https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:35:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1892276 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 22:59:13 +0000 tanstaafl 1892276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix - Thanks for the link. I’ll browse around there after the kids are in bed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1892064 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:30:38 +0000 Vix 1892064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanstaafl --</p> <p>You're welcome! And yes, it's a thing for people not just buildings (who knew, right?).</p> <p>Bridgette Raes talks very accessibly about choosing prints/patterns that work with one's various personal characteristics in her book Style Rx. </p> <p>My recap:&nbsp;the best print styles mimic the way your facial features move. </p> <ul> <li>Horizontal eyebrows and smile, almond-shaped eyes, pronounced bridge of nose? <em>Choose a geometric/linear print and avoid soft, rounded prints.</em></li> <li>Softly arched eyebrows, rounder cheekbones, soft smile, prominent tip of nose? <em>Choose soft, rounded prints and avoid horizontal lines.</em></li> <li>Diagonal shaped eyes and movement, angled eyebrow arch, angular-shaped nose and smile? <em>Choose angular prints like argyle, avoid rounded shapes.</em></li> <li>Combination features? <em>Choose prints that have soft lines and hard angles like watercolor-y flower or abstract batik prints.</em></li> </ul> <p>You can nose around her online articles -- here's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bridgetteraes.com/2012/07/27/ann-romneys-fashion-mistake-a-lesson-for-us-all-on-how-to-choose-prints/">one that addresses a different aspect of choosing prints (personal intensity vs features).</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891994 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:44:16 +0000 tanstaafl 1891994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gigi. I got my hair cut yesterday, so it is quite a bit shorter now, though still long enough to pull back. I’m going to experiment some to see what I can do with it now but will try to wear it down for a while to get used to it. </p> <p>Vix - Thanks for taking the time to do such an in depth analysis. I’ll look through the color analysis and the two palettes you linked. I had no idea that there was also pattern language out there as well. More food for thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891569 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:53:17 +0000 Vix 1891569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanstaffl --</p> <p>I also read through your threads in one go (last night, so working a bit off memory!) and wow, impressive effort and analysis.&nbsp;</p> <p>For what it's worth I have a few impressions focused on color, contrast, patterns, and overall "line."&nbsp;</p> <p>-- For me so many of your colors were winners. I think you really suit those balanced warm/cool shades. </p> <p>If you're into color analysis at all maybe take a look at the soft autumn or soft summer shades -- <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.shop.indigotones.com/Seasonal-Color-Tone-Swatch-Books_c30.htm">examples here</a><br /> <ul> <li>I believe I differ from another opinion, but for me the deeper-but-not-too-dark muted colors (the teals and purples/wines), the grey, and that blush color (sweater) were standouts. The black and the scarf with a very dark green (?) were less in harmony while the brighter blue might be a bit bright.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>To me, there's definitely something about your coloring that benefits from the "lift" the lighter shades bring -- but it works better when it's not high contrast like black and white/ivory. Your fantastic striped dress is a great example of gradual contrast, and the grey with brighter blue was really nice. So I'd love to see the blush sweater with grey, or your paired with your problem-button wine jacket.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />-- I think I recall you saying you preferred the more geometric to the prints with floral/rounded shapes? There's a whole pattern language think re relating prints to facial features and I actually think you look best when prints aren't too angular but have some diagonal or elongated elements. Translation, ha: the purplish butterfly scarf vs the black/white/blue print top.</p> <p>-- In terms of line and proportion, I think you may really suit a strong vertical line. So more blended elements like when you did the striped dress with dark blazer, or the suit looks with a different color top -- vs the black with bright blue skirt.</p> <p>[This is my best line and I'm always envious of people who look very pulled together with lots of horizontal things -- contrasting belt +&nbsp; different color shoes + contrasting sweater/blazer/coat! "Gamine" types, looking at you!]</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891456 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 08:57:39 +0000 Gigi 1891456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cycled through your outfits, and you did an amazing job! You always looked polished, and the proportions were excellent. I enjoyed the dramatic elements you would employ: scarves, patterns, interesting colors.