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WIW - less minimal - please help

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I am moving in a new style direction - less minimal, more... ahem... flamboyant. Ugh, that word. Flamboyant sounds very attention-attracting, doesn't it? Or is that just my hangup? Anyway, the synonyms are vivacious, exuberant, lively... I like those a lot better.

Flamboyant Gamine a.k.a. Yang Gamine (YangG) is all about bold, contrasting, fitted, structured, and cheerful. Compared to how I've been dressing, it's definitely over the top. Anyway, YangG is my archetype and now I'm learning to dress in a way that won't hide it anymore. That means a lot more and bolder jewelry, contrasting trim, and bright colors. It will take time.

Last month, I doctored up this red cardigan with contrasting trim. #1 shows how I wore it last winter (as part of Project 333) and today. In #2 I cut off the bottom in case the footwear and tights throw things off. I like today's version better. Do you?

In #3, it's scarf vs. pearls vs. both. Do you have a preference? If you could also state why, it would help.

Thank you.

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40 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

JAileen

Veteran

I like them both. In the old version you look very prim and proper, like a teacher or a banker or accountant. That's not a bad thing. In the new version you look more approachable. I don't think you look flamboyant, but I do think you look vivacious. That's a good thing!

Tanya

Veteran

First of all, this shade of red is gorgeous on you. I also prefer the new version to the old one. Out of the three versions, I prefer scarf only the best, as it gives me the msot gamine vibe. The look with pearls only looks pretty classic, while both scarf and pearls look like too much in my opinion.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Well done, Alexandra. In the older pics you look, as JAileen said, well put together but prim and proper. In the updated version, you look stunning!

I prefer the scarf alone, but that's just me, I don't go for bling.

I too have trouble with the word "flamboyant" in the Kibbe spectrum. (I score as Flamboyant Natural, and the descriptions fit me to a T but the label has no resonance at all for me.) I can't remember where I came across this, but I recently read a suggestion that to update the Kibbe nomenclature we substitute "intrepid" for "flamboyant". Does that help? (You certainly look intrepid!)

(Edited because Suz had not even spoken yet!)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is so interesting, Alexandra! I assume you are talking about Kibbe types here? I thought you were taller than is typical for Gamine types? Or is this another way of analyzing, or something you have come up with on your own?

In any case, you certainly suit this vibrant red, whatever category you call it, and your vivacious smile will always add a touch of gamine to any look!

As a self-diagnosed Dramatic Classic, I am a sucker for any kind of tipping. So I like what you did to the sweater. At this length is is almost jacket like with the dress and a nice proportion.

Of the three versions I prefer the one you seem to prefer, with the scarf alone. It feels lively and spritely, whereas the one with pearls reads more classic and the one with pearls and scarf feels a bit busy.

I like the older outfit, too -- it is more classic with a capital C. The new outfit remains very classic to my eye (i.e. not at all trendy) but is definitely more exuberant.

Your hair helps to modernize it all.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I admire how you have honed in on your true style. You look fantastic in this outfit. And I am very impressed with your doctoring skills. The sweater has gone from ho-hum to designer creation. The shorter length is more suited to dresses and skirts, and probably a bit more on trend. And the trim/tipped effect is classic and sharp.

As for the neckline embellishments, I like both necklace and scarf for a Chanel type effect. It is more vivid and fun than either alone. However, I also like the dress with the pearls alone for the right occasion. For example, a more serious occasion. Not as much of a fan of the scarf alone, just not as fun as with the pearls yet not as professional and serious as the pearls alone. Hope that helps!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: I can also see Denise's point. I might like the scarf with pearls with a different earring.

Alassë

Veteran

I like all 3, but #2 does suit your archetype best. Fabulous looks (and skills)!

ironkurtin

Veteran

First, that dress fits to a T.

Second, I love the pearls because they showcase your slim neck. It allows your outfit to sortof recede and frame your pretty face, which is a good thing! The scarf plays to the colors in your outfit, but to me adds a busy element that I personally don't like as much.

