Interesting topic. I would say I'm most known for my billowy flowy tops. I gravitate towards long tops that can be worn with skinnies and tend to prefer fitted sleeves.

Funny that so many people mention jackets and blazers. I wish I could wear them! But my hourglass/pear shape makes it very difficult shopping for one and I don't know if anyone can relate to this experience but everytime I do try one on I am overcome with most peculiar sensation that I feel manly. I have no idea why.

Suz - you are totally right. Color is defining. You are definitely blue and absolutely I am defined by black. Deborah, that girl has been branching out lately. She may be batting team black/blue (don't want to call it Team Bruise!!) It was so hard to pick just one aspect!
Sarah - this is a really difficult question and at different times, different seasons, different locations you may define you style in different ways. I think a lot of we do becomes automatic. The great, for me about YLF, is that it forces me to be cognizant not just of what I buy, but why I buy, how does this effect the efficiency and pleasure of my wardrobe and am I prepared for all the events in my life. Thinking this through has helped me get to a better place but I am still a totaly work in progress and am often confused and unclear on where I want my clothing to go. So I think we are all in the same boat but it sounds like you really like to experiment and try different things and I think that is fantastic at helping you define what feels like you!!
Blond Ambition - the type of tops you are describling sound lovely and so graceful. I can see where you would gravitate toward that style. I do not have that feeling with menswear items but I have the same reaction to girly clothes. I don't do pretty. I am very uncomfortble in very feminine clothing. I don't feel like me. I think I am your opposite!! But then for costume parties I am always a pirate or musketeer etc. I never do girly!! Don't know why but it's not me. I feel more feminine in menswear if that makes any sense. So bottom line, is you have to wear what feels good, comfortable and authentic to you!!

What a cool thread! I am loving reading everyone's defining piece, for sure

I think my defining piece would have to be turtlenecks - I love them like everyone else loves jackets, especially a fitted, ribbed version. Then shoes, probably - with over 100 pairs running the gamut from tall boots to high heels to Chucks in various colours, I've been known to build an outfit around the shoes I want to wear on a given day. Ha!

AnnieMouse - I think you and Anna are sisters of the heart with your shoes!! 100 pr! Gosh totally impressed and i bet you love them all!! Turtlenecks, totally neat. They give such a long lean line esp ribbed (I know they are a total bear to find nice ones!!) I think that's a fantastic defining piece and a great canvas for accessories necklaces, scarves, broaches unless you are a purist. Also fab layering piece. I can see why you love them!!

I am like Suz - cannot single out one or two type of item or color for that matter. I guess I am all over the map and don't have a clue...
Griffin, if you ever find those elusive 30"+ length in jackets please let m eknow: they would be a great find for me for a regular length! Also - have you looked at Theory? It sounds like your body type and size are well covered by Theory styles and I saw some over 30" jackets on their site (alas, my frame is too big for Theory )

Per moment mines are wedges, pencils and the all time 3rd piece(not only blazers, but a waistcoat or cardi, too)

Sveta - yes, I bought one 33" jacket from Lafayette 148 (of the shiny elbows) and the Theory Marcela rialto in black. So I am good for black jackets. But I used to have a black and white houndstooth jacket and a gorgeous black and cream subtle plaid all seasons. Plus my long gray Dana Buchman blazer (when she was will doing upper level design) and Black and blue blazer are showing wear. But with pattern and color in the jackets, I could switch off inside column of black vs outside column of black. The only problem with the theory jackets is they cut the armholes high and the sleeves narrow - hard to layer underneath and if I size up it looks sloppy. They are the only two brands in general. I did buy a Vince Camuto duster length blazer but I find it harder to style - that was at Nordies last fall. Also last fall at Nordies Trouve came out with a 33" coat in the fall that was very light in a black and gray plaid which is light enough to wear as a blazer. I did buy a long blazer from Zara a black boucle but I am not happy with the quality and donated it. I just ordered a "coat" from AT which looks light, I won't know if it will work until I see it. The length and fabric black/white jacquard would be great if it's light enough. This is what my world is reduced to. I will certainly update you on anything I find so you can scope it out.
Lyn - all third pieces are good pieces! Love waistcoats and cardis!! That third piece just pulls the rest of the outfit together! Wedges and pencil skirts are very fabulous too!!

Mine is boots. My sassy sneaks have been mistaken for boots.

Shedev - panting with happiness. You know I am a boot girl. It was a tough call blazers, black or boots!!! yes, high tops could as sneaker boots!! I can't think of anything better!!

My *signature* aprons are basically craft aprons. But I also wear Target miniskirts as aprons.

I say *my* aprons, but really it's tribal costume - my tribe being SF Bay Area Native

Stuff on the head is another feature - beanie, headwrap, etc. All very peasant like.

Rachy - that is the most adorable apron I have ever seen!! Love it!! So much for Battenburg lace!! I never thought of crafting. I love to cook so my head was in a different much stickier place!! PS I look dreadful in beanies.. weeps!! So glad you can wear cool hats and headwraps!!

It's definitely not pants. Because that is the hardest item for me to fit. And you said "defines your style" .... I am always trying to NOT let my pants or jeans define my style, since I don't want anyone to realize I am wearing the same pants/jeans over and over again.

I agree, third piece is probably my defining piece. But it changes depending on trends. For a long while it was jacket or blazer or cardigan. Now... not so much. The trends have shifted. More minimal. It's more about the starring role of top (fluid relaxed half tucked asymmetrical boxy) or bottom (bright color; crotch drop hip hop; BF jeans; ankle; skinny sausage casings; skinny relaxed). This is a challenge but I'm trying my best...

In the meantime, DRESSES. So easy. How much more minimal can you get? It's one piece! No fuss, no muss!

With scarves and shoes and belts carrying a lot of weight playing the third-piece role.

I miss interesting jackets and cardigans. But they'll come back around.

Shiny - I never realized you had an issue with pants. I always think you look great in pants. Well you know I'm on board with the third piece but I tell you I am envious if you have a great dress collection. Nothing easier or more elegant!!

Jeans, maybe, for me? I do wear them a lot and I live in a place where they can be worn almost all year round. And I think I do have a utilitarian, Americana vibe to my aesthetic which works well with jeans.

Man, that sounds boring.

Laura - that does not sound boring at all. I was wondering when someone who identify with jeans. They are so perfect, so casually stylish, dress them up or down. A great fitting pair of jeans is a thing of beauty and multiple styles...well does it get any better. I think that's an awesome choice!!