As soon as you started explaining the first word I knew mine was also comfortable. I don't like looking casual - that's the opposite of what I want. Casual and comfortable don't have to be synonymous. If something isn't soft and comfortable I simply cannot wear it - and now in my thirties I'm finally at peace with that. So for me it's comfortable, refined, powerful.
Agree, but chose "soft" 🤗 Soft, edgy, authentic. (My third word isn't aspirational though, it's how I always want to feel, so I must prioritize it when getting dressed instead of not caring if what i'm presenting is true)
I've also found the 3 word method very useful. I came out with Comfortable / Edgy / Feminine Comfortable (natural fibers, length, pockets, no more pants too tight on the belly...) Edgy (black, leather, studs, DocMartens, mesh, graphic shirts..) Feminine (waist definition, fitted, deep V neck, dresses, skirts...)
These are my words too, but in the order of Comfortable/Feminine (I wanted to say feminine vintage artistic but that’s not one word) /Edgy. I also care about fabric and fit for the comfort word, as well as things that compliment my body rather than bringing out insecurities. For the feminine, I love art deco touches, vintage soft romantic colours and faded metals over shiny, with subtle girly touches like tiny wooden buttons on my tops or Peter Pan collars. Edgy is about mesh and biker boots and leather jackets and distressed denim/distressed clothes in general. I wonder if there are better words for my three. We have the same words but the execution is a bit different.
I think your hair also reflects your 3 words! It has a minimalist flavour but the length and feathering at the bottom give it a rebellious touch. It's a beautiful style and looks amazing on you.
Wow! Thank you for a really helpful and accessible video! I'm in my mid 50s and growing up with a seamstress mother (who got a degree in fashion design and worked on film costuming later in life), I was always aware of fashion, but because of my body shape I really didn't like how I looked in clothes (Mum always supported me, but I just didn't like what I saw) so after decades of unsuccessful struggling, I basically "checked out" in my 30s and gave up. Now I'm learning to sew specifically to finally make clothes I'll feel good in....and have really no idea how to start or what I want. THIS VIDEO has given me a lit candle in the dark! I'm old enough now that I really don't care what's in fashion, I just want to create my own - and this video has shown me how to start building that. THANK YOU!
Appropriate, Elegant, Confident. I put a lot of effort into thinking through the various places I go and picking correct outfits for the venue. This helps me feel confident interacting with the space. 😅
Jenn, you really smashed this out of the ball park for me. Best explanation I have seen/heard. Your do-over outfits were perfect on you. I am still working on my three words, and by rewatching this video, I feel I will grasp the concept and breakdown of it even better now. I'm a very visual person when learning, so seeing your outfits reworked was brilliant for me. I'd even love a video just on you reworking your outfits using your three words. I really like your new leather and mesh shoes, too. They really suit your style words perfectly. Thank you 🖤🩶🤍🩷
Agreed this is the first video that I’ve seen that an individual actually Says what categories the words you selected fall under (what they mean to you/how you are using them)
Before I was really diving into style, I already had a Pinterest section called "comfy, quirky and colourful". And you know what? I wanna feel colourful 🤗 Loved to see how this worked for you. It gave your outfits personality. Very detailed overview of this method.
@@Sars1-k6f Honestly, I go thrift shopping a lot. Usually there I can find some quirky pieces, sometimes by very 'normal' brands. Accessoires like earrings and colourful belts etc. are useful too, I've gotten some of Etsy, where you can search for 'quirky'. I also like 60's or 70's inspired brands like 4funkyflavours and Cissi och Selma, but believe they only sell in Europe. I think ModCloth and Miss Patina would be good equivalents. Lazy Oaf seems nice as well for less vintage inspired designs. Boden and Kate Spade sometimes seem to have fun stuff as well.
Honestly, I go thrift shopping a lot. Usually there I can find some quirky pieces, sometimes by very 'normal' brands. Accessoires like earrings and colourful belts etc. are useful too, I've gotten some of Etsy, where you can search for 'quirky'. I also like 60's or 70's inspired brands like 4funkyflavours and Cissi och Selma, but believe they only sell in Europe. I think ModCloth and Miss Patina would be a good equivalent. Lazy Oaf seems nice as well for less vintage inspired designs. Boden and Kate Spade sometimes have fun stuff as well.
Simple, refined, and soft. Never would’ve thought I would choose refined, but I need to up my game a little bit, especially around the house. Simply because it will elevate my mood when I catch myself in the mirror. Nothing drastic, maybe just some small hoop earrings. Tuck my T-shirt into my sweatpants. Wear a nice cardigan instead of a hoodie…
I had tried this method earlier but something was off. Seeing you opting for comfortable made be admit I’m Practical first and foremost. Then Current. Then Elevated. I think that using word categories, and even an order from the more functional to the more emotional, helps a lot. When you can chose from all the words in the world it’s overwhelming and in the end inefficient. Thanks Jenn, once again I’ve learned a lot 🙏🏻
Love this! My first word is also 'Practical', but then my other two are almost the opposite of yours! 'Vintage' (1930s and 1970s) and 'Effortlessly chic' (yes, I count it as one word)
i think my words are natural, curated, and authentic. the number one practical thing for my clothes is that they are made of at least 95% natural materials. aside from some plastic elements in my footwear, everything else in my wardrobe fits this. i've been working on putting together my best colours & silhouettes. i'm choosing new items very carefully, well thought out and intentional. will also be making some of my own clothes and am putting together Collections for that process. i have a lot of different vibes and feelings. sometimes i feel dainty and sometimes i feel rebellious*, but all the time i want to feel like my clothes are expressing who i am. i don't want my clothes to feel like i'm playing pretend. *not that these are mutually exclusive.
First time visitor to your channel - this was incredible! You made the strategy so accessible through your visuals, and connecting it to safety and fantasy self was immensely helpful. Thank you so much!! Off to check out your other work 😁 👋🏻 from Australia
Easy, Earthy, Cool. I often buy things that are novelty, semi-formal, fitted and those aren't my real life. I'm on the floor with my daughter and cleaning all the time. I buy bright colors then I grab the jeans, the navy blues and army green. When I'm thrifting I've used this 3 word approach especially leaning into "cool" and that's really helped me stay on track with the vibe im going for. Great way of presenting this and including your husbands approach helped understand how to use it when you're not naturally fashion forward.
Thank you for showing also the full thought process behind the outfit: it helped a lot , because I can now see with more clarity how to use it. Thank you!
The algorithm has blessed me today -- your channel is new to me and this video was just what I needed. I've been so bored with my wardrobe (and myself, honestly), and have finally started going through it to give away things I don't like or don't wear or that don't fit, and trying to put the rest together in ways that make me feel more fully my whole self. Even the small strides I've made so far are helping, but I'd stalled out and wasn't sure where to go next. Your video makes such perfect sense, I feel reenergized! Your three words are very close to mine, so that helps me too - seeing you style these outfits, I think it was less of a reach to understand and apply to myself than if mine were like, boho, maximal, and carefree (that isn't to say it'd have been hard, just that with the headspace I'm in, this was even easier). And seeing the outfits you put together and how well they worked -- I would never have thought to put that jacket and those shoes with that tee-shirt but it looks terrific and so natural! I'm encouraged to step outside my assumptions and try things I'd never have even thought to try before. Thank you! (Also liked and subscribed. ❤️) Oh, and my three words are comfortable, minimal, and confident, which for me is very like your definition of rebellious but with less of my 60 year old skin showing! 😂
Your thought process really helped me. I think my words should be comfortable, natural (I'm all about wool, linen, cotton), and confident. In my 30s and 40s I would have gone more with "classy but badass" but I think now in my 50s I just want to look confident.
Same! Surprising to find myself here, but such a great place to be! I was thinking of: 1. comfortable 3. confident 2. still a ? Thanks to you and Jenn.
So glad your video popped up in my feed! This method is super direct compared to some other style methods I’ve been looking at. I interpret it as: what I actually wear + what I’m trying to achieve + something just for me. My words are: functional, elegant (as in flowy, non-fussy, elevated), and unexpected. I like how the emotional and aspirational words take an outfit up a notch. You’re not just wearing anything anymore or dressing automatically, you’ve become intentionally and authentically styled. Your graphic tee example illustrated that very well. Love the studded purse!
Fortunately, today, options are numerous. Style was much stricter when I was in my late teens, early 20s, even my 30s. One type of jeans would be in style, one skirt length, etc. I decided at some point that I would wear what I liked and what looked good on me, whether it was “in style” or not. This was socially risky, especially when I was really young, and meant a lot of shopping had to be done at thrift stores….but I never needed any help figuring it out. It’s just something that comes with time and experimenting.
When I did my three style words it was clearly an adapted method (can't remember who I found out about it from). So while I have the words, they don't occupy specific niches (practical, aspirational, emotional). Having said that, if I think about it like that now, I can probably assign one of my words to each of these three niches. So mine would be: First word - decisive Second word - creative Third word - queer. Really enjoyed the video.
