Please help me define my style (pic heavy)

Irene

You look very European, minimalist, classic in a modern way to me, so I'd say:

Euro-chic / modern-classic and minimalist

Does that make any sense? FWIW, I really like it because that's me too, only with a sporty/casual add-on given my young age.

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

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At first glance I would say modern classic. Some of the outfits lean towards minimal, some are artistic, some ladylike. My favorites are 1,5 and 16, reading left to right like a book. The wearing of scarves (and you tie them well) strikes me as more European, so let's throw in Euro chic as another descriptor. The most important things to look at are: which are YOUR favorite outfits? Which ones do you feel best in, and why? Another important question to ask is, where do you want your style to go?

Another thing to consider is reality. What kind of dress code does your work require? It is more difficult to freely express your style when you have a dress code, written or unwritten. Where do you most want help in your style journey, your work clothes or your free time outfits?

Personally, I am not interested in having a signature style and sticking with it to be consistent. I like to constantly evolve my style. I love to look at pictures on the internet and in magazines for inspiration. Sometimes I look at old pictures, a lot of the time I am browsing on line stores and pinning things I like on pinterest. Pinterest is great like that. When you look at a board, you start to see patterns emerge, and I can say, aha, this is where I would like to go.

Example of a pinterest board of mine with inspirational non retail pictures: http://pinterest.com/cocolion/.....spiration/

And of things I'm coveting for this coming season: http://pinterest.com/cocolion/coveting-a-w-2012/

Does any of this resonate with you?

13 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Hi Ingunn, I think this one might be more for an expert like Angie, but I WILL tell you what I see.
A stylish lady wearing lots of Fab smart/casual outfits!
Someone with the creativity to mix and match existing pieces into fresh combinations.
You are not afraid to try different colour combinations, and the results are great.
If you need a Clothing Personality title it would probably be 'Classic/Elegant'.
I think this is a question we all ask ourselves from time to time- especially at the end of a long season where we have been wearing outfits repeatedly and things can seem a little stale.
Be assured that you are on to a good formula and are dressing your body-shape well and flatteringly!

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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Lemonade, thank you so much for the description. A minimalistic, European, modern classic style has been a goal for me lately. I feel that I often become a bit more ladylike that I need to, even though I like to dress up a bit. I'm 44, and I still can do sporty/casual, for sure, but I feel better when I up it a notch.

CocoLion; thank you for a long and thoughtful answer. It is a relief that you seem to see the style I wish to achieve in my photos. The questions of which outfits I favor, or how they make me feel, are giving me food for thought today. I'll come back to that. Where do I want my style to go? I'm not sure yet. Modern, maybe a bit more relaxed, but still structured, perhaps?

My dress code is at best smart casual. I'm a teacher in High School, and most of my colleagues have a relaxed, but pretty modern and cool style. I want to come across as approachable and friendly, but still look like an adult (no sneakers, hoodies etc at work for me).

I've had a peek at your Pinterest boards, and your style preferences become very clear! Rock, modern, cool, urban? I love so many of your choices. I have an old Pinterest account to, and I will reactivate it to get started pinning again.

Lyn D., thank you so much. You are right, this is a recurring question for most of us. The difference this time is that I am ready to try to articulate what I do, where I'm at, and why. You've been very helpful with that. I hope Angie and other experts will chime in, too, but you've already helped me a lot!

13 years ago

fashionista

Veteran

I loved your style. Urban-chic.
Elegent classic fashionista.

13 years ago

Deborah

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I see clean lines and a relatively minimalist look. You look elegant and stylish. Ingunn in each photo yu look very chic! I am becoming more and more confused about naming our styles and I think like Cocolion I would prefer not to be too labeled but I do recognize that will always be elements that run consistently through how we dress. If I had to label your style I think I would have to say modern classic with euro chic accents:). At any rate, what ever it is called you are one stylish woman:)

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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Thank you, fashionista and Deborah! You are too kind!

I find the labeling part frustrating, but intriguing, too. It's kind of like learning grammar. Grammar is the key to understanding the structure, why and how a language works. That's why I want to become clearer about my own style labels. But like you and CocoLion, I also think that a style formula only is a springboard, not an end. A certain consistency in style and preferences might be helpful when one has to make new wardrobe choices, no?

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

I'm terrible with labels, but I very much understand your desire for one. To me, knowing your style rules or labels is very helpful with pushing those boundaries. It helps me to know why I like what I like to understand why I might like something else, or how a new type of item might be incorporated, or even where to look for inspiration.

Are there any Ylf members whose wardrobes inspire you? Sometimes I find it easier to peg the direction with real people in mind rather than more stylized magazine and blog photos. Also, so many of the women here have rubrics and labels that you may be able to piggy back on someone else's revelations.

