https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:38:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1874519 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 20:17:50 +0000 Christina F. 1874519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>rachylou</b>, that's my problem as well. I'm not a morning person but also not good at laying pieces out the night before. I do better when I make a mental plan of what to wear, even if I don't lay the pieces out. But it's been so cold recently that I'm just choosing the warmest pullover and going! I have some very warm long cardigans that I should work into the mix, though.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1874512 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 19:44:50 +0000 rachylou 1874512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good stuff here. I relate a lot to the layering challenge. For me, due to extreme laziness, it’s about putting on so many pieces, dealing with so many, making them go together. I like to ‘grab and go,’ lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1874478 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 17:33:33 +0000 Christina F. 1874478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had promised a while ago to add some thoughts on my current shopping list. Since I'm going to try being more thoughtful about shopping, here is my current list, along with my most recent acquisitions and what purposes I think they'll serve.</p> <p>Things to buy:<br />Light or bright colored pants: I am on the lookout for these in general, to break out of the black/navy pants &amp; jeans in the winter rut. This type of item is a problem for me in the brands I usually use. Light/bright colors tend to let my cellulite show through just enough that I'm not really comfortable wearing them. I'm not sure anyone else would notice, but I don't feel fabulous.&nbsp; Lined pants would solve this problem, but I find it extremely difficult to find ones that actually fit me in the thigh area.</p> <p>Brown booties: I have a pair in mind. Just need to pull the trigger, but it sold out as I was waiting to see if I'd get Nordstrom gift money. I've added a lot of burgundy to my wardrobe and thing this would be a good companion color.</p> <p>Knit Vest: I want something, likely in black, to layer over long sleeved dresses and tops, as I find it hard to layer two long sleeved items together. Again, I saw one at Nordie's that sold out.</p> <p>Winter dress in a darker color: I realized I'm lacking something more sober for colder weather. Most of my dresses are bright and/or patterned (not subtle patterns either). I can use separates instead when something sober is called for, but something like a navy dress with sleeves would fill a hole. This is the missing piece in the winter dressy capsule I've been building. I'm almost certain I can find something at Boden. They are my go-to for dresses with sleeves.</p> <p>Black bootcut jeans: My foray back into bootcuts has been successful, so I'd like one more color in the same silhouette. This is another case of just needing to pull the trigger, but the item is in stock. Since I'll likely not be wearing many pants that long in the current weather, as I need boots, I may hold on this until spring is in sight.</p> <p>Of course, there are always items I don't need, but want because I've fallen in love. I want to leave some room for that to happen, but would like to try to minimize it. And there are a few items I will definitely hold on till spring, including replacement black flats (last paid died), and a new trench coat (I hate my current one, it's not flattering&nbsp; but I kept it because it's hard to buy a trench for a pear shape). </p> <p>Items recently added:<br />Cozy Grey cardigans: This was a replacement for something old I passed on this year. I ended up buying one cardigan, wearing it, and then getting a similar one for Christmas. Woops. I forgot I had told anyone I'd wanted one. I think I'll keep one at home for lounging, as it's very cozy, and keep one at work, where I'm always cold.</p> <p>Moto boots: I needed to replace a paid that had seen better days. My mom couldn't find the ones I had wanted, and so gave me gift money. I ended up ordering these Doc Martens from Amazon - my first ever!</p> <p>Sweater dress: As seen in another thread. Since it's apparently going to be a frigid winter, I needed something warm for my dressy winter capsule, as I was going out on a night that was about 14 degrees F.</p> <p>Two wildcard tops: one in velour floral, the other in a marled blue with a sleeve treatment I like (not as crazy as some of the others I've seen). I'm not used to the colors in the former, which is why I bought it. </p> <p>In other news, I have started tracking wears, which should help me ID the wardrobe orphans and actual wardrobe needs (vs. wants).</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1874456 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:43:50 +0000 Aurore 1874456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christina, as a (very) new member here, I have to thank you. Your goals are very inspiring for me and I feel like I should set similar ones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870269 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:27:14 +0000 approprio 1870269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to a lot of this post, particularly the bits about emotional shopping and no defined style.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regarding the first point, here's one of my all-time favourite pieces of Angie wisdom, on the topic of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/01/28/organized-emotional-shopping/">organised emotional shopping.</a>&nbsp;I'll probably have more to say about this if and when I get around to my own 2017 review.</p> <p>On the second, I agree a lack of definition can feel like a stumbling block, and I know I use <i>eclectic</i> as both a descriptor and a get-out clause. I've found it helps instead to try to define some of my likes and dislikes, as well as understanding more about what suits me. I still don't have what I'd call a defined style, but I do have a better idea of how I want to look.</p> <p>Does that make sense?