YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Building my style in 2016

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Building my style in 2016 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:21:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Meredith on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1684914 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 22:57:24 +0000 Meredith 1684914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great read. Looking forward to seeing how you work these thoughts into your wardrobe. texstyle on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1684785 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:56:15 +0000 texstyle 1684785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mochi- I wonder, since you work at home like I do most of the time, if you are giving yourself "permission" to buy enough work at home clothes? You said you usually just grab a tee and jeans and the same shoes. Do you have enough comfy at home, casual shoes you can run out to the store in or even take a quick walk? I've spent the last two years buying more shoes than I ever have in my life and they are all casual, mostly flats and very comfortable. (A few here from my Finds but I have like 5 more pairs that I wear regularly!) This alone, makes me feel more "dressed" in my jeans and tees. And then the tees - are you taking time and really honing in on what tees you like and why? I am extremely picky about my tees. I will send them back even if they were only $15-$20 if they are not exactly right these days.  Length, neckline, slouch, thickness, fabric, color and more come into consideration for me. I live in a very hot climate so I have to opt for thinner fabrics but won't settle for transparent or clingy so it can be a challenge at times. You may have different needs. I like to have a wardrobe of tese and jeans that I can just add a simple necklace, belt, good shoes and a nice bag and feel "dressed." That's been my main goal and YLF has helped me tremendously to get there. I think "romantic" is hard for me because I am so much a tomboy at heart. I love button downs, tees, jeans, plaid, etc. My hair, lips and makeup is my "romantic" part. With a little slightly delicate (but not too small) jewelry. Simple is something I also strive for in my style. On the hair front, yours has been looking so good lately - but if you want to change it up you should. For me it's all about condition as my hair runs dry and I like to slightly straighten (or "tame") my curls with a large barrel curling iron. I have longish hair past my shoulders that is getting longer. I must use good in shower conditioner, a leave in conditioner and a light coat of oil to make mine behave. I don't blow dry so I wash it at night and let it air dry before going to bed (mostly at least). When I wake up I use a heat protecting conditioner by Kiehls and then my big barrel curling iron to force it into the style I want. It takes me about 10 or 15 minutes on the days I do this. It's hard to shortcut this process or I have a bad hair day. High humidity days mean I have to embrace a curlier style that day. Chris987 on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1684770 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:20:47 +0000 Chris987 1684770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This posting is several months old but I am just reading it now and finding great inspiration.....Suz your idea of 3 outfits per activity is SUPER, and although I don't think Rocker Dandy is for me, I love a lot of your ideas Mochi and am going to bookmark this to study it more. It's a great discussion about evolving one's style.. Tanya on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620898 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:18:03 +0000 Tanya 1620898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have just found this pretty swishy silk skirt on huge sale.  I don't know if this is something you would consider for tango. Tanya on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620873 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:44:05 +0000 Tanya 1620873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like you put a lot of thought into this and I love Angie's suggestion of "Rocker Dandy" for you.   I like everything that you picked, especially that gorgeous Equipment blouse. About the tango wardrobe: I keep my ballroom dancing wardrobe more-less separate from my real wardrobe.  I like lots of stretch for the ease of movement, so I focus on jersey tops, skirts and dresses, that are easy to wash.  I actually feel constricted in a woven top and was impressed that you both you and Sveta are  able to dance freely in pretty woven dresses and tops.  I think that the last time I tried going to  dance event in a woven blouse, I ripped the underarm seam when I lifted my arm.  The only thing that overlaps could be trousers if they have lots of stretch with them. I find it easiest to keep a capsule of dark neutral bottoms - I currently have 2 jersey skirts and 3 pairs of pants ( all black) they I only wear for dancing, and a bunch of pretty tops.  In my dancing experience tops are much more memorable.  I save dresses for occasions more special than regular social dances.   I have had good luck sizing up in juniors brands as a lot of those pieces are pretty stretchy and relatively inexpensive.  I currently have the pants attached in Finds on my dance wish list, I don't know if you would consider something like that.  I see lots of ladies at the socials I go to wearing something similar with flowy, tunic style or regular high-low tops. I would find it really hard to try and find pieces that work for both dancing and regular world, but hopefully you'll have better luck than me. Inge on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620851 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:18:27 +0000 Inge 1620851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really enjoyed reading your analysis, Nancy, and am very excited to see where this will take you. I have to run, so sorry for just quickly adding these two ideas: - How about keeping your hair short but adding some asymmetry (e.g. longer fringe on one side à la Shevia)? ETA, I've recently started to embrace the naturally curly/wavy look too, and that's what I'm doing with my hair;-) - Did you like the tunics over leggings and skirted leggings with roomy knitwear looks in this post? <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/09/two-smart-casual-leggings-outfits/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/.....s-outfits/</a> I'm thinking this could be a fun way to add some femininity to juxtapose the more androgynous elements of your style. Pair them with brogues, oxfords, (cut-out) booties... Bonus: Roomy knit (but woven as well) dresses or tunics in cocoon or sack styles are very comfy (so ideal for working from home). This kind of outfit will also look great with your leather jackets or a blazer thrown over. (I've added some dresses from COS as examples). catgirl on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620833 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:57:36 +0000 catgirl 1620833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mochi!  