How do you keep your style from becoming a uniform? - YouLookFab Forum

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How do you keep your style from becoming a uniform?

Joyce B

Veteran

I realize that there is a fine line between keeping your style and having it become a uniform, as in always looking the same or similarly, even when you don't repeat garments in a week.
I try to vary what I wear, mostly pants, some skirts and some dresses. I vary the tops, too, and the jackets. However, the style is somewhat "cohesive" and when I look at the pictures it all looks pretty much the same.
I do love what I wear and I try to add variety to it. Maybe because it is such a fine line I am just not "getting" it, maybe it is all part of the style already.
So, what is your take on this subject?
Do you have any thoughts that you can share?

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from

RunswithDolphins

I know exactly what you mean. When I find something that works for me my tendency is to include more similar items, colours, styles in my wardrobe. Many years ago, back in the '80s, I was really into taupe and black until at one point a friend commented that I was very "consistent" with my wardrobe. I read that as "boring" and she was right. I just kept adding what was safe and worked for me but it had become a sort of uniform. I got over my taupe/black period but I do have that tendency to repeat what works. Now I try to mix it up some even it's just a pop of colour or some interesting jewelry.

One of the biggest reasons I joined YLF last month was to learn from Angie and the other fabulous women here and try to break out of my comfort "uniform" zone.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am still trying to master the uniform.

In all seriousness....if I can create a "uniform" or a set of highly workable and stylish outfits for my daily life and activities, I'll be super happy. That alone is taking me longer than I might have expected it to. In my opinion (as someone who depends on a lot of modern classics for my clothing) acquiring the right modern accessories (footwear, bags, belts) is key and this can obviously be a pricey proposition and takes a bit of time. My goal going forward is to add at least two fantastic and very current pairs of footwear per season, subbing out the older ones as I go.

When I look at a series of my WIWs, I do feel as if I look pretty much the same every day. I do try to vary the silhouette some, but when I work at home, pants (usually jeans) are just the most practical and there's no way around that. So I save my skirts mostly for out-and-about-days. I need to save wide leg pants and boot cuts for mild dry weather.

I really like Angie's "ensemble" posts as a way to help me push myself a bit. Whenever she posts one, I try to experiment with it from what I have in my closet, assuming I have an appropriate occasion to attend. (I haven't yet tried the festive sweater with jeans for a party for example, because I haven't had a party yet. I did wear a similar outfit on the weekend, though, for an event.)

I also get a lot of inspiration here.

Word Lily

Veteran

I might be dense (or maybe I need to go get that second cup of coffee before typing on the internet), but what's wrong with a uniform? I love having pieces that mostly go together, that I don't have to think a ton when I get dressed, and that I don't end up stuck (although I wouldn't usually be stuck for all that long, since I'm mostly at home) in something that doesn't work all day. I can understand not wanting to get bored by your own outfits, though, is that what you mean? I don't think I've been thinking about it long enough to have an answer for how to prevent that, unless it's maybe a high happiness factor?

Adelfa

Veteran

Another voice for "What's wrong with a uniform?" I'm all for limited silhouettes and a limited color palette.

I do think I've tried more looks with ylf, but my favorite ones tend to fall within the uniform.

Look at my latest wiw as an example--it is SO my uniform. Slim bottom (check), roomier top (check), colors are black and gray (check), black comfy footwear (check). The details have been influenced by Angie a lot though.

VenusCow

(website)

I find the easiest way to create unique style is to start with good quality well fitting affordable staples you like and feel comfortable in then it is very easy to add colour or something a bit out there like a gold necklace or your favorite printed scarf. If the canvas works for you then things that might be difficult to style and never make it out of the wardrobe because you haven't got anything to go with them become wearable and workable.

Peri

Veteran

I find nothing wrong with a uniform either. Maybe it's the word...because really a uniform is one thing. Exactly the same thing everyday. Policemans uniform, private school uniform, etc.

