what makes an outfit killer? - YouLookFab Forum

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what makes an outfit killer?

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I think that we all love it if Angie gives us a killer rating.
I also know that there are things that I post that will not get that rating.
Sometimes, I have no idea why one outfit gets it and another doesn't.
I am thrilled to get any comment and know that some days there is just not enough of a wow factor. Often I would like to know what would elevate it to killer but I accept that I may feel killer in something that is not reading to others that way.
There is a subjective part to all of this.

I wonder, what are the elements that you look for in an outfit that you would consider killer. Is there a consensus on what that outfit should contain or is it mostly subjective?
Here is my list
Is it flattering, good fit
proportions must work
color balance, harmony or interesting discord
head to toe , well thought out
Does the person look comfortable
Does it seem effortless
Is it either unique or beautifully classic
Does it have a wow factor (which does not mean flashy, could mean simple and stunningly minimal or dramatic and bold)
This list could pertain to any style persona.

Those are a few things that I Iook for when evaluating my outfits and others.
I know that realistically, there are going to be misses in my outfit selections, but the misses help to make better outfits. If you do not branch out and make mistakes sometimes- it does not stretch your style. any thoughts?

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jean, it's all of the above. That's a fantastic list!

Also, everyone has a different "killer standard" - what is killer on you is not necessarily killer on someone else on this forum - and vice versa. I try VERY hard to make forum participants feel that they have achieved their *very own* killer outfits, which are not be compared to others.

I have also referred to your whole style as KILLER many times over the years (not just outfits). For what it's worth, that's the highest accolade that I can award in words here on YLF.

I hope that makes sense.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for posting this, Jean, and for your response, Angie. I've wondered sometimes too what would take an outfit that gets positive but not rave reviews into killer territory.

Perhaps not quite as elusive and mysterious as which pictures make it into "Explore" on Flickr, and why, but still a small Internet mystery to me.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I was just wondering this same thing, Jean! I'm glad you posted this. I think my list of "killer" outfit characteristics are similar to yours, now that I see them. It's something I hadn't enumerated before, I go more by "I know it when I see it."

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sure, Janet. Another thing to consider is the quality of the photo - the better it showcases you and your outfit - the more positive the general responses. This is a very visual AND subjective business.

Ana and Jean, YOUR feelings about your own outfit are meaningful *of course*. But we can't feel them in the same way that you can, unfortunately. You should tell us when you feel killer in an outfit

Lastly, at the end of the day it's only my subjective opinion, which either holds some weight or it doesn't hold any weight at all. I'm sure there are many, many forum members whose opinions hold more weight than mine. It's up to you to filter and isolate the opinions that matter to you.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Angie- you are so sweet, I know how supportive you are and that you "get" my style in a way that just delights me. It is worth more than you can imagine because of how much I respect your expertise and discerning eye.
Your effort in understanding other's styles that are very different than your own is a gift and I am one of the recipients. I agree totally that a killer for one is not for another.

Comparing is not ever a good thing in artistic areas. I just had to do a critique where the most successful students were completely different from one another, completely themselves. Their work all had certain principals in common which made them excellent.
Glad that my list made sense to you and thank you for piping in !!

Mochi

Veteran

It's pretty interesting that (to me, anyway) this topic also brings up the whole duality of getting dressed--you're doing it both for yourself and for the outside world. In fact, at least for most people, you're going to be seen a lot more than you'll be looking at yourself. And to different people, one or the other is much more important. I like to think I dress for myself....

Anyway, the whole "killer" factor...it's truly the $64,000 question, isn't it? If it were that easy to break it down, wouldn't life be grand?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hah! We posted at the same time. It always amuses me

(I added onto my last comment in case you missed it).

Right back at you Jean, for being so sweet and very complimentary. You *know* that you rock my style world. Thanks for understanding my thoughts and position too. High five for reiterating that comparing is not a good thing in the artistic world.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think the outfits that made us feel killer, even if they don't rate the K-word from Angie and don't get rave reviews on the forum, have much to teach us. What are the elements that made us feel happy and stylish? By discerning them, maybe we can come up with outfits that WILL be k-worthy.

I think yours is a great list, jean. And I've also noted what Angie says; her ratings are highly individualized, and have to do with her intuitive sense of where that person's style is headed. Because it doesn't really make sense to hold everyone to an identical standard. Not least because what looks K on you would not look K on me!

