Trying to Figure Out My Style

I'm so in awe of all of you who have figured out your individual style and no longer waste time or money in choosing items that do not work for you and your wardrobe. In fact some of you have it so clear in your mind that you are able to label what your style is. I want to get to that place too...so I'd like to know HOW DO I START TO FIGURE OUT MY STYLE?

My time is split between work (business casual to corporate depending on the day) and MOTG. I want a wardrobe where many pieces can be worn for either work or play, with some obvious exceptions.

I'm also wrestling with the fact that I gravitate towards classic pieces but keep trying to push my comfort zone to include some more statement pieces. But I'm starting to wonder why I'm doing that - is there anything wrong with being classic? Recent threads/discussions about simple style being misinterpreted as "boring" have got me thinking.

I'm finally getting to realize (thanks to YLF) what works for my body and embracing my figure as it is now. This has been no small feat. I've also been a long time thrift and consignment store shopper and although I love many of my bargain purchases (some of them high end) I would like to invest in a few good quality, long lasting items but seem afraid to take the plunge. I think some of it has to do with the fact that my body doesn't seem to stay the same size for too long so I don't want to end up wasting money on something that doesn't fit in six months.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking here or really what I'm rambling on about - I guess I would just like to hear how some of you have come to work out who you want to be style wise.

14 years ago

san

Veteran

I am so with you. I am 57 and still it is a challenge to figure out my style. Last year I wanted to try the latest trends, this year I want classic, and my body changes all the time too. It's hard. Just be easy on yourself and try to let it all evolve. In fact it sounds like that is exacly what you are doing. I don't think we ever reach the finish line. Just like Angie, keep having fun.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look so honed in on your style, Shannon! You ground trendy items with classics and you spunk it all up with your groovy hair do.

Sound advice from wise, Sandy.

Suz

I agree, Shannon! In the pics you've showed us, you look as if you know exactly what you are doing and what is right for you! And you look fantastic and inspirational!

However, I could have written your post almost word for word...and essentially, did, in this thread: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-my-style

And guess what: The Dashing Eccentric graciously took me up on my request! http://dashingeccentric.blogspot.com/

What Steph had to say to me was very helpful, especially when I took some time to think about what it might mean in practice in creating outfits with what I have in the closet.

For example, it is helping me figure out what to concentrate on, in shopping. In the past I would simply have tried to fill my (many) wardrobe holes with basics, on the theory that I should eat my vegetables first. Well, I still believe in eating my vegetables, so to speak, but I also think I need a glass of champagne now and again, not five years from now, but NOW.

There is nothing at all wrong with being classic. Some people on this forum do pure classic to an unbelievably stylish degree and they look wonderful. But the question is, is that you? And from what we've seen, I think not. Your haircut alone would belie that idea. (Then again, if you really do want a pure classics wardrobe, you might want to change the hairstyle!)

In terms of how to deal with an always changing body, I think having some basics in A line styles, and perhaps in a heavy weight (not clingy) jersey or other knit, can be a big boon to us women of a certain age!

Anyway, I'm still in the midst of this whole refining process, too, and have been taking a look at the Style Statement book and threads about this in our archives here. You are most certainly not alone! Happy to be on the journey alongside you.

Transcona Shannon

Sandy - glad to know I'm not the only one wondering half the time what I'm doing!
Angie - wow, thanks so much! You just gave me a huge boost to my confidence.

annagybe

Seriously it's ok to be classic. Without classic there would not be edgy. Sometimes I think it would be easier to be classic, but it's just not in my DNA.

Suz - looks like we posted at the same time! I love your directness with the question on whether or not being purely classic is me. I don't think it is. And I have no intention of changing my hair - style or colour. It has become a "signature" for me. I find it interesting to hear other people's comments regarding my style - like most I assume, I find it really difficult to be objective about myself.

I have been working through purging my closet for the last 2-3 months. I had so many closet orphans, it was ridiculous. Now I think I need to play dress-up and see what I can put together from what I already have and how many of those outfits feel like ME. I'm going to closely follow your style journey Suz if you don't mind. I think I can learn a lot from you.

Go slow sweetie. I went too fast in my journey and wasted alot of money on things that I have to now resale.

I agree with San. I used to get caught up in what was new and buy many versions of it before I really road tested to be sure it was 'me' and worked for my lifestyle. One or two of a new trend or silhouette, to test drive things, is much wiser
For instance, I know I am pretty much a one bag for months at a time gal. I tried to be a 'bag lady' but it's just not me. Now several sit on a rack lonely.

Very good points San and Mo - I'm a pretty impatient person by nature so I'll need to make sure I don't make purchases in some sort of frenzy!

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