Tweaking my unique style over 70

54 Comments

1. How about confident rather than intelligent?

2. Hi Lin, Thank you for joining in this morning. I am looking for an adjective that says I am put together and thoughtful about what I wear. I put the word “intelligent” out there for discussion like you are doing here. My overall goal with what I wear every day is to be confident. Going out with confidence gives me courage to enjoy the people around me and to be bold in participation in this new community I now live in. So, intelligent might not be the right word, but I want the world to know that I take care and am purposeful with what I wear. Thanks again for being here.

3. Yes, intelligent is a given. How about confident and colorful?

4. Thanks, Mary…my style adjective of “creative” I believe colors colorful…there are days I am more muted with my color…confidence is always the goal of how I go out each day and perhaps it should be one of the words. But I look at my style adjectives as addition…
   Each one adds up to the answer of confidence. Thanks so much…I am open to switching the word intelligent to something else.

5. I had a nice comment typed in, but then I did something that wiped it out… a summary, maybe change creative to joyful. (there’s a lot of creativity within joy imo) Maybe do Boho “light” . I do not like the flow-y-ness of boho, but do like cowboy boots, t shirts with skirts cardigans, and jackets, stacked bracelets . Can’t wait to see your tweaks and Happy New Year!

6. Thanks Kim! Perhaps joyful is a good way to say creative and artistic…I will consider this.

7. I so love these kinds of conversations! I love to analyze. The word “intelligent” doesn’t seem quite right. Would “purposeful” or “deliberate” or “intentional” or “smart” or “practical” be what your are going after? I really appreciate how you are noticing your community and recognizing that a “tweak” is in order.
   And I know you aren’t full on crazy boho, but with your long hair and love of creative things it seems like, in this town anyway, you need to lean into that a bit more. What about “artisan/artisanal”? You wear many “one of a kind” things even more now with the boutique you shop at. At 72 and in a smaller community, I wonder if you could feel yourself and at the same time embrace your boho side with jeans (to stay casual) and a very artisanal top/jewelry? But do that in an “intelligent/smart” way?

8. This is how I see what you have on in your pictures today. I would not write this if you had not asked for input but here goes. The first outfit is Intelligent, casual, and approachable but not creative or current enough for you but perhaps it is perfect for your new community both on line and in Abilene. The second outfit is all of your adjectives, intelligent, casual, creative, approachable and current. It would suit multiple occasions and work even on the baseball fields except perhaps with a simpler necklace. The third outfit I see as missing the casual adjective and leans more business because of the blouse. If the print had been on a T-shirt it would have hit all the adjectives. I do like the confident adjective that Lin suggested. Happy New Year to all.

9. Hi Julie…great comment…you guys are giving me much to consider here. I knew that would be the case!

10. Thanks for joining in, Linda. I explained in the post what I thought about each of these and even agreed with you on the blazer and tee idea. My goal is to hit those adjectives with whatever I wear each day and let this new community know who I am in a confident way.

11. Hi Pamela,
    I feel that “intelligent” reads slightly boastful, which is certainly not you. But “thoughtful “ imparts a similar meaning with a warmer touch. I’m working on my own adjectives too, and thinking hard about this!

12. So … this could not be more timely. For my upcoming color and style analysis, I have been given homework, which is to pick style adjectives. I’ve been on a huge rethink, because I’d really like to get this right. And for me, my polished and active were not working. Active took me closer to athleisure, a look I like but isn’t defining for me, and polished took me where you landed and don’t want to be. While I know this is a controversial comment in this community, speaking for myself only, when I am clearly overdressed (polished), I feel a little dated, out of touch. My casual will always be accessorized, mostly with artisan pieces. I like good silhouettes and fabrics, and would say I’m sort of California style. So I’m thinking: casual, engaged, interesting, vibrant, natural. I’m not convinced on natural, and considered luxe, but that feels like polished. As for you, I completely agree on your pivot and completely agree the polished is just too … maybe strong and bossy as an adjective for you? I have never seen you as bohemian. I see you as finding something striking and being a little fearless with it, but you are too polished (that word again!) for bohemian, and your style is not as feminine as that iteration. I also think that when you wear a piece someone might call bohemian, you wear it as the only piece, or as a couple of pieces. You let it be the star, rather than the type. Fearless or striking would be some words I would consider for you. Intelligent works for you also, for the reasons you stated.

