Labels, even ones we choose for ourselves, are tricky things. Do the labels describe us as we want to be seen by others--or the way we want to feel inside--or a target that we would like to achieve? Leaving aside any questions of how easy, or difficult, it is to find two or three nouns to sum up our personal sense of style, I also can't help but think any moniker would need multiple variations depending on what role we are inhabiting at any one time. The workplace UWP might look quite different than the date night one. And, just to further complicate the issue, none of us remain static; a moniker that suits me to a T today might not reflect the person I am tomorrow and my label might be more of a constraint than a help.

It's fun to have a catchy label to sum up my style, but I'm also wondering if it is a bit risky to treat it too seriously.

I haven't been using monikers or descriptors long enough to see how it works in the long run, but so far I've gotten further with thinking about monikers than descriptors. I always aspired to a particular look, but I can't stand in a store and ask myself "Is this eclectic?" To me that's more in the styling and less inherent in the garment itself. But I CAN ask myself "Is it modern? Would an adventuress wear this?" Jeans may not be eclectic, but an adventuress does need them.

This thread is giving this newbie a headache! LOL I'm still trying to understand what these style descriptors are supposed to mean let alone figure out what mine are. I guess I think of my wardrobe purchases with the same attitude I have when it comes to decorating my home: If I buy the things that I am attracted to, the things that make me happy, then those things will go together to represent me.

Cciele and Sylvie, I think you both made excellent points. I love Cciele's focus on stripping away clothing and fashion and leaving behind the person and I enjoyed Sylvie's clear cut examples explaining how a moniker or style persona can become a functional rubric.

I never really found a moniker or style persona that fit me. In some ways I feel a bit like Anna in that I'm pretty intensly visual and the only fashion exercise on style persona I've ever successfully completed was mostly driven by my ability to explore my inspirations by posting a series on largely non-fashion photos.

I also think I'm with Diana G. and IK on this one in that I have a bit of a "whatever" additude. I enjoy expressing myself through fashion, but my goal is normally to look like who I am. Part of that can come through with clothing choices, but I don't expect my clothes to do all the work. Often times, I find a fairly blank slate to be the best frame because I feel like my personality, disposition, and even lifestyle clearly shine through my posture, actions, words, body, ect.

Basically when I get dressed I want to get dressed representing my authentic self, but I also don't feel the need to rely on clothes to speak for me. I don't want to look like something or someone I'm not, but if the rest of the world can't guess exactly who I am through my clothing (i.e. pick out my style persona) that is fine sometimes, because they will figure that out soon enough.

I haven't posted on 00Noir, because I know I'm not understanding your image fully, but I will probably pick up on how you see that over time.

I also enjoyed JulieJohn's description of the setting and activities her style persona conducts. I definitely can see myself trying to picture my "ideal" outfits for my environments and tasks I perform.

I think of a moniker as fun inspiration, never a limitation. And it's mostly personal. I could never pick just one. I sometimes pick a new one daily. I sum it up to being a Gemini. Interesting discussion!

Rae, I do prefer a moniker to be as you describe, an "ephemeral aura". My own, secret moniker is so esoteric that noone else would appreciate the connotations it has for me. And because my style is developing any descriptor is of necessity ephemeral.