Musings about uniform dressing, consistent style and a style rut (long...) - YouLookFab Forum

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Musings about uniform dressing, consistent style and a style rut (long...)

Katerina

Veteran

Dear Fabbers,

Since I joined YFL cca 3 months ago, I have been thinking about my style, my wardrobe, shopping habits and dressing, I did a 30x30 in January and I have posted a lot of WIW:s. I have been reading, looking and learning intensively. I have enjoyed every minute and I am so happy to have met Angie and all you Fabbers here.

My primary goal was to shop my rather large wardrobe, to create new and better combinations, to use more of my many accessories and to overall improve my style. Ultimately, I would like to be able to dress fab every day to any occasion.

Yesterday, Torontogirl posted a link to an interesting post about uniform dressing - the author is not too positive to the concept. This triggered many thoughts.

In the past three months, it became very clear to me, that most of my outfits are based on the same formula and that I clearly prefer only slight variations of the same silhouette. Often it is a pair of straight or wide legged trousers, a rather fitted blazer or tailored jacket, boots or flats, a satchel and a scarf. I have a large variety of scarves and I also wear a lot of different colours, but the formula is nevertheless almost always the same. Is this to be regarded as "uniform dressing"? Or is it being style consistent - a good thing? Or is it just getting boring?

Please, don´t take me wrong, I am comfortable and quite happy with this formula, and I am not fishing for compliments (which you dear Fabbers are so generous with and which I so value and appreciate). Sometimes, though, I would like to be able to do more variety, as some of you who are so good at it.

I am intrigued, though, about the concept of uniform dressing and I would love to hear what you think about it. What does it mean to you? Is it a good thing? Is it your thing? And how do we know whether we are uniform dressers, whether we are consistent in our style or whether we are stuck in a style rut...

Dressing

52 replies

Latest reply was from Katerina

Anonymous

Katerina -- I personally love the concept of uniform dressing. It is when I am dressing in a "uniform" that I feel my truest self. That uniform takes the form of a two or three different silhouettes with a defined color palette. The silhouettes might change depending on the season.

I genuinely do not feel stuck in a rut. I do enough experimentation and updating within the confirms of my uniform to satisfy me. I evolve, but the underlying foundation stays the same.

Anonymous

I hear what you are saying Katrina. We dress in similar style although you do it with a special flair that blows me away. I guess it can be considered a uniform of sorts- bottom- shirt- jacket- scarf. But when I hear “uniform dressing” I think Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Steve Jobs who have the exact look every day. That is tough for me. I don’t mind having a limited palette based on colors that do me justice ( navy, gray, aqua, teal, purples, blues) because even though limited there is a lot to work with. Waking up each day to a black T or turtleneck and jeans or black pants would depress the heck out of me. I think “a signature look” is what we lean toward - if people wish to call it a uniform- ok. I just know it’s a look that I can put together easily and feel well dressed in any situation.
Btw the comments you get here - you absolutely deserve- you have real talent for putting together a look! It’s a skill that not everyone has so those of us not as skilled depend on people like you to show us........ no pressure- Lol

Meggie

I love the idea of uniform dressing. My "uniform " changes as my life demands change but the concept works for me.

jussie

Veteran

Katerina your uniform is fab :). I would be curious to see you change it up.
Do you feel excited about trying other silhouettes? If so I say go for it! But if not just stick to your signature style. Totally personal choice.
I’m not a uniform dresser myself but I know several people who are. They tend to have less “misses” because they’ve fine tuned their uniform to perfection.

gryffin

Veteran

Well I was just gobsmacked by Lauren Bravo's article. I'm a live and let live, eat and let eat, dress and let dress person, so the amount of vitriol, brimstone and fury that LB is slinging, well that gets my dander up. Ok, she's a maximalist, no one told her she can't wear anything she wants. But she's also being a bombastic bully in that article and I can tell you I am really offended by rants in print. I believe we should all wear what makes us happy as long as it is appropriate to the situation. But I am moved to fury and offense by the article. My rebuttal is my favorite Jane Austen quote for P&P "I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me." So LB please refrain from pooping on my Le Smoking!!

Ok, angst away. I love uniform dressing. I'm a blazer girl. There is nothing sharper, more powerful or empowering. Whether jeans (straight or bootcut), legging and tunic with long jacket - they are me and I am then. I get compliments all the time and I have a limited color palate and signature style. Don't like it. Hey that's fine. Please wear what makes you happy. I'm sure you'll look great too and feel fantastic. Nothing is right for everyone. The beauty of the world and of fashion is in its diversity - not divisiveness. So LB I send you to bed without your supper and certainly without a LBD, cashmere cardigan or iconic jeans. Maybe if you were secure enough to enjoy your own style you wouldn't feel the need to bash someone else's!

