Is there a list of words somewhere because there are a lot of words 😂 to choose from otherwise. I’m looking forward to Part 4 because I think that’ll help me define my style. I love preppy/sporty clothes that lean masculine (straight horizontal?) but I have a more feminine body type/curvy which often dictates how clothes fit me.
I'm also wondering the same thing. Similar to Allison Bornstein's word chart (that are visual/descriptor words) but instead contain the mindset words that Asta recommends. Anyone have a resource?
So interesting! Just catching up on the whole series now. For my style words:
Sophisticated = mostly vertical, some horizontal
Adventurous = diagonal, occasionally curves
Energetic = diagonal
Scrolling through my Indyx I’m noticing that sometimes when an outfit “doesn’t work” for me despite making sense on paper that it may be missing that diagonal element that drives two of my words!
No wonder my chartreuse nylon crossbody bag is such game-changer—color, texture and lines that all reflect adventure and energy, when many of the colors and textures of my wardrobe currently lean sophisticated (linen, button-ups, black, navy, white, taupe, sage, dusty purple…). And that when I wear puffy/ruffly things, I go with so much drama they read more as shapes/diagonal but do have that playful element rather than reading as soft/feminine.
Now I’m thinking about other ways to bring in diagonals (without going full Euphoria)! Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
This is such a great read of your words . You’re totally right, when diagonals drive two out of three words, missing them will always leave an outfit feeling a little flat. And I love that you noticed how your crossbody bag adds instant diagonals and texture/color energy. Other ways to sneak in diagonals without going maximalist: asymmetrical hems, wrap details, ruching, or even diagonal seams/stitching. Also styling like tying a shirt in the back or tucking it in only in the back so the front opens up to a 'v'. The scarf tying on your waist substack thingie is also another one to bring in diagonals.
It all gets so nuanced and interesting! I LOVE an asymmetrical hem, zipper wrap or pleat. But ruching can read too girly (not sophisticated, too feminine) and at odds with my athletic body type. Meanwhile, I love a shirt styled interestingly but a scarf around the waist feels a little too feminine (perhaps leaning too far into my hourglass shape) and maybe, at least with a silk scarf doubles down on the “sophisticated” element too much, to the point of feeling matronly on me. All of these different valences are constantly at play! Makes it amazing we ever DO like what we’re wearing 😆 and explains the need for my large wardrobe lol.
Yes it is absolutely nuanced. And you’re right that diagonal shape can be created by a tucked shirt even. All of these elements come together to shape our preferences.
Omg love this mix and SO YOU! Badass/Artsy/Joyful is such a vibe! And your line reads are spot on: horizontals for power, diagonals for energy, texture/movement for joy. Chef’s kiss.
Love this concept so much and have been going back to read the whole series. I’m currently thinking playful, relaxed and warm but might need to sub modern in for warm? Also I’m having a tough time understanding how the horizontals translate into clothes apart from the obvious stripes
Great question. Horizontal typically manifests as space. Oversized garments mostly. The other very different way is when it intersects with vertical shapes to make a commanding look more classic. Like look at Kate Middleton's outfits. They are very vertical but with lots of horizontal lines. That classic nature brings warmth (via grounding) to silhouettes.
This makes so much sense! Super excited to read part 4 since I went down a Kibbe rabbit hole and am a soft classic, but don’t resonate w feminine or romantic at all.
My words are still a work in progress but right now I’d put them as
Elegant - similar to classic w vertical and horizontal but probably lean more vertical
Comfy - drape/curve and some horizontal
Unique - diagonal, sculptural
Appreciate your thoughtful articulation of these concepts- it’s helping me be better at understanding why I like or don’t like things. The video was super helpful as well - I have the opposite problem - narrow shoulders so if I have anything that tries to broaden them it looks goofy and I’m curvy but drawn to straight silhouettes so I need subtle drape/curve to pull them off. For years I didn’t understand why regular t shirts looked basic on me but baby tees looked so put together. Now I know!
This is such a great articulation. I love how you’re already mapping your words to lines. Elegant leaning vertical with some horizontals, Comfy bringing in curves/horizontals, and Unique adding diagonals is such a nuanced mix. And yes, the narrow shoulders + curvy frame explains exactly why straight silhouettes feel best with a touch of curve. That baby tee vs. regular tee example is perfect, it's the opposite with me like you saw, totally checks out.
Fascinating. My style words are casual, confident & eclectic. I just went through my favorite outfit photos and I can see how the lines translate into my words: strong vertical shape (long skirts or dresses, open dusters or cardigans) for “confident”; drapey curved diagonals bring “casual” (wrap skirts, scarf around waist, skirts with draped geometry, waist definition); diagonals for “eclectic” (lapels & v-necks, draped stripes, pointy jewelry). I did not expect to see all of this!
