https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:36:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246749 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 04:22:21 +0000 CarolS 2246749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hair appointment coming up at the end of the month, so I'll know before too long!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246727 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:45:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2246727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks It just needed some winter TLC...</p> <p>One of the advantages of long hair is that you can go longer between appointments, but it can start to look a bit shapeless after a while. So readding a face-framing fringe &amp; layers has helped to make my looks more 'intentional' now, if that makes sense - whenever I start to feel 'heavy' or 'blah' in all my clothes, shaped hair can help to reintroduce the trendy element (since I generally favourite traditional silhouettes in my clothing, I like to balance that out with my hair &amp; accessories). </p> <p>Good luck - I know how daunting it can be to get a new cut (I went ear length on the forum 4 years back!) but do share once you decide on what to do with your hair </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246551 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:43:38 +0000 CarolS 2246551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a beautiful cut, Zaeobi! You have such beautiful hair. I'm still thinking about where I want to go with hair. But seeing a great cut like this always makes it tempting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246529 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 09:06:34 +0000 lyn67 2246529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much to learn from this post, thanx for sharing! My problem is I try to not "<i>let perfect be the enemy of good" but then...</i> still not pleased 100%...and the hunt starts again...<i></i> </p> <p>&nbsp;Oh, and loved the concept of&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;<b><i> </i></b><b><i>adding anything that’s likely to be “office only”. Instead of thinking “oh, I could buy this for work” I want to try to shift my thinking to “oh, I’d like to have this and, as a bonus, it would </i></b><b><i>also</i></b><b><i>&nbsp;be appropriate for the office.”</i></b></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246525 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:06:48 +0000 Zaeobi 2246525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS - I literally just got a shag cut (&amp; wavy fringe) if that can help sway you any? lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246524 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:02:55 +0000 Zaeobi 2246524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, I understand - one of the things I miss about the UK is autumn *weather* but not winter *dressing* for this precise reason, lol. And it still doesn't even reach -30 there! </p> <p>In this case, maybe focus on the silhouettes you'd like to convey for your finished looks (I.e. indoors/ WFH?) I'm thinking of experimenting with sewing on ankle 'straps' to some of my wider leg trousers to cinch them at the leg for cycling/ rain (like these gold 'clamps' shown in this Tom Ford photo): <a href="https://media.vogue.co.uk/photos/619e70708d1c7ee54512aff5/master/w_600,c_limit/Tom%20Ford.jpeg" rel="nofollow">https://media.vogue.co.uk/phot.....0Ford.jpeg</a></p> <p>Like Irina, I find merino wool base layers work best for warmth - Ice Breaker make good merino socks. I sometimes use silk too, but is harder to find. Good luck though - I know it's tough to even want to hop in the shower let alone get dressed when it's that cold! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246475 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 21:34:33 +0000 CarolS 2246475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Lisa</b> -- In theory a shag should work, but I am a bit gun shy. </p> <p>I had a shag maybe three years ago and couldn't grow it out fast enough. I felt it made me look like one of my co-workers who I would not describe as current or stylish -- and it made me feel dumpy instead of hip. I don't really trust my current hair dresser to do anything that involves bangs or precision shaping. She's the salon owner and as far as I can tell the salon is pretty highly rates (fwiw) -- but I've never had bangs butchered as badly as they have been at that place. (Of course, I also had the same stylist for about 30 years and am not adjusting well to the idea of trusting anyone else!!!)</p> <p>Thanks so much, <b>Mary Beth</b> -- I very much hope this mantra helps to minimize my own churn factor and keep me focused on the big picture!! Happy New Year to you, too!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding/page/2#post-2246472 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 21:09:21 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2246472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, this was a comprehensive and enjoyable read!&nbsp; &nbsp;I love this:&nbsp; &nbsp;<i>"don't let perfect be the enemy of good".&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>That's been a churn factor for me.&nbsp; &nbsp;I find something that's good enough, and then I find something that is 'better' to whatever not-quite-defined idea I have in my head.&nbsp; &nbsp; Always wanting 'perfect', rather than being happy with 'pretty darn good', and coming back to control.&nbsp; I feel like there are many of us on these forums that have played variations on this theme!</p> <p>I'm finding a lot to unpack here, LOL.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lots of good food for thought!