Helena

Veteran

Katerina, I can't write much at the moment but just wanted to quickly say, I think you epiomize the concept of having a "signature look" ... Not sure of that counts as uniform or not, but whatever you are doing, it works brilliantly for you!

The Cat

Veteran

I do associate you with the concept of "uniform dressing". Your uniform is very elegant and suits you well. It somehow reminds me of the uniform of one of the most well-dressed women I know about, Gitte Lee. If you like, you can take a look at her uniform and read about it here:
http://www.advanced.style/2010.....style.html
Of course, Gitte Lee is older than you (but "style is eternal"), and the two of you have different lifestyles. I don't mean that your uniform are quite the same as hers. For example, you like to wear scarves, while she often wears a hat. However, you both wear elegant trousers, nice jackets and have developed a great personal style which exudes drama and elegance. You may find it interesting to see the pictures and read about her style.

The Cat

Veteran

By the way, I just noticed an interesting coincidence: Today, Janice Riggs at theviviennefiles.com has a blog post about finding a personal uniform. That may interest you too, so here is a link:
http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....-find.html

kkards

Veteran

I am a uniform dresser...I don’t think it’s a style rut...mostly because I’m making conscious decisions to make changes to keep it “current”...since I’ve given in to the uniform I’ve been experience more high happiness days-at least as it relates to my outfit (if only life worked that way)....
Btw I eat the same thing for lunch everyday work day....it’s soooo much easier...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I wouldn't say you are a "uniform" dresser. I'd say you have a strong signature style. That's not a rut. That's personal style at its best! As long as you are happy with it.

But wait-- I missed this article that is causing so much thought and consternation. What is the link? Thank you!

rachylou

Veteran

I’m really a uniform dresser. Same silhouette every day. I do like to play, but I can’t change it up all the time: my uniform suits my activities. I have a closet full of suits, leggings and skirts (7, in fact, of a Target Victoria Beckham skirt for the bakery) (pocket for giant phone), and multiples of this one particular dress. At the same time, I like some variety - so different colours and patterns.

I like a uniform because it gives you identity. You know: know who you are.

Although, it does occur to me there are some uniforms that are the definition of no identity: like an oversize hoody, baggy basketball shorts, and white athletic socks. Altho this no-identity is a distinct identity. Lolol!

binkle

Veteran

I agree with Gryffin - that article was very grrrrrr inducing.

Different strokes for different folks!

It's all how about how anyone wants to define "uniform". Steve Jobs's black turtle and jeans every single day - yes, a uniform. Being creative with color, pattern, silhouette, within the framework of pants, top, jacket, scarf/jewelry - NOT a uniform.

And it is funny that the article reference Leandra Medine, because she can be fairly "uniform" - seems that many of her outfits are based on shorty short shorts. But I dig her!

I do heavy rotation of certain items and silhouettes, not because I don't want to think about my outfits, but because I like them.

Toban

Veteran

I love your signature style! I am very much a uniform dresser in that I have a very small set of silhouettes that I love and I have variations within a tight color palette (vs. exact same outfit day in, day out). Experiment only if you’re drawn to do that. I am experimenting right now with different silhouettes with my new body shape, but do find myself drawn to the same looks over and over again. Give me a bootcut jean, a pencil skirt, (both with a body skimming top that hits at hip level) or sheath dress and I’m happy! Add on a cardigan topper with diagonal lines, I can repeat over and over again, changing out the shoes and necklaces.

SarahD8

Veteran

Katerina, I agree with others, I would not call you a "uniform dresser" but I do think that you have a "signature look" -- and one that it is very stylish and very effective for you!

In my mind a true "uniform" involves a much narrower set of clothing -- rather than wide pants/top/fitted jacket it would be something like black wide leg pants/white button-up shirt/gray mandarin collar jacket or some such. But, there are also people like Sterling who identify with the uniform concept who are not quite so strict. I think like most things it is a spectrum!

I am similar to you in that I like to play around with color and pattern within a very narrow range of silhouettes/outfit formulas, especially during colder seasons. (My formula is: skinny pants, tall boots, top, cardigan.)