How about sub in "style that I like and works great for my life". For me, plain pants, interesting top or scarf/jewelry. If it isn't the exact same items everyday, why feel the need to wear a dress, for instance, unless you want to?

Shirley

I am ok with uniforms too. Blouse, skirt or pants, and jacket or cardigan. That is my work uniform. Sometime dress with cardigan or jacket. My variation will be color and current tops and shoes or sandals. There are enough new stuff each season to keep them fresh. I forgot about accessories too. A trendy costume jewelry, scarf or phone case can also change your mood.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, I think the issue is boredom. And I get this. I do get bored, myself, even though I have different scarves, different coloured tops, different shoes, etc. If it's the same shapes and essentially the same pieces every day (even if the sweaters are a different colour) there is a feeling of....argh....not that again!

But maybe others do not feel this? I don't know...

MuseumGal

Veteran

I've given into the uniform. I try to vary it mostly with jewelry and scarves, and have begun to invest in quality shoes (over quantity).

MsMary

Veteran

Team Uniform here. As you can see, my work look is pretty much the same day in and day out. Skirt, top, blazer, heels. Scarf optional. Sometimes I change out the skirt for pants or the blazer for a cardi, but it's basically the same thing every day. Badda bing, badda boom.

I change it up with colors and shapes. I like to have All The Pieces in All The Colors, although I am trying to get away from that lately and have a smaller, more curated wardrobe.

Every once in a while I start to feel the way you do and post a "am I in a rut?" thread, and everybody assures me that it's not a rut, it's a groove. So my take on the subject is that if you are happy with what you're wearing, even if it's similar from day to day, it's not a rut... it's a groove!

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E

Veteran

I embrace the uniform! I have a fairly tight colour palette and 2-3 silhouettes that I'm in almost all of the time (although these can vary by season) and not too many accessories, but I just think of all of those consistencies as signatures. I still have enough room to play with colour combinations, and as long as I don't wear the same silhouette more than 3 days in a row, I don't really get that antsy. I've just realised I play with texture a lot too, which adds another variable.

Do you want variety for your own sake or because of how others might perceive you?

Elly

Veteran

I'm pro uniform, so long as I have variation within the uniform, and maybe two or three different uniform types. I'm all about wearing a long sleeve tee with jeans and a jacket-- but I like to have 3 different kinds of jackets if I am gonna wear that frequently, and also like to have an alternative, like a roomy turtleneck with jeans as an alternative uniform.

I do hear you on colors . . . I have a bad tendency to buy lots of clothes in the same color when a color I like is available for the season. The problem is that I become the "orange lady" and people notice, and then I burn out on the color and don't want to wear it even though some pieces are still good because in my mind it exemplifies the year I bought so much of that color in a "that is so 2002, or my first year at "x" employer" kinda way. I do do a lot of neutrals though, but I don't tire of them in the same way although sometimes I feel like I need some color.

Susie

Veteran

I too look at it as having a few silhouettes that work well and can be repeated with different pieces to avoid looking the same. For me, it's jean style pants, layering top, and topper or slim pants and a roomier top. Occasionally I mix it up with a dress or skirt but I wear pants much more frequently. I guess I have enough variety within the individual pieces that I don't mind repeating the formula.

lyn67

Veteran

For me it's same as MaryK said!

Aleta

If MaryK is on Team Uniform I say bring it on!!

karymk

Veteran

I like having a 'template' rather than uniform. It really helps me get dressed fast and efficiently most days.

There's no reason to branch out just for the sake of excitement if something doesn't suit your core style. For instance, I'm never gonna like a kimono jacket so I'm not gonna try to fit that round peg in my square wardrobe hole.

When I get bored with my style I try to start focusing on hair and makeup. I think we underestimate the power of those two very basic things!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Team Uniform for me too - fit and flare dress with topper! With boots in the winter and pumps in the summer!

