Personal Style Practice: What Does This Outfit Say?

50 Comments

1. Good morning Pam, I am one who struggles with defining adjectives as it relates to the way I dress. The EF top and the BW pants would be my idea style of clothing so I will say the 2 outfits are Casual, Comfortable and Approachable. And since these type of clothes are in my closet rotation I say approachable because this what I wear to work and how I want to be seen. I dress down (understated) when visiting clients in homes, on the street, at McDonalds, etc. or dress up with scarf and fun earrings when in the office. So I guess I just answered my own question, my styling adjectives are casual, comfortable, fun, stylish and approachable. I look forward to reading other answers. Have a great day.

2. Thanks for thinking your adjectives through with us, Betty. Now write them down and use them with every outfit you wear and watch them work for you.

3. Good morning Pam. The first outfit does not evoke the style adjectives that you describe; at least for me. For me, it leaves a feeling of unstructured and a bit sloppy.

   The second outfit looks frumpy to me, not current or structured. Current, structured and sophisticated are adjectives that speak to me.

   I would add that I feel it is so important to not judge people by what they wear, and I am sure you agree with me on this point. Fashion style is so personal; and it’s so important to wear what feels best to you.

   Carole

4. Carole, the task here is to apply the adjectives you believe (in a positive way) that these outfits speak about the women who wear them. This is a positive experience, not one to have you decide what works for you, but for you to share what these outfits would say to others. Current, structured and sophisticated may be your style adjectives but this isn’t about you…it is a positive way to learn what an outfit speaks to others. Of course this is not about judging women and style adjectives ARE about helping women develop their own unique style. Frumpy is not a style adjective. What you see as frumpy another woman may see as fun. I encourage everyone to look at the outfits as a fashion exercise not if you would wear them or not. This is to help women, like Betty, better select what adjectives they want to say with their own wardrobes….and then OWN it. Let’s keep it positive today…even if it is not your own cup of tea.

5. Pam, I think you nailed it on both outfits today on choosing adjectives. Spot on! I like the instant language term. You are so good at this. I think your example will help a lot of us.

6. The first outfit to me says active, travel-savvy, and current. The second says to me, lively, friendly, and artistic.

7. I hope so…and I want to hear if others have other positive adjectives they could add here. There are women who would wear these outfits and love them, so their adjectives are important and these are typical outfits that someone in a more casual, perhaps retired lifestyle may wear

8. Thank you, Sharon! I agree with the travel-savvy direction. And the adjective lively is a good one.

9. If this is a duplicate, Forgive me. Everything I wrote went away before I hit send. Luckily I write it in Notes and then paste it.

   This is fun. The first that came to mind for EF was simple and elegant. When I checked yours, I saw elegant and simple! I agree with them all. I also agree with your second group, but I somehow want to tuck unexpected in there after examining the details and color, particularly of the middle outfit. I am always working on unexpected color combinations as a deep autumn.
   I love my adjectives (says the retired English teacher). I have been playing with mine. They have been strong, dramatic, adventurous, approachable, and intelligent. ( Thank you, Pamela, you helped me with these.) I have been dialing back the dramatic and playing more with gamine. That would not be gamine in the strict sense, more in a general sense. I am not teeny tiny or fine featured. I am liking now unexpected pins, my fedoras, my love for wingtips and Chelsea boots. Haven’t settled on a new set yet, but I am working on it. Are we going to have a day to explore our own? I have been so looking forward to this week!
   Great task today. It is helpful for those struggling to define themselves. I keep mine tucked in my color swatch book. They are invaluable. I will check back in later to read today’s results!

10. You did not duplicate! And I loved your comment. Let me ponder how we could do a post on your personal adjectives. I do hope these types of exercises will help! I love your adjectives, but understand there are times we may want to tweak.

11. Hi Pam! I loved your take on the EF clothes. I have some of her items, but they are getting to be too big for me. My style adjectives are fun, casual, elevated, simple and chill. No boho for me though! The flowy things are too much material for me. Thanks for a great blog.

12. I’ll suggest Elegant, Classic, Refined, Confident, Easy. ( I was going to suggest Natural but decided on easy. )
    Now I’ll read the post further…..

13. Thanks for sharing your adjectives, Lisa. Chill is a new one to me but I totally get it!

14. Do you suggest that for the first outfit, Paulette?

15. Pam, i missed mannequin 2! Sorry….
    I just read the remaining post and read your ideas and completely agree with you and your adjectives for mannequin 2!

16. Pam, i missed mannequin 2! Sorry….
    I just read the remaining post and read your ideas and completely agree with you and your adjectives for mannequin 2!

17. Thank you for this exercise! I would love to see a repeat with different outfits/women.

18. I will do it…stay tuned, Maryann.

19. Thanks for participating, Paulette.

20. Number one you nailed. I would use those and just do a bit of add/subtract with one of my own adjectives: aware. EF is a brand that has a lot of quality fabrics and construction, and would be worn for years, thus a good example of responsibility and low cost per wear. I would agree with elegant even though casual, because of the lovely silhouette and that luscious color and luxurious tonal look. Elegant isn’t one of my adjectives, but this outfit fits my own adjectives if I added interesting accessories and maybe some fun shoes.
    Totally agree on outfit two. I would add/subtract fresh (which, incidentally, I’m calling to mind with your new looks). I don’t own any BW, but I think their silhouettes are so sophisticated, interesting and rather west coast.
    I loved doing this today!

