https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 04:57:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631260 Tue, 29 May 2012 03:42:30 +0000 Anonymous 631260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Una: way to go! I went today and only brought home three items, which took a lot of discipline. I had to put many, many lovelies back on the rack.</p> <p>IK, I will be *very* interested to see if you are in for a refresher! This thread was a very good read and it was helpful to go back and read Angie's February posts and be reminded how to get back on/stay on track with fashion goals. I will staying tuned to your "Bat Channel"! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631174 Tue, 29 May 2012 02:14:57 +0000 catgirl 631174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently made a list of items I specifically need (cropped vest was on top, and I think I've figured that one out) so when I shop I do my best to stick to the list. I also made a list of adjectives that describe my style goals and limitations as well as qualities I look for in a new item (tough, military UWP, studs, streamlined, unfussy, proper fit, colors, seasonally appropriate, etc). </p> <p>Both of these lists are right on my phone so I can consult them as needed to keep myself in check. It's also helped me a lot with the whole random shoppiing thing - I went to the thrift store this weekend and came back with a cropped military jacket and a vest to tailor, and that's it. Usually, I'd have a whole bag of useless stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631152 Tue, 29 May 2012 02:00:19 +0000 ironkurtin 631152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh, Mo is right - don't think anyone would ever call my style classically casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631125 Tue, 29 May 2012 01:38:06 +0000 Mo 631125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to clarify - I think IK was simply responding to the poster named Clasically Casual. I don't think she would describe her style this way (correct me if I'm wrong here!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631122 Tue, 29 May 2012 01:34:58 +0000 cheryl 631122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, It does sound like maybe you are unhappy with the volume of clothes you have even if you are happy/content with most of them. I agree with Ana, that maybe you should put some of them away, out of sight. Maybe set up somewhat of a capsule to use for a month or two and then after the set time frame, pull out some of the others for a new capsule and switch them out. It may keep you from getting too bored with things and will keep you from getting overwhelmed with too many choices. </p> <p>If you are looking for a new style direction or refresher maybe pick a new color to integrate or a new fabric or style. What styles would you like to try. I myself can't put a label on my style because I find it too limiting and to me that would take the fun out of it but I know labeling helps a lot of people. Good luck in finding the new direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-631065 Tue, 29 May 2012 00:19:13 +0000 Suz 631065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. Gaylene, that is incredibly instructive and inspirational! </p> <p>I don't think my own wardrobe is yet complete enough for me to go this route; when I talk about wardrobe holes I am talking gaping chasms. </p> <p>But as soon as I get to the point where most of my capsules are workable, then I would like to follow your example. I am sure it leads to much more careful buying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630996 Mon, 28 May 2012 22:55:35 +0000 Gaylene 630996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, here's a different route. I can relate to your comment about "yearning for less and a penchant for more" since that seemed to more or less reflect how I felt about my closet earlier this year. Closet purging and then buying "to fill the gaps" seemed too close to an eating disorder for my liking.</p> <p>My response was to limit myself to purchasing only 12 items this year (giving myself a pass for replacement of necessities such as worn-out underwear). Each of the 12 items has to add value to my current wardrobe; buying something because it attracted my attention on a website, was on sale, or someone said it looked good on me was not a enough of a reason to add it to my closet. It shocks me when I think of the number of things that I've passed over once I've asked myself "is this worthy of being one of my 12 chosen items for this year" and answered in the negative. Last year, there was a good chance that most of those would have taken up residence in my closet.</p> <p>Since January, I've purchased four items and spent approximately $600. Most of that money went to an insanely gorgeous French cashmere sweater that I fell in love with when I was in Paris early this year. My other purchases have been an inexpensive spring trench in a color that puts a smile on face whenever I wear it, a pair of classic espadrilles for summer, and a vintage man's watch that I found for $5 in a flea market which I have worn everyday since its purchase. Oddly enough, I find this more disciplined approach to adding to my wardrobe has made me realize I do have a definite personal style, even if I can't articulate it in words. I also love wearing every single one of these items over and over again.</p> <p>Since the year is almost half over, I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to find 8 more items that can give me as much pleasure as my first four. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630952 Mon, 28 May 2012 22:19:11 +0000 ironkurtin 630952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm game, Angie! Start me on my next leg! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630950 Mon, 28 May 2012 22:17:01 +0000 Angie 630950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone has made valid and really helpful points. Thanks, ladies! </p> <p>If I may be so bold as to speak frankly, Dana - I have a hunch that you are actually yearning for a style refresher. You have cleared out 2/3 of your closet, just yesterday I believe - you are left with stuff that you love and would probably purchase again - YET! You are still not happy. This reads "you need to move onto the next leg of your style journey" to me. There is something missing from your current look/wardrobe that you haven't pin pointed yet - otherwise you wouldn't be expending all of this energy You, us, have to figure out what that is. Once you know, you can loosely set your style goals, and action the discipline. </p> <p>BTW, the mid life crises thing is very real. No jokes. It makes sense. I hope that we can help you solve this challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630937 Mon, 28 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000 Vildy 630937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't mean to make anything sound ominous. I just meant that we might stumble upon little formulas for putting together outfits or keep/return but sometimes that is looking at the wrong end and we need to think about what we are shopping *for*.