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WIW - Formulas and Statements

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I spent some relaxing Sunday afternoon time sorting through my WIW photos today and came to some insights about my closet right now.

I always say that I'm not a uniform dresser, because I don't really buy multiples of the same style. Maybe having a small wardrobe and limited color palette can look like a uniform from the outside, though, simply because I'm wearing the same clothes and colors over and over. I still think of them more as FFBOs than uniforms.

All these photos are from the past two years--I think the oldest is from February 2019--and I found it super-interesting to look at them as collections. Black dresses, blue jeans, and black tops are all essential for me, but you can see how I switch things up with shoes, accessories, and toppers. I'd say I dress in one of these formulas 80-90% of the time.

The third photo collects a bunch of outfits I would consider "statements" in my taxonomy, though they might not be statements in someone else's closet. I'm really happy in my FFBO formulas the majority of days, but I'm glad to have something slightly different for the 10 or 20% of time I'm craving something different.

Am I actually a uniform dresser and don't realize it? What's your formula to statement ratio?

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23 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

LaPed

Veteran

You have a signature style! I don't think you need to call yourself a uniform dresser if that concept doesn't resonate. "Formula dresser" gives you a little more flexibility/variety.

rachylou

Veteran

I have to think. I rather think of formula dressing in terms of silhouette, less so colour. And uniform dressing as silhouette and colour. But of course play fast and loose with the terms. I think of your wardrobe more as minimalistic, but not your style. As a baker I’m a formula dresser, as a tech writer I was all over the place - less constraints. I don’t think a lot about statements... I usually make a statement in the gestalt, not with a piece...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jenn, KILLER looks, and a great example of how to milk your signature style

There IS a formula and "uniform" associated with components of a signature style. The repetition is part of what makes the signature recognizable, and allows the audience to associate it with you.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

La Ped, it's nice just to think of it as a "signature style." I was actually shocked at how easy it was to start sorting photos into these simple categories. Also shows why I don't post a ton of WIWs unless I'm bringing in something new, though!

rachylou, totally agree with this: I think of your wardrobe more as minimalistic, but not your style. I have tried the minimalist style and it wasn't for me. I need those subtle (and not so subtle) twists. Also agree that you make a statement in the gestalt. Your outfits are more than the sum of their parts.

Angie, it was SO interesting to see all of these together, because it got my mind humming with variations on the theme. Wide-legged jeans? A black tiered maxi dress? A differently-shaped jumpsuit? I think small additions/adjustments will feel very fresh to me.

Isabel

Veteran

Gee, I have no idea ! I would call you a formula dressing. You don't look "uniformy" to me. Though you made me realize I don't know how I would define the two vis a vis each other.

My fall/winter wardrobe is probably 85 % core to 15% "extras" ( something in a non core color, something in print....) I get my excitement from accessories. Once I made the connections that it's the accessories that I love, I built more of a backdrop for them .

The summer, as you put so well in another post, was an afterthought for me until this year. I don't use accessories as much in the summer because of the heat. So I like more color and some prints in the summer.

Isabel

Veteran

Angie, would you be able at some point to write about the components of a signature style ?

Sal

Veteran

Yes I see outfit formulas/signature style for you!

And I agree that that 20% of variety is what makes it fun.

And I think, similar to myself, that you don't do a lot of layering (scarves, jackets, vests etc...) - some - but not a heap. So having a bit of interest in the black tops or dresses. I don't see you wanting four identical black tee shirts for example a la Steve Jobs.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes to everything you wrote and the comments . Formula dressing is not the same as Steve Jobs dressing as Sal points out. And I agree completely with Angie that a certain repetition of formula, color, pieces and so on is the basis of having a signature look. And I do think all the style icons that one normally lists have a signature look, and it a style goal for me.
I also find it interesting to review old outfits and look for patterns, but have not managed it in such a cohesive format. Good work!