13 years ago

jayne

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I think Cocolion and Lemonade nailed it. But I want to through a touch of preppy in the mix. Although I do see classic, euro, and chic, I also see a touch of sporty which with classic tends to be preppy. But it is only a touch. Hmm, winter outfits might reveal more!

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

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I see Euro-chic with an American twist (which some may read as preppy or sporty). I think the American twist comes from the fact that you have bought some of your clothes in North America!

My favourite outfits of all are #1 and #16, but I agree with Denise that it's really key to try to hone in on which were YOUR favourites. And then maybe try to figure out why.

This figuring out our style can be a long process, as I have discovered over the past year. I think I imagined it would come more easily. And at times (especially when the seasons change) I find myself quite frustrated with myself. "What? Don't you know your own style YET???" But really, when I remember that it is a process and the process is going to take some time, I can relax a bit. And for me, focusing on the outfits that feel completely successful to me and asking myself what made them feel so great has been a very useful measure.

I've discovered (no surprise!) that Angie really knows her business. When I hone in on what made an outfit feel perfectly "right" it is usually some combination of:

1. Right for that day's weather.
2. Great fitting items. No need to fuss, tug, strain.
3. Right for the specific occasion, i.e. not heels if walking a lot on uneven surfaces.
4. Flattering colours.
5. Includes a "signature" item (could be an essential or a statement, but something that feels mysteriously like "me.")

Sometimes there will be other elements, such as:

6. Includes a great new YLF approved item!
7. Mixes items in a way I haven't dared before.

13 years ago

qpswan

Active Member

As a teacher librarian, I am a namer and labeler. You have an incredible sense of style that projects confidence and I would describe you as Modern Classic.

I find your polished and professional look an inspiration (and wish more teachers would dress like you).

However, whatever call your style, you definitely have found a style formula that works and compliments your body type.

You asked for suggestions and I would suggest that you try some more adventurous shoes. They will add an edge and fashion-forwardness to your outfits.

I look forward to your future posts!

13 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi Ingunn --

I'm a big fan of labels for myself (don't need to label others/care if others label) so get why you are searching. Evaluating against my labels definitely helps me buy, mix, and expand in ways that make my closet life easier!

FWIW, IMO your photos don't reveal someone in a "rut" or who fails to "look pulled together." [Reverse that last one!]

I do see some repeated -- and flattering -- silhouettes, but you have variety with shape as well as with color/neutrals, solids/prints. You likely fall into the incredibly broad "modern classic" category (as do I) which I find pretty useless when trying to shop due to the label's breadth.

I'm happy to throw out adjectives to describe what I see or feel looking at your outfits (I love the style persona/rubric/journey posts!) but as others have said it's really an internal task to identify which of them feel most useful to your goals and/or most expressive of your personality.

[I also feel coming up with labels is at heart the job of the individual so that the nuances really resonate and then can be communicated outward. You're a teacher and I have family in "the business" -- for me it's all about getting guidance, then learning by doing (suffering through, ha) the homework!]

So I'd say you've shown outfits that are a variety of things/combinations:
graphic
streamlined
feminine/womanly
controlled
authoritative
bold
cohesive
fun

ps Love your curls!

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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First of all: THANK YOU, everybody, for all the boost! I'm moved to tears by all your kind and encouraging words.

Traci, this is exactly why I want to pursue a more defined style formula. If I know myself a little better, then I more easily can tweak or play with my style elements. Sure, there are many ladies here at YLF that inspire me, and really like your suggestion about looking into their style sheets.

Jayne, preppy is the style descriptor I've most often heard about myself in addition to "well dressed" (overdressed!). Since Norwegians in general are much more casual and sporty than the French or Italian, for instance, I think my interpretation of that comes over as preppy to some extent. How interesting that you pointed that out!

Suz, you're spot on. There is certainly an element of more casual and sporty in my style. I think that my shopping in the US this Summer has made an impact in my wardrobe, but as I wrote above, Norwegians are really not typically Euro chic, but rather more casual and sporty. I guess that has left a mark on my style as well. We're in general very much influenced by American pop culture in Norway.

I like that both you and CocoLion picked #1 and #16 as your favorites! I think I know why, given your own style preferences. I have a few favorites among the outfits myself, but more about that another time. the questions you raise are very important, I think. Your list resonates with me, and I will analyze a few outfits of mine with your list at hand.

qpswan, thank you so much for your nice comments. I think you are very right about adding more edgy shoes. I tend to wear very basic and non-descript ones, but that is about to change:)

Vix, you are quite right! Labels are, for me, a way to determine myself more closely. I feel a need to explore more theoretically why I like some styles better than others, and how I might evolve my style further.

