https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:35:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-410407 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:43:41 +0000 san 410407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the mode of taking it cool and calm and not jumping into any splurges. Ofcourse this comes from the opposite and having done these splurges over the past year. I feel like relaxing into my style and having a small warderobe, which I think is a far cry from where I was a year ago, and it feels great.<br /> For the past couple of years I do feel I had bad fashion habits. I was confused and felt I needed to catch up on style. Now I feel more comfortable and relaxed about this process, and that feels great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-410377 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:47:19 +0000 Kari 410377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But impulsively buying something when you have a nearly-identical item at home, or impulsively "settling" on an unwise/sub-par quality item, definitely is a bad habit... that's what got me into trouble with an over-stuffed wardrobe years ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409842 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:13:40 +0000 Carole 409842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to contemplate this for awhile, but I would say my downfall is letting a good bargain influence me too much, and buying multiples of an item I like in different colors.</p> <p>I have gotten so much better at buying only comfortable shoes (after waisting big bucks on so many I end up not being able to wear). I spend loads more now on shoes, but that's ok, I am loving the style and edge they can bring to my outfits. I am improving in the bargain area too, I have come to realize I would much rather have a few great pieces than a bunch of ok stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409840 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:10:14 +0000 Angie 409840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impulse buys needn't be a bad shopping habit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409746 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:43:58 +0000 Rachel 409746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Purchasing uncomfortable shoes.<br /> Impulse buys. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409744 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:39:24 +0000 mamaKate 409744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shopping as self-medication when I need to ameliorate a bad day! (I could have worse habits!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409740 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:21:38 +0000 Marley 409740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impulse buys<br /> Procrastinate returning something until after the "grace" period - and then stuck with it<br /> Buying clothes in the store without trying them on<br /> Serious shoe and handbag hoarder </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409739 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:11:18 +0000 Kari 409739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impulse buys, and quantity over quality.</p> <p>But I am reforming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409728 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:53:55 +0000 Kate 409728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm currently working on breaking the habit of thinking that I'll suddenly have reasons to wear heels. The reality is that my three pairs of heels (I just sent the 4th pair back to Zappos) have been worn a grand total of 10 times in the past year. The even harsher reality is that one of those pairs is really versatile enough to be my only pair of heels, and I haven't worn either of the other pairs since I bought them. </p> <p>I also have a tendency to think that I wear necklaces a lot more often than I actually do. Somehow I've gotten into the habit of bringing 10 necklaces for a 5 day trip and then only wearing one of them.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409631 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:46:30 +0000 Aida 409631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Buying an item that needs to be altered to fit perfectly... and not getting it altered -_- I have still only gotten jeans hemmed ONCE (and they didn't make both legs the same height *sigh*). Nearly everything needs back darts and waistband darts to fit me correctly. I really should find a good tailor close by &gt;&lt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits/page/2#post-409592 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:27:57 +0000 Charmian 409592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I can totally relate to your #3 (refusing to buy/shop/spend on stuff that may not work). Thank you so much for sharing!</p> <p>For me, the fear is mostly about fit. In the past year, I've gotten a lot choosier about fit. Initially, I donated many of the items that didn't fit me, but when I literally got down to a dozen tops, my wardrobe options got super-duper limited. I have more tops now, but it's really hard to "let" myself buy tops because I'm afraid that I'll get rid of them after only a few wears; somehow, I've convinced myself that I'll magically find some sort of fit issue that I've overlooked in the store.</p> <p>Is this fear unfounded? Yes. Does it affect my enjoyment when shopping? Also yes. The result is that my wardrobe is still fairly limited and has some pretty big holes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409591 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:23:00 +0000 taylor 409591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impulse shopper:(<br /> I have run into store because I LOVE something in the window and must see if it will work for me...