This might sound random... But honestly I do think this might work. I think the end result would look whimsical and very magical with the right accessories! :-) good luck with your style. It sounds great
This is so timely! I've been learning a lot of information for the past year and I've figured out a lot of the "technical" side (e.g. color analysis, lines and shapes that work for me, etc). I'm at the part of my journey where I'm trying to put it all together in a way that is authentic to me. I like what you said about "connecting to who we are on the inside". Another video/approach I recently resonated with is the Dream/Fantasy Style by Gabrielle Arruda - which is to take your 'wildest fantasy' (ex. "I want to dress like a mermaid taking a walk through the woods to go to the library") and finding realistic ways to incorporate it into your style (ex. putting on my favorite boots, casual pants, a gradient top, and wearing accessories reminiscent of mermaids). So far this is inspiring me in making connections. My first thought was "comfortable" but I also thought I specifically like being able to move, or wearing clothes with movement (like a swishy swooshy skirt or cardigan or loose pants). I like appearing polished and elegant, while finding ways to hint at my dream fantasy. I have arrived at my three words: moving, elegant, dreamy Thank you for showing your thought process too btw! I like how you showed the different ways you tried styling before arriving at the final outfits. Very true to life, hahaha
I love that approach you included from Gabrielle Arruda! I love Gabrielle's fashion videos as well--in a different way from Jenn's though. I think of Jenn's videos as more useful and analytical and Gabrielle's as more entertaining and nutty. Jenn said in her AMA video that she is an INTJ. I think Gabrielle may be an ENFP.
I was just introduced to this 3-word perspective on styling yesterday. Being in my 60s and sewing for myself, this has potential to really solidify my focus. Right now, there are a number of words I am ruminating on, but so far, I am thinking “easy,” “pragmatic,” and “smart.” Easy to throw on and comfortable, pragmatic for whatever the situation calls for, and smart being coordinated and put together. We shall see. Just subscribed, I am looking forward to future thoughtful videos such as this.
I’m not even sure how I landed on your story. But so glad i did. Judging from the overarching theme that is being discussed whether from you, Alison Bornstein’s video, or the commenters, it is that we do not lose sight of both who we are AND who we want to be, while still being in touch with how we want to feel in our clothes. The concept is such a wholesome and mindful approach to personal style, one that isn’t bound by stuffy rules. Its truly heartening, particularly as a gay man in entering his 40s, growing up in an era of either heteronormative or purely theoretical fashion advice. This new approach enables me to be set free from the previous conventions of dressing (the “you gotta be”’s) that ironically seldom allowed the consideration of ME and my needs, aspirations or emotions in my personal style. This was such a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
I have sensory issues due to autism, and that makes it very difficult for me to find “stylish” pieces I can endure wearing for even half a day. The word COMFORTABLE immediately jumped in my mind during the first step, and the more you spoke, the more I was sure would be your word as well 😂
My words: structured, textured, irreverent. Some of the ways I interpret these: structured (cropped, good fit), textured (patterns, textures, folk, graphic), irreverent (fun, not too artistic, trendy, or serious, contrasts). Love the outfits you made!! Love hearing others' words and wish I could see the outfits each of you puts together with them.
I think this makes so much sense in a simple way to follow. My words (Comfortable + Quirky/Whimsical + Fun/Cute) I couldn't break up some of the words as to me they both work in different ways as an either or situation.
Without knowing the method, I always pick cosy (think of autumn and tea or hot chocolate and a good book while it rains outside), feminine (but definitely not girly), edgy 😅 But when I hear about the meaning of the words, I should choose relaxed or comfy, feminine, cosy ❤ Works as well, but I really love bandshirts or leather jackets ...
You nailed it! I’ve watched this video three times. It is so helpful for you to talk through your examples and see how you use those three words. My three words are textured/patterned, gamine, and coordinating. Because of your examples, I can now recognize why some of my outfits feel off. In order to feel like me, I have to have some element of cute, tomboy, or matchy-matchy, to feel like myself.
I like this method, too. I think I was already kinda subconsciously doing it with my outfits, but stating the words out loud (or on paper as the case may be😅) solidifies them. I loved the combos you came up with using the method. It really does make a difference. It adds that something something.
Until your video popped into my feed this morning, I’d never heard of this technique you so clearly explained. Thank you for this inspirational boost. My words are: comfortable, classy, carefree.
Wow, this method really worked for you, Jenn. I've always really enjoyed everything you have to say in your videos yet I wasn't such a fan of how you dressed in your outfit clips (sorry). Your styling here is great, it is so much more modern, cool, and flattering, and you look happier too. I'm still not sure about my words, but you've definitely helped.
I love this 3-word concept and showing how you dress toward the words. Great. Youi look amazing and I love the salvaged clutch and the darling black shoes.
To me is oversize, nostalgic, edgy. I also wanted to add comfortable and boyish, but I guess after all, those first 3 words make more sense to me. Thank you so much for this explanation!!!
@@SatipatthanaSakuraDragona "I want to come up with my three style words according to Allison Bornstein's Wear It Well method. Can you quiz me to help me choose my three words (practical or realistic word, aspirational word, and emotional word)"
I watch all your videos because I love your analytical approach. I also love how you take content that is out there in the world and add value to it. For instance, you took Kibbe body types and discovered how to connect that to the rule of thirds, and in this video, you take Bronstein's concept and show how to combine an outfit using the three words.
Omg never have I thought of this! My three words are flattering, polished and fun! I want my clothes to always flatter my body, the fit is EVERYTHING, it’s the reason why I’m willing to spend much more on clothings that simply fits me amazingly. I aspired to be super polished, almost shots in magazines where you see nice streamlines and silhouettes of clothing constructions, However, I still want to have fun with my outfit, weather through colours, textures or accessories, I just want something fun, almost like a remix of a classic!
I found this video down a rabbit hole and I am so appreciative of you posting this video and explaining it so well. I went through a lot of words but was surprised that I found my three words in under an hour. I might eventually change them but i feel like they work so well for ME. I feel like I have a huge emotional range and i love being creative but I also have days where I don't have a lot of energy so I just wear whatever is easiest and comfortable. It was difficult to find words that make sense with all my extremes but the method worked. My three words (in order) are: Comfy Coherent Playful I was surprised to find coherent made it in my list but as someone who may want to feel different everyday all I need is something that ties everything together in a way that makes sense to me even when i want to play with chaotic colors or textures but still has me if I want to look sleek or polished. I understand myself and my style better so thank you for sharing your insights with the world!
Flattering is my first category because even if comfortable or well-fitted or elegant or casual, it all must be flattering or I will not feel well-put-together, i.e., flattering in fit, color and to my aesthetic and the way I see myself.
Hey Jenn, you popped into my feed and wow, not only is this brilliant but I see so many places in my life that this can be applied. Most obviously in decorating my home that reflects me and not trends. And finally it’s a great template to helping me evaluate how I plan my life and what I prioritize. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mine are “versatile, antique-inspired, powerful”. I tend to dress up in outfits where it’s ambiguous whether it’s casual or not, but I feel comfortable knowing I can go on an impromptu hike with no trouble. I also thrift shop and get a bunch of vintage clothes, but I style them in a more modern way, so it’s more like dressing as an antique china cabinet if it were a modern person.
Loved this! I loved how the third word u landed on really helped ure outfits to make more sense & feel like you. Definitely going to try this. I knew of the three word method but never knew the reasoning behind each word, now this makes sense to me lol 😆 ...Ty 😊❤
Wow, awesome video! I am very familiar with Alison Bornstein’s three word method from her book and videos, but I have still been struggling to nail mine down. I realized watching your video that one of my biggest challenges has been that my functional word needs to be comfortable, and I have been resisting that because it felt too boring! You choosing it helped so much, because your style is the opposite of boring. And I also love your tip to incorporate small amounts of my other two words until I find a comfortable balance (there’s that word again!). Thank you so much!
Hey Jenn, Thanks for making this video! It really helped me identify which 3 words to pick, I had a very long list of words to describe my style but didn’t know how to whittle them down to just 3. Your explanation in this video was very helpful in getting me to my 3 words which are: Casual (practical): from sporty pieces like trainers and athleisure to more classic pieces like t shirts and jeans. Polished (Aspirational): this is m more about the details of the entire look, e.g. hair, jewellery, quality of the fabric, matching sets as well as tailored and slightly formal pieces like button downs, blazers, heels. Ease (Emotional): I want my outfits to make me feel a ease and i achieve this through: minimalism (colour, jewellery, accessories), oversized and/or relaxed silhouettes, traditionally “edgy” pieces such as leather trousers. This descriptor is about not feeling the need to show up as perfect and just focus on the feel of the outfit not just the aesthetic; remind myself that fashion is freedom at the end of the day. All 3 of these words conflict with each other in some way but they feel authentic to me. 🤣
Great video! I'd heard of the three word method elsewhere but wasn't sure about the application until you broke it down. I think my current descriptors would be postpartum/functional (I gave birth to a daughter), sensual, and bold. That's to say, I want to accommodate a baby but still feel like myself. Thank you so much! Edit: I realized I hadn't really considered much how to apply these descriptors to an actual wardrobe. Postpartum/functional: Tops and other pieces that allow for the demands of accommodating a baby, bottoms and other things that let me move, shoes that don't hinder me while I walk (or run!). Sensual: Fabrics and textures that feel pleasant to touch, colors and patterns that evoke a specific sensibility--pulled from my color palette, cuts and silhouettes (and draping) that combine vertical and curve. Bold: Fabrics, textures, colors, overall line, design details including hardware, finishing touches such as jewelry. (I also have a tricky glasses prescription, so I'd want to allow for that as well. Sorry for all the parentheticals!)