&nbsp; &nbsp;I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year, and I really look forward to see how your wardrobe goals unfold in 2022!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246470 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 20:24:38 +0000 Anonymous 2246470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear snow pants over leggings when I’m out walking . They are actually slim and light enough to wear as is in cool fall weather , then I layer under for winter . Best ones I’ve ever had and they came from the Mountain Gear store in the outlet mall . Re hair : have you ever considered a shag? Like Janet now has ? If you follow edosalon on IG , Jayne is the queen of wavy hair and cool cuts . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246460 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:57:14 +0000 Anonymous 2246460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your goals! Having good complements makes such a difference- especially if you can carry them to all seasons and formality levels.<br /> Props for the cold weather hiking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246457 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:40:13 +0000 CarolS 2246457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, dear -- you really are getting ALL the weather experiences this year, <b>Suz</b>!</p> <p>And you said it exactly! A wider bottom would be more of an 'occasion' look for me in winter rather than a daily silhouette for those reasons. If I was working in an office every day it would be a different story.</p> <p>This outdoor winter walking thing is new for me (inspired by pandemic and WFH). Adding the longer puffer this year has been a game-changer, and the new ear-covering hats, too! I walked quite a bit last winter, but not when it was -30. I'm bolder about it this year because I'm better equipped.</p> <p>Snow pants might be on the horizon for next winter! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246455 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:32:08 +0000 CarolS 2246455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you've got a great plan that works for your style and lifestyle, Irina! I hope I can do the same!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246453 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:24:47 +0000 Suz 2246453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, I just looked out my window to see GOBS of stuff falling from the sky. Not snow flakes but snowballs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway....I hear you on walking in the cold. I used to walk regularly in those temps in Ontario and layers were the answer, always.&nbsp;</p> <p>You mentioned that you might vary your silhouettes some by season. That's definitely my pattern. Even though Irina's solution sounds pretty good for cold temps, it still feels like a hassle to get completely dressed and undressed for indoors/ outdoors in the winter and I end up defaulting to slimmer bottoms (or genuine snow pants) for walking outside. The crops just don't keep me warm enough if I'm outdoors for any length of time.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I love my wider bottoms (including dresses) in warmer temps.&nbsp;</p> <p>And i wear my long cardigans with slim and wide crops. Both work.&nbsp;<br /><div> <p></p> </div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246449 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:31:38 +0000 CarolS 2246449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Lisa.</b> I really stop caring what I look like at these temps!!! And you're right, no one else is judging either. At -30, commute attire is purely functional and beyond judgment.</p> <p>I literally wear double everything on my walks -- jeans over ponte pants, a light turtleneck under a heavier sweater, a light puffer under my long puffer (so grateful to Carla for that idea -- my torso is almost TOO warm on these walks!), light gloves under my mitts, a hat with ear flaps, hood pulled up, and a scarf over my face -- plus heat holder socks in one of two pairs of only warm-ish winter boots. Takes as long to dress as it does for the walk itself!</p> <p>I wish I had a hairdresser I trusted more with my hair -- it might inspire me to be more adventurous. I haven't had the energy to start looking for a new one so I just have this one stick to looks it is hard to mess up -- and that can handle long stretches between appointments. Not ideal, but pandemic ideal, I guess. But glasses and hair might go hand in hand, so I'm pondering just what that might look like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246448 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:31:17 +0000 Irina 2246448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Carol, I wear tights under pants and merino wool knee high socks. I have a variety of tights in different thickness. My last ones are thin wool ribbed tights from Uniqlo. I run cold, so I’m always on a lookout for warm garments for winter. So far, merino wool tights, t-shirts and knee high socks work the best for me without adding an uncomfortable balk underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246447 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:19:48 +0000 Anonymous 2246447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in awe of your ability to get out there in these temperatures. It warmed up to , what, minus 20 today (lol) and I was vaguely considering piling on the clothes and getting out for a walk but.....