If I asked you to describe your style, could you do it?

[BIWI]

Full disclosure: I'm a market researcher, and currently doing some research for one of the Big 4 supermarkets on their clothing. One of our clients has asserted that it's difficult/impossible for people to describe their own style, and that only other people could do this about you.

I wondered about this. Personally I'm really not into fashion, so it's hard for me to describe my 'style' other than scruffy, but then I was wondering if this confirmed her statement!

I'm not looking for answers to my research (because I actually haven't told you what it's really about ), but wanted to see what you fashionistas thought to this claim.

Mine is sort of rock chick, crossed with slightly more grown up emo, crossed with Minnie Mouse crossed with Jack Skellington.

Damn that sounds like me.

Rock
Retro
Eclectic

I'm influenced by Tokyo fashions, rock/indie and Mid-late century kitsch. I'm small but I like patterns, I have no hold with this idea that certain shapes/colours 'improve' you - in my experience if they're adjusted to fit then most things can suit most people - and that the 'corrections' merely mean 'make you look like a non threatening hourglass template'. If in 20 years time the fashion is for top/bottom heavy then the rules will change.

I adjust things for work.

White company and most Boden makes me do a little sicky in my mouth but that's more for the connotations than anything else (I lived in a very uptight suburb in Guildford for a while and used to get such gems as 'why don't you dress like someone with a degree?' from folk on our street, without irony.

Sqiz - I've realised I'd probably need to add a bit of awkward geek librarian into the mix too, and a smidge of deranged bag lady for good measure.

I don't know if I could describe my style. I like the smart, classic look but I also like to keep up with trends and wear the odd fashionable item. I love prints and bright colours.

at 'deranged bag lady'

It's very hard to describe as I tend to try different things. But I would say mostly elegant, this is my style.

I am INFJ (the perfect type for mumsnet )

And my style is changeable, I aspire to classic with a quirky feminine twist (think vintage silk top & jeans or dress, heels and Tatty Devine rather than those Holloway dresses) however on a daily basis it's sporty casual mainly to fit in which correlates with my MB style. My aspirational style I save for when I go out with close friends or husband.

Interesting thread

No to:
Any trousers
Anything made after 1975 (mostly)

Yes to:
Matching shoes and bags
Matching bras and knickers
A line skirt/dresses
Collars and sleeves with fur or lace trimming
Sleeves being a fire hazard

Harassed administration worker in the Education sector.

Remus my DH once called me "an explosion in a designer and vintage I think you'll find charity shop"!

How did I almost miss such a great thread?! I wish there was some MB and personal style research - I'm INFP - neurotic basically! I hate people looking at me so I would never wear anything dramatic that stands out - that's a link surely.

My style is sort of tomboy chic / lesbian street style - skinnies, mens jumpers, shirts and tees, converse, piercings, minimal make up and accessories& usually hair up, pretty rare that I wear it down.

Forgot to say Nedstark you look great! Love the hair colour and piercings.

Still
Not
Lost
Baby
Weight

I'm extremely elegant.

Well that's not entirely true but I know I could be if only I were taller and thinner. My taste is impeccable but sadly I don't have the body or the looks or the budget to do justice to the clothes I'd like to buy, they don't come in my size so I don't bother and wear run of the mill chain store crap instead. But inside I'm elegant which is the main thing.

Squiz - Your dh and my dp sound scarily similar. Dp once told me I looked like 'a broken down toff'. I was wearing a velvet dress and DMs at the time but in my defense, it was 1992!

Liking the sound of, "My style is sort of tomboy chic / lesbian street style".

What is INFP?

Minimal it girl.

My style is very minimal - jeans, t-shirts/jumpers etc. All in black, grey, navy, blue (normally denim) white and beige. However I normally look quite cool, relaxed and slightly kooky.
I love Jeanne Damas for her style, but only when she is dressed minimally. However if she adds a block heel for instance then not so much. I don't follow trends, although I think there is a bit of a trend for minimal dressing in itself at the mo.

My favourite outfit at the moment is black jeans with a black linen top (with chunky crochet on the shoulder and sleeves) probably with some espadrilles or tan sandals.
I aim for laid back bed head hair and easygoing style, although friends describe me as immaculate and glamorous.
I love Emmanuelle Alt and the likes and Isobel Marant.

Normcore
Preppy
Either a little boy or an old woman
Androynous geek
French (weridly had this said to me alot)
Scandi (I wear alot of scandi designers)

Then full on boho when the weathers nice

My style changes alot depending on the day. Sometimes I have shirts and sweaters on with cigarette trousers and brogues. The next I have vintage levis on with an oversized sweater and high fashion sneakers.

But I like to think I have my own style and am fashionable. I get complimented alot on my clothes so I shall take this as a possitive.

Generally my styles quite simple and basic though. Think cos, &otherstories, Isabel marant and various scandi designers.

My style also changes alot depending on if I am in the city or thr country at weekends.

I used to think of my "style" as Rich Hippy but now I'm old, it's more Boho Bag Lady. I like lagenlook but not too baggy & I like the right colours, intense shades or black. I dye a lot of my clothes.
I have some rather singular (eccentric) garments, either by cut or pattern, from designers like Blue Fish or charity shop finds. That's what I choose to wear, interspersed with just jeans & tops. It depends how much I want to fade into the background on the day. I'm INFP, btw.
I also wear vair posh formal suits at work for meetings, court, etc & naice outfits at weddings & the races.

Oh love INFPs!!
I was chatting to one on line the other day. Esfjs and infps are the first out of the block to divulge their mbpt

Miffle do you sell/blog vintage at all? Your look sounds just like someone I know!

Squizita no I don't, but it sounds like something I would like, especially if they sell! Are you able to link?

Yin Classic or Soft Classic. In HoC I would probably be a classic base with some ingenue and romantic influence. This translates into pretty and elegant but not very fashion-forward clothes (think Kate Middleton or Charlotte from SATC, but anyone preppy or princessy would do). I always find things that suit me in shops that people generally think of as a bit middle aged/ boring/ frumpy. Think I am an INFP.

Depends. Often lagenlook-ish (plain/dark colours) with brighter accessories such as scarves, bags, etc. Statement necklaces.

I've been rocking a vintage look too. I'm plus size, but can get away with polka dots. I'm normally nervous of patterns! Swingy dresses, red lippy and cat eye specs are my friends.

Miffle It was the sleeve comment!
emmapeelpants.wordpress.com/ - link on the site to a shop

...and these guys, PHD in fashion history and sells some pretty specialist stuff via Etsy and Ebay - advantageinvintage.co.uk/

Oooh squizita thank you for the links - now I have yet another dress on my wishlist damn you

No, I hadn't heard of them but it's very interesting, they are definitely more expert than I am! I did sell a few items a couple of years back but through a designer clothes agency and normally I just collect things simply for me to wear, I also have some lovely stuff which I inherited. Very partial to flammable vintage nightwear too, and as I spend most of my time in bed atm, it's daywear for me

Miffle I have acres of Jean Varon and Biba lurking in my wardrobe from my 'past life' (i.e. 20s-to-early-30s before kid and promotion made me live in sensible work clothes).