YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022, and Goals for 2023

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022, and Goals for 2023 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:04:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300588 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:53:10 +0000 Suz 2300588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ginger, you are a YLF heroine! The Duchess Next Store RULES!!!  Everything you say here resonates with what I've seen of your style and your needs. I think a conservative edit with a substantial holding zone makes eminent sense. I was going to ask what your storage situation is like. If you had a dedicated closet, cupboard, or wardrobe as a holding zone (or even a rack or some garment bags) you might feel less regret or worry about putting certain items (temporarily) out of circulation. I mean, as opposed to just putting them in a bin or a bag or something.  Transitional at home dressing really is tricky. There is no question.  It is a little easier with pants because you can wear different weights, lengths, and also different types of socks indoors to keep warm. This is one reason I don't really wear my dresses/ skirts in winter so much. I love dresses and skirts and they are a huge part of my summer style. But in winter they are less practical due to the tights/ hose issue. I don't really have an easy answer, alas. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2020/11/16/spotlight-sheertex-by-katherine-homuth/">Angie did a post</a> on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.sheertex.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ToF_PerformanceMax_CA&utm_content=_&ajs_event=Ad%20Clicked&ajs_prop_ad_id=&ajs_prop_adset_id=&ajs_prop_campaign_id=17877226521&ajs_prop_placement=&ajs_prop_network=x&ajs_prop_device=c&ajs_prop_target_id=&ajs_prop_extension_id=&ajs_prop_keyword_id=&ajs_prop_physical_location=9001603&ajs_prop_landing_page=https://www.sheertex.com/&ajs_prop_ad_position=&ajs_prop_match_type=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzeSdBhC4ARIsACj36uHmEr2Fq_--D11J4EPAxK2SiA3Rr8fpFmzL-Sf3OgjkmOPmNY-braAaAiX8EALw_wcB">this brand,</a> but I have not tried them yet myself. Might be worth some investment, though, if you like them, because they are more durable than typical hose and might even come in different weights to suit your purposes?  Helena on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300575 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:33:58 +0000 Helena 2300575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like an excellent plan! You have a unique style and you are true to it ... Inspiring! Conservative edit is an excellent strategy. rachylou on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300553 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 22:46:28 +0000 rachylou 2300553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You do have a lovely way of dressing, Ginger! I agree middling days are difficult. I could use maybe more 3/4 sleeve tops now, come to think. LaPed on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300352 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 01:39:26 +0000 LaPed 2300352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm all about a conservative edit! Or a slow, continual edit. Like you, I sometimes revive things after not wearing them at all for a few years. Sometimes just because I'm slow with repairs or alterations. Also, yes to sweatshirts as tops. I like them with a camisole underneath for warmth, because mine tend to be loose and a little drafty. I love the sound of your holiday plaid wool skirt, and am all-around in awe of your abilities as a maker.  Ginger on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300349 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 01:17:34 +0000 Ginger 2300349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Y'all are all so kind. I had no idea I was inspirational! This tickles me. :) Cardiff girl, I've known how to sew for so long I mostly just think of the time it will take to get what I want! It's way too easy to buy fabric, LOL. I have a ton I want to use for other things that are not everyday, too. There's a lot I can't sew, suntiger, like outerwear and jeans and knits. (Technically I could work up to it but the time investment would be massive and the first few items are unlikely to be up to my standards!) I'm really glad I can sew so much of the formulae that make me happy. Thanks, Jaime! I kept thinking of what I needed to do for this year and it really was... not much! Just keep sewing and ebay-ing. ;) unfrumped, it is a good time for cropped tops. Just the right proportions are super hard. I'm honestly not too fussed about quality, as long as it stays functional. Carla, thanks for remembering my hair. I think my initial goal was tailbone length (roughly 12" below waist). I did make it, although I simultaneously had a major hair shed several years ago - about half the volume. It's been regrowing for quite a while now, roughly about mid-shoulder blade. I trimmed about 7-8" in July because the length was looking so thin. I think I'll keep it roughly waist length for a year or so while the regrowth catches up. It's starting to get noticeable that the shorter part curls so much higher than the long part. Jessikams, that's a good point! I will give that a try soon. That's it exactly, Bijou! I have great pumps and (heeled) boots and yet they get so little wear now. I may not actually get rid of any, but I do hope to at least move them to an "occasional wear" spot or holding zone instead of in primary rotation. Thank you, Angie! I'm really quite content with what I'm doing. I will try to share some of the closet edit. Sometimes it comes with an impulse when I have time, energy, and desire - and then I don't "waste" time documenting, LOL! SarahD8 I had no idea I was aspirational - wow. I will try to keep updating! SarahD8 on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300267 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:55:38 +0000 SarahD8 2300267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ginger, this is such a great recap. I want to re-emphasize that your approach to style and wardrobe management are SO aspirational to me! Please do keep us updated as you do your conservative clearout, tweak existing garments, and make new ones. Exciting! Angie on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300245 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:16:51 +0000 Angie 2300245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The big goal for the Duchess Next Door: KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING :) A zen place to be with your style! You lucky fab fish!  "I want to work on refining my footwear choices as well, since my feet are just getting crankier".......deeply empathize and resonate. Closet edits tickle my toes... Bijou on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300208 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:56:44 +0000 Bijou 2300208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Cardiff Girl I greatly admire your style and how it suits you so well. Your goals sound great. In terms of working from home footwear, I seem to be wearing boots in winter and sandals in summer, the pumps which worked so well when working in an office are rarely worn. It is hard to know if I will go back to working in an office again and so whilst my pumps are classic, knowing how many to keep is tricky. Jessikams on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300195 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:39:39 +0000 Jessikams 2300195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re: sweatshirts I just recently realized I could wear them on their own, as shirts. Lightbulb! Previously I had only layered them over tees, and as you say, that sometimes causes complications or just makes me feel “bunchy.” Worn on their own, sweatshirts are soft and comfier (to me). Carla on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300187 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 04:21:13 +0000 Carla 2300187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the idea of a ‘conservative clean out’ vs a ‘purge’.   Super sensible. How are you with your hair goals?  I think you were aiming to grow it to a specific length.  You’ve posted some inspirational up-dos in the past.  Anything new?   unfrumped on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300182 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 03:23:45 +0000 unfrumped 2300182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good work and goals! It’s a good time for shopping cropped tops, though finding the sweet spot on length is hard. And also not always the higher- quality knits and fabrics. But at least there are a lot to sort through. Jaime on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300180 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 03:04:06 +0000 Jaime 2300180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very wise and your ability to make and adjust your own clothing is so admirable! Anonymous on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300152 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 23:47:50 +0000 Anonymous 2300152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good goals! I'm in awe of people that can sew their own wardrobes! Cardiff girl on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300143 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 23:07:46 +0000 Cardiff girl 2300143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have always admired your style.You have a true sense of what suits you and what you like to wear and the fact that you also make a lot of it is inspirational in my book.l think people would value their clothes a whole lot more if they understood the time and skill that goes into making an item.Your plans sound good to me! Ginger on "2022, and Goals for 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-and-goals-for-2023#post-2300141 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 23:02:07 +0000 Ginger 2300141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 2022 has been very similar to the previous couple of years, just with more wardrobe variation. When I started working from home, my usual formulas for dressing didn't work so well. I don't like wearing heeled shoes or sheer hose all day at home. And there's a lot more temperature variation at home. But my usual home/weekend outfits felt too casual, sloppy, or boring, at least for six days in a row. In the summer, I quickly adopted a uniform of self-made linen dresses in various colors. As cool as possible, but pretty and flattering and easy to sit at a desk. For cold weather, I pivoted to skirt+top+topper, with a collection of light neutral sweater tights and coordinating house shoes. I have to note that all of the dresses and most of the skirts are made by me. (A few skirts are 50s vintage.) Fabric is rarely cheap and sewing time is a significant cost as well. But the benefit is that these items are exactly what I want, "better" in every way. They fit my body, my taste, my weather, and my life. I tend to use the same couple of customized patterns. Over the years these formulae have held up remarkably well, even with my appetite for variety. Each year I have tweaked them slightly, like adding new garments in different colors or designs, altering a favorite pattern, wearing light sweaters instead of tees and cardigans, etc. I'm pretty happy with this arrangement and getting to wear things I really like every day. Sometimes on the weekends I will switch to jeans or shorts if I feel like it, but I don't always. 2023 I see continuing in the same manner. I have a stack of new cotton ginghams and seersuckers for summer dresses, and eBay has been rewarding me with some gorgeous wool tartans for circle skirts. (Including a scrumptious red and green plaid in November that I wore all through December!) I want to work on refining my footwear choices as well, since my feet are just getting crankier. Vintage-styled moccasins, loafers, and sandals all work for walking around the neighborhood. My wardrobe has never been small, and a large part of it is office and church wear. There is a lot I could move on. A good, basic clearing-out seems in order - except I always regret those! My style preferences change and cycle. I DO put things back into rotation after years of non-use. Most of my wardrobe is pretty unique, well-fitted, and not dateable, and would be very difficult to replace. It's also likely that I will go back into an office in the future. I think I do need to do a clean-out, but with the goal of setting aside specifically dresses and footwear I am unlikely to use even for a possible return to the office. For example, I have a pretty sweater dress from Boden with a full skirt and frills at both neckline and wrists. But it's a super dark green and I don't feel pretty. I haven't worn it even to church. It would be perfect for funeral wear, however. There is also a big hodgepodge of good casual wear that somehow doesn't quite work. Like flannel shirts that are too straight for my body. Or sweatshirts that are hard to layer under or too long in the torso. I really like the fabrics and colors but struggle with how I feel in them. That needs some work. So here are my goals for 2023: 1. Conservative cleanout of the wardrobe. Consider what I wouldn't wear even to church, or even to a day back to work. Holding zone is probable for most things, but I expect several bags to donate or list on Poshmark. 2. Continue replacing waistbands on existing skirts with wider ones. For some reason they are far more flattering and comfortable. Replace too-stiff horsehair braid in some hems. 3. Work on middling weather formulas. This is the hardest to dress for, especially when days start out cold, get hot, and then get cold again. I've been wearing nude dance tights some, since they're warmer than sheer hose but don't get hot like sweater tights. Or sometimes I wear knee socks - seriously unglam! - but fairly effective. Other ideas: - More natural colors in dance tights - Lightweight vintage blouses for linen skirts - Summer-weight but poufy petticoat 4. Buy good fabric for more skirts. Keep an eye out for cropped but well-shaped tops.