YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Style Goals

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Style Goals https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:48:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Janet on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals/page/2#post-2165117 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 13:42:19 +0000 Janet 2165117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always enjoy your analysis and think you’re on a great track once again. I can relate to your comments about not leaning too far into “earthy” and away from edgy. For me it’s not earthy but maybe preppy or sporty. Because I’d rather be at that punk show too. (yes, it’s been nearly a year since the last time I went to a live in person show, hard to believe!) Staysfit on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2165115 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 13:28:48 +0000 Staysfit 2165115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ EDGY, EASY, ELEGANT!  Nailed it!  <div> </div><div>Jenn, thanks for your heartfelt and thoughtful post.  </div> Anonymous on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2165013 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 01:07:26 +0000 Anonymous 2165013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have missed making travel capsules this year too. They are the time I really work at adding to my wardrobe. In 2020 I only added about 10 pieces, and those have not had much wear. At least two have already found new homes. Sal on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164985 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 22:20:10 +0000 Sal 2164985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, do you follow Signe at Useless (youtube, instagram and a blog).  She has a quarterly capsule wardrobe and prioritises ethical purchases and second hand.  What I like about her process is that she has the all year basics, plus a rotating seasonal capsule.  She is quite deliberate about her purchasing.  Her style is different to yours and the brands are often European (she is Danish). Suz on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164972 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 20:51:51 +0000 Suz 2164972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Edgy, easy, elegant is YOU to a tee, so that part sounds, well, easy! (Except I know that in the execution it's often a lot more complicated than in the ideal! Ah well...)  Your idea to look at the wardrobe quarterly is brilliant, both in terms of giving you a feeling of variety/ change in a fairly constant climate, and just in terms of the reality of this pandemic and your needs being likely to shift as the months go on. At least...we can hope. I am so sorry for how things are going in LA. It's bad all over, but really bad there, and it's just plain hard. Commiserating re the move at this time. I'm mostly okay about it, and feel settled in our house -- but still very un-attached or even unmoored in the community.  LaPed, those Athleta pieces in that taupey brown are really nice! It's a cooler brown than Jenn ususually goes for. But maybe it would flatter, Jenn? I wonder? It does go with black and navy -- for a while, taupe was my light neutral (when my hair was still blonde-ish) and I liked it a lot with navy, black, white. If it is the right shade of taupe it can also work with rusts, believe it or not. nemosmom on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164967 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 20:18:08 +0000 nemosmom 2164967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Edgy, easy, elegant is beyond perfect for you! And YES to the quarterly seasonal swap - especially when there are no obvious weather seasons - to keep things feeling fresh.  Finding the perfect light neutral is SO SO hard.  The right shade of camel/tan/taupe is tricky. Those darn undertones! Too grey or pink looks dreadful on me; too close to my skin tone washes me out. But, having a closet full of darks can get depressing. </div> Jennie Hunt on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164928 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:55:33 +0000 Jennie Hunt 2164928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love new styles, excited to see them. LaPed on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164927 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:08:16 +0000 LaPed 2164927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love "edgy, easy, elegant"! I can definitely see a lot of the easy elegance in the outfits you share, and I always love it when the edge comes through. For myself, I find it hard to add edgy pieces because they can be quite structured, heavy, impractical, difficult to layer, etc. And I know what you mean about earthy styles being somewhat at odds with edgy styles. I can think of a few pieces -- harness boots, your fedora? -- that do a good job bridging those two style personas. I keep looking at this <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shop.thereset.com/products/vegan-leather-moto">chestnut moto</a> (seems so much more interesting than black!), but as much as I love the *look* of leather/faux leather jackets, I don't really love the feel of them for 99% of the year... but maybe if I lived in LA. ;) I'm trying to suss out browns, especially lighter browns, this year too. Exciting in theory, difficult in practice. Like you, my dark hair highlights auburn in the sun so I tend to gravitate toward reddish browns, and camel/tan can feel a bit blah, and I prefer white in small doses. Athleta has some really nice heathery browns right now, which could in theory be a good complement to black/rust outfits. At least, I