</p> <p>I hope you enjoy your haircut. It will be nice to be able to treat your hair as another style element. I have wavy hair and enjoy being able to wear it straight sometimes and wavy other times. My hair is shoulder length, just long enough for a ponytail (unfortunately, can't do a bun very well), so I can implement some variety there too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891318 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 21:34:01 +0000 Brooklyn 1891318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tan - I am almost done. I have a bit of a backlog of outfits to post and then I’ll do a wrap up. Like you, I have identified some wardrobe holes. It’s been a useful exercise.</p> <p>Good luck with your hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891297 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:33:22 +0000 tanstaafl 1891297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling - I also enjoyed reading about and seeing the results of everyone else’s challenges. I’ll want a bit of time to keep thinking on and incorporating the results of this one before I do another. Though the thought had crossed my mind of seeing how long I can go without repeating. But I’m not sure what my goal would be of doing that, so we’ll see. Short hair is just not a solution for me. My hair gets kind of crazy the shorter it is, and my husband really dislikes short hairstyles. </p> <p>Angie - Business classic. Not very exciting, but neither is my style, so it does fit. </p> <p>Aurore - I’ve never purchased from Mango. Is the returns process easy and free?</p> <p>Lynn - thanks. I’ll at least try on some pinstripes since so many of you are recommending them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891246 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 17:46:01 +0000 Lynn 1891246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Great analysis Tanstaafl. I have enjoyed seeing your outfits- you always looked lovely. &nbsp;It really helps to have a overall vision to build on, doesn't it?</p> <p>As another solids person I also noticed that I like my outfits much more when they include 1 pattern; whether in a top, pants (rarely for me) or a scarf. When I was working I found pinstripe pants, as Joy suggested, to be an excellent addition. They add that interest but read as a solid. I think plaids and checks are a little harder to make work in pants, at least for me. They tended to broaden my already broad bottom half &nbsp;</p> <p>Interesting, I noticed the same thing when I wore mostly black. This is &nbsp; something I hadn't really registered before and something I did frequently.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck with filling your wardrobe holes.&nbsp;</p> </p> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891236 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:34:00 +0000 Aurore 1891236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You learned so much from this challenge! It sounds like your post-challenge wardrobe will be very coherent and suitable to your needs. <br />I can relate to your hair issue - I also have long hair and always end up with a ponytail or braid for work. I wish you (or your hairdresser) will find a great solution! </p> <p>PS: Mango often have white blazers, but the quality and fit are tricky. I own and love the one as Find, and here are a few other from the EU website.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891227 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:19:22 +0000 Angie 1891227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Moniker: Business Classic&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891194 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:50:11 +0000 Anonymous 1891194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>THIS has been such an amazing challenge for me to follow. &nbsp;I have learned so much just from watching <u>your</u> challenge evolve. &nbsp;Isn't amazing how much a person can learn from participating in something like this? &nbsp;</p> <p>Wrt your hair. &nbsp;I feel exactly the same way. &nbsp;I never find the experience relaxing <i>and</i> I have straight hair that is especially easy to care for. &nbsp;I can't imagine how much worse it must be for someone with wavy or curly hair. &nbsp;My solution has to be go quite short. &nbsp;Since my hair grows in evenly, I can go five or six months between cuts. &nbsp;Maybe not a solution that works for everyone and I wish you luck finding the solution that works best for you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891188 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:21:17 +0000 tanstaafl 1891188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SarahD8, Laura, Rachylou - thanks. I have an appointment booked for tomorrow afternoon. I’ll post some before and after pics when I get home. </p> <p>Brooklyn - will you be wrapping up your challenge soon or are you done? Those dresses are both amazing. I might try on the BR one while I’m out tomorrow if I have time. I’m not sure how the collar will look or feel, but I do like the pic on the model. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1891051 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 00:41:37 +0000 Brooklyn 1891051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good evaluation and well done! I have been doing a similar evaluation but I have the opposite issue - too much pattern not enough plain.</p> <p>I second Joy on pinstripes. But your other ideas sound good too. Personally I find windowpane patterns very striking and easy to mix. I have a windowpane pencil skirt that I enjoy in cooler weather.