Style Moniker: For Column

On another thread of mine, Column wrote: 

"Question: If you were to describe a style moniker based on just the sleeveless version of this outfit (no layering) in isolation, what would it be? To Carla`s request for updating YLF profiles: I really don`t know how to describe my style. In images, this one is it! I tend toward Duchess Kate in color, fit, and the best quality that I can afford (not hers, of course), but even she is sometimes too staid for my taste (crew necklines, long sleeves, skinny jeans). I like Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and some Bacall—but I can`t wear the latter as well as Carla. And I like to add liberal doses of color and currency to all of these." 

First, thanks for the compliments, Column. 

I put the outfit below for reference. 

Honestly, I don't have a special name for it...I'd say it's Modern Classic. Or maybe "Trendy Modern Classic." Which is sort of a double oxymoron, maybe, but sort of not? 

It's classic, in that it's a simple blue outfit, nothing fancy -- sleeveless top, jeans, booties. 

It's modern in that the classic elements are in modern cuts/ styles -- the peplum top, the cropped jean, the sock bootie. 

It's a bit trendy in that the jeans are the newer wide legs and high waisted. 

My overall goal is to create outfits that are: 

Modern, Classic, Vivid, Practical, and Playful.

My moniker used to be "urban prince" and the name still fits to a degree...but sometimes I veer more feminine than that. Really I think I have a modern classic gamine style, if that makes sense. Purely classic is too staid for me; I need a bit of drama or everything falls flat. Drama usually comes through cut, colour, pattern, or especially, irregular outfit juxtaposition. 

Of the names you mention -- Audrey and Jackie O (to some extent) might be considered gamine (though Kibbe called Jackie O a dramatic classic.) Kate would be classic or dramatic classic. Bacall would be dramatic, probably...

Drama is necessary to Dramatics (duh), to Dramatic Classics, and to Gamines, but expressed in slightly different ways. I know I'll never feel fully myself without a dose of drama -- a long earring adds some of that in a very simple outfit. So does the shawl and the coat and even, to an extent, the column of dark colour. 

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

33 Comments

  • Sal replied 4 years ago

    When I see this I see

    - an urban look
    - quiet sophistication
    - subtle trendiness
    - soft tailoring

    And of course modern classic!

    I can see that (similar to me) you like a small amount of juxtaposition - not so much seasonal - but a mix of trendy/classic, casual/dressy etc..  I rarely see you in a 100% new trends item nor 100% classics...  And I think these are your very best looks when it is somewhere in between eg modern jeans with a classic blazer or peplum, funky boots with classic straight leg jeans.  

    How to put that into a moniker can be tricky though...

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    I agree; it's hard to get better than "modern classic" for this look - I think this is what others aspire to when the think of the term!

    Just to be contrary, I don't feel "trendy", even though the jeans are definitely on trend. To me, trendy means it's in today but could be out tomorrow - whereas I feel these trends are so classically interpreted, that even if the pants silhouette trend changed tomorrow, this would not look dated or passé

      ... if that makes sense? I suppose it also depends on how one interprets the word trendy, which is a conversation we've had elsewhere I believe! :)

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Good point, TG. The jeans (dark wash, simple) could certainly be worn long after the trend for high waisted wide leg crops has disappeared. But ,at the same time...if the jeans silhouettes did change tomorrow, I woulnd't wear the look. This is what puts the "personal" in personal style. I far prefer my denim to be a bit on the trendy side vs. entirely on the classic side. This is why Angie's forever reminding me to update the denim capsule. :) 

    Sal, definitely not seasonal juxtaposition. Or very, very rarely. I can't get over my Ontario childhood. The idea of bare ankles in winter still makes me cringe. :) But for sure -- dressy plus casual. Trendy plus classic. . 

    That's a great list of descriptors - -maybe Column can make something of it. 

  • Jaime replied 4 years ago

    You are classic gamine! That makes perfect sense to me! There will always be an element of quirky in your style but it flows naturally with your gamine quality so it almost looks classic on you. Hmm, does that make any sense? Anyway you look so vibrant and good in this picture - glowy and healthy which is more and more my own goal. Have I managed to miss the point of this post entirely? Quite possibly so!

  • rachylou replied 4 years ago

    Hmm. So so interesting! I’d say modern classic, but there is that little bit of twist, of uniqueness. A gamine quality, but also an air of the avant garde. Your modern classic is informed. I watch these daytime talk show reruns (Lol), and they fascinate me because they usually are totally straight modern classic. I would say maybe it’s the hair - a lot of ringlets - but there are always people with pixies too. Maybe it’s the jewelry - tennis bracelets and stud earrings. Maybe it’s the sets - the lighting and furnishings. Idk!

  • nemosmom replied 4 years ago

    Is it possible to be Modern Gamine? I am horrible with kibbe types, but I do see an element of playfulness in your outfit that would sway me away from calling it Classic. I am also with TG on the word "trendy", and don't usually equate trendy with modern, updated, or current - I think more along the lines of here today/gone tomorrow. Then again, I am not great with monikers so I am probably no help at all!