keep thinking about them! Marled/heathered black (not grey -- I think you've been there/done that with heathered grey?) might be something else to consider. I've been reaching for this marled Uniqlo 3D knit sweater a lot this fall/winter. Jenn on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164879 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:25:38 +0000 Jenn 2164879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Minaminu, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying that blog. Your "worryingly" before "becoming more like my mom" made me laugh. I'm excited to see how this quarterly plan goes. Liesbeth, because I have plenty of space and want to be very aware of what I own, I intend to leave all but the most seasonal of my clothes out year-round. My capsules will be more of a virtual exercise, defining and laying out key pieces. I might even print out a little "key" for each new season to hang somewhere in my closet. suntiger, I've found Kettlewell to be great for color inspiration, but the items themselves are less appealing to me. shevia, I've been thinking a LOT about your comment over the past few days. I think you're right that there IS an earthy element to my style, and I'm okay with it being there, but I'm not sure it's the direction I want to lean into, if that makes sense.  Like... I enjoy singer-songwriters, but when it comes down to it, I'd rather go to a punk show. Joy, travel capsules definitely have a way of distilling what we really love and find practical in our wardrobes.  I've desperately missed making them this year.  Runcarla, I've found that olive works really well on my bottom half and less well near my face. My summer highlights are auburn, which is probably why I enjoy rust shades so much. I'm just feeling the need for a bit more variety in my neutrals. I have a pair of EF pants in "nutmeg" (see finds) and I'm finding myself really out of love with the color recently. Browns are hard! Sal, spot on! I find various shades of white and off-white and pretty much all browns to be difficult to decipher online. I also have a harder time creating a capsule with them because they don't match each other across designers that way black does. notsaf, that Ozma palette is beautiful, isn't it? I feel like I could base a whole wardrobe off of their bandanas. Fashintern, just truth...and something I think about often. JenniNZ, so true about having multiple personas.  I'm sure I have a shadow persona in there that would be happy in full-on dark academia and another that would like to pile on as much wild, artsy texture as possible. You're also right about it being hard to get everything right when it comes to sustainability, but I figure that the least I can do is to get something right, so I do the best I can and don't stress about perfection. Jenni NZ on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164748 Sun, 10 Jan 2021 04:53:34 +0000 Jenni NZ 2164748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, the Easy, Edgy, Elegant sounds great to me. It can be quite tricky to marry together different parts of one’s own style I think. I find it difficult myself and am still considering a change or having more than one persona, not wanting to be boxed in! Your sustainability drive is impressive. I am trying a bit to do the same, having paid full price for the new top which is made in Australia ( not *too* far away from here)- met standards of Ethical Clothing Australia whatever that is and had recycled polyester in the fabric- but then it is still polyester and the fabric was milled in Italy so lots of carbon miles still! It is pretty difficult to get everything right! Also I sometimes find that the more expensive or more “sustainable” clothing doesn’t actually fit as well as the less expensive stuff. So I would then rather buy the latter. It’s difficult to get right but hooray for trying xx Anonymous on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164626 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 04:15:14 +0000 Anonymous 2164626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you know what you want. You will have clarity on what you need/ want to buy if you plan a trip or two and mentally decide what you will pack. I always have a few things I need to wear or pack in a small carry-on to make everything work together. Sometimes it is light weight or waterproof footwear. Sometimes I want pants that can be dressed up to go out to eat or dressed down for hiking. Stagiaire Fash on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164614 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 02:59:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2164614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ “ I'm grateful to have the privileges that have allowed us to work from home and stay safe.” I appreciate you saying that. notsaf on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164607 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 02:20:44 +0000 notsaf 2164607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nailed it! And thanks for the kind words. <3 "I'd also really love to finally find my shade of camel/tan/taupe." So excited to see you play in this space! Maybe cream or mushroom are colors to think about as lovely with rust and black? I've been looking at the whole Ozma pallette for neutral inspo, but I think it's even better for you out on the West Coast! Hang in there! Jenn on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164604 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 01:28:35 +0000 Jenn 2164604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, everyone for the feedback and encouragement! Bijou, interesting you should mention toppers, because I think that's part of what's contributing to the boredom this year. We've have a very mild winter, but the feeling of sameness has been exacerbated by not really going out in the early mornings or evenings.  