There are so many things you can do with that black dress as a foundation!

Gigi

Veteran

I like both versions of the outfit, as others have stated. They're just different; you do both looks equally well.

I too prefer the scarf or pearls on their own and not together. Of those two, I prefer the scarf. It seems more flamboyant (excuse the terminology, hee hee). I think that the scarf and pearls compete with each other, and it can be a lot especially with the earrings.

This is exciting...a new leg of your style journey! Looking forward to more before-and-after posts.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are stunning in red and back. Wow. Red is your colour.

I like the rendition with the pearls and no scarf best. I guess that's because it looks more Retro.

lyn67

Veteran

Didn't read any comments, and I don't know much about the flamboyant style, so I will tell you straight my eyes are delighted with that red jacket all the way, but love it much more in your today's styling(no shirt and no belt) for a matter, it's more streamlined, simple but still bold.Surelly, it could be the bare legs, and pumps, but my opinion stood up for the second pictie, too. Then, I preffer the look of only one neck accessory, so in nr 3 the winners are on the left and the right side, to me. Did this help a bit?

avicennia

Veteran

Very striking! I like all combinations of scarf and pearls, BUT I would remove the dangly earrings in all stylings. To my eye, the dangling earrings are ever so slightly tipping the outfits into the busy realm.

unfrumped

Veteran

The sweater remake is fantastic. I like each accessory alone. The pearls seem more classic. If you were aiming for a bolder look, maybe experiment with some combinations of necklaces- but, too much might overwhelm.
The scarf is jaunty, and I wonder if you could wear MORE scarf-- possibly larger and possibly introduce another color, such a a touch of purple with red and black. again, I think you are taking care with oroportions, so it is more of a
play around with it thing.
The jacket and dress alone are stoking and lovely on you for experimenting.

frannieb

Veteran

I like the look with pearls instead of the scarf, classic and approachable. I do like the scarf and pearls together - because well not everyone can do it and kinda a wink and nod to the dramatic without being crazy dramatic - just a little unexpected but not super wild.
I echo everything that has already been said about the topper rework.

DonnaF

Veteran

I like the cleaner look of the revamped sweater. Of the three choices in the second pic, I like the pearls best because they are not fighting with your earrings. If you were wearing earrings that did not dangle down, I would prefer the scarf. It is not that they are large, but I prefer more space between the bottom of an earring and the top puff of a scarf -- if that makes sense. You could also add your watch to #1 or #3. . . .but IMHO, it would be too much going on to #2.

I am a bit of an ALGO type of gal, so it has been interesting to think of my reaction to your side by side pics. Hmmmm.

E

Veteran

I like how the tipped sweater looks.

I think if you weren't wearing earrings, I'd like the scarf & pearls together, but all 3 feels a bit busy. I love both the scarf and pearls on their own, although they give slightly different vibes. The scarf seems more playful, the pearls more elegant, but that's only a touch: your whole outfit it still beautifully fitted and elegant with playful colours, no matter how you accesorise it.

I've read a bit about Kibbe: I think I'd be a soft/yin gamine, but I might have decided that because I like the clothes. lol What made you realise you're yang gamine? Just curious!

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

JAileen, thank you! Prim and proper sounds a little uptight or buttoned up, which is exactly how I felt in that first outfit. It wasn't my favorite. Approachable - thank you for that word.

Tanya, thank you!

L'Abeille, thank you! This flamboyant thing - I'm glad I'm not alone. Intrepid sure sounds better. And it doesn't have the attention-getting connotation.

Suz, yes, Kibbe. I am 5'5.5" on a good day. Doing his quiz alone always put me in Dramatic Classic, mostly because I had a hard time answering those questions and ended up with a lot of C's. Reading the description, it didn't really resonate, it felt very strict and straitjacket-y, and almost boring. It took talking to Rachel Nachmias of Best Dressed to see what my answers should have been and why. She has improved his quiz and the whole system so that it makes sense. YangG is fairly similar to DC but with added fun and spunky energy. I was actually nodding along as I read the description for the first time. (I had always overlooked the Flamboyant types and never even read them because of that word.) Lively, spritely, and vivacious - I like these words. Thank you!

