YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2017 Wardrobe Resolutions

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2017 Wardrobe Resolutions https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:03:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764991 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 01:12:57 +0000 Emily K 1764991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa--I'm off to read your blog Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764990 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 01:11:14 +0000 Emily K 1764990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Barbara Diane--We maybe have some of the same fit issues as I have big bust/small waist.  This year, though, more than ever before, I've noticed that I'm having a lot of problems determining my size from on-line retailers--by actual bust measurement, I might seem to be a size 16 or more, but then I fit in a medium or a medium might even be gappy.  It makes on-line ordering really frustrating. Lisa on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764987 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 01:10:21 +0000 Lisa 1764987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just did a set goals analysis on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/">my blog</a>, because the new year is the perfect time to do so.  You have some great plans here.  I find NAS is ideal for me to really revamp my wardrobe and my style every year, at a discount.  Barbara Diane on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764973 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:19:53 +0000 Barbara Diane 1764973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am hard to fit, with a considerable differential as my bust, waist and hips measurements can put me in three different sizes. I ordered many items in many sizes and colors at NAS. I didn't total it up, but I kept maybe 20%. Sometimes the color is nothing like the photo. And sometimes the sizing is off. Sometimes something worked that I never would have expected.  I kept ordering as items that were sold out came back in. At first I felt bad that if I had something, it kept someone else from getting it. But I figure Nordstrom set it up for people to order like that because the clothing isn't in every store. And I returned clothes as soon as I decided I wasn't keeping them.  One trick is, if possible go after the initial rush is over.  This was the first NAS where I purchased items other than shoes, bags, and jewelry, since my local store had my size, and because of the excitement here on on the forum. I got carried away, and at one point I realized that I would not be naked if I didn't find what I needed at NAS. That was the moment that I took a breath and sanity returned. I think shopping NAS is a multi-year learning curve. Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764914 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 20:13:59 +0000 Emily K 1764914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bennett--Yes, I think you "get it" exactly.  The worst part is how I've been limiting myself to the "B" crowd. Summer--That's it, exactly.  It's not so much the budget as the permission.  And, of course, creating a budget is the first step in acting upon the permission. jlg--I hope you find your starched-shirt-loving match! Greyscale--I'm terrible at making returns.  In some way, I feel like the store shouldn't be responsible for my bad purchasing decision, and that the initial purchase was a contract...yadda yadda yadda...and I end up keeping unwearable items. The only items I DON'T have a problem returning are those that were mis-shipped or arrived damaged.  So, it is with trepidation that I'd place that monster order. Greyscale on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764888 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:13:47 +0000 Greyscale 1764888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those sound like great plans. With NAS online ordering - I have a hard time returning piles of things. I put it off then get really irrationally anxious about it. That probably isn't a concern for you but I think it happens to a few of us! Though Nordstrom's generous policy helps a lot because there's essentially no deadline. I, too, really missed the boat on fashion as a kid. We wore very practical outdoorsy hand-me-downs and I didn't have role models or social skills or friends to help figure out my style. I sort of consciously sat down to figure it out, and around 32 I feel like something really changed (...like when sales people started asking me where I got my outfit!). It was a fun journey and I hope you enjoy yours too. Anonymous on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764878 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:39:15 +0000 Anonymous 1764878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mine is to find my tuxedo shirt and bowtie, get a tuxedo jacket then find a reason to wear it all. Not a fashion resolution as such but it'd be nice to find someone (female) who likes smart shirts as much as me so I can talk to them about it. Summer on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764877 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:30:30 +0000 Summer 1764877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you, Emily.  I have had similar issues to deal with, especially the predicament of having too few clothes.  Since setting a budget - small as it may be - I feel free to buy nice clothes and to build a wardrobe that works for my lifestyle. Good luck with your future purchases. Bennett on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764825 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 14:00:13 +0000 Bennett 1764825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Insecurity about my inadequate wardrobe" - how that makes me cringe. I lived that for most of my life. How small that made me feel - people often judge you by how you pull yourself together, especially if all they ever get to know of you is your outward appearance. You have a brilliant plan in place. I mostly shop online, at sites that offer free ship-and-return, even if I have to reach a certain level of spending to get there. I'm all about evaluating clothes in the comfort of my own home. And the reviews from customers tells me a lot about each item, right down to the the truth on washability, shrinkage.... you can't get that from the fitting room. 2017 is gonna be your breakout year! With the assistance you'll get here, I think it'll be a fun journey. Gigi on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764748 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 06:08:20 +0000 Gigi 1764748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of the best things I have learned from Angie is that I am worth full price. I grew up maybe like you: I wasn't allowed to spend money on clothing. Almost everything I bought was on sale or clearance. And hardly anything looked really good on me or was interesting. I went for years with so few clothes that I could probably put together only about five or six outfits per year, and I had only a few pairs of shoes. When I decided to get serious about dressing myself nicely, I struggled with actually spending money on myself in this way. But I saw over time that the clothing that I really liked was from retailers that rarely had sales (Nordstrom, Anthropologie, for ex.) and that the clothing I liked would almost always be sold out in my size if I waited too long. So I started paying full price for things, and wow...what a difference! I actually look forward to getting dressed every day, and it makes me feel so much better about myself and my body. I think that it is totally worth it to give yourself permission to buy some really nice items. Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764740 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 05:07:09 +0000 Emily K 1764740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Staysfit.  