WOW thank you for the detailed walk through you guys did together! It's so good to hear all the contrasts between the two of you and how you both processed through the information. Very helpful for my own style journey 😍
I love this video. It's so cool to see your personality reflected in the way you styled the graphic tee using your 3 style words. You looked so comfortable in your skin and confident. Also, it was so much more unexpected and interesting to style a graphic tee that way. Love that! Now I'm inspired to start styling the items in my wardrobe differently too.
Thank you! I’ve read the book but could not work out what my 3 words were. The way you explained it here has really helped clarify what each word actually means to me. Great content as usual 😊
Recently, I found my 3 words having my kibbe body and Kitchener's essence also in mind. So, I come with "effortless" (my Natural body), "funny" (my Gamine essence) and "mystic" (my personal inclination to whimsical stuff :D). Having not enough, I'm trying to use those words for my color palette too lol Like looking for nice, effortless neutrals, funny neon touches and distant/mysterious blues ❤
This video spoke to me so much! All the style content I’ve been consuming and trying to live up to has left me feeling uninspired when I dress and that I’m boring. I’m wearing variations of the t shirt, trouser, and blazer/open shirt every day. I love your three words! I myself struggled to define what it is I actually wear. Are they basic? Classic? Not really, but comfortable is great. It defines everything from fit to fabric, like I wear linen in the summer, not because it’s minimal but because it’s comfortable. And I really like Rebellious. I have been waffling on that last word because I am attracted to things that have an 80s or 70s aesthetic and things that go against the quiet luxury trend, which I call edgy, but maybe it’s more rebellious because they rebel against the “comfortable” and “relaxed” outfits I wear most often. It’s really tough. I’m sure many of us have this idea of how we see our ideal wardrobe in our mind, but when you do this activity it may turn out your reality is different. Great video!
Hi Jenn. Great video! Love seeing you use this method. Your restyled outfits look great and really make you shine! In addition to the three words you chose, I think your new outfits also contain an element of feminine or sexy. (The mesh flats and strappy top for example.) Also.. I think your restyled outfits have a healthy dose of contrast, which are really in harmony with you. (The ivory jacket, for example, with the black pants. And the white pants with black belt, shoes and bag.) This level of contrast really matches you and helps your outfits measure up to you. Keep up the great work! I am learning lots from watching you. Thank you for the great content.
Your video has definitely inspired me to follow this method. I have yet to find an emotional word, though but the first two, I feel, will really help me create new outfits with what I already own. Thanks!!
My three words are cosy, grunge-y and fresh. Basically I don't like things that are very structured, even if it's a correct size because they constrict my movement. If my clothes do not allow me to freely move (and I mean like yoga pose freely) either my upper or lower body, then it's a no-no.
I love that you make "comfortable" a cool style word. I definitely relate to your comfortable and minimal style, and I think that is why I gravitate to your videos. My words would also be "comfortable", "minimal", but with "romantic" as my emotional word. You're so talented and insightful at understanding style patterns and theory! Love your channel!
This was great! And all of the comments with their three words - super helpful, thanks! I think my three chosen words is: modest, feminine and relaxed. I dont want to put myself out there with big prints or bright colours. I do like the feminine styles, with clear waistlines, and curves (but not to sexy. or to girly, more vintage?). And I want to feel relaxed, like Im comfortable in my body and that im not out of place.
Great to hear your take on this approach to style! I really like your choice of those three words to sum up, and push, your style. I love the white trousers/sexy top outfit so much! The track pants looks are not my kind of thing, but these two outfits really show the flexibility and utility of using your three words to get completely different results, but which all feel like you. So interesting that you did this for your husband, who is ostensibly uninterested in style, but who clearly still has opinions on what he feels good in. I'd never considered doing this with my partner, who is also not into thinking much about clothing, but this makes me think it might be a good idea. Your videos are just the best.
Great explanation of the system! Thanks for including your husband. I reworked my words recently and landed on ‘cozy, sophisticated and fun’. A little hard to combine but I am happiest when my outfit combines all three elements.
Thanks for your explanation and examples. It certainly makes sense. What i notice mostly about styling is the use of a jacket, as in bottom, top and jacket, or dress and jacket. I live in a country where it is hot and humid in summer, so would be interested to find out how to style clothing without the obligatory jacket.
Aussie here, and I know what you mean. A lot of style content creators, especially from colder climates, don't seem to know what to do when they can't just chuck a blazer or sweater on top. If you're wearing less, everything you are wearing has more impact. So you want every piece you have to represent aspects of your intended style to really keep you on target. I think there's three aspects to styling for hot weather: 1) Making sure the garments you *are* wearing are really honed in on your style words, since you're not just going to cover them up with a blazer or something. Try to make sure your base outfit (e.g. dress, tank top + pants, shirt + shorts), hits at least two of your words, so you're most of the way there and don't have to rely on an additional garment. The key to this is having details that serve the style you want. If your words are Comfortable, Romantic, and Glamorous, don't wear a boxy plain t-shirt as that'll only hit the comfy aspect; try a camisole or short sleeved top in a drapey fabric (silk or rayon/viscose/lyocell rather than a sweaty synthetic fibre), with feminine gathers, ruffles, embroidery details or a floral print, which will be comfy AND romantic. Pair that with some tailored linen shorts and you're nearly there. 2) Then get your accessories to take up the slack, rather than layering with more clothes. Shoes, sunnies, hats, jewellery, bags, etc., can add in the third word that's not covered by the base outfit. If all the accessories you wear convey the same style, it'll really amp up impression of that word. If the different pieces have different vibes, it'll be more toned down. So with the above outfit, you could add maximum glamour with sleek sunglasses and elegant strappy leather sandals, a luxurious bag and chic jewellery. Boom: comfortable, romantic, glamorous. If you want to veer to the relaxed side, keep the glamorous sunnies but switch to a low profile white trainer/sneaker/plimsoll (comfortable and feminine), and maybe a raffia or woven leather bag (relaxed and romantic). 3) Don't forget how you can use hair and make up as styling tools to change the style by playing with the balance of your three words. The same outfit will have a different vibe when worn with a messy top knot (comfortable), hair down with its natural texture or heat-styled waves (romantic), or a sleek bun (glamorous). Same for make up: Comfortable = sunscreen + MLBB tinted lip balm vs. Romantic = skin tint + bold lip vs. Glamorous = full coverage foundation, winged eyeliner, glossy lip. Sorry for the essay, but this is something I think is often missing from the style discussions online. I'd also love a video from you on this, please @stylemeenn 🙏
@@chlomo2618 thank you for the "essay"-- it is very helpful. I have lived in Singapore and Sri Lanka. In both places, due to the heat and humidity, the only style guide universally seems to be "hot-wear." In Singapore that comes to a tank top and shorts; in Sri Lanka I have seen women wear a muu-muu style loose dress all the time. In tropical countries, the weather is so draining that you can only go for "wear as little as you can get away with" and "whatever you have to wear, make it loose." I think if you still have the energy to go beyond, you can choose colors and patterns that harmonize with your style and also sunglasses and shoes.
@@chlomo2618 I would like to raise my hand for this video as well @stylemejenn I would love to see a video --maybe a series-- on how to problem solve for places and situations where you have inescapable restrictions for how to style your outfits-- like extreme heat and humidity, as mentioned in this thread-- and maybe extreme cold as well. Maybe cultural taboos as well? Ex: how would you make your three word style work if your hair has to be covered up.
Love this and I watched at exactly the right time. My wardrobe was destroyed when an unwanted Douglas fir tree visited our bedroom and my closet. Then there was snow and an ice storm on top of everything. I want to be selective as I bring back my wardrobe. I really wanted much more sustainable items and I’m still trying, but wow it’s expensive! I just ordered a bunch of items from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I’m going to go through this process prior to trying anything on. Thank you! I liked the track pants ensemble, but loved the thrifted top outfit! Very simple, chic with a bit of edge!
It’s hard for me to fit myself into 3 words though. Coz one day I want to dress in Japanese style (loose, baggy barrel leg linen pants or shapeless linen dresses) second day I like to wear fitted straight jeans with striped top or another day I love to put on my blazers, vests, pants or skirts to look preppy. It all depends how I feel or sometimes the season/weather etc. if you say this is about finding your personal style not how you style things, whatever I wear I enjoy. The only thing that bugs me others…others judging me without words… feeling too overdressed etc I hate this feeling.