</p> <p>The whole winter boot, coat, pants thing is a never-ending struggle. Last week I just cringed, put my head down (literally) and pretended I couldn't see myself or that no-one else could either (but who would be judging in -30C temps anyways) and wore horrible combinations of cardigans hanging out below my coat, stupid old boots that are no longer supportive and make me feel like i'm clumping along (but they are WARM) and my dark and dreary black long puffer with the hood up. &nbsp;It was all I could to go get from the car to the bldg without crying . &nbsp;WHY IS IT SO COLD ?? &nbsp;</p> <p>I could see hair and eyewear changes being a fun jumping-off point for this year. You have beautiful hair, and i'm not suggesting a change is necessary, but it could be really inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246445 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:05:32 +0000 CarolS 2246445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Irina - I love the looks you were showing with wide leg pants and winter boots a while back.&nbsp;You must wear tights underneath? I&nbsp; keep thinking of wind and snow swirling up the leg of my&nbsp; pants.... brrrrr....</p> <p>For me, much also depends on finding the right boots -- a challenge in its own right! I'll be interested to see where I land on this. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246438 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:29:46 +0000 Irina 2246438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, my two cents re wide leg pants for winter - I wear them all winter but mine are cropped. I like that it works with all type of boots and the hems of pants stay above the slushy or snowy ground. I also like that I can wear cropped, wide pants with a variety of sweaters, from shorter to longer length. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246431 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:43:52 +0000 CarolS 2246431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I agree to an extent, Zaeobi -- There are definitely clues in my existing wardrobe. But, my existing wardrobe reflects silhouettes I used to hide a bulkier shape. Between changes in ME and changes in lifestyle (2 years of WFH and probable pending retirement or semi-retirement), I have both need and opportunity to rethink those fallbacks.&nbsp;</p> <p>A couple of examples: I had adopted long over wide as a silhouette for winter workwear. The commute wasn't always elegant with this look -- I would tuck the pants into my tall boots and ignore the fact that my cardigan might sometimes stick out beneath my coat. Nobody really saw much of my outerwear and I wasn't in it for very long.&nbsp;</p> <p>Once I got to work I changed into indoor footwear, and that's how people saw me all day. </p> <p>Now, none of my wide pants fit, and haven't worked in the office in two years. Long cardigans and wide pants feel like "too much" for at home wear. I wouldn't wear wide pants for general winter out and about because the point of a wide pant is rather lost when tucked into winter boots. Slim pants for the win in these scenarios!&nbsp;</p> <p>Before long over wide, I had spent several years in long over lean -- largely because I was having trouble fitting or feeling good in anything else. Long over lean is a good winter silhouette for our climate, but now that I have more options open to me, I'm playing with shorter, semi-tucked tops over looser 'lean' bottoms.</p> <p>I'm coming to the realization that my silhouette choices will likely vary a bit by season -- with wider bottoms having their place in warmer weather and narrower bottoms in the cold season. And I am not sure how my longer cardigans will fit into the mix yet.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246425 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:59:37 +0000 Zaeobi 2246425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No worries - to be honest, I think it's easier to find your silhouettes from your existing clothing than the other way around (i.e. seeing if you can identify any silhouette patterns in your current wardrobe, rather than trying to make new purchases based on what key silhouettes you *think* you might like or need). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246410 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:04:44 +0000 RobinF 2246410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis and plan. Helpful to me too, I jotted down some of your ideas to steal I like the idea of having specific silhouettes to look for, makes the search a little easier. And lightening up your neutrals really struck a chord with me. Mine are mostly dark and that makes it harder to work with because I like some contrast.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246307 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:46:04 +0000 CarolS 2246307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Zaeobi</b> -- This is helpful! I think I may similarly have one or two key silhouettes&nbsp; - although I'm still working out what they are.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246301 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:14:26 +0000 Zaeobi 2246301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderfully thought-out plan! I'm with you on being bright but pragmatic - my wardrobe MO is actually just two clothing silhouettes* but in a rainbow of rich colours. So I keep my shoes &amp; bags neutral, to let the other accessories shine (scarves, jewellery). </p> <p>I just added a long, kelly green cardigan to my donate pile because it was sadly too holey But I found it worked great with black, cream &amp; even more 'wildcard' pairings, like yellow &amp; tan - I liked to wear it with a scarf with orange &amp; yellow tones for the office. As for WFH, I would either tie the ends in the front (like a bolero) or in the back (like a ballet wrap cardigan) - for practicality! </p> <p>--- </p> <p>*My two clothing silhouettes:<br /> 1) 'long &amp; lean' (a long cardigan/ tunic dress over slimmer bottoms)<br /> 2) 'cropped &amp; flowy' (a tucked-in/ short top(per) over wider bottoms)</p> <p>- I therefore don't buy clothes that cannot be used in these 2 ways (e.g. wide bottoms that aren't high-rise enough to not feel exposed when worn with a crop top). Hope that helps with your own planning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246298 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:01:40 +0000 CarolS 2246298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to post and then disappear! Thank you so much for your supportive comments!