</p> <p>Also, you could keep an eye out for solid coloured items that have a subtle pattern or texture (posting some of my finds as examples of what I mean). They may be more versatile for you while you are building your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890918 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 17:04:55 +0000 rachylou 1890918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you learned a lot! You have a nice tidy style. </p> <p>I hear you about the hair. I have ‘fancy’ hair, but I frankly just pull it back most days to keep it out of the way. I need to stop that, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890901 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 16:39:01 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1890901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe look into someone who's trained to cut curly hair, so you can have your hair cut dry? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890878 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 15:56:39 +0000 SarahD8 1890878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, well done tanstaafl! I am amazed at the amount of variety you have been able to get from a very tight collection of clothing. Your prescriptions for wants to add in each category sound great and best of all I think they will work well together. It has been a pleasure to follow your challenge.</p> <p>I also find haircuts quite stressful although not to the same degree. But I empathize. I hope that you find a solution you are happy with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890825 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 14:43:25 +0000 tanstaafl 1890825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy - I think a pinstripe would be a good place to start for the pants. I also saw a pair of windowpane pants at H&amp;M that I liked. I tried them on, but they were too high waisted for me. I also wasn’t thrilled with the back view of the pattern just under my bum. For skirts I know I like pencil skirts, and I like geometric or abstract prints more than florals. A summer skirt is a good place to start, as I wear more skirts in the summer. </p> <p>Barbara Diane - thanks!</p> <p>Kathie - I need to do some browsing to find hair styles I like that are low maintenance. For jackets, I am super picky, which is why I don’t have many. I like them to be fitted enough to show my figure. But I have a hard time finding jackets that fit my shoulders without looking boxy. Knits would be fine, but I do like a tailored look. I like these two from WHBM, but they are a little pricey for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890749 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 11:43:28 +0000 Kathie 1890749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis! Good luck with your hair. My only advice is to collect styles you like, and go to a higher end salon, so you’ll have time for a consultation. As for toppers, what about slightly less structured jackets? Maybe knit jackets, or more swing/A-line styles? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890722 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 06:12:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 1890722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had success and now have some useful take-aways from the challenge. Well done </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890712 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 05:14:58 +0000 Anonymous 1890712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well thought out and specific. It looks like you are ready to move forward. You might like to start patterned pants with a pin stripe trouser, especially to wear to work. A narrow pin stripe goes with almost anything. Navy, black or charcoal grey with a cream/white stripe will be pretty easy to work with. Patterned skirts with color...start with a summer skirt or two. Be careful with prints. Try to pin down what types of prints you enjoy as well as your favorite shape for a skirt. Angie's blog posts on what to wear for your body type may be helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-challenge-analysis-and-results#post-1890538 Fri, 16 Feb 2018 21:43:24 +0000 tanstaafl 1890538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know most people wrapped up their challenges at the end of January, but  since I only used work days this took me to the middle of February.  I used 32 total pieces of clothing.  I started with 28 pieces:  12 tops, 6 toppers, 4 pants, 2 skirts, and 4 dresses.  After retiring and adding a few pieces along the way, I ended with 30 pieces: 11 tops, 7 toppers, 4 pants, 4 skirts, and 4 dresses.  This is my entire work wardrobe for winter.  In fact it’s almost my entire work wardrobe period.  I think this will be a wardrobe building year for me, as this challenge did help me to identify some wardrobe holes.  I’m hoping this challenge will also help me to choose the right pieces to add so that they will integrate well with my existing pieces in a way that achieves the look I want.<br />  <br /> Results: <br /> Vision: I want to be on the dressier end of the business casual spectrum.  I want to look professional but not corporate, feminine but not girly, classic yet stylish.  I haven’t yet identified a style moniker. <br />  <br /> Overall I was pleased with my wardrobe and the variety of outfits I was able to create.  