I have noticed that when I post a set of outfit photos, often the outfits that other posters single out as especially good or pleasing to them are the ones that *deviate* from this formula in some way. I have wondered whether this is because (1) people in general like novelty so when they see something that stands out as different they view it positively; (2) the culture of YLF is to be quite encouraging of people trying new things/taking style risks (to be clear, I view this as a good thing!); or (3) my "formula" is not all that stylish/effective and other types of outfits are better in some objective way. It is very interesting to me and I hope people will take this in the spirit of inquiry in which it is intended, I do not mean to complain about people's comments or fish for compliments -- just musing on reactions to signatures/uniforms/etc. ETA: I meant to say that it is also entirely possible that my perception is not an accurate one, I have not collected quantitative data on this lol!

Suz the article is this I think:
https://thedebrief.co.uk/style.....-dressing/
I read it very differently than some posters on this thread. I read it as *supporting* you-do-you sort of dressing, and pushing back against two widespread and semi-related ideas: (1) that people who adopt the "uniform" style of dress are more intellectually or creatively "serious" than people who spend more time managing a wider variety of clothes/looks, an idea that is also closely linked with gender; and (2) secondarily that the minimalist/"French" look is the only way to be chic. Where I think she went wrong is in not recognizing that some uniform dressers do care very much about clothing and style, and that a uniform can be as much the result of a very careful and fulfilling creative process as whackadoodle maximalism.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes, to the gist of the comments that both distinguish between a signature style and a uniform and secondly defends anyone's choice to employ both, either or neither. I would say that you have a signature style rather than a uniform, and don't fix it if it ain't broke!

Anonymous

I agree with Shevia. You have a fabulous style. It really comes down to what makes you happy. If one is stressed, and wants to simplify life with fewer decisions, a "uniform" of sorts may be helpful. I need to have creative opportunities, so a varied wardrobe is helpful.

Bijou

Veteran

Katerina, you have a signature style that looks wonderful and suits you. Whether you want to broaden than or not really depends upon does the way you currently dress make you feel happy. If the answer to that is 'yes' then you are on a winning formula. I was interested that she picked Anna Wintour as being a uniform dresser - because with Steve Jobs etc who consistently wear the same thing - that looks like a uniform to me. But Anna, no. A lot of care and effort goes into how she dresses and as a lover of fashion, I love to see what she is wearing. Yes, she is onto a winning formula - but it is the way that she interprets that formula that makes it interesting. I put you in the same category as Anna - someone who loves fashion, knows what works for them and has great style.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I've just read the article. It didn't make me cross at all. I agree that certain "must have" clothes can look not so great on those like me who are not tall and thin, and we've discussed this here before- eg, the crisp white shirt. I don't own one and certainly wouldn't look like Audrey Hepburn in it if I did. I also liked the part of the article contrasting some women's ( like me) "time-wasting" pursuits such as fashion vs some men's similar pursuits like watching sport. I agree with her point. And her amusing point about Mark Zuckerberg!
I'm with those who think you have a signature style, Katerina. Not a uniform, and not a rut. It's more uniform than mine, but then my tracking shows me that mine is still fairly uniform, mainly involving long over lean. And that my skirts are almost never worn- thus, don't buy any.

tulle

Veteran

I've always admired women who have "a look" (I'd rather not call it a uniform, as that has unpleasant connotations of rigidity for me) so clearly right for them that they don't need to keep experimenting. My mother was very strict about her clothes this way; she never dithered or tried things that were not the right style or color for her. Alas, I'm constantly tempted by clothes that are strange and beautiful and perfectly suited to someone else. But a few days ago, dressed in the sort of norm-core stuff I wear most of the time, I realized that I was perfectly happy with my quiet outfit: white t-shirt, creamy rose-beige thick cashmere pullover, medium-blue straight-leg jeans, blue cashmere socks, taupe suede block-heeled desert boots, and a soft, denim-blue gingham-patterned muffler, and an ancient black leather jacket. I felt completely comfortable and at ease with the fit, feel, and colors of these very ordinary clothes because they were so right for me. I'm sure I'll never completely stop experimenting, or looking for a bit of magic, but there is a certain welcome calm that comes from just doing what suits you and your life best.

Katerina

Veteran

Thank you ALL for the interesting comments, analysis and for the kind and supportive words,

Sterling - I like your concept of a uniform.

Efbgen, I agree. I would not like to wear an identical outfit every day all day - it would be really boring.

Jussie, you have such a lovely way of dressing, and indeed a lot of variation in your outfits. I really like how you work with your grey vest for example and creat very different vibes.

