https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:38:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317620 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:51:53 +0000 Lesley 2317620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just got rid of a sweater answering that very question and as I changed around my warm weather and cold weather gear, I definitely eyed a second sweater that I think I also know the answer to! Like others I fear that I may get rid of too much if I ask this question, but I am thinking it might be the way to go to keep the wardrobe in joy-sparking shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317429 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:19:30 +0000 RobinF 2317429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question! I keep things because they "work" in some way, even if I am not crazy about them. I am trying to get better about getting rid of items that feel less than fab but still end up with things that are just OK. I will be changing over to my warm weather clothes soon and need to keep this in mind.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317406 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:05:39 +0000 Glory 2317406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing this Janet. It really resonated with me. I tend to hang on to things for so many unproductive reasons. Even when I do a closet purge I keep the items just in case. If I apply this question it may be easier to let things go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317382 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:12:13 +0000 Janet 2317382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you’re right, Jaime, about it being Alison Bornstein. </p> <p>One of the spirits of the question is, I think, does this item align with who I want to be, stylewise? Am I keeping this because it fits my goals? Is this *me* or a version of *me* (depending on season, mood, occasion, much as Anchie’s comment references)? Or is it something I’m trying to shoehorn in, something that doesn’t feel true to me anymore? Is this something I can envision working into an outfit that feels good, or is it just frustrating or confounding me? Do I feel authentic in it, or like a poseur in it (for instance, in the past when I have gone too retro or too quirky or too feminine with flirty details)? When I consider that, rather than just clinging to sunk costs, my answer can clarify. Sometimes I just don’t feel like that version of myself anymore that a certain item represents. Or I’m just plain tired of an item and over it. </p> <p>I can’t force myself to wear something I actively dislike anymore, just to reach a certain level of wear — when I’ve done that I do not enjoy getting dressed at all. For me, better to cut my losses and move along with tue many thing I have that I do enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317375 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:57:21 +0000 Minaminu 2317375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do find this question helpful but most of the time I keep on asking myself if the item would work suits an&nbsp;oceanic climate - most of my failed items were bought thinking that I still live in a mediterranean climate.&nbsp; Plus, I always need to sense check if I am buying for&nbsp;my current or imaginary lifestyle!<em></em> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317371 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:56:37 +0000 anchie 2317371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure if it is helpful to me, because my answer can change on different days. Maybe it can help for day to day dressing, if I ask myself if I want to wear something today, but not so much for editing purposes. There are days when I absolutely don’t want to wear patterns, or days when I crave colors, or only want to wear comfortable clothes. Today, I really don’t want to wear my winter sweaters, because I am sick of them, but I will still keep them :)<br /> And also if I owned and wore something for long time, excitement for wearing it is gone but I will still keep it if I have use for it.<br /> Another question that I like to ask myself is 'Would I rather wear something else instead?'. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2317351 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 01:54:44 +0000 Jaime 2317351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it was Allison Bornstein. Or at least I recently saw a clip of her asking this question. I find this question most useful when I ask myself do I want to wear this TOMORROW, in the current state I am in physically and emotionally.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317313 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 23:02:16 +0000 Sal 2317313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think when you have a lifestyle or style change - or weight change - this can be helpful. I have edited out my retro pieces thinking this way- I don’t feel drawn to that Mad men style any more - I love it - but I don’t want to wear it.</p> <p>It’s when you cling on to a style or a size or a type of piece - eg office wear - that don’t serve you.</p> <p>I do make myself wear things that I don’t love to get wear from them. I have cycle shorts that are not a great fit but as my back up pair they are just fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317312 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 22:58:51 +0000 Dee 2317312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I'm editing my closet one question I've started using and it is kind of similar to yours is " Would I buy this again?"<br /> I find it sort of helps me reexamine items from a slightly different perspective. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317308 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 22:01:38 +0000 Carla 2317308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to answer your last question (as it applies to me anyway). &nbsp;With regards to practicality: the classic stuff that is the back bone of my closet gets worn out and edited to trash (like the white sleeveless button down and white shorts.) &nbsp;No regrets due to high # of wears - other than they can be hard to replace. &nbsp;Things that I love and wear a lot set a high bar for replacement.</p> <p> <div>Things I get that are more whimsical and less practical (like occasion wear) seem to lose their enchantment around the 5 year+ mark (for a variety of reasons.) &nbsp;If the ‘wear’ numbers are particularly low, I do feel a pang of guilt, but I donate them. &nbsp;Thrifting about as much as I donate in any given year takes some of the sting out of the editing process.