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Will I ever change? (Do I need to?)

viva

Veteran

I've been perusing the blog Jean Stories occasionally, and this week's "Jeans of the Week" post on the 3x1 white BFs had me wishing I had a great big wad of cash -- I would instantly buy the entire outfit being modeled by Jane: the 3x1s, the Philip Lim cashmere sweater, the Reed Krakoff smoking slipper. ALL OF IT. Just package it up and send it on to me NOW.

It got me to wondering, because I am pretty sure I have worn this outfit at 16, at 25, at 40, and today (although, frankly, at increasing quality and price points). So does this mean I am anti-fashion, because I am so singular in my taste? I recently read an article in Man Repeller that raised the question of style vs fashion on the red carpet, and it made me think that maybe what I love is style, and maybe I don't care so much about fashion. In this distinction, fashion of course is the cutting-edge, Annagybe sort of thing.

Does this distinction -- style vs fashion -- exist? What does it mean that I keep being drawn to the exact same thing? Can one have style without being drawn to fashion? What's it all about, Alfie?

http://jeanstories.com/the-sto.....boyfriend/

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

deb

Veteran

I do not have answers but I love the outfit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vivian, you DO have style. I consider you one of the most stylish women I know.

And I LOVE that you know your style. It's brilliant.

And inspiring to me, personally.

The outfits that have made me happiest at age 15, 25, 35, 45, and onwards have all had very similar components. (Similar to each other, and similar to your fave outfits, actually!)

But I'm not sure "style" and "fashion" are opposed. What fascinates me now is how we can express our personal style while keeping current. That's where fashion comes in, I guess. The cuts change, the proportions might change a bit -- there's always something a little different -- a tweak. But the mood, the tone, the gestalt remains the same. The feeling.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd wear the outfit too.

Viv, we can be continually attracted to the same style preferences (our sugar eyes). You love J.Crew (I do too), and this is a J.Crew look - no wonder it tickles your toes.

No need to change. As long as the pieces are updated for that all important element of "current" (that's fashion) - you can like and wear the same outfit combinations (that's style) till they no longer tickle your fancy.

Anonymous

I think it means you know what you like (regardless of what the fashion industry says is currently on trend). You are, in essence, NOT A FASHION VICTIM that buys up every trend in sight just to be current. You buy what reflects your style. This is huge in my book. It means you have to know yourself and what works for you and against you.

There are some wonderful blogs that focus on defining a signature style. Here is one of the best: http://into-mind.com/blog/. She does a series on signature looks. I think she calls them proportions. Very interesting reading.

Anonymous

Some text from IntoMind. I like number 2 below. It shows that having a signature style (knowing what you like) enhances what you are trying to express through your look. I agree.

So… why is a signature look such a clear sign of great personal style?

Reason 1: When it comes to concepts, be it a style concept, a character in a book/film, a story line, a brand identity or an art installation: Definition equals quality. You want a clear, razor-sharp definition of what concept/character/brand X stands for. Not a wishy-washy concept that is a little bit of everything and therefore not really anything.

Reason 2: Having a signature look signifies a considerable amount of self-knowledge: you know what you like, who you are and what suits you. This confidence or rather, authenticity, enhances what you are trying to express through your look and makes it all the more powerful.

jackiec

Veteran

First of all, thanks for the link. I get in such ruts online and it's nice to look at other blogs and links.

Second of all, you do not need to change at all! Style is very much linked with who we are and our personalities. We are always going to be drawn to certain things; it's who we are.

And that is very much a "you" outfit

unfrumped

Veteran

Doyou wear that and only that (Alt-like--or in fairness, the media-photo focus) or is it just one of your favorites?

I like pants and skirts at natural waist, with waistbands, and softness or pleats.
I had to let go of my collection of Austin Reed and Jones trousers though!

