My mind immediately goes to the connotation of visual fussiness, and, I confess, I may have initially made the immediate mental leap to one of my own preferred style descriptors, "feminine but not frilly." I do think there's something to the smallness of a detail rendering it fussy (in excess), however, as I would never describe a maximal style like Anna's as "fussy." I also think of the potentially-fussy as being extraneous, or on the surface, as Suz describes. I almost think of it as anything that could be easily removed -- by taking off a brooch or taking a seam ripper to a ruffle. All that said, I recognize the details in your outfits as potentially fussy when reading about them, but I don't find them fussy to look at, probably to Caro's point. And I emphatically do not read pleats as inherently fussy, either on skirts or on trousers (again, to Suz's point). Actually, the more I consider it, the more convinced I am that Caro has really nailed the issue -- fussiness does not allow the eye to rest. However feminine or even girlish your outfits, you're definitely not suffering from this problem!

Whoops, cross posted!

As usual there are different ways to use the term. So at some point the adjectives break down and you just have to see if you like what YOU see.
Fussy as a verb, to fuss with (or with which to fuss!) or fussy in the little old lady sense, or like prissy, or even prim. Or sometimes I think fussy in the second sense overlaps with dated in ways I can't explain.

It seems like it should be different from ALGO, but it probably overlaps. But fussy might have more prim GO whereas all-out Goth or something could be ALGO, but fussy wouldn't come to mind.

So I think someone else noted this but fussy seems more likely to be linked to negative aspects of feminine clothing or styles (hence bows, frills, lace, delicacy) , and not just too many focal points.

I agree with Faith -- however someone might describe the details of some of your outfits in the abstract, they do not appear 'fussy" on you. I like "sensibly feminine" and "cultivated nostalgia" as well...but if "feminine but not fussy" helps you more, go for it, I say! That's what it's all about, really -- some image, or phrase or persona that will allow you to shop with confidence for the looks that give you the highest happiness factor.

But I think you already do that quite brilliantly.

Ditto by the way what others have said about maximal style like Anna's not necessarily being "fussy." It might feel fussy to me, personally, (I mean to wear it) but I don't see it as "fussy" on others.

Unfrumped, I agree that fussy is definitely related to femininity! The girlish/'innocent' kind of femininity too, vs say the bombshell version. It's almost like the phrase is saying 'feminine but not too feminine'. I agree, I evaluate my outfits on whether I like them or not, not what adjectives relate to them, but I think it's interesting to explore words too! Especially others' perceptions, since I can only see my outfits from my own view.

Suz, I'm not sure it does, after all of this talking about it! hehe I liked it at the time, but I think I prefer more details than someone focused on being 'not fussy' would care for. It's funny, because I'm so verbal & analytical, but when I'm shopping/putting outfits together, it's much more instinctive. So maybe that's why I haven't had to narrow it down to one catchy phrase! But I've had fun with this thread.

When I think of fussy I think of a lot going on, and when I think of a lot going on, I always think of Oksana Baiul, gold medal winning skater in the 1994 Olympics. Her outfit had not just a lot going on, but everything going on - sparkles, lace, feathers, and color. Contrast that with Nancy Kerrigan's outfit which I believe was designed by Vera Wang. It was very streamlined and monochromatic.

If I'm applying it to myself, "fussy" more or less means something dressy, decorative, uncomfortable, or impractical that isn't pulling its weight for me.

For example, wearing high heels to a fancy event isn't fussy at all for me because it's part of feeling like I'm dressed the way I'm supposed to be. Wearing heels instead of more polished flats for a situation where either one would be fine, like work or a nice-ish dinner out, doesn't feel fussy if I really love the shoes or the outfit just looks better to me with heels. But it's another story if I don't feel like the heels are bringing something to the outfit that justifies the comfort trade-off and the possibility of feeling overdressed for the situation.

Another example for me is camisoles with lace trim. I used to have a few of them, but they always annoyed me. The lace always seemed like it was one element too many when I was wearing a bold pattern or more dramatic accessories, but that one measly strip of cheap lace never seemed interesting enough to justify paring down the other stuff to let it stand out.

I don't really strive for "feminine but not fussy" on purpose, but I think it's my default. Since I like dresses and soft fabrics, and since my figure and hair are very conventionally feminine, I think I end up staying away from the kinds of colors and details that have come up as being associated with being "visually fussy" like pastels and ruffles and bows partly as a way to balance that.

I love JAileen's example! I don't think that there is anything wrong with fussy if that is what one likes to wear. It may have to do with personality or the way they move. Both maximal and simplicity have their place. What may be fussy to one may be someone else's comfort. What is most fussy to me is something that doesn't fit well or is scratchy or a fabric that catches on things or is a lint and pet hair magnet...that sort of thing. I seldom think of anything that someone else is wearing as fussy unless it looks like an instrument of torture.

I couldn't read all the comments, but I liked what Day Vies said. My first reaction to "fussy" is that it means *lots* of intricate feminine details--ruffles, bows, pink detailing--as Day pointed out. There would be so many of these details that the outfit would go from being feminine to being saccharine.

So, if that is the case, then your outfits would not be considered "fussy" (imho). They are "fussier" than many people's, since you do wear more intricate feminine details than most (small prints, little pins, brooches), but there are not so many of these details that the outfit crosses the line into saccharine.

In determining your own style, maybe over time you will notice that you can combine, say, only up to three "possibly fussy" elements to avoid going over the top. Or maybe you will see that if you wear one "fussy" detail in a large expanse (as in a print on a full skirt), your other two "fussy" details have to be small ones.

Fun discussion!

Ah, yes! I've been thinking about these things too, although in my case, dressing boldly and fussy would be a hot mess -- like something out of an 80's sitcom! I'm choosing to think of one big focus, like strong color, and one "close-up" item -- you know, the kind of detail that is viewed by people close enough to be, well, close to you!

Your outfits have lots of details, but they harmonize well -- playing in ensemble, rather than fighting for featured solo. You also send toward mid-tones and low contrast, which lends a relaxed calm to your dressing.

Hope that helps!