[Style Search]: Words & Colours

Sep 8, 2016 | Sewing Projects | 15 comments

Hi All!

Style time! So I’ve been thinking a lot more about my style, and reading through all of the amazing links that you’re sending me, and suggesting- and it’s all so much to take in! But I have taken the time to do two things: write down key style words that I think suit me and my style & pick colours that I love for my wardrobe.

Let’s start with the style words, because I think that says the most. I also found it the most difficult of the two- and I think it’s partly because I have a few different styles that I really like and I bounce back and forth between. I think that there is a way to have them combine though- I’ll make it work!

I’ve divided it into two parts: Yes Please! and No Thanks! – which are fairly self explanatory, but I thought it was important to include the words that I’m not really feeling- because it gave me a more clear idea of what I was into.

 

I’ve also made some larger than others because I think of those as my core important words, which for me are:  Chic, Classic, Comfortable, Effortless & Cool.
I think where I get confused about my ‘dream style’ is when I try to find a happy medium between the more ‘Chic / Classic / Glam / Lush’ side that I see as more – a beautiful cream coloured blouse, high waisted shorts and skirts, anything scarlet, a bit of a vintage flare and expensive fabrics with luxurious pops of colour.
And the other side of style that I also feel very drawn to which is more ‘Cool / Edgy / Fresh / Youthful’ – which I think of as – ripped jeans, leather jackets, white t-shirts and tights with shorter skirts- where you wear maybe more layers of clothes and jewelry and everything is darker colours and monotone. You know?
And As for Comfortable and Practical- well that is just a given with either style.
[I did want to include some style inspiration photos- but to be honest I haven’t seen any outfit photos of me that I’m loving or that I feel would fit- and I’m terrified to use photos from Pinterest because of copyright] 
Next is all of the things that are not me- and I want to be clear- I’ve seen some beautiful ladies with these styles and they are stunning and amazing- but they are not me.
I know that I don’t want to look: Fussy – this is a really big one for me, and one that puts me off of a number of things- I’m not a fan of too much volume especially not in ruffles, or long dresses/skirts, or weird sleeves (I ALWAYS push my sleeves up to my elbows, and if I can’t I go NUTS!) But I also don’t like things with a million details, complicated layers, or design elements. I think this partly goes in with that quirky and eclectic stye to me- I love to see it on others, but I just feel like everyone is staring at me if I wear quirky outfits.
The other thing I don’t want to look is ‘cute and preppy’ – I think the angst about ‘cute and preppy’ comes from wanting to be taken seriously – especially as a 25 year old with a business – but on the other end of the spectrum- I’m definitely not looking for the ‘corporate’ and ‘lady-like’ feel either.
Does that all come across clearly? Does that make sense? Do you think that’s a clear enough ‘style goal’?
But wait- we haven’t talked about colours- well here are mine 🙂
I chose these colours partly because a lot of them are already in my wardrobe that I have right now, and some of them are colours that I would like to have more of in my wardrobe. The colours that I already have are black, charcoal,  white, coral, deep fuchsia and a little bit of mustard.
I would really love to have more cream, scarlet and emerald in with the mix 🙂 But I feel like the colours are going to be a little easier for me than the actual shapes, silhouettes and putting the outfits together!
My general goal with colour is just to not overdo it, and to add as many neutrals into my wardrobe as possible- because I feel like that will be essential to making it more versatile.
So that is where I’m at with my style search- now to move on to my wardrobe and pull everything out!
I have a feeling that these words and colours will be edited over time and narrowed to something actually works in my day-to-day life, but for now I’m pretty happy with myself 🙂
What do you guys think of my colours and style words? Do you think it all lines up? Any ideas and suggestions?
What are the words that you would use to describe your style? Favourite colours to wear?
I love hearing from you about style 🙂
xo
erin

15 Comments

  1. Siobhan (Chronically Siobhan)

    I really like the colours you have chosen. The brights especially are just lovely. I haven't given much thought to what words describe my style, but we must be a bit different – eclectic, quirky and cute are at the top of my list!