Then there wasn't much similar for awhile, and I found other things; then after awhile, after the flat-front backlash, along came some new types of drapey, pleats, high-waists, culottes. So I'm in on that, but in new versions. Some people would be sayiing, oh, pleats are so 80's (or whatever, since they're also several other decades) and feel that is old- fashion, not new-fashion. But it's for me for sure. However, I'm also wearing some other styles that I didn't used to wear, if I like them.

unfrumped

Veteran

Need those shoes, BTW. On sale?

Helena

Veteran

That is an amazing outfit - I hope you don't change!

I was just going to echo the sentiment that if you have a set style, it's about keeping the elements up-to-date and occasionally stepping outside the zone, just to keep it fun. I too can say that, despite all my jibber jabber about trying this and searching for that style, 90% of the time I am wearing a (hopefully) updated version of the same things I've chosen since high school! What can we do - we is who we is

Caro in Oz

Veteran

There is no style without fashion imo. As Angie says even classic clothes date.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

It's a great outfit - how could you not be drawn to it? Well, okay I'm in a similar frame of style tastes I guess so maybe not everyone would be drawn to it, but still. I think many of us do the same thing: wear the same general style for most of our lifetimes. It's knowing yourself in my book.

Anonymous

Your tastes, whether it be clothing or decor or something else, is who you are. No, you shouldn't change. Just try to keep your look updated.

Anonymous

I like what Sterling has said - that made a lot of sense to me.

Vivian, I think I see this the same way you do. I am annoyed with myself when I fall "victim" to some trend or fashion, because so often it didn't do justice to my style.

I strive for style. I want style. I don't want fashion, and don't care about fashion for myself and my closet.

I think you, and I, have a style that we own, feel comfortable in, and know what to do with. We care less if we have the newest and latest trend in pants (culottes, dressy track pants - my own personal "I'm over it " thing) for example. To me, style is much more desirable and authentic and valuable than fashion. As Caro says, even classic clothes need to be updated (the fashion part) but style is knowing how to do that. Anyone can walk into any store and buy anything, but is it meaningful?

I think it's absolutely fantastic that you have been and continue to be drawn to the same essence of a look year after year. I could say the same thing about myself. In fact, I recently looked at my Grade 8 school picture, and there I am in Adidas tobacco Gazelles, cords, and a button-up shirt. Was I cool or what? I'd love to wear that same outfit (except for the shirt) today.

You know where else you have style over fashion? Your hair. You have the best, most natural looking hair "style" ever. It's not cut in some particular, definitive shape - it just looks cool and natural and easy. The way it should be.

What was the question again? lol.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Caro has hit the nail on the head in a far more succinct way then I did. (Thanks, Caro). There is no style without an element of fashion. The SIZE of that element is where styles will differ.

rachylou

Veteran

Well for myself, when I shop, I don't have style: I have shopping myopia. I can only see what I know. Every thing else disappears. It's how come I only have two kinds of tops: black cap sleeve and red and blue plaid

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Vivian, I would wear this happily too- and I can (and will) recreate it with my own items when the weather is right for loafers
I completely agree with Angie and Caro - update your favorite elements to be in line with the current fashion and you can wear a variation of this outfit forever and be the most stylish woman on the block.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You do change - although this outfit is very much your style, there is no question that it is very fashionable too. The pieces are from newish designers and are from now. The fact that you have a certain aesthetic sense and taste is absolutely to your credit, as is the fact you are able to adjust it along with the times. You would look gorgeous in this outfit and you have great style!

Joy

Veteran

I would also feel very happy in this outfit or it's current look ...16 to 106.
I can imagine it with more fitted or oversized sweater and jeans, possibly boot cuts and pointy-toed shoes,, etc. depending on the current fashion trends and what looks best on ones body.

karymk

Veteran

Viva, I have pictures of myself at 1, 5, 6, 10, 16, 20 years old wearing exactly the stuff I still love:
Boucle
Animal prints
Boots
Patent
Pearls
Chains
Blazers
White shirts
Ballet flats
Gold
Quilt patterns
Slim jeans

I think by 50 its clear my preferences aren't going anywhere, but I do constantly update the key elements so they (and I) look relevant from year to year.

