YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Style Goals

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Style Goals https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:05:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2250103 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 21:08:49 +0000 Anonymous 2250103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your closet- and big yes to emotional and easy! I look forward to seeing your pattern mixes! LaPed on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249727 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:23:37 +0000 LaPed 2249727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the wealth of harmonious colours and textures in your closet snapshot! One thing I keep needing to relearn is how few statement pieces a person really needs. Like you say, it doesn't take many to have a big impact. And the flip side of that is giving oneself permission to buy enough pieces in core neutrals. I keep running into the same thing with black vs white. I often feel like I should add light/white pieces to "balance out" the dark, but it really doesn't work that way. If I add something white, it will most likely be a statement and won't ever serve the same purpose or rack up as many wears as a black/dark version would.  Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249643 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:51:40 +0000 Jenn 2249643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Sal! Or I guess another way to put it would be focus! Where do we want/need our focus to be at the moment? Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249642 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:48:09 +0000 Jenn 2249642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jessikams, I used to have a dry cleaner right across the street, but they closed early on in the pandemic. It just seems like so much work to get to one now. Stagiaire Fash, It seems like we're learning that it's not really possible to run anything on just-in-time principals, as our empty store shelves over the past two years attest! LisaP, that's a lovely observation to hear! I have really been working on adding quality pieces and having that be evident is a goal of mine. Star, I've never had a huge closet, but it definitely has ebbed and flowed over the years. I've changed sizes multiple times over the past few decades, so I haven't had a lot of legacy pieces to get rid of in a giant purge. Sal on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249641 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:48:06 +0000 Sal 2249641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the reminder is key - and if digging in to that emotion is the most important then it should be there. I can try and be too dreamy or too classic at times and both feel off.  I need reminding that too much floatiness doesn't feel right on me. Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249639 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:32:26 +0000 Jenn 2249639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ slim cat, gotta love a closet full of beautiful textiles. I just need to be realistic about what I'll actually wear, vs what I like to look at! RoseandJoan, that's a really insightful point about "elegant" being the counterpoint/boundary between the two other descriptors. I think you're very right. And I don't know that "elegant" has left my style, really. It's more a matter of what I need a reminder of at this particular moment. approprio, I hear you.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to give myself that wiggle room by being more aware of the state of my wardrobe. Knowing that my jeans are going to wear out soon and starting to look for a replacement allows me more time to shop for whatever will be next to fill that gap than if I'm caught off guard by a hole in the thigh, which is generally what happens now. This is also more about essentials than beloved statements. Those come as they will, but I'm hard pressed to think of a time when I won't want to have things like jeans and layering tanks. sarahd8, honestly, I'm interested to see how it will work out, as well. I have a wee "be on the lookout" list right for pieces I know I either need now or will shortly. I figure I'll add to it at the start and end of each season, or as I notice wear. Angie, I responded above about the white dress, but I also wanted to say that I love how easily the rocker looks are coming together with my existing pieces.  It really doesn't take many! Sal, such an interesting take on the Beatles! I also found Linda Eastman to be quite elegant! I suspect my wardrobe might grow a bit for the same reason as yours this year. No massive change, but having a few more essentials around, especially, might take off some laundry pressure, as well.  Staysfit, sometimes I think those style descriptor words are really more about what we need to be reminded of in the moment than they are a perfect descriptor of our style. At least, that's how it works for me. What am I aiming for? What words trigger that image for me? Star (Lise) on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249304 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:25:14 +0000 Star (Lise) 2249304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the look of a closet with fewer pieces.  I want that too, without a wasteful purge.  I am working on it (which translates to no buying).  I am curious - have you always kept a smaller closet? Anonymous on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249301 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:47:13 +0000 Anonymous 2249301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have nothing interesting to add here, just wanted to pop in to say how much I enjoyed reading this and seeing the peek into your closet.  