Hi, everyone.

I'm Sarah. I've been reading YLF for a while now, and have decided to become an active member. A few details about myself: I teach writing at the college level. I don't have a strict dress code for work, and enjoy having the freedom to exercise some creativity when it comes to work apparel. I usually wear dresses to work, and as much as I love them, I'd also like to expand my options for professional attire a little (maybe branch out into wearing...pants!). As far as my more casual wardrobe is concerned, I usually wear skinny or straight legged jeans, though bootcuts also make an appearance from time to time. I'd like to find a pair of boyfriend jeans but have yet to try any that work with my body type. During the warm months, I wear dresses or skirts nearly every day. I like for my clothes to have simple lines and to skim my body; I don't care for clothing that's too clingy, but I also don't like anything that's too voluminous or baggy, as it tends to overwhelm me. While I like black (I consider it a wardrobe staple), I also wear a lot of blue, purple, dark green, and dark gray.

As far as my body type is concerned, I'm 5'2" with a short torso and long legs (for my height); my primary body type is the hourglass, though I think I have some underlying rectangle tendencies as well. I usually wear a size 4. Despite my short stature, I don't always need petite lengths--in fact, they're often too short for me, though regular lengths are sometimes too long. Due to being relatively small (yet full busted) finding clothes that fit me properly is a challenge, so when I find something I like, I tend to purchase it in multiples.

Hello Everyone,

I discovered YLF a few years ago when I was researching capsule wardrobes, and I've been hooked ever since. I have and a country lifestyle which demands mostly casual clothing but I aim to look put-together and presentable at all times - except, perhaps, when I'm digging in the garden!
I'm looking forward to participating in the forum.

Hi everyone! I'm new the forum after reading YLF for a few months, and I'm excited to get some more inspiration as I work on my wardrobe. I feel like I'm kind of starting from scratch - I've never had any set plan for my wardrobe, and as a result, I've ended up with a lot of things that don't fit right or I don't feel good in.

A little about me - I'm 35, married, have a 9 month old daughter, and work full time managing consultants at a very casual software company as only 1 of 2 women in my office. I definitely like the casual/comfortable vibe, but I still would like to look well put together and feel confident with how I'm dressed. I'm 5'6", size 10ish, apple shaped, with a large bust (currently a 32HH, was a 32G before I started breastfeeding). I tend to stick to dark neutrals, lots of grey and black, but I'm hoping to lighten it up a little bit. My biggest challenge - I find it really tough to find jeans that don't droop off my flat butt!

Having a daughter has really made me start accepting my body in a way that I never did before she came along, and I'm hoping I can learn from all of you the best way to dress just as it is!

Hello-

My resolution for 2015 is to invest in myself. This cuts across all areas of my life: health, work, professional development, relationships; it certainly pertains to "my look"-- both wardrobe and beauty.

A few additional details: I am single, 41, no children; I recently moved from Washington, DC to Dallas, Texas. I now work mostly from home. I am working to update my wardrobe and look to a new climate (Texas is hotter and summer lasts a LONG time); a different work environment, and different culture (DC is very conservative and serious; Dallas is more casual and there is a lot more bling). I think I know what I like and don't like but don't feel like I've thought it out to a cohesive look, which I would like to do more.

Hi! I stumbled upon this website a while back. As I am about to go back to work and need to buy some professional clothes, I really needed some help. Having lived in jeans and tshirts for some time, I'm excited to "have" to dress up a bit. Thanks for all of the inspiration!

Hi! I'm looking to find out how to dress myself now, at age 60, in a way that fits for my current life, where I am less active and more round than I used to be. I'm finding it a challenge to dress in the slightly artsy, slightly edgy clothes that I prefer, while still being comfortable. Looks like there is plenty of variety here, and lost of inspiration.

I'm 5'3", shortwaisted, more of a soft rectangle than the hourglass that I used to be, with short, very curly hair that is edging into a very white from the dark blond that I still am from behind. I don't have a lot of opportunity to dress up anymore, and cannot wear a heel over and inch anymore, but still want to look like I care about my appearance. Thanks to you all for being so generous in sharing how you do it.

