No More Style Quizzes, Please
Stop pigeonholing yourself by naming that which doesn't have to be named!!!!
I distinctly remember taking "What's Your Style?" quizzes, often multiple times, as I was usually unhappy with the results the first time. The real issue, I think, wasn't that I was trying to game the quiz, but that labeling your style when you're supposed to develop and experiment stifles your creativity (especially at ten or whatever young age).
Now that I've been thinking and working with style—my own and others—for a while, I think labeling your style with a "type," as if it's a kind of fruit or variant of cheese, actually makes it harder to get dressed. It limits you rather than helping you focus on what you like. And as I've mentioned before, how you feel about what you wear is all that matters!
That's why I introduced the Silhouette System™. It's not about confining you to a specific aesthetic but guiding you through the vast world of styling possibilities. You're encouraged to explore and switch between the three Silhouettes—I do it myself! Identifying the one that resonates with you the most is simply a tool for those moments when you need a little inspiration.
Now, if you do have a specific, definite style (or one that you think can be categorized), that's perfectly fine! But remember, adapting and evolving that style category over time is a valuable skill. If you pigeonhole yourself into a single category, you might find yourself shopping within that narrow theme. And as your preferences naturally shift, you could end up feeling restricted and unsatisfied with your wardrobe choices.
Thank you to my friend Victoria for coincidentally sending this to me. Who else is planning to see Avril Lavigne in concert other than us?
In Thursday's Therapy Walk and last Sunday's discussion of denim shorts, I went through some warm-weather staples that are worth buying because you can adapt them even as your style changes. They can help you experiment. They are like the soil of a forever-growing and changing plant! Here is a visual representation of some key pieces I’ve referenced in The Corner Booth (plus a few others):
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1deee4b5-cc7b-4453-98eb-ee792564986c_5626x2326.jpeg)
Someone like Chloë Sevigny — whose style I love — uses many of these elements often, even though her style ranges and changes "thematically." She frequently veers toward Palm Silhouette, but that doesn't stop her from consistently experimenting with all three of the Silhouettes. Denim shorts ("core" item) paired with a preppy sweater vest ("stylized" item) or a cardigan ("core" item) paired with a dramatic short fur jacket ("stylized" item) shows both her use of the Contradistinction Technique and her range of style.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d9e6e03-c774-47b9-9741-15f8ac659efd_2481x2326.jpeg)
Tracy Ellis Ross demonstrates a similar range and willingness to experiment. She does an incredible job of never dressing predictably. She bounces between Cypress and Evergreen Silhouette, layers incredibly, and expertly shifts between sneakers and stilettos.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0766da57-3be7-401a-95df-5eb3c51c4dab_2481x2326.jpeg)
A quick note on sunglasses!
Because there are many in Chloë’s and Tracy’s looks, I think now is an excellent time to declare my love for sunglasses.
Sunglasses are my favorite accessory, and that has been the case throughout my entire adult life. It is probably something I will explore more here, but there are a couple of reasons: one is more emotional, the other more style-based. Emotionally, sunglasses feel like protection from the world. They make me feel mysterious and less vulnerable, the way masks did during the pandemic or how I imagine a hat feels for hat-wearing folks. In terms of style, the sunglasses you choose can completely change the look of an outfit. If you replace a classic Wayfarer with an elaborate Cat-Eye, the vibe of your outfit will completely change.
I like to use the Contradistinction Technique with sunglasses, too. If I wear something feminine with ruffles and volume, I want to contrast it with a classic sleek pair of sunglasses, like Wayfarer (below).
If I wear a clean and classic outfit — maybe a vest with shorts — I like to add some flair using a more dramatic pair of sunglasses, like a Cat-Eye or ones in a fun color.
Here are some great options that will dramatically impact the vibe of your outfit in the shape of Wayfarer/Rectangle, Oval, and Cat-Eye:
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbaa939f0-1c46-40fb-82d7-4db05e8b1456_3969x2877.jpeg)
I personally feel my best in those weeks when I dress like multiple versions of myself.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc5a4eeb9-4e9d-4bd4-bac8-a26f654ef231_2481x2326.jpeg)
And that’s it for today! It’s going to hit 80 this week in NYC with — *gasp* — sun! So grab your sunglasses and wear whatever version of yourself you feel like.
xo
Eliz