The quality of your pieces is evident . Stagiaire Fash on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249285 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:13:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2249285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Getting started on replacements early makes a lot of sense if you’re keeping such a small wardrobe. Mine has redundancy and backups built in. It’s not possible to operate a closet on just-in-time principals, imo, unless you have the most generic of generics, and even then, the logistics issue of an item not being carried where you expect it could really back things up. And of course, your things are not generic; they are carefully selected for their fine points (or absence thereof). “Emotional” is a great word for you this year, not just for changes you want to make in purchasing methods, but also because of rock star looks. What rock stars don’t show emotion? “Easy”, in both senses you describe, is a good fit for you. I can’t picture you in things that are fussy in any way. I see the first definition of “easy” as closely related to “elegance”. I like the turn towards discussion of “elegant” the thread has taken. That word intrigues me, because people who know me in person have described me that way. It is not a word that pops into my mind to describe myself, lol. I think what people are referring to is that I’m tallish, have good posture, and move smoothly, in a way that does not show effort. My sister uses “willowy” and “regal” to describe me; I think they are close to being synonyms, although “regal” suggests stiffness that “elegance” does not. My friend uses “statuesque” by which he might just mean “tall” ;) There is a series of scenes in my favorite movie, Tampopo, that I think illustrates “elegance” even though that word isn’t used. They observe cooks in one noodle shop (lots of noodle shops & their cooks in this movie) laughing and goofing off as they cook, then another where they move with economy of effort; swapping out pots of water on the stove looks like ballet. To me, that is elegant. If I have elegance, though, I would want it combined with playfulness that those cooks don’t exemplify. Jessikams on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249281 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:37:36 +0000 Jessikams 2249281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can’t believe I ever made time for runs to the dry cleaner! I’m with you, prioritizing EASY now. Staysfit on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249276 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:43:32 +0000 Staysfit 2249276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like emotional for you.  <div> </div><div>I recall a forum thread about the definition of the term “elegance”.  I do not have time to hunt for it this morning.  Maybe someone else can locate it?  </div><div> </div><div>I admire your use of a “no buy” list. </div> Suz on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249219 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:08:25 +0000 Suz 2249219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, what you said about sizing makes total sense. And having found a brand that works for you for key essentials and sells them second hand is brilliant! Truthfully, if I had such a brand for my own essentials, I'd probably do the same.  Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249215 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:51:37 +0000 Jenn 2249215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Writing from the covid testing line (routine college testing), so this will be quick, but Angie, I still have the white dress and will continue to wear it, but I’ve only worn it 3 or 4 times since getting it. It’s pretty clear to me that white works okay for me as a statement but not as a core part of my wardrobe. Sal on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249213 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:48:38 +0000 Sal 2249213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You write and plan so well - and you are a very stylish woman Jenn who inspire many of us.   Yes to emotional for you - and hopefully the chance to come across the right pieces. When you have a lean closet you can really miss an essential when you don't have it..... so yes to anticipating replacements. My closet has grown a wee bit in 2021 and this was mostly due to replacing a few pieces before the other piece wore out...a few are still hanging in there though.  They are not direct replacements but replace the function. - my black lululemon pants replaced by the olive paige joggers - the white leather diadora sneakers replaced by the veja trainers - sage green dress replaced by the white linen dress (this one has gone though due to stains that I cannot remove - and the colour is now too dull for my preferences after a lot of washing in a year) I see elegance as a simple easiness, it might be grown up femininity or masculity, it's not a youthful spirit, and it's nothing too much.  I think George Harrison in his black faux fur and crazy patterned boots is the most elegant of the Beatles.  Ringo is fashionable and edgy, Paul is vital and healthy and energetic, and John is far too cool and unkempt to be elegant. Angie on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249212 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:32:20 +0000 Angie 2249212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ VERY NICE! WELL DONE. LOVE the word emotional for you! Listen to your feelings, and please continue Rocker Jenn looks with fun existing patterns :) Btw, did I miss something about your gorgeous white dress? Did it end up not working? SarahD8 on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249208 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:57:55 +0000 SarahD8 2249208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done, Jenn. I like your clear and concise goals and your do-not-buy list as well. Your insight about preferring a neutral column + topper rather than patterned shirts is really interesting. I applaud your switch from elegant to emotional -- makes so much sense -- although I am enjoying the discussion of "elegant" that this thread has spawned. (I'm intrigued by the notion of elegant as essentially economical -- another "e" word.) I'll be curious to see how your goal of anticipating replacements works out -- that's something I struggle with as well, so I'm eager to hear any insights you find. approprio on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249205 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:39:47 +0000 approprio 2249205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nicely done. I particularly enjoyed the peek into your closet.  