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      Thanks Siobhan! I love seeing how differently everyone describes their style 🙂

      Reply
  2. Meg

    Love the style words! I have had the most difficult time coming up with mine, and it is helpful to see others' lists so I can think of more adjectives!

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      I know! I was googling style words and looking around at other blogger's posts on style,- it took a while to come up with those 🙂 I found that I just wrote down a TON of words and started sorting them- which is why the 'No Thanks!" section came up- which I'm finding very helpful 🙂

      Reply
  3. Ilna

    I also like your colours, except for the mustard. The style words is definitely giving me some ideas, because I was thinking on how to describe my style. I love lace, bows & ruffles and making my own lingerie have me wearing that without looking "stupid" 🙂 I like some styles a lot e.g. bohemian, but don't think I can wear it without looking strange in my own eyes. I do see lots of things looking good on others and then it don't work on me. I would love to experiment more with new colours and patterns/styles. I think I got stuck in dressing a certain way and your style quest is nudging me into rethinking my style. I love your honesty and willingness to share this road with us.

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      Thanks Ilna! I feel very vulnerable putting this all out there, because I'm struggling with it a lot, but you guys are always so overwhelmingly helpful and nice that it's been really great 🙂 I think so many people are in a bit of a 'style coma' where you just go through the motions of getting dresses and don't really think about the style that you want to have. I'm happy that I can inspire others to start thinking about style more! 🙂

      Reply
  4. allie J.

    I'm also working on adding in more neutrals! It's really easy to be tempted by all the patterns and color but I've been focusing on a very strict color palette (navy, warm neutrals like white, cream, and camel, and all shades of blush/pink/coral) while fabric shopping and I think it's helping me streamline my closet a lot!!

    I have a bit of the same dueling styles thing, too! My "fix" for that has been to channel all my black leather, tall boots, edgy tendencies towards my "going out" clothes. I have a separate pinterest board and everything! I keep all of my glam/classic/ladylike things to daytime and all my "60s girl motorcycle gang member" looks to the evening! Perhaps that will work for you, perhaps not.

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      Ohh I love your colours too! I haven't gone fabric shopping since all of this, but I know it will be a challenge- I fall in love with prints and bright colours, so I'll have to learn to shop more practically!

      I think that's a great idea about your style fix – I'll have to see if that works out for me, or if I'll have to mix and match in a different way. Great ideas though 🙂 🙂

      Reply
  5. missmaddysews

    I love the colours you've chosen Erin! I definitely feel the drawn-towards-two-styles thing too – I'm definitely keen on vintage and retro, but I'm always caught between elegant, dainty Grace Kelly outfits and svelte vampy pin-up looks! Soooo I usually just go with whatever I'm feeling on the day with that one 😛 Looking forward to seeing how your style words and colours translate into silhouettes and outfits! 🙂

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      I think it's funny how so many people are drawn to a dichotomy in style – maybe it's just human nature! I can definitely see you in both the dainty and vampy sizes of a more vintage retro style! I think like Allie J's comment before, that would be a good one to mix up for night and day too!

      Reply
  6. Chris

    I like this idea! I may have to copy it and put one up in my sewing room. I definitely gravitate towards a different style, but I like that we can all have different looks!

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      For sure! I think I should put it up in my sewing room to remind me too! Isn't it cool how different everyones style is- I love to see all the differences!

      Reply
  7. Samantha

    I think the "no thanks!" list is a great idea. Figuring out what doesn't work for you (anything that has to be ironed!) is half the battle – then having the willpower to leave that stuff at the store no matter how cute or pretty it is. Color seems to be the recurring theme in the things I like to wear, usually tops in solids or subtle prints so they already naturally mix and match with the neutral bottoms I tend to pick. It definitely seems to be the garments in white and less intense colors that I need to focus on thinning and replacing.

    Reply
    • EmeraldErin

      The 'No Thanks' list helped me SO much when I was going through my clothes, so I could think about why I always avoided wearing something or didn't want it in my wardrobe. I think colour is going to be very important to me too, leaning much more towards the neutrals! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Emma Capponi

    I am exactly the same with pushing sleeves up to my elbows! Maybe it's a sewing thing?

    Reply

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