Nerisa Kalošin, ID: 05218349
Nové sady 988/2, 602 00, Brno, Czechia
Single entrepreneur operating under a business licence.
©2024 Nerisa Kaloshin | Images by freepik and Pexels
YFS Style Essences
Have you browsed the style gallery but still don’t know which of the 20+ styles to choose?
I understand. It’s a lot.
To make it easier for you (and for the style quiz) I created my own ten style essences, aka special styles, from which you can create your own personal style combination.
You can learn all about theme here.
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YFS Style Essences
Have you browsed the style gallery but still don’t know which of the 20+ styles to choose?
I understand. It’s a lot.
To make it easier for you (and for the style quiz) I created my own ten style essences, aka special styles, from which you can create your own personal style combination.
You can learn all about them here.
What are YFS style essences?
Style essences are a simplification of different fashion styles of which there are dozens at the moment and it is difficult to navigate them. It is not a typology – it is not necessary to choose one essence and dress according to it, on the contrary, they are meant to be combined.
At its core, essence is an aesthetic, an overall vibe. It manifests itself not only in clothing, but also in art, nature and all other branches of design. That’s why you will also find photos on their Pinterest boarad that are not about clothes, but are meant to evoke a certain feeling. That feeling is the essence.
When we apply this to clothing, essences tell us what feeling a certain outfit, combination of materials, colors, shapes, themes, etc., evokes. And this feeling should correspond to the impression we have of the wearer. And that impression of the wearer, of a person in a given essence, with a given style, is formed by how they look, how they behave, move, express themselves, what tone of voice they have, in short – everything together, the person and the clothes, should form a unified, harmonious entity, which can be described by the use of essences.
Examples will hopefully make it clearer, because feelings and impressions are always difficult to describe and are best understood by experiencing them. But that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to look at them rationally.
Based on experience, it is possible to tell what specific materials, colors and styles of clothing (and also architecture, etc.) can give the impression of belonging to a given essence. It is also possible to assign certain words or archetypes to them, ones we know from film and literature. For each essence, you can find these features, which makes it easier to get to know and work with.
Comparing impressions - wildness vs. nobility
How and why were essences created?
When I decided to create a style assessment quiz, it was clear that I couldn’t even include all 20+ styles that you can find here on the web, let alone all the styles that exist out there. I needed to simplify things somehow, so after giving it some thought I started creating my own style essences.
I went through all the styles I know and looked for common characteristics and how they differ significantly. I have found (so far) ten essences to which these styles could be “reduced”, so that the styles could still be more or less put together. Sure, it’s not and will never be perfect, there’s always room to make the style created by the essences more specific and customized, but it is a good foundation.
And the best part is that I can use these essences for a quiz that will make it easier for a lot of people to find their style. Right now, the quiz is in the works, and the plan is that the quiz will produce a percentage of all the essences, so that people can combine them right away. I am also preparing more detailed materials for the essences, which will include, among other things, several archetypes for each essence, to make it even easier to find your own unique version of your personal style.
The quiz and more detailed materials for the essences will be paid. I plan to finish it later this year, I will send updates via newsletter.
Combining essences
Each essence can be combined with others – a single essence is not enough for personal style, we humans are too unique for that.
Theoretically, it is possible to have a combination of up to five essences. This is because the essences are paired. Each has its opposite, e.g. the essence of darkness is the opposite of the essence of purity and they are essentially mutually exclusive.
Theoretically. Practically, you can try to combine them, maybe you can show me that it’s possible, but it won’t be easy to do it harmoniously.
The actual combining works by either a) finding a piece of clothing that has both essences in it and wearing that, or b) combining two pieces of clothing, each in one of your two essences, to create a combination. But of course they have to match, have something in common, like color.
Combining essences
Each essence can be combined with others – a single essence is not enough for personal style, we humans are too unique for that.
Theoretically, it is possible to have a combination of up to five essences. This is because the essences are paired. Each has its opposite, e.g. the essence of darkness is the opposite of the essence of purity and they are essentially mutually exclusive.
Theoretically. Practically, you can try to combine them, maybe you can show me that it’s possible, but it won’t be easy to do it harmoniously.
The actual combining works by either a) finding a piece of clothing that has both essences in it and wearing that, or b) combining two pieces of clothing, each in one of your two essences, to create a combination. But of course they have to match, have something in common, like color.
10 Style essences
Want a quick overview? Do you need images? Check the Pinterest board.
