YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2024

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2024 - Year in Review https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:34:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2378141 Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:15:24 +0000 Sal 2378141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suntiger. It’s funny but dresses are my easiest fit as long as they are long enough. Yes lesson learnt with boots. Suntiger on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2378016 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:17:39 +0000 Suntiger 2378016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a great plan to me! Argg to the easy to put on but hard to take off boots Had some that DH had to pull for me- straight to donation! No more non zip boots for me. Didn't comment on dress thread yet, but they can definitely be tricky. I'm not buying anymore, cause they have to be more exact on fit, but just rule out the most beachy, bombshell, or formal ones for work. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377971 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 22:56:37 +0000 Sal 2377971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Brooklyn. I do wonder with boots like that if it is a design flaw or if some people can manage with very low volume feet. Interesting you are moving away from patterns - I need to be wary especially with tops - skirts and pants seem to work better for me in a pattern. The perfect summer dress is a rare find Janet. I am lucky that at the moment I have one that I love for at home wear, one for work, two for casual entertaining and one to wear over my swimsuit. Janet on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377901 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:17:42 +0000 Janet 2377901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job! I cannot bear to do this level of analysis but I admire those like you, Suz, Carla, etc who do! I find dresses maddening. It’s really hard to find the right balance of vibe, length, print, color, style, practicality, comfort…and then to get the proper fit! I’m going to stop myself from buying any more summer dresses this year, in the quest for “the perfect casual summer dress,” because they rarely live up to the promise. Brooklyn on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377892 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:23:51 +0000 Brooklyn 2377892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done. It sounds like you are on top of things. I am writing a review of 2024 and I found that I have moved away from prints. I find I tire of them more quickly than solids. They are also not as versatile. And I also kept a pair of pull on boots last year that are impossible to get off (getting on is ok). I thought they would loosen up. Lesson learned. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377815 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:29:58 +0000 Sal 2377815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Irina! Irina on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377763 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:38:40 +0000 Irina 2377763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great observations, Sal. I admire your style - an excellent mix of practical and fun.  Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377762 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:31:41 +0000 Sal 2377762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that's smart Rachel re buying prints second hand.  That could be a good idea for me too.  I don't want to stop wearing them but it is not always the best use of my dollars. RachelNZ on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377754 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:36:37 +0000 RachelNZ 2377754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You seem to have such a great handle on your style and managing your wardrobe Sal!! And what a nice place to be at where it provides a source of happiness :) Interesting about the neutrals providing the core, I'm starting to see a similar trend after 6 months of tracking. I'm also drawn to patterned blouses and dresses and have instituted a second hand only guideline to minimise the cost associated with these items - then I can focus my dollars on those core neutral items. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377736 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 01:20:56 +0000 Sal 2377736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jaime. The mall/chain stores have not been very appealing to me of late, mostly with their colour range, but also their somewhat average construction. I do find for essential replacements they are good - the finds below are all from basic chain stores here. Thanks Lisa - 30 wears is not easy to get to with the exception of active wear, bags and shoes. Lisa on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377734 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 01:02:26 +0000 Lisa 2377734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like you’ve identified the right wardrobe size and variety for your current lifestyle, bravo! And you’re wise to have a number of wears goal for your clothes. I don’t have many pieces that make it to 30 wears before I either pass them on or they fall apart from poor quality, but when it happens I’m always delighted because it usually means the pieces was a real workhorse item and therefore a smart purchase.  Jaime on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377732 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:59:47 +0000 Jaime 2377732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very impressive - thoughtful, practical and stylish! You know what you need and what you like and that, in line with Angie's post of delightful quotes, makes your style shine. I respect your choice to focus on local designers also - so much cookie cutter fashion where the only goal is to sell the cheapest version of the same thing is so dull! Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377712 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 22:09:25 +0000 Sal 2377712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Carla - what a nice compliment!! I think that's probably the right attitude with "gear" and " active wear" although I do cross pieces over.  