goldenpig

Rae, Una, Anna et al: Define elements of UWP style

January 3, 2012

I admit I'm still fascinated with your Urban Warrior Princess Style. It seems like such a polar opposite to my demure bombshell/retro ladylike style. Which may explain why the couple times I tried on some of your UWP items (Heed sweater, plaid pants), it just didn't seem to work on me as well as it does on you. The closest I came to feeling like an UWP was when I wore my RATE Kate Spade outfit and when I wore my grey sweaterdress with the obi belt and boots. I wish I could be a tough UWP at least once in a while when I want to feel totally bad@$$, but it seems so hard for me to pull off (and so effortless for you!)

So, hope you don't mind, I'm not trying to rip off your style, but I'm just curious--what would you say are the essential elements of UWP style as you wear it? I mean, I know it's supposed to be based on Xena the Warrior Princess but I don't see you wearing body armor! ;) And how does RATE play into this--are they one and the same (ie UWP is always RATE), or is there a distinction? Like for example, I know Nicoleb likes RATE but is she also an UWP? Anyone else on YLF consider themselves an UWP? I have a guess as to some UWP elements, like lots of black and grey, mostly muted colors, leather, studs/zippers and hardware, military cuts and details, androgyny/masculinity, asymmetrical hems, etc. but I'd like to hear from the experts! And did you guys make this term up or did you hear it somewhere? How long have you been dressing in this way--was it a pre-YLF style or something that evolved after you joined?

Thanks for indulging me!
Urban Warrior Apprentice :)

Posted in the Inspiration category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

23 Comments

  • Kari replied 12 years ago

    I am NOT an UWP nor am I am expert, but something about the vibe makes me think of the wardrobe of the character Zoe from Firefly. Strong/tough with masculine or military details, but highlighting the feminine shape. With this one example, I actually don't see this character's wardrobe as RATE, as the costumes involve highly tailored, impeccably fitted collared shirts, figure-fitted leather vests and jackets, and skinny pants tucked into tall boots. And the clothing seems to be inexplicably in good condition despite the character's roving lifestyle. https://www.google.com/search?.....iAKA_5GzDg

    I'm looking forward to hearing the actual experts chime in, though.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Hey Natalie, this made me smile and I had to log back in just to respond! I believe I originally coined the term Urban Warrior Princess to describe the fantasy life I wish I could dress for, rather than my ordinary life of work and mothering. Ah, imagination... I've always yearned and leaned toward this style, but never really figured out how to make it work till I joined YLF!

    Xena is obviously a warrior princess, as is Trinity from Matrix, or even Aeon Flux, but I think all kinds of elements can play into this style - depending on whether you emphasize the Urban, the Warrior, or the Princess aspect. If anyone ever read Sandman by Neil Gaiman, the character of Death was a kind of UWP as well. Debbie Harry and Joan Jett and of course Patti Smith are also good examples of different UWP types.

    RATE is definitely easier for me, but there are certainly elements of polished that can come into play, as Kari wisely points out. Also, I sometimes struggle with the color issue, since Allsaints typifies this look to me but doesn't incorporate the color aspects I enjoy in my style.

    For me, the elements of UWP can include androgyny or juxtaposition, military or punk, tough-chick footwear, a bit of grunge, some sassy attitude, and edgy pieces with a medieval-futuristic look (I think I called it "post-apocalyptic hipster" once!). Let's see - plaid, zippers, snaps, studs, asymmetry, leather - but all made feminine through some contrast (hair, lipstick, eyeliner). I also look for an element that is dashing or swashbuckling, as some Victorian styles can be.

    Natalie, I definitely think you can pull this off. Think about a studded belt, or some scuffed boots, or something funky in leather. Or maybe just an edgy necklace - try it with tall boots. black skinnies, and a tunic or sweater. It doesn't have to be overboard or costume-y - I see you more on the "princess" side of things with your feminine tastes. I had a great time going through yoox.com finding pieces I thought were RATE or UWP, and I plan to post more as I have time to browse, partly to see if I can find some common elements. Maybe you'll spot something you like. You did a fab job with your RATE Kate look, so I don't see it as a reach, only a matter of whether you enjoy it.

    Kari, never heard of Firefly, but yes, she appears to be a UWP of the first order!

    Can't wait to hear what the rest of the tribe has to say!

  • Elly replied 12 years ago

    A. I'm pretty sure I don't watch enough television to be part of this conversation.

    B. I believe there has been some discussion related to the post-apocalyptic mindset of combining military and civilian elements, adding fantasy/tough elements (the zena part), and looking deconstructed/recreated. Something about a tough yet fantastically feminine look that doesn't belong to one specific "style" of tough fashion (only steampunk, or biker, or . . . ya know)--- but a mishmash of styles that could only come in contact in an urban environment, yet also looking appropriate for both "pounding the pavement on the mean streets of the big city" or ya know . . . just riding the subway in southern california.

    I will P.S. this by admitting I am not UWP. I kick booty-- I like tough elements-- but not even being a pepper spray carrying, rock climber has made me cool enough to be UWP.

  • Elly replied 12 years ago

    Obviously, I didn't see Una reply-- which has made my post superfluous. However, I can now add that when I was 17 I was UWP at least once--- I dressed up as Joan Jett and everyone thought the tattoo was real . . . ah, the young and gullible.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Elly, you're definitely a warrior! I think Andrea (RandomThoughts) is another UWP, and I know there are more here.

