YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Year In Review

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Year In Review https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:54:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php CarolS on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294817 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:23:48 +0000 CarolS 2294817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're welcome, Chris - I can't claim credit for anything other than sharing, but I'm glad if it might be helpful. It's helping me as I think about about what gaps I need to fill to make my own wardrobe more functional. Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294811 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:14:47 +0000 Chris987 2294811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Zaeobi! Yup the online shopping seems to be the only way. I unfortunately do not have good consignment/thrift otptions near me. I will add Seasalt Cornwall to my list, thanks!   Carol S that's great advice! I've been vaguely trying to do something like  and  the way you describe it makes in really clear!  Thanks!  CarolS on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294229 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 15:38:21 +0000 CarolS 2294229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, a piece of advice that has resonated with me recently is to think of the pieces in your wardrobe as tools, rather than focusing on outfits. For example, what do I have that can use to add femininity when something I'm wearing feels to masculine? What can I use to make something sporty feel more refined? What can I use to make something dull feel more interesting. What can I use to change the proportion? The focus is less on "do these colours go together" and more on the cohesiveness of the pieces if that makes sense. This may or may not resonate with you, too, but I thought I'd share just in case! I do hope 2023 is a better year for you on all fronts.  Zaeobi on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294206 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:45:24 +0000 Zaeobi 2294206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yet another 'cusp petite' chiming in (I'm around 5ft3 on on a good day - & am definitely no 'waif', lol)! For reference, my shoulder to natural waist is 16" but to just above my hips is 20" - so I can *sometimes* wear regular bottoms, but am otherwise short waisted (sleeves are often too long). I'm unfortunately going to have to echo others here on the importance of shopping online if you have any sort of fit 'issues' (which, let's be real, is most of us). Even for me, I use the petites section back home (in the UK) but ironically my limbs are now too long for the 'Asian' sizes out here (in HK)! All is not lost though - if you like thrifting/ brick & mortar shopping, then I'd recommend buying your fun accessories & completer pieces there (like toppers) but stick to your basic clothing online. PS: I'd recommend Seasalt Cornwall (no surprise there, lol) - they have a petites section, list garment measurements, often use natural fibres, & do free shipping worldwide (above a certain amount). I also like that their styles are usually fairly classic, but with small updates & fun prints. Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294070 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 14:48:13 +0000 Chris987 2294070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DonnaF Exactly! Yup I've noticed that Nordstrom has, like most companies, reduced their petite offerings dramatically. I can't shop there since they fired me but I do look from time to time for brands I might buy elsewhere. WHBM does have petites, quite a lot of them, but their style is a bit glam for me and their jackets always sell out really fast in the larger petite sizes (the sizes I need). I do keep going back, and have a few stores in my area where I can see fabrics/colors IRL but no more petites in the stores.   DonnaF on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2294030 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 07:05:17 +0000 DonnaF 2294030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With all the Asians on the West Coast you’d think Petite sizes would be more available. But no. Nordstrom used to carry a lot of Petites in their house brands, but no more not even online. I’m 5’ 1” and shop over 90% online, almost totally Nordstrom due to easy returns and alterations availability. My arms and legs are so short that even Petite sleeves and pant legs can be too long. So-called bracelet length sleeves are my friend! Doesn’t White House Black Market sell Petites? Are they still around? I’ve never really investigated them. Also, FWIW sometimes Madewell dresses fit me including sleeve length. Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2293540 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:49:13 +0000 Chris987 2293540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Will do Angie!  Angie on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review/page/2#post-2293481 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:24:49 +0000 Angie 2293481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, my suggestion is to try RL regular too. It might just fit Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293479 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:01:37 +0000 Chris987 2293479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Lyn67. So many different body types/sizes .... and people who can easily find stuff that fits are so lucky! I guess the rest of us just have to deal with it ... :-)  YLF is a great place to find others who's body types are similar ...  