What is your key style question ?

[Lisanne]

The Slapdash Sewing always asks herself if her outfit makes her feel 'I look Cute'.

http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-cute-every-day-wardrobe-philosophy.html

This got me thinking, and I think my big test is 'I am delighted'.

For me it depends on fabric, shape, and embellishment, but I suppose that's true for everyone.

What is your key question, that picks out the special clothes from the sensible ones ?

[marciae]

Great blog - - really enjoyed what she had to say.  I'm still on my first cup of coffee so need to do some thinking on this!

[RuthieK]

Yes I enjoyed that post too, and have also been thinking.

I have a lot of trouble summarising it into a quick phrase though. What i had come up with so far was.....

Flamboyant Natural - this was the nearest classification from a now very outdated book by Kibbe, but I think a good summary when updated. He gives all the types different tag lines and the one for Flamboyant Natural is 'Free Spirit Chic'.
Beucase the kibbe book is from the 80's and I need some slightly different emphasis than he gives I was having trouble interpreting it until I found this website

East Clothing - http://www.east.co.uk/
Which in some of their outfits really encapsulated the look I like. You can see they use boiled wool and other textured fabrics. Rich colours, and have open necklines, some shaping at the waist and bold jewellery.



I don't dress like this all the time though. For work sometimes I go for a more classic pinstripe pantsuit look which is just not very me, but I obviously imagine to be 'Corporate' and like many at home/casual I gravitate to jeans, tee and zip top.

http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2009/10/east.html
http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2009/11/east-clothing-again.html

[blue mooney]

That was a fun read! I don't have a defining question beyond "am I convered?". This would be a fun style-defining exercise. must think....

[sewsanna]

My key style question has always been , "Does it fit?" Fit trumps everything else for me, except for horrid style or color. I've always had trouble getting clothes that fit. Along with body size, I have many other issues with fit. When you have trouble finding things that fit, you have to accept certain limitations with style.

The thing is, the fit issues aren't resolved by sewing unless I can learn to fit myself. This is proving to be harder than I hoped, frankly.

After fit, comes color and suitability. I don't need dressy or career clothing. I like clear, non-primary colors toward the warm side, and clothes that have good lines. I don't like wearing anything that is uncomfortable or not suitable for its purpose. I guess the word here would be "functionality." Functionality comes after fit, I guess. After that comes color.

[ejvc]

It's a difficult question.  I have a definite "style", as does Ruthie, but not as clearly developed as hers.  The place where I would spend a lot of money is Jigsaw, so I think I am rather a conservative dresser.  I suppose what I ask when I put something on is, does it look like me?  Ideally when working I have a range of suits and fabulous tops; at home I have a range of great trousers, tops and cardigans.  I'm not a dress or skirt person at all, unless it's part of a suit; I prefer skirt-suits to trouser-suits.  I find it difficult to get the right line in a trouser suit -- where should that jacket end?  Must consider more.

My it's windy outside!!!

[Janis]

That was fun looking at all of her pattern review pictures.  She certainly is a cutie, so it has definitely worked for her.  I admire people who have developed a definite style that looks good on them.

My question, like Elizabeth, is, "Is this me?".  My "style" is very classic.  I don't get too fussy, either with embellishments, accessories, or color.  Because of that, I have to be careful not to cross over into the dowdy realm.  So, the question, "Is this me?"  seems to work best.

[Myrna]

I suppose what I ask when I put something on is, does it look like me? 

When I try something on, my response is either "this isn't me" or "this is me". One of the things I'm working on along with the SWAP is allowing my fashion voice to come forward. It's been tucked into that black t-shirt and jeans for so long, it's not sure what to say. When I taught art, I taught my students that your style is always there in everything you do and as you listen to it, it comes forward. I believe the same is true with fashion because clothing is another form of artistic expression.



I'm getting quicker at knowing when something "isn't me". Mostly, it's before I even start but other times I'm part way through like Thursday sewing Simplicity 2756 with the yoke, mandarin collar, and gathers. What I really loved about that blouse was the bubble sleeves. It was all done except for the bubbles when I tried it on and thought no way, this isn't me. I felt like a prissy little girl even though I've seen this garment look fabulous on others. Not me.
 


