YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:55:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914603 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 19:22:06 +0000 gryffin 1914603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie - IKR?!  My first thought is "does this come in black?"! Lesley - I agree buying things you think you "should have" is different than buying something you really love.  Basically if I adore it, I will find a way to wear it.  And if I don't love it, I should not have purchased to start with.  I have not seen another long dress I like to replace my old deteriorating dress, when the magic happens you need to respect it!!  And there is always something we will be scrambling for...or so it seems..sigh.... Lesley on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914534 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:34:33 +0000 Lesley 1914534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel like all my responses today are very middle-of-the-road, but it's true here too. I actually don't like to prepare for things that are just theoretical. When the time actually arrives, if too much time has passed, my taste or size/shape may have changed, and the item in question may not suit my needs anymore. I have found that when I shop for theoreticals ("I should have a black cardigan for winter," "I think neutral shoes might be useful,") I never love the items and they never get the wear and love that items I find and fall in love with do. Shopping for me is a little like being hit with the cupid arrow. Therefore, I occasionally stumble across a special occasion dress with no occasion, and I buy it right then and there. Ideally, my needs intersect with the arrows, like I actually need a purse and actually come across one that wows me. But this is not always the case either! So sometimes I do get caught unawares and have to scramble, and sometimes I do have just the right beloved thing in my closet. So a little of both is my answer. Angie on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914513 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:43:38 +0000 Angie 1914513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gryffin, you crack me up. Thanks for being kind and generous with your words. We DO like the same vibe, silhouette, lines, and polish. And most of the items I post come in your happy colours.  gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914490 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 13:45:24 +0000 gryffin 1914490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kathie -  that's so smart.  Especially if you enjoy shopping and have an easy time finding pleasing well fitting items, it really is no worries.  A nice adventure and maybe an integral part of the enjoyment leading up to the event.  That's fantastic that it works so well for you!! Kathie on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914485 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 13:17:14 +0000 Kathie 1914485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m prepared for 95+% of my life, but it’s easy for me to wing it for the other 5%. (As a number of people have mentioned, evening formal wear, or daytime dressy weddings might be a stretch with my current closet.) That said, I live/work in a large East coast city, and I’m never sized out of regular retail brands. I have plenty of retail options, and fabulous high-end consignment close by, and if I was truly desperate, I could hop on the train to New York. I used to have many more formal items, but truthfully, my need for cocktail attire or dresses for summer weddings is so limited, that I finally let go of those items, deciding that I’d much rather have something new, should the occasion arise. That said, reading through this string, I think my willingness to “wing it” for a few occasions has a lot to do with the fact that it’s easy for me to shop, and I’m likely to find items that fit at retail. If that weren’t the case, I’d probably keep a few more formal items on hand, “just in case.” gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914475 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:46:48 +0000 gryffin 1914475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne - you definitely need to "tank" up!!  The good thing is you shop early you will get the best and nicest tops possible!! Cindy - but your outfits was incredibly stunning!!  You looked amazing.  I so wish that top had come in black!!  Really drool worthy! Joy - you are an elegant sylph!!  But I can't imagine having to negotiate a different culture and wedding.  That's a challenge for the most stylish, which you are!!  I'm sure Angie will help you pick the perfect outfit and you son will be strutting proud of you!!! Anonymous on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914409 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 03:53:12 +0000 Anonymous 1914409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Eeek, family weddings are the worst...all the photos and everything. That reminded me that I have no clue what I would wear as MOTG if DS1 in Japan would get married. The Japanese seem very style conscious. Every little boy and old grandpa is a smart dresser. DS is my biggest critic, plus he thinks we are all soooo fat. I would throw myself on Angie's guidance. cindysmith on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914378 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 02:41:17 +0000 cindysmith 1914378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Seat of the pants, as evidenced by my freakout over my sister's wedding last August. anne on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914367 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 02:13:09 +0000 anne 1914367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ grffin - not in Australia!  