I'm going to do a bit more thinking about the outfits that jump out at me and make me want to say the K word. I know fit/proportion/colours are key. But it must be more than that, too, because we all wear many outfits that are pleasing in all these ways, yet lack a certain wow factor.

Off to ponder....

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Just saw your edited comment. Thanks, Angie.

ETA: I don't usually add a lot of introspection about the outfit because I don't want to unduly influence members of the forum. I don't want someone to feel like they can't be honest if they don't think my outfit is killer, but I write that I feel like it's killer. Does that make sense?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for chiming back in, Ana

Loved the way you said that Suz: A killer rating is highly individualized. That's much more eloquent than how I put it. Thanks for that!

Debbie

Veteran

Jean I love you list. It has given me quite a bit to think about. I think my outfits that are the best are the ones I grab and go. If I have too much time to think i tend to over think.
Angie I think you have a gift that's rare. You know where we are going on our journey's before we do.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Debbie, what an astute comment about Angie's ability. Brilliant!
Jean, this is a wonderful list, it gives so much food for thought. Thank you!

Anonymous

Jean, I love your list and reading the responses. When posting outfits I know I'd like ideas for taking an ok outfit making it killer, if possible.

catgirl

Veteran

Great list!

Angie recently pointed out what she did here, about each person having their own version of KILLER, and that was a huge epiphany for me. I feel it freed me to dress how I want and find the best version of my own style, instead of copying those I desperately admired but couldn't manage for whatever reason (body type, weather, different comfort levels, skill)...

Marley

Veteran

This is very helpful! I realized a few months into participating on the YLF forum that everybody's "killer" rating was different - all depending on where they were in their process of defining and refining their own unique style - and like Una, it freed me up to focus on how I WANTED to dress, rather than on how I thought I SHOULD dress. A BIG step for me - I had permission to be who I was!

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Delurking as so pleased you posted this as it's something I've wondered about for a long time...

One thing I have noticed about 'killer' outfits is that when I look at them I find myself noticing individual items. So the outfit allows you to appreciate something new, whether it's the colour/texture of a jacket or scarf, or the shape of a dress, or a crisp button down; I find myself appreciating it in a new way.

Each item in the killer outfit has its own important part and I find myself dwelling on it in turn, whether it's the star of the show, or a subtle black turtleneck that allows you to notice the shape of other things put with it.

Does anyone else play this game?
Look at a photo, think, oh yes that's a killer, scroll down to see Angie's comment and if it *is* a KILLER emit a silent 'yesssss' inside...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Love that description, thunaluta!! Yes, I do that...and also the "I predict Angie will say the k-word about this one!" if I get there first. When she does, I feel almost as affirmed as the person wearing the outfit!

You made some very interesting observations, too. I wonder if the k-rating results from those elements all playing so well together, or if we simply pay more attention to them once we see the k-rating?!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I believe if you truly feel great in the outfit you are wearing (you usually know), then that makes a killer outfit.

Sona

Veteran

Very interesting post. I really like how Angie explained that 'killer' is very individual. Also I feel when one pushes one's style boundaries in a good way or wears an on trend item- even if that might mean wearing your grandma's midi altered when midis came back that does tend to be more likely to be 'killer'. It doesn't necessarily mean buying trendy pieces or not sticking to your own individual styles but pushing the button a bit while staying true to your own style.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay. I have mulled. I think I am most likely to use the k-word about someone's outfit if:

It meets the criteria Jean already stated

AND, it either:

1. Seems like a stretch for the person, a bit of a risk. Moves her out of her comfort zone. I get really excited when I see a LEAP. Someone has posted a bunch of good or even great outfits for a while and then all of a sudden does something unexpected.

OR

2. Adds a playful element that might have been missing before. Shows a loosening, a freedom.

OR

3. Shows discipline that may have been lacking in previous outfits; a sense of focus.

OR

4. Seems like a perfect embodiment of that person's style persona.

ETA: I guess in this I have just been trying to define that elusive WOW factor, which, as Jean states, does not have to be flashy at all.

morethanbeige

Veteran

Great post! Much food for thought. Jean, I love your list and Suz, your additions. I also love the *comparing is not a good thing* in artistic areas. It has to come from within me and it's the connection of me to my environment (trends, etc) that make the magic.

celia

Veteran

Delurking for a little bit.I confess I was curious about Angie's answer on this subject and as always I was not disapointed.One of the things that makes this forum and blog so special is the integrity and consistency in Angie's commentaries and advices. In fact her trained eye always leads us in our own right path.