21. So glad you enjoyed the process, Linda! You did a great job with your observations here.

22. I think this is a fun and useful exercise. Its interesting to me to hear what other women think a particular outfit says about the wearer, particularly if its a style or combination I might wear. Its good to know if the message we think we are sending is what others perceive. I agree with your adjectives for the first outfit. I really like “simple” to indicate minimalism. For the second outfit I’d swap “artsy” or “boho” for “artistic”. I’m an artist and have a particular definition for artistic and art and I don’t see this outfit as presented to meeting my personal definition. Probably someone who is not an artist is not so picky about the term. But I believe those pants could be styled in an outfit accessorized in a way that would say “artistic”. I hope we do this again and yes, I’d like more about finding our own personal adjectives.

23. Thanks so much, Kathie. I will do this again…probably soon, because I have heard from several who are working on their adjectives and seeking inspiration and understanding. I know most of the comments today have helped them.

24. Fascinating !
    1st attempt – neat , well – fitting , comfortable – warm and flexible enough for GB .

25. This is a great way to see the adjectives. I’m going to study this and think about adjectives. I do think the first one is classy. The second one is more of a creative and interesting look. That look is also showing I’m carefree.
    Looking forward to seeing more.

26. I will do more for you, Paula. When developing your own adjectives, you want to pick the words that describe you best and how can you speak those words with what you wear. Your own interpretations of the words is what matters most. But it is helpful to see and hear what others think. I liked how Kathie described how she looks at the word “artistic”

27. For the first: intentional, casual, sophisticated, understated. For the second: fun, casual, artistic, approachable. If I saw ladies in either of these outfits, I would be intrigued and wanting to meet them.

28. I am very interested in this topic as I have not been able to pin down these adjectives for myself perhaps because I think I dress differently for different occasions and activities. I agree with the adjectives you have chosen today except for the elegant one. How is a track suit elegant? If you actually are doing an athletic activity that requires movement and sweating does one look elegant? If you are out shopping in this outfit would someone think you look elegant? If you wore it to a dinner party would you look elegant? Does it matter as long as you think it is elegant? Is wearing an expensive outfit mean rich is the same as elegant? Not meaning to offend anyone just trying to clarify these words in my mind.

29. Great work Mary…I love the adjectives you selected.

30. Hi Linda…the woman doesn’t change…she is the same woman in an evening dress and in a track suit. Her style messages are the same no matter the occasion. I believe strongly in this and think your personal style flows from one event to the next and your messaging does not change. How is this woman elegant? I believe an elegant, sophisticated woman would wear this outfit for the active part of her life. It is a gorgeous creamy neutral in a beautiful fabric and a matching set. She does not set aside her elegance when she goes to her pilates class or to run a few errands. Her elegance is there when she is working out and then comes back in a different outfit later in the day. Style adjectives have nothing to do with the cost of the garments..only the look. I have seen garments that communicate elegance that were not expensive. Please take time to read yesterday’s post. Rich is not the same as elegant. You are not being offensive…only working out your meaning of the words. What matters is what the wearer believes elegant to mean and how the woman wants to communicate it. The occasion usually dictates the choice of wardrobe…but the style adjectives remain the same. Elegance is also communicated in posture and confidence and manners. If a woman without these were to wear this outfit, she may not be seen as elegant. Let me know if you still have questions.

31. This is a very interesting process! Your adjectives seem spot on to me. I find the first outfit a tall slim woman, a warm spring by her choice in soft warm neutral fabric and style. She is youthful, relaxed, confident and comfortable in her style. The second is more playful and boho to me. She is fun to be around. She is not afraid of color. She is bold and honest in her choices. That is how I would see these mannequins as women.

32. Like how you described the women, Sydney. Now you are showing what the clothing says to others about the woman wearing it.

33. I am not seeing the elegant woman wearing the EF track suit to work out. As you said, it is for an active part of her life, and it could be to go to the grocery store or do around the town chores. Although it is not me, or a style I choose, I am intrigued by it and that woman. I am not an elegantly styled woman daily, but I can look elegant at a wedding if I choose. I see younger women who pick up their children at my grandchildren’s school. Some work, some don’t. I am always fascinated by those who have a consistent but different style that stands out. What will that gal who looks so ethereal be wearing today. Another long flowy dress with her high top converse sneakers? Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and see myself during those days. I think I was pretty consistently dressed to my adjectives today even though I was on more of a budget with three kids to raise. It isn’t about $$.

34. No…it isn’t about money. I also watch the moms and grandmothers when I pick up the boys at school. The differences can be pretty stark. I liked Mary’s adjectives for the first woman…intentional, casual, sophisticated, understated. Timeless might be another one to consider for that woman.
    The color and fabric just spoke elegant to me. I could see a woman doing yoga or pilates in the outfit, but not a weight lifting, treadmill workout. I would love to hear from someone who would wear this and what their adjectives are. Thanks Deborah.