There was enough fabric left to cut out Vogue 8598, shorten the sleeve, and add the bubble. When I basted the seams together to try it on, my reaction was "me". Princess lines are one of my classics. I think that's why I get bored of them occasionally. A friend and I were talking about this in the summer - how to lower our frump factor. We've figured out (mostly) the styles that look good on us and now we're bored with them so we're trying to do them in new more fun ways. Princess lines, straight pegged skirts, and trumpet skirts are on my list.

I spent a long time (years) trying to figure out the PMB Software. In the end, I hired a seamstress to fit me to a Butterick fitting shell and then I copied that into the software which finally taught me how to use it effectively and now I print out a base garment with the amounts of ease that I want and use it to compare to commercial patterns following Lynda Maynard's book DeMystifying Fit. It's worked really well. It was a long journey though and I got really overly extremely un-funly caught up in perfect fit. I met another of my email sewing friends on that journey and a question we ask ourselves now to be sure we're not into extreme pickiness territory is "would I buy this". That helps a lot because I'm more okay with sewing the odd garment that looks "not Me" than I am with losing the joy of sewing.

One thing I've learned along the way is the importance of the fabric to my style. Along with clean lines, I like soft, drapey fabrics. I made a similar princess line Butterick blouse out of a crisp fabric and never wore it because I felt confined. Out of this drapey fabric I working with now, the try on felt smooth, flowing, a little sexy. That's good.

- Myrna

[BetsyV]

1) Can I sit down in it?
2) Is it too big?

If I can't sit down in it then out it goes. With relatively large hips and muscular thighs, this is very important. Pegged skirts are a big no.
I have a tendency to wear clothes that are too big, which just makes me look shorter and dumpier than I am.

I really enjoyed Slapdash Sewist's post about feeling cute in her clothes. She made some really excellent and self-aware observations.

Elizabeth since we have very similar shapes, I will put this thought out there: I always feel that jackets ending at the high hip are the best length on me. With skirts or pants. Anything longer and you put a horizontal line across your widest part.

[ejvc]

Betsy, I totally agree from the front -- but it's such a long way down to the non-high hip (if you know what I mean) that I feel that whole area is really highlighted, somewhat unfortunately.  The very best length I think is mid-thigh, but it's way too "statement" for everyday.  For me anyway.  But high-hip is definitely the best "default" length.  Any kind of cropped jacket is pretty good too.

[artsyfartsystitchwitch]

Hmmm...  I'm definitely NOT trendy, & I don't have anything in my closet(s) that I don't like to wear!!! How to describe it, I'm not really sure, other than if I don't like it, I don't have it.  That being said, I usually go for pieces with classic lines & higher end fabrics, & nearly always natural fiber.  I use a lot of vintage pieces for inspiration, also.  If it's in the closet, 10 -to-1, I've made it.  The stuff that goes in drawers - gym clothes, T's, that type of stuff, I've not gotten into making.  I just like having nice clothing, in the fabric & color that I want, that fits me like it was custom made for me alone!!!  I also have a bit of a fitting challenge - I'm short waisted, short between waist & full hip & have long legs, so nothing RTW really fits me correctly & I despise having to do alterations, so I just sew my own!!!

Abbie

[Karendee]

I will probably think further, but my main questions revolve around:

1. Do I look really good in this? Is my size flattered?

2. Is it long enough (skirts, waistline and pants)?

3. Is it made of beautiful fabric and  nice workmanship. I really don't enjoy  or wear inexpensively made clothes. (I'd rather have 5 nice garments than a closet  full of Wal Mart, Target,  and  JCP's type clothing.)

4. Am I comfortable without pulling, smoothing down etc? Can I put it  on and go?

[Robin]

I really enjoyed Trena's post, too.  

Recently, I was fortunate to have a style consultation with Imogen Lamport.  She writes Inside Out Style blog.
It was so helpful to me!  I feel like she took my physical characteristics and my personality and used that as a basis for her recommendations.

