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WIW - what is my style?

anchie

Veteran

I have been here on YLF for a long time 7+ years as member and more before that just lurking. But I am slow learner and I think I never graduated. I could never come up with style descriptors or monikers, it all seems too advanced for me. Does it mean I don’t have a style? I know what feels like me and what doesn’t and that is all I can come up with. But I can’t translate it into a words. Can you please help me? I have took pictures of my outfits over the last 2 weeks to give you idea.

I am also struggling with my hair - I just hate it at the moment. My DH is telling me to cut it into a pixie, he likes my hair short, that is how I had it when we first met in 1995. But I am afraid I will regret it. It takes a long time and lot of patience to grow it back.

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56 replies

Latest reply was from anchie

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Oh Anchie you have fabulous style!You don’t need to describe it to have it.l don’t think I have ever seen a duff outfit from you.You look wonderful and have a fantastic ,modern,colourful wardrobe.l also am absolutely hopeless at the style descriptor,moniker thing-so no help there I m afraid.l expect those that are good at these things will respond and help you on that one.
As for the hair,l too would be cautious about such a drastic change.You have lovely hair.l usually feel like chopping mine off just before a haircut is due
but I am always glad when I Dont , it usually just means a trim and colour is long overdue,
.

anchie

Veteran

cardiff girl - thank you for such a lovely response. Regarding the hair - before I went gray I never had the same style or color for long - but since I stopped coloring I feel less adventurous with it, but crave the change at the same time.

Kate

Veteran

Oh Anchie, you gorgeous creature, you shouldn’t worry about a style moniker. You have a brilliant style. I’ve never had one, or felt the need for one. Others find them very useful. It’s a tool, not a requirement.

Your hair is beautiful. I think Cardiff girl hit the nail on the head. Have a trim and see how you feel then. No drastic change needed.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What you describe is very much what I feel about my own style. I know what I like, and my feeling towards items in my own closet rarely changes. If I like something, then I like it. I’ve been looking back at the descriptors I clicked on in the profile when I first signed up—some of them are not me, but that’s because I’ve learned what was meant by those terms, or paid more attention to what I actually wear, not because I’ve changed.

“Colorful classic modern” might describe you, but it doesn’t sound like you need those, or any, words to guide you to what you like.

Since you used to change your hair up a lot before going natural, I say cut it! Maybe not a pixie, but staying with those hues doesn’t mean you’re tied to a certain style.

Bijou

Veteran

There is such a disconnect between what you wrote and those pictures! You are a stunningly beautiful woman who has great style.

I see you very much as a Trendy Classic - similar to Angie. You are bold, fashion forward and elegant - Euro Chic at its best. You wear colour so well and as each of the photos show, accessorise your outfits to perfection.

Anchie I love your hair - but that is not the issue - you need to. I say change things up because you can always grow it back. A chin length bob would be beautiful with your hair and not so hard to grow out.

You need to feel fab in yourself. This may take more than a change of clothes or haircut. I have indulged in 'retail therapy' over the last 2 months as a reaction to the death of my Father. I am now trying to channel the emotion in a more constructive way (although I do now really love the new items I got). Understanding that there is a void in my life which relates to the loss of my parents, is something I have to accept. I only say this because I know you are approaching your 50th and milestone birthdays can be tough, I hope it is not for you.

You are such a beautiful person, inside and out. Much love to you and I hope you have a special birthday and celebrate the wonderful person that you are with friends and family.

anchie

Veteran

Kate - thank you so much for such a beautiful compliments. Good to know I am not the only one without descriptors. I actually had a cut recently - I got layers and little curtain bangs but it didn’t satisfy my craving for change and it made my hair just looking more frizzy and unkept. It seems that gray hair has a different texture and it is not suitable for layers.

anchie

Veteran

Fashintern - what you said to me few weeks ago in another thread made me think more about what is and is not my style. Maybe you remember- you said something about elegant not being part of my style and I started thinking what else I was projecting without realizing.

Sal

Veteran

Another one to add that you have great style. I see it as Modern Classic - tailored, colourful, crisp and playful. I do think your style is a bit similar to Angie’s.

I also think a shoulder length bob - or lob - would be great.

And you may not need words to describe your style.

anchie

Veteran

Bijou - you are so observant and your response was very therapeutic to me. I did actually already turn 50 in July, and that caused thinking more about again and about accepting or fighting the changes. Thank you also for such a lovely compliments - I must admit I never really felt beautiful - I had terrible acne as a teenager that left deep scars on my face and it made me insecure about my appearance.

anchie

Veteran

Sal - it is great compliment for me being compared to Angie. I love her style and I tried few times to copy her outfit and even got the same wardrobe items but it was never fully successful - I think I am not as polished and elegant as her.