<br /> What are we trying to buy - when our wardrobes are replete with items that already<br /> function the way we said they ought.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630912 Mon, 28 May 2012 20:35:31 +0000 ironkurtin 630912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy - I have a yearning for less and a penchant for more. Goodness, you make it sound so ominous!</p> <p>If I could hit on the formula that allowed me to be disciplined - I will not buy this because it doesn't fill xyz closet hole - for example, I am capable of being very strict. But I feel like I'm groping for a formula and nothing has coalesced. </p> <p>Probably my midlife crisis isn't helping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630892 Mon, 28 May 2012 20:05:50 +0000 Vildy 630892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is your problem then that you choose well when you buy but that you realize you<br /> couldn't possibly need any more examples of Classically Casual BUT you have a<br /> need you don't understand to keep on finding more? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630884 Mon, 28 May 2012 19:49:28 +0000 Ana 630884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So you want to pare down your wardrobe because you feel like your closet is too full or something? If you like everything you own, you could always try packing half of it away and then opening the box and swapping it out for what's in your closet at some point in the future. It might be like having a bunch new clothing because you already like all the stuff you put in the box. I do that sometimes when I get tired of an item but I know it's a good piece. I actually forget what's in the box, and then when I open it I think, "Oh, yay! I love this shirt" and I'm excited to wear it again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630881 Mon, 28 May 2012 19:43:49 +0000 ironkurtin 630881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like my clothes. Everything I am surplusing I have worn and people have commented favorably. I would probably buy them again, too. But I am so tired of the much stuffness. </p> <p>Arrgh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630867 Mon, 28 May 2012 19:20:58 +0000 rae 630867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the suggestion to look back through your outfits and determine which made you happiest and unhappiest. That was my first real breakthrough toward true style goals, I think. </p> <p>Having a style statement really REALLY helped make my style goals click, too. Since I can appreciate a wide range of styles, it helped to narrow down what was really "me" and not just a beautiful piece in general. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630855 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:54:12 +0000 Mo 630855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like shopping habits to be worked on is the goal then! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630849 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:36:11 +0000 ironkurtin 630849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Classically Casual - I do think I have a very unified style. I just have too much of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630841 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:17:10 +0000 christieanne 630841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was there a certain look or outfit or occasion that made you feel your style goals were not in order? When I look at your WIW outfits, I see a lot of consistency but then again, you may have tons of stuff stashed away that we never see or is it that consistency that you are bored of or not enjoying?<br /> Maybe starting backwards will work for you. </p> <p>Also your other question about not purging things you needed for events such as funerals, etc. What is it about those particular outfits that you think isn't your style? And if you could replace them with appropriate choices but more to your desired style, what would the new outfit look like? </p> <p>Just some thoughts...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630839 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:16:05 +0000 Mo 630839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It might be easier right now to start with what you don't want, or want to avoid. IE: no more black blazers. It's a start!<br /> I started with no more young, junior-ish looks. Being that it was summer in FL, that wasn't as easy as it sounds. But here I am 1.5 years later with nary a spaghetti strap in sight and no more short shorts ;)<br /> The point is, I had to start with what I wasn't going to buy anymore before I found what new direction worked for me. Ends up woven tanks are great, but I still can't do wovens with sleeves because they are just too restrictive for me to be comfortable. I didn't start out with specific 'Goal: buy woven tanks'. I got there the roundabout way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630838 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:14:23 +0000 Classically Casual 630838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, I'm going to play devil's advocate here a little. Of the lovely ladies who post regularly , you strike me as one of the most consistent style-wise. The shapes, the colors, the textures, etc. are all very "IK" to me. Are you harboring a closet full of frilly florals that you're keeping from us??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630833 Mon, 28 May 2012 18:06:06 +0000 Ana 630833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, my goal is definitely broad. I need leeway to have some fun. But I have broken it down into smaller facets (in my mind). My lifestyle is very casual, so I don't buy very dressy, business-oriented things, because I won't wear them. I don't buy Bohemian or UWP-inspired pieces (as much as I admire them), because they don't really go with anything I already have. I know I won't wear them, etc. So maybe try starting with a broad goal, and then breaking it down into smaller pieces that are easier to remember when you're shopping. I don't know, It's not really a formal process for me. I don't really write anything down, I've just got it in my head and trained myself to remember it all as I'm shopping. It also helps to take a friend who understands your style or your goals (or a personal shopper). They can be a good gatekeeper until you have really trained yourself to be ruthless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630832 Mon, 28 May 2012 17:59:57 +0000 Traci 630832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your style goals are those little things you keep saying to yourself over and over and then forgetting when you're actually out shopping.