bijou thanks, and yes the whole color thing is another topic .... some years one likes them, other years not so much. Bijou on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293476 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:27:44 +0000 Bijou 2293476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, you can’t buy what isn’t there and given that, you have done well. All your WIWs are stylish and fab. I hope the retail situation improves in 2023. I find some years the supply of items that work on me in terms of preferred colours, fit and fabrication is plentiful and in others there is a bit of a drought. lyn67 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293444 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:16:13 +0000 lyn67 2293444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to see you Chris and hope things go further even  better now in your life! I just wanted to commiserate. I do have a few shops 30min in my neighbornhood+ 2 which I dare shop online and that's all, thrifting is almost excluded as only crap and dated things in the only one available.. I usually have the other problem, am 171cm tall so not overly tall(!) but have a long torso and rise. Is so annoying but everything  looks shorter on me- and has waists usually just near/under my bust line-not really flattering. I would always be happy to shorten/boss something, rather than not having enough length but the last decades was all about letting hems out(of almost nothing!:-)for me...:-) Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293442 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 10:36:37 +0000 Chris987 2293442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Roberta, that's a good one! Angie I do and will keep after Athro. I do love walking through their stores. RL petites are good too although I find their sweaters often too slim a fit. My only pet peeve with them is that thy have only 1/4 to 1/3 of their items in petite sizes and I usually seem drawn to the ones that are only in regular. Oh well. Thanks Jenni! I think finding things that fit can be easier if your "shortness" is in the leg length ... but mine "shortness" is from shoulder to waist and if  the torso shape of a coat or jacket is off there is no alteration that will fix it. .  Jenni NZ on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293361 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:51:09 +0000 Jenni NZ 2293361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Chris nice to see you. I am 5 foot 1 also but there are not many specific petite brands here in NZ with only 5 million population. I find “cropped” has been fantastic for me, as often pants are full length on me when supposedly cropped for others - I prefer full length except for the hottest part of summer but love not having to hem- and also often the tops are better on me as they hit nearer my waist. I do have one “petite” cut jacket from 2014 which I still wear, I still had to shorten the sleeves on it but otherwise it seemed great proportionately. I wish we had more. I am a bit hopeful since we have a lot of South East Asian immigrants and many of those women are short so maybe slowly we will get more choice as short women if they are catered to. As I live on the other side of the world from you I am not familiar with your brands and stores but just wanted to commiserate! Angie on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293319 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 20:10:37 +0000 Angie 2293319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, keep trying Anthro! Another vote for Ralph Lauren petites :) Roberta on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293295 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:34:50 +0000 Roberta 2293295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of my friends used to grouse, "I'm not petite, I'm just SHORT."  Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293244 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:11:14 +0000 Chris987 2293244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Irina thanks so much! I see what you mean about Everlane garment sizes and will definitley take a look. Yup Suz, definitely. The two sweaters I tried on at JCREW were around $100 US each and were the quality of ones I've seen in H&M for $25 that tend to get pilled and stretched out after just a few wears. Good to know about M&S too. And yes with knits it's always a crap shoot unless they are vintage ones from Pringle of Scotland Or Lord & Taylor cashmere. Hmm... I think I'm talking myself into some Ebay shopping. Ophlia, great info re: thrift shopping. You've also got me thinking I need to try ebay. There are no goodwill stores very close to me, only the donation trucks :-). Jaime thanks and I find it fascinating that at 5"3" you wear all kinds of vintage designer brands well. Maybe it's about proportion - if I were a lot thinner I suspect it would be easier to find non-petite things that fit. Rachy thanks and good point about being specific about what I'm looking for. I think thaat would probably work a lot better than what I've been doing. -) Pirouette, interesting to know. Somehow your body shape/size works in regular sizes ! Olive Green I'm like you! I look at a few petite bloggers online but they mostly are those very skinny tiny body types to which you refer ...   