What’s the word for this style? - YouLookFab Forum

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What’s the word for this style?

Anonymous

I think I’m shifting to a slightly bolder, more fun style and wanted to ask for your opinion on what the word is for the style shown in finds 1-5 (stops before the wedge sandals). Is it “crisp”? I want to know because it’s not really natural for me to pick those shoes, but I KNOW they’ll work better with some of the things I want to wear this summer. My white Ecco sneakers are along the same lines, and they worked wonderfully well, but I would like something else for work. I want a word as a memory-jog while shopping.

You’ll see a blazer I picked up. I also want to get something with polka dots on it (like a skirt or some pants).

My older style is in the remainder of the finds.

Vince Camuto Sasseta Sandal

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3

BAGATT Sneakers

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4

Aquatalia Lucia Weatherproof Bootie

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5

Vicenza | Anthropologie Vicenza Metallic Block Heel Sandals

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3

Kenneth Cole New York Hannon Block Heel Ankle Strap Sandal

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0

Calvin Klein Bellemine Espadrille Wedge Sandal

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1

Söfft 'Inez' Wedge Sandal

Sale

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2

Tommy Hilfiger Jan 2" Oxford Shoes

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6

Dolce Vita Dolce Vita Women's Cassius Ankle Boot

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2

Franco Sarto Rynn Suede Boots

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3

Elizabeth British Tweed Blazer

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2

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Clean and crisp.

ChrisM

Veteran

Since your older styles of shoes and sandals are suede-y or mottled color, give a softer, blend-y vibe. They have more rounded shapes with wedge heels, brogue perforations, laces, buckles - just a softer, more casual look.

The new styles are classic, clean, almost minimal because of the lack of embellishments. They give a "lighter," cleaner, more pared-down vibe. Very fresh looking for spring!

Classic Clean Crisp!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Clean, crisp, modern classic. Polished and dressier, and more graphic than the other Finds because the lines are very clear and the textures smooth.

(Warning...be careful during the winter with this direction -- you see where it led yours truly!!)

The other Finds are classic also in their way but much "softer" and more "natural" in their feeling vs. a bit dramatic (albeit simple) for the newer Finds.

Anonymous

Thanks @Angie!
Thanks @ChrisM for your analysis! It feel good to have the alliteration, and So much snappier. I do think you’re right that the older style is more natural and more casual. I have this notion that casual=more practical, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

@suz: I don’t know what you mean. Where did it lead you? Is this about the winter boots?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Smittie, the second lot have a boho-lite vibe, and are more casual and complex.

The first lot are not necessarily classic - but they are VERY simple, refined and streamlined. (We have similar sartorial preferences - perhaps you noticed).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, my preference for streamlined and refined footwear (and streamlined/ refined/ slightly dressy style) led me to buy footwear that fit those descriptors, which for me are more aspirational than realistic, especially in the winter. Given my lifestyle, of course. So I bought streamlined and refined booties (which is what I wanted) instead of more rugged and casual boots (which is what I truly needed).

If I worked in an office and drove to work, those booties would be perfectly suitable to our weather, of course. But I don't. (Face palm.)

In summer, this nowhere near the same problem for me. I can wear sandals like the ones you picked with ease then.

Roxanna

Veteran

@Suz - I so hear you and identify. I think our style is similar in many ways and I prefer streamlined and refined on myself as well - and I we have been talking about my solution in recent threads of wearing snowboots and then changing into more refined shoes. For the weekends, though, I am realizing that I have to find the love for 'tougher' boots vs. the refined ones I really love so I can make them work for our weather. This is an insight for me; I never thought abotu adapting my style I just railed at the style gods for not making refined, durable boots!)

Your recent boot posts and journey have helped me realize that I need to adjust my eye for styles that work better in our climate too (maybe that will give me the much-needed urban edge )

Smittie - sorry to hijack! I would definitely label these fresh, crisp and refined - it's my style too Maybe that's why i gravitate to your WIWs!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Roxanna, yes, it's tough. Another thing I was doing that was nuts was buying as if I still lived in Toronto. Yes, the weather's crummy there, too, but there are significantly more days with dry sidewalks than there are in Kingston and I just refused to acknowledge the fact! Kingston is more like Ottawa that way...

Smittie, I think Roxanna's point about work vs. weekend style is also relevant. You might find that you have a need for slightly less polished, more casual or even rugged styles on weekends. The ones you've chosen are still streamlined enough to work well for you if you get the rest of the outfit right.

Anonymous

@roxanna and @suz: I’m still not ready to accept rugged boots. I bought some stompy boots last year, with lug treads. I wore them twice I think.

@suz has hit upon a particular style that might be refined enough though: platform Chelsea boots. Not a lot going on and the sole has a more streamlined look.

