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Help me describe my style/fashion persona?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I know my fashion sense is really in flux right now, and it feels like I've learned/changed so fast in the last couple months since I joined that everyone riding along with me is getting whiplash! I was just wondering if you could help me figure out what my "style" is on this leg of my style journey, and how to describe it, because I think that would help me focus in on what direction I should be going in in my future purchases, outfit styling, etc.

I've read these posts:
http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/.....n-persona/
http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....ual-style/
http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....rsonality/
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....on-journey
and I can't seem to figure out what my type is. I think I'm moving from sporty natural and modern classic pre-YLF, more toward artistic eclectic and trendy fashionista now, but I have outfits that would fit into nearly all of those categories.
Also, I read Aida's list and tried to come up with my own:
PRIMARY NEUTRALS: black & white, gray
SECONDARY NEUTRALS: brown, camel/tan, cream
MAIN COLORS: red, rust/pumpkin, turquoise/teal, olive, eggplant, navy
ACCENT COLORS: mustard, raspberry, jade green, cobalt blue
DON'T WEAR COLORS: pastels (rarely) and fluorescent brights
ELEMENTS OF LOVE:
red red red (main color, shoes, accessories, whatever), esp. black/white/red combo
bold jewel tone/autumn colors
prints/patterns
color and pattern mixing (still learning the ropes)
bias cut skirts
ladylike/feminine clothing--ruffles, flared skirts
retro shoes (chunky stacked heels, ankle or T straps)
animal print
a little bit of 70's/boho (but not too much)
Asian-inspired modern pieces
statement accessories--shoes, handbags, belts that stand out
unique twists on classic pieces--like printed pencil skirts instead of plain ones
jewelry--still trying to figure this out but I prefer unique pieces over classic ones
wearing specs almost all the time
minimal makeup, straight hair

Style goals:
1. Polished professional
2. Trendy fashionista
3. Stylish but comfortable MOTG

So, how would you describe my style? I've included my favorite looks so far to help you out. (ETA: see my profile pic for one more favorite outfit!) Also, if you are into color theory, what "season" does this make me? Because I'm confused whether I'm a winter or autumn...black/white/red seems like a winter, but all my other main colors are more autumn-y.

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40 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Vildy

Veteran

You look wonderful in that red coat and you look wonderful in that
red swing, too! Bearing in mind that these are just pictures and who knows about my monitor, your complexion looks clearer to me in the autumn tones. That coat/swing look to the coral side to me. Yeah; I know, there's warm and cool coral.

I'm with you on not knowing my style type - I'm very experimental, so that doesn't help nail anything down. But one of the most useful tools I've found is Mrs. Eccentric's outfit analysis checklist. Here:

http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....klist.html

If you make yourself actually go through this list in writing with a favorite outfit, it's illuminating.

She also had some interesting musings on style here:

http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....asual.html

And here:

http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....eling.html

krishnidoux

Veteran

Wow, Goldenpig, you have great style. I would say you are sophisticated with and edge.

From the picks one can see you are versatile, some days more romantic, some days more practical, but always professional. Your style says to me: I'm a grounded, level headed and responsible person (5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23) who also likes to have fun (3, 6, 8, 15, 24) . I am active and practical (3, 11, 13, 21), but also I am a risk taker (1, 15, 16, 20, 24, 25) . In my heart, I have a penchant for Boho, 1970 and its self confident sexiness (10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 21). When I play "dress up", I veer the other way, towards a different silhouette from 1940's, 50's and 80's, as I can wear it well (6,7,8,22,23), although it is not my main style.

Throughout, however, you seem to fit these descriptions:

1:
C. Sophisticate (Cate Blanchett):

“Feminine but not frilly, seductive but not showy, (...) are allergic to bling. Grace Kelly is your ideal, and Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera are your sartorial guardian angels. Your friends so admire your impeccable taste(...)"

2:
Professional: It’s very important to me that I am credible and authoritative in the field of style and fashion. Looking polished, sophisticated, fresh and tidy conveys that I am an organized, disciplined and efficient professional. I’m also a bit of a neat-freak, so it makes perfect sense that this comes through in my style.

