How do you define a polished outfit? - YouLookFab Forum

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How do you define a polished outfit?

Mona

Veteran

Just wondering what makes a polished outfit? Is it the right fit? the proportions or colour combination? Or may be all of these have to be spot on for the outfit to look polished. Also, are there any other words that have the same meaning? for example, if an outfit is simple and clean, does that mean it is polished?

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from Mona

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well it is not sloppy, the shoes are tied, the cuffs are even, nothing is wrinkled that shouldn't be. List derived by thinking about why my outfits aren't polished.

Mona

Veteran

LOL! Shevia. Thanks for replying. Now I know why my outfits don't look polished.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is s really good question, Mona.

I think of an outfit as polished when the fit is spot on, the quality of the garments is or APPEARS to be high (so the price point is not the determiner, here...it has to do with how it all works together). The wearer looks tidy and neat.

Mona

Veteran

So the quality and fit are two main determinants of a polished outfit. Thanks for explaining, Suz.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I agree with Shevia and Suz's comments. I also think of polished as nothing being out of place and not a lot of extra unnecessary pieces.

Anonymous

I would agree, generally neat, tidy and unwrinked, Except at the knees and elbows, of course!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You'll find this thread interesting, Mona:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....tions-rate

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Polished requires the fit to be spot on. Generally, I think of the fit being tailored, rather than form-fitting, so a little more ease allowed in garments. If something is oversized, then the oversized aspect is very carefully considered. The garment wouldn't look like you just threw on your 6'5" husband's shirt when you're only 5'8" tall. Polished outfits are carefully considered down to the last detail...not in the "trying too hard sense," but in the "carefully considered and knows what he/she is doing" sense.

No pills on sweaters, loose threads or buttons, runs in stockings, smeared lipstick, etc.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's right - it's not just the clothing. It is the grooming. And I often think that a polished outfit requires a bit of shine and/or crispness somewhere. Though not necessarily.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Here was Angie's definition from the other thread:

"Polish is more about a sense of refinement, perfect fit, outfit neatness, simplicity, and high level of grooming. Polished people always wear a little make-up, and look naturally shiny like an apple. I can spike my hair, wear Docs, scrunch my sleeves - and STILL look polished. I hope that makes sense."

Mona

Veteran

So I just read the other thread by Amiable. I dont know how I completely missed it the first time. I learned a few interesting things there. So I am not naturally polished. Although, I always put make up on, my skin is always shiny (oily), and usually always have nail polish on. My hair is completely unpolished/RATE and I am naturally more disheveled. However, I dont feel my style is RATE. So maybe I am somewhere in between the RATE and polished. I would love to hear from you guys, do you think my style is RATE or polished? Especially you, Suz. You are the only on this forum who has seen me in IRL. What do you think?

Aida

Veteran

One thing that sometimes gets missed in those polished/RATE conversations is intent; I personally think that is a key factor in the final vibe. Disheveled doesn't immediately mean RATE The wearer themselves also affects it; a naturally polished person is generally still going to look polished even when they try to rough up their look. And of course the whole thing is a spectrum, so being "polished" doesn't have to mean the extreme end and being SUPER POLISH.

Mona you strike me as somewhere in the middle with strong polished leanings (I am the same way). I think a big part of that is how you wear your gorgeous hair so naturally. For example, my own crazy curls really can't ever look polished so they immediately add a BIG dose of RATE which I love, and it's the prime function of my hair stylistically. Your hair is much sleeker than mine, but the natural look still adds a touch of RATE to even the most polished outfits.

rachylou

Veteran

Eyeliner never smudges on polished people.

If I wear eyeliner, I of course look strung out. Big ol' racoon eyes!

cciele

Veteran

LOL, rachylou! I just go with the flow and intentionally smear my eyeliner -- the "shipwrecked" or "goth" look

Aida

Veteran

Hah Rachyou! Good point. What about if you can't get it to stay on at all? Eyeliner doesn't work for me, or else I'd love to do a heavier eye look

pil

Veteran

Is it possible to be fairly, in my case, polished without makeup? I really don't wear much more than a tinted moisturizer.
Guess I should go read the other thread first.....

Mona

Veteran

That is a great observation, Aida. My hair is completely RATE, it is more wavy than curly and has a mind of its own. You have made a great point about the intent of the wearer. By this definition, I am more polished than RATE.
Rachy, I wear kohl and it gets smudged a little bit after I apply it. I think it gives a more soft look that way.
Pil, you can be polished without wearing makeup. Angie wears very little make up but is still very polished.