Softness
Softness is about delicate, tender, fragile beauty. We can admire its quiet strength, its ability to disarm through sheer vulnerability. When we see softness, we feel we must treat it with care and protect it. It includes materials that we want to touch and snuggle into, such as a soft sweater, faux fur, velvet or a soft knit. It usually utilizes soft colors, especially pastels, and light tones of pink, white and beige, or possibly cornflower blue. It features small patterns, most often of flowers, as these are typical of nature’s gentle beauty. Among the styles, girly and mori-kei, but also romantic, have an essence of softness.
Adjectives: gentle, tender, delicate, dainty, sweet, soft, childlike, innocent, vulnerable, cute, …
Archetypes: girl, princess, fairy
Opposite of: Power
Power
Power, the opposite of softness, is hard, harsh, sharp, resilient, courageous, in short, tough – nothing can move it. Its beauty is about strength. We can admire it for its ability to go after what it wants, to stand up for what it cares about, to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. Power belongs to warriors, whether they are fighting in the field or business. Its main color is black or gray, it needs no sparkle, speaking mainly through the language of shapes. Fabrics in the essence of Power are tough, like leather or strong cloth, they hold their shape well. It can also take inspiration from men’s wardrobe. Trousers, jackets and high boots are typical for it, as well as massive silver jewellery, chains and metal in general. It can be found in many styles, such as rock, metal, dramatic, but it can also be seen in the classic or fantasy styles.
Adjectives: strong, tough, powerful, resilient, courageous, stubborn, indomitable, determined, forceful, firm, hard, fierce, mighty
Archetypes: queen, businesswoman, warrior, spy, rock star, rebel
Opposite of: Softness
Future
Future shows us what is and could be. It has emerged with technological advances and the development of new, man-made materials such as plastics and, in clothing, polyester. The future is functional, simple, but it can also be extravagant. The important thing is that it seeks to distinguish itself from what has come before – that is, historical dressing. It’s not afraid of color; neon suits it as well as black and white. And although it can use all the modern materials, leather, neoprene or functional knits suit it best. The cuts are simple, body-hugging, but it makes great use (even in patterns) of geometric shapes, especially sharp, triangular and asymmetrical ones. The essence of the future is most often seen in sporty or minimalist styles, where functionality comes first.
Adjectives: modern, practical, sporty, functional, visionary, transparent, hi-tech, trendy, contemporary
Archetypes: athlete, robot, alien, inventor, scientist, visionary
Opposite of: Nostalgia
NostalgiA
Nostalgia’s essence is about the past. It includes longing for the old days (and often romanticizing them), getting lost in one’s own thoughts and fantasies, in short – it’s never quite here and now, it’s always somewhere else, in the imagination or the past. It is the essence of dreamers and history lovers. There is a certain shabbiness to it, dustiness, past is in muted colors. It resembles softness and often goes hand in hand with it, but it is more ethereal than sweet. Its materials are lace, chiffons, flowing and crinkly thin fabrics. It includes ruffles and corsets, long dresses and skirts (yes, like the old days), tiny, tarnished, vintage jewelry, and generally sophisticated, intricate embellishments. It can be found in historical, vintage and romantic styles, of course, but it also affects the ethereal and countryside style.
Adjectives: shabby, faded, aged, distressed, vintage, antique, historical, ethereal, melancholic, romantic, fairytale, dreamy, nostalgic, old
Archetypes: ghost, librarian, princess, romantic heroine, ballerina
Opposite of: Future
Wildness
Perhaps the oldest essence that has been with us since prehistoric times and continues to influence and inspire us and bring us back to our roots. Wildness is about connecting with mother earth, our animal nature, with all that was natural to us before we laid the foundations of complex, modern civilization. Wildness uses natural materials, i.e. leather, fur, but also cotton and linen, and in accessories wooden beads, bones, feathers. Everything that can be obtained from animals and collected from the ground (or mined). Thus even semi-precious stones and coarse metals have their place in dressing according to this essence. The cuts are simple, rather straight, perhaps belted. Colors are natural, such as brown, or more expressive, such as red, often with ethnic patterns. Wildness comes with long hair. It can be found in styles such as ethno, natural or bohemian.
Adjectives: wild, feral, raw, rugged, natural, native, untamed, nomadic, free, tribal
Archetypes: nomad, huntress, shaman, traveler
Opposite of: Nobility
Nobility
As far removed from wild nature as it can be, nobility is about luxury, decorum and social status. It encompasses etiquette and fine speech, art, gold, lavish architecture and, of course, flamboyant gowns. It likes to flaunt its wealth. Designer clothes made of materials such as silk and cashmere, large necklaces with precious stones, pearls and diamonds, hats, gloves, heels, … Noble essence doesn’t need to be practical, it needs to be seen. Its color is mainly gold, then also beige, cream, pink and dark blue. Its hallmark is brilliance and sleekness. It’s the basis of aristocratic style and has its place in the classic.