In normal times, those would be the most likely times for me to be out and about, and I'd grab a topper or scarf for the coldest part of the day.  Now, I'm much more likely to run errands or go for a walk mid-day, when it's quite a bit warmer. Star, I also like those colors with black and white, but I've yet to find a light brown neutral that doesn't wash me out. torontogirl, thank you! Your capsule approach has been inspiring! Fashintern, autumn is always my favorite, too. Beth Ann, I remember taking a magazine quiz in high school (Seventeen or Sassy or somesuch) that asked, "Would you rather have lots of inexpensive clothes or just a few more expensive ones?" At the time, I couldn't imagine why anyone would ever want fewer clothes.  How times have changed! Angie, I hope it's not as long as September or December! Our county put out an estimate this week that they'd open up to the general population in May or June. I'm hoping that vaccination campaigns ramping up before that point are able bring down community spread enough to do a few more activities before then, but until that time, I'm grateful to have the privileges that have allowed us to work from home and stay safe. (Back later with more responses...my cat is making it very hard to type.) Sal on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164544 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:23:03 +0000 Sal 2164544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like your style statement - you do have easy edgy elegance! There is earthiness too as Shevia said- I think whatever appeals and speaks to you. I have been trying to add white in - I haven’t found it easy but I do enjoy it. I like chalky or off whites the best. I think you mentioned light greys are not your favourite, but there may be other light almost neutrals that you enjoy. These colours are hard to decipher online! Carla on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164395 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:49:05 +0000 Carla 2164395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your collection of rust garments works wonderfully with all the black in your closet.  Rust, and cognac leather items are *chef’s kiss* with your colouring.  I’m not so sure about beige or camel.  Maybe toffee?  What are the natural highlights in your hair when you’ve been in the sun?  Maybe expand your collection of olive garments?  Olive, black, and rust play well together. Anonymous on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164393 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:38:34 +0000 Anonymous 2164393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like your idea of dividing the year, your wardrobe and shopping into quarters. In fact, I needed to divide my year and wardrobe into six parts. It makes sense to shop when you are in a quarter as you will be more knowledgeable about what you would want and need in that capsule. This year I bought very little. My yearly plan was to buy 3 items a month and spend more. This kept down frivolous spending and forced thought before buying. Dividing my wardrobe has helped with boredom and little things like different silhouettes and challenges have kept me from getting bored.. I assigned a dark neutral and a light neutral to each of my “seasons”. Something new and it takes lots of self discipline to not wear items I could be wearing until their time comes, but that adds to the satisfaction and makes me happy when the closet change comes. I am more likely to wear some things out or get bored with them and thus create a smaller closet. I need to seriously consider my “seasons” and changing them to better reflect life in Colorado. I know I have way too much for hot weather as compared to Kansas where it could be hot February through October. I know Southern California has its own climate struggles. I wore stuff out and was mostly pregnant there. So did not have much to wear. You are so intelligent and creative that you will have it all figured out for your life and already have a great start. Don’t forget a travel capsule and special event capsule. Jaime on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164359 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 02:32:25 +0000 Jaime 2164359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to be difficult I will attempt to tinker with your style statement, which I agree is actually excellent already. I think there is an element of earthy elegance in your color palette and the types of fabrics you wear.  The situation here is also bleak and we are in our third, just intensified lockdown. Fortunately I live in my head anyway . Hang in there. Anonymous on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164329 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 23:11:33 +0000 Anonymous 2164329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Big yes to evaluating seasonally- especially now! I'm with you on wanting to add a bit of a lighter neutral, though light colors are so tricky since they tend to shift. Have you looked at Kettlewell? You can sort by color season. Liesbeth on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164266 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 18:00:15 +0000 Liesbeth 2164266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great choice for key words! Seeing how good you look in that golden mustard, I'm sure you'll find a lighter earthy neutral that suits you. I'm all pro seasonal dressing too. We do have four seasons, but it's only after having converted to capsule dressing that I started putting stuff away at the changing of the seasons. I do have more clothes now, but I definitely feel a renewed enthusiasm for my clothes when I pull them out of storage. And if I don't then that's probably an item that can go to the holding zone or be donated. Style Fan on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164264 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:40:44 +0000 Style Fan 2164264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the new style statement for you.  