YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2018 Goals

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2018 Goals https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:21:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867677 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:09:09 +0000 Sal 1867677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Sterling!!  I am not quite ready to think about my 2018 goals as yet but I applaud you for doing so. I think you have done really well - and remember life/wardrobes are a work in progress.  Our preferences, climate, size, lifestyle all change so we are never at perfection. I agree with all your goals - shopping less and wearing more do go hand in hand - and I have certainly bought a lot this year - I have had a great shopping year.  But I do have categories that I need to be wary of - nice tops that only work with jeans and are hard to layer - that is an area I am oversupplied in!! Rambling Ann on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867673 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:44:33 +0000 Rambling Ann 1867673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the target of 30 wears per item. I wonder if you have a proportion of tops to bottoms (I underbuy bottoms because I dislike shopping for them). How the fabric feels is getting more important to me too. Softly structured is another way of saying Cozy Chic, isn't it?  I am a fan of Vasque boots. My newest ones are light enough I wear them instead of sneakers these days. the main thing for me is to use the liners my podiatrist recommended, no matter what the manufacturer supplies. It might be useful to use the Finds/Collections to make some groups of your accessory complements and your summer capsule so you can see it all in one place. I am finding more and more ways to use the tools (thanks Greg!) Caro in Oz on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867664 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:10:43 +0000 Caro in Oz 1867664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We ARE so hard on ourselves! You have made progress - you are aware of not wanting to repeat your experience :)  If you told me a few years ago that I'd be counting my clothes & analysing my outfits I would have laughed - a lot. It has been an amazing journey. It enabled me to see how little I needed & to buy better. Personally I wasn't at a point where I could do "organised emotional shopping". Emotional yes, organised not at all. The counting, the working out where I spent my time & how many "outfits" I needed for each activity & the rating my outfits made me understand my shopping mistakes in a way just thinking about them (with guilt) never could. Oh & the panic buying - it calmed that too. My goals for 2018 are to relax the reins - I've stopped analysing & counting already & want to buy as little as possible this year. You've made me realise it is wise to have some specific written goals too - thank you. Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867323 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 01:26:39 +0000 Anonymous 1867323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, from what I can see, you’re wearing the right size of clothing (although possibly 1 size too big). I have never seen you in anything too small, except for maybe once, when you wore a shirt that might have been too short. But you never wear anything too tight. I think paying attention to fit is a good thing. I did that last year and became thoroughly confused about my size! And then after a few mistakes on the larger size, I realized what my actual size is, and I’m more confident about it. Counting can be fun. I am more of a counter of money and discard/accumulation rates rather than wears. I feel like, if the money is sunk, it’s sunk. I suppose counting wears might be helpful if you think you have a shopping problem. Joyce B on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867315 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 01:11:04 +0000 Joyce B 1867315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you have a good handle on your goals and I enjoyed reading your analysis. The 30 wear goal makes me think that I should keep tabs on wear, although I am pretty sure that I am at least there since I feel it is a waste to pass on newish garments and shoes. I have some Merrell hiking shoes similar to the ones mentioned by Delurked and they are very comfortable and have the best grip. karen13 on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867286 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 23:10:20 +0000 karen13 1867286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ approprio - so insightful! Too often I just settle for the basic/essentials. I am also trying to balance practicality with "desire"/happiness on the statement pieces. I always either end up with something I won't wear because it only fits my fantasy life, or I regret not having purchased something with high happiness because I didn't want to be impractical. Suz on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867277 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 22:41:31 +0000 Suz 1867277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know we've talked a lot about this in the past, but reading this post made me think yet again about Angie's approach to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/01/28/organized-emotional-shopping/">organized emotional shopping</a>. I've found it helps to be emotionally engaged in shopping for necessities, as well as being practical about shopping for fashion-as-art and other beautiful things. Wow, Liz, that is wisdom right there in a nutshell! What an interesting paradox. Emotionally engaged in the necessities and practical about statement items...hmmmmm..... Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867218 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:32:18 +0000 Anonymous 1867218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for starting this thread. I have never felt that I had to set style goals for myself until now. As soon as the holidays are over and life slows down I am going to give this a great deal of thought and consideration.  As I have posted previously, I have been working with a personal trainer for the past 6+ months and am noticing a huge difference in my body. I have just signed up for a full year of training in 2018 and feel that in about another 2 to 4 months I will be at my ideal. Pretty good for 61 yo. But I feel that I have been in a style rut for a while and have been trying to "wear out" my closet. I now feel like "all the planets are in perfect alignment" and I can can proceed with a plan for my future wardrobe. I live a casual lifestyle, but I would love to have the ability to transition from a casual to a more chic style if necessary - something I truly lack right now in my wardrobe. 2018 will definitely be a style challenge for me. approprio on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867033 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:44:31 +0000 approprio 1867033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a really nice roundup. I agree with Suz, you're very hard on yourself! If any of this was easy, we wouldn't all be sitting here on this very forum overthinking it. The descriptors you've identified line up with the specific goals you've set yourself. I know how hard it is to come up with them to begin with, but once they're in place they can be a great frame of reference. So well done on that score! I know we've talked a lot about this in the past, but reading this post made me think yet again about Angie's approach to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/01/28/organized-emotional-shopping/">organized emotional shopping</a>. I've found it helps to be emotionally engaged in shopping for necessities, as well as being practical about shopping for fashion-as-art and other beautiful things. Stagiaire Fash on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867019 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:13:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tell a story every time I get dressed in the morning. Is that the story I want to define me that day? I will have to remember that! I wish I could agree with you on the following It takes very little effort to “finish” the outfit by adding additional interest. I often wish I knew what to do to take it to the next level. I’m “finished” dressing in that I’ve covered all the parts that would get me arrested if they were uncovered, but I often feel like what I see in the mirror is “flat”. Style Fan on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867011 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 10:28:39 +0000 Style Fan 1867011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for posting this Sterling.  I am thinking about my goals for 2018.  I always find it difficult to assess fit from photos.  Sometimes it is very obvious but photos can be deceiving.  Colour is also a hard one for me.  Lighting is so important. Greyscale on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1867006 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:34:56 +0000 Greyscale 1867006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Over the course of the past year I think you put a lot of thought into your wardrobe. From a distance it seemed like you did quite well at it, especially the seasonal shopping. Maybe it will just take a few small tweaks to help it feel disciplined and intentional? Fit is always my downfall. It's why I post so many indecisive K/R photos. I second guess myself because I've made so many mistakes over the years. Suz on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866944 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 01:20:32 +0000 Suz 1866944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, you are so tough on yourself! I think you're doing so much better than you think -- the clarity of these goals is evidence!  I really like the idea of tracking more regularly again. I haven't. done this for a while and it might be valuable to resume. I did use paper and pencil when I did it -- somehow that made it less onerous, though there was work on the front end in creating a list of items.  I am also in the market for lightweight hiking shoes. I have been using my daughter's -- which are the right size, but formed a bit to her foot, and I figure I deserve my own. I am looking at Eccos because that is a good shoe for me.  Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866937 Mon, 11 Dec 2017 01:14:31 +0000 Anonymous 1866937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The important thing is whether or not you are happy with your wardrobe on a day to day basis. I will probably borrow some of your goals and try to be more disciplined in 2018. I like those Merrells that delurked posted, but comfort is very personal. Thank you for this post and provoking thoughts of future shopping and making goals. Kaelyn on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866884 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:11:25 +0000 Kaelyn 1866884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's super frustrating when that happens, isn't it? Best of luck in 2018. I'll definitely be rooting for ya. Nice to see you, too--I've had a busy semester, but I promise I'm not disappearing forever any time soon! Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866848 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 20:30:25 +0000 Anonymous 1866848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Cardiff Girl.  I feel really positive going into the new year.   