Help me find my style descriptor

I was really excited a few weeks ago to discover the forum on YLF and to start receiving feedback on the outfits I have managed to concoct from my current wardrobe. But my current wardrobe is really not where I want it to be and coming here to identify and hone my style and image is where I am trying to achieve.

Truth be told, at the moment I am feeling rather deflated about my wardrobe, my body and life in general. I need some direction. I am hoping that coining a style descriptor will help? So I am calling on you all for some assistance!

Here is who I want to be...

I want to appear put together and groomed, but not overly so. I want to look good without appearing that I spent hours on myself. I want to look a bit arty and boho, but I don't want to scare people by looking like an outright hippy. I want to be distinctive without standing out (is that even possible?). I am trying to love colours, but I feel most at comfortable in neutrals. I want to look like thirty-something year old ie my age, not too old, nor too juvenile. I want to be comfortable enough to do the whole "mom-on-the-go" thing.

Would it help if I posted my Pinterest boards for some ideas of what attracts me?

http://pinterest.com/doulahil/all-dressed-up/
http://pinterest.com/doulahil/hair/
http://pinterest.com/doulahil/bejeweled/
http://pinterest.com/doulahil/nails/
http://pinterest.com/doulahil/tatu/ (note I don't actually have any tattoos, I just lust after them)

Tell me what you see for me, and from my WIW pics, how far off am I? Thanks all! x

13 years ago

rute

Veteran

I would say boho and artsy!

Deborah

Hil, I'm not particularly good at this but will give it a go:). If rom your Pinterest "all dresses up" board, I see quite an Electic collection of styles. There is elegance, edge, boho, arty with some trendy. Perhaps Electic could be part of your descriptor?

Suz

(website)

Earthy eclectic?

Hil

Earthy eclectic could be it.

I know there is a lot of very different stuff on my pinterest board... Do you think it's important to have more coherency in style choices?

Anonymous

I don't think there is a right answer there! Some members thrive on changing their style to different extremes over the course of a week, and others like having a very curated refined wardrobe that encompasses a precise esthetic vision.

So, if you find you like to explore different looks, then the eclectic is what gets you there -- lots of material for the inspiration pot!

ManidipaM

I thought Arty Eclectic first, then quickly saw the reverberation of Suz's 'Earthy Eclectic'... I do actually see quite a coherence within the variety on your board, for what it's worth.

Some other descriptors that occurred to me: architectural; unexpected; craftsmanship...

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I was going to say Boho and Arty straight off the bat. You don't seem Earthy to me. Sorry Suz

I vote Boho Eclectic. Or Boho Queen. Or Arty Casual.

Caro in Oz

I love arty casual - I see the boho influence but you don't want full on boho so the arty would cover that & allow for other things too. There is a very relaxed vibe to most of the outfits you've pinned & they do look coherent to me - but I'm an eclectic so:)

I think some of those shorter hair cuts would look fabulous on you too.

I agree with Ceit about there being no right answer to the "vision" part of the wardrobe. As an eclectic this is the part I really struggle with - to make sure I don't have too many clothes with nothing to wear.

cciele

My thought was "Arty Eclectic". Eclectic covers a lot of ground, so the variety works

For now, I'd stick with what's comfortable as your foundational pieces, but push your style by adding a bit of color here and there or a statement piece like a jacket or top.

Beth Ann

DH: Love the items on your board! I think that you're uncovering a new style direction, but finding the process rather uncomfortable. It's something that can't be hurried, kind of like the birth of a baby (lol). As I recall your WIW, I'd encourage you to focus on fit and proportion of the basics first --- these are the bones that give the structure for all the arty stuff that makes your look sing! I'm learning these days that I do best when I dress to highlight strengths, rather than "hide" flaws.

What's most in your favorr is that you clearly know the looks that you love, and you have an eye for wonderful, arty items. You also have a well balanced figure, rich, full hair and beautiful dramatic features. These things help you carry off the dramatic clothing that you love -----

Keep posting! The more we see of you, the more helpful we can be. Just in the last couple of weeks, for example, do I really have the sense of what Thistle wears best, and I'm starting to know her wardrobe. That's when we can say --- "What about wearing your green jacket with your dark wash denim flares?"

And don't be afraid to make mistakes. The more exceptional the taste and style, the more the risk of some "outtakes." Gotta have fun with it!

K. Period.

I see boho, but verging toward a bit of Art Nouveau feel and with some streamlined classic leanings. It really seems like you are more boho for casual wear, but you want more draped streamlined classics with a bit of an arty touch for more dressed up looks. A Nouveau-Boho Classic!

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses and possible style descriptors!

Beth Ann - you're right, this is a learning curve for me, especially since I have never given this much thought to what I wear before. And it is uncomfortable.

Category