Thank you for the links! they are interesting reads.

Vildy

Veteran

I'm going to theorize about this. If you start at the fashion persona, then where are you because you have to figure out what clothes telegraph that. And that makes you rely mostly on what you've learned from other people/sources.

If you think about what clothes communicate, then you're either relying on all the other folks for the common wisdom or your own reflexive judgments. And besides, this only fits for a snap judgment of you and then people get to know you. It works differently for celebrities who carry lots of baggage with them but we're not celebrities.

If you look at Angie's post about her newest style evolution - can't find the link - then you see she's describing what she does and doesn't want in her clothing. Less layers, less accessories competing. And then she comes up with a breathtakingly chic outfit for her birthday.

So I think it's better to figure out the main points of your outfits because then you've got clothes to wear.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think you are a "deep winter" like me:
"Note: If you are a (dominant) Deep Winter with a mix of both cool and warm undertones, you can usually wear the deepest colors in the Deep Autumn palette. However you might find yellow-orange based colors to be horrible colors. That's because they're too warm. On the other hand, if you're a Deep Autumn (dominant) you may only be able to wear the warmest, deep colors in the Deep Winter palette, not the vivid ones."
http://www.thechicfashionista......lysis.html

As for the persona, you've already gotten great advice, but FWIW, I see elements of Modern Classic in your cuts, colors and patterns. I don't see anything that reads as super trendy, even though you look current and "up" on the trends, if that makes any sense.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Vildy, thanks for those links and your comments...very interesting points. I agree, I don't want to pigeonhole myself, but at this point I feel like I'm all over the place and it would be great to narrow down what it is I like about these outfits. Krishnidoux, THANK YOU so much for that insightful analysis of my outfits and description of me...that is perfect and just what I am looking for! It's like I can come up with things I like to wear, but I can't always describe what it is about it that makes it my favorite. That's why Vildy's links are so helpful...I will have to re-read those over and over till they start to sink in. Rae, thanks for you color help. I think you're right...I must be Deep Winter with some Deep Autumn because both those color palettes in your link are the ones that show up in my wardrobe the most. Although now I'm worried because it says yellow/orange doesn't look good for Deep Winter...I just bought a mustard yellow colored blazer and am wearing it today...hope this color looks OK on me (will post pics later)!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

oh, goldenpig, a gal could have a truly tremendous time in your closet! and you come up with marvelous looks out of it, as well!!

and Vildy, you are so sweet to suggest those links (blushing)!! you're quite the confidence-builder!

GP, speaking of those links - i say it again and again, but it's hard to believe so i'll say it again. I find that very detailed analysis works best (oh maybe ONLY really works) when you just analyze ONE OUTFIT. When someone is in your position it can be helpful to choose one or two (NO MORE!!!) looks that you reallly reallly love - you felt like a million bucks, you could wear the same look for a week and it'd be great! That type of look (not 'well, i think i should look like this' or 'i felt fine. meh').

Sometimes it takes a while for that outfit to 'pop up', so keep an eye out and when it does make sure to take pictures/notes. Then really dig into what it is that's going on in that one particular look - colors, line, pattern, detail, silhouette, style references. As you are finding out, especially when a person is moving towards finding their style and still experimenting to some degree, it's just so much going on and too confusing to narrow down from all the different looks and styles you're playing with. Which is completely fabulous, but at the same time you can feel like you're headed in six directions at once.

But taking the time to zero in on ONE LOOK that you LOVE can really help, because you are only worrying about the things you know really work and that you really like. Also, it's just one outfit so it's a lot less to cope with

If you come up with one look that you're just insanely crazy about, why not post that one and see what the board has to say about that look? it might help to narrow it down some - you are very versatile and creative with your outfits!!