</p> <p><b>slimcat</b> - "don't let perfect be the enemy of good" is our mantra on a big tech project underway at my workplace. It seemed appropriate for this situation, too!</p> <p><b>chewyspaghetti </b>-- thank you!</p> <p><b>rachy</b> -- that was a last minute addition, and honestly, I haven't given a lot of thought to what it really means in a wardrobe. I'll have to chew on it a bit more. :-)</p> <p><b>lisa</b> - thank you so much!!</p> <p><b>cardiff girl</b> -- thank you, and I hope so!!</p> <p><b>Suz</b> - thanks. I like <i>lighten up and brighten up</i> a lot, too because I can apply them in multiple ways -- obviously about colour choices, but also as reminders to stay relaxed and playful through the process.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Angie</b> -- I'm so happy I gave you a giggle, and THANK YOU for the applause and encouragement! I do have to re-start the eyewear quest again soon -- before my prescription changes again!!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Shevia </b>-- thanks for the tip about Poshmark Canada. I might at least start looking! My hope is that local thrift might at least turn up the odd colourful merino sweater or vintage oddball piece as a low risk/low investment plaything. :-)</p> <p><b>Lozz_oz </b>-- thank you! I hope the plan works as well in reality as it does on paper! I'll play with the cardigan a bit to see if I can find a way I might enjoy wearing it at home. I AM excited to start wearing a green merino sweater I picked up recently. I am saving it until a bit closer to spring when I really need a burst of something fresh!</p> <p><b>Bijou</b> -- thank you! One of the things I missed most the last few years was the sense of having any fun with getting dressed. Enough of that nonsense!!</p> <p><b>Joy</b> -- thank you. That is excellent advice!</p> <p><b>Minaminu</b> -- Thanks! I hope the right pair of frames turn up soon. And after several days of minus 30C temps, I'm dreaming of the day it is warm enough for spring pants!! (I've been doubling up on winter pants for my daily walks -- jeans over ponte pants for warmth!!!)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246278 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 10:34:44 +0000 Minaminu 2246278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Carol, it looks like you had a great 2021 and your plan for 2022 is sound and exhiting! I look forward seeing you with the new glasses and spring trousers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246275 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 07:18:29 +0000 Anonymous 2246275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Appause! &nbsp;You look like your plans are well thought out and doable. &nbsp;Regarding buying second hand…Try on everything you like regardless of size. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246273 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 06:38:31 +0000 Bijou 2246273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, this is a really well thought out plan. I love how realistic and adaptable your goals are and how you are giving yourself permission to have fun. Items that have a high happiness factor are just as important as wardrobe basics in terms of feeling good each and every day which is perhaps even more important when we are dealing with Covid-related restrictions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246271 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 05:27:36 +0000 lozz_oz 2246271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have written such a coherent plan for this year. Looks like you have all bases covered and considered. Well done!<br /> Just one challenge from me - wear that green cardigan at home! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246266 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:14:44 +0000 Jaime 2246266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Carol I am joining Angie with her applause. So clearly thought out and so self aware (the urge to go left, right, up and down, all while staying perfectly still, pretty much describes my default). Anyway, I hear you on not investing until you see where you settle in multiple fronts. As long as you have a few things (like your green cardigan) that spark joy in the meanwhile. Thrifting in a small town is challenging when you are at the wardrobe building phase. I know Poshmark Canada is pretty robust these days - does not solve the buying and return issue but maybe worth a look. Happy new year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding#post-2246248 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 00:52:34 +0000 Angie 2246248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But back to business....and in short:</p> <p>*APPLAUSE"</p> <p><b>CarolS</b>, this is focussed, clearcut, realistic and evolving! I LOVE THIS PLAN for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>WELL DONE!</p> <p>Big YES to: building wardrobe complements, incorporating old wardrobe items where you can, knowing that a smaller wardrobve works best for you, lightening up, adding colours that make you feel alive, keeping black as an essential, and adding playful elements to your style.</p> <p>Very good can be perfect in it's own way :)</p> <p>New eyewear is a priority, I'd say. Excited to see how your style and shopping unfolds!</p>