https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 04:44:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162865 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 23:24:25 +0000 Style Fan 2162865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#5 I will join you on that one.&nbsp; Your hair does look great, even if you notice what needs to be done.&nbsp; I do wonder what will happen when more services are available.</p> <p>I agree that buying fewer items that might be more expensive pays off in the long run.&nbsp; Your cohesive wardrobe is looking good.&nbsp; Your colour choice works well with your style and your own colouring.&nbsp; I love those sandals.&nbsp; They are a statement but not too much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162819 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:32:50 +0000 Jenn 2162819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>RunCarla</b>&nbsp;and <b>shevia</b>, I'll be interested to see how the "spend more per item" rule works for you. It's really just "quality over quantity," so in thrifting and second-hand purchasing, I guess it might translate into more time in the hunt, rather than more $$/item.</p> <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>yes! I got the W&amp;W jeans shortly before your feature, but I would have been unlikely to try Miz Mooz without your recommendation, and I really love them! I suspect many more of your recs will come into play as I plan updates for 2021. The work you've done researching size inclusivity and sustainability in your features this year has made shopping much easier!</p> <p><b>notsaf,&nbsp;</b>I definitely agree that our styles share some elements, especially a reliance on neutrals and an essentials-heavy closet.&nbsp;</p> <p>I dithered for a long time on the Ozma scarf, because it seemed so pricey for a bandana, but it proved its worth to me this summer. The silk is so much lighter than cotton I was able to use it as a third piece through all but the hottest of days.</p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, you are so kind. My hair has benefitted from my not blow drying or heat styling it, but the ends are starting to split and it's getting brittle at this length, no matter how many home moisture treatments I try, so I will be glad when I can get a salon appointment for at least a trim!</p> <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>I'm not sure "bold" would describe my style except in a vague aspirational sense (I LOVED that inspiration pic you posted recently), but I may try for something similar. Maybe "urban relaxed elegance"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162806 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:40:44 +0000 Sal 2162806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love reading your posts Jenn and despite the challenges 2020 threw your way, you have looked wonderful and added carefully. </p> <p>Whilst our styles are different I think you suit the same words that I use - bold relaxed elegance.</p> <p>Wishing that 2021 is a much better year for California and the US. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162775 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:04:19 +0000 Bijou 2162775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your monthly updates and your annual analysis just ties it all together. Rather ironic that despite limited access to a hair salon, your long and natural hair is gorgeous. The Elizabeth Suzann dress is such a winner.</p> <p>I see an easy elegance in your style which highlights your beauty - it would be nice to have a word that aptly describes this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162709 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 18:55:51 +0000 notsaf 2162709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks as ever for the thoughtful reflections, Jenn! I'm also excited to see what 2021 brings your way.</p> <p>As for #6, I'm right there with you in having a hard time capturing what I perceive as the feminine element in a fairly neutral and tough-edged wardrobe without it sounding prissy and girly. (Not that our styles are exactly the same, but I do think they share some elements, and what you wear is always interesting to me!) "Elegant" didn't work for me last year for the same reason "feminine" failed you. I've moved onto "soft", which might be akin to your "fluid." Will be interested to see where that take you!</p> <p>Speaking of lemmings, I'm still thinking about that Ozma bandana scarf...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162581 Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:49:37 +0000 Angie 2162581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*</p> <p>Your thoughtful, planned, and wise approach to your wardrobe is impressive as always, <b>Jenn</b>! Especially this year, when most things were a moving target. WELL DONE!</p> <p>Fun to see suggested Warp &amp; Weft jeans and Miz Mooz sandals in the "best of" list....