Adjectives: pompous, lavish, glamorous, rich, noble, opulent, grand, luxurious, expensive, sophisticated, refined, proper, glittering
Archetypes: queen, noblewoman, goddess, diva, courtesan
Opposite of: Wildness
Vitality
Vitality wants to have fun and play. It’s energetic, colorful, chaotic, expressive, loud and original. It combines the incompatible, it is not afraid of any colors and patterns, extravagance is inherent in it. The only thing it can’t be is plain and boring. It’s inspired by art and flowers, and its colors are cheerful – green, yellow, orange, red, but also purple or blue, especially in combination. The cuts can be straight if the clothes have a distinctive pattern, otherwise they can have ruffles, balloon sleeves and various embellishments, such as fringe, appliqués, beads – and bows. Accessories, at least a bracelet, beads or a hat. It is most evident in creative, extravagant and retro styles, but can also be found in part in fairy, girly or bohemian.
Adjectives: colorful, energetic, cheerful, original, extravagant, playful, expressive, lively, vibrant, bold, distinctive, fun, flamboyant
Archetypes: painter, actress, designer, fashion icon
Opposite of: Serenity
Serenity
While vitality is always out there and ready to go into action, serenity thinks it’s better to be at home with a book or drawing by the lake. It can feel unobtrusive, withdrawn, but it also has a wisdom and depth that can only be found in stillness, in silence. Neutral, unassuming colors that don’t draw attention are ideal for serenity. Grey, beige, off-white, blue or brown. It uses simple natural materials – linen, cotton, wool. It doesn’t care much for ornamentation, just a single bow or cotton lace will do. Clothes should be practical and comfortable, such as wrap dresses and skirts, straight trousers, shirts and cardigans. Serenity can be found in natural, minimalist, mori-kei, classic and countryside styles.
Adjectives: calm, peaceful, quiet, serene, still, harmonious, subtle, modest, humble, thoughtful, reflective, wise
Archetypes: scientist, nurse, farmer, writer
Opposite of: Vitality
Darkness
Darkness tempts and repels at the same time. We can find both passion and fear in it, it evokes everything that we try not to see in ourselves and others, and yet (or because of it) we are somehow attracted to it. Sexuality and death, pleasure and pain, fear and excitement – that’s what darkness is. Its colors are of course black and red, the colors of night and blood, its cuts are often body-hugging and seductive, but it can also manifest itself in long, shapeless robes. Sheer and lace, velvet and tulle, silver jewellery with coffin and cross motifs or even roses – all these are its hallmarks. Its beauty is at times morbid, but it still has its loyal fans. It can be found in both gothic and alluring style.
Adjectives: seductive, alluring, tempting, enchanting, passionate, gloomy, frightening, grim, morbid, serious, mysterious, magical
Archetypes: vampire, witch, dark queen, femme fatale
Opposite of: Purity
Purity
Elegant, perfect, untouchable, almost cold. Purity represents high standards, strong ideals and light capable of overcoming darkness. It shows what we want to be and could be, it is a role model – and therefore it seems unattainable. After all, who can walk around in white trousers, not get them dirty, not trip? Only purity, with its admirable self-control (and planning). This includes white in particular and then other bright, airy colors. Its cuts are classic and elegant, like pencil skirts. It dares to wear pumps, but it can also choose loafers, ballerinas, especially if it strives for spiritual rather than physical perfection. It is sober and sleek, which is reflected in hairstyle, the length of skirts and choice of jewellery (pearls or a chain). Purity can be found in classic, ethereal and minimalist style.
Adjectives: elegant, pure, simple, untouchable, clear, transparent, angelic, orderly, tidy, poised, clean, sleek, pristine
Archetypes: angel, goddess, ballerina, mentor, priestess
Opposite of: Darkness
Which essences suit you?
Maybe you’ve recognised at a first glance which essences speak to you and are keen to try incorporating them into your style. But if not, I have a solution for you Or rather, I will have it soon.
You can find your essences with a style quiz I’m preparing and will be ready in early 2025.
After the quiz, I also plan to release an e-book(s) with more detailed descriptions, examples of outfits, in short, everything you could possibly need to turn the quiz result into a tangible style or wardrobe design.
And if you’re in a hurry, you can schedule a consultation and talk to me directly – whether you’re interested in essences, your overall style, or anything else about style.