Ahhh I love this so much. You mapped your words to lines beautifully and yes, once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Vertical for Confident, drapey diagonals for Casual, sharper diagonals for Eclectic, it’s all there. Such a good “aha” moment.
You’ve literally changed my whole styling life with this process! I have just realised why im hating all of my shorts i own because they are all horizontal lined and I much prefer vertical lined shorts (and any bottoms for that matter!).
Since having my baby my waist has changed so much and this is such a fun unshaming way of approaching my style postpartum, THANK YOU!
This is just a continuation of the brilliance and I do find that as much as I love color I think I am actually more driven by the silhouette of an outfit. I do not have three words but now I can revisit that idea with your suggestions in mind: how I want to feel and the lines I prefer. I might need some help with this. Also: can you be my life coach 😍
My words are very much a work in progress at the moment, and not sure if they translate into the lines I'm wearing. Right now I'm trying out structured, comfortable and chic as words, but it might change. I'm definitely seeing a lot of vertical lines and a few diagonals (v-necks and open button-ups), but possible also some horizontal and very restrained curves (the bottom of a vest or shirt). Might be a little confused in general 😂
Is there a list of words somewhere because there are a lot of words 😂 to choose from otherwise. I’m looking forward to Part 4 because I think that’ll help me define my style. I love preppy/sporty clothes that lean masculine (straight horizontal?) but I have a more feminine body type/curvy which often dictates how clothes fit me.
Great idea! Added a list at the bottom of this post: https://fithappens.substack.com/p/why-the-3-word-method-failed-me-and
Thanks!
I'm also wondering the same thing. Similar to Allison Bornstein's word chart (that are visual/descriptor words) but instead contain the mindset words that Asta recommends. Anyone have a resource?
Added a bunch of words here: https://fithappens.substack.com/p/why-the-3-word-method-failed-me-and
Thank you!!
So interesting! Just catching up on the whole series now. For my style words:
Sophisticated = mostly vertical, some horizontal
Adventurous = diagonal, occasionally curves
Energetic = diagonal
Scrolling through my Indyx I’m noticing that sometimes when an outfit “doesn’t work” for me despite making sense on paper that it may be missing that diagonal element that drives two of my words!
No wonder my chartreuse nylon crossbody bag is such game-changer—color, texture and lines that all reflect adventure and energy, when many of the colors and textures of my wardrobe currently lean sophisticated (linen, button-ups, black, navy, white, taupe, sage, dusty purple…). And that when I wear puffy/ruffly things, I go with so much drama they read more as shapes/diagonal but do have that playful element rather than reading as soft/feminine.
Now I’m thinking about other ways to bring in diagonals (without going full Euphoria)! Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
This is such a great read of your words . You’re totally right, when diagonals drive two out of three words, missing them will always leave an outfit feeling a little flat. And I love that you noticed how your crossbody bag adds instant diagonals and texture/color energy. Other ways to sneak in diagonals without going maximalist: asymmetrical hems, wrap details, ruching, or even diagonal seams/stitching. Also styling like tying a shirt in the back or tucking it in only in the back so the front opens up to a 'v'. The scarf tying on your waist substack thingie is also another one to bring in diagonals.
It all gets so nuanced and interesting! I LOVE an asymmetrical hem, zipper wrap or pleat. But ruching can read too girly (not sophisticated, too feminine) and at odds with my athletic body type. Meanwhile, I love a shirt styled interestingly but a scarf around the waist feels a little too feminine (perhaps leaning too far into my hourglass shape) and maybe, at least with a silk scarf doubles down on the “sophisticated” element too much, to the point of feeling matronly on me. All of these different valences are constantly at play! Makes it amazing we ever DO like what we’re wearing 😆 and explains the need for my large wardrobe lol.
Yes it is absolutely nuanced. And you’re right that diagonal shape can be created by a tucked shirt even. All of these elements come together to shape our preferences.
Very, very curious to try this out on a recent “dud” outfit. Brilliant as always, my friend!!
Ooh, this is such a fun game, Asta!💕
Let’s see:
Badass (confident/powerful): horizontal lines. I like these in a strong horizontal shoulder and a defined waist.
Artsy: definitely diagonals and asymmetrical aspects! Although I do see some vertical lines, these veer into angles on my body.
Joyful: details like draping, movement and texture, again, lots of diagonal lines.
I loved reading the comments, you really do get all of this on a deep level!💕
Omg love this mix and SO YOU! Badass/Artsy/Joyful is such a vibe! And your line reads are spot on: horizontals for power, diagonals for energy, texture/movement for joy. Chef’s kiss.
