Rachylou's post and Angie's posts came at a good time, as I have been trying to develop more focus this year and figure out what gives me the 10's and happiness factors. On style adjective threads in the past year or so, I had picked words but it seemed some were ones I thought I ought to be but maybe haven’t panned out. Hence the timely post on guidelines, tweaking and humor.

I thought in addition to needing closet and wardrobe editing and updating, I needed to do style adjective updating and editing.

So on the weekend, I have come up with:

Savvy trim angular dramatic classic sporty-action pretty lady.

Savvy—can have a negative connotation so it's a bit fraught; could compete with effortless. A fashion alternative would be modern, which for some reason does not resonate with me even though a big goal has been to keep moving forward—go figure.

Trim—different from thin—more the idea of fit-- not sloppy. Too loose, flowing, or exaggerated is overwhelming; I can’t carry that off. Controlled. Structured. Others might say crisp or tailored, but crisp fabrics aren’t always the key.

Angular--pieces that resonate with me tend to have sharp or straight lapels and hems, not rounded; longer lines, not too cropped; no puffs in sleeves; more rectangular handbags to round ones; straighter lines in general. Ruffles are not off limits but limited.

Classic--I'm pretty sure I skew this way in what appeals to me. Not boho or arty or whatever. Kinda traditional.

Dramatic—this adjective is totally new to me, but after looking at some of my favorite outfits, I’m experimenting to see if this is a clue. Should be simple and clean-lined but I’m liking a bit more going on in some way or I feel dull and plain. Maybe dainty dramatic, or subdued dramatic, as my size and features are not dramatic at all. Maybe more a matter of garment details and careful accessorizing ? More than just a cashmere sweater and slacks—need something else.

Sporty-action (better adjectives? )--NOT claiming athleticism, but at work, even if dressed nicely, it's important to be able to move fast & roll up sleeves and get down to business when needed- clothing should not look unable to handle that. Outside of work, I also don't like to mince or hobble.

Pretty—HA! There—I used the P-word! Maybe should have used lovely, or beautiful, but I lack all drama or bombshell-ness so stuck with what may be more attainable! I concluded that I may as well admit that my high happiness outfits make me feel pretty in some way, even though it may only be the colors or fabrics or accessories.

Lady—or lady-like, feminine--perhaps because it's easy for me to look boyish or androgynous due to choosing plainer items, comfort footwear & lacking major real estate, but I've noticed that more of my happiness-10 outfits look or feel more feminine than I used to aim for or thought I would have wanted before. This was kind of an epiphany. But not girly or twee, so balanced by the angular-action factors.

Elegant still seems like it ought to be in there but it isn’t serving me quite as well—why, I wonder. Effortless and relaxed ? are aspirations but maybe grow from more success in basic style. Youthful and fun might be in there.

Since this is aspirational style, I probably should have put the word “pretty” at the beginning of all of them…

You might see something totally different—that’s the fun thing about rachylou’s post—we might not see what’s right in front of us, or we might be trying to do something that doesn’t fit. And I expect these will need revising still.

Have you updated and edited your adjectives today?!