I have no idea what my style is anymore

Remember I said I was back for some style evolution? I need help!

A few years ago I went from totally boring to finding my style. At first I liked a kind of indie/vintage vibe - thrifted pleated skirts, berets, boots...kind of a "Bonnie Parker" thing. Then I started getting more into 40s and 50s vintage looks, and started listening to more rockabilly, and ended up in a more full-on vintage style. But that wasn't really me either. I followed a bunch of vintage blogs and they all looked completely authentic, like they just stepped out of the past, and that wasn't what I wanted at all.

Over the summer I got very into collecting mod 60s' dresses. I really like that style on me, but apparently nothing made in the 60s had sleeves, so I don't wear it as much now that it's colder. I decided I don't love cardigans anymore and am looking for some more structure.

At the same time, I love slightly "tough" touches like lace-up boots, my moto, etc. I love skinny jeans, and not slouchy ones, with longer tops. My favorite new shoes are these awsome tall Fluevog boots in purple.

And I still love some hints of 50s retro/rockabilly - pencil skirts, red lips, winged liner! I have blunt bangs that I wore in a U-shaped Bettie Page style for a while, but I think I'm over that (though I am keeping a fringe). I don't like pants other than jeans and sometimes wide-legged trousers for a sort of 40s look.

So I have no idea how to tie all of these elements together and come up with something cohesive. I like a hint of wackiness and to look unconventional, but I also like a bit of polish. Oh, and I'm 36 if that helps - I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb, but I do want to have fun with my style.

HELP!

12 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

OK, so I think you are going to have to play around a bit in order to figure this out. I was really into vintage stuff for a while but I decided that it was too costumey for me and I couldn't take myself seriously in the world dressed like that...and being taken seriously is SUPER important for me. It's not important for everyone, though. So I think part of this is that youre going to have to decide what is most important about yourself that you want to convey in your style. Match that up with inspiration that you are drawn to. I.e. my love of vintage didn't translate well into full on vintage, but more of a "glamour" style aspect: somewhat of a traditional, tailored silhouette, colors on the richer side, bold jewelry, fancy shoes....that kind of thing.

Janet

Do you have some recent outfits you've really enjoyed wearing that you could photograph and post?

It sounds like you're attracted to a range of styles, which might translate into a sort of overall "eclectic" look. I totally understand the attraction to unique or vintage pieces but the need for sophistication!

Do you have a Pinterest account? I've found that really helpful for identifying items and combinations that resonate with me.

catgirl

I think you need to look at NicoleB's posts here and on her blog. She has a lot of tough girlie looks that are in the Betsey Johnson vein, and although she is a little younger than you, you could get a lot of inspiration from her.

Tricia

I just started a Pinterest board and spent a little time on a few sites. It's all over the place. But I do notice that I love a couple of things as a constant:

-Tunics - especially mod or 60s-inspired tunics (or actual 60s tunics) over leggings or jeggings with boots or flats

- Jackets

- I find I still like cardigans in some of these pictures, but I don't love them on me anymore.

Gaylene

First of all, I've got to say that, at your age, I don't think finding a cohesive, personal style has to be your sole fashion goal. Why not play the field a bit to see what's out there that appeals to you before you commit to a single style? Maybe your wardrobe needs to let you play around with a different fashion persona depending on your mood. Mod 60s today, 50s rockabilly tomorrow.

Ultimately, I think that we find a cohesive style by recognizing that over a period of time we always return to certain styles and silhouettes because they just feel "right". We can tweak, update, and compliment these items but we always want them in our wardrobes. Maybe start by thinking about what pieces you currently own that you'd grab from your closet if you had only minutes to make the decision before your entire wardrobe vanished. What do these items say about your current direction?

I've also realized that it is possible to fall in love with a style without needing to imitate it in my own wardrobe. For example, the classic Parisian look of Ines de la Fressange always hooks me in, but I've come to realize that, on me, the style can end up looking dowdy instead of chic. Incorporating small elements works better for me than a full-on imitation.

"Maybe start by thinking about what pieces you currently own that you'd grab from your closet if you had only minutes to make the decision before your entire wardrobe vanished. What do these items say about your current direction?"

I like this. Now that it's winter, I'd say for me those things would be my skinny jeans, my favorite black vintage mod tunic, a crisp white button-down, my black and white polka-dot pussy bow blouse, and my purple boots.

I refined my Pinterest some and it looks like I'm really drawn to 60s inspired looks.

Why not play around with Mod-inspired 60s looks: skinny trousers, Chelsea-style and knee-high boots, short, swingy dresses with tights, cabled or "poor boy" sweaters worn with short pleated skirts, structured military jackets, etc. It looks like you have some of the pieces already in your wardrobe.

Those were the clothes that I wore at university in the late sixties. The Gloverall duffel coat in my current closet is almost a perfect replica of the one that I bought in the late 60s. It feels as right for my current style as it did back then.

Beth Ann

You've gotten some really good advice already, Tricia. I'd just like to add that it's really helpful to post WIW, particularly if you do it regularly. The more the forum seems of what you've already got, the more we can help you hone and refine.

Also, you might want to revisit Angie's posts on "capsules." Perhaps having a "stage capsule," a "mod "GOTG capsule, etc. would help you get the items in your closet to play a little better together.

You're already following the only YLF rule --- which is to have fun with fashion!

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