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    Ah Suz, good distinction - I get it - the style of the clothes vs the style of the person makes a big difference in how things are defined!

    Nodding with all the gamine comments - there's that element of boldness, but it's not pushy boldness ... More a staccato note that brings some energy and freshness to the look. A very nuanced and rich style indeed!

  • replied 4 years ago

    Yes to modern, classic, gamine! Modern from your variety of shapes, classic from your color scheme, gamine from the playfulness and hair.

  • Column replied 4 years ago

    SUZ! This is so incredibly generous of you! I`m touched.

    Your and everyone else`s comments (THANKS all!) are so instructive! I now understand some things—which I now see can translate into wiser styling and purchasing choices:

    Based on the discussion above, I do believe I am a Current Classic Romantic. While “trendy” can work, for me the word connotes a passing fancy. Not that being current won`t pass, but I think of clothing as a reference that says I know what time period I am living in, kind of like being able to talk current books, podcasts, films, etc. I`m less concerned about being actually fashionable, I guess, than in using clothing as a medium (not to get wonky or to deny my love of fashion).

    Classic defines the lines that you, Angie, others and I share love for, and romantic suggests the feminine quality I enjoy. It also incorporates the touches of drama I like without being full-out arty. (I never considered drop earrings dramatic, but they are.)

    You all are just the best. This made my day!

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Ah! Yes -- "trendy" has negative connotations to many. It doesn't to me, necessarily. I think I interpret it similarly to Angie. But I understand why others would reject it. I used to reject it, too, until I realized how a small dose of trendy could up my style satisfaction. 

    Romantic adds a beautiful softness and femininity. A dose of "yin" drama vs. my (typical) "yang" drama. It's a great way to go. 

    Glad if the discussion helped, and look forward to seeing some outfits if you get a chance!

  • Runcarla replied 4 years ago

    My 2 cents on TRENDY = ‘very fashionable or up to date in style or influence’.

    I need this word in my fashion vocabulary, and I will use it in relation to describing an article I might see as current. I note Angie will speak of things being ‘a trend now going on x years’ or ‘a fringe trend’ when she provides an opinion of a fashion ‘thing’, and I find that most helpful.

    ‘Here today, gone tomorrow’ = a FAD = ‘an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short lived, or without basis in the objects qualities.’

  • Column replied 4 years ago

    My mobile is not cooperating, but I was able to manage these three outfits from the last year. Did I get the monikers right?

  • notsaf replied 4 years ago

    Whether you got the terms right is absolutely a matter for you to decide, but I absolutely see "Current Classic Romantic" in these looks. Classic colors, styles, and shapes, but quite feminine with a little modernity esp. in footwear!

  • Bijou replied 4 years ago

    Suz you look perfect in this outfit, it is so true to your personal style. Now I am off to investigate what Kibbe style is about!

  • Column replied 4 years ago

    Thanks, notsaf! So maybe I will rearrange the monikers to reflect the emphasis I believe you rightly discerned to Romantic Current Classic? In this case, Classic is the noun, and so forms the basis of my style. Romantic Current are, I believe, the correct order of modifiers. For me, Romantic doesn`t as much describe the Current elements as much as supersede them in importance and ratio: notsaf is right. My Current elements are mere touches, and mostly in cautious footwear where the risk is lower and I don`t disrupt the (safe) Classic lines.

    For the record: I am defining these terms myself, although the Kibbe descriptions are very helpful, as are terms on the Red Leopard site.

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    Aside - if anyone ever figures out Kibbe, please PM me to explain as I find it so confusing :D (apparently I'm a theatrical romantic, but that's about the extent of my knowledge, so not very helpful!!)

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Oh, my gosh, Helena, you cannot be a theatrical romantic!! You are a classic or (possibly) dramatic classic. I don't care what Kibbe says. :) 

    I don't claim to understand Kibbe very well (and his is one system among many) but I think the idea of looking at style personalities from the point of view of the lines, proportions, patterns, and shapes that best suit a person is a great additive to the more common colour typing. 

    I think the original idea was from that very old book called The Triumph of Individual Style, that Shevia and Vildy and several other members pointed me to years ago (thank you!). I haven't even read that whole thing but it is the foundation for a lot of subsequent systems. It's really about analyzing your body type, face shape, features, and overall energy and considering what shapes/ proportions/ lines work best with that to express your essence. 

    Column, back to you! (Sorry, I got pulled away.) Thanks for posting those outfits - -they are lovely! I especially love your dressy burgundy one. Wow. It looks as if you have a terrific dress collection.

    And yes -- the "current" seems to be in footwear (though also to some extent in colours chosen and lengths, etc. I don't think it really matters what order you place the adjectives....whatever helps you when you go shopping and put together outfits, really. If you think of the words at all. I used to think "urban prince" when I went out shopping and it really helped me at that time when I was building a wardrobe from scratch -- but now I just shop intuitively. I set my intention at the start of the year and then go off and do it without thinking about it. 