Roxanna

Veteran

@smittie - same! I bought some stompy Sorels that I have rarely worn for the same reason. I am hoping to get them out on the weekends at least and try to work them more into my style. I think the rugged Chelsea boots are a great idea! They are next on my list too

@Suz - you are totally right. I lived in London Ontario while going to business school and I think that was more like Kingston - more and heavier snow that really restricts the wearing of non-snow boots. I feel your pain

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These are working for me so far and feel more “me” than the Crave boots. I like those too for a change. The others that worked this year were the refined Moto boots from la canadienne. In an ideal world I’d wear dressier boots and booties more but I don’t live in that world.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Smittie I don't know if it helps but the word "sharp" came to me . It means a more polished look to me, more business-like?

LaPed

Veteran

Agree with all of the above. The new styles look refined, polished, clean, contemporary. The older styles are softer and read slightly more casual or boho due to the suede. Your new picks seem much more "you" IMHO.

Clean and polished are difficult to achieve (literally!) in a harsh winter climate. I aim for relative refinement, and try to gauge my looks against other locals, rather than against pics of SoCal bloggers, etc.

Anonymous

@jenni—yes, “sharp” is a good one. Whenever I really like an outfit, I say “it looks sharp!”.

@laped: that’s interesting that you say those new shoes are more “me” . I’m slowly realizing I look a bit better and more pulled together in simple colours and lines.

lisaflex

Veteran

btw i have those sofft wedges and they are soooo awesomely confortable and super cute!

Style Fan

Veteran

I like both styles. The clean and crisp style seems to be the direction you are moving in. I love the sandals and more streamlined boots.

Then reality sets in. Where do I live? What can my feet tolerate?

Anonymous

@stylefan: yes . What you do all day and where you live dictates your footwear.

Even though I’m in wintery Canada, I’m lucky because I can still wear booties all winter inside the office.

I wear my tall boots for the commute (in my car).

So I guess in my situation, the important thing to remember is to not buy too many BOOTS. (The opposite of @Suz and many others.)

rachylou

Veteran

Out in left field here on my own... but I’ve been thinking about this question. Minimal and simple came to mind for the first few, but I’m not entirely satisfied with these words. It struck me that these could support many overall styles. You could go preppy or hipster, whatever you may with these shoes...

Cee

Veteran

I'll go with " cool. "

SarahD8

Veteran

I also see “crisp” but I’m in left field with rachylou because “minimalist” also comes to mind very strongly.
I would say crisp, refined minimalism — which, to me, has an inherent drama to it.
You might also look into what I think is a French concept, “strict” style.
ETA: oh wait, “strict” was the coinage of this blogger:
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....urces.html
But maybe it would resonate with you.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for that link, SarahD8, aspects of that style resonate with me.

Smittie, I always feel like we’re somewhat “style-adjacent” and I’ve been craving a bit more polish too. “Polish” is the word -I’d- use for those new pieces, but you’ve always been more polished than me, even with your “natural” look, so maybe “crisp” is right.

Sal

Veteran

I think it is a subtle rather than dramatic shift towards more polished and smart rather than natural. Slight tweaks and shifts are easier to manage than dramatic ones as you will be able to adjust many of your existing pieces.

Maybe also a move to a more tailored look?

Anyhow I always enjoy your wardrobe and WIW so I look forward to seeing how you work this.

Anonymous

I like the use of a word for in the moment clarity and I've also had good results with very simple visual images. I love the way black cap chickadees look, the proportion of black against grey and cream gives them such a sharp edge.

Also, their "cream" is actually a complex of different shades.

Anonymous

@isabel: so you use an image rather than a word? That’s an interesting idea. I can feel myself getting bogged down in Pinterest though...

However, I’ll say this: I put together a few outfits on Polyvore that are just clothes that I picked (no influence from photography, venue, pretty model, etc.) So maybe I could use those outfits as visuals...

Chickadees are feisty little creatures. I will take a closer look at their colours (I’m a closet birder.)

@jenn: yes, we seem to wax and wane on certain style elements at the same time. Last year, I was actually just keeping things going (didn’t buy much for s/s) except gear. You seem to hang on to your boho elements more that I have. This year, I seem to have moved into preppy/sporty territory again.

@sarahd8: yes, minimal and polished. I agree. Off to look at your link.

@rachy: yes, I think that these shoes are a blank canvas. Not particularly interesting, but that’s ok. I think I’m moving into preppy again.

Sal: I think I am moving to a look that is closer to yours: a little more preppy and lively.

Anonymous

@sarahd8: strict does NOT resonate with me haha! I think that’s why I want to move towards a little bit more “creative classic” style .