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317307 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 22:00:50 +0000 Lynette 2317307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just did a quick peruse through my closet asking myself the questions. What I found was surprising! Sometimes I said yes I want to wear this, not because it looks great on me but because it is so warm, cozy, and comfortable or because it is so functional for its purpose! Some I said no to are things that are beautiful on the hanger- my colors and style, etc, but they are fussy to wear, they wrinkle or need constant adjusting. Very interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317306 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 21:46:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 2317306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m not sure if this is useful to me or not Janet? It’s interesting to think about. It made me look down my lists this morning. Out of 150-ish items there are only 3-4 on there that I’m not sure I want to wear, which I think is a pretty good ratio! And why those have not been edited out is probably a sunk cost and sustainability reason- I own them and they fit me so I should try to wear them?<br /> I have forced myself in the past to wear some items 30 times that I don’t like that much any more before editing them, which made me feel more sustainable and cost-effective. I never buy anything that I don’t like at the time of purchase so it’s if they turn out to not be so good once they’re being worn. I’m mostly not that person who “settles” for something since I already own so much. I would rather just not buy instead of settling. I don’t have that desperate need some have to get a certain type of item- of course occasionally I do have that, like wanting fuchsia sandals this past summer, but the right ones did not appear so I chose to go without. It’s not like I don’t have any sandals!<br /> The question might still be occasionally useful so thank you for raising it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317302 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 21:06:39 +0000 Lynette 2317302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet this might be a game changer for me! Thx for posting. I don’t know why I’ve never thought about that before. I do fall into some of the categories that were already mentioned such as “I bought it, so I need to wear it,” etc. But my main problem is that I have a beautiful size 6 wardrobe, but right now I am in an eight. I seem unwilling to invest in the bigger size when I have all those wonderful size 6’s just waiting for me to lose a little weight. All my life I have fluctuated between two sizes, and occasionally even three sizes. So it seems that half of the time I am stuck with a tiny wardrobe of things I don’t really want to wear. Do any of you have this problem? How do you deal with it? Janet, I seem to remember you saying your weight fluctuates as well. Do you have large wardrobes in two different sizes? Do you invest in both? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317299 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:58:53 +0000 Barbara Diane 2317299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that question-thanks for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317298 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:52:51 +0000 Suz 2317298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a few more items in my closet are going to take a hit in the next few days...</p> <p>In fairness, while I've done minor seasonal edits, this is the first really big overhaul I've had in about a decade.&nbsp;</p> <p>With some items, I'm using a hold zone. I have rarely done this in the past, but there are certain things that I still do love and <b>in theory</b> want to wear but have not had enough occasions for. I know I will be classroom teaching again next fall so those items may get more outings then -- I'll give them a chance.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317292 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:19:26 +0000 Style Fan 2317292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question.&nbsp; I am doing a closet edit now.&nbsp; If the answer is no, I feel I should wear it because I bought it.&nbsp; But I never wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317287 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:44:57 +0000 Carla 2317287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question! &nbsp;I’ve been asking myself something similar after a springtime edit this weekend. &nbsp;One of the items edited was a HEWI (white sheath dress) I’ve enjoyed for 5 years, but which no longer fits. &nbsp;I was wondering if I should have it taken in by a tailor, and factoring in the cost, etc.… when I decided that I’ve scratched that itch. &nbsp;I’m&nbsp;<i>not&nbsp;</i>going to replace it with something similar, and I’m not even interested in a white dress at all at this stage! &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>Also, interesting that&nbsp;<b>Angie&nbsp;</b>cited formal wear. &nbsp;That’s a part of the closet that took a hit!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I edited the dark pink gloves that weren’t working for me, that I posted about a while back, too!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317285 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:20:39 +0000 Andrea H 2317285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question.&nbsp; I struggle with it in two entirely different directions.&nbsp; </p> <p>Sometimes what I want to wear is stuff that is too dressy or too fashion-forward for my very casual lifestyle and/or my non-fashion-forward friend group.&nbsp; Sometimes you just don't want to stick out and what you really would like to wear *is* going to stick out.&nbsp; In the opposite direction, sometimes I still want to wear things that are definitely off-trend, like leggings or quite skinny pants with an oversized top.&nbsp; I know that's not a modern silhouette, but sometimes I still like it. I know the fashion police aren't going to rock up and issue me a citation, but there's a niggling part of me asking whether I should make more of an effort to look like I know it's 2023. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317283 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 19:17:53 +0000 judy 2317283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a powerful question!&nbsp; I find too that occasionally I'll put something aside to donate and then take it out at another time and now I DO want to wear it!&nbsp; I love the idea of just having what we want to wear in our closet for the season and put the rest away somewhere, like we are showcasing a current collection.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317275 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:09:04 +0000 Jonesy 2317275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I think this is a great question! I've just edited out a few pairs of boots that I didn't wear all winter, because I just wasn't that into them, and I have others that I truly want to wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317273 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:01:02 +0000 Suz 2317273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do use this question, yes. Often I don't get to it for a while. I mean for a number of seasons. Something will sit in the closet, unworn, or worn infrequently, but I will feel ambivalent enough that I keep it. And then one day, it's like a switch flips, and I ask myself that question, and all of a sudden, I do a major edit!&nbsp;</p> <p>Recently, I retired a blazer, a pair of sandals, several pairs of boots, a summer skirt, several old summer tops, a bag, and a pair of jeans as a result of asking myself that question.