13. Oh my….I do like “thoughtful”. Thank you for adding to my consideration. Of course, I hope today helps all of us looking at tweaking our style! Thanks Sharon.

14. I think this is a time for many of us to be going through a style re-assessment….the big question for many of us is how to we say casual in a way that is not sloppy or uninspired? My adjectives have always been designed to balance each other out…I was never a solid classic or a bohemian, so I needed a formula that defined me better. Now, I am seeking to hang up “polished” and be more casual with fun and purpose. I agree that now I am going to lean more boho, but seeking a way to keep it under control. This is such a good conversation…thanks Linda.

15. Hmm. If my memory serves correctly, I remember there being a discussion amongst us ladies that more or less concluded: the end-goal of whatever adjectives we employ to guide us should be that we then step out in Confidence. I don’t think it can be part of the five if it is the result of a well-curated five.

    As someone who lives in a small town (25,000 & counting!), and has lived previously in Portland and Seattle, I get the difference. For me, the Classic and Polished remains at the core, big city, small town, no difference, because that describes the forever Me. I do that, though, with maybe a pair of corduroy pants and a shortie boot, a pretty but simple blouse and structured cardigan. In the city I’d have had a skirt and tights rather than the pants. And my pearl necklace! Here, just simple gold hoops. So, like you say, I tweaked it, but to still achieve what feels authentically like myself.

16. I completely agree that CONFIDENCE is the ultimate goal…the adjectives add up to that. Thanks for sharing how you remain true to you in a smaller town, Connie.

17. I understand your position. I’ve reevaluated my style goals in the past few years as well. I’m now 70. I tend to love the dressier styles over ultra casual, but that doesn’t really fit my lifestyle at this age and stage of life. I can’t feel comfortable in a plain tee and jeans to go out unless part of the outfit seems elevated in some way. Be that a graphic tee with sandals or shoes that bookend the look, a scarf as a belt, a blazer with jeans, etc. I also love wearing a dressier blouse (something silky or with special details) with jeans and flats. The dressiest I get now is for church where I add a blazer to slacks and a blouse.

    One of the other bloggers I follow uses the term “elevated casual” to describe that look. She wears basics, but very nice basics. Since I’ve adapted that term to my style, I’ve had more compliments than ever on my style. I think maybe that’s the look you seem to be looking for too. We can still look more “relaxed” but represent ourselves well to the world.

    I love your blog. It’s like hearing from a good friend every day.

18. Thank you, Cindy and I love that you are here…the terms elevated casual and casual chic are not specific enough for me. Those terms might leave me where I have been…I hope you understand that…the reason for my five adjectives is to better define me in a unique way. I agree that elevated casual is exactly where I want to be…I just want to elevate it leaning more creative than classic and perhaps a bit more relaXed. When I was in my professional world, casual Friday was when I wore elevated casual. So, I want it to be a bit more fun and lean to my colorful, creative bent. I hope I am making sense.

19. I still like the word polished because to me it means not to be sloppy. I feel I can just get sloppy and lazy with my casual dress. I live in a small resort town which is definitely casual. It’s also a town with many artists so they are very creative. But these women all look very nice when I see them out. So in a casual small town we can be polished and not overdressed. Also these women wear the nicest accessories. Jeans and a t shirt everyday would be boring.

20. Hi Pam,
    We all have a unique way of dressing. You suit presenting yourself in a polished, but joyful colorful way sometimes with an artistic flare. I agree with the person that said, “you always look nice.” That is such a nice compliment. Dress who and what you are.
    Leaving you with and your Mr. B …
    A very Happy New Year and may each day be worth celebrating.