<br /> I have gotten some really super FAB things because of that too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409587 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:03:05 +0000 goldenpig 409587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Old bad habits (pre-YLF):<br /> 1. Continuing to wear maternity clothes for the past five years, even between pregnancies and even though I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight and my youngest is 1 1/2. Those Japanese Weekend empire waist tops are so cute it's hard to pack them away, and those Gap stretch maternity shorts are just so comfy around my poochy tummy :)<br /> 2. Seriously neglecting my underwear. I am so embarrassed that I don't even know how old my underwear is--it's all maternity undies and nursing bras and the rest is ancient. I think it's time for a real bra fitting especially with all the post-pregnancy and nursing changes. I don't even know what bra size I am!<br /> 3. Whenever I found something I liked, I would always buy multiples in different colors...like four of the same cardigans, or the same shoes in black &amp; brown. I am trying not to do this anymore because it gets boring!<br /> 4. Getting in a style rut. Always wearing comfortable but ugly shoes, like Jungle Mocs or clogs, with the same four of five sweaters and trousers. Most of my wardrobe was sitting there unused. Since I started reading YLF, I have dusted off all my old skirts and dresses and started wearing them with pumps or boots to work and everyone has been complimenting me on my "new fashionable look".<br /> 5. No layering, no jewelry, no accessories, no makeup. I could ascribe it to "simplicity" or "minimalism" but really it's just laziness :P</p> <p>New bad habits (since I joined YLF and started trying to rework my wardrobe):<br /> 1. Buying stuff online--so much easier to shop from home but then when I get it, it doesn't fit and I have to return it, or have to order two sizes and return one. It's hard to find the time to go shop in real stores but when I do, I end up being able to keep much more of it because it fits.<br /> 2. Becoming a spendthrift. I am swinging wildly from having not bought any clothes for five years, to spending a bunch of money on clothes/shoes and wanting to get everything that is missing in my wardrobe. I have to try to pace myself!<br /> 3. Not sure if this is a bad habit or a good habit...starting to buy expensive designer shoes/clothes. I think I'll post about this in a separate post, because I am feeling very conflicted/guilty about this... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409555 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:32:34 +0000 nancylee 409555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1) Buying and then not wearing...but YLF is really helping me with this!<br /> 2) Overspending/busting my budget.....it's definitely time for SYC.<br /> 3) Shying away from statement pieces and going for "safe" or "practical" items<br /> 4) Creating orphan situations....again, YLF to the rescue! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409554 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:30:19 +0000 catgirl 409554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ironkurtin, I do those same things. I also have been waiting to purchase (or to cut tags) while I think to myself for several days, "How would I use those ____? Would I wear them today? Would they work with this shirt/skirt/jacket/pair of shoes?" I returned several items from the NAS after realizing I never once felt a tremendous need or desire to use them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409539 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:45:07 +0000 ironkurtin 409539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, Devon7 - and others! Here are some things that have helped me a LOT (besides YLF) in curbing my closet anxieties and avoiding some of the patterns you mention. </p> <p>Assume I have found something tempting...</p> <p>Mostly I visualize. I imagine myself in the item not in the dressing room, but in my life. Do I really see myself in it, knowing where I go and what I do and how I like to look? Does it make me feel amazing? Does it match the image I have of myself, what I want to present? This step depends so much on knowing who I am, and that shifts a lot. But the more comfortable I am with myself, the easier it is to pass on things that are not me.</p> <p>Then I touch the item and smell it. Does it feel gorgeous? (This is the kicker.) Does it smell nice? (Oh the things that have failed this test!) Will my skin breathe in it? Can it be washed in the washer and hung dry? Will it fade quickly? Will it require a lot of ironing to look nice? Will it pill or start to feel sleazy over time?</p> <p>Then I picture it in my closet. Is this something I will look forward to wearing? Will I reach for it? Or will I immediately forget I own it? </p> <p>If something doesn't pass all of these tests, I pass on it. That still leaves a lot of stuff, to be honest! But it helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409477 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:49:04 +0000 Transcona Shannon 409477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy really cute shoes that aren't very comfortable thinking I'll "break them in" (I once had a sales assistant tell me that if the shoes need to be broken in, they aren't the right shoes!) - should start listening to that...</p> <p>I go to a store knowing what I'm there for and get totally side tracked by something pretty and end up blowing my already-limited budget on that instead of what I went for and then still have that "hole" in my wardrobe...</p> <p>Because I have a limited clothing budget, I will head to the clearance racks and buy things that aren't a perfect fit because they don't have my size but at least I can afford it...</p> <p>And worst of all? I used to borrow my sister's clothes - only she's 5'9" and I'm 5'1"!!! Need I say more??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409470 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:45:02 +0000 ironkurtin 409470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, it is actually REALLY reassuring that I am not alone here. Thanks all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409463 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:41:54 +0000 catgirl 409463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ironkurtin, you articulated the reasoning behind my own bad habits perfectly! Welcome to the forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409462 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:39:30 +0000 catgirl 409462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dare I even post after Angie's sad face? Bust out the kleenex! </p> <p>I hoard.<br /> I thift stuff I probably won't wear, just because it's cheap.