I also wear different styles depending on the day. Some days I want whimsigoth outfit, others sporty and others chic office suit. I don’t find words like eclectic work for me as I don’t like mixing styles in one outfit. I like it to create one vibe but I like wearing different vibes depending on the occasion. One of my style words is coherent (or mannequin if I want to make it sound more artsy). What I mean by this is all-over coordinated look no matter the style, perfectly styled outfit that creates a coherent story in choice of fabric, shapes and colour palette. Colour coordinated, details from patterns are repeated in other parts of the outfit or outfit is monochrome. Outfit is well put together top-to-bottom, with an intention, like on a shop mannequin. I wear clothes aesthetically suitable for my environment and appropriate for how I feel about the occasion. Attire is flattering and well fitting, showing off assets and not exposing insecurities, giving perfected smooth appearance with a balanced silhouette.
@@JoannaSelvanyes, I agree that eclectic is about mixing styles in one outfit but it’s always about me, I do sometimes mix but not always which is why I don’t think I’ve eclectic style.. I like to express myself in different styles and outfits, why people don’t do that, why do they stick to only one or two styles only? Don’t they get bored?
Thank you for a very helpful video. I'm still in the process of the finding the words. I've been playing around with Classic, chic, confident, but after watching this video I suspect they might be comfortable, classic, chic. It's a process 😂
For me, my 3 words are feminine, vintage, and quirky.I am a skirt and floral type of girl. However, I kind of want to be more playful, whimsical, and a bit silly so quirky seems like a good word. The first time I watched Penelope with Christina Ricci, I thought "that's it! That is how I want to dress"
Excellent video! I've been trying to figure out my 3 words for over a year LOL I have 2 of them comfortable and classic. The 3rd may be romantic. I'm still experimenting. This method also helps determine why specific garments may or may not work for us. For example today I'm wearing a red dress that is my perfect red. I love the fabric it's very comfortable and it also meets the romantic word. But when I was out I caught my reflection in the windows of a building. Even though I like the way it felt on my body and flattered my complexion, once I saw myself in the daylight, I realized it didn't look like me. So it's probably missing the classic element. Or perhaps it was too frumpy/house dress looking.
I think classic isn't always the most helpful word because it can be a bit vague, and it can be useful to get more specific. What do you mean by 'classic'? preppy? tailored? Balanced? What is it about a classic look that you like? That it's understated? Pared back? Not trend-driven? Or maybe romantic is not quite you, and you could try out something related like feminine or delicate or graceful or ethereal. If you like the red dress and the way it looks and feels on you, maybe it's just the styling that's off? What shoes did you wear with it? What bag? How did you do your hair? Maybe simple ballet flats for the classic element, maybe as a belt for some more polish. Try the dress on with lots of different shoes and bags, and if there's one combination that you prefer, what word could you use to describe it? Or try thinking about how you want to feel, which may be the opposite of how you think the outfit isn't working. So if you think you feel frumpy in the red dress, what's the opposite of that? Maybe you want to feel elevated, or polished, or elegant, or chic.
@@chlomo2618 Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! These are great questions. As for classic perhaps I do need to choose a better word. Timeless perhaps? Not trend driven for certain. I'll think about that more. As for the dress, I'm sure you're right I didn't style it well. Actually I was in a hurry. I'll try it with a belt. I've worn it with a denim jacket before and I liked it better but it's 95° now LOL. I think I resonate with the word romantic in my heart, but on my body I don't want it to be so obvious. I'm an overweight hour glass. I like flowy fabrics but I think that dress was too fluid and not enough shape. I find it a tough balance to show enough of my figure but not too much, being a married mother of 3 and wanting to be taken seriously.
Hmm, thanks for the breakdown. I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of words to choose from as a minimalist. However, listening to you...I think I found my 3 words. Functional Fitted Rebellious (I get the biggest kick out of wearing something that others wouldn't necessarily see me in.)
Have a Google and you will find that there are people out there who have put together lists of suggestions words. Hopefully they will be helpful for you in determining yours.
This is so interesting! Now I definitely want to try this. I feel like I have the opposite problem to what you describe - I love being extra. I feel bored in my outfits because it’s often impractical to be as extra as I want to dress. I work from home now too. I wear a lot of jewelry even around the house and I got funky glasses with pink lenses… I really need to think about these words to see if I can help myself in my pursuit of extraness lol
Very interesting, especially with you showing how you incorporate the ideas into your outfits. I've come up with 'comfortable, elegant and artistic' as my words. Comfort is an absolute given, and I prefer a restrained colour palette and clean designs. But I need some uniqueness too, so that's the artistic bit. I'd never wear anything sexy, edgy or tough.
I love your outfits using this method! My words are relaxed, unconventional and modern. Now that I am reflecting a bit more, I think that your words make your outfits so good because there is a juxtaposition between "Rebellious" and "comfortable"; which creates immediate interest between the pieces. Where is that squishy, soft looking black bag from btw, it's gorgeous!
For me, the first word was easy. COMFORTABLE: I dress for comfort. I don't want to feel like I'm wearing clothes, since I prefer to sleep naked and even go without a bra & underwear if I can help it. The 2nd word: FLOWY. Nothing makes me feel more aspirational than watching old Hollywood movies or 90s fashion models, I'm not actually into the "Classic Hollywood" or "50s bombshell" look - however, when they dance or come down the stairs in silk robes, they look like they're floating and I aspire to look like that. 90s supermodels always had flowing hair & dresses in Cover Girl, Maybelline, and Tresemme commercials. They looked just as good in androgynous clothing such as flowy trousers, billowing trench coats, oversized poofy/bell sleeves. The 3rd word: SOOTHING. I want clothes that medicate me, that make me feel safe and warm. Sometimes that means dressing cozy, feminine, soft, loose, hypoallergenic materials, fabric that doesn't agitate my sensory issues, clean, relaxed, effortless, colors that help me feel serene (often muted like pastels and earth tones).
If I worked at home my key words would be pajamas, pajamas, pajamas.
😂
Lol I get the joke, but man am I more productive when I put on pants and shoes 😄
😅😅
@@JP-ve7or Came here to say this! I am literally more productive and focused when wearing shoes!
🤣🤣🤣
As soon as you started explaining the first word I knew mine was also comfortable. I don't like looking casual - that's the opposite of what I want. Casual and comfortable don't have to be synonymous. If something isn't soft and comfortable I simply cannot wear it - and now in my thirties I'm finally at peace with that. So for me it's comfortable, refined, powerful.
Ooh refined and powerful are top notch words!
Exactly, same here. I must be comfortable, but I don't like looking sloppy
Ooh love your 3 words!! 🤩
Woah i LOVE powerful
Agree, but chose "soft" 🤗
Soft, edgy, authentic.
(My third word isn't aspirational though, it's how I always want to feel, so I must prioritize it when getting dressed instead of not caring if what i'm presenting is true)
I've also found the 3 word method very useful.
I came out with Comfortable / Edgy / Feminine
Comfortable (natural fibers, length, pockets, no more pants too tight on the belly...)
Edgy (black, leather, studs, DocMartens, mesh, graphic shirts..)
Feminine (waist definition, fitted, deep V neck, dresses, skirts...)
Thank you for doing all the work for me. These 3 words work for me and your examples are righr on target for my style. Thanks!
Sounds absolutely fantastic! Not my style nowadays, but I love it!
It's not exactly what I want, but pretty close! Thanks for this.
These are my words too, but in the order of Comfortable/Feminine (I wanted to say feminine vintage artistic but that’s not one word) /Edgy. I also care about fabric and fit for the comfort word, as well as things that compliment my body rather than bringing out insecurities. For the feminine, I love art deco touches, vintage soft romantic colours and faded metals over shiny, with subtle girly touches like tiny wooden buttons on my tops or Peter Pan collars. Edgy is about mesh and biker boots and leather jackets and distressed denim/distressed clothes in general.
I wonder if there are better words for my three. We have the same words but the execution is a bit different.
😊😊😊
I think your hair also reflects your 3 words! It has a minimalist flavour but the length and feathering at the bottom give it a rebellious touch. It's a beautiful style and looks amazing on you.
the flavor of hair 🤌🏻
Wow! Thank you for a really helpful and accessible video! I'm in my mid 50s and growing up with a seamstress mother (who got a degree in fashion design and worked on film costuming later in life), I was always aware of fashion, but because of my body shape I really didn't like how I looked in clothes (Mum always supported me, but I just didn't like what I saw) so after decades of unsuccessful struggling, I basically "checked out" in my 30s and gave up. Now I'm learning to sew specifically to finally make clothes I'll feel good in....and have really no idea how to start or what I want. THIS VIDEO has given me a lit candle in the dark! I'm old enough now that I really don't care what's in fashion, I just want to create my own - and this video has shown me how to start building that. THANK YOU!