everything they wear fits differently than it does for me. I too can wear RL Large Petite (except in sweaters because the body shape is too skinny), and LLBean works for me in Small Petite for tops/jackets and sometimes XSP if I want a close fit. I've found Uniqlo great for fleece layering tops but have not bought much esle from them - they tend to fit a straighter body type than I have. I t sounds like you may have that straighter body type so they work for you.  It is always about fit and proportion, isn't it!!  Olive Green on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293221 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:14:17 +0000 Olive Green 2293221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fellow petite person here. At 5 feet and always had muscles and athletic build, I find that many petites seem to be for the skinnier, more waif like creatures who wear languid boho so very well.  There are different types of petite, and the only petite sizing that really works for me is Ralph Lauren in large petite (shoulders) and LLBean in large petite.  Defaulted entirely to online Uniqlo during pandemic. Was fantastic for putting together outfits that talked to each other in terms of colour and proportions. Not petite sizing but works well on my type. Some alteration needed on blouse lengths. Quality seems the same as items twice the price.  Hope you do find some strong outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident.  pirouette on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293216 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:56:46 +0000 pirouette 2293216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am also petite 5”1” and a bit! But I have never bought anything in a petite range. I buy a lot of European brands The Kooples, Sézane and All Saints and I find they fit. I have a very good dressmaker who alters garments for me which I find invaluable. Best of luck I am so glad you have made good plans going forward.  rachylou on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293194 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:53:19 +0000 rachylou 2293194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I certainly commiserate. I have five stores within a reasonable distance from me: three boutiques that have been in the neighborhood almost forty years and whose quality is high and whose stock has not changed… lol, everything I’ve ever bought at them are still going strong. So they’re kinda done. The last two stores are Ross and Target and I’ve rather tapped out there too. One can only own so many leggings and for me personally, there’s a hard limit on jeans (I do like Target and Ross jeans). … just a thought, maybe it would help to be pretty specific about what needs a refresh or perking up… Jaime on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293182 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:01:09 +0000 Jaime 2293182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to hear from you and glad things are getting better. Although I am 5'3", I have never shopped in the petite section. I cannot explain that! Anyway, you have gotten a lot of encouragement and good ideas above; it definitely does seem that on-line shopping is your best bet. And of course I have to add this applies to second hand as well - Poshmark, Ebay, etc are much easier to search than Goodwill! ophelia on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293178 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:40:46 +0000 ophelia 2293178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, pre-Corona I shopped at Goodwill because they organized the clothes by color. Love that! But finding petite sizes was nearly impossible. There is a consignment store near the oceanfront mansions & there are some very nice clothes there, lol. They sort by size. Petites are mixed in by numerical size, but it’s better than total randomness. Mostly now I buy from ebay because I can filter by either exact or range of sizes, & material as well as brand! Then I sort by low to high price. I only buy from sellers who accept returns & have high ratings unless the item is very inexpensive. Returns are easy as I just print the label & put in mailbox. Receiving some poor quality items does go w/ the territory-stains, pilling, etc but most sellers will refund for that & if not, ebay will. All pants & jeans I own come from ebay except for my holdovers from low-rise days. Most sellers list inseam (anything longer than 30” is out, prefer 29”) AND rise, or they will provide if asked. Suz on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293172 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 23:24:38 +0000 Suz 2293172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, the quality issues are real. J. Crew used to be consistent quality for the price (esp. if you could get an item on sale) but alas, that is not true any more. Some items are fantastic (I have several wool pants/ culottes, one from about 6 years ago and one from 2 years ago and both are fantastic quality). But tops are more variable and with knits, well....you know the problems with knits.  M&S quality varies considerably, too, alas. I just put a small order in from them and am crossing fingers but not holding my breath. However, worth a try. I did get some decent PJs there last year, and a lovely linen top.  Irina on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293160 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:46:23 +0000 Irina 2293160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris987, Everlane provides garment measurements - go to Size Chart, at the bottom switch to Garment and you will see the detailed chart.  