For example- she categorized my complexion is "smooth" and my hair is straight and fine, so she recommended that I use fabrics with smooth or fine texture.  And she pulled colors out of my skin, hair, eyes to build a palette.  She offered up suggestions on proportion to help me feel physically balanced.  As a result I am wearing my skirts much shorter (with tights) and my tops are no longer than hip length.  I had my hair cut and I bought a belted coat in a flattering length.  I really feel so much better about my outfits!
All of these help me to feel extremely comfortable in my clothes- as if they are an organic extension of myself.
Most of what I wear is knit, too.  I am a comfort-hound.

My style is almost the opposite of Trena's (I like solids, muted colors and tone-on-tone layering) but emotionally, it is very similar in that I feel more true to myself.

ps Sewsanna, hang in there!  It took me a long time, too, but I am getting a decent fit nowadays and it was absolutley worth the effort.
And Ruthie, WOW, thank you so  much for that liunk! I just loved the fashion - very inspriing.
Myrna, ditto!  I also went to great lengths to learn about fitting.  I totally understand your journey!

 

[DebbieY]

On a day to day basis, as a full time mum to 4 boys, clothing selections for me are based on:

1. is it practical - I don't need long floaty sleeves getting in my way when I am doing housework etc.,
2. does it fit - does it cover where it should and does it feel comfortable to wear without constant adjustment
3. is it a style that is age appropriate - I don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb
4. Is it a colour that suits me - I love cool clear colours (aqua lime etc) and deep brights (cerise, purple).

Over the years I have slipped into the jeans and t-shirt kind of dressing. As I am at home more than 75% of the time this hasn't been a problem in the past but little by little I am adding nicer tops and better shaped pants and jeans into my wardrobe. I think it's about time I step it up a notch or two.

[LauraTS]

I suppose I ask "is it me?" too. On the practical side of things that means things that fit, and that feel nice and can be moved in, as well as that are relatively easy care. On the aesthetic side it's are the proportions right, do the colors suit me, and do I feel pulled together. That last one has been a relatively new thought for me. When I was younger I thought of pulled together as very suity and old-fashioned and I didn't do it unless forced (job interviews, weddings, that sort of thing). My life is pretty casual in a place where people dress casually, but recently I've been trying to kick my outfits up a notch. Not necessarily dressier all the time, just more thoughtfully constructed. Sometimes that's with some less common color combinations or the addition of accessories, or playing with proportion.

I think reading daily style blogs has really helped retrain my eye to appreciate more out-there combinations and think of new options. Angie @ YouLookFab has a great post today on some of the style blogs she reads.

William Morris famously said that you shouldn't have anything in your house that you don't either believe to be beautiful or know to be useful, and I think that's true for the wardrobe as well. You also have to look out for the ratios of 'beautiful' to 'useful' in the wardrobe - you need some of both, not all of one and none of the other.

[Silly_Seamstress]

What a neat question! I have several questions I ask myself, usually in this order:
1. Does it make me happy?
2. Does it look good?
3. Does it make me feel good?*
4. Is it comfortable?

*The answer to this question is in some cases directly related to the second one, because I do like looking good, and that really helps me feel better about myself. So if a garment makes me look really good, it will usually make me feel just as good. My fifties dresses, Victorian inspired tops and corset-style tops, and full, flared velvet skirts are remarkably comfortable for me, and I really enjoy wearing them. I'm not a big pants fan myself, due to my large hips, rear and thighs which I feel are nicely disguised by fuller, longer skirts and brought glaringly into the cold light of day when I wear pants. What I don't sew myself, I buy from secondhand shops, Goodwill, Arc, Savers, etc.- it is so hard to find skirts aimed at girls my age in mall stores that are longer than micro-mini length! I've never considered myself to be fashionable, but I do have a very strong and well-developed sense of style- when people ask me what my style is, my standard reply is "Tim Burton and June Cleaver have a baby who likes to go to Renaissance faires." I live by Coco Chanel's axiom "Style is far more important than fashion. Fashion is ephemeral, style is permanent."

[Karen Roth]

I think my criteria are not so practical.  I know when there's too much foof as with the Simplicity Project Runway blouse below - have the same pattern to do tne blouse and after doing Silhouette's peasanty blouse recently, wherein I lowered the neckline a lot to be more me, I know I can have ruffles but then other parts need to be more tailored or close fitting or lower (as with the combinations on first post) to feel more put together and confident.  If so then some of those other questions are already answered.