Appropriate, Elegant, Confident. I put a lot of effort into thinking through the various places I go and picking correct outfits for the venue. This helps me feel confident interacting with the space. 😅
That’s it for me 🙏
Perfect words
that is a really good key word both elegant and appropriate that i resonate with :D
Jenn, you really smashed this out of the ball park for me. Best explanation I have seen/heard. Your do-over outfits were perfect on you. I am still working on my three words, and by rewatching this video, I feel I will grasp the concept and breakdown of it even better now. I'm a very visual person when learning, so seeing your outfits reworked was brilliant for me. I'd even love a video just on you reworking your outfits using your three words. I really like your new leather and mesh shoes, too. They really suit your style words perfectly. Thank you 🖤🩶🤍🩷
🫶💕
I agree completely!
Agree, I'd love to see more outfits!
Agreed this is the first video that I’ve seen that an individual actually Says what categories the words you selected fall under (what they mean to you/how you are using them)
Before I was really diving into style, I already had a Pinterest section called "comfy, quirky and colourful". And you know what? I wanna feel colourful 🤗 Loved to see how this worked for you. It gave your outfits personality. Very detailed overview of this method.
Same!!
Those words sounds pretty me too! ❤
What are some go-to brands that help you achieve the quirky aspect of your style?
@@Sars1-k6f Honestly, I go thrift shopping a lot. Usually there I can find some quirky pieces, sometimes by very 'normal' brands. Accessoires like earrings and colourful belts etc. are useful too, I've gotten some of Etsy, where you can search for 'quirky'. I also like 60's or 70's inspired brands like 4funkyflavours and Cissi och Selma, but believe they only sell in Europe. I think ModCloth and Miss Patina would be good equivalents. Lazy Oaf seems nice as well for less vintage inspired designs. Boden and Kate Spade sometimes seem to have fun stuff as well.
Honestly, I go thrift shopping a lot. Usually there I can find some quirky pieces, sometimes by very 'normal' brands. Accessoires like earrings and colourful belts etc. are useful too, I've gotten some of Etsy, where you can search for 'quirky'. I also like 60's or 70's inspired brands like 4funkyflavours and Cissi och Selma, but believe they only sell in Europe. I think ModCloth and Miss Patina would be a good equivalent. Lazy Oaf seems nice as well for less vintage inspired designs. Boden and Kate Spade sometimes have fun stuff as well.
Right off the bat, I think my words are comfortable, attractive, and safe.
Simple, refined, and soft. Never would’ve thought I would choose refined, but I need to up my game a little bit, especially around the house. Simply because it will elevate my mood when I catch myself in the mirror. Nothing drastic, maybe just some small hoop earrings. Tuck my T-shirt into my sweatpants. Wear a nice cardigan instead of a hoodie…
Thank you so much for this video! For me, this was the most understandable and useful take on Alison's 3-word method I've seen yet.
I had tried this method earlier but something was off. Seeing you opting for comfortable made be admit I’m Practical first and foremost. Then Current. Then Elevated. I think that using word categories, and even an order from the more functional to the more emotional, helps a lot. When you can chose from all the words in the world it’s overwhelming and in the end inefficient. Thanks Jenn, once again I’ve learned a lot 🙏🏻
Love this!
My first word is also 'Practical', but then my other two are almost the opposite of yours! 'Vintage' (1930s and 1970s) and 'Effortlessly chic' (yes, I count it as one word)
i think my words are natural, curated, and authentic.
the number one practical thing for my clothes is that they are made of at least 95% natural materials. aside from some plastic elements in my footwear, everything else in my wardrobe fits this.
i've been working on putting together my best colours & silhouettes. i'm choosing new items very carefully, well thought out and intentional. will also be making some of my own clothes and am putting together Collections for that process.
i have a lot of different vibes and feelings. sometimes i feel dainty and sometimes i feel rebellious*, but all the time i want to feel like my clothes are expressing who i am. i don't want my clothes to feel like i'm playing pretend.
*not that these are mutually exclusive.
First time visitor to your channel - this was incredible! You made the strategy so accessible through your visuals, and connecting it to safety and fantasy self was immensely helpful. Thank you so much!! Off to check out your other work 😁 👋🏻 from Australia
Easy, Earthy, Cool. I often buy things that are novelty, semi-formal, fitted and those aren't my real life. I'm on the floor with my daughter and cleaning all the time. I buy bright colors then I grab the jeans, the navy blues and army green. When I'm thrifting I've used this 3 word approach especially leaning into "cool" and that's really helped me stay on track with the vibe im going for. Great way of presenting this and including your husbands approach helped understand how to use it when you're not naturally fashion forward.
Thank you for showing also the full thought process behind the outfit: it helped a lot , because I can now see with more clarity how to use it. Thank you!
The algorithm has blessed me today -- your channel is new to me and this video was just what I needed. I've been so bored with my wardrobe (and myself, honestly), and have finally started going through it to give away things I don't like or don't wear or that don't fit, and trying to put the rest together in ways that make me feel more fully my whole self. Even the small strides I've made so far are helping, but I'd stalled out and wasn't sure where to go next. Your video makes such perfect sense, I feel reenergized! Your three words are very close to mine, so that helps me too - seeing you style these outfits, I think it was less of a reach to understand and apply to myself than if mine were like, boho, maximal, and carefree (that isn't to say it'd have been hard, just that with the headspace I'm in, this was even easier). And seeing the outfits you put together and how well they worked -- I would never have thought to put that jacket and those shoes with that tee-shirt but it looks terrific and so natural! I'm encouraged to step outside my assumptions and try things I'd never have even thought to try before. Thank you! (Also liked and subscribed. ❤️) Oh, and my three words are comfortable, minimal, and confident, which for me is very like your definition of rebellious but with less of my 60 year old skin showing! 😂
Your thought process really helped me. I think my words should be comfortable, natural (I'm all about wool, linen, cotton), and confident. In my 30s and 40s I would have gone more with "classy but badass" but I think now in my 50s I just want to look confident.
Welcome to the channel ❤
Same! Surprising to find myself here, but such a great place to be! I was thinking of:
1. comfortable
3. confident
2. still a ?
Thanks to you and Jenn.
So glad your video popped up in my feed! This method is super direct compared to some other style methods I’ve been looking at.
I interpret it as: what I actually wear + what I’m trying to achieve + something just for me. My words are: functional, elegant (as in flowy, non-fussy, elevated), and unexpected.
I like how the emotional and aspirational words take an outfit up a notch. You’re not just wearing anything anymore or dressing automatically, you’ve become intentionally and authentically styled. Your graphic tee example illustrated that very well.
Love the studded purse!
Fortunately, today, options are numerous. Style was much stricter when I was in my late teens, early 20s, even my 30s. One type of jeans would be in style, one skirt length, etc. I decided at some point that I would wear what I liked and what looked good on me, whether it was “in style” or not. This was socially risky, especially when I was really young, and meant a lot of shopping had to be done at thrift stores….but I never needed any help figuring it out. It’s just something that comes with time and experimenting.
When I did my three style words it was clearly an adapted method (can't remember who I found out about it from). So while I have the words, they don't occupy specific niches (practical, aspirational, emotional).
Having said that, if I think about it like that now, I can probably assign one of my words to each of these three niches.
So mine would be:
First word - decisive
Second word - creative
Third word - queer.
Really enjoyed the video.
Librarian - Unicorn - Mad Scientist 🤓🦄💣
This might sound random... But honestly I do think this might work. I think the end result would look whimsical and very magical with the right accessories! :-) good luck with your style. It sounds great
this is actually genius and simplifies picking new clothing pieces.
casual, americana, rugged
This is so timely! I've been learning a lot of information for the past year and I've figured out a lot of the "technical" side (e.g. color analysis, lines and shapes that work for me, etc). I'm at the part of my journey where I'm trying to put it all together in a way that is authentic to me. I like what you said about "connecting to who we are on the inside". Another video/approach I recently resonated with is the Dream/Fantasy Style by Gabrielle Arruda - which is to take your 'wildest fantasy' (ex. "I want to dress like a mermaid taking a walk through the woods to go to the library") and finding realistic ways to incorporate it into your style (ex. putting on my favorite boots, casual pants, a gradient top, and wearing accessories reminiscent of mermaids).
So far this is inspiring me in making connections. My first thought was "comfortable" but I also thought I specifically like being able to move, or wearing clothes with movement (like a swishy swooshy skirt or cardigan or loose pants). I like appearing polished and elegant, while finding ways to hint at my dream fantasy.