Love this concept so much and have been going back to read the whole series. I’m currently thinking playful, relaxed and warm but might need to sub modern in for warm? Also I’m having a tough time understanding how the horizontals translate into clothes apart from the obvious stripes
Great question. Horizontal typically manifests as space. Oversized garments mostly. The other very different way is when it intersects with vertical shapes to make a commanding look more classic. Like look at Kate Middleton's outfits. They are very vertical but with lots of horizontal lines. That classic nature brings warmth (via grounding) to silhouettes.
You’re a genius 🙌
Aw thank you so much!
This makes so much sense! Super excited to read part 4 since I went down a Kibbe rabbit hole and am a soft classic, but don’t resonate w feminine or romantic at all.
My words are still a work in progress but right now I’d put them as
Elegant - similar to classic w vertical and horizontal but probably lean more vertical
Comfy - drape/curve and some horizontal
Unique - diagonal, sculptural
Appreciate your thoughtful articulation of these concepts- it’s helping me be better at understanding why I like or don’t like things. The video was super helpful as well - I have the opposite problem - narrow shoulders so if I have anything that tries to broaden them it looks goofy and I’m curvy but drawn to straight silhouettes so I need subtle drape/curve to pull them off. For years I didn’t understand why regular t shirts looked basic on me but baby tees looked so put together. Now I know!
This is such a great articulation. I love how you’re already mapping your words to lines. Elegant leaning vertical with some horizontals, Comfy bringing in curves/horizontals, and Unique adding diagonals is such a nuanced mix. And yes, the narrow shoulders + curvy frame explains exactly why straight silhouettes feel best with a touch of curve. That baby tee vs. regular tee example is perfect, it's the opposite with me like you saw, totally checks out.
Fascinating. My style words are casual, confident & eclectic. I just went through my favorite outfit photos and I can see how the lines translate into my words: strong vertical shape (long skirts or dresses, open dusters or cardigans) for “confident”; drapey curved diagonals bring “casual” (wrap skirts, scarf around waist, skirts with draped geometry, waist definition); diagonals for “eclectic” (lapels & v-necks, draped stripes, pointy jewelry). I did not expect to see all of this!
Ahhh I love this so much. You mapped your words to lines beautifully and yes, once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Vertical for Confident, drapey diagonals for Casual, sharper diagonals for Eclectic, it’s all there. Such a good “aha” moment.
Excellent piece! Clear and concise without judgement or annoying and arbitrary rules…good work. More, please!
Thank you so much, Rebecca <3
You’ve literally changed my whole styling life with this process! I have just realised why im hating all of my shorts i own because they are all horizontal lined and I much prefer vertical lined shorts (and any bottoms for that matter!).
Since having my baby my waist has changed so much and this is such a fun unshaming way of approaching my style postpartum, THANK YOU!
OMG thank you so much for the feedback! I am so so glad this resonated.
This is just a continuation of the brilliance and I do find that as much as I love color I think I am actually more driven by the silhouette of an outfit. I do not have three words but now I can revisit that idea with your suggestions in mind: how I want to feel and the lines I prefer. I might need some help with this. Also: can you be my life coach 😍
OMG you are too kind! Thank you thank you
Nope, she taken already! She's mine.😉😀
Haha ily Rebecca
Hey!
Very interesting!
My style words:
Self-assured = mainly vertical lines paired with Some horizontal for balance
Energetic = (sharp) diagonals
Creative = diagonals and polished curves.
Yes this is perfect mapping!
Perfection all the way through! ✨
Playful: diagonals and/or subtle curve
Refined: cleaner lines and shapes
Funky: diagonals, but weird(?)
Idk if I mapped Funky correctly but it's definitely the word I lean on for the element of tension that I always seek.
Yes yes yes this is amazing!
My words are very much a work in progress at the moment, and not sure if they translate into the lines I'm wearing. Right now I'm trying out structured, comfortable and chic as words, but it might change. I'm definitely seeing a lot of vertical lines and a few diagonals (v-necks and open button-ups), but possible also some horizontal and very restrained curves (the bottom of a vest or shirt). Might be a little confused in general 😂
This is such a solid start. I just saw your post now let me go read that comment over there.
mind. blown.
🥹❤️❤️
Loving this series. It’s so nuanced but important. It’s making me see clothes in a completely new way.
I am so glad!
Why go to fashion school when I can just come to your posts!? Learning so much!
My style words are dramatic, preppy, and sporty. I’m struggling with which lines those fall under.
I wish I could post a picture in this comment section so you could see some of my looks.
Thanks for sharing your amazing photos in the chat. <3
Thank you for the feedback and being so generous on this platform!
Are you in Asta’s chat? That’s where you could post pics and ask questions.
Ha! Just saw you there.
Yes just joined :) thank you!