And that's how I determine if the look/style is me - pictured or on with the right other components/accessories I ask (never realized until creating this post!) - am I confident in this outfit - wherever it's supposed to take me - will I feel good and put together wherever, no matter who I run into? If yes - it's me.  And/or I will sometimes ask my daughter what she thinks.  She has an incredibly good sense of what's me, what's right, what's mature enough without getting too old for my look despite age, or looking or fitting well below the neck but not going with the face/age.  And I'll usually go with what she says. She's kind enough to say I'm the most fashionable grown up she knows, she and her brother said they didn't have to worry about me when talking about what adult family members should wear to his wedding, but she's good at saying you've got to be kidding without hurting feelings. 

[Lisanne]

Aren't these replies fascinating, and individual !  Many thanks for taking the time to comment so fully.

I had followed up Ruthie's earlier suggestion to look at Kibbe's book and found it very helpful.  But his suggestions were an odd fit for me.  I matched up well with the details of my category -  soft lines and fabrics for a Soft Classic.  But wearing mother-of-the bride dresses and large hats while being gracious and refined.  Oh dear no !   I think the 'What did you wear today' strand is a much better guide to the possibilities.  I  chose the word 'delight' for my question because I would like something about my outfits to remind me of being quirky and lighthearted !

[blue mooney]

After giving this a little thought, I think my question would involve the word "chic". But I'm still working out what I think that is, and how to translate it into clothing that fits my lifestyle. Sometimes I fall victim to some whinsical clothing that I end up never wearing. Putting everything to the "chic" test first would eliminate that.

Robin, now that you've had your makeover, you should treat yourself to a new avatar!

[CanAndi]

I'm with Janis on this.  I would define my style as classic with a business wardrobe of navy, tan, black.  My question is always "Do I look older than my years or frumpy?"

Andrea

[Claudine]

Thinking back on Trena's original blog entry, I am not and never have been "cute".  Earlier in life, I went from gangly to imposing overnight.  I'm about as cute as the Mona Lisa.

My question would be, "Is it edgy?"  I like the slightly off-kilter chic look. It does not have to bowl you over with its edginess, and different things feel edgy at different times.  If I feel like too many people are wearing a look, I'll stop even if I really liked it a year ago.  Edginess can come from off-centeredness, from mixing patterns, from quirky accessories or unexpected lengths.  I certainly like my clothes to be chic and flattering, but that is not enough if they are too boring.

[Myrna]

... If I feel like too many people are wearing a look, I'll stop even if I really liked it a year ago.  Edginess can come from off-centeredness, from mixing patterns, from quirky accessories or unexpected lengths.  I certainly like my clothes to be chic and flattering, but that is not enough if they are too boring.

Me too! I've stopped wearing one of my favourite sweaters because it's the "in" look this year and I dislike being just like everyone else. Next year, it'll look out of style and in a few years, I'll pull it out again and it'll still be me.



For those interested in a tool for getting an edgy look with color, the 3 in 1 Color Tool by Joen Wolfrom is FABULOUS. It's available on-line at DharmaTrading.com or in most quilt shops and is an unusual 24 step color "wheel" used by textile artists. On the front of each card is all the shades and tints of that particular color. Each has a number. On the back is the exact compliment and the other color schemes referencing the number of the card to look at. Any one of those tints and shades will bring energy into a piece. I don't use it as a go to tool because I think it's important to learn to trust your instincts HOWEVER... when I think hmm... this isn't quite right, I'll pull it out and see what might do better. it's fun.


- Myrna

[su-sew]

What a great topic.

 If I had to describe my style it would probably be " funky classic"

I have a couple of style questions:
Do I look good in this?
Do I feel good in this ourfit for the occasion I am wearing it?

I think most of my clothing is quite plain and try to make my look more interesting with accessories like a belts or jewellery. Most of my colleagues would say I look pulled together. I look attractive and stylish, but not trendy.