I think you have a huge gift in that you know exactly what suits you. You experiment to a degree, but never pushing yourself into a territory you don't have a good map for, if you know what I mean.

tulle

Veteran

Love this outfit, which puts me in mind of something Ines de la Fressange would wear. She's the personification of style AND fashion, so I'd say you're on the right track!

Sal

Veteran

I love it when my favourite looks coincide with fashion...it is so much fun. And this does happen from time to time - I love it when there is an element of a nautical look around, a look I have worn frequently over the years. But different versions, sometimes a tighter fitting striped tee (about 2003), at one stage a double breasted dress with gold buttons (1988, it was far too old for me!), short white shorts (1992), and even at one stage an off the shoulder striped bodysuit with Levis 501s (1991 I think!) If I wore it now it would likely be white flared trousers.... 1950s sunfrocks is another trend I have embraced over the years and really enjoyed.

Conversely I really struggled about 4-5 years ago when tunics and leggings were impossible to avoid, and pretty much all jeans were skinnies. There were variations of these looks I could wear, but I did have to work quite hard to make it work for my tastes and figure.

I think Viva as long as it is not EXACTLY the same look from head to toe then that is an example of real style.

viva

Veteran

Thanks everyone, for your comments. I appreciate the validation that maby of you offered about my style, although I was really more interested in the larger question about style versus fashion.

I think Angie's comment about Caro's comment clarified things for me the most -- there can be no style without fashion, but there is a lot of flexibility about the degree to which one injects fashion into one's style. At one end of the continuum, you are simply updating a signature look to keep it current (closest to what I do most often) and at the other end your style is 100% fashion -- shifting every time fashion does, and trying every new trend. Neither is better or worse. But it's really interesting to reflect on the idea that updating and keeping a signature style current is a way to inject fashion into style. Sometimes the "changes" feel so subtle, especially against a big trend like culottes.

I do like the idea of a signature look, although I can occasionally feel stagnated. This discussion has given me a different way to frame it. I actually highly value self-awareness, so Sterling your quote was particularly powerful for me to read.

Kiwigal, I had to smile at your descriptions of outfits through the years! Yes, since I was a teen in the 70s and 80s my signature look had some interesting renditions.

And Lisa, I may frame your lovely comment about my hair. Yikes! I so so struggle there, although again, I have sort of a signature look that I dance around -- never straying too far. But I have lots of hair envy, so it can be a struggle.

PS Unfrumped: those loafers are on sale! But sizes 8.5 and larger only, and still $180, which for me is too high right now.

http://www.reedkrakoff.com/shoes/flats/loafer-1

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Updating a signature look to keep it current - yes! Thinking back to my favorite skirt/blazer from 1986, I'm wearing the same style today, just updated. Thinking back to my favorite trendy outfit of the same era - Hammer pants (GAH!) and a Cosby-esque sweater (double GAH!) it's now updated with track pants and a soft sweater.

I think of fashion like art - beautiful and often unique, nice to look at, the cohesiveness of putting all the elements together. Style is more personal, it's my spin on what's fashionable and what works for me.

Summer

Veteran

Viva, I think you have simply found a style of dressing which suits your life-style, your body shape and your style preferences, and that, to my mind, is the best possible reason to fall back on this formula - this is your signature style. You mention that you now buy at a higher price point and quality, which indicates that you are constantly improving on previous iterations of this outfit. I'm sure, also, that you are careful to stay current, even if , as you say, you don't care so much for fashion. From what I have seen, you are very stylish, so I should just follow your heart. tly

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Cullottes are only fringe trending).

Viva, you worked it ALL out in your last comment. Changes can be subtle or overt depending on the degree of injected fashion. Keeping a signature look current is as powerful and completely changing your look each season.