Gryffin, I agree with you - the article was harsh. There were some points I could agree with, but on the whole LB has not acknowledged that some people wear what she consideres to be a uniform simply because it is the style, silhouette, formula etc. which they like the most. As SarahD8 says - there might be a lot of thought behind it. Furthermore, some people maybe find that they do not have as many choices as others due to their physique. If you wear a suit and it is a dress code, you choose a suit cut in a way that suits and flatters your body - at least that is what I do, Then you vary the colours or patterns to your liking. This is the case of many politicians or business people. Anyway, as you say - the beauty of fashion is in the diversity. It would be quite boring if everybody were maximalists. Than, there would be nothing maximal about it, would it?

Torontogirl, thank you for commenting, and thank you most of all thank you for posting the interesting link. It was very helpful for me to think about these questions and what an interesting discussion!

The Cat, you are incredibly kind - it is the greatest of compliments to be compared to one of the most well dressed women you know. Thank you, I am really honored. Gitte Lee is absolutely fabulous. And her brooches in the pictures are gorgeous. And thanks for the link to the viviennefiles. Soon off to read that!

Katerina

Veteran

Kkards, it is really interesting! And I too eat almost the same lunch most of the days.... but that too is an active choice

Rachylou - that is interesting. Your uniform sounds fabulous.

Binkie, that’s right. It depends on the definition of a uniform. The concept of a uniform and of a signature style can apparently be very similar.

Thank you Toban! You have the greatest uniform style - you are a master of creating variation with accessories and shoes within your small transitional wardrobe. You are so inspiring!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I can’t really improve on the comments above.You always look really nice and stylish ,most uniforms I ve had to wear all my working life have been anything but!

Katerina

Veteran

SarahD8, thank you for the careful analysis! I agree, you have a clear and fab signature style. I was thinking about what you have said about the comments on your outfits within a set of outfits. Interesting. What I usually notice immediately is people’s accessories and how they play with the outfit. Your scarves for instance and your lovely jewelry.... I will go back to your posts and reread the comments because this is really interesting.

Shevia and Joy, you are so wise. I sometimes start questioning my choices and doubting. But this “uniform” actually works for me, it does the job and most of the time, it also satisfies my creative needs.

Bijou, thank you for the kind words and the good advice. I was also surprised that Anna Wintour was described as a uniform dresser.

Jenni NZ, thank you for the interesting comment. It is fascinating how we all can read the article quite differently and also how the concept of a “uniform” means different things to different people.

Katerina

Veteran

Tulle, a great post! It really resonates with me. And your signature style sounds great, I don’t hear ordinary, I hear classic, cool and stylish casual.

Cardiff girl, thank you! I was thinking many times about how it feels to wear a real uniform, which someone else has chosen for you, every working day. I have actually never worn such a uniform on a daily basis - we don’t even have school uniforms here.

Anonymous

I love posts like these. I feel they are empowering for me to be me.

As another woman who lives by the creed "live and let live," Gryffin's post was spot on.

Mainelady

Veteran

While I haven’t yet read the article that prompted this thread, I have very much enjoyed reading your original post, Katerina and all the following comments. I don’t have a lot to add to the conversation. I think uniform, signature style and dressIng in a rut are different things.
I do a lot of uniform dressing with accessorit’s and it works for me. That said, I do not like a uniform. My first summer job was working at Dunkin Donuts. We had to wear pink uniforms. We were issued exactly one. I liked the shade of pink. It looked good on me, but I did not enjoy wearing the same outfit every day for an entire summer. I loved the donuts.....especially the chocolate glazed ones, but I had to move on to other summer job opportunities that did not include a uniform.

Style Fan

Veteran

Katerina, I did not read the article. I am traveling and have limited internet access. I am echoing what other fabbers have written when I say that I think of you as having a signature style. For some of us this happens organically and for others, it is with the help of a stylist or fashion forum. I am sure there are other ways a signature style evolves.

Your style works so well for you. It expresses your creativity in a way that seems in keeping with your self. Your outfits look interesting but I see you in your WIW and not the just the outfits.

To me, uniform dressing is something else. I think of Steve Jobs when I think of uniform dressing.

Summer

Veteran

I've been rather scarce on the forum lately, so I don't really know your style yet, but it sounds as if you have a very good sense of what works for you.

To my way of thinking, you are only in a style rut if you feel you are in a style rut. If you are happy in your outfits, and the formula is working, I should carry on in your own stylish way.

Katerina

Veteran

Mainelady, interesting, thanks for sharing this! I assume I would feel the same way.

Thank you, Stylefan, for reading and commenting! Have a safe travels!

Nice to “meet” you, Summer, and thanks for the wise words!

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