For me, my parents were very austere/repressive and my Mom, especially, placed no value on appearance beyond cleanliness.  It was all vanity and materialism.  With all the negativity around appearance, I felt like I missed out on some crucial thing that other girls learned in grade school and that it was just beyond my ability to connect with fashion and to do better.  It's so weird--I am a very visual person and a go-getter/self-starter in other areas of my life--I can't understand why I accepted, for so long, that this thing was beyond my ability to change.  At first read, I rebelled against your choice of the words "learning disability" but that is almost what it was.   Staysfit on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764736 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 04:34:52 +0000 Staysfit 1764736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read that you had no choice in your wardrobe growing up. I was also in that situation. It has taken many years to figure out how to dress for myself. It's like a learning disability or learned helplessness? In any case, nicely articulated "resolutions", and best wishes for a wonderful 2017! Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764713 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 02:34:11 +0000 Emily K 1764713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ledonna--I was just SO cheap about buying pregnancy clothes.  Also, so much of it looked twee, to me, unless I shopped at an exorbitant price point (and I just wasn't about to do that for temporary items.) Suz-Thanks!  You give me hope to be able to utilize NAS. Unfrumped--I think getting out is necessary.  I've been intimidated, I guess, because my aesthetic is pretty well-honed and I'm so aware of the ways in which my current presentation doesn't measure-up.  It's been hard to get past that hurdle. Runcarla--Thanks!  I think it will take half a year to screw up my courage for NAS (feels kinda like going into battle, for me).   Carla on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764695 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:46:47 +0000 Carla 1764695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good resolutions, Emily K. Shows you've done your homework and put thought into your fashion goals. I especially love that you are planning ahead to shop NAS. That is just plain smart! unfrumped on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764679 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 23:59:56 +0000 unfrumped 1764679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good plan! I do think it is very useful to do " retail research " in real stores for exactly your reasons: who uses fabrics you like, what brands " get you", what are the price ranges; and who carries extra sizes online if the store is out of stock. Suz on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764678 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 23:59:51 +0000 Suz 1764678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is fabulous!! Brava!! Such a good plan and great analysis.  I, too, had to fight to give myself permission to have and wear nice clothing. I (cough) might have gone a wee bit overboard in the opposite direction for a few years...but I feel as if I have reached a good medium and I love my wardrobe now. Some items have a negative CPW. Others have a CPW of as much as $50 (so far). But I don't calculate by CPW as much as "happiness quotient" -- as long as it is in my overall budget.  Re NAS -- I would certainly buy online. MUCH easier and you can try on in the privacy of your home. This is my way of doing it and it has become an annual success. I also ordered by phone from Canada (I'm in Canada) for the first time ever this year and that was similarly rewarding.  Ledonna N. on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764655 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:35:16 +0000 Ledonna N. 1764655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This gives me a really good idea of what you are after. Do you have enough clothing to tide you over until you are ready for the full on "try on " sessions. Noth in ng wrong with being a diva we all like what works for us. I'm still trying to figure it out. I really don't have any NY resolution goals because of the ever expanding belly lol. Whatever fits is motto at 6 months. Emily K on "2017 Wardrobe Resolutions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-wardrobe-resolutions#post-1764645 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:10:20 +0000 Emily K 1764645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I'm just going to put this to here...try to instill a sense of accountability in myself... During the past year, I made a conscious decision to try and learn how to craft a wardrobe.  I made good progress in identifying my personal style and in road-mapping my way to a complete and functioning wardrobe.  I realized quite clearly that I can achieve happier results by editing more tightly rather than exploring outwards in terms of trying new trends, colors, and silhouettes.   Because I am currently in-between sizes and because I started with so few clothes, I did purchase a lot of place-holders this year--mostly less expensive items like T's and jeans--just to check the boxes in my theoretical wardrobe and to establish some functionality.  A lot of the bigger purchases will have to wait until my weight stabilizes and I can foresee wearing the same size for a period of time, so there are still wardrobe holes (non-gear coats, a nice blazer, and anything that you might call an investment piece) that I hope to fill later in the year. So, what are my New Year Wardrobe Resolutions?   1)  I am going to try to buy less on-line and to shop more in actual stores.  In order to make better choices, I need to evaluate the fit and fabrication in person.  On-line purchases have been a little wanting and yet I rarely return items.  And, I think I just need to try on a LOT more clothing so I can build a fuller understanding of brand fit and sizing.  2)  Shop the NAS.  Traditionally, I avoid this sale because I do not like the over-crowded rounders and negotiating crowds of sale shoppers. (I am a little bit of a diva in that I require a serene, gracious, uncluttered shopping experience, and NAS doesn't offer that!)  I'm sure I could get through it, though, with the aid of a little pre-planning.  Or, maybe this would be one time during the year when I could fully utilize Nordstrom's return policy and place a massive on-line order including back-up sizing.  What do you think?  A viable strategy? 3)  I'm going to give myself permission to buy from my wardrobe list until it is completed and then I'm going to try to utilize some of the strategies I've learned here for evaluating my wardrobe to keep it in good condition and current.  I've gone too long with too little.  I figured out the CPW of many things in my closet and most of it (casual tops, jeans, shoes, gear) comes out to <.20/wear.  My LL Bean Duck Boots are at about .07/wear.  In contrast, My Converse sneakers (the most expensive item in terms of CPW) are about .45/wear because they just don't last very long.  But, most of my clothes are moderately inexpensive, wear like iron, and are worn to death irrespective of season or trend.  Growing up, when this pattern was formed, I didn't have a choice about my "wardrobe".  As an adult, I've had trouble breaking free from this mindset.   But, this will be my year!  I will provide myself with a range of clothing options.  I will be able to dress appropriately for a variety of social settings and occasions.  My social life and interactions will no longer be characterized by insecurity about my inadequate wardrobe.   I'm going to crunch some numbers and give some thought to reasonable CPW and I'm going to figure out how much I can spend on clothes and then I am going to spend it.  If I can do this, it will be the my biggest personal accomplishment in recent memory.  :-)