    Natalie, here's my original UWP post, from Claire's thread, which is full of hilarious and insightful comments:

    http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ife-i-lead

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    I like and incorporate pretty much all of the elements listed here but I don't think my style is UWP? Urban, yes. Hmmm I suppose I do have a little bit of UWP in my style since I'll always have some elements of punk in my style. Further thought required! I'm looking forward to this conversation :D

  • Mochi replied 12 years ago

    Back in college I had a Joan Jett haircut! :-)

    Very glad you asked these questions. I was wondering myself. UWP would definitely be only one part of my style persona, and I'm trying not to go overboard on toughness/androgyny (since I over-relied on it for so long, and doubt it suited me all that well even at the time). But I do love it and want to figure out how to pull off some aspect of the look--especially at my advanced age!

  • JennyAnne replied 12 years ago

    How fun! I'm not an UWP by any means, but I think I might like to be... :-)

  • Jjsloane replied 12 years ago

    Great discussion. I was Xena for Halloween many years ago. It was a great feeling of empowerment because it is so opposite of my lifestyle and persona (The year before I went as Alice in Wonderland - more my speed) I admire the UWP looks, but I know they are not my style although I probably have a few elements without it being intentional.

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Oh this is so fun! Thanks Una and everyone else for chiming in! I love this discussion! Una, you're right, I thought about listing Andrea too--I've never heard her describe herself as UWP, but she definitely has those elements down. Interested to see who else considers themselves an UWP. Interesting that you listed All Saints--that's kind of like the flagship UWP store, isn't it.

    I am also fascinated by steampunk style and got a taste of it when I was putting together my Wild Wild West holiday party costume. Maybe I should pull out that Victorian cross necklace--I only bought it for the costume but maybe I can try wearing it in real life! And I have the black lace-up boots. And my black leather jacket and black KS trench. Hmm studded belt--that will have to be my next belt purchase...

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    I think this will vary from one UWP to another, but here's my interpretation:

    Urban
    Modern or city influences (e.g. tailored fit, luxe fabrics like cashmere & leather, current fits and silhouettes, allowance for pretty things like handbags and jewelry). I personally also think of older cities and the industrial revolution, blue collar workers, and things like that as well. I guess you could say "not country" and that would fit, too.

    Warrior
    Anything involving combat. This can be imagined sci-fi/fantasy combat (Xena, Battlestar Galactica, Matrix, Dark City, City of Lost Children, Firefly) or real combat from the past or present (modern militaria, survivalists, foreign wars, Wild West, gladiators, etc.) For me, this means utility jackets, BOOTS (any UWP must love boots!), hardware, leather, and so on. ETA: Things that look as though they've felt the effects of combat - I think this is where the RATE element comes in. Distressing, mussed hair, patches...

    Princess
    The feminine side! To me, an UWP balances her inner sh*t kicker with ladylike, feminine elements, whether that be a body con fit, pretty Victorian influences, colors that aren't urban or warlike but that flatter the complexion, makeup, hair, high heels, or anything else that says, "I'm tough, but I'm not butch."

    I hope this helps! I think you can def. do an UWP look that is heavier on the P, no problem!

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    Hmm, according to these descriptions, I have a bit of an inner warrior princess just begging to be let out . . . but she's not exactly urban or full warrior - can there be a suburban reserves lady in waiting? ;)

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    LOL@ Mo! With your cargo skinnies, the bat belt, boot love, and penchant for exposed zippers, I think you have enough UWP influence to be promoted to Suburban Reserves Duchess (you're still royalty, after all). ;)

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    Hee hee - I'll take the new title, Rae! ;) Natalie, I can easily see you doing touches of UWP with your look, if not a complete head to toe variation.

  • cciele replied 12 years ago

    "Suburban Reserves Duchess" -- LOL, love it!

    Great to hear everyone's interpretation of UWP! I'm 100% RATE and occasionally delve into the UWP realm. I look at it as RATE plus some fantasy element (steampunk, cyberbunk, medieval, etc.) with a feminine bent.

  • Suz replied 12 years ago

    LOL, Mo and Rae! Loving this conversation!

  • Vicki replied 12 years ago

    Rae, your post made smile, especially the P part! Excellent descriptions!

  • CocoLion replied 12 years ago

    Sorry I have nothing clever or insightful to add but... Una:

    Urban Warrior Princess is such a great style term!

    Another one, not invented here, is "rich hippie."

    I am going to lie awake thinking of more tonight.

  • nicoleb replied 12 years ago

    LOL I hadn't heard of UWP but if i'm reading the descriptions correctly i would say this applies to me as well! :)

    ETA: UWP Shoes?

    1
  • lyn* replied 12 years ago

    UWP sounds like a super fun style ... and reminds me of comic con.

  • nicoleb replied 12 years ago

    And speaking of, I'm pretty sure I will be attending Comic Con for the first time this summer and I am SUPER excited! :B

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Denise, LOL about rich hippie! Another term I've heard for that is boho luxe. And I think the flagship store for that style would be Anthropologie, LOL!

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    Or Haute Hippie...

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I'm a doctor and mom of three on the go go go who likes to have fun with fashion!