Please help me define my style - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Please help me define my style

Parsley

Veteran

In Angie's recent blog post, "An Outfit Evaluation Checklist", she talked about referring to one's style descriptor to check the appropriateness of an outfit.

I'm embarrassed to say that after being a part of YLF for over a year and a half I still have not been able to come up with a style descriptor or a decent set of adjectives to describe my style. I've enjoyed seeing everyone else's, but I seem to have a mental block at coming up with my own. Could you please help me?

I am an energetic, extroverted, confident, worldly, fun-loving person, and I would like for my clothes to express that. I'll be 60 in a few months, and do not want to dress inappropriately for my age, but want my clothes to reflect my sense of adventure and not be frumpy.

So, here are some adjectives that I identify with or strive for, and some that I am not or don't want to be. I'd like to condense these down into a short but descriptive phrase or set of adjectives.

YES:

Sophisticated

Current/ Modern

Polished

Elegant

Understated

Clean-lined

Geometric

Neutral

Drapey / Fluid

Relaxed

Slouchy
Eclectic
Playful
Casual

NO:
Girly

Floral, frilly

Prim & Proper

Demure

Crisp

Stiff

RATE

Bohemian

Retro

Provocative

Maximal /ALGO

Would like to be a little more:
Bold
Dramatic

Do NOT want to be:
Age inappropriate

And here is sort of a hodge-podge of pictures of outfits that feel like "me" - some recent, some from the last year or so, to help give an idea.

Any ideas for a style descriptor?
Do you think that my pictures are in keeping with the adjectives I listed above, or is there a disconnect between what I say I want to convey and how I dress?

I'm ever so grateful for your help!

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Dressing

41 replies

Latest reply was from Parsley

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Hello Elegant Eclectic! At least that's what I'm seeing here and I'll work on one other descriptor in the next few minutes. btw, you look AMAZING in yellows and all these photos are beautiful.

P.S. I think you might also be a Playful Modern Classic, too!

Helena

Veteran

I was thinking something along the lines of modern-natural (boring!), but elegant eclectic is much better! in any case, i think you've captured your key words with your clothes - love all those outfits!

Parsley

Veteran

Thanks so much, Vicki!
I really like the term Elegant Eclectic, and I'd be happy if that's the impression my style gives.

Thanks, torontogirl! Modern seems good- I'm not sure about natural...

Curious to see if others have a different idea!

rachylou

Veteran

I love #22. LOVE!

I'd call you "Relaxed Contemporary Sophisticate."

Parsley

Veteran

Ooh, I like that, too, Rachylou!
Thanks!
#22 is a Vince dress that I love, too, and I've decided that in a perfect world I would wear VInce stuff 24/7!

unfrumped

Veteran

I love your style! You do have a great consistent but interesting style.
I like bold for you--with your height and high-contrast coloring.
Bold elegant relaxed.
Would drop understated and slouchy.
Aside from the adjective hunt, which can drive you crazy, you look great with your style of a bold piece combined with more classic or subtle pieces. You can so do high-contrast and bold colors and bold patterns, but you've really got a knack for not overdoing it, so that keeps you way away from any odd or frumpy looks.

merwoman

Veteran

LOVE your style, I always check out what you wearing for my own inspiration.
Modern elegant sophisticate who just oozes joie de vivre and confidence.
Thanks for putting all your pics together - far easier to stalk you when you're in one place

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

First of all, all of these outfits and pics of you are fabulous - you are a gorgeous lady with a fantastic sense of style. You understand fit and proportion perfectly and can wear both casual and dressy equally well. Like Rachy, I'm dumbfounded by #22 - STUNNING!

I see elements of modern, classic, elegant - I think I'd have to go with Sophisticated Modern Classic for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ummmm: How about Drop dead gorgeous?????

You look amazing in each and every one of these. You know what works for your body and you know how to express yourself with line and colour. You come across as vivid, smart, modern, fun.

Sophisticated modern classic?

You know, a style descriptor is useful for some of us. For others, a style "rubric" seems to be more helpful, or a list of adjectives. It doesn't really matter. In your case , you seem to have a very clearly defined sense of what you like, what works for you, and whether or not a piece will fit into your wardrobe. So the way I see it, you are in great shape -- and a true inspiration to us all!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

HAHAH - I hadn't read Shannon's response!! See, great minds!!

Nicola

I'm struggling to come up with just a couple of words, but stand out words for me are elegant, bold, dramatic, modern, classic. I agree with unfrumped - you do high contrast colour so well and I think it's these outfits that achieve the bold and dramatic feel you are after particularly well.

But even without the style statement, your outfits seem to match you so well. No disconnect at all. I think you look AMAZING and hope I look as good as you when I'm your age!

Anonymous

Marcy, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! You might not need a descriptor, because the descriptor's job is to help you develop a style--which you've already done, and brilliantly. It's always an inspiration to see your WIW's. But, to play along, the things about your style that stand out to me are modern bold elegant.

nancylee

Veteran

Parsley, as I was reading through your yes/no list I was nodding my head and thinking this is my list almost exactly! We could be style twins. Seriously! I even own the same skirt (#4), same kimono jacket (#16), and same EF silk slouchy trousers (#2, 9, and 13).

Angie has dubbed me elegant eclectic, a title I gladly accept....and enjoy for its flexibility. FWIW, the adjectives I'm using to dress these days are:

Elegant Minimal Natural Arty

I think you are doing beautifully with dressing to your declared style. And I'm happy to know we have so much in common fashion wise.