21. Your ladies sound very much like the ladies here, Paula. They look very nice with their casual and also many are exceptionally creative, They have inspired me to do some tweaking. I still associate the word polished with more classic style…I am not sure why that is…but I agree that I do not want to look sloppy or just thrown together…my choices should be purposeful and speak the new adjectives that I decide on. Thanks for sharing about your observations in your community,

22. Yes, that is the purpose here…is to be me and not try to be someone else…I am just tweaking to be a more casual relaxed me with style! Thanks Katherine.

23. I like “intentional” rather than “intelligent “. It speaks to deliberately choosing what to wear rather than just “throwing on” a couple of items.

24. I do like intentional because I want to look like I care and am intentional about what I wear…thanks Lisa.

25. I think “polished” works across all manners of getting dressed: super casual to clean out the garage, casual to run errands, meeting of volunteers, church, work, etc. To me, polished means still getting the fit, colors, accessories, etc. pulled together so one does not look sloppy. For cleaning out the garage: an old tee shirt, no tears, in your own colors, with earrings and a baseball cap–polished! Meeting: an outfit in one’s colors with accessories, a third topper piece, “done” hair and make up, etc. Polished always works, IMHO, and does not mean business-like or over-dressed.

26. I think you should keep the adjective joyful over casual. All of your looks show the world that you feel joyful; and you spark joy in others, from your family to people you meet out and about, to your readers from afar.

27. Thanks Susan…it does help to have other perspectives!

28. Thank you Mary Jo…joyful is an important word to me.

29. My initial thought was to suggest that you replace intelligent with joyful, but after reading the other comments, I agree that intentional might be a better alternative.

30. Thanks Elaine…I have so much thinking to do..this has been an excellent conversation thread.

31. Joyful and confident seem to describe you as I have read your blog for quite a while. Anyone who sees you or reads your writings know you are intelligent. Take care of yourself and Happy New Year! God bless.

32. Pam, your own replies today use the word Fun. Consider Fun among your adjectives! Fun describes you – whether at home, out about town exploring interesting shops, at nonstop family events, curating blogs, or engaging with groups as a professional. I agree with others here to nix Intelligent and to retire Polished. We’re blessed with this group’s input that encourages our evolving adjectives.

33. Wishing you a most Happy New Year! Love your blog! Snow heading here so must cut this short! Love….

34. Thanks so much Kathye…I so appreciate the assistance and happy that you are here.

35. It is a blessing to have the assistance of all of these amazing women. Thanks for helping Char and for continuing to be here.

36. Stay warm, Paulette! Be safe with your white New Year’s.

37. I like this conversation. Seems like so many of us want to show others on first impression: I’m likable, with it, and fun. With friendly, approachable, and smart enough to dress appropriately also important.
    What are the words for all this?

38. It has been great and we should keep it going..some of my favorite style words are to look friendly, approachable and smart…these are words in consideration as I put together a style recipe that speaks ME. Let us know anything else that comes to mind, Connie.

39. I think all of us need to tweak our adjectives as our life changes. Whether it’s retirement, moving to a new community or as is the case with me, becoming widowed or some other life changing event. Style & life are not static & shouldn’t be.
    Like many of the other ladies, I don’t think intelligent is the right adjective. While you certainly are intelligent, I think intentional might be a better style adjective. Intelligent makes me think professorial, but intentional says I give thought to how I dress & how I live my life.

40. Thanks Becky…I completely agree that life delivers moments when tweaking is called for. Thank you for sharing.

41. I’m in agreement with so many of the readers about polished and intelligent. Joyful is what I see in all of your pictures. You are so happy to be alive and where you are in life. That is what you project in you photos. The end result is confidence in how you present your real self to the world. Happy New Year!