Just wanted to say hi - I don't have time for more but hopefully I will when I'm on vacation in a week. I am looking forward to seeing more of what's up with you. TraceyLiz65 on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620826 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:48:19 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1620826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I think you were very articulate and analytical! You seem to know where you're headed but need the road map to get there. As a fellow person with ADD, I understand that isn't easy. Looking forward to your progress, keep us posted! RoseandJoan on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620687 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:08:20 +0000 RoseandJoan 1620687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Perhaps a turn of the century left bank bohemian living Parisian type of Chic? Angie on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620682 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:57:32 +0000 Angie 1620682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nancy, it's NEVER too late to get back into your style groove so I loved reading your post. Welcome back! Sounds like you've done some soul searching and that's brilliant.  Love the stuff you've collected, although the dress might be a tricky fit. Too defined at the waist.  Parisian Chic sounds too prim and classic for you. I prefer Rocker Dandy!  Isabel on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620680 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:49:05 +0000 Isabel 1620680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Mochi !  I thought that was pretty articulate. Though I really like the first link, you just don't strike me as the multiple, primary color person.  You really remind me of a "steampunk", edgier Parisian Chic type of style.  More traditional neutrals with some colorful sparks. You look fantastic in a little make up , which turns up the feminine part...and the industrial necklaces that I have seen on you or on the site you told me about are edgy and interesting and beautiful. I just LOVE the clothes that you have posted.  Anonymous on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620087 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:53:54 +0000 Anonymous 1620087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you're spending your time in comfy clothes, then maybe you should invest in really nice versions of those comfy things. That would be an area to focus on. So maybe leave the structure for the future (although it looks like you already have a bit of structure with your leather jacket!) I'll be honest and say that I'm a bit clothing depressed too, right now.  I wear sweaters, jeans, and the same black ballet flats all the time, and I don't have much of a desire to upgrade or add anything (!). I think it's mostly due to budget. RoseandJoan on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1620067 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:03:36 +0000 RoseandJoan 1620067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm about to run out of the door on the school run but wished to quickly say that with the exception of the leather jacket the pieces shown either by drape or dart highlight the waist, is this part of their appeal? Anonymous on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619970 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 05:20:29 +0000 Anonymous 1619970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your picks look like they are on the right track, especially the Equipment shirt. Being curveless, I 've found that conventionally feminine ruffles and frills can look silly, but a simple cut like the Equipment shirt, in a feminine color or fabric works well. You have the curves to look like a woman in whatever you choose to wear. I wish you fun and success on your style journey. Carla on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619954 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 04:12:57 +0000 Carla 1619954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having recently done a lot of work sorting out my own style problems I've landed on 'tomboy' style for off duty and 'gentlewoman' for work. I live in a small, picturesque town full of artsy excentrics, but work in an office in the middle of the financial district in the Big City. Your style sounds like there should be some element of men's wear, but not as austere as my interpretation of tomboy or gentlewoman. When I look at your pics (and your WIW's from the past) I think it is more romantic and I ask: what would Annie Hall wear in 2016? You also seem to like a little Victorian retro/steampunk. For casual do a cropped or rolled Jean with a brogue or low bootie or some other interesting flat but high vamped shoe, your great new leather jacket, and a soft silky top with a deep v-neck. Keep the underneath soft and the top structured. Instead of black, grey, white - stick with the muted/heather colours you seem to favour. I wouldn't try too hard to make your dance capsule do double duty. Your dance capsule IS your sport/fitness capsule. I don't wear my running shoes, workout T's, or yoga pants other than for training, and my lap suit doesn't go on any beach vacations! Reserve your dance gear for what it was intended and keep it special! Go full on glam and femme with it! Good luck with the hair, though. I'm in the same boat. Currently I'm wearing it quite short (undercut) on the sides and longer on top. I can straighten it or let it curl. I tend to like it best straight, since it looks a bit like Lyle Lovett when it curls up! Pic #3 is where I am now (sort for) and pic #5 is where I want to be. FWIW, your hair looks GREAT in your jacket pictures. Caro in Oz on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619948 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 03:12:22 +0000 Caro in Oz 1619948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I came up with "womanly androgyny" for me I see it as a balance between masculine & feminine - it reaches from individual items, to the balance of my outfits, to my wardrobe as a whole. Is it possible to get a couple of bottoms & three or four tops all at the same time? Ones that you can take home & return if necessary to see how they work with your more eclectic items. I don't think it's