What Style Descriptor(s) would you use?

Awhile back, I found a really fun post, outlining 20 "quick-fix" ideas to refine your wardrobe. In particular, I found #1 very useful: "Find 10 outfits on pinterest, your favourite style blogs or lookbook.nu, that you would wear exactly as pictured." Inspired, I created a Pinterest board specifically with this goal in mind: outfits I would wear exactly as pictured.

I love the specificity this has given me in making outfit choices! Over time, (of course) I have found more than 10 outfits - and just recently I created a second board, so that one has spring/summer outfits, and the other has fall/winter outfits.

http://pinterest.com/demimonda.....ng-summer/

http://pinterest.com/demimonda.....ll-winter/

So in general, if I am putting together an outfit and find myself stuck, I go to my Spring/Summer board, and assemble an outfit using what I already have.

There are some differences - I don't own any cropped tops or sweaters, but my longer tops still have similar shape. What I do wear, although fitted, has to be able to have a bra on underneath!

And while I love my heels, very often I swap out the shoes in photos for a lower heel.

These boards represent a good cross-section of my every day, working wardrobe. I am planning to add more studio-to-streetwear looks as I find them, because there are days when all I do is work on theatrical stuff, and it's good to be able to stretch out and warm up, grab a bag, go to a rehearsal, go to a class, etc., grab lunch, etc. and not have to change my entire outfit or drag along a small suitcase.

So my question - (see? Eventually I got to the actual point of this post) - is this: what style descriptors do you see from my Pinterest boards? While I have a secondary wardrobe of dance and theatrical pieces, that I sometimes borrow for everyday use, I think the boards really represent what I wear about 90% of the time, from about October of last year to the present.

I really want to be able to streamline my everyday wardrobe, to put some brakes on my tendency to overshop and overspend, and to free up a little space.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading I can't wait to hear what y'all come up with!

11 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Bodycon is the first unifying word that I'd apply to almost all those pins. There are other similarities, but I'm having a harder time putting words to them. Streamlined may be another.

Pawprints

Active Member

Sexy, dramatic, luxe-leaning, architectural-and-hot, minimalist, columnar, sleek, strong

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Thanks for the fast responses! I love the words you have listed here - it really does help me understand where I want to go. Because I am short, and have a lot of curves (despite actually wearing a small size), I try to balance that by giving myself some height. I never really thought in terms of 'architectural and columnar, and sleek' - but I feel that is really going to help in streamlining my closet!

Susie

How about sleek minimal bombshell?

Adelfa

I was thinking sleek too, and also minimalist.

Suz

Streamlined sexy Eurochic?

I see lots of neutrals on the boards, lots of leather (so texture is important) and pops of red. Lots of drama. Maybe you are a "soft dramatic" in Kibbe terms.

It's funny - I didn't really think about color when I put together my boards. But it really does accurately reflect my color preferences in clothing. I LOVE color - in my surroundings. Maxfield Parrish paintings are my palette inspiration for decorating.

It really makes me feel easier and freer to dress in neutrals - blacks, whites, ivories, tan leathers in shoes and bags and one leather skirt. I save little pops of color (cobalt and royal blues, aquas, reds, and metallics) in jewelry and scarves.

Makes sense to me. Your hair and eyes give you colour enough, and your hourglass figure makes you stand out no matter what you wear. Neutrals lend sophistication and restraint, which is especially important given your preference for bodycon looks. Too much colour might rob you of that sophistication.

Nicole D

I see classic movie star bombshell with a rockstar edge (black, leather). Very nice!

goldenpig

Urban bombshell!

Jaime

Definitely bombshell with lots of black and white and leather. But sophisticated. I think Natalie's urban bombshell captures it.

RoseandJoan

I see the fusion of retro (beatnik & fifties) with strong, simple and minimal lines.

rae

Leggy Sci-Fi Bombshell!

Wow, these are great descriptors! Here is the list:

Body Con
Streamlined
Sexy
Dramatic
Luxe-Leaning
Architectural-and-Hot
Minimalist
Columnar
Sleek
Eurochic
Classic Movie Star
Rockstar Edge
Urban Bombshell
Retro Beatnik 50's
Leggy
Sci-Fi (the inner nerd of my soul is thrilled by this!)

Streamlined Sexy Eurochic
Urban Bombshell
Classic Movie Star Bombshell
Leggy Sci-Fi Bombshell

I really love all of these descriptors! 'm not going to come up with one be-all definitive phrase, but I am going to make a list with all of these words on it, and post it by the closet door, and refer to this list as I start culling.

I'm also putting this list on my spreadsheet, so that when I do shop, I can consult these descriptors and decide whether the item I am looking at, fits the list.

And I'm going to really start making the effort for myself, to work on putting together wearable versions of those looks

Thank you everyone for the input! Very very much appreciated - and so so so so very very very very HELPFUL!!! You guys are the best!!!

rachylou

That was a great one. I'm still pondering myself as a cartoon character

I say "sleek and sophisticated", with ladylike feminine undertones.

pil

My takeaway from the photos is more of mood - I see a lot of poise in them.

Karie

I love the ten outfits pinterest borad, I am going to create one of those for myself. I definitely see urban bombshell, and I love the other descriptors as well.

Sarah A

I definately see a refined sexy elegance. Very sleek and alluring but nothing over the top. The leather and body con fits really stand out. Love the idea to create "ready to wear as is" pinboards too. I am going to take that project on for myself, thanks for the inspiration.

jurocha

I am trying to use the YLF descriptors... Minimal, elegant bombshell (lots of black&white - absolute classic and elegant - and pencil skirts).

In time: I really liked your Pinterest boards!

Janet

Yep, I see sophisticated bombshell. I like the idea of that exercise -- I may have to try it myself, not so much for the descriptor but for the outfit ideas!

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