II too stumbled on this fun and useful website. I plan on using it to up my style and consult and share my thoughts and taste about style. I never have taken part in especially this type of social media.
I work and travel in the ship supply industry. Also, I have gotten into consulting in this field.
My fashion style is, I'd say, centered around the J. Crew catalog. My real weakness is, and my staple pieces, are my cherished button down shirts. I am finding this a little old and want to snap out of this look. My closest friends and even my husband say often "is that one anew one?" Plus, at work I can't get away with that look all the time anymore. I don't ever want to be known as the shirt lady.
I am embarrassed to say how many I have. Plus, I have been know to wear my wonderful husband's now and then. I especially love the look of his slightly, on me, their oversized look. Especially in leggings. I want to add more skirts and dresses but I am not too confident on choosing these. I am also a fan of anything denim. Those for sure will have to sit back as I can not really wear them professionally.
I look forward to all of your sincere pointers, and critiques of my wardrobe and potential items I will look at buying.
Thank you ladies for accepting me in this great community. I am realizing it is not always easy to part with certain clothes,especially old favorites, so I will count on your support in this journey of restyling and purging my closet.
Laura.

Hi,
I'm Dana. I'm 44, a recovering attorney, mother to 2 daughters, wife to 1 dude and chew toy to an airedale terrier puppy. I've recently moved from Atlanta to Southern California, quit my job, started an online business and play lots of tennis to keep sane.

I found this site as I was looking for over 40 fashion bloggers since I'm reinventing myself in more than one way. I enjoy shopping online and in brick and mortar stores but the hunt for a bargain gives me a thrill. I like to splurge (once in awhile) on really good solid pieces that will last me a lifetime.

My look varies from day to day. Sometimes it's sweats that I throw on to get the kids to school, other days I'm preppy and others edgy. I'm still figuring all of that out.

Oh, I'm 5'5.5" (I will claim that .5" until I die) and currently wear a 8/10 depending on the source.

Looking forward to getting to know y'all better.
Dana

Hi everyone! I'm Linda, once an airport executive, now retired and living a more relaxed life as an author. I've ditched my former sharp business wear (I never knew when I'd have to appear on the news) for what I'm hoping will be casual classic attire. Let's just call my style a work in progress. I live in a suburb of Philadelphia, so have plenty of good shopping nearby. Yay!

I've been lurking on this site for a few months. Everyone has such good tips to offer and seems so friendly, so I'm jumping in.

I used to live in St. Johns suits, but just donated all but two of them to a local charity that helps women in shelters dress for the workforce. Now I'm looking to build a wardrobe around jeans, sweaters, t-shirts and a hint of fun. I go to the theater and attend book conventions, so just a bit of dressing up. I want to be able to go to my closet and be able to pull out something appropriate for any occasion.

An added wrinkle is that I have been losing weight. Because of this, I have to buy all new things in some cases. Like pants. I have shrunk out of all my non-jeans pants. So spring will be all about buying pants. And spring/summer shoes that aren't pumps.

Thanks to all of you for the inspiration so far (I've used lots of your finds!) and for that to come.

Linda

Hello All, I've been gate-crashing the party without introducing myself, so am putting that right now. I've been reading YLF for some time, and finally signed up earlier this month. I love Angie's helpful posts (thank you so much, Angie), and I appreciate the supportive tone of the forum and the generous exchange of advice and information.

I'm in the UK, and retired last year, so no longer require office wear (which I rather miss). My life is casual now, but casual wear is not my forte, so I have lots to learn from Angie and the forum.

Also, I have to plan clothing for one or two "big" trips via long haul flights to visit family every year, so there can never be too many "travel packing" threads for me - they always throw up new and helpful tips.

Looking forward to being a more active member and continuing to learn.

Hi all! I'm a long-time lurker who finally decided to bite the bullet and become a member. I love all things fashion and I particularly love the camaraderie amongst everyone on this site. I'm a wife, mother of two and occasional teacher who lives in Northern Ontario, Canada. My current fashion faves are boyfriend jeans, pea coats, ballet flats, crossbody bags, Alex and Ani bracelets and pinky-nude lipstick!

Hi! I'm 37, my training is in physics but I'm now doing engineer work, mother of one girl, shortly to also be mother to a boy

I'm... still kind of in remedial training when it comes to clothes. For quite a long time I didn't pay any attention to them at all, even to the extent of whether they fit well or not. Finally I realized I should maybe start paying a little attention, if only because I started realizing my daughter's friends' moms were looking much less schlubby than me...

I'm still very casual -- a workplace where everyone basically wears jeans and half the people wear t-shirts will do that to you -- but I now have realized that I want to look good even if I'm looking casual! I am 5'6", around size 8, small bust, rectangle shape with emerging apple tendencies, short legs, short waist and high rise. The last in particular has made it really hard to buy pants since I feel like (until recently) low-rise pants, which didn't fit my body at all, were the only ones I could find. I'm looking forward to getting new pants!