I’m happy with my color palette of blue, teal, and burgundy.  I used to have purple, but as those items have worn out I have not been able to find replacements in the shade that I prefer.  I made a specific effort in this challenge to wear my skirts and dresses more often and really liked those outfits, so I will continue to wear them as often as weather allows.  I also felt much more professional when I wore my heels   I do wish I had more pattern in my wardrobe.  I rely on a lot of solids, which allows me to mix and match quite a bit, but I think adding a few more patterned pieces will really help round out the capsule.  For my (very few) patterned pieces, I liked the geometric or abstract prints much more than the florals.  </p> <p>The outfits that I liked the least lacked color, had too much black, or not enough structure. I found cardigans tricky, as they easily drifted to too casual to my eye when paired with other soft elements (scarves and cowl necklines), so I just need to be conscious of that when I wear them and make sure to have a structural element to balance the softness in my cardigan outfits.<br />  <br /> One key thing that I took out of this challenge had nothing to do with my wardrobe.  My hair.  It is time to do something with it other than put it in a bun every day.  My hair is almost to my waist, so I don’t feel that it looks professional to wear it down.  It’s not that I like my hair this long.  I actually don’t.  When it gets this long it just gets in my way, so I end up with it pulled back in a ponytail or braid even on the weekends.  I hate the process of going to get my hair cut.  I don’t like people touching my head or my hair, so I don’t find the shampooing relaxing and due to the texture of my hair it tangled easily making the combing, cutting, and drying process painful. I don’t really know what style I want, other than for it to be wash and go. <br />  <br /> Wardrobe holes:<br /> Pattern: I have very few patterned pieces in my wardrobe. At the beginning of this challenge, I had no patterned bottoms.  I purchased a plaid skirt and am looking for a long sleeve print blouse, and I’m also considering adding some patterned pants.  I’m not sure what type of pattern I would be comfortable with for the pants, maybe a plaid, windowpane, or houndstooth?  Later on my priority list would be a patterned skirt (or two) with color. <br />  <br /> Long sleeve tops: I also don’t have many long sleeve tops.  I purchased one burgundy sweater during this challenge, and have a long sleeve blush sweater, but I retired a long sleeve button front shirt.  I’m not sure how to prioritize these in my shopping list as I continue to use my sleeveless, short sleeve, and three quarter sleeve tops in winter by using toppers, but a couple more long sleeve tops allow me to create a little more variety in my outfits and layer better for the coldest days.  A long sleeved abstract/geometric print blouse would check off two categories for me if I can find one I like.  Bonus if it is purple.<br />  <br /> Shoes, shoes, shoes:  You might have noticed a lack of variety in my shoes during this challenge.  Until the last week of the challenge, I only had three pairs of shoes that were not open toe:  black heels, black ankle boots, and black flats.  As the challenge progressed I realized how much I dislike my flats.  Even if I intended to wear them for the day, I always changed them out for my heels, so you never saw them.  I just bought a pair of burgundy heels and a pair of grey/metallic loafers.  That doubles the number of wearable shoes I have for winter.<br />  <br /> Toppers:  I’m not sure if I really need more toppers, but I’m going to keep my eye out for some interesting blazers and jackets.  I think I have enough cardigans, and I have two suit type blazers, so I am looking for something that is somewhere between the two.  Since I don’t know exactly what I am looking for, I’m not sure how successful I’ll be at finding pieces like this.  Unless something jumps out at me, I may hold off on purchasing any heavier toppers in favor of searching for summer toppers.  A white blazer has been a HEWI for me for a long time, but I’m hopeful for this year.   Suggestions are welcome.<br />  <br /> Accessories:  I would like to add to my scarf and jewelry collection this year.  I’d like a long necklace, a chunky/statement type necklace in a light color, and more silky scarves.  Accessories for me are very much I’ll know it when I see it, so these may take some time to find.<br />  <br /> Links to each week’s WIWs:<br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-week-1-2" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....0-week-1-2</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-week-2-5" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....0-week-2-5</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-week-3-5" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....0-week-3-5</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-week-4-5" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....0-week-4-5</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30ish-week-5-long-and-lots-of-pictures" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....f-pictures</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30ish-week-6" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ish-week-6</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30ish-week-7" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ish-week-7</a> </p>