Chris987 on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293157 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:40:38 +0000 Chris987 2293157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ slim cat thanks, and you've listed a lot of the retailers I've used in the past and I agree it works when you stick to the brands that work. Sometimes it gets dull/boring but it does work. BR is exactly who I was thinking of in terms of buying a set of items that will be seasonally similar, color similar etc! RobinF yes I DO remmeber being able to buy in-store more often. I guess women in the US have just become taller/bigger over time and we who are short are in more and more of a minority I too often alter tops, even some petites and you are so right that sweaters are the most difficult. Angie, thanks for the encouragement! You are alsways so kind and gracious. It's comforting to hear that most people do some of thier shopping on line :-) Let me think about the wheel spinning some more .... and good point about outwear and especially the support act ... it's actually what I wear 9 months of the year, not 6 :-). Althro does do great petites but the last year or two I find their clothes have too much going on for me. I do keep looking. And Talbots is one of my pet peeves ... in addition to lots of tunics (which I mostly don't wear) they size thier jackets and tops for a 5'4" long waisted petite and they are usually too long on 5'1" shorte waisted me ... especially sweaters. And I strongly dislike their overly bright spring/summer colors.  But I do check them out. Roberta excellent point about cropped tops, although I still need to find a real measurement because they can be too short. BR is one of the brands I have good luck with ... that sweater is really nice. I've been avoiding most cashmere this year becaues I'm tired of the price and the crap shoot in quality but that looks like a good one. I do need to give Boden more of a look - that particular argyle sweater is raglan sleeves which are awful on me because the armpits of the sweater are too close to my waist and makes it disappear. LJP - thanks! Interesting to know that one can do wardrobe overhauls over zoom. Not sure I want to go there but it is an interesting idea. Irina thanks and I'll put Everlane on my list, although my recollection is that they do not give body length measurements for sweaters. "hits at high hip" is so variable that it's a crap shoot as far as fit. a   Sal, good questions. As I said earlier I think the women here in the US  have become taller (and bigger overall) over time and the smaller sized ones are gradually disappearing. My mom's generation (she's 94) had a lot more petite women (including her) than for exmaple today's millenials. I also ssupect the petite sized women are in the older age groups, retired etc and more likely to go for the classic/prep styles. I'm in that camp and do wear the classic/prep styles but I want to mix in more other styles.  But, with a national population of 330 million or so, even a small percentage of that number wanting petite sizes is a real market. I understand why the big designers don't do petites .... the proportions of their clothes would have to change dramatically and it's too much work or messes with their esthetic (so they think).    Minamu yes great advice on the holding zone and shopping list. Good strategies. Thanks Cardiff Girl! Suz thanks, and so true that tough years personally tend to mean tough years fashion wise ... if you care about fashion as much as everyone here does Excellent advice as always! I DO do a scouting trip to Boston a few times a year but honestly except for a few stores that are there and not in malls (Aritzia, Ralph Lauren, COS) it's not much better than the suburban malls. Newbury street is a shadow of it's former self with fewer and fewer clothing stores and more office space. The consignment stores are all over the place and parking is a big headache everywhere ... but the stores ARE bigger. I also go into Nordstrom stores (all in suburban malls)  even though they fired me but at least I can look or try on. Yeah I really need to look into some silhouette changes. Banana Republic and it's various cousin brands DO fit me and I generally like the vibe,  so i always look there. I've looked at JCrew a bit and maybe should try more, but for exampleI  recently tried on some sweaters that were not great quality and cost 3x as much as similar ones I found elsewhere. M&S is on my list to try. Suz on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293152 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:50:13 +0000 Suz 2293152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Chris -- good to see you here again, and always good to read. your thoughtful reflections. I'm so sorry you've had a tough year personally and fashion-wise as well. As others have said, they often seem to go hand in hand. Try to give yourself a break. Favourite fallback outfits are called that for a reason. When we're low, that's about all we can manage. That you're feeling bored with your style now suggests you are ready to turn that page.  As someone who, left to my own devices, tends to fall back on classic but  (dare I say) sometimes overly sporty or downright boring pieces as my "essentials" -- and whose practical streak means I tend to buy more essentials than "fun" or "statement" or "style shifting" items, I have a few suggestions, most of which, in your wisdom, you've already hit on, or others have already mentioned, but FWIW.  :)  1. Accept that online shopping is your reality. I know it's a pain,.but you won't find what you truly need to feel happy in your style in the nearby shops. They won't have your size even if they do happen to have a style you like. If you do find something in person, either at retail or via thrift, that is a bonus!  2. Consider a scouting trip to a larger metropolis once a year. I know it's tricky and pricey and if you go expecting to come back with a lot of new things, you will likely be disappointed. But if you go in a spirit of curiosity, having done some preliminary planning and research, you can discover which lines you like from the big brand stores (if any), which ones seem to offer the possibility of fits (either in petite or regular sizes with minimal alteration), and whether there are any consignment/ thrift opportunities for fun or statement items in that town. You'll get to feel the fabrics, see the workmanship, etc.  3.  Definitely start with outerwear and footwear! These will make the biggest difference to your comfort level in your climate....and (if chosen well) will also have a big style impact.  4. Listen to Angie. If she suggests a style direction or option for you, give it a whirl. Her point about a silhouette change is particularly key. Sometimes that is what it takes to feel we're making some kind of evolution and not stagnating. Other times, it's not so much a silhouette shift as a different way of wearing what we already own. (So yes, show us outfits or orphaned items!)  As you know, at my height I'm borderline petite. But I tend to wear regular-sized items anyway. That's because apart from length the proportions are a bit better for me, as a rule. But not always, and I do look at the measurements, because sometimes I get a pleasant surprise. Same could be true for you in reverse.  A few petite-friendly options that I've tried online or in person, in addition to those you mentioned already:  Banana Republic (fewer options than in the past but they still carry petites).  J. Crew. (Ditto)  Marks and Spencer (quality can vary, but lots of options for short or petite in bottoms, at least).  Talbots  Ann Taylor Cardiff girl on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293148 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:19:46 +0000 Cardiff girl 2293148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hate on line shopping and would much rather go in person but l think it’s impossible not to shop on line if you want choice.I sympathise with your fit issues,it can be tedious trying to find stuff that fits and flatters can’t it. Lots of good Advice already given.I find that it’s easy to visualise how one wishes to look but not so easy to buy the clothes that will make this happen.List of wardrobe holes and lots of time and effort help.Good luck! Minaminu on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293138 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:21:12 +0000 Minaminu 2293138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ hi Chris, glad to hear that things are improving and hopefully things will settle in nicely for you.  Lots of good thoughts and advise here. It may be a good idea to create a holding zone for the items that are currently orphaned and a shopping list nearby. I've started paying more attention to size charts that are available for each clothing shop, it has helped reducing the returns rate.  Sal on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293133 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:13:01 +0000 Sal 2293133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am pleased the worst of 22 is in the rear view mirror. It sounds hard indeed - and not having easy clothing is frustrating, I had a similar thought to Lisa - maybe paying someone to assist might help. The petite/tall thing intrigued me. There aren’t many retailers here who do petite and they are more traditional preppy type brands. No talls at all. I have bought up a size to get the length and then got things tailored. It seems in the US that there is a huge market for petites so why are retailers moving away from it? Irina on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293129 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:08:57 +0000 Irina 2293129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a fellow petite woman, I completely share your  frustration. Like Roberta’s friends, I look for “cropped “ tops  and glad they are still available. I, too shop online and can suggest Everlane as they have plenty of cropped options and their return policy is good.  LJP on "2022 Year In Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-year-in-review#post-2293125 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:58:16 +0000 LJP 2293125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Chris- nice to see you here again . Sorry to hear it was a challenging year , and I hope things continue to improve for you . When life is out of sorts , not having the wardrobe you want to support you makes things even worse , that I know . What came to mind when reading your thoughts was how a paid wardrobe overhaul service might help . The one I know of works by Zoom or in person , and after the editing is done , a specific shopping list (with links for on-line purchasing ) is provided . There is more to it , but that’s the crux of it. It’s out of my league $$ -wise but I couldn’t help but think what a great thing it would be to invest in if one had the budget for it .