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I ask it quite intuitively when shopping so it's less of an issue for me at that end.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317271 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 17:55:01 +0000 Cardiff girl 2317271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting thread.Trouble for me is that what l like to wear doesn’t really mesh with my actual lifestyle so l have been trying more recently to get rid of all the scuzzy stuff l wear to do chores etc..and think about buying practical gear that l actually feel nice in.l haven’t found anything yet but it’s a work in progress and in the meanwhile l have chucked out the twenty year old fleece with the broken zip and all the old T-shirts whose hems had fallen down that l was wearing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317268 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:54:34 +0000 Janet 2317268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will add that just in the last couple of hours, I did a little closet sweep and emptied about 8 hangers with this thought in mind. Out are going several old summer tops that I’m just done with, a summer top that’s too tunic-y and boho and I just don’t want to bother with an alteration, a jacket I never wear, a couple of old tees, two old scarves I haven’t worn in a decade, a pair of shorts that are just too preppy for me, a cheap clutch that I never use, some stretched-out sandals, two pairs of shoes I never wear, etc. </p> <p>It feels good to have a little extra room in the closet as it was feeling stuffed! Asking myself if I wanted to wear the item, and the other good question, “would I buy this now if I were just trying this on for the first time?” gave me the answers I needed. None of those items were playing any kind of necessary or even a stand-in role in my wardrobe, so I won’t miss them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317266 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:48:10 +0000 Janet 2317266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LaPed, I totally get that! I have become choosier about my gear — I want to feel great in that too. I edited a pile of it out last month, and am not buying more now so I can see how what I have works for me without laundry bottlenecks. So far it’s looking just fine even though I’m hiking 3+ days a week and doing Pilates 2x a week. My cycling capsule is overflowing from the days when I was riding everyday, but I may get back into it so I’m not going to be too quick to edit. There are some jerseys that I really love and they have been a bit snug the last few years, but maybe starting to fit again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317264 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:28:42 +0000 LaPed 2317264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I'm trying to think how I would apply this to my own wardrobe management, whether adding or subtracting. I own lots of things I enjoy wearing, but many of them don't mesh well with my activities of choice.</p> <p>If I were to describe my perfect cold-weather outfit from an aesthetic standpoint, it would probably be slouchy jeans and a chunky knit, but what I end up wearing in the winter is softshell ski pants and tailored merino or cashmere sweaters, sometimes fleece instead, because they allow me to *do* what I want to do (be in the mountains). Likewise in summer, I enjoy a loose linen midi skirt and a cropped cotton tee or tank more than anything, but what gets the bulk of the wear is running shorts and sun hoodies, plus swimwear (I do make a point of pairing my linen with my swimwear as often as possible). I squeeze in "style" wears when I can (occasional indoor classroom days and short city trips), but I no longer compromise on lifestyle goals (run/hike X miles a day) just so I can wear my "town clothes" more often.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am sitting on my hands *not* to buy more jeans, casual sneakers, cotton toppers, etc, because the ones I have are more than enough for how often I wear them.&nbsp;</p> <p>The flip side is that I've given myself permission to buy "cool" gear -- high-performance, well-fitting, in cuts/colours that feel like me. Not just whatever random fuchsia top the clearance rack has on offer. And I trust that the memories I make while wearing these things will make me want to wear them more. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317263 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:25:48 +0000 slim cat 2317263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mostly it's what @Angie said about some of her clients - "people will sometimes continue to wear something because that is all they have - and are waiting to replace it with a better version".<br />That was mostly what happened to my wardrobe for the last 3 years .</p> <p>The dress is fab - so happy you were wearing and enjoying it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317258 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 15:57:27 +0000 Star (Lise) 2317258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely consider this question when thrifting.&nbsp; I could easily get carried away with so much choice.&nbsp; So I stand back and say Yes I do love this pattern/polka dot/etc but do I really want to wear this.&nbsp; It usually works for loud patterns and bright colours.&nbsp; In my 80's youth those were my jam but am really feeling comfortable and like myself in more subdued patterns and colours in recent years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317254 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 15:27:23 +0000 LJP 2317254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m afraid that this would give me license to get rid of a lot more than I already do . </p> <p>If I looked at my lounge -wear /around the house stuff , the answer would be a resounding NO to most of it . But I own it , and I end up just wearing the stuff even if it doesn’t make me happy or feel good . </p> <p>For the rest of my wardrobe , I waffle between “ do I want to wear this ? “ and “ will I need it someday ?” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317241 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 14:21:42 +0000 Angie 2317241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question!</p> <p>Great dress! I loved that on you, <b>Janet.</b> KILLER fit.</p> <p><b></b>With&nbsp;my clientele, people will sometimes continue to wear something because that is all they have - and are waiting to replace it with a better version.&nbsp;</p> <p>I ask my clients this question over and over again with their formal wear:</p> <p><i>If you had to go to a formal event soon - would you want to wear this?&nbsp;<br /></i><br />If the answer is yes - keep. And vice versa.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9cdo-i-want-to-wear-this%e2%80%9d#post-2317230 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 12:55:05 +0000 CarolS 2317230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great "shift" of thinking! I'm guilty of holding on to things because I have them -- and sometimes because it can be hard to find alternatives. But I'm going to experiment and see what asking this question tells me!!! </p>