Purple, Chocolate Brown
Supporting Colors - Blue, Gold/Yellow, Green, Dark Red

ETA - I am the kind of person who loves to analyze things, so if you are not please feel free to take this advise with a large grain of salt! I realize being specific isn't something everyone feels the need to do, esp. in this context.

Jenava, that is indeed useful. I am slowly working on this in my mind, but maybe getting it down, as you have, would be a good exercise. I do think it would always have to be a work in progress, because we do change over time and our understanding of who we are and what we like changes too.

Thank you so much for taking the time for such a thoughtful response.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I love the jazz metaphor, and I think that it can really help you figure out what you want and what resonates for you. I've seen other people come up with catchphrases or lists of things they like and don't like, but I really like the idea of a metaphor to something else. May have to give this some thought as regards my own style - maybe a food or a landscape...

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