Parsley

Veteran

Thank you all- I feel very flattered by your responses!

Unfrumped- I like your idea of making sure that an outfit has something bold and something more classic. I guess I often do that, but it might help to consciously think about it.

Merwoman- aw, thanks! The admiration is mutual!

Shannon- thank you! Sophisticated Modern Classic is an excellent description of the look I'd like to strive for. (not sure how often I actually achieve it!)

Suz- That's hilarious that you and Shannon think so much alike! I think coming up with a rubric seems even more daunting than a style descriptor, but I'm open to suggestions.

So, we have:
Elegant Eclectic
Relaxed Contemporary Sophisticate
Bold Elegant Relaxed
Modern Elegant Sophisticate
Sophisticated Modern Classic

Modern classic definitely works, but it did seem incomplete to me. I like the idea of relaxed- do you think it applies?

I had to go look further into what the difference really is between elegant and sophisticated, and found these interesting discussions of the topic:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-elegance
http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....ted-style/

After reading those, I guess I'd say that I do aspire to be sophisticated often, and elegant at least occasionally!

What do these two words mean to you?

So far I guess Sophisticated Modern Classic is in the lead. I'm hoping Angie has time to chime in with her 2¢ worth, too.

Parsley

Veteran

Claire- You are so sweet!
I like modern, bold, elegant, too!
Although I'm starting to worry that I'll never be able to achieve it on a regular basis! But still it's something to aim for!

Nancylee- I have always admired your style, and as you've tried to add a little more drama to your wardrobe I've often nodded, thinking "Yes, that's exactly what I'm trying to do, too!" I'd be proud to be your style twin! If our coloring were more similar we'd really be a lot alike! I always admire the soft colors you can wear, but I look better in a little bit brighter colors or higher contrast.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Marcy, I don't see you as elegant eclectic. Your style doesn't strike me as eclectic. Elegant, yes.

Parsley

Veteran

Suz, I agree with you. At least in my mind I'm going for something a little narrower in scope than eclectic.

rachylou

Veteran

I like the idea of Relaxed Modern Classic. I think it captures the "interesting" aspect of your style more.

I feel there's a wide difference between elegant and sophisticated. Elegant to me is borne of discipline, while Sophistication is borne of experience.

Ginkgo

Veteran

I see an urban sophisticate; to me phrase includes elegance, simplicity, polish, and drama.

Vix

Veteran

Ditto all of the above re your style!

But I'll offer:

Buoyant Sophisticate or Blithe Cosmopolitan.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vix is the adjective queen!

Anonymous

I want to be a Blithe Cosmospolitan too! Or maybe I could just order one as a cocktail.

I love everything about your style, Parsley.

Parsley

Veteran

Oh! Let's all go out and we can drink (and BE) Blithe Cosmopolitans!
I love it!

Vicki- I just saw that you added Playful Modern Classic- I like!
Rachylou, I agree that the "relaxed" is a nice addition.

Gingko- Thank you! Urban Sophisticate sounds so good. I'm never quite sure what it is that makes one's style seem "urban", but I know that I would abhor having my style be something like "suburban grandma".
If it does mean elegance, simplicity, polish, and drama I'd like to at least apply!

Vix- Suz is right! You have a way with words! Those both sound so interesting: great ways to describe playfulness combined with a more sophisticated look.

Alicat- LOL! (and thank you!)

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Oh I do love Vix's descriptors! Even before reviewing your outfits stylish, current, and energetic came to mind. There is some sort of very positive energy that comes through in all your pictures and I think Vix's options capture that. Really you have a distinct style and look fantastic in everything here. Modern classic just doesn't seem specific enough. Cosmopolitan also suggests the sense of being totally with it and on top of your game. So I vote Blithe Cosmopolitan! And sounds like a good drink too!

Mochi

Veteran

I don't have a handle yet, but words that just flew into my head when I saw your fun pics were elan, panache, mod. The confidence radiates.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I see Trendy Eclectic. And KILLER style.

Parsley

Veteran

Shevia- Thanks so much for your nice comments- I'm so flattered! Blithe Cosmopolitan does have a nice ring to it!

Thanks, Mochi!

Angie, Hmm, I wasn't sure about the eclectic part, and I'm kind of surprised by "trendy", but maybe I am, at least for my age...
Thanks for chiming in!
I need to ponder these, and come up with a combo that makes clothing purchases & outfit choices more clear.

Susie

Veteran

May I just say that you look fantastic? I was going to add "for your age" but you could be 40 and you would still look fantastic. I so admire your style. So many of your descriptors resonate with me yet my outfits don't begin to reflect the same polish and sophistication of yours.

I absolutely think that your clothes reflect the woman you describe yourself to be.

I like sophisticate(d) better than elegant because it feels more modern and more approachable which I believe you are. Your style has a bold yet playful polish. Oh I can't say it in 2 or 3 words but I know it's fab!

Sarah A

Veteran

I have popped back and forth to your thread several times today. I also liked the elegant vs sophisticated discussion linked. I think defining our styles is hard work and even if you dont decide on a final set of words using many of the ones proposed will still be helpful. I esp. love #1 and #22. #18 to me seems less congruous to the others... It is a great look but perhaps there is subset in your style descriptor to ponder there.

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