And I realized I didn't answer the question. That is because I am not sure, but do think I am pretty formulaic but my variables are pretty variable .

Anonymous

I don’t feel that you are a uniform dresser, it. I see a minimalist style. I think of uniform dressing , as Rachylou said, as a similarity of silhouette.
One who early always dresses in a tee shirt and jeans is a uniform dresser to me u less the silhouette is varied by different shapes and lengths of jeans and types of tees, such as velvet, ruffles, tunic length, wide crops, boot cuts, jeggings, etc.
I think I am all over the place to the extent that I am not sure what my style is, I doubt it is a formula.

Bijou

Veteran

I see myself as a formula dresser but will add a statement to most outfits whether it be a statement shoe, bag, scarf. For me, most of my clothing, whether dressy or casual is structured. To soften things, I often wear light and bright colours or I can make it more dramatic in black. I only buy things if it 'feels like me', an emotional reaction rather than purely rational.

Sally

Veteran

There's definitely a theme there and a formula as others have said. It makes sense to have a signature look as I think someone mentioned, it can be a way to express your personality and make an impression. It is also practical in terms of buying and dressing. You definitely have variety in your dressing and I wouldn't think you were wearing the same thing if I met you each day. I think you have found the right combination of variety with adding different touches and having a signature look.
During term time at school, I tend to stick to a formula and I'm trying to get better at it as I have 30 minutes to shower, have coffee, make lunch and get out the door. I can't deliberate over clothes. I often say to one of my teacher friends, who shops during the holidays "what's your uniform this term?" as she tends to buy with a certain formula in mind and she changes it periodically, just for ease and due to time restraints.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

The black dresses and the jeans outfits look pretty formulaic to me. Did you not think they were?
I am not sure about the statements.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I'm formulaic in terms of silhouette, but less so in terms of colours. My silhouettes tend to be either:
#1 long over lean (a long cardi/ tunic over slim pants) or
#2 a long skirt/ dress with waist definition (either from tucking in my top or from a cropped topper)
(#3 wearing a long scarf over #1 or #2)

The most I've veered from this in the past year has been documented on the forum - a black & orange maxi kaftan (so silhouette #2 without the waist definition) & some 'slightly' balloon leg jeans (a little less slim leg than #1 but it will hopefully still serve a similar purpose).

On the other hand, I've bought 4-8 long jersey cardigans (for #1), long sleeved cotton tops & pussybow blouses (for #2), cropped cotton cardigans (also for #2) & lightweight silk scarves (for #3) - all the same item but in different colours. And I couldn't be happier. So much so that I'm now contemplating buying backups/ duplicates of my favourite colours I now stick to shades more suited to my Deep Autumn colouring (dark teal/ deep purple/ rusty orange/ chocolate/ cream) but I still appease my inner rainbow child with some brights (sunshine yellow/ blood red or tomato orange/ deep coral peach/ kelly green). I'm whittling down my black to a small capsule wardrobe for urban wear, & have removed most grey/ white/ pink/ blue already. I also don't feel the need to own all my Deep Autumn colours (red & olive/ khaki aren't my favourite).

I guess my 'statement' in such looks come from mixing my colours (not just neutrals), then adding shine & texture through my accessories (like my big jewellery, gold aviator glasses & shoes). Plus my curly hair Prints (if I wear them) tend to be confined to either my tops or scarves. This post comes to mind when it comes to adding visual interest to my 'uniform': https://youlookfab.com/2017/12.....and-shine/

Star (Lise)

Veteran

I've always thought you have a great signature style, not a dressing formula. I am mostly a formula dresser in winter here (7 months of the year) - Tissue Poloneck, Thick Poloneck, cords/jeans, puffer coat. My winter lifestyle does not warrant anything different, and nor does the weather.

lyn67

Veteran

Loved to see/rea about your analysis-probably applies to others (their own), too! You have a great personal style-also love your statements, we all need them!!

smittie

Veteran

No, not a uniform dresser, but you have wonderful consistency throughout your style. I love your photos! Collage-worthy! It’s time for a blog!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, I think that was Carla who made the comment about summer being an afterthought. After moving to the land of near-perpetual summer, I had to make it the bulk of my wardrobe. That's interesting about the accessories. I feel like I used to be that way, but I started craving simplicity after my mom died in 2016 and just never seemed to go back.