I have arrived at my three words: moving, elegant, dreamy
Thank you for showing your thought process too btw! I like how you showed the different ways you tried styling before arriving at the final outfits. Very true to life, hahaha
I love that approach you included from Gabrielle Arruda! I love Gabrielle's fashion videos as well--in a different way from Jenn's though. I think of Jenn's videos as more useful and analytical and Gabrielle's as more entertaining and nutty. Jenn said in her AMA video that she is an INTJ. I think Gabrielle may be an ENFP.
figured mine out. comfortable, creative, swag
I was just introduced to this 3-word perspective on styling yesterday. Being in my 60s and sewing for myself, this has potential to really solidify my focus. Right now, there are a number of words I am ruminating on, but so far, I am thinking “easy,” “pragmatic,” and “smart.” Easy to throw on and comfortable, pragmatic for whatever the situation calls for, and smart being coordinated and put together. We shall see. Just subscribed, I am looking forward to future thoughtful videos such as this.
I’m not even sure how I landed on your story. But so glad i did. Judging from the overarching theme that is being discussed whether from you, Alison Bornstein’s video, or the commenters, it is that we do not lose sight of both who we are AND who we want to be, while still being in touch with how we want to feel in our clothes. The concept is such a wholesome and mindful approach to personal style, one that isn’t bound by stuffy rules. Its truly heartening, particularly as a gay man in entering his 40s, growing up in an era of either heteronormative or purely theoretical fashion advice. This new approach enables me to be set free from the previous conventions of dressing (the “you gotta be”’s) that ironically seldom allowed the consideration of ME and my needs, aspirations or emotions in my personal style. This was such a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
I have sensory issues due to autism, and that makes it very difficult for me to find “stylish” pieces I can endure wearing for even half a day. The word COMFORTABLE immediately jumped in my mind during the first step, and the more you spoke, the more I was sure would be your word as well 😂
Im in the exact same boat :) comfort is the most important
This is fabulous!!! My key words are Movement, Eye-catching and Intentional. Thank you so much for your explanation!
My words: structured, textured, irreverent. Some of the ways I interpret these: structured (cropped, good fit), textured (patterns, textures, folk, graphic), irreverent (fun, not too artistic, trendy, or serious, contrasts). Love the outfits you made!! Love hearing others' words and wish I could see the outfits each of you puts together with them.
Irreverent?
Ooh yeah I love "irreverent" - speaks to me if not everyone.
I think this makes so much sense in a simple way to follow.
My words (Comfortable + Quirky/Whimsical + Fun/Cute) I couldn't break up some of the words as to me they both work in different ways as an either or situation.
I keep trying to do this and end up with 10 words. Your explanation is helpful, thank you😊.
Without knowing the method, I always pick cosy (think of autumn and tea or hot chocolate and a good book while it rains outside), feminine (but definitely not girly), edgy 😅
But when I hear about the meaning of the words, I should choose relaxed or comfy, feminine, cosy ❤
Works as well, but I really love bandshirts or leather jackets ...
maybe 'feminine power' instead of feminine
You nailed it! I’ve watched this video three times. It is so helpful for you to talk through your examples and see how you use those three words. My three words are textured/patterned, gamine, and coordinating. Because of your examples, I can now recognize why some of my outfits feel off. In order to feel like me, I have to have some element of cute, tomboy, or matchy-matchy, to feel like myself.
I like this method, too. I think I was already kinda subconsciously doing it with my outfits, but stating the words out loud (or on paper as the case may be😅) solidifies them. I loved the combos you came up with using the method. It really does make a difference. It adds that something something.
I'm glad you like the method as well ❤ It really gives me a much more solid direction!
Great video! I also really enjoyed reading the comments with other folks three words and their reasoning!
Until your video popped into my feed this morning, I’d never heard of this technique you so clearly explained. Thank you for this inspirational boost.
My words are: comfortable, classy, carefree.
Wow, this method really worked for you, Jenn. I've always really enjoyed everything you have to say in your videos yet I wasn't such a fan of how you dressed in your outfit clips (sorry). Your styling here is great, it is so much more modern, cool, and flattering, and you look happier too.
I'm still not sure about my words, but you've definitely helped.
Your hair color and cut are so flattering!
Thank you so much! 💕
Thank you for your explanation. Me: masc, preppy, confident.
I’m picturing Kim Stolz from Top Model.
Comfortable, Refined, Unique
I really like 'unique'. That is such a great word to use. I think it is going to be one of my three words...thank you ☺️
@@katem3961 Sure thing! ♥️
Comfort, Classic, Sophisticated
I think comfortable, thoughtful/intentional, and energetic might be my words. This video is so helpful in terms of thinking about style and outfits!
I love this 3-word concept and showing how you dress toward the words. Great. Youi look amazing and I love the salvaged clutch and the darling black shoes.
Thank you so much! 💕
To me is oversize, nostalgic, edgy. I also wanted to add comfortable and boyish, but I guess after all, those first 3 words make more sense to me. Thank you so much for this explanation!!!
I had chat GPT quiz me to find my words it was great! Ive settled on Comfortable Bold Enigmatic
ohhh what was your prompt to get it to help you?
Yes please share 😊
Yes, how did it know? Did you upload pics of your outfits or a pic of your entire closet? I am also curious about your prompt.
@@SatipatthanaSakuraDragona let me go through my history and see exactly what I said!
@@SatipatthanaSakuraDragona
"I want to come up with my three style words according to Allison Bornstein's Wear It Well method.
Can you quiz me to help me choose my three words (practical or realistic word, aspirational word, and emotional word)"
I watch all your videos because I love your analytical approach. I also love how you take content that is out there in the world and add value to it. For instance, you took Kibbe body types and discovered how to connect that to the rule of thirds, and in this video, you take Bronstein's concept and show how to combine an outfit using the three words.
Omg never have I thought of this! My three words are flattering, polished and fun! I want my clothes to always flatter my body, the fit is EVERYTHING, it’s the reason why I’m willing to spend much more on clothings that simply fits me amazingly. I aspired to be super polished, almost shots in magazines where you see nice streamlines and silhouettes of clothing constructions, However, I still want to have fun with my outfit, weather through colours, textures or accessories, I just want something fun, almost like a remix of a classic!
I found this video down a rabbit hole and I am so appreciative of you posting this video and explaining it so well. I went through a lot of words but was surprised that I found my three words in under an hour. I might eventually change them but i feel like they work so well for ME. I feel like I have a huge emotional range and i love being creative but I also have days where I don't have a lot of energy so I just wear whatever is easiest and comfortable. It was difficult to find words that make sense with all my extremes but the method worked.
My three words (in order) are:
Comfy
Coherent
Playful
I was surprised to find coherent made it in my list but as someone who may want to feel different everyday all I need is something that ties everything together in a way that makes sense to me even when i want to play with chaotic colors or textures but still has me if I want to look sleek or polished. I understand myself and my style better so thank you for sharing your insights with the world!
Flattering is my first category because even if comfortable or well-fitted or elegant or casual, it all must be flattering or I will not feel well-put-together, i.e., flattering in fit, color and to my aesthetic and the way I see myself.
Hey Jenn, you popped into my feed and wow, not only is this brilliant but I see so many places in my life that this can be applied. Most obviously in decorating my home that reflects me and not trends. And finally it’s a great template to helping me evaluate how I plan my life and what I prioritize. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Amazing! What fantastic ideas! Thank you,
The first outfit is really cool, but the second is perfect
❤❤❤
Simple, pretty, comfortable is what came to me. I only realized that I came to this in my mind very easily after i watched your video.
Love this video
Mine are “versatile, antique-inspired, powerful”. I tend to dress up in outfits where it’s ambiguous whether it’s casual or not, but I feel comfortable knowing I can go on an impromptu hike with no trouble. I also thrift shop and get a bunch of vintage clothes, but I style them in a more modern way, so it’s more like dressing as an antique china cabinet if it were a modern person.
Magnifique Jenn! I’m going to say my style is comfortable, classic and feminine/romantic. This was fun!! ❤
Thanks Linda! 💕
Loved this! I loved how the third word u landed on really helped ure outfits to make more sense & feel like you. Definitely going to try this. I knew of the three word method but never knew the reasoning behind each word, now this makes sense to me lol 😆 ...Ty 😊❤
Wow, awesome video! I am very familiar with Alison Bornstein’s three word method from her book and videos, but I have still been struggling to nail mine down. I realized watching your video that one of my biggest challenges has been that my functional word needs to be comfortable, and I have been resisting that because it felt too boring! You choosing it helped so much, because your style is the opposite of boring. And I also love your tip to incorporate small amounts of my other two words until I find a comfortable balance (there’s that word again!). Thank you so much!
Looking particularly pretty in this video! Hair, makeup and top!❤
Aw thank you 💕
Hey Jenn, Thanks for making this video! It really helped me identify which 3 words to pick, I had a very long list of words to describe my style but didn’t know how to whittle them down to just 3. Your explanation in this video was very helpful in getting me to my 3 words which are:
Casual (practical): from sporty pieces like trainers and athleisure to more classic pieces like t shirts and jeans.
Polished (Aspirational): this is m more about the details of the entire look, e.g. hair, jewellery, quality of the fabric, matching sets as well as tailored and slightly formal pieces like button downs, blazers, heels.