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870262 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:08:46 +0000 Christina F. 1870262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div></p> <p> <div><br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/member/saacnmama/"></a> </div></p> <p> <div></p> <p> </div></div><div></p> <p> </div></p> <p> <b>FashIntern</b> I've been there. Jeans are hard, but I know where to get them now so they fit me. I've also kept my weight steady (after gaining a lot over a couple of years while on a steroid inhaler that I eventually gave up on; my asthma's not that bad). Dress pants are harder for me, unless the fabric is stretchy. I'm Portuguese and these hips (and thighs) don't lie!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870257 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 17:04:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1870257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christina, lol! Recently my emotion about pants (especially jeans) is “oh, poo—these don’t fit either. Stupid pants”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870253 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:58:01 +0000 Christina F. 1870253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, that is exactly right. Otherwise I'd end up with a wardrobe full of critter sweaters and no pants except two pairs of jeans. </p> <p>I also thought it might be useful to add to the post a list of items I think I need, to help organize my upcoming shopping. I'll probably do so later today.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870217 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:08:30 +0000 Angie 1870217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emotion is GOOD. Very good. But you need to<i> <u>organize</u></i><u> </u>the emotion.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870156 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:07:04 +0000 Christina F. 1870156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I did get a ponte blazer recently. Should stretch. It’s my looser sleeeved items I’m worried about though. I did get some long cardigans last year and I have to try some of them, but I threw out a grey one that had gotten tatty. I miss having it as a topper, and I think if I could make the sleeve situation work, it could be ideal for me. I’ve had trouble finding the right shape and thickness so far. I considered a kind of cardigan poncho, but the one I tried was not flattering! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870088 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:08:25 +0000 Anonymous 1870088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great analysis. As time goes by, you will do less experimenting and find what works best for you. It is a journey to enjoy and have fun with. You might like knit jackets that can stretch and fit your arms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870024 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:25:28 +0000 Christina F. 1870024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, Diana and I have one pair of patterned pans in common, so you have the right idea. I sadly packed them away for summer. But that’s one of the challenges of having a large-ish wardrobe in a Manhattan apartment. All the pairs of boots are another ;)</p> <p>Thank you all so much for the words of encouragement, and for your help this year. I don’t believe I need a style monkey per se, but given my limited space, a bit more focus might be nice. I’m an emotional buyer (in that I like to feel drawn to pieces) but I need to temper that with a bit more analysis. The fact of the matter is I can’t have all the things I’d like to have, for practical reasons! Plus I feel bad when things don’t work out. </p> <p>I think I can wear light bottoms. but it’s been hard to find the right ones that are flattering. I need to look in new places. I wish the Nordstrom brick and mortar would hurry up and open here (it won’t till 2019). I kind of stick with the same few stores otherwise. Maybe I need to add “expand my retail horizons” as another goal? Who makes good pants for curvy bottomed gals? I get all of mine from LOFT, aside from a few things at Nordie’s. I like J Crew too, but their bottoms don’t work on me AT ALL. Ditto Gap most of the time, and BR last time I checked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870012 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:00:24 +0000 Suz 1870012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a terrific analysis. And on the basis of the photos I've seen, I'd say your style has developed in leaps and bounds over the months you've been a member here. Keeping your goals in mind will lead you to further discoveries. I think you can absolutely wear lighter bottoms. Diana might be a forum member to watch. She is a pretty pear and petite and wears all kinds of bottoms, including patterns, light ones, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1870004 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 23:44:43 +0000 Angie 1870004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*</p> <p><b>Christina, </b>this is excellent analysis, and a fab starting point for a stylish 2018. WELL DONE.&nbsp;</p> <p>PLEASE don't think you can't wear light bottoms. Of course you can. It's about the right fit and fabric - not the colour. Perhaps throw in some patterned bottoms too.&nbsp;</p> <p>And Eclectic is a style, by the way. We have lots of Arty Eclectics on the forum - Joy, Firecracker and Diana come to mind right away.&nbsp; </p> <p>And to <b>Lisa p's </b>point - NOT having a defined style is actually a style! And that's fab. Rock on.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1869997 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 23:23:46 +0000 Anonymous 1869997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see many familiar thoughts here - to my own, that is- and I suspect that the processes we all go through are pretty similar despite style, income and body differences. &nbsp;I need to pay attention to not having such a big summer wardrobe too - although that seems about 10 years away at this of year &nbsp;I can also relate to not having a defined style - and I remember someone , maybe Angie, suggesting that it's not really necessary. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1869967 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 22:08:03 +0000 deb 1869967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a good plan for 2018. My first year with YLF was difficult for me also. Just changing the thought process took practice and I made mistakes but that is part of the learning curve. You are also more attuned to your goals than I was/am. Kuddos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2018-wardrobe-goals-some-2017-reflection#post-1869953 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:43:08 +0000 Christina F. 1869953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I'm not doing a full review of 2017, as I haven't spent the whole year trying to be mindful of my purchases. I'm an impulse shopper, and that leads to the majority of the trouble I have with my wardrobe. That's my review. My overarching goal for 2018 is be more mindful of my purchases. Part of this will be psychological reflection about why I shop, but I don't want to get that deep into my psyche here and now - but I acknowledge that aspect of things and am thinking about it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can mention a few things I tried to do in 2017, and had various levels of success with:</div><div><b>Fewer wardrobe orphans </b>- I've done better but have a ways to go. I still buy things on impulse because I fall in love with them. However, it's true that I have gotten better about buying pieces from a list that make other items work. However, I still have too many wildcards that satisfy my whimsical side but may be duplicates of each other (in spirit if not in fact) or may not work with other items. I want some wildcards, but not too many. Since I'm keeping track of what I buy now (thanks to my Finds here), I should be able to limit purchasing things that are similar to what I already have. (I have two reindeer sweaters, and a reindeer striped top. Surely I need only two of those three, but I forgot about the reindeer sweater I got last year.) I've also limited my skirt purchases to combat this problem. Skirts with quirky prints used to be a style signature for me, but I started finding pencil skirts too tough to wear (sized out of many of the ones i loved too), and full skirts to tough to pair with other items. My work wardrobe needs also became more casual, to align with my current job's norms.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Liven up my hair</b>: Achieved that with a haircut and color in early Dec.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Better skin care</b> - I'm getting there. I have a routine. My main problem is consistency. (I'd also like to wear makeup more, but I'm not a morning person and just don't leave myself time.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Became a sneaker person:</b> I added some great fashion sneakers to my collection, which is good, since I have foot trouble and walk a lot.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2018 Goals:</b></div><div><b>Keep buying fewer items and avoiding wardrobe orphans</b>. I tend to buy things, be unsure about them, and then end up keeping them. I'm very indecisive... but once I do decide, I'm usually pretty firm. I'm the queen of returns.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Need better pants options: </b>I'm pretty bored wearing dark colored skinny or straight pants and jeans all the time. However, with my pear shaped frame, I'm often wary of light colors and of patterns, though I've found a few things that work. I recently rediscovered bootcut jeans, so I can add more bootcut shaped pants to my wardrobe to give me options. I have some colored pants and jeans from LOFT, but I find that they don't fit so well after a while due to stretching (their regular jeans fare better). Need to try different brands, but I defaul to LOFT because I know which sizes and cuts fit. Gotta try harder.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Moratorium on flowy tops</b> - For the first time, I've been attracted to flowy items. Since there are still so many of these in the stores, especially tops, I keep wanting to buy more, but the reality is I don't need more. Not sure yet if I want to re-incorporate more tailored pieces or just stick to what I have. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Figure out how to layer more</b> - I can't really layer long-sleeved tops under a jacket or cardigan - everything together is too tight since my upper arms are a bit plump for my frame (I guess). Sizing up just makes things bigger all over, and I don't want to have everything tailored. However,&nbsp; I also want to be able to use my long sleeved blouses more in colder weather, since I have so many now (see above). My office is too cold to forego a topper. I have added a green knitted vest/gilet, which will help in some cases. I am also using shawls at work, which helps, too. I still wish I had a chunky grey cardigan that would layer over long sleeves, though.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pare down summer wardrobe</b>. I always buy too much, and most of it can't be used in my freezing office, which limits utility. I love summer and nautical stuff, so that's me buying based on falling in love with pieces, again. I need to pare down what I have among items too casual/skin-baring for the office.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Add more pink and red </b>- I'm currently on the hunt for a red sweater or winter top. More pink would also be nice.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wear my skirts and dresses:</b> This is harder in the winter, when I don't always want to wear tights. I will have more dressy events to go to, going forward, which will help with this. I just added a dressy pencil skirt that I think I'll be able to continue to wear, and that will match more pieces than most of my skirts.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I also still feel like I don't&nbsp; have a defined style, although there are elements of various style descriptors I feel strongly attracted to. Maybe I'm eclectic, and this isn't really a problem, but it's something I think about. I won't call it a goal, though.<br /></div> </p>