    Carla -- I LOVE that distinction between trend and fad. That is worth a thread of its own. That's how I understand it, too, and why I am happy to include "trendy" in some of my personal fashion descriptors. I think as an older woman a bit of "trendy" is precisely what keeps me looking current or "with it," if you will -- that, and irregular outfit juxtaposition. 

  • notsaf replied 4 years ago

    Dear Helena, I'm with Suz! No way are you dramatic romantic. You are classic, one way of the other (just like me! hence our mutual love of, well, classics!).

    Here's a little more reading: http://www.audreyalamode.com/b.....ype-kibbee.

    Maybe this quiz would be helpful, but I know from experience it is very hard to accurately judge oneself: https://13perfectshapes.wordpr.....e-version/.

    Column, so glad you have found some adjectives that work for you! Let us know how it goes as you incorporate them into your choices about dressing and shopping this year.

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    notsaf, so glad you see what I see with TorontoGirl! 

    This is the problem with Kibbe- we are not good judges of ourselves and the celebrity examples are often confusing also. Thanks for the links, though -- helpful! 

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    Oh thanks!! I thought I was but was told I wasn't by virtue of my small size ... I should have just asked you guys in the first place :D

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Ok, maybe you could be a gamine (the pure type) but honestly, there is a huge dose of classic in you. And that's that. Said me. The total non-expert. :) 

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    PS - back to Column - those are beautiful outfits! Definitely classic with a romantic touch, and very modern shoes!

  • notsaf replied 4 years ago

    Haha, I'm so glad we're all on the same page!

    I agree with what Suz just said: not having seen you in person, TG, it's hard to say, but I would bet a lot that you on one side or the other of classic -- maybe a little gamine, maybe a little dramatic depending on your stature but especially on your proportions.

    In general, I've found it helpful to frame these things in terms of how others perceive us, rather than how we perceive ourselves. I *adore* the gamine style, but that's actually not me: if anything, people perceive me as taller than I am (though I'm really quite average at 5'5"), which is the opposite of gamine. Still, I look great in cropped styles and am not at all angular, so (probably) on the soft end classic.

    If you're interested, this is (a rather long!) video that I found helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLIuYHLzZpM.  

  • notsaf replied 4 years ago

    Sorry this link is the one I meant to post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt4Xd6pL9vE

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    Thank you!

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    I did the self-test you linked to, notsaf, which is a much simplified version of the others I've done, and for the first time ever, I think it was accurate!! 

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    Ok, I did it too - I came up classic, albeit right at the edge of classic; I guess the next closest was soft gamine, so notsaf and Suz, you were right according to that test (assuming I self-evaluated reasonably)!

    The only think that doesn't fit from a Kibbe perspective is the contrast - as I have/can wear a reasonably high contrast; whereas, the guidelines seem to indicate classics are low contrast - but I've done enough systems to know that there's never a perfect fit. Plus, I like classic style so let's be real, that's what I'm going to wear anyhow ha! :D

    Sorry Suz to derail your thread, but thank you both for your help; these things draw me in like a moth to a flame :D

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Not a derail at all! I hope it will prove useful to others, and besides, I feel vindicated. 

    I think the contrast thing is probably much more about personal colouring which the Kibbe system isn't really geared towards...

  • SarahD8 replied 4 years ago

    Huh. I have to say I am generally quite skeptical of these typing systems but I just took the quiz, and my score is closest to Flamboyant Gamine, which...fits?

    One point I'm slightly confused on, though -- a style moniker is different from a Kibbe (or other) type, right? It's a bit confusing because some people's style moniker's include words (especially "Classic") that also appear in Kibbe's system. But other people's style monikers don't include those words at all. (So does "Classic" as part of a style moniker necessarily mean "Classic" in a Kibbe sense? Maybe I'm overcomplicating things.)

    That said, I can see how my own "Girl on the Moors" moniker is consistent with a Flamboyant Gamine type (which I sort of read, in a tongue in cheek way, as indicating "delicate, but weirdy." It me.)

  • Runcarla replied 4 years ago

    Hah! More Hijacking! I did the test and got Flamboyant Gamine. One more point and I would be in the Dramatic Classic category. Sounds about right for my moniker ‘Happy Tomboy’. I always related to Gamine, but thought I was too ‘big’ at 5ft 7in. Though my torso is not delicate, my limbs and facial features are fine boned.

    @notsaf - maybe post your link to the Kibbe quiz as a new thread, and we can have some pre-holiday quiz fun?

  • notsaf replied 4 years ago

    Carla, I'm not sure I'm qualified to moderate such a thread, but if you'd like to repost, please do. (Fwiw, I always took you as a natural...)

    Sarah, it's true many of these moniker labels could have applications in one system or another, but as I said to  Column above, I think what really matters is if and how they're useful to you!

  • replied 4 years ago

    Yup, I'm still TR (122). Shocks no one :)
    As far as coloring, I read that dark hair reads as mature, as (caucasian) hair gets darker with age. So I'd think that would push someone more in the direction of D,R, or C (the more formal types) if it's on the line.

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    I will start a new thread - hope that's okay - was thinking of doing so.Will link it here once it's up :)

    ETA: 

    https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....st-2084273

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