35. This is such a great exercise, and a good way to get us started thinking about the messages our own wardrobes convey. Three of my adjectives for the first outfit aligned with yours – simple, active and current. While I tend to agree that most of EF’s pieces have a certain understated elegance, I’m not sure it applies here, other than the color. Any time I see someone wearing an all-white/light outfit my first assumption is that they have no children in their life, and I’m trying to find an adjective for that lifestyle – maybe unencumbered? I think I would replace elegant with “casual.”
    The second outfit reminds me so much of a friend of mine, a petite blue-eyed brunette with a curly pixie cut who would love this look. I am guessing that the fabric and construction are nicer at that price point, so in deference to Kathie I would swap “artistic” for “elevated.” This outfit could be dressed up for church and brunch afterward, or worn with sandals to a backyard picnic, but I think in person it would read more elevated. Thank you for taking the time to put this exercise together, and for dealing with so many differing opinions.

36. OK…the has no children comment made me laugh!! It is funny…I have been following, and wearing EF for years, and this is the first outfit I would label with an elegant message. Your observations of both outfits are very interesting, Lori…thanks for joining in. I was looking for your response.

37. I love “unencumbered”! Lol.

38. I agree…that is a good one…especially for many in the second half of life. Thanks Deborah

39. I so enjoyed the post today. I agree with the adjectives you gave to the 2 outfits. I would buy the first one for myself and would enjoy seeing the second outfit on someone who I would compliments for the great casual outfit. Today, I know that I so appreciate the adjectives you have shared and am learning to look at myself for who I am, and for who I want others to see in me.

40. That is wonderful, Audrey! Your last sentence is what this is all about…appreciate who you are right now and communicate what makes Audrey special!

41. I have been studying these outfits and comments all day. When it is not yourself and you don’t know where these women are, it is very difficult for me to provide the adjectives without context. However. I am going to try.
    I see the EF outfit as trendy, minimal and confident. I agree with Carole on the BW outfit, but will try different words. trendy, maximumialist. and casual.
    Two opposite presentations.

42. Yes, they are Teri…very different…thank you for joining in and keeping it positive.
    The exercise is to create style adjectives for an entire wardrobe based on the one outfit. What do you want your entire personal style to say to others about you? Thanks Teri!

43. Wow Pam! This was a “lightbulb went off” moment for me. I’m catching on to how this works at last! I actually have a duplicate of the first outfit in my closet and an entire section of similar pieces many in Talbots AirKnit line. Since I wear this style a lot with suede trainers both at home and out and about here’s how I would use adjectives to describe it – ageless, confident, sporty, contemporary and unassuming.
    The second outfit I would use adjectives as follows – bubbly, free-spirited, casual, relaxed and trendy.
    Oh and you’ll love this! I spent an hour and a half in Chicos yesterday trying on in an effort to spend reward dollars I had. I ended up with nothing and I’ve finally accepted that this style just doesn’t work for me. In the process of admiring all the new things I saw something that so reminded me of you that I said out loud “Now that’s Pam style and would look great on her. Maybe I should take a picture and send it to her!” The lady beside me says “You wouldn’t be referring to Pam of Over 50 Feeling 40 would you?” We got a good laugh out of it. You definitely have a wide and loyal following!!
    Please continue on with this topic as it’s proving to be so helpful to so many of us.

44. For outfit #1 I would use the adjectives comfortable, confident, stylish, minimal and relaxed. Outfit #2 speaks to me as fun-loving, approachable, creative, colorful and trendy. Keep these exercises coming Pamela – they are fun and thought-provoking! Everyone’s comments were eye-opening too. My personal style adjectives are still evolving but include dramatic, sexy, tailored, classic and elevated.

45. Love the story, Sonja! And so like your adjectives…thanks for sharing on both outfits.

46. Thanks so much, Anne! And I loved learning about your own adjectives.

47. Without reading your commentary I would define the choices as:
    Picture 1 – Elegant, Minimalist and Active
    Picture 2- Creative, Casual and Approachable
    This is fun, have us do this again!

48. I will! Thanks Kathy…I hope you will have time to go back and read the post too.

49. Just a follow-up comment on the EF outfit, after trips to Target and Kohl’s for some gifts tonight. Both of these affordable retailers had ivory colored sweatsuit-type outfits featured prominently, in very thick, substantial fabrics. The styles were slightly different (one top had a hood, one was a little longer) but both were incredibly similar to the EF outfit and to each other. Perhaps this is a trend you’ve brought to light! I’m embarrassed to say that by the time I left the second store I was thinking about purchasing the Target version, even though it’s already too warm here for that thick fabric, I DO have small kids in my life, and I look awful in that color, especially from head to toe. Social media is a powerful thing, and I am surprised at my reaction to something I didn’t even really care for initially. I’m going to try to drill down to what I was really wanting, because I know it wasn’t really that outfit. Something about seeing it in the wild twice in an hour after today’s post suddenly made it desirable, and I need to think about what that means.

50. Don’t feel bad…all of us fall victim from time to time. I did not know it was a trend, so I will research it. Thanks for being a field reporter.