Good luck - your Aida's list is great and will be really helpful, and all of the commenters here have offered great ideas. Keep on with it and you'll get where you want to be! Steph

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hi Steph, thanks so much for all your insights! Here is my all-time favorite outfit (the one in my profile pic)--can't believe I forgot to post that one earlier. I love the print, the tie neck blouse, the waist defining leather band on the tweed textured skirt, the small "doctor bag" purse in a jewel color, and RED SHOES (with the T-strap)! What do you think? It reminds me of the 40's, I think. I like how it is a polished professional powerful look while still being ladylike and pretty at the same time.

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Vildy

Veteran

"It reminds me of the 40's, I think. I like how it is a polished professional powerful look while still being ladylike and pretty at the same time. "

Ignore me while you and Steph and others get down to the serious work but your remark reminded me of the famous quote about Ginger Rogers:
she did everything Fred did but backwards and in high heels! Can you get more professional and ladylike than that?!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, thanks for starting this thread, and Krishnidoux, Vildy, Rae, and Steph, thanks for your observations.

Steph, the idea to narrow in on one or two best loved outfits is fantastic and just what I needed to hear. I still haven't found those best outfits yet. But the minute I do, I will analyze and post.

I have been trying to figure it all out from looking at too many individual pieces and it has been making me crazy. I need to do the one-outfit trick.

Off to follow those links!

MsMary

Veteran

A lot of us had a good time with the book "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style:" http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....product_T2. It was reading that book that led me to say I thought I maybe was a "businesslike bombshell," which Angie tweaked slightly to Business Bombshell, which hit me like a... well, like a bombshell! I went with and ran with it and never looked back.

For you, I've been trying all morning to come up with an alliterative version on Fun and Funky Smart and Sophisticated Doctor Mama!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

oh goldenpig that is a truly beautiful and sophisticated outfit - yum!!!

i have a very busy couple of days here, but i will get back to you with my thoughts by mid-week. if i do not, please send me a pm with the title: "Do You Think You Could Find It Within Yourself To Get Off Of Yer Tuckus For One Or Two Minutes, For Cryin' Out Loud?"

but to begin i'm looking at a classic, perfectly fitting silhouette in luxe fabrications with very sophisticated use of pattern, texture and color providing the interest and individuality.

Suz, i stumbled on that idea just because i've been superreallyprettydarnstuck myself more than once. Keep an eye out for your 'one'!!

MaryK, that's a great book! i got a lot out of it myself - there's a lot of 'Posh Eclectic' in this gal steph

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Vildy, I love that quote about Ginger Rogers! As the only woman doctor in my group, I can especially appreciate it! And thanks again for the links to Steph's blog...very helpful. Oh, by the way, what did you mean about the warm & cool coral...that coral looks good on me or not? What season is coral? What kind of red should I be wearing?

MaryK, thanks, I will look for that book...it looks like my library carries it!

Steph, thanks so much, I can't wait to hear what you have to say about my outfit/style in more detail. I totally love this outfit, I would dress like this all the time (for work, anyways) if I could. I watched your whole 13 minute video...it was very helpful! I'll take a stab at it myself, but I can't wait to hear your expert analysis.

Silhouette: slim, fitted with waist definition. Modest neckline (but not severe), sleeves at wrist and skirt with hem at knee. I like ladylike silhouettes that are sexy by being pretty and slightly retro instead of overly revealing.
Color: deep mustard yellow blouse and brown/gold skirt with black, red and green accents. I like deep autumnal colors like chocolate brown, mustard, rust/pumpkin, and cream accented by brighter deep winter jewel colors like red, green, teal, eggplant, and black.
Pattern: I love wearing patterns! I try to have at least one piece, either blouse or skirt, be patterned (and now that I am learning about pattern mixing, sometimes both!). I tend to get a little bored if all the pieces are a solid color (unless I have some unique accessories or shoes to draw attention to).
Detail: Pussy bow tie blouse (I seem to have collected quite a few lately!), gathered at the wrist with a bit of a flare above that...very retro feminine. But the black leather waistband gives the outfit a bit of edginess/sexiness.
Drape: Fitted without being too clingy.
Texture: Love having a bit of texture, like the tweed in the skirt. I have a Fossil bag that I just bought that is made of leather but with soft velvet panels in a floral pattern...that really makes me happy too.
Style references: I feel a little like a 1940's secretary in this outfit...glamourous, but not in a bombshell way. A pretty but professional style.
Accessories: (This outfit was from when I first joined YLF so I didn't have any jewelry on, but I don't think it really needs much because there's a lot going on with the patterns and textures and colors). Love structured handbags in jewel tones. The doctor bag shape is a favorite given my profession (but not in black because I don't want it too look like I'm carrying a real one!) Although in real life, I usually carry a big red Fossil tote that can hold my laptop and papers. The shoes are one of my favorite pairs due to the color red (my favorite) and the retro feel of the T straps, plus the heel isn't too high so I can walk at work. Oh, and I can't forget the red specs as well!