Sal, I used to LOVE layering--it was a necessity with Colorado's weather--but here it just feels like too much. I used to have a bunch of just that sort of layering piece--plain tanks and t-shirts, but you're right, now they need to stand on their own.

shevia, you know, as variable as you are, I still think I could pick a shevia outfit out of a lineup.

Joy, you just have fun with style! I do think you have some formulas though! We rarely see you in pouty A-lines or skinny jeans or full-length maxis, for example.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Bijou, that's so interesting! I'm not sure whether I would consider you a formula dresser, so I will have to look more closely! I definitely associate structure and those light, bright colors with you, though, and for sure would peg you as someone with a signature style.

Sally, I usually come up with a succession of "uniforms" too, but for me it's more "the thing I grab when I don't want to think about dressing and just need to get down to work. My life has changed so that's not as necessary as it once was, but it's still nice to have at hand.

JenniNZ, I don't feel like I'm using a formula when I'm shopping or dressing, no. Especially shopping...I'm always looking for something different than what I have (Sal's "rule of one"), so even if my jeans end up blue and my dresses and tops, black, the cuts are all different.

Zaeobi, we are polar opposites in our approaches! So interesting!

Star, sometimes warmth and comfort trump variety!

lyn67, I swear there are people out there who are fine without statements, I kind of wish I were like that, but I have way too much of a sugar eye for pretty textiles.

smittie, hah! I do have a blog--it's just not about fashion. Not sure I'm brave enough to put myself out there in that particular way. YLF is plenty!

Anonymous

I'm not sure really. Pencil/tube skirt, sleeveless blouse, heeled sandals would be one formula for sure. But there's my new maxi skirt. Maxi skirt, fitted sleeveless top, heeled sandals was a formula I used a lot a few years ago (until short fitted tops became impossible to find).
Jeans at this point would be a statement, since I wear them so little. But when I do, they're always paired with black or another neutral.

Anonymous

Jenn, you are right. I avoid A-lines because they can make my thin legs look incredibly skinny. Skinny jeans are not skinny on me and I have a
poison eye on leggings on myself. They just hang there with extra fabric looking like loose hanging skin. Maxi skirts are not very practical for my casual lifestyle and tend to trip me especially on stairs. They also seem to call for showing upper body skin, which is not something I do. I am of an age with fear of falling. I do own a couple but rarely wear them.
I also avoid dropped sleeves, knits, miniskirts, shorts and jumpsuits. Scarves are a big part of my style, as is a column of color or a neutral and flats. I try to steer away from some cool colors, low arm holes and clothes for someone with curves. I am short and getting shorter so try to avoid clothing best on larger women ( to my eye this includes most maxies.)

Liesbeth

Veteran

I feel like you and I may come to simular results in terms of variety in silhouettes, but funnily you obviously don't use formulas on purpose, whereas I do. Having a couple of signature formulas helps me get a more mix and matchable wardrobe (eg tapered pants are best imo with tucked in blouses and loafers/booties). But I also like variety so I'd also say at least 10-20% of my wardrobe deviates. And I can wear said pants with tall boots and a long cardi if I feel like it :).

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Liesbeth, you actually just clarified something for me! I think maybe I don't see myself as using formulas because I tend only to have one of things. So I don't have a collection of cropped tanks or silk blouses or boxy tops...I have one of each. Same with bottoms. I don't really have multiple pieces to swap in for each silhouette.

Style Fan

Veteran

Jenn, I see a signature style. Your dresses are black, minimalistic, and simple styles. Same with your black tops. It works great for you.