Kathie

Veteran

You’re not alone! I don’t have style descriptors or a moniker. I love all your WIWs. If you did try for descriptors, the ones that FashIntern and Bijou have already mentioned- color, and classic choices, chic- are what shines through for me. Also, dressy or polished, because you’ve mentioned that building out the very casual parts of your wardrobe is challenging. Your hair is fabulous. In the past, did you have particular styles you liked? Perhaps you could repeat that? You could also go shorter in stages, rather than straight to a pixie.

Style Fan

Veteran

Anchie, I think you have a great style. As others have said you seem to go for colourful and classic choices. Your WIWs are chic and effortless.
Your hair is gorgeous but you have to like it. Maybe getting it trimmed a little would help. I find that now that there is some gray in my hair the texture has changed. What worked in the past does not work now.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Oh no! I hope that wasn’t hurtful to you! If it helps, I think of “elegant” as being right next to prissy, being reserved and über-erect, not ready for action. You wear “pow” colors and your overall effect is ready to jump in there and DO. I’m still not sure I’ve got that right—active and elegant don’t have to fight—but it was definitely not meant as any kind of put down at all. I love your style, think it makes you look engaging and fun, as well as competent.

Have you looked at styles for hair with the texture yours has now? Does your hair have more body/waves than it did before? Why not play that up by whacking off a few inches? I bet you’d rock this look better than Helen. https://images.app.goo.gl/E591dt6LwhNNQHYU8

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I also think you are beautiful and that I love seeing the style in your outfits.
The moniker thing has helped me a bit, but partly to help determine what I’m not. So I didn’t think I was particularly classic or particularly trendy. I feel that certain items of clothing just appeal to me a lot and I think I’ve always been like that since I was young, I remember falling in love with a dress aged 13, for instance.
For you, the colour and the matching is what I notice the most, and after that the blazers. Your style is much “sharper” than mine, I dislike blazers on me mostly and have hardly owned any, I prefer a softer style. So you like what you like, yes, but there are some common elements. So finding the adjectives helped, like playful etc, and the word sassy in my eventual moniker was from finding words similar to that, with the forum’s help.
As far as the hair, it is difficult to change up when it’s grey, I find the same. I would encourage more gradual change I *think*, testing it out slightly shorter, and if that works going a bit shorter again the next time. Turning 50 is not easy either, in my experience- it gets better as you go through your 50s I’ve found. Sending you love!

Synne

Veteran

It's always so interesting to try to describe a style, look or vibe in a few words. I second that I see similarities with Angie, but then theres that part wich sets us apart and makes us uniquely us. I also share some twins of Angies outfits, and yet look nothing like her (I am almost 6 feet tall, have long coppery hair, for a start). Your hair and overall appearance reads, if not elegant (as FashIntern noted) at least glamourus, classic, not sure if conservative is the right word Im looking for, almost royal, aristocrathic. Thats my personal interpretation of it, and it may be becouse you remind me somewhat of a celebrity wich I can't seem to pinpoint at the moment. Someone in the likes of Anna Wintour, Victoria Beckham... hmm.. And yet you have a very colorful, trendy, happy, sharp and feminine style, instead of dressing conservatively and strict. If this makes any sense? I am sure you can work out a perfect style moniker. But what would it be? Oh, and you do look fantastic btw! I always look forward to your WIWs! Sorry for any weird wording and spelling, long time away from this forum.

missvee

Veteran

“Classic, Modern, Colourful, Elegance” is what I see from your pictures. You have wonderful style!
I don’t have any great suggestions for hair - maybe a shoulder length blunt cut? I hope Angie chimes in with her thoughts.

ChrisM

Veteran

I don’t comment often but want jump in and agree completely with Bijou’s comments. I turned 60 this year and the fact that I am older than many people that I work with (and am often older than their parents) is always lurking in the background of my psyche. Add that to physical changes of aging and I’m struggling to define/redefine my “look.”

It’s bothersome to me that DH says he “hates” your hair. It’s bad enough to feel unsure of yourself. We’re hard enough on ourselves, don’t you think?

Maybe the way to look at descriptors is defining what you want to project. What do you want people to take away when they first see you?

I enjoy your adventurous use of color, and attention to detail. Your use of accessories is inspiring. You look interesting, intelligent, confident and professional. Does that work for you? Or do you want to project something else?

Re: hair - if you’re unhappy with your hair, maybe go to a stylist that you trust and see if they can give you some styling options that you like that you can do at home and change up as you like. I’m no help in this department - I like mine longer because I like to pull it up and out of the way. You’d think then it would make sense for me to hack it off, but short hair needs styling too!!

Helena

Veteran

Anchie, you have amazing style, and there is a consistent look and feel throughout, even if you don't define it in a few words. I think the style words/moniker is a wonderful too for those who need it or feel drawn to it, but if you don't, then that doesn't matter at all!

For what it's worth, if I was putting it into words, I'd go with something like, polished, classic, colourful, playful. You wear classic, polished pieces but always seem to incorporate some liveliness and moment, in the form of a cheery hue, a wonderful patter, or both!