Cardiff girl on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866846 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 20:17:51 +0000 Cardiff girl 1866846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gosh I feel your pain on the ‘frenzied and undisciplined ‘shopping and as for deciding a style moniker l m not sure that I would know where to start although I am very much liking yours of cosy chic.Well done you for attempting to set goals,I look forward with interest to seeing how you get on and I hope that you have a good and very stylish New Year. Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866830 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 19:04:10 +0000 Anonymous 1866830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laughing with Jenni!  You may have been speaking about wardrobe. I think I might have inserted "in life" myself.  I live in a older house.  No building or construction.  Just plain old maintenance.  Oh, so much maintenance.  I am starting to have fantasies about living in a small shipping container.  My BF looked at me like I was crazy.   Jenn -- I will post throughout the year.  I'll use those posts as a reckoning to make sure I am continuing on the path.  If life changes require flexibility, I'll post those changes too.  And yes, Jenni keeps both you and me on our toes.   HI Delurked!!!!  I hope you are well.  I am so glad to hear that your seasonal shop was successful.  YAY for you.  I can't remember, was this your first one as well????    Srah -- Thank you so much for the hiking boot recommendations.  I do have an REI right down the street!  I love that store.   LaP -- Your earlier post about goals was really helpful to me started on mine.  It was clear that the absence of concrete, written goals was a problem in 2017.  A problem I did not want to repeat in 2018.  So thank you.   I want to plug counting wears!!!  I find that information so amazing helpful in my life!!!!!!!!!!!  I cannot begin to tell you how useful it is.  I would definitely recommend that you try it.  Pen and paper are great way to go about it.  There are other Forum Members that use paper.   Thank you for the hiking boot recommendations too.  Good luck developing accessory complements.   Jenni NZ on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866827 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 18:42:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 1866827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel a bit embarrassed here! I don't think I said "in life". We're building a house and using heaps of resources! But I certainly did say it re my wardrobe. For me, it's too big ( 187 items) and buying less plus wearing 30 times is a goal. Good luck Sterling and I think it sounds like you've made lots of progress from a few years ago. Jenn on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866821 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 17:54:26 +0000 Jenn 1866821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading your thoughtful goal and assessment posts, Sterling, and they always help me to crystallize my own thoughts. Your quote from Jenni was especially thought-provoking for me, and I think several of your goals will be on my list as well. I hope you’ll post throughout the year as to the concrete steps you’re taking in service of these aims, because they’re good ones! delurked on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866791 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 16:49:37 +0000 delurked 1866791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi there. I can relate to this on many levels. My seasonal shop was pretty successful, but derailed by purchasing past that point. The good news is that I did concentrate on my summer season and my current lifestyle. Finding flattering soft structure and details for hot weather continues to be a real challenge. I am also trying to glean lessons from my buying mistakes. And I’m considering a small list of items that complements my 2017 and prior purchases. Plus, there are a few new silhouettes/fabrics I am interested in trying on. For 2018, I’m going to have a strict budget and other priorities to help keep me focused. My needs are less, and very specific. I’ve considered trying the find for a light hiking/walking shoe, in part because they come in an elusive 10.5. Nomad on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866785 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 16:38:26 +0000 Nomad 1866785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your analysis and conclusions are deeply insightful, as always. Thank you for sharing! For lightweight hiking boots, I'll second the Merrell Moabs and Keen recommendations. I have no idea if newer models may be different, but I find the Merrells to be lighter and more comfortable than the Keens... but comfort is a highly personal thing, so try a bunch and see what works best for you. If you have an REI nearby, that's one great place to find a lot of options and a knowledgeable sales staff. LaPed on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866779 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 16:24:55 +0000 LaPed 1866779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm thinking I may also focus on wear-tracking as one of my 2018 goals. I managed to do a few weeks this year, but haven't found a system that works for me to do it every day. I may have to use a paper notebook instead of a computer. I love the idea of accessory compliments -- figuring out which outfits need accessories, and shopping for them in a very intentional way. This is that organized-emotional thing Angie does. Know precisely what you're looking for, but don't pounce until you find the version that sparks joy. Couple more boot recs -- I really love Ahnu boots. I have a wide forefoot/narrow heel, and all the models I've tried have been comfy and durable, good for long distances. My mother has wide-all-over feet and swears by her Merrell Moabs. (The models in Finds are waterproof, but both brands offer ventilated versions, without a waterproof membrane, which I prefer in hot weather. In cold weather, the extra insulation provided by the Goretex is nice.) Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866778 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 16:14:15 +0000 Anonymous 1866778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much, Karen13.  Keen may have exactly what I am looking for!!!  I will check out Amazon later today.  I'll post a find should I order anything.   I agree, Kaelyn.  Shopping for summer clothing is daunting.  I have exactly the same type of fails as you do.  I panic.  I buy.  I buy in excess.  The garment does not meet my needs.  Sigh.  At least that is what happened in 2017.  (Nice to see you, by the way). karen13 on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866775 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 16:01:25 +0000 karen13 1866775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent goals and progress on you process. Many of them resonate with me and I need to find time after the holidays to write some down. As to hiking boots for wide Feet - I swear by my Keens. I have had so many pairs over the years. They are my most comfortable shoes - I often wear them hiking while DH is in sneakers - they are that comfy. My current model is probably too heavy for your needs - all leather, but I love it for the 3 sets of cleats for perfect adjustability. But they make many styles and heights. Kaelyn on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866774 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 15:59:27 +0000 Kaelyn 1866774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great list! I've got to work on my summer smart casual, and the reminder not to panic buy is a good one. I've always really struggled with summer clothing and it's led me to panic buy a lot of things as stop gaps to get me through one season and then get given away before a year has gone by. I broke that habit this year, I think, but I still need more for summer and it's a pretty daunting thing. I'm also right there with you on finishing outfits (especially in the summer when it's too hot to throw on a jacket). Best of luck! Anonymous on "2018 Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-goals#post-1866766 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 15:46:39 +0000 Anonymous 1866766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did not write out my goals last year and it showed by frenzied and undisciplined shopping.  I tried to count the number of items added in 2017, but iBank does not provide a category count (that I could see).  Suffice it to say, items purchased in 2017 might have been an all time high, thus confirming frenzied and undisciplined shopping.   Using LaP, Jenni, and Angie as guides, I attempted to write out goals for 2018.  Following is a rough draft of those goals.  I intend to continue to fine tune them because life changes and I want to be flexible.   I always had trouble defining a style moniker.  I gave up until Angie helped me define Cozy Chic.   Despite my inability to define a style moniker, I did know the image I wanted to project:  Professional; Capable; Strong; Confident; Feminine; Stylish.  Fashion means a lot to me because it allows me to express my aesthetic to the world.  I tell a story every time I get dressed in the morning. Is that the story I want to define me that day?  Goals 1. Continue to build and evolve my Summer Casual Capsule. Don’t panic and buy impulsively. Be willing to sit in the moment and wait for garments that fit my lifestyle and project the image I want. 2.   Work within the numbers. There is no reason to buy more items than I can reasonably wear in a two-to-three year timeframe. Be especially aware of the fact that my taste and needs change from year to year. Try to achieve a minimum of 30 wears. 3. Focus on Fit. This necessitates that I actually understand what good fit is. Those posts by Anchie regarding weight loss and her wardrobe shook me up because I thought she looked just fine (i.e., I could not see what the rest of the Forum saw). What does that say about how I am wearing my clothing? Scan the internet for guidelines on how clothing should fit. Review my clothing each day against those guidelines. Ask the YLF Forum if I am correct in my assessment. 4. Focus on finishing every single outfit. I have always relied on two piece outfits (top and bottom). It takes very little effort to “finish” the outfit by adding additional interest. Accessory complements are an easy solution. I started putting accessory complements together in 2017. Continue into 2018 and be bolder. 5. Embrace shaped softness in solid neutrals (black, white, navy, and beige). Buy fabrics that feel good against the skin.   6. Find one really great pair of light weight hiking boots.   7. As Jenni pointed out “The most sustainable thing I could do in life is buy less.” This will be challenging for me. I could best implement this by focusing on (1) higher quality items, and (2) previously-owned items. It might be fun to change up my method of shopping and try new retailers.   That is it for now.  I tried Seasonal Shopping last year and see the power in it.  My baseline wardrobe is sufficiently developed that Seasonal Shopping makes sense to continue into 2018.  A person probably needs goals/guidelines even more if shopping seasonally.  THAT might have been the missing part in 2017.   Thanks to all the Forum Members that helped me reach this point in my stye evolution.  I know I could not have reached this point without your unselfish and gracious input.  Best wishes to you in the New Year.