I've gone without new tees for 2 summers but I really need to get to it. Next summer! gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914360 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 02:03:02 +0000 gryffin 1914360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne - sounds like you have almost every base covered!! Kudos!! Plus it's tee shirt season, no time like the present!! Andrea - I hear you. I'm 5'3". 5 lbs is a size. 3 lb things are snug or loose. Knits are definitely easier. The only good thing is being small makes you really watch your weight since we have no place to hide it and having to buy a new wardrobe....well lets not even go there. So sad about the dresses though Andrea H on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/3#post-1914353 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 01:38:38 +0000 Andrea H 1914353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would like to be more of a girl scout but I've been burned in the past.  Part of my problem is that I'm a small person who has weight fluctuations.  I imagine someone who is 5'8 can gain or lose 10 pounds and still fit in their clothes, but for me that's a whole size, especially in non-stretchy garments.  I may have told this story on here before (and if so, I apologize) but some time in the mid to late 90s, I bought a black velvet sheath dress dirt cheap at an Ann Taylor outlet. The friend I was with said it looked stunning on me and it was a great deal, so I bought it, assuming that I'd need a winter cocktail dress at some point. Except when I did, it didn't fit any more.  I had it in my closet, tags on, for a good eight years, and every time the occasion arose to wear it, it was always too loose or too tight. I finally gave up and donated it, tags still on.  Similarly, and around the same time period, I bought a bronze gingham silk dupioni (I think?) sheath at Banana Republic.  It was just a little too dressy for most of my summer occasions but it was such a good color for me and so pretty and so discounted (lol) that I bought it.  I managed to wear it maybe 3 times over a period of several years before I gave up on it.  It was just very unforgiving of even a 5 lb weight shift. I guess the moral of my story is just that now I only buy knit dresses? anne on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914343 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 01:18:19 +0000 anne 1914343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread!! I think temperamentally  I'm more a fly by the seat of my pants, but owing to have had various occasions to dress for, I'm set for weddings, cocktail dresses, funerals and probably job interviews. ( I don't have a really fancy long gown - though there's two long bridesmaid  dresses in the archives ) I do run a bit short on really casual summer gear and clothes. I need tee shirts! gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914160 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 17:29:28 +0000 gryffin 1914160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn - that is so Angie - the make sure you don't have orphans by buying the completer pieces to an outfit.  I do applaud you.  That is an excellent idea.  It sounds like you've acquired gorgeous and unusual pieces - just a couple of completers should give you the versatility for almost any event.  Well done and hope you find those completers soon!! Tanya - when I think of my ideal body type, on real women, you are one of the first than comes to mind.  But even one with NVF (no visible fat) wow, theory cuts little!!  I think it's important, especially for me, to focus on fit not size.  The size is vanity, the fit is everything.  But other than "OMG it's a medium!!" I love it.  And if I'm a medium at 5"3" 113 lbs well who's a large?!!  I just keep telling myself for 58yo, pushing 59 yo, I'm doing just fine and focus on diet, exercise and health.  So yes, you are truly an XXXS, it's theory!!  Not you.  But it is a fantastically flattering dress and one of the few day/night/sleeves/comfy enough to sleep in/perfect for travel dresses on the market.  So glad to share it with you!!  And love how you styled it for work! Angie - color makes you feel like you!!  It must correlate to your mood to make you feel most yourself.  In many ways you are an artist just like Janet, but you canvas is yourself.  That's your art.  That you are able to work in so many mediums (everyone else's style is what makes you truly extraordinary).  Funny how we often pick almost the same line/silhouette/vibe but in entirely different colorways but to the same polished, harmonious effect.  So when I see your pieces, my first thought is almost always "hum, I wonder if that comes in black?!!!"  And no dear girl, you create the magic here, we just reflect it back at you!!  Mwah!! Angie on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914150 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 16:57:48 +0000 Angie 1914150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gryffin, thank you for the kind words, and for graciously responding to ALL the comments. That's stylish. Your forum threads are thought provoking, and YOU are always positive. I love that. (((HUGS))).  On that note, the only thing I don't have in my wardrobe is a red carpet evening gown  - (and hiking gear). I don't want to buy a formal gown in advance  because I would need to FEEL the colour closer to the time. The colour of it is more important than the silhouette, which I would keep classic.  