</p> <p>#2 and #9 are my KILLER faves, and excited to see new specs in 2021 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162203 Fri, 25 Dec 2020 03:13:28 +0000 Jaime 2162203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I know I am repeating myself, but you are my minimal closet alter ego and I am always inspired by how you plan and manage your closet. Less and more expensive is an excellent goal, which I weirdly want to implement for myself - with some other metric than actual expense. Anyway, love your outfit shots - all the silhouettes are great and #9 is your color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162179 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 21:48:30 +0000 Carla 2162179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Considering the scenario that developed after you set your goals, you did pretty darn good! &nbsp;I agree with Suz - that closets can reach a zen state after which ‘one in/one out’ keeps things fresh, but comfortably sized. &nbsp;I had that kind of year- even with a smaller number of purchases. &nbsp; &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I’m going to borrow your #3 for 2021. &nbsp;If I learned anything from counting wears this year, it’s that you mostly get what you pay for! &nbsp;The quality stuff really holds up! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>#5 *sigh* I feel your pain.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162178 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 21:23:41 +0000 Jenn 2162178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>suntiger,&nbsp;</b>yes, you've got it exactly!</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>I think the joy from a less maximalist style comes from what you DO in the clothing, which I'm sure it what they try to convey with the merchandising. &nbsp;Alas, this year wasn't exactly the model year for "doing." Here's one joyful pic from 2020, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162168 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:30:37 +0000 rachylou 2162168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#5 cracks me up! :)</p> <p>Seeing all your pics together, I’m struck by how you make a consistent style statement, that unattainable holy grail for me, lol! Seems to me you’ve done well with your goals. The concept of joy, in the context of your style, has the wheels of my mind turning. You have a hip style to my way of thinking, and there are some stores where I live, faves of mine, that I think you’d find things in... it’s interesting how they bring joy to the styling of their displays. I’m thinking texture and a shock of acid colour and muted shine. But, you know, it’s mostly through home wares... ahem, *you* standing on a fluffy rug(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162158 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 19:52:53 +0000 Anonymous 2162158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm right there with you on 5 :)<br /> And yes to a mature, womanly version of feminine! I use it as one of my descriptors too, but no ruffles/bows or the like. That's too Ingenue. To me it's curved lines, and clothes that flow over curved bodies- as opposed to too much structure, straight lines, trying to disguise curves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162156 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 19:35:42 +0000 Anonymous 2162156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the info on the sandals. I will keep them in mind for the summer. My hair is also a mess </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162155 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 19:34:46 +0000 Jenn 2162155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>kkards,&nbsp;</b>you're exactly right. I did mean "the opposite of menswear." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162153 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:21:24 +0000 kkards 2162153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, i think just getting dressed each day as bringing joy. At least it was for me...<br />re the word feminine...I’m not sure about fluid as what i think of when i think about your style, nor do i think of feminine...for me, thinking about your style, i would use the word relaxed, as in not tailored. Because I’m wondering if you chose the word feminine because you were looking for the opposite of menswear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162152 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:18:30 +0000 Jenn 2162152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star,&nbsp;</b>the &lt;100 number is appealing to me, too! I'm there without gear, but counting that (along with scarves, belts, and bags) puts me just over. I should probably do some reevaluating of my accessory collection, but again...strange year.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Minaminu,&nbsp;</b>yes to "a quiet softness," although that sounds a bit like a Mary Cassatt painting, which isn't quite my goal.</p> <p><b>torontogirl,&nbsp;</b>I only wish I were an "edgy minimal Cali cool girl"! I'm a Subaru-driving Midwestern mom, trying my best. </p> <p><b>Janet,&nbsp;</b>I think the sociological changes that come from this are going to be fascinating. Will it reshape our values, or are we going to come out into an over-the-top "roaring 20s" scenario like after the Spanish flu? I'm not even sure where I'm going to land personally, much less all of us as a society, but I'm looking forward to finding out.</p> <p>My hair is in bad shape right now...way too long and with enough split ends that it's starting to become fragile. &nbsp;Salons are closed again, though, so I'll deal with it and get a haircut once I'm vaccinated.