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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What's my style?

Catnip

Veteran

Over the past 6 months, I've purged so many items from my wardrobe that I have very little left. Now I really need to shop, but first want to get a better understanding of my style. I thought it might help if I posted a couple of outfits I like and asked you what they tell you about my individual style. This wasn't easy because I have very few complete outfits I really like, but one has to start somewhere.

Picture #1
Cashmere crewneck sweater - Lands' End, 6 years old
Kut from the Kloth Diana jeans from last summer
Munro ankle boots - just purchased.
Armani scarf - stalked for months last year and purchased at deep discount right after Christmas

Picture #2
Cashmere crewneck sweater - Lands' End, 3 years old
Chico's jeans
Same Munro ankle boots
Burberry scarf - bought on eBay
Long pearl necklace - I've had this forever and wear it often

Thanks for looking, and for any comments or suggestions.

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Catnip

Peri

Veteran

Sporty Casual Fun?

Liz A.

Veteran

well, after pic 1 i was going to say you like high contrast dressing until i saw pic 2

do you like a uniform of jeans, booties, solid top, and scarf? if so, you could start there and try to beef up your wardrobe with a silhouette you love. or do you think you would like to branch out more?

carter

Veteran

Hampton's Casual. Really love pic #2. Also loves the beautiful floors in your bedroom:-)

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks Peri and Liz.

I always wear pants, but not always jeans. I have lots of trouble finding pants that fit, and did not include any photos of the ones I have now because I don't really like them. Much as I like my uniform of jeans, a sweater and sometimes a scarf, I would like to find other options.

Greyscale

Veteran

Well, it looks like you're starting from a good solid starting point. Both of those outfits are great - the clothes fit you nicely and look comfortable but polished. You already have more variety in jeans color than many people, so it's easy for me to imagine you branching out towards non-jeans slacks.

I'd call this casual classic, or something along those lines.

What types of tops do you like wearing in addition to the cashmere sweaters? Blazers? Draped tops? Button-down shirts? I can imagine a bit of a bohemian twist since you highlight your scarves and you have some bright colors.

Liz

Veteran

I was also going to say colorful and high-contrast, until I saw picture 2. : )
Maybe sporty casual or sporty classic? Your hairstyle is structured and polished. Your bedroom also has simple, clean lines. Do those styles reflect your clothing preferences to some extent?

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks, Carter.

Grayscale, as for tops, I have a lot of buttondowns, but I wear those mostly in the summer. Fit is a big problem for me, and I have a lot of difficulty finding blazers and jackets that fit. I love vests, but don't have many right now. Wrap tops are one of my favorites.

Liz, your observations about my bedroom are very interesting. Yes, I much prefer simple, clean lines in clothing.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Do any of these words resonate?

Lux Polished Casual Chic

Lux because you like quality.

Polished because of the fit & smoothness of your clothes.

Casual chic because because there are modern classic yet casual elements to your outfits.

Gaylene

Veteran

Structured Casual Classic?

Casual = easy-to-wear, uncomplicated, functional
Structured = simple, clean lines; minimal embellishment; tailored/fluid fits
Classic = timeless designs, quality over quantity; use of "third element" to add interest (scarf, vest, jacket, color- blocking) to a basic outfit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good job starting somewhere. That's the only way to do it.

East Coast Casual Classic.

(I'd be totally off if you didn't actually live on the East Coast, wouldn't I).

Catnip

Veteran

Angie, thank you! East Coast Casual Classic sounds and feels just right. You have a real gift for this! Of course everyone here already knows that.

Caro and Gaylene, you're both right on target also.

When I selected the two outfits to show in this post, I didn't realize they were practically identical except for the colors. It's funny how we can have so much trouble seeing how we really look. That's why YLF is so helpful.

Gigi

Veteran

I'm terrible at style descriptors, so I'm glad Angie popped in and settled the issue. :^)

I just wanted to offer some advice that when you are shopping, don't buy a whole wardrobe of East Coast Casual Classic just yet. I found in my own style journey that once I settled on a style and started dressing that way, my style would actually change. It was almost like one facet of my personality had found an outlet, so another part of me decided it was time to speak up! So I've got a few different personas right now, and maybe that will happen to you too. So you might want to buy a few outfits for the current season that really speak to you in this style and then wait and see what happens, to give yourself time to develop or change your style as needed. I would hate to have you spend so much money now only to wish you had more left later, if you need to make tweaks.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Great starting point. I was also thinking something along the lines of of classic and casual. The next step is to ask yourself, where would you like your style to go? Do you have any aspirations? Any photos or personalities whose styles you like? Style fantasies? Style realities?

Catnip

Veteran

Gigi, that is such good advice. I'm transitioning from working to retirement, and so much is changing in my life. Who knows what will happen?

Thanks, CocoLion. These are great questions that I need to consider.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great suggestions from Gigi and Cocolion. And most importantly Catnip, have fun during the process.

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks so much, Angie. I've often felt that trying to be well-dressed was more work than it's worth, what with all the trying on, endless returns, dragging clothes to the tailor, never finding what I want, etc. YLF, however, is helping me to see things differently. For the first time I'm starting to think of building a wardrobe as a creative, and therefore interesting and enjoyable process.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's the spirit, Catnip. And we are are NEVER too old to have fun with fashion.

Beth Ann

Veteran

These outfits are terrific, Catnip. The items you have here are good quality and fit beautifully. Clearly, you have chosen carefully. You also have a well-executed formula that can be a great asset while you build a new wardrobe. I see Classical Casual, too, although, as successful as you are with this formula, perhaps you might try to develop one or two more. Check Angie's archived outfits for inspiration.

Also, have you nailed down the fit issues you find with jackets and pants?

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks so much, Beth Ann.

Speaking of fit issues, they are driving me crazy. I've been trying for at least 2 years to find a basic navy blue blazer. Dress pants are almost as much of a problem. The reason I wear jeans so much is because it is so much easier to find jeans that fit. When the holidays are over I'll continue the search.

minimalist

Veteran

Following this with interest ...

rachylou

Veteran

Another vote for East Coast Casual Classic (which is ironically seen a lot in my town out here in the West).

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks, rachylou!

karymk

Veteran

Sporty Classic. Lauren Hutton Classic!

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks, karymk! I love Lauren Hutton!