CocoLion, I appreciate you putting a finger on why the sweater is better in its current form. I have a hard time with this type of analysis. Thank you!

Alassë, thank you!

IK, thank you! Yes, the black dress makes an excellent foundation for all sorts of color play and accessories. Sometimes I think I'd like to have five simple black dresses and a rainbow of pretty, colorful cardigans, and I'd be set.

Gigi, I like how you framed it - a new leg of the style journey. I had felt vaguely uneasy about changing directions, as if it somehow spoke of past as a mistake, but reframing it as a new leg of the journey helps me see that I went as far as I could with what I had before, and now I simply continue with new information and more fun. Thank you!

Angie, thank you! Yes, red is my color. I used to love it as a teenager, then somewhere along the line I pushed it away as "too strong" or "aggressive". What was I thinking? I'm glad it's back in my life.

Lyn67, thank you! Yes, it definitely helps.

Avicennia, thank you! I will work on the earrings. For years, I wore one pair of studs, day and night. This is my first foray into dangly earrings. Maybe a larger, colorful button/stud earring would work better?

Unfrumped, thank you! Jaunty - another great word. I'll play with some scarf options and see how things go. I can see this taking some time

Frannieb, thank you!

DonnaF, thank you! I will try again with different earrings.

E, thank you! It's interesting how the accessories play up a certain aspect of the outfit. More experimenting is definitely in order. I think YinG sounds right for you, but I'm no expert. I had to consult Rachel Nachmias to find my own archetype.

Ladies, I hope I didn't miss anyone. Thank you very much for all your helpful comments, suggestions, and compliments.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That is very interesting, Alexandra! I will hop over to her site to see what she says.

I find the Kibbe descriptions quite difficult to make sense of at the best of times and the questions quite hard to answer. I did like the version of the test that has some accompanying visuals -- (found it online somewhere) -- that helped in answering.

I don't feel that all elements of the DC are true of me or for me....for intstance, if I'm a DC supposedly I should not wear my hair short. Well....as you see, like you, I do! And also, supposedly I should never wear a jacket shorter than high hip....but a cropped jacket can be really good on me in fact, with a dress, as in your example here.

But the general point about clean and sometimes diagonal lines, the kind of detailing, and mostly the need for "yang" or dramatic energy ring true for me.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I wonder if you might actually be a YangG too. I've seen YangG described as "a shorter DC". Your short hair and cropped jackets would definitely fit that archetype. Have you read the description of YangG? What did you think?

I think the reason I had such a hard time with the original Kibbe questionnaire is that I tend to consider myself fairly medium. Hence the many C answers. I don't know if others do this, but I think of myself as medium and everyone else as thinner/bigger, shorter/taller, etc. Maybe many (most?) of us use ourselves as the measuring stick, which makes it difficult to be objective when answering the questions in the Kibbe quiz.

E

Veteran

Oh I enjoy Rachel N's Pinterest boards! I bet a consult with her would be lots of fun. Also, I thought you were much taller than 5'5"! I suppose photos can make people look taller though, depending on camera angle. And you have such excellent posture too.

Anyway, experimenting is what the forum here is made for.

How interesting re: your challenges with the Kibbe quiz! My main problem with it was that I ended up with almost all D answers, which doesn't have a correlation to any type. But it is difficult trying to answer the questions for yourself; I think it'd work better if someone else took it for you, since it's all about impressions anyway.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I've read Kibbe's own description and it didn't feel right. But did you see another version? Maybe I should check it out!

I think you're right about our tendency to see ourselves as the standard! It's really hard to be objective, and also, the way he describes some of these categories, it's almost impossible to figure out his meaning.

I tended to have a lot of C answers, too, and wondered if they were right -- but the alternatives were clearly wrong, if you know what I mean.

I'd be happy to retest myself, though!