The main reason why I've asked you to identify my style, is to find out wether it corresponds with my own ideas. So far there have been few surprises, but a very important confirmation of what I project to others. Your descriptors of me are very encouraging, and inspires me to try to articulate my own set of labels! Like you say - I must do the work myself.

You have all been most helpful, and I learn tons from your responses. Thanks again!

13 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Ingunn, I'm coming at this a bit later than the rest of the ladies, but I'd agree with most of the labels that have been offered above. I really can't contribute much to that part of the discussion.

But, I do know, in my own experience, the hard part for me is taking a label like "modern classic" or "euro chic" and trying to figure out in a shop if a particular item fits into that label. The label does help me walk away from certain styles-- say boho, or ruffly, girly looks-- but, when it comes to deciding whether or not a top fits in the "euro chic" category, I still have problems.

What I can see in your pictures are several quite different looks that all could fit under a single label like "modern classic". What you might want to consider, if you are trying to evolve your style, is to pick the 2 or 3 looks that best represent the direction that you would like to take in the future. If you can figure out what makes these outfits different than the others, you might find some clues as to where you want to take your style. It might also be helpful to pick the 2 or 3 pictures that you like the least to know what direction you no longer want.

I found it very helpful to develop a list along the lines of "I like this and I don't like that". Writing down statements like "I don't like wearing necklaces", "I won't wear ruffles or wild prints", and "I prefer to wear my statement pieces on top" made my style preferences much clearer and provided me some guidance as I navigated the shops.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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You are so spot on, Gaylene! I can't figure out "modern classic" broken down to singular garments and connect them to my own personal style either. It rather happens based on intuition, which works, but I don't know why. (That's probably why I spam you poor people with posts these days - I hope not!). I like your idea of concentrating on a few outfits that I like/dislike, and maybe find a few clues. I don't mind being inconsequent style wise, but I would like to understand better when I push which buttons, if you understand.

13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

I'm no good at labelling, but you got some pretty good answers already! Just wanted to say that you seem to have a very cohersive style. Though wondering about the difference between European and American style...

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

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Ingunn, just to follow up on what Gaylene said, Angie's "Team this/ Team that" posts are amazing for helping to distinguish what one really likes. At first I was completely confused by them. Who cares what "team" somebody is on? But as I tried them I realized that they really did show me some important things about my style preferences. And you can go to the blog posts and just go through all of them super-quickly. It's a fun exercise that Goldenpig started a thread on at some point last year.

13 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I didn't have time to read the comments, but the first words that came to my mind were euro chic with a little bit of preppy.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Harmonica, I saw the other thread you started. Very interesting! I think it is very difficult to define a cultural style from within, it is easier seen from a distance, either geographically or historically.

Suz, I'll look more thoroughly int tho Team-posts. Good idea! Like you did in the beginning, I haven't really gotten into them yet.

Scarlet, that's interesting. Many others have labelled my style with those terms, too!

13 years ago

Anonymous

Gorgeous! What a great style! I see "Timeless Classic With a Funky Twist". You keep your silhouettes simple and streamlined, with pops of the unexpected added to the mix. It's hard to suggest what you could do differently without knowing what makes you feel like you are in a rut. What is it you aren't liking? You might try more bold accessories - bangles, multi-strand necklaces, statement shoes, fun bags, etc.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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Thank you so much, Shabbychic! Being "in a rut" for me is how I feel when I fear that I look too boring for my own liking, or maybe also too dressy for the occasion. It might be the wrong way to put it, so please excuse any linguistic mix-ups on my part! What I want to achieve is a relaxed, effortless look, timeless classic is fine, and if there is a twist I'm happy with that. I've always been focusing on my clothes more than my accessories, so I think it would be interesting to find out what a fun bag or statement shoes could add.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

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OK, just took a look and have not read the other responses in depth yet, so possibly I am repeating others here.

I see preppy, classic and lady-like, but not "girly" or "sweet". Your style looks like it leans towards the "Tory Burch" category, so it might be good for you to look through her look book?

She did an adorable blue plaid outfit that was in the Nordstrom catalog, I think. Plaid skinny cropped trousers, and a matching sweater that had a slightly different scale of plaid.

I think as a goal you could try to play with some pattern mixing?

ETA, as a contrast, I think a brand like Kate Spade is also kind of preppy, but too feminine for your look. I think strong prints and more man-inspire details are your thing. So, if you're looking to draw some lines around your style you might think about the types of prints you'll wear; say, be picky r.e. florals. Some florals esp. vintage-inspired would work well, other over the top flowery florals might not.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

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Jenava, thank you for chiming in! I really like the Tory Burch-style, it is a new brand to me. Kate Spade has some very pretty things too, and I believe I could use st least some of it. Your descriptors resonate a lot with me, and you have some really interesting suggestions, too. I will consider prints very carefully from now on.

13 years ago

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