In the past few years I have resolved to never sew/knit or purchase some thing in an unflattering colour. So now my closet is full of clothes in shades of brown, tan, camel and mustard. I am trying to bring  in some other colours that look good on me- more purple and reddish tones in my tops. I will only wear a black skirt or pant. Solid grey, black or white near my face make me look ill.
Like the slapdash sewist, I would prefer to wear dresses and skirt over pants most of the time, but I am too practical. Skirts and dresses aren't the most suitable attire for some of the things I need to do at wok. In summer I llive in skirts and dresses, but when winter comes around I don't always want to wear tights.

[Hen]

For me it would be "Does ist look natural?".

By which I mean something like natural elegance (I try!), a relaxed look, pure, effortless. Can still be thoughtful, but should not look as if I spent two hours in front of the mirror, should not look forced.
I would not feel comfortable in frilly or eccentric clothes and many accessoires, even if they were practical, fit perfectly, and the colors suit me.
This does not mean I want to look boring or like everyone else.

[stashpanache]

I only have one question when I look in my closet.  "Can I get into this?"  That's it.  

I WILL be asking pertinent questions soon, I hope.  After the first of the year, I will be trying on the things in my closet and weeding out what I won't be wearing in the future.  Then, going through my patterns and stash to plan Spring, Summer and Fall for next year.  It will be fun.  But, at this point, it would be too discouraging to ask myself about style because I have no choice.

[Robin]

After giving this a little thought, I think my question would involve the word "chic". But I'm still working out what I think that is, and how to translate it into clothing that fits my lifestyle. Sometimes I fall victim to some whinsical clothing that I end up never wearing. Putting everything to the "chic" test first would eliminate that.

Robin, now that you've had your makeover, you should treat yourself to a new avatar!

Interesting, I came to a similar conclusion about the word chic.  After pondering, I realize I aim for chic.  I also aim for warm, approachable, friendly chic.
I wore an outfit Friday that was a perfect example of my favorite look.  It included a necklace I recently bought at Nordstrom Rack and I recognize it as a look that may be past its prime, but I just really liked it.
I am definitely OK with wearing things that are popular now, or even a little stale if it meets my personal aesthetic.
From the perspective of "what do my clothes say about me?" I hope the answer is I look like I am comfortable in my own skin.

It is, of course, very hard to sum up in just one word.  But in Trena's case, the word cute works well.  Cuteness as a state of mind.
My DD is living in Korea these days and she says they use the word "sexy" a lot, even to describe children- but it really translates to a concept of "fun /current charismatic /cute".
I see that in Trena

[marciae]

Robin - would you post the blog site for Imogene Lamport?  TIA  Sounds like it would be a good read?

[Janis]

I'm with Janis on this.  I would define my style as classic with a business wardrobe of navy, tan, black.  My question is always "Do I look older than my years or frumpy?"

Andrea

Andrea, I know what you mean.  I sometimes try to add a modern touch to the classic, by using a classic color and fabric with a funkier style, like the pants in my avatar.  It usually works and updates my style a bit.  But I have to be careful with that, because sometimes I end up feeling silly.  I don't know how we adopt a style, but somewhere along the way, this is the one I decided was comfortable for me.

[Towanda]

From the perspective of "what do my clothes say about me?" I hope the answer is I look like I am comfortable in my own skin.

Robin, I was trying to put figure out how to express my style and your words nailed it. I want to be comfortable in my own skin and look good to me. I want to wear my clothes and they not wear me. Most of the time, I don't want to stand out because of what I'm wearing.

I sew most of my wardrobe because there is such a small supply of RTW for plus size women. Everybody shops in the same stores. I don't want to see myself coming and going. I like a lot of styles but they are not meant for me. They don't fit my self image or body limitations. As a tall busty plus size person, I have to really think about what I wear. Simple styles and calm colors fit me best. I like unique jewelry especially earrings. I don't want to fret over what I am going to wear every morning. I don't mind fretting over getting dress up. 

[MsFunk]

my main question is "does this look unique?"  of course, it needs to fit but that goes without saying.  I'm with several others, in that I want to reflect my own style without wearing the 'in' thing.  I do purchase one or two items each season that are 'in', but wear them in unique ways.