Ease (Emotional): I want my outfits to make me feel a ease and i achieve this through: minimalism (colour, jewellery, accessories), oversized and/or relaxed silhouettes, traditionally “edgy” pieces such as leather trousers. This descriptor is about not feeling the need to show up as perfect and just focus on the feel of the outfit not just the aesthetic; remind myself that fashion is freedom at the end of the day.
All 3 of these words conflict with each other in some way but they feel authentic to me. 🤣
Great video! I'd heard of the three word method elsewhere but wasn't sure about the application until you broke it down. I think my current descriptors would be postpartum/functional (I gave birth to a daughter), sensual, and bold. That's to say, I want to accommodate a baby but still feel like myself. Thank you so much!
Edit: I realized I hadn't really considered much how to apply these descriptors to an actual wardrobe. Postpartum/functional: Tops and other pieces that allow for the demands of accommodating a baby, bottoms and other things that let me move, shoes that don't hinder me while I walk (or run!). Sensual: Fabrics and textures that feel pleasant to touch, colors and patterns that evoke a specific sensibility--pulled from my color palette, cuts and silhouettes (and draping) that combine vertical and curve. Bold: Fabrics, textures, colors, overall line, design details including hardware, finishing touches such as jewelry. (I also have a tricky glasses prescription, so I'd want to allow for that as well. Sorry for all the parentheticals!)
WOW thank you for the detailed walk through you guys did together! It's so good to hear all the contrasts between the two of you and how you both processed through the information. Very helpful for my own style journey 😍
Simple, timeless, joyful
loved those white pants with the elastic on the back. Where are those from?
You did a great job describing this method, and I loved seeing your examples and hearing your thought process. Thank you!
I love this video. It's so cool to see your personality reflected in the way you styled the graphic tee using your 3 style words. You looked so comfortable in your skin and confident. Also, it was so much more unexpected and interesting to style a graphic tee that way. Love that! Now I'm inspired to start styling the items in my wardrobe differently too.
Thank you! I’ve read the book but could not work out what my 3 words were. The way you explained it here has really helped clarify what each word actually means to me. Great content as usual 😊
Nice concept -
I am an artist and a gardener
so my words are
functional, pretty and fun
Recently, I found my 3 words having my kibbe body and Kitchener's essence also in mind. So, I come with "effortless" (my Natural body), "funny" (my Gamine essence) and "mystic" (my personal inclination to whimsical stuff :D). Having not enough, I'm trying to use those words for my color palette too lol Like looking for nice, effortless neutrals, funny neon touches and distant/mysterious blues ❤
I have a Natural body and Gamine essence too (I think) --your comment was very helpful, especially about the color choice. Thank you!
Right? These are perfect for a natural gamine (especially with a nickname Luna ;))
Thank you for the additional explanation, very helpful. My words - natural, laid-back, flamboyant
This video spoke to me so much! All the style content I’ve been consuming and trying to live up to has left me feeling uninspired when I dress and that I’m boring. I’m wearing variations of the t shirt, trouser, and blazer/open shirt every day.
I love your three words! I myself struggled to define what it is I actually wear. Are they basic? Classic? Not really, but comfortable is great. It defines everything from fit to fabric, like I wear linen in the summer, not because it’s minimal but because it’s comfortable. And I really like Rebellious. I have been waffling on that last word because I am attracted to things that have an 80s or 70s aesthetic and things that go against the quiet luxury trend, which I call edgy, but maybe it’s more rebellious because they rebel against the “comfortable” and “relaxed” outfits I wear most often. It’s really tough. I’m sure many of us have this idea of how we see our ideal wardrobe in our mind, but when you do this activity it may turn out your reality is different. Great video!
THANKS! This method is a revelation! So for me: Comfortable, timeless and confident! 🤗💕💛💕
Hi Jenn. Great video! Love seeing you use this method. Your restyled outfits look great and really make you shine! In addition to the three words you chose, I think your new outfits also contain an element of feminine or sexy. (The mesh flats and strappy top for example.) Also.. I think your restyled outfits have a healthy dose of contrast, which are really in harmony with you. (The ivory jacket, for example, with the black pants. And the white pants with black belt, shoes and bag.) This level of contrast really matches you and helps your outfits measure up to you. Keep up the great work! I am learning lots from watching you. Thank you for the great content.
Your video has definitely inspired me to follow this method. I have yet to find an emotional word, though but the first two, I feel, will really help me create new outfits with what I already own. Thanks!!
My three words are cosy, grunge-y and fresh. Basically I don't like things that are very structured, even if it's a correct size because they constrict my movement. If my clothes do not allow me to freely move (and I mean like yoga pose freely) either my upper or lower body, then it's a no-no.
I love that you make "comfortable" a cool style word. I definitely relate to your comfortable and minimal style, and I think that is why I gravitate to your videos. My words would also be "comfortable", "minimal", but with "romantic" as my emotional word. You're so talented and insightful at understanding style patterns and theory! Love your channel!
This was great! And all of the comments with their three words - super helpful, thanks!
I think my three chosen words is: modest, feminine and relaxed.
I dont want to put myself out there with big prints or bright colours. I do like the feminine styles, with clear waistlines, and curves (but not to sexy. or to girly, more vintage?). And I want to feel relaxed, like Im comfortable in my body and that im not out of place.
❤❤❤ thank you for stopping my guilt at choosing “comfortable “ as my word! Love your styling!
Great to hear your take on this approach to style! I really like your choice of those three words to sum up, and push, your style.
I love the white trousers/sexy top outfit so much! The track pants looks are not my kind of thing, but these two outfits really show the flexibility and utility of using your three words to get completely different results, but which all feel like you.
So interesting that you did this for your husband, who is ostensibly uninterested in style, but who clearly still has opinions on what he feels good in. I'd never considered doing this with my partner, who is also not into thinking much about clothing, but this makes me think it might be a good idea.
Your videos are just the best.
Coming up with his words was way easier than coming up with mine haha, especially the emotional word!
Great explanation of the system! Thanks for including your husband.
I reworked my words recently and landed on ‘cozy, sophisticated and fun’. A little hard to combine but I am happiest when my outfit combines all three elements.
Thanks for your explanation and examples. It certainly makes sense. What i notice mostly about styling is the use of a jacket, as in bottom, top and jacket, or dress and jacket. I live in a country where it is hot and humid in summer, so would be interested to find out how to style clothing without the obligatory jacket.
Aussie here, and I know what you mean. A lot of style content creators, especially from colder climates, don't seem to know what to do when they can't just chuck a blazer or sweater on top.
If you're wearing less, everything you are wearing has more impact. So you want every piece you have to represent aspects of your intended style to really keep you on target.
I think there's three aspects to styling for hot weather:
1) Making sure the garments you *are* wearing are really honed in on your style words, since you're not just going to cover them up with a blazer or something. Try to make sure your base outfit (e.g. dress, tank top + pants, shirt + shorts), hits at least two of your words, so you're most of the way there and don't have to rely on an additional garment. The key to this is having details that serve the style you want. If your words are Comfortable, Romantic, and Glamorous, don't wear a boxy plain t-shirt as that'll only hit the comfy aspect; try a camisole or short sleeved top in a drapey fabric (silk or rayon/viscose/lyocell rather than a sweaty synthetic fibre), with feminine gathers, ruffles, embroidery details or a floral print, which will be comfy AND romantic. Pair that with some tailored linen shorts and you're nearly there.
2) Then get your accessories to take up the slack, rather than layering with more clothes. Shoes, sunnies, hats, jewellery, bags, etc., can add in the third word that's not covered by the base outfit. If all the accessories you wear convey the same style, it'll really amp up impression of that word. If the different pieces have different vibes, it'll be more toned down. So with the above outfit, you could add maximum glamour with sleek sunglasses and elegant strappy leather sandals, a luxurious bag and chic jewellery. Boom: comfortable, romantic, glamorous. If you want to veer to the relaxed side, keep the glamorous sunnies but switch to a low profile white trainer/sneaker/plimsoll (comfortable and feminine), and maybe a raffia or woven leather bag (relaxed and romantic).
3) Don't forget how you can use hair and make up as styling tools to change the style by playing with the balance of your three words. The same outfit will have a different vibe when worn with a messy top knot (comfortable), hair down with its natural texture or heat-styled waves (romantic), or a sleek bun (glamorous). Same for make up: Comfortable = sunscreen + MLBB tinted lip balm vs. Romantic = skin tint + bold lip vs. Glamorous = full coverage foundation, winged eyeliner, glossy lip.
Sorry for the essay, but this is something I think is often missing from the style discussions online. I'd also love a video from you on this, please @stylemeenn 🙏
@@chlomo2618 thank you for the "essay"-- it is very helpful. I have lived in Singapore and Sri Lanka. In both places, due to the heat and humidity, the only style guide universally seems to be "hot-wear." In Singapore that comes to a tank top and shorts; in Sri Lanka I have seen women wear a muu-muu style loose dress all the time. In tropical countries, the weather is so draining that you can only go for "wear as little as you can get away with" and "whatever you have to wear, make it loose." I think if you still have the energy to go beyond, you can choose colors and patterns that harmonize with your style and also sunglasses and shoes.