Can't wait to see what you (and others) have to say as well. This is a great exercise, Steph!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I just reread the second thread that I linked to up at the top where Angie was describing her style. I thought it was strange that nearly everything she said to describe herself (except the cool haircut), I think would describe my style as well (or at least what I aspire to be), but I don't think I dress very much like Angie at all. (Or do I? Maybe I just want to be more like her!) Interesting!!!

Here is what she said about herself:
"As a stylist with a background in psychology, I’ve thought a lot about what I would like my personal style to say about me. After all, anyone can buy fashion, but style you have to own. So I aspire to communicate the following qualities through the way that I dress:

* Modern: I am urban. I like to try new things, have a contemporary outlook on life and strive to have an open mind. I express these attributes by being an early fashion adopter, wearing daring colour combinations and sporting a contemporary haircut and current pair of specs.
* Trendy: I love fashion and enjoy putting my ensembles together in new and creative ways.
* Professional: It’s very important to me that I am credible and authoritative in the field of style and fashion. Looking polished, sophisticated, fresh and tidy conveys that I am an organized, disciplined and efficient professional. I’m also a bit of a neat-freak, so it makes perfect sense that this comes through in my style.
* Fun: I’m a cheerful and enthusiastic person who is passionate about life. This is why I like to wear happy colours and make bold fashion statements.
* Modest: I deliberately never wear revealing clothing (I scored zero for bombshell in my style profile). I am exuberant, but I have a private, earnest and serious side to me. Keeping my attire modest feels right.
* Practical: Adding a practical and unflashy dimension to my style not only suits me because I’m a practical person by nature, but also conveys that I am approachable and down to earth."

Aida

Veteran

I'm never good at narrowing down styles but for what it's worth, I see a lot of Modern Classic in your developing style

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

OK, I picked up the Lucky Guide to Mastering any Style (thanks for the suggestion, MaryK!) at my library today. After flipping through all the pictures tonight, I just had a revelation. I think I might be a bit Bombshell! Another huge shocker! (Although I have been shocked so many times during this whole process, that I'm no longer surprised when everything I thought about myself fashion-wise gets turned on its head!) I am a quiet, non-flashy, non-diva, non-party, non-makeup type. The last sort of person you would think would be described as a bombshell. I would describe my mom's style as bombshell, but not mine. (She loves to overdress and wear sequins and feather trimmed gowns and go to galas and wear high heels and never goes out without her makeup on). But when I looked through all the different styles and compared the outfits listed under each style to what was in my closet and what appealed to me visually (pieces that I would want to wear), bombshell came out on top. As I said earlier, my favorite outfit has a sexy 1940's secretary kind of vibe, and I really like fitted silhouettes. I love the pencil skirts I have, plus the fit and flare polka dot dress, tie neck blouses, and the color red. And plus that would explain why I bought the red trench with the corset back and the leopard heels. And it would explain why my style differs from Angie's even though her style description otherwise seemed to apply to me...because she said she scored zero on bombshell. I don't own any bustiers or corsets or feathery mules, but I don't mind wearing some types of body-conscious clothes and revealing a little bit of skin once in a while. Is there such a thing as a "demure bombshell?" Can an apple figure be a bombshell? Maybe I'm a Business Bombshell like MaryK...we may have more in common than I thought!