I feel there's still tons of variation within a uniform though - just pulled out some randoms for you with the same basic uniform, but have a lot of variation! I have a lot of fit and flares in other colours too, and different lengths and fabrications!

I have never been accused of being a boring dresser (at least I hope I'm not!), but like MaryK I wonder sometimes if I'm in a rut.

I find the uniform translates well to skirts and blouses as well (10-15)! It takes a lot of guess work out of dressing (especially if I'm in a hurry) if I know everything will play nicely together. Also, all of my accessories are easily translatable, as are my toppers.

Whenever I wander away from this uniform though, I don't really stick with it and want my old style back :p I say now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

#1 - 10: Same basic formula here: Fit and flare dress, topper (cardigan or blazer; jean jacket for casual!), belt, tights+boots in the winter, pumps if summer
#11 - 15: Basic formula in separates, keeping the same fit and flare look: Flare skirt (various fabrications), blouse (I seem partial to pussybows, here), belt, topper (cardigan or blazer, and I've used a lot of the same toppers for dresses and separates), tights+boots in the winter, pumps if summer

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unfrumped

Veteran

I am still trying to get the uniform down too, haha.
But what I'm really trying to do is get several silhouettes down.
If I have that, plus color and texture and some accessories, that is enough for me.

I think I have 4-5 or maybe 6 underway, e.g. trousers with top out (such as a knit top), trousers with blouse tucked with belt, tapered pants with volume top, tapered or slouchy pants with fluid top tucked, pencil skirt with blouse and belt, pencil skirt with boxy sweater, and working on some fit& flare dress or skirt options. .Add to that the footwear changing the look--, and potentially toppers--cropped vs long, etc.

The reason for approaching it sort of like a uniform is that the proportions matter, in my case at least, so that I had to learn which tops & bottom combos gave me the look I want; otherwise I would be misled into thinking I could just mix & match random options, but then I would not like the results.

The other thing I am learning to do is to intentionally add or try out, at least, a new silhouette every so often. For some people it might be every season; for me it might be one or 2 per year. Then I would try to build a capsule around the new silhouette. It might just be a fun trend, or it might turn out to have staying power and become part of my options, or replace another.

So to me, uniform doesn't = stagnation--it's more of a way to think about a capsule or group of items that work together reliably at one point in time--season or year. Then that whole thing might need to be replaced or updated at some point.

FlorenceFearne

Yeah, I think unfrumped makes a very, very good point that I am only now really starting to get my head around; no matter how much you think they will, a lot of items will not mix and match because the proportions are off. If you're like me, you may discover that your black pants and that black and taupe print top (an apparent match made in heaven) just cannot play nice together. So now you need new black pants, or a black skirt, or something, in order to wear that top. And then you better hope you have tops that DO play nice with the pants, or those get orphaned too.

So if you can find just a few shapes/styles that work together, then it's easiest to get multiple pieces and treat that set of garments like a capsule. I think since most people don't want to have to manage 10 capsules at once, they end up with a "uniform" that way. I'd love to get to that point myself, since it would make getting dressed way easier.

Anonymous

I guess I don't understand your question. You said you love what you wear and for me that's key. If you are loving what you are wearing then what's wrong with a "uniform"? Maybe you're on a style shift.
I have a very casual life. Half the time I don't even need to get dressed. Heck, I could run around naked all day (nobody but DH sees me anyway). Luckily I love jeans and I wear them a lot. You can't get much more boring then jeans/top/(sometimes)shoes everyday. Like Suz said, I'm finding a desire to keep my shoes updated which keeps me from getting so bored and adds freshness to my "uniform".

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love my uniform too & agree with the others - if you are happy it's a groove; If you are bored it's a rut

Deborah

Veteran

What Caro said I love my uniform and to some degree have worked hard to develop something that I feel really works for me.