A thought on anticipating replacements. Speaking for myself, this never really works. If it’s a piece I really loved, the replacement rarely lives up to the promise, so I’m inclined to fill the gap with something different. Closet size, shopping strategies and priorities no doubt play a part here, but I tend to think slow fashion demands that bit of wiggle room. You should never feel forced into settling for second best because of an emergency.  Hm. Does that make sense? RoseandJoan on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249197 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:44:36 +0000 RoseandJoan 2249197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a well thought out plan, I'm not too familiar with your wardrobes but I have really enjoyed the WIWs I have seen. I like the switch from elegant to emotional, it sounds as though elegant was a counterpoint to edgy and easy while you were building your wardrobe, in that it set a boundary to stop a look from becoming too edgy or overly easy. Now that work has been done emotional allows for further creative freedom in your purchases while easy takes care of the practicality. I'm looking forward to seeing your plan in action. slim cat on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249194 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:41:09 +0000 slim cat 2249194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very clear plan - love Edgy, easy, emotional ! I think you found the wining formula that I may borrow from time to time . Dressing like a 60s rock star sounds wonderful. My closet looks somewhat similar now but with more patterned tops than jackets/toppers - they are tough to find in the preferred fabric/color  ( still hunting it ).  Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249193 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:08:02 +0000 Jenn 2249193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ll be back later to respond directly, but just for fun, I rearranged my closet into its two halves. Helena on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249187 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:25:25 +0000 Helena 2249187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes yes yes to every word. You've worked hard to build a coherent, mindful wardrobe that works for your style and life ... Now time to reap the rewards in terms of ease and finding joy with it! Well done and looking forward to following your journey. Bijou on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249172 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:19:07 +0000 Bijou 2249172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, I have yet to set my style goals, there is so much to admire in yours. I love the idea of using Get Back and that era of amazing style as your inspiration and adding emotion to the goals. Having a wardrobe that lifts the spirits is what we all need at the moment. I'm thrilled to hear that you have been able to replace the wonderful EF silk shirt. Carla on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249168 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:01:43 +0000 Carla 2249168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Someone commented on one of my posts that my styling of a casual outfit was ‘elegant’.  That made me think about the term.  I like the definition of elegant as being ‘pleasingly ingenious and simple’ (though it also means ‘graceful and stylish in appearance’.)  So, I’m including ‘elegant’ in my descriptor in an aspirational way, and keeping it front of mind when putting outfits together or making purchases. <div> </div><div>Searching Pinterest for ‘elegant casual style’ resulted in lots of minimalist dressing images: limited palettes selected from neutrals, mostly solids, simple lines, etc.  I would use the term elegant to describe your style.  There is perfection in the fabrications and simple compositions (even t-shirts and jeans) that equates with elegance.  </div> rachylou on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249165 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 04:50:38 +0000 rachylou 2249165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Emotional resonates with me. I don’t do elegance. To me elegance has something to do with economy of form, which I do see in you, but I’m wayward. I’m sure your emotional will not take you to the helter skelter places I go Hehe Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249161 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 03:22:18 +0000 Jenn 2249161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaime, I guess I don't really consider the concept of elegance as inherently feminine either, but I do when I apply it to myself. Does that make any sense at all? Suz, I think I find the hunt so frustrating because my size isn't super-common, especially when it comes to those vintage, special, and high-quality pieces. I am enjoying the idea of having go-to brands for secondhand, though, so I can just search for my size directly and avoid the angst I love "dare" as a word for the year--it's one of those words that can apply in so many different contexts.  I didn't choose a word for myself this year, for various reasons, but one thing I'm working on is letting go of measuring sticks, so emotional resonates in that sense too. Joy, I think if I were doing a comprehensive "do not buy" list, I'd have a bit more overlap with yours--especially with avoiding synthetics, gray, and uncomfortable footwear.  The short list above is more narrowly focused on the rules I need the most reminding of! Nikki, it's harder than it looks! I'm looking at some near-threadbare spots on my jeans right now and realizing I may not manage to beat the clock on replacing them. Anonymous on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249155 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 02:36:34 +0000 Anonymous 2249155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have an enviable wardrobe.  I like your “Do Not Buy” list, especially fast fashion and printed tops.  Fast fashion is on my Do not buy list too. I do not mind some dry cleaning.  Printed tops or printed anything, I tire of too quickly.  Instead of white and cream I would say black and grey.  They do not spark joy unless there is a great texture too.  I still like and use scarves almost daily.  But am very selective when it comes to jewelry and socks.