I am excited to see what you come up with. Minaminu on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164260 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:33:44 +0000 Minaminu 2164260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the new statement, it's very you! I think a lighter neutral is a clever addition and I have noticed lots of people are looking to add lighter colours to their wardrobe, I am one of those as well. Camel and tan are beautiful, but I find them very difficult to wear as they don't suit my skin tone, hopefully you will find the right shade for you! There is something right in buying clothes/making a revision every quarter, it slows down impulse buys and gives time to build an overall picture of the wardrobe. I can see its appeal! This year, I made my shopping list based on the seasonal needs and I am very aware that Brexit will impact my shopping habits. My mum used to shop for clothes at the beginning of the season and worryingly I am becoming more like my mum, it makes sense to buy good classic pieces each season and if I buy them at the end of the season it should enable me to buy higher quality within my budget restraints.  thanks for sharing Jessica Rose Williams' blog, it's very interesting! Angie on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164242 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:03:43 +0000 Angie 2164242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *applause* Always well thought out, level-headed, logical, and on point, Jenn! White is going to look great with your earth tones and blue, and seasonal wardrobe shifts sound like just the ticket.....even if the season feels the same :) Hang in there. My heart goes out to LA. It will get better. Greg and I are also one of the last on the list to get the vaccine in WA. In Sept at best, apparently. But it could be as late as Dec. ONWARD WE GO!  Beth Ann on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164228 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:36:31 +0000 Beth Ann 2164228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your new style statement! Like you, I think in seasons. My seasons are the full-on meteorological variety here in the midwest, but I lived in LA in my 20s and I still craved the wardrobe switch (I created interest by buying lots and lots of cheap clothes, but hey, I was 24).  I'll be following to see your choices. I've worked toward sustainability by buying less. I still have trouble paying more for each item -- which I know is part of choosing better sources for my clothing.  Here's to the light at the end of the tunnel (and making the tunnel as safe and cozy as possible). Stagiaire Fash on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164221 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:18:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2164221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ “Edgy, easy, elegant” sounds just like you! The strategy of seasonal wardrobes shifts, even when not strictly required by the weather, was very helpful to me in Florida after you and other YLFers suggested it to me. The capsule I focused on best was for fall. It was easy to adapt it here by adding a few key warmer pieces to the color scheme I worked out there, especially because fall is very transitional here, with varying temps. Helena on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164218 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:03:54 +0000 Helena 2164218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, that style statement seems bang-on for your style. Love your goals and I think your quarterly approach is really wise ... especially given all the uncertainty. Hoping you get to establish something approximating normal in 2021 xx Star (Lise) on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164190 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 09:42:48 +0000 Star (Lise) 2164190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Edgy, easy, elegant seems very appropriate from what I have seen here.  I think camel and/or taupe would be very apt neutral for your wardrobe and style.  I love black with these colors too. Bijou on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164187 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:11:28 +0000 Bijou 2164187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Perfect new style descriptors. They say that the darkest part of the night is just before sunrise, I sincerely hope that the bleakest days will soon be over, that we all get to enjoy freedoms that 2020 took away. I live in a climate probably similar to yours and find wearing things seasonally helps to reinvigorate my enthusiasm to get dressed each day. I have some seasonal footwear, handbags, toppers and dresses even though my climate would permit wearing similar clothing year round with a simple change up in toppers and footwear. rachylou on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164184 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:30:19 +0000 rachylou 2164184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On the money(!) Anonymous on "2021 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals#post-2164182 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:01:54 +0000 Anonymous 2164182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bravo.