less stylish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less stylish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the style of two or more items, indicating that one is not as fashionable or elegant as the other. Example: "While the first dress was stunning, the second one was less stylish and didn't catch my eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In fact, some say the less stylish, the better.

The New York Times

"He looked less — how shall I say this? — less stylish than his wife looked".

The New York Times

Teenagers label smokers of plain-pack cigarettes as less stylish and social.

The New York Times

It is their special achievement to be no less stylish in Balanchine.

The New York Times - Arts

It will probably get even crazier soon, and somewhat less stylish.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Beautiful and Damned is a bit more flabby but no less stylish.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The film, like most of Kieslowski's which deal with Poles and Poland, is less headily stylish than Blue or Red, made in France and Switzerland respectively.

The Guardian - Film

(For quite a while these were Sovereign, a sort of low-rent Benson & Hedges: it was the only less than stylish accoutrement I ever noted about her).

The Guardian - Books

But the writing is never less than stylish and witty, and the sense of disaster, here as in Shteyngart's other novels, is unfailingly lyrical, performed for full, funny rhetorical orchestra.

The New York Times - Books

Across the street, Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Avenue; 215-634-3338; frankfordhalessom) is less aggressively stylish and more family-friendly, with Ping-Pong and picnic tables, an affinity for wood block games and an excellent beer list.

The New York Times - Travel

And yet, though Weiner writes movingly about being an unpopular kid who never got to sit at the cooler lunch tables, as well as some of the heart-wrenching times she was called fat or made fun of for her less-than-stylish clothes, it's more than 300 pages before she mentions that she's ever heard anyone make fun of her last name.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, be specific about why one is "less stylish" than the other. Providing concrete examples helps clarify your point and makes your writing more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about something being "less stylish" without providing context. Style is subjective, so specify the aspects that make it so in your view. For example, saying "the design is less stylish because it lacks modern features" is much better than simply stating "the design is less stylish."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less stylish" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a lower degree of style than another item or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less stylish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing a comparative judgment about the aesthetic appeal of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward, and its meaning is generally well-understood. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its general applicability across different domains. While style is inherently subjective, using "less stylish" effectively involves providing specific reasons for the comparison to enhance clarity and persuasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as fashionable

Directly indicates a lower level of fashion; slightly more straightforward.

not as trendy

Focuses on current trends rather than overall style.

less fashionable

A more formal synonym; suitable for a wider range of contexts.

more plain

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment.

less elegant

Emphasizes a lack of grace and sophistication.

not so chic

Uses the word "chic" to imply a lack of sophisticated style.

dowdier

Suggests a more old-fashioned and unfashionable appearance.

more subdued

Indicates a style that is toned down and less attention-grabbing.

less cutting-edge

Implies a style that is not at the forefront of fashion trends.

more conventional

Suggests a style that adheres to traditional norms and lacks originality.

FAQs

How can I use "less stylish" in a sentence?

You can use "less stylish" to compare the aesthetic appeal of two or more items. For example, "The newer model is more functional, but the older one is less stylish."

What's a synonym for "less stylish"?

Alternatives include "not as fashionable", "less elegant", or "more plain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "less stylish" or "fewer stylish"?

"Less stylish" is correct because "stylish" is an adjective describing an unquantifiable quality. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns.

How does "less stylish" compare to "outdated"?

"Less stylish" implies a general lack of current fashion sense, while "outdated" specifically suggests that something was once stylish but is no longer so. Therefore, "outdated" carries a stronger connotation of being old-fashioned.