Lately, I am adding a second question, "will this be my favorite ____?"  if not, I put it back.  I have so may clothes that I need to only buy things that I would regret leaving behind.

[Terri K]

 My question is "Does this make me look sleek and sophisticated, tasteful, with a bit of flair and style?"   I like to dress unique as well, without looking goofy or looking like I walked out of a thrift store.    I have some vintage pieces that I like to combine with many of my sewn garments so one must be careful in that regard.   Like MsFunk,  I buy a few RTW pieces a season that are unique, and work with coordinates I already have.

I love to look at Bill Cunningham's On The Street to see how other women are wearing and combining pieces as well.     This week's On The Street Video is "Colors"    and last week's was a wonderful montage on vests:     On The Street:  Vested  that gave me some ideas for the top in the latest pattern issued by   Louise Cutting - Relax a Little , that I'm making in this Linton Tweed for fall .  

[Karendee]

After much more thought, I find my desired look (therefore central question) hard to define. Like Claudine, I have never been cute. Ever. I have a sister who is cute--adorable even, but I'm not cute. I'm too tall to be cute. I mostly look elegant, striking, pretty, dressed up--and comfortable at the same time. I absolutely won't wear clothes/shoes etc. that are uncomfortable in any way. Necklaces that are too heavy, shoes too stiff or high heels. Ugh, I just can't handle it. I am not super current, not trend-setting, but don't enjoy looking frumpy or out of style. Too tailored, dull, or classic is not my style, either. I really enjoy very nice, quality clothing , jewelry, shoes, and handbags with a flattering cut or style. I love color and look good in almost all hues and shades. I wear black almost daily on the bottom half of my body. This color choice is for lots of different reasons, but it greatly simplifies my life and makes me happy. I wear jewelry and accessories daily; I enjoy the extras like this.   I wear makeup daily and have  nice hair that is easy to maintain and  is colored. I get lots of compliments about my appearance to include clothing.  But I really can't put my style into words, very well. Perhaps it is not a definite style.

Karen

[theresa in tucson]

Stash, I'm with you.  I so seldom have to dress up that when I do, I look in the closet and ask myself, "Will it fit".  The same can be said about pants or jeans that have been out of the weekly rotation.  That is where weight changes show up.  For everyday, Does it fit and Is it comfortable answers ninety percent of all situations. For the other ten percent the question would be, Can it be suitably dressed up with the addition of earrings and/or jewelry, and decent shoes (not my around the house scuffs or Birkenstocks).  If the everyday closet can't produce that, it is definitely a "dress" occasion and one of the three dresses in the closet must be worn with heels and other uncomfortable items.  

Since I dress in such casual clothes I also have one other style question and that is deployed when I'm doing chores or something potentially dirty.  That question is "Can I bear to have this (shirt/blouse or pants/jeans) permanently lodged in the "Hot Boots" section of the closet.  

The man who helped me do my parent's roof six years ago explained "Hot Boots" to me.  He said every roofer he knew had three sets of shoes.  One set was the shoes the spouse would allow in the house or her car; one set was for his car, to and from the jobsite/suppliers/clients; and the last set was only worn on the roof.  Although we weren't using hot methods, hot asphalt tar is a common roofing method here in the southwest, hence the term "Hot Boots".   Black asphalt, even cold applied black asphalt, is nasty sticky stuff.    If I can't bear to lose it to the "Hot Boots" section it goes back into the closet.

[Janis]

Terri, thanks for that link.  It reminded me of when I went to Paris the first time.  When I came back to Portland after my trip, I looked around the streets and thought, "boy, I really do live in the backwoods", lol.  Let's just say there is a noticeable difference between the way people dress in New York and Paris, and the way people dress in Portland.

I've always thought it would be nice to live in a place where people don't say, "why are you all dressed up?" when you wear something other than jeans

[ejvc]

Claudine's entry got me thinking...see, I always imagined that she looks in her closet and says, "Does this make me look amazing?"  or possibly "will other people follow me down the street and demand to know where I got this?"

Seriously though I have not got a style like that.  I am more towards the "does it have a (visible) stain?" "does it fit" end of the spectrum than towards the "amazing" or "ooh la la" end....