For a long time now, there has been talk on this forum of coming up with a set of style descriptors to help focus our shopping and dressing choices. I've had a hard time pinpointing mine. I know a few things that don't speak to me -- for instance, I avoid anything too country or bohemian -- but there are too many style 'flavours' that I do like. I enjoy both modern and retro, for example -- and aren't those things opposite? I like minimalist outfits and I'm not a fan of over-accessorizing with jewellery, but I delight in many styles of boots that have straps and buckles and would definitely be described as 'maximal'. I'm so confused.

I have gradually identified a few preferences. I'm way more comfortable in neutrals, and although I like colour, in must be in small doses. I've winnowed down my palette so now all it consists of is black, grey, white, navy, blue denim, army green and red. I find that getting dressed is very easy when so many things 'go' with other things. But besides palette, I was having trouble pinning down any descriptors.

But I think I've found one. Above all, I want to look unstudied. It's the most important thing. It's not that I don't choose items carefully -- I do -- but above all I want the whole effect to look effortless, as if I've just thrown something on. I sometimes look a little bit retro, a bit modern, a bit rock n' roll or even steampunk, but I always want it to look unstudied. I'm very particular about fit and proportion. Sometimes I look more casual, other times more dressy. I wear little jewellery, but they are signature items. I have messy hair (confession: I haven't brushed it in a decade) that I barely style, but I take care to have a good cut and colour. I wear simple makeup that doesn't vary much, although sometimes I use bold lipstick as an accessory.

Can you have just one style descriptor?