It's a little hard to buy clothes right now because of my pregnancy, but I'm looking forward to getting some new clothes in a couple of months once the baby comes. I'd like to be able to look put-together while not necessarily overdressed.

Hi there! Just joined but I've been looking for something like this for ages! I am a nearly 40 year old mother to 3 girls. I stay at home with the youngest one. My day is full of school trips, shopping and the occasional coffee with a friend. My nights are full of laundry, tv watching and the occasional date with my husband. Looking forward to YLFing!

I am a 34-year old living in New Orleans, LA with my husband. Normally I am a school teacher, but I am off this year staying with my 7-month old son. I rediscovered this site shortly after I gave birth because I had so few clothes that fit my immediately postpartum body, and the capsule idea was quite helpful. Even now, all my clothing needs to be easy to nurse in, which does eliminate a lot of dresses, which were among my favorite wardrobe staples before my son arrived.

I have recently become more interested in fashion and my appearance. I was draped as a Sci/Art Dark Winter, and in another forum I frequent, people are pretty sure that I am a Kibbe Romantic. I pretty much buy in to the color analysis stuff (I've bought clothes in some colors that I never would have looked at on the rack, and found that I look really good in them), and I'm trying the Kibbe stuff on now. The Kibbe stuff is a bit more challenging, even though I already incorporated many of the elements in my clothes before. Partially it's hard because some of it contradicts or goes against the flow of "conventional" wisdom (like I should be wearing drapy, tapered pants instead of straight legged jeans or trousers).

I am 5'1" and currently around a size 10/12, though hopefully that will continue to go back down. My weight has yo-yoed through the years, from sizes 14/16 at my largest to 4/6 at my lowest. Around a size 8 would probably be about where I could comfortably maintain, if I was still being "good" without always being "perfect." I'm also adjusting to my post-pregnancy body (like my rear is now flat, and that has never happened before).

Well, I'd better sign off before I write a novel. Looking forward to joining this community!

HI all,
I just joined and am looking forward to participating in these boards. I'm a 28 year old corporate lawyer.

Hi,

I'm Sarah and I'm 46 years old. I live in Brisbane, Australia (have been here since 2007, before that I lived in various places in the UK (Northampton, East Croydon, Leeds) for 8 years and I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada). I identify as Canadian (even though I'm technically English...). Confusing!

I work in Healthcare IT and I work from home for a small US consultancy.

I have a treadmill desk, so my daily attire consists of skirted leggings from Athleta with a t-shirt and runners. Ugh.

When I worked in an office (about 3 years ago) I used to love getting dressed for work, I have tons of shoes and boots that no longer see the light of day and also tons of clothes (most of which I sadly cannot fit anymore anyway). I do travel a fair bit, mostly to the US about 4-5 times a year for work conferences and retreats, so I do get some chance to wear real clothes.

Unfortunately I've gained about 16kgs in the past 2.5 years (since meeting my current partner and getting complacent - ha!).

I've been reading YLF since pretty much the beginning, I just never really noticed the forum (have always read the blog in a feed reader).

I kept thinking I would lose the weight and fit back into my clothes but so far that hasn't happened! So I've decided I need to start buying clothes that actually fit and not keep squeezing into the few stretchy things that still kind of work!!

I'm trying to figure out what my new, larger style can be. My old style was short skirts, tank top and a cardigan or other topper - lots of bright colours. I can't pull that off anymore and I tend to wear a uniform of 3/4 leggings, short skirts and longer tops to hide the stuff that needs hiding. Strangely, this is very similar to my workout wear wardrobe. Sigh. I probably dress a little bit "immature" for my age - I just have a hard time feeling comfortable in things other than my uniform.

So I'm hoping to learn some stuff from all the lovely and knowledgeable people on here!

I'm new to the site but am very encouraged by what I've read. I'm in my mid 40s and struggling with feeling frumpy. I desperately need a new uniform and am weary of jeans and tees. I'm anxious to determine my body shape. I definitely used to be hourglass but I believe I'm heading more towards rectangle as I thicken through my back/trunk.

I am seeing many of my garments and it would be wonderful to know garments are likely to be flattering before spending precious hours creating them!!

I heard this is a good site to meet people and keen to see what all the hype is about!