As for me I have wondered also this, both in the forum and in real life.And although I agree with the lists you all gave for me an outfit is killer when I like it despite myself.Meaning, even if I don't understand it, when it's not my style,I still love it and it sets that person apart.

And I also reached a conclusion of my own, I don't have the necessity of being killer every day with every outfit.Although I want to be well dressed , sometimes I am happy to be appropriatelly dressed, others quircky, others confortable .

at

Great tips..might I chime in?

I feel that one of the most important things that makes an outfit killer is attitude. And that comes with comfort, of course, as already stated above, but also a great deal of self-confidence that goes beyond the outfit we choose on that day.

Ideally the attitude is cultivated first so it's omnipresent but it is certainly inevitable that some outfits, perhaps it is showing off our best feature, or resonate with our deepest desires and inner style makes us feel like goddesses. (not necessarily of the vampy kind, just full of allure, I've seen women decked out in laidback tomboy style that looks just so amazing!)

And I think that attitude, allure and your personal running commentary is ultimately what makes people look twice and I really believe this can't be faked but rather trained.

So perhaps, what makes an outfit killer is how you feel when you put it on that brings out strong doses of the elusive attitude and allure!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Fun thread! Thanks for posting Jean! Like Angie says, your whole style is killer and I love seeing all of your outfits!

I just wanted to say that I am impressed with Suz's ability to predict killer status from Angie! Whenever Suz says "k-worthy", Angie chimes in with KILLER. So Suz definitely has a great understanding of what makes it killer and I totally agree with the criteria she listed (and Jean's list too). Killer is usually the best examples of each member's style and pushing their own fashion boundaries, and I appreciate that Angie knows us so well that she can individualize it so well like that. And I think also having something that is unique or an interesting twist or detail makes it more likely to be killer.

Another observation for myself, now that I have been lucky to get several killer ratings. Initially I thought I was only getting killer ratings for my more subdued, somber minimal outfits, like monochromatic looks. I thought that it was harder to get killer ratings for my ALGO outfits because Angie prefers minimalism. But I know MaryK has gotten plenty of killer ratings and now I have gotten some killers for my ALGO outfits too (double animal print, fall floral patterned skirt with cranberry and cognac) so I know that's totally not true! I think when I go all out crazy ALGO (like my raspberry lemon chocolate outfit or my triple pattern mixing outfits) Angie doesn't like that so much, but when I'm a little more restrained and classy ALGO she likes it a lot more!

catgirl

Veteran

GP, I think the remarkable thing about Angie is that she is able to look at everyone's style for what it is, rather than trying to convert everyone to "her" teams. Or if there's a bias, she acknowledges it openly, just like a good anthropologist would, so you can take that into consideration. That flexibility with what is K-worthy is what pushed me to explore my own boundaries more, knowing that I wasn't going to be an outcast.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the shout out, GP!

My powers as a critic outstrip my powers as an outfit maker. But maybe that's a good sign...we are always one step of ourselves in art.

I didn't really add the final, even more elusive part of all this: The outfits I feel are k-worthy are the outfits I LOVE! They might be completely different than something I would wear; in fact, I often love most the things that work for others (and would not work for me.) One amazing gift of the forum is that it allows us to vicariously experience wearing things we'd never be able to wear IRL.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

This is a great thread and I agree with Suz that it is an individualized process and Angie's comments on Killer and K-worthy really explain the person-specfic assistance we are all getting from her and our fab forum friends and makes perfect sense. I see it as a personal journey in finding my own style and joining on the road with Angie as my guide makes this an adventure in personal discovery. That's why it is so rewarding.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Fantastic, fantastic question Jean and great list of criteria, so exhaustive but still very free and open for interpretations. Plus Suz's own additions are brilliant and so insightful. And, of course, Angie's take on things rounds it all up. The key IS in individual approach (and how blessed are we that Angie shares so selflessly her gift to "see" everyone!)

I think we finally have a definition of KILLER, without it being limiting in any way.

Aida

Veteran

I very very much enjoyed reading this thread! Everyone has such great insight into this idea.

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