Mumsey is right

rachylou

Looking at everyone’s Then and Now’s. And I’ve decided, my mumsey is right. There is Looking Nice and then there is Having Style, and having style is Being Someone (you).

Ok. Haven’t made a fashion declaration in awhile. Lol.

4 years ago

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from cindysmith

Bonnie

Veteran

Does mumsey have style? Is having style better than looking nice?

4 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Your Mumsey has nailed it! “Looking Nice” is a perfectly legitimate goal for many people—and many occasions—because it communicates respect for ourselves and others when we are in public. “Having Style”, on the other hand, is what makes us interesting to others.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

That’s an interesting question. I don’t know if mumsey would say she has style... she says she’s ‘a serious person’ and dresses accordingly... which I think is true. She’s all Land’s End, was collarless suits before retiring. They suited her (pun not intended). Not fashion-oriented in any way, she says. She says she has a child to dress up like a doll... lol...

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Gaylene, I do think you’ve said that better than mum. At least, that is more comprehensible to me, lol. Not that mum isn’t pithy

4 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I think that's very true, although perhaps the holy Grail is that sliver of the Venn diagram where they overlap?

4 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I was brought up to "look nice." I would much rather "have style."

And isn't that why we are here?

To get granular about it....in my eperience, people tend to say, "You look nice," when they see you've made some semblance of an effort, maybe by wearing flattering colours or perhaps when you are just a touch, but not too much, more dressy than the environmental norm. Or when you've just had your hair done.

Or maybe when you've actually had a night's sleep, LOL.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Lol. I’ve just realised how true that is, tg. I’m very good at being Quirky Waif and a hot mess at the same time. Lol!

4 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Mothers are always right ,at least it’s safest for everyone to let them think so.

4 years ago

Synne

Veteran

I can think of quite a few people I know who have (their own) style, to say the least. They don't necessarily look nice... this must be where a Venn-diagram is useful

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think that "Having Style" is what makes fashion fun, and therefore life is more fun - which for the most part makes you happy. Who doesn't want to be be happy

4 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Definitely would be prefer to be told I have style than I look nice. Not that I mind either, depending on the teller.

4 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

So what does *NICE* mean? Neat, clean, and inoffensive to anyone and everyone?

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

You know, I don’t think one can ever fail
to offend someone. I think Nice is essentially clean, neat, and neutral. Possibly pastel. Generally undisturbing for good or ill.

4 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Very wise! I like it.

4 years ago

Liesbeth

Veteran

Laughing@Suz! Yeah, that's probably why I get uncomfortable when people say I 'look nice'. At this point I'd rather have style (or look fab!). Anyway, I'll still cherish any compliment as they're not plentiful where I am.

4 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

Having style is risky and looking nice is safe. I like torontogirl's description of the holy grail being the intersection of both in a Venn diagram and Angie's thought that "Having Style" makes fashion fun.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I certainly agree with Angie and all y’all - style is fun!

4 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

I think your Mum nailed it, Rachylou.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Synne... I need the Venn... lol! I waiver, I do, between crazy street lady and Quirky...

4 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I’m happy to be told I look nice- this is usually ( infrequently) by DH with what looks like a slight element of surprise on his face?! “You look nice!” Sometimes he actually elaborates with “Those earrings are the perfect colour for that top”, or whatever, and I think he might actually be complimenting my style in that case but not have the vocab beyond “nice”.
I find it rather sweet when it happens. I do put effort into what I wear pretty much every day, but obviously some outfits stand out to him more. The compliments at work tend to be more about a specific item but sometimes women will say things like “You always look good” or “You have some great outfits” which is very pleasant to be on the receiving end of! So I will happily accept both “nice” and “style”.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Well yes, Nice! can mean good style indeed

4 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Jenni NZ is right. Seems like most men do not have a style vocabulary beyond *nice* whereas many women can be more specific.

4 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

Mumsy is very wise <3

4 years ago

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