"Outgrowing" Old Favorites - Feeling Guilty/Sad - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

"Outgrowing" Old Favorites - Feeling Guilty/Sad

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I used to 100% love these little fit and flare dresses from Closet UK. In fact, I think I have them in almost EVERY colour.

None of them have been getting any love lately. They still fit me well, but I always hesitate to wear them to work because of their length, and I'm always reaching for something else.

I think it says something about the state of the dresses in my closet when I try to go and find pictures of WiW and can only come up with 7 of them in the last two years.

I think passing on the patterned ones will not be painful for me, but I do have a collection of solid coloured ones - red, navy, green, purples ... Should I 1 in 1 out them for something similar but longer length, or hang on to them?

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Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from donnat

Mo

(website)

Veteran

It's inevitable that our tastes change as we grow. Is there any hem to let out in them?
I ditched 2 skirts when I first got back to FL for being too short and have been searching high and low for proper length replacements. Sigh. I feel you.
This leads to me wanting more than ever to not go overboard on any one new trend or silhouette in any given season. 2 or 3 should suffice. That way I don't wake up one day suddenly sick of half my clothes!

Kristin L

Veteran

That is tricky. Is there a way you can move them to where you'd see them more when you get into your closet? Or can you let them out a little to get some more length?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

No chance on letting any of them out; it's a bit tricky ... but they're about 35" long and I usually wear about 38" these days; *grumps*

Thanks :3 Maybe I'll try to find good homes for them.

carter

Veteran

Lyn*, these look so great on you. I do understand wanting a little more length/conservative silhouette for the office though. I think a couple of them still work for work with tights and a fitted cardi. What if you moved the others to date night/weekend capsules?

DizzyLizzy

I would hold on to numbers 2 and 5 which are totally fab and kinda timeless but pass on the others if they've done their time. Do you need to do one in/one out? Will there be a gap in your wardrobe if you wave goodbye to any of these or the coloured ones if they're not currently being worn?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

ooh, could you make some into skirts, and lower the length a bit that way?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think part of the struggle is I want a fabulous purple fit and flare - but I hesitate to buy a new one because I already "have one" - but I don't wear the one that I have, you know? Ditto for navy and red.

That is the only reason why I'd 1:1.

Oooh, great idea to move them to the date/going out capsule! DONE!!!

Aleta

I always think that this silhouette suits you so well, but maybe as a professional woman the length looks a little short and girly, but for off duty life I think it is fine.

For me I would say that I'm not loving #2 and #6, possibly because of the pattern. #1 makes me think of the summer, the others all look delightful to me although I think they look better with hose.

Liz A.

Veteran

I honestly think these look great on you but a slightly lower neckline would be more flattering so I think it's ok to let some go. I like #4. Maybe keep 2 or 3 for date nights as was suggested. I will be forever jealous of your ability to find dresses that fit you off the rack... Broad back, small waist is a nightmare over here.

Refugee

Veteran

Do you have a light weight skirt that is a bit longer that you could layer underneath?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Ah; I do have a slip. Great idea!!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Dr. Lyn....you are growing up!

Take this with a grain of salt because it is coming from a ruthless purger. I would get rid of all of them and replace with ones that will make you feel fantastic NOW. I guess if you have one favourite for dates or summer days off, then keep (because they're cute, yes, and suit you) -- but otherwise? I say begone, and welcome the new.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Your style is growing and changing lyn - I say let them go and don't you dare feel guilty. Growth and change is a good thing

Joy

Veteran

What Suz and Shannon said. You have become a professional and an adult. It's time to move these out for something better. They may be holding your style back.

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree--I think you've moved beyond them. That's life and a good thing!
If you have a fave for summer, or with tights/boots--but you don't need most of these anymore.
It may be you want longer, or also some different silhouettes entirely. And longer doesn't mean midi's--sometimes just a little bit longer or more drapey reads as more elegant or professional rather than just perky.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much ladies; so much has happened in the work transition it is like I am growing up (bah, but I still like my Beanie Babies!!!!!)

I guess it's part of living.

Anonymous

Well if you keep two, I vote for 2 and 5 (unless you already have something similar in a longer length).

I was going to say what Suz did, you're just growing up and it's all good. Pass them to a younger relative and enjoy being able to get a few new ones.

@Mo, excellent point about not overdoing it on one trend or silhouette. I have had that morning when I'm suddenly sick of half of my clothes!

Shirley

So cute. Can you wear them for fun outings? Otherwise, I say move on.

Astrid

Veteran

Please don't feel guilty about outgrowing something, it happens to us all! If you don't love and wear them anymore, let them go without feeling bad about it. I like the idea of keeping your favourite ones for casual summer looks or dating. And in a year from now you can always reevaluate those too.

Tricia

Veteran

I love #2. I think you look adorable in these, but I definitely get not feeling it anymore. I would keep #2 for going out - especially with tights and boots.

Do you guys all think that shape/length is too youthful? I'm in my late 30s, and I would wear that with no hesitation.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I find it either youthful or retro (early 60's housewife).

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I don't think the shape is too "youthful" depending on how tall you are - I think you can rock these out totally, Tricia!

I just have a bit of trouble because I think they are too short right now for most of my work needs. I wouldn't hesitate to wear these to work if I was in a different profession, or if I was still a student.

I wear tons of dresses with this type of cut though; and patterns!

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Amy

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, I think your tastes/needs are changing and that's perfectly normal. Let them go and don't worry for a minute about it!

I don't find fit and flare dresses particularly youthful in and of themselves. The shorter length does read younger though.

donnat

Veteran

I get that tastes change, and you have tons of nice dresses thst you prefer, however, that houndstooth number is outstanding! (Imho)