<br /> I impulse buy.<br /> I obsess.<br /> I fear wearing things I adore, lest they get ruined.<br /> I am easily swayed.<br /> I am always looking for the next new thing.</p> <p>Working hard to eliminate all of these bad habits though - mostly they are in the past! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409457 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:34:31 +0000 Elly 409457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie-- bad fashion habits are kinda like addiction, step one, you have to admit the problem----- plus, ylf is kinda like having a sponsor-- support and accountability. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409447 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:26:19 +0000 Angie 409447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*slightly less sad face*</p> <p>(ironkurtin, my very sad face was not directed at you, but at the habits on this thread. Your last comment just made it less sad - for that I am grateful). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409440 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:22:52 +0000 ironkurtin 409440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, I feel like I am a downer! No no - I know this is weakness of mine, and You Look Fab is helping me to identify what I truly LOVE and wear it. So, here's to armor both inside and out! And no more guilt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409430 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:15:58 +0000 devon7 409430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ironkurtin - Just read your post and could identify with SO much of it, especially #2! I shop when I am insecure, too. I did a tremendous amount of shopping in June/July and I think a lot of it is because I am at a big crossroads (again) in terms of my career and I am scared and confused about what to do. Enter shopping to numb the pain... Sadly, it only works temporarily and adds more problems to the mix.</p> <p>Virtual hugs! I feel your pain... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409427 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:13:05 +0000 devon7 409427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I have quite a few bad fashion habits which I am working on reforming! Here's what I can think of right now:</p> <p>1) Buying items that are too much like what I already have in my closet.<br /> 2) Buying multiples (not always bad, but I do it too often).<br /> 3) Buying things on sale that almost work but not quite (i.e. sleeves not quite long enough, very often a problem with my long arms - yes, I can roll them up and do, but I would really like to have the option to NOT roll them).<br /> 4) Settling for less than what I really want because I feel compelled to buy. I have a hard time leaving a store or mall empty-handed.<br /> 5) Returning things so I can shop more (this is a HUGE habit for me - of course, I only return things things which I haven't worn).<br /> 6) Binge shopping such that when I find things I really want/need later, I have no money left to shop (like spending my entire 2011 shopping budget by July - major regret on that one!).<br /> 7) Being set in my ways re: certain styles (i.e. I never tuck in my tops, I won't wear pants that are too fitted in the legs - major thigh anxiety which I've been told is completely unfounded).</p> <p>I'm sure I could come up with many more, but those are the main bad fashion habits I have! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409425 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:12:34 +0000 ironkurtin 409425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no, I didn't inspire a sad face, did I?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409423 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:09:42 +0000 Angie 409423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*very sad face* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409421 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:05:59 +0000 ironkurtin 409421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1) I buy duplicates which then don't get worn. Do I really NEED two pairs of the same (perfect skinnies) with the number of (also pretty perfect) pants in my closet? Betting no, from past experience. </p> <p>2) I buy not from need but from insecurity. I regard clothing as armor for life, so whenever I get a little nervous, time to buy another shield! And at this point, if clothes really were armor, I could have outfitted King Arthur and the entire Round Table pizza chain over the years. </p> <p>3) I collect without wearing. Love my original Helmut Lang blazers! Never wear them! At this point, they're not functional but an art exhibit. Which takes up room. But they're so beautifully made and feel so nice.</p> <p>I feel a fair amount of guilt about my closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409400 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:40:36 +0000 sarah 409400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every Thursday evening I go straight from pilates to the grocery store and usually to Target, too - in my full-on gear ensemble. Those stores are on my way home, I have limited time, and I make no apologies for doing so. Besides, you should see the rest of the crowd at Target at 9:30pm on a Thursday night - my outfit is the last think on their minds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bad-fashion-habits#post-409395 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:34:53 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 409395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slythwolf, I do that too! In some brands I can get away with regular lengths with flats, but so often the pants that start out OK gradually shrink when washed and then they're floods. I really should admit to myself that I need talls most of the time - but as you say, they're not as easy to find so it's easy to convince one's self that the regulars look passable. </p> <p>Suz, I have that issue too, since I also work from home - recently I've been really attracted by pencil skirts and heels and all that office-y look. When I go ahead and wear it at home or out running errands, I often feel self-conscious or there's some practical failing that annoys me (no pockets, my feet start hurting, etc.). Don't know what the solution is. </p>