@@chlomo2618 I would like to raise my hand for this video as well @stylemejenn I would love to see a video --maybe a series-- on how to problem solve for places and situations where you have inescapable restrictions for how to style your outfits-- like extreme heat and humidity, as mentioned in this thread-- and maybe extreme cold as well. Maybe cultural taboos as well? Ex: how would you make your three word style work if your hair has to be covered up.
Comfy, effortless, feminine. Thank you for helping me settle on these 3 so clearly
Thank you for this helpful video! I’m excited to try this process for myself ☺️
Gr8 video thanks 🤩 I’m playing with “comfortable, resort, Ageless” 61yrs young and enjoying a different lifestyle ☺️
Love this and I watched at exactly the right time. My wardrobe was destroyed when an unwanted Douglas fir tree visited our bedroom and my closet. Then there was snow and an ice storm on top of everything. I want to be selective as I bring back my wardrobe. I really wanted much more sustainable items and I’m still trying, but wow it’s expensive! I just ordered a bunch of items from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I’m going to go through this process prior to trying anything on. Thank you! I liked the track pants ensemble, but loved the thrifted top outfit! Very simple, chic with a bit of edge!
Vintage, Eclectic, Unique...still a work in progress but this encapsulates my wardrobe currently.
Wow! I love this girl! I am 61 and love her style! I resonate with rebellious! Thank you!😊
I heard about this over ten years ago and my three words have never changed.
It’s hard for me to fit myself into 3 words though. Coz one day I want to dress in Japanese style (loose, baggy barrel leg linen pants or shapeless linen dresses) second day I like to wear fitted straight jeans with striped top or another day I love to put on my blazers, vests, pants or skirts to look preppy. It all depends how I feel or sometimes the season/weather etc. if you say this is about finding your personal style not how you style things, whatever I wear I enjoy. The only thing that bugs me others…others judging me without words… feeling too overdressed etc I hate this feeling.
Eclectic would cover those styles!
Creative, original or multi-faceted - un-predictable
Not a cookie cutter 😀
It's always better to over dress than under. I've always heard that you should dress at least 25% better than the occasion calls for.
I also wear different styles depending on the day. Some days I want whimsigoth outfit, others sporty and others chic office suit. I don’t find words like eclectic work for me as I don’t like mixing styles in one outfit. I like it to create one vibe but I like wearing different vibes depending on the occasion. One of my style words is coherent (or mannequin if I want to make it sound more artsy). What I mean by this is all-over coordinated look no matter the style, perfectly styled outfit that creates a coherent story in choice of fabric, shapes and colour palette. Colour coordinated, details from patterns are repeated in other parts of the outfit or outfit is monochrome. Outfit is well put together top-to-bottom, with an intention, like on a shop mannequin. I wear clothes aesthetically suitable for my environment and appropriate for how I feel about the occasion. Attire is flattering and well fitting, showing off assets and not exposing insecurities, giving perfected smooth appearance with a balanced silhouette.
@@JoannaSelvanyes, I agree that eclectic is about mixing styles in one outfit but it’s always about me, I do sometimes mix but not always which is why I don’t think I’ve eclectic style.. I like to express myself in different styles and outfits, why people don’t do that, why do they stick to only one or two styles only? Don’t they get bored?
Loved this.
So many insights.
Thank you, Jenn.
Thank you for a very helpful video. I'm still in the process of the finding the words. I've been playing around with Classic, chic, confident, but after watching this video I suspect they might be comfortable, classic, chic. It's a process 😂
While editing this video I thought maybe my words should be classic, relaxed and rebellious instead. It is a process for sure 😂
For me, my 3 words are feminine, vintage, and quirky.I am a skirt and floral type of girl. However, I kind of want to be more playful, whimsical, and a bit silly so quirky seems like a good word. The first time I watched Penelope with Christina Ricci, I thought "that's it! That is how I want to dress"
This is so cool!!!! I love watching your "glow up" and how you've learned about yourself here! I needed this video, so inspiring!
I love your channel so much! You always do an amazing job breaking down concepts and teaching us useful things. ❤
Excellent video! I've been trying to figure out my 3 words for over a year LOL I have 2 of them comfortable and classic. The 3rd may be romantic. I'm still experimenting. This method also helps determine why specific garments may or may not work for us. For example today I'm wearing a red dress that is my perfect red. I love the fabric it's very comfortable and it also meets the romantic word. But when I was out I caught my reflection in the windows of a building. Even though I like the way it felt on my body and flattered my complexion, once I saw myself in the daylight, I realized it didn't look like me. So it's probably missing the classic element. Or perhaps it was too frumpy/house dress looking.
I think classic isn't always the most helpful word because it can be a bit vague, and it can be useful to get more specific. What do you mean by 'classic'? preppy? tailored? Balanced? What is it about a classic look that you like? That it's understated? Pared back? Not trend-driven?
Or maybe romantic is not quite you, and you could try out something related like feminine or delicate or graceful or ethereal.
If you like the red dress and the way it looks and feels on you, maybe it's just the styling that's off? What shoes did you wear with it? What bag? How did you do your hair? Maybe simple ballet flats for the classic element, maybe as a belt for some more polish. Try the dress on with lots of different shoes and bags, and if there's one combination that you prefer, what word could you use to describe it?
Or try thinking about how you want to feel, which may be the opposite of how you think the outfit isn't working. So if you think you feel frumpy in the red dress, what's the opposite of that? Maybe you want to feel elevated, or polished, or elegant, or chic.
@@chlomo2618 Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! These are great questions. As for classic perhaps I do need to choose a better word. Timeless perhaps? Not trend driven for certain. I'll think about that more. As for the dress, I'm sure you're right I didn't style it well. Actually I was in a hurry. I'll try it with a belt. I've worn it with a denim jacket before and I liked it better but it's 95° now LOL. I think I resonate with the word romantic in my heart, but on my body I don't want it to be so obvious. I'm an overweight hour glass. I like flowy fabrics but I think that dress was too fluid and not enough shape. I find it a tough balance to show enough of my figure but not too much, being a married mother of 3 and wanting to be taken seriously.
We have the same three words! Love this video. Looking at your outfit examples is giving me a lot of ideas for things I haven’t tried yet.
Hmm, thanks for the breakdown.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of words to choose from as a minimalist.
However, listening to you...I think I found my 3 words.
Functional
Fitted
Rebellious (I get the biggest kick out of wearing something that others wouldn't necessarily see me in.)
Probably chill, yet put together, and maybe cool. I need more example words to be sure these make sense.
Have a Google and you will find that there are people out there who have put together lists of suggestions words. Hopefully they will be helpful for you in determining yours.
This is so interesting! Now I definitely want to try this. I feel like I have the opposite problem to what you describe - I love being extra. I feel bored in my outfits because it’s often impractical to be as extra as I want to dress. I work from home now too. I wear a lot of jewelry even around the house and I got funky glasses with pink lenses… I really need to think about these words to see if I can help myself in my pursuit of extraness lol
You are my soulmate 😂 that's exactly how I feel. I love being extravagant and play around with clothes, jewelry and layering
Maximal? Extravagant?
Very interesting, especially with you showing how you incorporate the ideas into your outfits.
I've come up with 'comfortable, elegant and artistic' as my words. Comfort is an absolute given, and I prefer a restrained colour palette and clean designs. But I need some uniqueness too, so that's the artistic bit. I'd never wear anything sexy, edgy or tough.
Love your word choices.
I love your outfits using this method! My words are relaxed, unconventional and modern. Now that I am reflecting a bit more, I think that your words make your outfits so good because there is a juxtaposition between "Rebellious" and "comfortable"; which creates immediate interest between the pieces. Where is that squishy, soft looking black bag from btw, it's gorgeous!
For me, the first word was easy. COMFORTABLE: I dress for comfort. I don't want to feel like I'm wearing clothes, since I prefer to sleep naked and even go without a bra & underwear if I can help it.
The 2nd word: FLOWY. Nothing makes me feel more aspirational than watching old Hollywood movies or 90s fashion models, I'm not actually into the "Classic Hollywood" or "50s bombshell" look - however, when they dance or come down the stairs in silk robes, they look like they're floating and I aspire to look like that. 90s supermodels always had flowing hair & dresses in Cover Girl, Maybelline, and Tresemme commercials. They looked just as good in androgynous clothing such as flowy trousers, billowing trench coats, oversized poofy/bell sleeves.
The 3rd word: SOOTHING. I want clothes that medicate me, that make me feel safe and warm. Sometimes that means dressing cozy, feminine, soft, loose, hypoallergenic materials, fabric that doesn't agitate my sensory issues, clean, relaxed, effortless, colors that help me feel serene (often muted like pastels and earth tones).