The other styles that rang a bell for me were Bohemian with a touch of Posh Eclectic. A lot of my maternity tops were boho-style patterns and I do wear that shearling vest and peasant top and those 70's style dresses (6-12, 21). I love the deep autumn color palette, which seems very boho to me. And I love the ruffles and vintagey looks in Posh Eclectic, although I don't usually wear lace and my clothes tend to be simpler than that (less Victorian-feeling).

Maybe I am a Boho Bombshell! Is that totally ridiculous, or does that make sense at all? Split personality maybe? Still confused, but amazed as well at what I am learning about myself.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Hello Natalie! my week became more hectic than i predicted (shocker there ;), so i'm popping in for a few and will pop in again later!

Your analysis of your fave look is outstanding! I have found for this type of analysis to be the most helpful, i like to shoot for description that is precise enough to give direction but not so unique that it can only describe one particular outfit.

So, your description of colors was pry the closest to that type of description. You laid out a palette of beautiful colors that all look great on you and go well together. To go into color further - all the colors in your fave look are muted or burnished in a way. The top is mustard - if you look at a jar of mustard, there's a lot of brown adn grey in there along witih the yellow, which gives it a richer look. If you look at a daffodil flower or lemon fruit, the yellows there are much more clear, without greys or browns. Additionally, all of your fave look colors are very warm. This info will help you pick colors that you love and will 'play well' in your closet.

Another factor is how did you combine the colors? i see neutral skirt & belt, two primary colors (yellow and red) and one secondary color (green). Color theory has a name for this type of color combo but i forgot it. however, when you get stuck try picking two primary colors - say blue and red - and adding a color made by combining two primaries - say purple or green, and 'fill in' the rest with neutrals. the three 'colors' can be any pieces in your look - coat, blouse and skirt or shoes, bag, and belt. Changing up which items play the color roles can give you very different types of looks, but if you understand the colors you like and how you like to mix them it becomes easy to create looks that you still love.

yoikes! time to get back to the mundane!! i think you may have a bit of bombshell as well - but it could just be that ultra-feminine ladylike aspect of your style working overtime. There's an area where they run into each other, i think! and don't fret if you never come up with a phrase that captures your style - i never have, but i know enough about what i like, etc. that it doesn't bother me.

Have a great day! steph

catgirl

Veteran

I'm putting you on Team Polished. I don't think anyone can make Kate Spade look RATE (though I could be wrong!).

MsMary

Veteran

I definitely agree. Team Polished, for sure!!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hahaha Una & MaryK, I have to agree. Team Polished for sure! Una, did you see my feeble attempt at RATE in your Team switching Challenge thread? And is that a challenge (RATE up Kate Spade)?

MaryK, do you think I'm a bombshell too or is there some other word to describe me?

Hoping Angie will chime in!

MsMary

Veteran

I'd definitely call you a bombshell! Have you seen yourself in that fab red corset coat lately??

catgirl

Veteran

That is a challenge - RATE Kate!

MsMary

Veteran

I'm wearing my hair crazy and curly with my pink KS pumps today. I'll post a photo when I get home and see if I pulled off a Kate RATE.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Hello Natalie! how does this one work for you?

The backbone, the underlying structure of your style is Classic Elegant. This lets the world know you are a successful urban professional. The heart of your style, and it's flirty playfulness, can be found in retro ladylike details. It's all wrapped up by a ribbon of boho-luxe colors and a sophisticated mix of colors, patterns, and texture.

To expand:

Classic Elegant Structure: your overall sillhouettes, the types of pieces you wear (trench coat, straight skirt, silk blouse, suits, etc.) and the fabrics (gabardine, tweed, boucle, satin, crepe de chine. etc.) all fall in this category. The fit is classic as well - not too tight, not too loose, not too short, not too long. The figure is defined but it's not on display. Nothing super edgy or 'artistic' - no dresses where you need a chart to figure out which end is heads and which is tails!