42. Thank you, Sydney! Seeing myself through the eyes of all of you has been so helpful today. Happy New Year!

43. Such an interesting conversation. There adjectives are very personal. Semantics play a big part in how we think of then as they apply to ourselves. “Casual” to someone may mean sweatpants, or it might mean athleisure but for me it means I’m wearing dark wash jeans and a nice plain sweater, loafers and simple jewelry. We also seem to have different ideas of how we think of polished. I think reevaluating our adjectives at least once a year is a good idea.

44. Oh, my gosh, when I first read this at 7 am, only Lin had responded. Now at almost 3pm with all this wonderful discussion, my head is spinning! I will definitely be rereading this post and jotting ideas. I thought about how I am in the middle of reassessing my own style words (during below freezing weather in a deserted beach town, not the best time). What popped into my mind to replace your word ‘intelligent’ ( I have that word, too, and it doesn’t quite work now) were the words ‘organized’, ‘thoughtful’, or ‘intentional’. I have seen thoughtful and intentional put forward. I am going to pull from one of those three. How about ‘organic’ rather than ‘artisan’? I need to pinpoint the difference. I love artisan jewelry and have a penchant for The Game of Thrones style, which to my eye is more organic. You do fun so well with prints, plaid, boho, etc., but I must say since you are discussing your style, I loved you in the calm, more quiet teal outfit a week or so ago; you can definitely do both. Refined with a spark? That is not to say that I don’t like you in what LindaLM called a star piece. I call them a ‘wild card’ and have been drawn lately to some clothing pieces by Poetry. I haven’t bought any yet. Just pulling pictures from their catalogue and contemplating how a 73 year old can tweak them for an appropriate style in my life as it is now. You wear your star pieces well and we see what joy they bring to you. All your roads lead to joy, strength, confidence, and intelligence. It doesn’t have to be stated as a word. It shines through you. I think this conversation has helped me settle on four new words. One that keeps popping in my mind lately and is highlighted on my personal list that I am working on is ‘sharp’. My dad was the epitome of a sharp dresser. The intelligence and analytical minds here are incredible. When are we all going to meet?
    I never responded to your query about what we wanted to see on the blog. I was going to email you. These conversations regarding style or color are at the top of my list.
    PS. I just cut my response in half! I hope this conversation can continue and bloom.

45. It is interesting…isn’t it? And the conversation has been so helpful to me. Thanks for joining in, Kathie!

46. I also hope it continues and blooms! I have enjoyed this so much…a great way to close the year. I laughed because I always save the Poetry catalog…I have never purchased but love the styles. Thanks for your observations, Deborah!

47. Hi to all! Wow, I’m late in commenting, but all these comments are interesting, worthwhile and thought-provoking. I agree mostly with Paula and Susan. Polished is a good word. and we need to see more of that in the world. Polished does not have to mean old-fashioned, out of date, etc. I like the word FUN, too. It adds a spark. Polished exudes confidence. Confident is a good term. Just my thoughts for today. Happy new year!

48. Thanks for your thoughts, Marcia! So glad you joined in!

49. I do not understand the word intelligent as applied to personal style. Maybe the word “ Purposeful” ? Just my thought. Anyway thanks for taking us along in your evolving style journey. We learn a lot.

50. I have learned a lot too! I just threw out intelligent as a possible word to replace polished. But I am now leaning towards intentional. Thanks Penelope!

51. Whats the opposite of “intelligent”? The word “stupid” doesn’t describe or define style in any way and imho, ergo neither does the word “intelligent” ?!?!!
    Please don’t get defensive, just pointing out why many may be having a bit of a problem with the word “intelligent” regarding one’s style objectives.

    Peace out,
    Chris in So Cal

52. Nice to see you, Chris. Read the post. Read the comments. Then you will see why the word intelligent was introduced and what it became. Happy New Year!

53. Happy New Year my friend!!
    I think “intentional” describes your style beautifully. It’s polished but not stuffy or dressy.
    You’re always so beautifully turned out and intentionally styled. You know what you’re doing and nothing is tossed on without intention.
    Xox

54. Happy New Year, Jennifer! I feel like intentional will be one of my adjectives. So great to hear from you!