Angela K

Veteran

Count me in for team uniform but I prefer a more positive take on it. Call it "signature style". It's not a rut. It's how you or I define our own personal style. The fun and unexpected elements come in when we reach outside of our style box and bring new, fresh, and exciting elements into play. It only becomes a true rut when we lose our excitement and the absolute creative fun of styling ourselves and getting dressed each day. IMHO each outfit should be an extension of how we feel on a given day. Not an exact duplicate of the day before. No two days are the same and no two outfits should be exactly the same every time we wear them. I plan my outfit the night before, but I often change an accessory, shoes, or jacket to suit the I feel as I am greeting dressed. I love to play with color and experiment with creative twists on my basic style. I find when I do that it elevates my mood. Which is always a good thing.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Actually I kind of want it to be a uniform. That's my goal. Or rather, I've got it down to one of three uniforms. Any more than that is, for me, just noise. But for others variety is the spice of life…to each her own.

Anonymous

I do get the jist of what you are asking. In YLF we tend to stick with the same silhouettes when we feel we struck gold, as exemplified by the answers above, which is perfectly fine. I do get what you are saying and this is what I try to do.

On a 5 day workweek, when I go to a client's office, I plan for a dress, a skirt, a pants outfit, a fourth outfit, which would be a repeat of one of the first three silhouettes and a casual Friday outfit. I feel that variety saves me from boredom. I also rely heavily on footwear, to change things up a bit. For example, I would wear a skirt with a knee high boot one day, then switch to pumps the next.

For weekend and when I'm at my home office, I have free reign.I have added a lot of options, wedge sneakers, distressed items, asymetrical shapes, etc. That helps me with variety too.

I have also controlled the buying of multiples.

I hope this helps some.

Joyce B

Veteran

Thank you so much, Fab Fabbers for taking the time to answer my question.
I see that for most people, finding a baseline silhouette on which to build is a workable and practical option.
Most people are on Team Uniform, such as WordLily, Adelfa, Peri, Shirley, MuseumGal, MaryK, E, Elly, Lyn67, Aleta, Lyn, Tracina, Caro, Deborah, AngelaK and Aziraphale.
RunswithDolphins and Elly, I agree with the color repetition, I do that and it enhances the uniform feel.
I will take advice from VenusCow and will look for a few high quality staples, that is my plan for next year.
Suz, I think you are very elegant and stylish, I did not think you felt like I do about uniforms. I suppose what others perceive is very different from what we feel. You do understand my question, and the same for Zapotee.
MaryK and Lyn, thank you for sharing the fabulous pictures. I think anyone would love to be in Team Uniform along with you ladies. I think yours is style, not uniform.
Tracina, I am more on a style quest than on a style shift. After not having the best style on a daily basis for many years, I am working hard to actually have a good style.
Caro, you are right in your comment about the groove and the rut. I will try to stay in the groove.
Zapotee, thank you for your explanation. I find it very practical and helpful for me to use as well.
FlorenceFeame, Suzie, Elly and Karymk, you put it in a way that is easy to understand.
AngelaK, thanks for the idea of the "signature style". I like the explanation that you gave.
Unfrumped, your explanation is very true, the proportions may be off and in that case there is no color combination that will fix that.
I think I tend to buy the same garment that I know fits well in different colors. Although this makes it easier to match, it also makes it more of a uniform. In the future I will move away from that and choose only one color of the same garment unless it is slacks, as it is very hard to find a good fit in those.

Thanks again to all of you. I will re-read your posts to get more ideas.
Too much of a quality becomes a defect, as is true for most things. The key is finding the right balance, and that is not easy.
I am glad I found YLF and the forum.

Debra

Veteran

I'm with team uniform
I am working on ...... Finally ......wearing what I love and adapting to suit my shape and life.
YLF encourages me to look at different styles and how you lovely ladies dress your shapes and combine colours and prints.
Ideas I can try with my "uniform"

Anonymous

I do the limited silouette, limited color palette thing. It works for me, and it seems like whenever I change things up too much, I end up with a look that doesn't really suit me.