Retro-Ladylike Details: bows, ruffles, pintucks, emphasis on the waist, pointy pumps, kitten heels, shiny fabrics, ribbons, structures handbags. These details can become a little too sweet for some, but your love of pulling these details from the past adds a playful, lightly ironic touch.

Boho-Luxe: this shows in two areas - your love of rich, spicey-winey colors that recall the East (what could be more Asian than RED?) and the rich way you mix patterns and textures in your outfits. No particular piece in this look could be labeled 'Bohemian', but the rich mustard and tumeric and claret colors, plus the mix of a swirly pattern with richly textured boucle, gets the message across. None of the less-luxurious elements of the Boho style show up here (peasant blouses, gauzy cottons, wispy fringe, etc.).

So is percentages, i'd go 60% Classic Elegant, 30% retro-ladylike, and 10% Boho-Luxe. But that's just a general rule to give you a rough feel for amounts.

Cheat-sheet version: The backbone of your style is Classic Elegant, it's playful, flirty heart is found in retro-ladylike detail, and it's all surrounded by a ribbon of Boho-Luxe.

The only elements that don't come across in this description are - you're on Team Polished and Team Low-Contrast.

This came to me in a rush yesterday while i was knocking down spiderwebs. Let me know what you think!! Have a great day! steph

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Wow Steph...you are simply amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to think about my style and write out these detailed posts for me. You make me sound so fashionable! I am going to read these over and over...what a treasure! I don't even know what some of these terms are like crepe de chine, but what you said about my style totally makes sense. Boho luxe, what a fun description! And I agree with the retro ladylike (it's true, I really like to have fun with those flirty details like ruffles & bows). Classic elegant is something I never really thought of because it just seemed like an "old lady style" term to me, but I think you're right about that too, especially since I am trying to dress more professionally & a little older. And I think you can be classic elegant at any age...I will try to read up more on that style. Thank you!!!! You are awesome! You really made my day today!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Yay! Natalie, i am very happy that this is helpful to you!!! altho "You make me sound so fashionable! :)" for good ness sake, woman, take a look at those pix at the top of this thread!!! i think your innate fashion sense is Very Strong, and your left brain (how to talk about it, etc.) is trying to catch up. Don't worry, it will!

actually, if you look at your OP i stole 'retro' and 'ladylike' from your elements of love and just hooked them up. And Classic Elegant gets a big of a bad rap - as you say, it can suit any age and can be very fresh. In your style, the retro ladylike and boho-luxe elements are 'on top' or 'out front', so to speak, and people remember those bits more as they are more striking and unusual. but the classic elegant is there behind it all giving your looks credibility and making it easier for people to 'understand' the more fashion forward elements 'on top'. You truly have a great knack at this - it's not easy to do!

"You really made my day today! " Aw, you are a sweetheart Natalie <3 Thank you - you have made My day!! take care and happy friday! steph

cobaltblue

Veteran

I am so impressed by what everyone has done here. Way to go, mrseccentric and GP!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

"Yay! Natalie, i am very happy that this is helpful to you!!! altho "You make me sound so fashionable! :)" for good ness sake, woman, take a look at those pix at the top of this thread!!! i think your innate fashion sense is Very Strong, and your left brain (how to talk about it, etc.) is trying to catch up. Don't worry, it will!"

Steph, you just brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful compliment!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

That was an amazing read an very illuminating! Natalie, I think you are well on the way to your new breath-taking style now - have fun, because style is a journey, not a destination! I would say you are Demure Bombshell!
I was thinking to get my own style definition but every time I start thinking about it I feel confused. It is very strange as I am very analytical (a perk of being a mathematician) but it does not help me with my style. Maybe I am hopelessly style-definition handicapped? I think I should have another go at it and then ask you guys help me because - wow - you are so good at it!

MsMary

Veteran

ZOMG, Sveta! I think you totally nailed it!

Demure Bombshell!!

Love.

It.

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