I'm not exactly new, as I dabbled in the forum several years ago, but a lack of smartphone made posting photos wayyyy too tricky. I have been lurking ever since! I'm a work at home mom of two girls (6 and 12.) I am a corporate recruiter working for a Fortune 250 organization with a business casual dress code. When I do have to "dress" for work, it is almost always either high profile (representing our brand at an event,) or involves travel with quick turnarounds and no checked bags. I am a bargain hunter and thrifter. My biggest fashion issues are dressing my age and weight fluctuations. I am 43, and was fully grunge for my entire 20s so I find myself drawn to younger styles now, and always need to figure out how to adapt them. Weight fluctuations due to medications. My ideal weight range is 145 to 150, which translates to 36C bra, 8 dress. I am a tallish 5'9" hourglass, with a classic look, so sometimes the most flattering looks end up feeling costumey (like I am trying to dress up as an early 60s movie star or something.) Right now I am over my ideal weight range at 165, so suddenly BUSTY again and that is hard to dress! (38DD)
I am drawn to preppy looks and fully indulged that one spring recently, but always looked and felt awkward in those styles due to my curves. Now I find I am loving boho chic because it is not too bombshell, which classics can sometimes be for me.
My big priority fashion wise right now is putting together my capsule for my spring work travel and events!
So, my photos: a "glamour" shot from a family group shot at a recent reunion, a selfie I sent my husband yesterday when he asked about my day, my immediate family at a holiday party (thrifted jacket! Only ok for Christmas but I love it!)

Hi everyone!

I'm half new to the forum. I used to be a member about 6-7 years ago, I found it when I was looking for advice about how to style an apple body - and I really loved being here! Somehow I drifted away for some years, but, now I'm back! I picked up a few ideas from the first time I was a member, which I've tried keeping in mind when shopping these years, but I definitely need a refresher.

Like I said I'm an apple body type, and my main concern when shopping is finding things that sort of conceal my tummy. In that sense I can feel somewhat restricted in shopping and style, but now I'm used to it.
I'm not really that much in to shopping and fashion - I prefer finding outfits that can last me for a few years, rather than changing my warderobe with every season. Comfort is also important to me, but of course I want to look good at the same time!

Basically I have three types of outfits that I vary between: dresses, tops and a skirt, and loose tops and skinnies. It's hard for me to think in terms of a certain style, but I got some good comments on my first post, with words that described my look, which I liked! The comments were by AM and described me as "youthful, modern and urbanite"!

Some of you have already seen that post and the pictures in it, but I attach them here again as they are some of my favourite items at the moment.
Looking forward to be part of the forum again and developing my style!

A bit about me and my life: I've just turned 30, am living in a small-medium sized town in Sweden with my boyfriend (well, fiancé actually!) in a house we bought last year on the island where I grew up. It was only a couple of years ago that I decided that I wanted to move back home - ever since my graduation when I was 19 I've been living in different cities and countries, both in Sweden and abroad, like Nice in France and London, UK. London is my absolute favourite city and I try to go there at least once a year!

Just a few weeks ago I started my PhD in sociology, which is very exciting! After years of just planning about a year ahead I'm finally in a place where I feel a serenity and calmness in my life. I'm settling down and I like it!

Hi Everyone, I stumbled onto YLF several months ago & it was love at first sight, although it's taken me awhile to post much. I guess I've been more of a lurker, which isn't my style in real life. I live & work in downtown Chicago.
I love the Chicago food scene, architecture, travel, reading, European history and 20th century art.
As far as fashion & style goes, I picked up my first Seventeen magazine when I was 12 and never looked back. I've been a fashion fan since I was aware that there were more choices than LLBean & Sears. I would say that I do not have a very feminine aesthetic, and I almost never wear dresses. I like pretty simple clothing & colorful accessories. There is nothing like finding the perfect statement piece, in my book. That said, I pursue comfort in my clothes and shoes. I will not wear something that itches, cuts, binds, pinches, or constrains me, no matter how much I like the look.
I am an apple shape. I wish that there were better quality clothing for plus size, which is where I end up since I have a belly, am busty and I'm almost 5'10". So much of the clothing seems to be poorly made as if we are all expecting to only wear it for a season or while we lose weight to fit into the better clothing. That is probably my top gripe about fashion currently.
I am at the point in my life where I'm starting to think about my next act, and I'm hoping that it will include a period of living in one of the "cultural capitals" of Europe, perhaps Berlin, Amsterdam or Zurich, if I'm lucky.