I am grateful I do use my three swimsuits regularly and my walking shoes wear out all the time.  And a lot of it lasts forever. Carla on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377705 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:49:12 +0000 Carla 2377705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It seems to me that you’ve elevated your professional wardrobe over the past two years and will be better equipped for the outward facing pivot that your career is taking.  You project confidence and professionalism.   <div> </div><div>Fitness kit is classified as ‘health and wellness’ in my mind. The $ doesn’t come out of my  wardrobe/ clothing budget, but rather the recreation budget, and I don’t count wears!  How’s that for creative accounting? (When a bathing suit gets 250+ wears before it rots, and running tights last 20 years, etc. and all these things support a healthy active lifestyle - it’s carte blanche on stocking up, or replacement as needed!) PS: a special thank you for all the challenges you think up and share on the forum!  You ask interesting questions, and the challenges push me to look at my wardrobe as elements of style instead of just clothes.</div> Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377697 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:11:48 +0000 Sal 2377697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh and Suz - I think some of that is right re the feminine dresses - also the temperature at work, the need for practical shoes etc.. and some dresses I save for fun but there are less fun occasions than work ones - probably not surprising! Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377696 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:09:30 +0000 Sal 2377696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Star. Keeping solid neutrals is inportant and this is one of my most important lessons from YLF. I wonder too Robin. I do enjoy having print but need to remember that I do tire of some more quickly. Thanks Angie - I am fortunate that by nature I am pragmatic and fairly easy going - although I can get excited and stressed and all those things too. I will think about work friendliness of dresses - it’s mostly not being too delicate, and working with practical shoes. I will start a thread at some stage. Thanks Roberta. Some mistakes are inevitable with clothing but I try not to keep making the same ones over and over. Getting my lengths right is one I need to remember too. Thanks Suz. I probably do less city walking than you now - if I walk it’s on a designated walk in trainers mostly. I sometimes walk around in the weekend but work is 12 km drive or 15km bike away and I only work from home one day a week. When I did the school runs I used to wear my shoes out more quickly. I am a bit tired of some of my shoes that have been around over five years but they all still get worn. And thank you! I think I have reached a place where I just don’t angst about my clothes any more - although with a tighter budget it will be interesting to see if I can keep that up!! Angie on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377694 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:53:25 +0000 Angie 2377694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, certainly a dress goal to think about!  What makes a dress work-friendly FOR YOU? We can thrash that out on another thread, if you like. I forgot to mention that like Suz, your wardrobe and style have never looked better! That's KILLER, and I'm happy for you :)  Suz on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377693 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:42:15 +0000 Suz 2377693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, this is a great analysis. And in my opinion, you and your wardrobe have never looked better! Your confidence in your choices shines through and your comfort with your style is evident.  Although my non-gear wardrobe is a bit larger than yours (as perhaps befits my more variable climate), I notice that you and I have very similar wear patterns with our clothing (except perhaps footwear). What I mean is that I get a lot of wear from jeans/ trousers, most knits, footwear, some coats. And my less frequently worn items include dresses and certain tops, especially print tops.  With the dresses, do you think the ones you choose are less work friendly because they tend to be patterned and/or dressy or feminine? This is a sice of your style that matters to you, but perhaps it does not feel as comfortable in. your workplace?  Roberta on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377688 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:07:32 +0000 Roberta 2377688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a good analysis! I especially like the "why this didn't work out" (mistakes) paragraph: fit, hard to style, value for money. Although I could argue that if you like the cargo pants, and end up wearing them for some time, that would prove their value.  And an excellent reminder to think of our clothes as sources of joy, not of stress. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377687 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:02:25 +0000 Sal 2377687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie I do wear some to work -but not all of them. Perhaps that needs to be my goal - to choose dresses that are work friendly. Angie on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377684 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:21:00 +0000 Angie 2377684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a question: You look MAGICAL in your dresses. Do you not like wearing them to work?  Angie on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377683 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:19:50 +0000 Angie 2377683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, you strike me as someone who makes the most of life. Very sensible, positive, and level-headed. Good for you! An excellent analysis, as always! (Appreciate the shout-out too).  "My wardrobe is not a place of stress- it is a place of happiness". YES!!!!  *happy dance*  Please carry on,  :) RobinF on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377677 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:49:33 +0000 RobinF 2377677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am the same way with prints. I am always drawn to them but they don't get as much wear as neutrals, probably because they are more memorable.  Star (Lise) on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377672 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 07:49:54 +0000 Star (Lise) 2377672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting Sal!  You really have a handle on your wardrobe.  Tracking also tells me neutrals are the most worn.  I never knew that prior to tracking. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377671 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:47:50 +0000 Sal 2377671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Outside gear, these were the hardest working pieces in my closet in 2024. I only own three pairs of jeans so it's not surprising that two are denim.  Five more practical pairs of footwear, one summer jacket, one winter jacket and one sweater.  All in neutral. A reminder that whilst I do love the bold and the colourful it is a neutral spine that keeps it all ticking along. Sal on "2024 - Year in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2024---year-in-review#post-2377670 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 04:43:54 +0000 Sal 2377670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello 2025! I have adapted to 2025 better than some other years - I don't know why! I have been getting the date/year right and feel mostly positive about the year despite it being a challenging economic and geopolitical period for many. I have been trying not to take on the weight of the world and maybe it is finally working. What did I add in 2024? 2024 was an expensive year for me with my wardrobe, spending more than I have any other year. I added in 33 pieces of which - nine were active wear/gear of some sort. - thirteen were replacements/essentials - eleven wardrobe statements or extras or completers However I do find it hard to categorise things this way - I can manipulate data to look how I want. Sometimes I wear a cotton tee to pickleball and sometimes I wear my gym sneakers casually. I purchased a lot of pieces although not too differently to other years. But the cost per item was higher - as I have been buying from NZ designers and boutiques more. Hopefully this means the quality is good - I have been reasonably patient and picky. My work role is requiring more public facing work so I have had to add more options for smart workwear in. My favourite additions are the three dresses, the wide leg paisley pants and the navy suit,all in the finds below. Love them all - they make me happy! And with the exception of the zebra dress, all have had good wear. I have made a couple of mistakes - some snakeskin boots that were impossible to get on and off, and potentially some cargo pants and a wrap cardigan that are still to prove their worth. The cardigan is difficult to style - however it will be worn as a layer around the house or to and from yoga so it is not total disaster. The cargo pants are good - but I paid too much for them. Current Wardobe I wore 159 different items in 2024, this includes gear. My current active wardrobe has 89 pieces in it plus 42 of gear and loungewear. It tends to sit around 90-100 pieces which is the right size for my climate and lifestyle. It typically takes 2-3 years for most of my pieces to get to 30 wears but the most popular take only one year - this is mostly shoes and denim. My new shoes of the season get a lot of wear in their first year. I am wearing most or all of my clothes, and don't have many pieces left in my holding zone, 3 items of clothing and two gear jackets. Edits and exits I exited 44 pieces, of which 30 were worn at least once in the year. Year purchased 2024 1 2023 4 2022 9 2021 7 2020 6 2019 and earlier 17 Of the 14 that I edited out that did not get to 30 wears, 3 wore out or got stains prior to getting there. The rest were a style shift or out of favour. One item (hoodie) got over 300 wears, one only got two wears (occasion wear dress). In total 27 pieces were worn out/stained 14 I no longer liked/was tired of 3 had fit issues I could no longer put up with Second hand and sales purchases dominated the pieces that I got tired of but there were pieces purchased new at full price that fell out of favour. In the most part these did get to 30 wears in good shape before I got sick of them. I have no plans to let much else go at the moment, even the lightly worn pieces have a function or I like them. I don't have a lot of pieces older than five years old in my wardrobe - I currently have 19 pieces that are from 2019 or prior years (outside gear) of which nine are shoes/boots/sandals. My footwear (outside sneakers) lasts a long time. Moving forward We have significant business plans for 2025 and a long international trip planned later in the year. It will require some new gear as part of it is a nine day cycling adventure. I am yet to finalise my 2025 goals but I plan to spend less by adding fewer pieces in. My budget will be tighter - but I feel as though I am in good shape especially with my summer and transitional wear closets. I want to make my spending count with my favourite local boutiques and retailers. I still will track my wears as it keeps me honest, but I won't track gear any longer. It gets a lot of wear and I add strictly adding according to need. I love activewear but I don't overpurchase in this area. My do not buy list includes heels, patterned blouses, dropped shoulders (bring back the Raglan sleeve) and to add dresses with caution. Summing up I am trying to wear all my pieces for 30 wears or more, and most get there. Dresses and woven tops (especially tops with a pattern) are the least worn but always tempt me in the shops. My knits, pants, skirts, shoes all get to 30 wears fairly easily. My wardrobe is not a place of stress- it is a place of happiness. I experiment when I want to, and stick to formulas when I don't. I wore a limited uniform through most of winter to work - and was happy enough doing that. In summer I always get a bit bolder and add in more colour and more fun. Thanks to Angie for the inspiration - and to you all for reading this long post and keeping me motivated to post outfits and talk fashion and style!