Style descriptors - should I have one?

I know lots of YLFers have worked out their personal style and got a style descriptor. I really can't work out what mine would be, but I am learning each day what I *don't* like, and what I prefer - maybe I'll have a brainwave and think of the best way to describe my 'style'!

I was shopping with a friend recently who told me that she thought I had very strong opinions about what I liked/would suit me. She made it sound like a bad thing :/

So far I know I like :-

- simple shapes, no frills/unnecessary details
- subtle patterns, not vivid multi-coloured prints
- effortless clothes (by which I mean I don't need to hoick up, pull down or rearrange them in any way when I'm wearing them)
- bold jewellery - I prefer one large-ish necklace to layers of smaller ones, for example
- pencil/straight shapes in skirts and skirt part of dresses
- streamlined rather than voluminous silhouette

Is there anyway I can speed up the process of working out 'my style'? I am sure it will help with shopping!

12 years ago

Molly L-R

Active Member

Strong opinions are a good thing to have! They stop us from making costly mistakes. Do you have a pinterest board for the styles you like? I have and have found it very useful in spotting patterns in what I like. Don't worry that you haven't got a style descriptor yet. I'm sure that as you go through the process a few words will keep rattling around your brain that you'll be unable to shake - those words will probably be the basis of your style descriptor.

lyn67

Veteran

I couldn't coin down to date my own style descriptors either-then, even as a long time veteran here, I almost felt like still lacking any of a style...:-((...-but seems that all you've mentioned above... is at my liking, too:-). So, will see what others say, may there be a way of rescue for me, too:-)).

ButterflyLady

(website)

Molly L-R - I think it's better I've got strong opinions - this friend benefitted from a dress I bought which wasn't the right shape for me, but totally the right shape for her (she's a pretty pear) - hopefully I won't make too many mistakes now ...

lyn67 - maybe we'll help each other!

Thistle

I think a style descriptor helps hone you shopping, but sounds like you already know what you like.

After you post a few WiWs or maybe inspirational pieces I think it will be easier to get a style descriptor.

Deborah

From your description of what you like I wonder if the basis of your style might be modern classic?

Vildy

I don't have much of a style descriptor, either. Though always working at it.
I share all of your style points except the strongly patterned one. Modern Classic does sound a lot like it would encompass what you do/don't prefer. (maybe I'm a Breakout Classic!)

Suz

Remember the rule? Have fun with fashion!

That means there are no "shoulds." Only have a style descriptor if it helps you! It does seem helpful to many of us, but isn't necessary for all.

Having strong opinions about what you like for yourself may simply show in this case that you have done more thinking about your personal style than your friend has. The only time it would be a bad thing to have strong opinions would be if you were in a style rut due to refusing to try things "different" to your expectations of what should look good.

Sounds as if modern classic is a great place to start for a style descriptor. If you feel it is missing something, then maybe you can refine it. I am finding a Pinterest board really helpful in this. Over time I see a pattern in the kinds of images I pin and that shows me the direction I am really wanting to go. It's a process of refinement.

amiable

I don't have one either - but then I'm still learning what I like and don't like too, so I dont' want to rush the process. Have fun discovering yours!

Freckles

Style descriptors are so difficult but it sounds like you are shopping from a wise place now.

You think you have it all figured out and then next month you look at it and ask yourself where the whatever is that is definitely part of your charm.

rachylou

Having a style descriptor is a lot of fun. Figuring one out is a lot of fun. It also provides a tool for evaluating things, a way to orient yourself, and a place to grow from.

I liked finding one because it really helped me to see the similarities in my hot weather vs snow climate outfits.
When I could look beyond the discrepancy from boots and jackets to sandals and sundresses, and see what the ones I chose had in common, something clicked.

annagybe

I don't have one, and even on that one mega thread about them, no one came up with a good one for me.

Thistle - I hope to be able to post some WIW - once I start working again and DS is back at college, I will have more time!

Deborah/Vildy - yes, modern classic could be me!

Suz - I am trying to have fun - but I do feel like I need some sort of 'internal' guidance otherwise I buy lots of random things that don't work together or suit me or my life! I am on Pinterest - I have a lot of jeans outfits on there because I was trying to wear my jeans more - I'll have to examine all my pins to see what they have in common (I'm here http://pinterest.com/cleansweep/my-style/ on Pinterest, if anyone wants to take a look!). I do sometimes pin things just because I like the colour combinations though ...

amiable, Freckles, rachylou - thank you.

Mo - thank you - I think you're on to something with that observation - I don't like summer clothes, and don't have many, and I think it's because I am not being 'true' to what I like (my style) - if I had summer versions of my autumn/winter style, I'd be a lot happier! I need to work on that.

annagybe - I remember that thread! You definitely have style, though.

I've just been searching the forum for 'modern classic' - let me just say that if that's what I am, there will be no white button down shirts. Ever.

(Have to add, I have a weird dislike of collars, and as I'm busty with slight IT tendancies, a shirt just doesn't really suit my body).

Anonymous

Hey I feel a bit similar! Not into button downs at all. Modern classic is probably just one part of your style and you may have several aspects to it. Search ' describing your style persona' and 'five adjectives to define your style' They have helped me a bit.

Just had another look at your wiw's you seem to have a sort of relaxed simple elegant style. I really like it.

Do you know/like Spiegel and/or Newport? I think your style is similar. Relaxed modern classic/elegant. Beachy but not beach bum. Newport Beach, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica... those places come to mind.

Diane - thank you for your nice comments about my style.

rachylou - is Spiegal a store? And Newport? I'm in the UK and not familiar with either.

Spiegel and Newport are sister catalogs. I guess they're from out here in California because it's Newport as in Newport Beach, CA. Which I didn't know until now, goofing off on their website:

http://www.Spiegel.com

Polished but not trussed up. I enjoy looking at their catalogs (but I don't do much mail order shopping).

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