<div>My list would include sandals and heels of any sort, pants and skirts with zippers and small buttons, and dresses with back zippers that are hard to reach.  Also no mohair or angora or anything else that is itchy, no polyester or synthetic fleece ( micro fibers and too warm.), no shape wear or built in shaping that can press on my glucose meter, and no uncomfortable footwear or any that requires breaking in.  No shorts or low necklines.  No dropped shoulders on tops or toppers.I avoid some colors like purple and bluish reds or pinks but not an absolutely never either.</div> Anonymous on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249154 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 02:35:47 +0000 Anonymous 2249154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the idea of anticipating replacements. I have a mental list of pieces that have a few more wears in them and want to be at the ready with excellent understudies Suz on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249149 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 02:28:23 +0000 Suz 2249149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Emotional sounds right to me. You have built your wardrobe with a great deal of thought and planning and now have the essentials covered (until they fall apart, that is) -- and you are dealing with a lot of other stuff this year, so you need and deserve a bit of a fun outlet.  Some of your goals are identical to mine. My word for the year is "dare." That applies not just to fashion, but it's relevant there; I hope to play with pattern and colour a bit more bravely and possibly silhouette. And I'm also aiming for judicious secondhand. I actually do enjoy the "hunt" but not if it is for an essential. What I enjoy is the fun find, usually of a statement item I might not otherwise consider (like my Snow Queen coat) or a designer item I'd never even look at, at regular price (like my Paul Smith summer jacket.) I far prefer getting my essentials from my preferred sellers -- but if a great essential does show up at second hand, I definitely add it, the way you've added your EF pieces. An example from my closet would be the boiled wool pea coat from Judith and Charles.  Jaime on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249144 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 02:10:17 +0000 Jaime 2249144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A pleasure to read. Interesting point about elegance: I don't think of it as particularly feminine. Will ponder. Emotional sounds like an excellent substitute. If our wardrobes aren't satisfying and don't make us feel good what is the point in investing so much thought into them? Sounds like a good experience with EF Renew. I am a hunter myself, but do strongly believe there is a way for everyone, non-hunters included, to incorporate more second hand into their wardrobes. Jenn on "2022 Style Goals" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-style-goals#post-2249141 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 01:15:43 +0000 Jenn 2249141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Better late than never, right? <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-style-goals">Last year</a>, I used the guide words "edgy, easy, elegant" to guide my purchasing and decided to approach my wardrobe on a quarterly basis, using seasonal capsules to stave off boredom. That worked pretty well, but I don't have the bandwidth this year to review my closet every three months, so this year's goals will be different by necessity. I <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-purchases-and-thoughts-on-future-direction">wrote before</a> about taking my style in a more bold, pattern-mixing direction, at least on some days. I stand by that, but I also know myself well enough to expect that I'll spend plenty of time in black--probably more than half the time, to be honest. In another thread, I mentioned something like a 75/25 or 80/20 ratio, and that also still feels accurate. The edgy descriptor also still works in this context, so I'll be be keeping it around. When I first landed on easy, I meant it more in terms of comfort and fit than in terms of care, but finicky laundering and dry cleaning aren't high on my list of priorities so, this year, "easy" will be a reminder to add some more sturdy, washable pieces that can go straight from a medical appointment to a walk in the park to scrubbing the bathtub with no fuss. Elegant is the one descriptor that just doesn't feel quite right anymore. I like the idea of elegance as a term for the sort of grown-up femininity I wanted to embody. I do still want that, but it doesn't feel as important. Instead, I think I'd like to add a new e-word: emotional. I have wardrobe-building rationality on lockdown, so 2022 will be a year for listening to my feelings and enjoying the ride. After all that...here's how my goals shake out: <ol> <li>Edgy, easy, emotional.</li> <li>Be bold. I've been having fun dressing like a 60s rock star, mixing large patterns, and layering while the weather allows. Plus, I LOVE looking at a closet full of patterns I find beautiful.</li> <li>Judicious secondhand. I don't enjoy "the hunt" for secondhand gems at thrift and consignment stores, but I've had some luck recently with pieces from Eileen Fisher Renew (I was able to find a dupe of my beloved silk blouse there after a bit of stalking, as well as a washable silk layering tank for a quite reasonable price).</li> <li>Anticipate replacements. In the past, I've been taken by surprise when pieces in my small wardrobe reach the end of their lifespans. I'd like to be more aware of my upcoming needs and more proactive about finding replacements before they become emergencies.</li> <li>Do not buy: </li> </ol> <ul> <li>Printed blouses - I have found I rarely wear the "printed top" + plain bottoms formula. I'd rather have a neutral column with a topper or pattern all over (ie: a dress).</li> <li>White and cream - I keep trying. It keeps not working.</li> <li>Dry clean only - Self-explanatory, right?</li> <li>Fast fashion - I've been mostly done with fast fashion for several years, but now I'm completely done.</li> <li>Scarves - I have a tendency to magpie scarves because they're an affordable way to collect beautiful textiles, but the climate here just doesn't support wearing them, even in winter. </li> </ul>