I'm also nodding along with Style Fan that having a strong signature style helps you be more of a girl scout. Tanya on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914148 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 16:51:03 +0000 Tanya 1914148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gryffin, you are too kind! Thank you for all the nice words.  Yes, ballroom is lots of fun - I haven't done much of it lately, but need to fix that since I really miss it.  It is thanks to you that I got the Theory dress and I am very grateful!  It is knit, but it is pretty structured  and not clingy.   I ended up sizing to S ( I remember your story how you sized up, too) since XS was too tight over the chest - those diagonal pieces did not have stretchy seams and those were uncomfortable. I think that I prefer it a little looser anyway.  I have already worn it to work a couple of times, dressed down - with moto jackets and flat tall boots. I am waiting for an opportunity to wear it dressed up, with some jewelry and pretty shoes.  Lynn on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914145 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 16:40:39 +0000 Lynn 1914145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for this post Gryffin. Being type A I aspire to be always prepared but I always seem to be missing some necessary item to be completely happy with my outfits. I am very picky about fit and somewhat difficult to fit so waiting till the last minute doesn't work well for me and stresses me out.   You have inspired me to take the time to build some complete outfits for these type of events.  For example, I recently went to the opera and struggled with what to wear.  I have a dressy black skirt that I really like but imperfect tops to go with it. I ended up wearing a new kimono topper with black pants and a silk tank. I really like the topper and the silk tank worked but wished I had more dressy black pants. Also the jewelry I wore was OK but not great. So I ended up feeling not so fabulous in this outfit.     gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914140 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 16:35:35 +0000 gryffin 1914140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya - I'm so sorry I missed you!!  Fantastic that you love ballroom!!  My husband and I took lessons long ago, we have fun dancing but aren't great!  But so much fun to just get out there.  Sounds like you have amazing dresses for it.  I do much prefer to dance in a dress also.  I think it's great that you get ideas for a perfect outfit for an event.  The good thing is, if you can't find exactly what you are looking for you have beautiful options to consider from your closet!  I'm so glad you like the Theory dress!!  I told you, I thought of you when I brought it.  Like those magazine photos "who wore it best"  Looks great on me, but it must looks beyond awesome on you!!  I hope you enjoy it.  I know you prefer wovens to knits, but the style and fabric make it very dress and comfortable.  A real ladylike wowser!! smittie - you are just a go with the flow girl.  I wish I could be more like that. It's more important that we know who we are and what works for us.  I applaud you ability to plan without over stressing under a time constraint!!  I bow to this ability!!  Calm under pressure! Janet - I too hold things too long. But like you, I had a black tie event.  I could not find a dress that was nicer than the once I owned.  Instead of wasting money on something I did not feel great in, I wore what I had even though it was a little past prime fabric wise.  It was Laundry dress, very, very pretty but the quality for long term was never their, but the style was fabulous!  Now I have a replacement so I can let it go.  I have trouble culling without a successor in place.  Can you say control freak!  Janet on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914122 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 15:49:40 +0000 Janet 1914122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread is making me want to go have a look through my holding zone closet in the basement, to look at the special occasion dresses I have down there. I'm glad I've hung onto some things that were truly unique (hello, red ball gown that I got to wear again this winter!), but other things are probably just as well passed along, because they're not that special and if a wearing opportunity came up, I'd probably either reach for something else in my closet, or feel like I needed to go shopping.  Anonymous on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914119 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 15:38:07 +0000 Anonymous 1914119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really WANT to be somebody who prepares more (I think this would help in many aspects of my life) but the reality is that, at my core, I fly by the seat of my pants and am not somebody who is very prepared. However, I do get a little stressed when I don’t have an outfit, but that is mitigated by the fact that I’m ok with an imperfect dressy outfit. gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914101 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 15:03:52 +0000 gryffin 1914101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ suzanimal - it's heartfelt and I love  your quote too I am going to steal it!!  If you have not read Malcolm Levene's "10 steps to Fashion Freedom" I think you would enjoy it and find it empowering.  