Hi everyone! I am new mom. I have two kids, 15 months old and 1 month old. Last 3 years I have been pregnant twice and did not pay much attention to fashion. I am short 5'0" and have apple shape body. I am really looking forward to picking advices how to dress for mom on a go.

Hi, I am a 39 year old professional in a creative field and feel my look has become stagnant. I am seeking inspiration on my next style evolution.

My wardrobe spans all my many sizes as my weight has been a life long challenge. So any new look has to be able to accommodate a range of sizes.

Currently residing in So Cal with my boyfriend and two dogs.

Greetings from North Carolina.

I am a fifty something wife and mostly empty nested mom of two boys.

I love to thrift shop and my style often has a vintage vibe.

Body type is in a state of flux right now. Currently a bit of an apple but I hope to soon return to an hourglass shape.

I am an IT professional that works from home. The generally relaxed dress code when I do go into the office along with staying home makes it challenging to REALLY dress in the morning. It's so easy to throw on a top and jeans and just run downstairs.

I hope to find all kinds of inspiration to help me look fresh and put together

Hello everyone! I'm Sydney. I'm in my mid-twenties, married (no kids yet), and a program manager and a graduate student. I'm starting to figure out my personal style, but I think I'm more of a modern classic. I started a high-profile job in January, so I've had to update my wardrobe to be a lot more mature and professional. I'm petite (5'1), but I have some curvy measurements - 36D-27-39! But my hips are narrow, I just have a bubble butt lol.

So far, my go-to outfit has been a sharp blazer, black flare dress pants, and a cute shell top. I want to incorporate more colors and different types of pants into my style.

I recently started a blog to document my journey and because I was having a hard time finding appropriate work outfit ideas for mid-twenty-year-olds who aren't the ideal body shape. I hope to meet more people like me and to find more inspiration!

Hi YLF,

Toban stems from my birthplace (Manitoba, Canada). Since then I've moved around a lot before settling in the Washington DC area. I'm a scientist so I'm not expected to care what I wear and it just needs to be serviceable -- but I find what I wear has a huge impact on how I feel about myself, my productivity, and my confidence. I love tailored clothes with a bit of an edge because I have an hourglass, petite but stocky figure. Turned 40 6 months ago and I'm struggling to find the right sorts of colors and the right amount of edge that meet my inner needs, without sticking out in a sea of bland, mostly casual clothes at work. Lately feeling frumpy and am trying to fix that. New to this website, but already getting lots of ideas.

Greetings from Tasmania Australia, I've always loved fashion, I'm in my early 70's and liked to dress stylish and age appropriate but not frumpy.

I look forward to refreshing my style, and joining other YLF members on the forum.

Hi, I'm Chiara, a lurker who has also decided to join the conversation! I'm a Light spring (sci-art), closest to Kibbe dramatic. I'm about 5'8" and am typically a US size 0-2 top and 2-4 trousers/skirts, pear shaped but quite broad shoulders. Combining light spring with sleek elongation is tricky, but I'm getting better at it. Where I'm really looking for inspiration is with hair and makeup...

Hey everyone! I'm Marion, 21, and hail from Ontario, Canada. I'm currently a 4th year art college student, and I'm about to graduate at the end of next month (May 2015)!

I found out about youlookfab by searching up "multiple fashion styles/disorders" on Google because I am going through a style/aesthetic/wardrobe dilemma--and maybe even a quarter-life crisis. But by skimming through a couple of blog articles and forum advice/outside links, I've been slowly learning about how to organize and define your wardrobe/style. At some point, I plan to post up a few pictures of my current style and ask for advice since I really need it lol.

Other than that, I'm Filipino and by the looks of it I have a deep/dark autumn palette. I'm also 5'1-5'2 in real life.

Hi-- I am a longtime reader and I missed everyone when the forum was transitioned to membership access. So I finally decided to join the party! I am a lifelong New Englander. I will be turning 50 this summer, have 3 kids in their teens, and work at a local nonprofit. I usually dress casually for work, with some occasional meetings to dress up for--my spectrum is typically MOTG to business casual. I am looking forward to trying out the "Finds" feature-- I particularly appreciate it when Angie points out which clothing suits which body types. I am 5'7" and typically a cusp size on top (14-16) and a 12-14 on bottom. So, I am always eager to see tops suited to broad shoulders, large chest. I am not a fancy dresser, but I am always trying to guard against looking frumpy!!