</p> <p><b>Nikki,&nbsp;</b>thank <b>Angie</b> for those sandals. &nbsp;She did a feature on the brand and recommended them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162142 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:43:41 +0000 Jenn 2162142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Liesbeth,&nbsp;</b>thank you! You got it exactly. A mature femininity is exactly what I'm after--not bombshell and not girly or demure, but self-assured and, as you say, woman-like. Mostly what I was trying to remind myself, though, was that as much I like androgynous and gamine looks on others, they never feel right when I put them on my own body.</p> <p><b>slim cat,&nbsp;</b>I've at least figured out what to wear in LA while staying home and refraining from social activity. It's actually kind of interesting to have this year of basically exploring my style in a vacuum. I wonder if things will change as we (hopefully) make local friends and are more exposed to environmental norms.</p> <p><b>JenniNZ,&nbsp;</b>I hope you do make a post. &nbsp;I've loved following your journey (plus, this year, it gives me hope to follow along with you New Zealand folks living relatively normal lives). I just went back and looked, and I bought 23 items last year and 15 this year, so that was actually a pretty significant reduction. I don't think I could get all that much below this and keep up with replacements. I'm impressed with your 11!</p> <p>(submitting now and coming back for more, because I lost my last batch of responses and am skittish) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162138 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:17:04 +0000 Anonymous 2162138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Attractive suede sandals! Organized musings! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162137 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 15:47:07 +0000 Janet 2162137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your thoughtful and streamlined approach continues to impress me! </p> <p>Pulling “joy” out of dressing this year seems a tall order in retrospect, no? I think we all ended up aiming for something a little more basic in the Maslow hierarchy of needs. </p> <p>I’m laughing along with you about hair and glasses. Fortunately I upgraded my glasses in late 2019 and am good for a while. But hubs and I were just talking about budgets and looked back at projected expenses based on late 2019. I got zero manicures or pedicures in 2020, I had one hair salon visit with cut and color back in February and one cut in November. So I saved literally $1000 this year on hair and nails alone. I don’t expect to ever spend that much again. I’ll probably stick with longer hair styles that require less frequent cuts and may just stop coloring altogether. I expect many people’s priorities will shift forever as a result of the pandemic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162126 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:28:47 +0000 Helena 2162126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Snort laugh at 5!!</p> <p>Jenn you look amazing and your signature style shines - edgy minimal Cali cool girl all the way ...maybe you needed to keep it functional this year to eek whatever joy 2020 had to offer out of other areas? Can't wait to see what 2021 brings for you! Xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162118 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 11:20:34 +0000 Minaminu 2162118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kudos to you, Jenn! Great analysis, very interesting! 2020 has been so different than hoped and planned and you did very well with your purchases. I do think that your style us feminine, there is a quiet softness in your style which suits you very well </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162113 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:50:23 +0000 Star (Lise) 2162113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your style.&nbsp; It is consistent.&nbsp; To me it looks edgy but more feminine than masculine.&nbsp; I get your dilemma about the word feminine, I also associate the word with ruffles and bows, very not me, however I am not into the masculine look that much.&nbsp; Fluid clothes are also very important to me but with sleekish silhouettes, if that makes any sense to you.&nbsp; I want to get to a wardrobe of 100 or less.&nbsp; No buy for me anymore except what I consider essential basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162098 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 07:31:53 +0000 Jenni NZ 2162098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent analysis as usual. And so fitting your style- whatever it exactly is!<br /> Nearly said this on other’s posts... I intended to buy less and I did! 29 pieces last year and 11 pieces this year with only a week to go. Might do a numbers post by New Year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162097 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:50:13 +0000 slim cat 2162097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've already figured out what works for you in LA and did really well - lots of thoughtful observations and fab purchases!<br />Fav looks #2,4 and 6. But all are great on you.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162095 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:37:02 +0000 Liesbeth 2162095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know I admire your wardrobe as a tight, cohesive whole that exudes personal style. This year you managed to strengthen this and that's a win for sure.