</p> <p>Some recent ones for me would be "Please buy more low heeled shoes that you can comfortably wear all day for a few days in a row rather than adorable 3in wedges." and "Purchase things that work within the color pallet of your existing wardrobe." I find myself saying these things in my head when I'm trying to get dressed in the morning, or when I'm organizing my closet, but somehow I totally forget them when I'm presented with some lovely item in a store. </p> <p>I think including a "why" into the style goal is helpful. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of the purpose of the goal, rather than feeling like a limitation.</p> <p>For your black blazer example, why do you not want to buy any more black blazers? Why are you tempted to buy more black blazers? Is it that you have many but none of them are really floating your boat? What is it about them? Too fussy? Too plain? Not comfortable? Work those things into the goal, like Angie did on her no more cardigans goal.</p> <p>Maybe a journal of some sort would help you see the recurring themes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630821 Mon, 28 May 2012 17:43:47 +0000 Kari 630821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK: I think what helped (and helps) me most when my style is evolving, and I'm trying to gain a sense of what my future style goals are, is to find patterns in my recent past. I look at outfits I wore lately (for me, the visual of photographs is especially helpful) and pick out the outfits that I felt best or happiest in, and try to figure out why. Am I craving bright colors? Am I gravitating towards a certain silhouette? Did certain fabrics or shapes physically feel more comfortable than others?</p> <p>Looking at outfits that I *didn't* like so much is also helpful - or combing through my closet to look for wardrobe orphans that haven't got much wear. Perhaps there's a piece that doesn't fit me anymore, either physically or emotionally, and I'm ready to move on from it. Maybe I purchased a piece that thrilled me but doesn't fit into my lifestyle at all, so I have no occasion to wear it. Perhaps an outfit didn't work so well because I lack a piece that would be a helpful addition to my wardrobe or my lifestyle - like a denim jacket or a wide casual belt. Maybe an outfit felt too cluttered with patterns, textures, and accessories when I'm moving towards a more simple, streamlined style. Or an item may be in a color that I love - but it doesn't look good on me, or jibe with my existing wardrobe. That sort of information is very helpful to me when I'm trying to nail down how my style is evolving.</p> <p>Here's one of my attempts to collect visuals and words to describe outfits that I liked, and solicit help to figure out how this would translate into future goals: <a href="http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.com/post/musing-about-style-evolution" rel="nofollow">http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.....-evolution</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630810 Mon, 28 May 2012 17:34:02 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 630810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don't mind me adding on IK, suggestion on how to determine the highest priorities to be used to form goals would really help? I am in the same boat. I know I need a more focused approach but am having trouble figuring out where that focus should be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630802 Mon, 28 May 2012 17:30:58 +0000 ironkurtin 630802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie!</p> <p>I read the post, but I'm floundering on my own style goals. Broad things like, "Will not purchase things that will not wear" seem TOO broad. And some of the things I contemplate - like "will never buy a black blazer ever again" seem more punitive than goal-oriented.</p> <p>Are there baby steps I can take? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630789 Mon, 28 May 2012 17:10:50 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 630789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on the same path as IK. I just went through a few drawers and 2/3 of the closet and am purging. I really need to clarify my fashion goals. I find my wardrobe is rather schizophrenic. I love tailored conservative clothes especially dresses and suits but also like some trendy pieces and love color. I find it hard to reconcile all of the things I gravitate towards into one concept of style.</p> <p>I will continue to follow this thread as I know it will be interesting and enlightening.</p> <p>ETA: I also re-read the post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630781 Mon, 28 May 2012 16:46:25 +0000 Angie 630781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure! First, read this post again, Dana: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/02/02/the-importance-of-setting-style-goals/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2012/02/.....yle-goals/</a></p> <p>Then I'll answer further questions. </p> <p>#Note: I do believe in discipline, so I take this part of the process as seriously as continuing to have fun with your style. You need to have the discipline to create more fun. Without it - the fun fizzles down into frustration.</p> <p>Nice, Ana </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630780 Mon, 28 May 2012 16:46:01 +0000 Ana 630780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I'm not Angie, but I'm thinking it means not purchasing things that don't align with your style goals or lifestyle. For example, I see all kinds of beautiful things that I love, but just don't work for my lifestyle. I've never had any luck buying something with the thought that I'd "find some place to wear it." It always just sits in my closet. So one of my style goals is to have a closet full of clothes that I actually use. Having a well-defined goal like that makes it easier to stick to it and avoid temptation (and closet orphans). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-being-stricter-with-style-goals#post-630777 Mon, 28 May 2012 16:41:36 +0000 ironkurtin 630777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie! On one of my threads you posted,</p> <p>"...you might benefit from being stricter about aligning yourself with your style goals. That's what keeps you focused throughout the current leg of your style journey."</p> <p>Can you go into more details on that? Give some examples?</p> <p>Thank you! </p>