As to your hair, what about trying something mid-way? Maybe shoulder length? It looks wonderful, but just if you are looking for a change

Dreika

I was going to write exactly what Bijou said - Modern Classic Euro style and a chin bob haircut
I think your lovely personality, Anchie, shows in everything you write or wear (at least this is how we get to experience you). You look beautiful and unique. I would say - don’t worry about what others might think and give yourself something that you crave, give yourself some risk (be it big or small). Sometimes all we need to feel fab again is a change.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

(Went back in and added/edited)

Modern Classic Elegant Tropical Mermaid Bombshell. Tropical for the beautiful color palette, Mermaid, because you look like a mermaid that walked out of the ocean and has disguised herself among the humans. You can’t hide a mermaid! Bombshell, because you have a beautiful figure and you dress it so well!

I feel like this what Rita Hayworth would wear if she lived in your neighborhood, in 2019.

FWIW, I love your hair! It’s kind of got that Victoria’s Secret, tousled, beachy or bedhead look, from the early 2000s, but you’re also close to a Veronica Lake sort of swoop. Maybe check out some YouTube video tutorials and play with that.

I also think you might get the shorter pieces in front trimmed up just a little, and ask your stylist for help and ideas in styling it.

I really think you have room to play with the mermaid and bombshell themes here. Add a little whimsy, some pearls, and more of those beautiful green colors. And more bombshell - fitted but not revealing.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with much of what has been said already — you exude “elevated modern classic” style to my eye. You wear color beautifully, and use it in a way that takes any starkness out of the picture and shows some playfulness and softness. You are careful with fit and quality and it shows. And I find that elegant.

I know how it feels to be at odds with your hair, and I’m sorry your husband is not loving it. I do like the idea of a long bob for you. (And the comments about layering with grey hair texture make me definitely consider what I will need to do someday if I make the transition because my hair looks AWFUL blunt cut.) Why not try taking a few inches off and see how it feels?

notsaf

Veteran

I see you as bright, polished, classic -- with a touch of Americana (esp. in these photos, perhaps that's a summer shadow style?) and very "spring" (in terms of color analysis).

Are you trying to grow out bangs? If so (and I like you without them!), that can take a while, too. As LBD said above, next time you get a cut, talk to your stylist about the best way to integrate the pieces around your face and you'll be great.

kkards

Veteran

Re the hair....as others have said, i'd start small....maybe try cutting off 3 or 4 inches, see how you feel...it will be different, but not so dramatic as going from what you have now to a pixie....
as for your style.... just because you can't describe it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, IMO it just means its so much a part of you that you don't really need to think about it.....anyway, i think of your style as polished city chic.....you always look tailored and put together, whether your going to the office or hanging out in jeans

Chris987

Veteran

Others have already said it so well....your style is classy, beautiful, elegant and you use both bright colors and neutrals in such lovely combinations. Maybe you don't need words to describe it....but you clearly DO instinctively have a well defined style. One of the things I notice is that you stick to a small number of carefully chosen bright colors so lots of things go together.

I certainly can relate to your comment ..." I must admit I never really felt beautiful "....I bet most of us here on YLF have felt that at one time or another. IMHO the best medicine for this is to tell yourself that is old thinking, and move yourself to new thinking to accept how beautiful you are.

I would go slowly on changes to your hair, and don't chop it all off just because DH liked it that way years ago. You have great instincts about clothing, those instincts will probably serve you well about your hair too.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your style is colorful and beautiful. You say you hate your hair but why? The bangs do give it a more RATE or wild look. Did you prefer when is was more sleek? Or are you craving a big change as in a pixie or other short style? I know when my hair was mid-length I had to shop around for a hair dresser who agreed I could carry off short hair - most suggested a middle length, which is not what I wanted. I have not looked back and still go to her about 8 years later.

Kyle

Veteran

Colorful classic is how I see you, and I think your hair is part of your signature style. But if you are craving change, I think you have the right bone structure to pull off a pixie and look fab.

Runcarla

Veteran

Urban, trendy, colourful, classic. Your style sensibilities align very closely to Angie’s, so you could look at her style descriptors.

My 2 cents regarding hair: you seem very deliberate with your overall style, but your current hair situation doesn’t have the same feeling. The bangs are neither here, nor there and the length and layers are wispy and feathery - more ethereal than your sharp style. Full, blunt, sleek, and sharp is the way to go. You can still let it air dry for waves and natural texture, but it will look fuller and thicker. Just above the shoulder, if you want the option of pulling it back, to just below the ear. You have a great face and shouldn’t hide behind bangs.

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hgr

Such beautiful color combinations. Your wardrobe sends a very happy vibe. I like your hair pulled back so that I see your pretty face more. Also...."your hair...your decision".....for what it is worth....maybe get a couple of wigs similar to your hair color--- a short bob at chin length or a pixie cut. Wear it around the house or plan a fieldtrip outside and see how you like the new look. Just a thought

anchie

Veteran

OMG - so many beautiful thoughtful responses, I am touched. I am on my phone but will try to answer everyone of you individually.

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