<br /> Fwiw, I think of your style as feminine though I get why you don't love the word. To me it's a kind of grown up feminity (woman-like??). You are right though that it's probably the fluid factor that so clearly marks your style as feminine as opposed to tomboy or gentlemen chique. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162092 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:25:23 +0000 Jenn 2162092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, I actually did buy less than last year...about 25% fewer items! I just also got rid of less. A lot of that was because I couldn’t make a fair assessment of what life was going to be like here in the six months we had before pandemic restrictions started. The only things I let go were pieces that were worn beyond repair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162087 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:46:31 +0000 Suz 2162087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn</b>, this was such an unusual year in so many ways. It is interesting how many of us (myself included) expected or intended to buy less...and even shopped less -- yet bought more or less the same! I do think some of this was pandemic related and move related, in your case as well as mine. When your entire lifestyle is upended you do discover new needs, even in a time when you can't do a whole lot.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be curious to hear how the higher quality pieces wear and whether you get greater pleasure from them over time. You might be able to achieve your goal of buying less now that you have made these purchases. Because I also tend to think that when our wardrobe numbers stay stable for a number of years, it is probably because we've reached the size of wardrobe that works best for us -- wardrobe "set point," maybe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hear you on "feminine" -- the word can have those connotations for me, too. Fluid makes sense and I can see it.&nbsp;</p> <p>These are all great outfits -- especially love 1, 4, 9.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-in-reviewdecember-wardrobe-thoughts#post-2162079 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 04:23:06 +0000 Jenn 2162079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>January seems like a very, <i>very </i>long time ago, and 2020 was so unexpected, I'm not even sure it's fair to base any sort of assessment off of what I thought back then, but here's what I set out to do at the start of the year:</p> <ol> <li><b>Shrink and simplify.</b> Not really.&nbsp;I<b></b> started the year with 103 wardrobe pieces (including daytime clothing, gear clothing, footwear, outerwear, &nbsp;and non-jewelry accessories) in my closet, and another 10 pieces in my holding zone. I now have 104 pieces in my closet and 9 in the holding zone. &nbsp;Net change of nada.</li> <li><b>Return to using the </b><b>5-piece French system, </b><b>with two annual purchasing seasons, focusing on </b><b>supporting brands that match my lifestyle and values. </b>Sort of? I was really conscious this year of how many statements vs. essentials I bought. I ended up with 15 purchases, 9 of which fell into the "statement" category, either by being a true statement, pricier than normal, or somewhat experimental. Also, not everything I bought this year was sustainable, but most of it was.</li> <li><b>Spend more per item.&nbsp;</b>Definitely did this. &nbsp;When I added up the budget, I spent about the same as in 2019, but bought five fewer items. The difference in quality shows, too.</li> <li><b>Focus on summer. </b>Absolutely. There's not one sweater in the mix from this year's purchases, which is good because, so far, it's been a warm winter, even by Southern California standards. &nbsp;It's only rained once since May, and highs in the past week have been in the 70s and 80s.&nbsp;</li> <li><b>Hair and glasses. </b>HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.</li> <li><b>Remember my keywords--casual, luxe, natural, feminine, textured</b>. I think these mostly worked. I'm&nbsp;questioning "feminine" as a keyword, because it makes me think of&nbsp;bows and ruffles, which are definitely&nbsp;not for me. A better word might be "fluid." Not in the "gender-fluid" sense, but in the sense of pieces&nbsp;that have&nbsp;some movement and&nbsp;collapse&nbsp;against the body&nbsp;rather than being highly seamed and structured.</li> <li><b>Dress joyfully. </b>My&nbsp;word&nbsp;of the year was "joy," and I learned a lot this year&nbsp;about embracing joy in the smallest moments, but did I&nbsp;dress joyfully? I don't think so. I dressed functionally and mindfully, and I loved what I wore, but joyful might be a stretch.</li> </ol> <p>As for purchases this year, they're all in the collection below. Big winners were the<b> Warp &amp; Weft jeans</b> and the <b>AllBirds flats</b>--both over 50 wears already. The <b>Only Child top</b>, <b>Mi</b><b>z Mooz sandals</b>, and the long-sleeved linen <b>Elizabeth Suzann dress</b> have more than 30 wears. I think the rust <b>Sundance ruched tee</b> may have been a mistake, but time will tell. </p> <p>I have some thoughts about how I'm going to do things differently in 2021, but I'll write about that separately.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, will be back to add a few favorite WIWs from the year. </p>