Caro recommended it to me long ago and it's one of my favorite fashion-non-fashion books!!  If that makes any sense!! Janet -  you are an artist.  I would think that your tastes would be ever evolving.  Also that you would recombine and find news looks with old pieces because you are so visual.  I do agree, if you do not maintain the same weight/aesthetic over long periods of time, being over prepared is a colossal waste of cash.  I did not mean to imply being as prepared as possible is good, it's just a way of having a false sense of control of things we can't control.  It's not supposed to work for everyone.  If I was less rigid and had more free time, I'm sure buying for an would be a fun adventure.  But it's all about knowing yourself, you approach is absolutely right for you, but the feeling of security is worth it to me.  As in all things, me have to be who we are!! Peri - I understand what you are saying completely.  That's why I've found that a great black suit can be used for almost any occasion. I think one fall back outfit, that can fit most eventualities makes sense, but buying for the life or event we don't have doesn't unless we know that that kind of thing will pop up.  Shopping is tough, even for the most skilled, but planning on how we'd approach a surprise event, well just knowing what we decided still helps, at least for me! Lisa - absolutely correct.  You have to have the disposable cash to invest in things not needed right now.  You also have to have a good functional wardrobe to put that money to things that you don't need regularly.  You need to maintain a pretty constant weight/shape, have a well hones aesthetic, buy pieces that are versatile and transeasonal.  It's not the best approach for everyone.  But it has been interesting to  hear everyone's thoughts and how they handle the unexpected events.  I'd be interested to know if personality traits play into this.  Being a Type A, I want to control life.  Ok, I can't, I get it, but that's stressful.  Being proactive because dressing appropriately is important to me, makes me feel less stressed.  That can only be a good thing.  But I am careful to do it within my means.  Buying the gown means I did not upgrade my spring/summer tops, workout, gear, foundation capsule. I'm ok with that.  I have enough for now and the dress was hard to find and on sale.  That would not be a good trade if you had a tighter budget or needed to replace a bigger and more expensive capsule.  I'm just super impressed how well thought out everyones buying plans are!!  Anonymous on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914096 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 14:49:34 +0000 Anonymous 1914096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm quite enjoying this thread : I'm with Peri, and Janet also articulated my thoughts better than I did.  And I agree with Style Fan in that being prepared requires $$ and a strong personal, timeless style.   Peri on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914091 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 14:40:14 +0000 Peri 1914091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been burned on both behaviors, so I'm inventing a 4th category. I've been burned by buying something so I'll be ready just in case...I'm looking at you, black cocktail type dress sitting unworn ever for two years. I've also been burned many times by not having the right things to wear for something and cobbling something together that did not feel  fab.  Winging it, as described by lots of wingers, sounds sort of like they enjoy it...they are up for the challenge and the search. Boy Scouts also seem to enjoy the "be prepared" hunt. Suz's brownie is not quite me either. I'm inventing the ostrich category, head in the sand. I'm ignoring the possibility of special occasion dressing at all. It happens so rarely I'm pretending it doesn't exist. I guess that is just a subset of winging it, without the enthusiasm most wingers show! Janet on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914056 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 13:17:59 +0000 Janet 1914056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ By nature I am more of a Boy Scout type. However, in practical terms this is not a perfect solution for me. It also means I tend to keep stuff around “just in case” for years even if it is no longer my preferred style or it is useful other than some random unlikely occasion. What if you change size or your weight shifts? Or styles change enough that you pull out that old item only to realize it looks less than current? Or you no longer tolerate the scratchy lace or the length or some aspect of it that formerly seemed fine? It also results in having too much stuff that is right for a certain kind of occasion, but that’s not necessarily the kind of occasion that pops up. A perfect sleeved LBD (not that I’ve ever had one) for a winter cocktail party would be all wrong for summer in my climate. So, while I try to be prepared, I’m always aware that I may have to wing it and go shopping for any last-minute occasions. Suzanimal on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914040 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 12:36:23 +0000 Suzanimal 1914040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ gryffin - Thank you, that's such a nice compliment. I'm grinning from ear to ear. :D  I love that Chanel quote and it's so true. It goes nicely with my life motto... Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~ Dr Seuss Tanya on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914036 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 12:32:50 +0000 Tanya 1914036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definitely a boy scout here about 90%, I'd say.  I like being prepared for (almost) anything, however, I am not prepared for activities like skiing and hiking since I never do them.  On the other hand, for activities like ballroom dancing that I do often, I have many different sub-type capsule, that focus on specific type of ballroom engagement ( e.g. club salsa dancing - short tight dresses, ballroom social - midi flowy dresses, ballroom galas - evening dresses one can move in and so on). One issue I have with being prepared for special occasions is that I tend to be overly specific in what I would like to wear for a specific event.  Take a wedding with semi formal dress code, for example: if it is a wedding with lots of ballroom dancing to be involved - the dress needs to have a full skirt, if the ex will be there - the dress needs to be classy yet of "this is what you are missing" and so on.  So it happened quite a few times, that I had a couple of options in my wardrobe that would work very well for a type of  event, yet I wanted to get something to match what I wanted to project for that specific event. Gryffin, I also have to say that your black event capsule is truly stunning.  After your recommendation, I got the same Theory Devin Lustrate dress you did, and am very pleased with it.  Thank you for pointing that way! gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914029 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 12:12:44 +0000 gryffin 1914029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suzanimal - your style does not sound boring!!! Clarity is the product of understanding and true discernment. As Chanel said"elegance is refusal". Refusal to dress as anyone other than yourself. That's the "fashion freedom" I'm always evolving toward. Kudos!! gryffin on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914026 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 12:09:31 +0000 gryffin 1914026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa - good stylish girl!! Because you always look great!! Shevia - that does make like easier! Plus you'll have more things in regular rotation which is awesome!! Bijou - you are a total sweetheart. Thank you!! Joy - you found very prepared. Prepared is not just what's in our closets but having a plan for what we would do if that event came up. We've made mental if not physical preparations. I had not heard that story. I just lost my dad and specifically bought my new VB scuba blazer and pants. My dad really enjoyed clothes. He wore a blazer every day and he liked seeing us nicely dressed. I wanted to be comfortable and honor him. I've gotten a ton of wear out of it already. You'd think I'd have bad associations to the suit but I don't. It's like your best friend who is there for you good and bad. I'm so sorry about the Walmart run. That must have been awful. Style Fan - I think you've hit the important point. If you like to wear only current things buying in advance makes no sense it's a long term investment. Deborah - yes that's it exactly - it takes the pressure off. You can concentrate on life without worrying that you're not dressed comfortably for it. Rachy- but that's because you choose to buy one not that you don't have one. Again no pressure. But that's not to say we all don't "need" a new outfit sometimes!! Suzanimal on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914019 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 11:56:17 +0000 Suzanimal 1914019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Style Fan said... To be a boy scout I wonder if you would need to have a strong signature style and keep clothes for awhile. Or have a very large budget.    For me, it's because my style and size has changed very little over the course of my adult life. As a matter of fact, I just did a closet edit for summer and finally decided to let go of a sleeveless gingham top that I purchased in my early 20's (I'm 47 :D). I still like it and it still fits but I have a few other gingham tops that I think are more flattering and I haven't worn it in a few years. I have always been drawn to simple classics and quirky accessories (I still carry vintage bags I picked up in my teens :D). It seems boring but my style still makes me happy.  rachylou on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914016 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 11:46:02 +0000 rachylou 1914016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I’m a Scout now. I have enough clothes for the activities in my life, at the frequency they arise, and don’t have last-minute shopping sprees. That said, I will probably always buy a new outfit for Christmas every year, lol. Deborah on "Are you a sartorial boy scout or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl....?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-a-sartorial-boy-scout-or-a-fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-kind-of-girl/page/2#post-1914002 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 09:49:16 +0000 Deborah 1914002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I probably more like you! However I don’t have anything in my wardrobe for a really formal event but I can’t recall the last time I attended a really formal occasion. I’ve take a slight slower approach to my wardrobe so I would be more inclined to borrow from a girlfriend for that type of occasion. But other than that, I’m ready for weddings, funerals, and most other events I can think off :). Takes a lot of pressure off:)