E

Veteran

Oh, and it's interesting that even though Suz & I are near 'body twins' (except I have a short neck), we dress in very different lines/shapes! I wonder how much is facial features, as we differ there, and how much is personality. Or if there are differences not captured by measurements in how our bodies come across. It's fun to speculate about anyway.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

What a great post. I love the changes you made to the cardigan - perfect! I think I prefer the last pic with the pearls, no scarf but maybe different earrings? The scarf, along with the cardigan and dress seems a little too much like a uniform to my eye. The pearls takes this effect away for me.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I really love what you did to the sweater, Alexandra! To my eye, it looks like what I wish St. John sweaters looked like on me - chic, elegant, comfortable, expensive.

I couldn't pin down a favorite, because I love the scarf - retro, but new retro. Super-chic. And yet... I love the pearls outfit for a more dress-up occasion,

I can't quite decide about scarf + pearls together. I like how they brighten up your face together, and then I think they might be too busy. Then I think they're fine together. I think maybe the earrings are skewing it.

Zibbets

Veteran

Wow! Gorgeous!
I prefer the pearls alone. I also like the scarf alone. Both might work if you subtract the earrings.
I adore what you've done with the cardigan. Your style update is perfect.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

[Threadjack] E -- that is so true. It is of course possible that I am a gamine type. To be honest, when I first started doing that test, it is what I EXPECTED to be. But then when I read the descriptions I did not identify with any of them and I didn't have enough A and E answers to make me one. Of course I could have been answering all wrong, LOL.

I think, in body type we have almost identical measurements and lots of similarities, for sure. But you're right -- you have a shorter neck; also your shoulders are broader/ deeper than mine -- or appear that way -- perhaps because of our necks. Also my facial bone structure is quite angular (plus I'm older, which emphasizes angularity anyway) -- although my features are not angular, it is true. I think you might be longer waisted than I am also, though not by a whole lot.

And I do think personality/ energy type plays an enormous role here, for sure!

[End threadjack]

I'm going to go do the test again and see. Meanwhile, Alexandra, I am curious about what you think about the new you and the changes to your wardrobe.

Golden

Veteran

I love the pearls without the scarf!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love your cardigan makeover. Brilliant! I like remaking things to suit new style directions. The dress and cardigan are stunning on you. I like all three neck accessorizing options. I think all could work depending on your mood or the occasion. The scarf and pearls together are more vivacious, I would say. The pearls are good if you're feeling a bit nostalgic or romantic-feminine. And the scarf alone is easy with a bit of spunk.

E

Veteran

<threadjack>

Suz, as I said to Alexandra, it's entirely possible I decided I was a soft/yin gamine because I like the styles recommend for that type. And if someone told me tomorrow 'actually, science has proven that you are X type and should only wear straight skirts in future and v necks and no more detailed pieces, keep it simple and monochromatic,' I would just ignore them. Lol. But I do think that in offline life, even though I'm thin, I'm a 'rounded' kind of thin: I have fleshy curves on my arms and legs that jiggle and smoosh, for lack of a better description. I'm small busted & my hip bones are narrow but my rear is curvy (and also very jiggly, lol) compared to the rest of me (it's always in a different size on size charts than the rest of my measurements). Plus, when I wear a body con knit, I think my bust looks fairly balanced in comparison to my waist: I do have curves, they're just easily lost unless an outfit is very fitted. And I think I have more waist definition than the 'yang' types & certainly a very round face! But as I already said, I might be looking for proof that I'm a yin because I prefer the styling ideas.

I'm pretty certain I'm a gamine in that system: I look shorter than I am in real life & younger than my age & the word 'cute' often comes up when others describe me. However, I enjoy both waist defining & waist surrendering looks, so clearly I'm not terribly committed to one specific type. I just enjoy getting inspiration from all kinds of things & I do like Kibbe's recommendation that gamines break up their outfits instead of going for one long vertical line: I feel at my best with some contrast in my separates vs doing a column of colour.

</threadjack>

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