necessary to have everything work together but having a great base for the more "romantic" pieces has been really helpful for me Mochi on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619942 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:59:13 +0000 Mochi 1619942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much great feedback! Thank you! I will need to answer more individually tomorrow. But in the meantime, I think WIWs are a good idea. These two below got Killer or K2K from Angie. That said, I like them but I don't feel like they're me, exactly, or what I'm aiming for at this point...it's so tricky!!! <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-mondrian-painting">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....n-painting</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiwearing-with-bag">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....g-with-bag</a> (bad pic) I will try taking some new WIWs. I do feel pretty disconnected from my clothes these days, more because I don't feel they play that interestingly together, or represent exactly what I am going for, than because I have nothing nice to wear.  UmmLila (Lisa) on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619933 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:46:56 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1619933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having met you (and enjoyed your company) recently, I will say I like that gray tank the best for you. Do you wear p/leather jeans? I could see it with something like that plus a softer sort of jacket. As for the tango wardrobe I say let Tanya or Sveta comment. I work out at a studio where the proprietors do dance competitions and I'm always amazed at what they wear to dance compared to what they wear to kick people's rears and make them exercise, Jaime on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619924 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:41:05 +0000 Jaime 1619924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I love your picks and I also prefer flats most of the time. I see you in a pair of polished oxfords. Curly hair is having a moment on the runways and fashion ads I have noticed. I just gave Beth Ann the same advice, but I am a big fan of visuals - do you have any WIWs that you particularly love? For me that is the best starting point. Maneera on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619922 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:37:36 +0000 Maneera 1619922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is quite an interesting read. I can relate to you since my life is pretty casual too and I work from home. Also, I am short with a large bust. I like all the Finds here, especially the first blouse, the dress and the tank. I think those are all really pretty! It's good to know what you want. Here are somethings I do to feel stylish at home: 1. Wear stretchy fabrics but prettier clothes. Like jersey dresses or printed knit tops with stretchy skirts. I also wear jogger pants a lot at home with flowy tops. 2. Change the shoes you wear at home. I noticed I was wearing the same sneakers over and over at home this winter, so I picked up two pairs of inexpensive slip on sneakers to wear at home. They did the job - my foot was covered and comfy, I could easily slip they off and I had variety. In summer, I wear flat sandals at home for variety. 3. Vary silhouettes a little more. That gives more variety. I like jeans and tshirts too, but I also wear leggings with tunics and stretchy ponte pants with blouses. Everything has stretch and is quite comfortable to wear. Hope that gives you a few ideas! Suz on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619913 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:26:43 +0000 Suz 1619913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, these are all beautiful items. Love that first blouse and the white one, and also the tank. And outfit 2.  So...remember your old moniker Romantic Dandy? It still fits. :) But ... do you have a defined set of neutrals/ colours? I am just wondering if figuring that out and then identifying your personal essentials (check Angie's blog post on that) would get your wardrobe into some kind of shape. I identify with what you said about not being able to recognize your own wardrobe holes. I was in that position for several years. And you're right -- part of the reason you can't recognize a hole is because you don't have a working wardrobe to begin with. You have clothes and maybe even outfits, but not a wardrobe that functions the way it can.  I had to be patient and over a period of a few years buy quite a lot of stuff (and make some mistakes) before I got to the point where I really recognize a hole. It's really only this year that it has happened.  You have started with a good list of activities you regularly engage in. How about if you shop your closet for at least 3 fab outfits for each of these activities. And if you can't find what you need, then you know you do have a wardrobe hole.  Bonnie on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619902 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:06:44 +0000 Bonnie 1619902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like you have a good understanding of your fashion needs and wants. One thing that has been helping me is remembering my fashion descriptors when I shop. It keeps me on track as I have a tendency to shop emotionally, too. DonnaF on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619900 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:02:42 +0000 DonnaF 1619900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good to see you around more!  We're both short, but since we have very different fit challenges I can't make specific intelligent suggestions.  I, too, like androgyny but really like that gray blouse -- which would probably cause me to freeze to death since I run cold.  I thought I might mention that sometimes I go for a masculine style like a moto jacket, but in a less masculine material than leather or in a more feminine color.  That means I don't have to wear another garment that is more feminine. Mochi on "Building my style in 2016" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-my-style-in-2016#post-1619870 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:12:11 +0000 Mochi 1619870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ [On edit--I'm thinking out loud here, so don't feel obligated to problem-solve. Thanks for just reading!]  I don't think I will make this as articulate and analytical as other posters' analyses of their current and future style goals, but that would probably be indicative of my own particular issues in defining and creating a cohesive style...if that is even possible (or desirable) for me.  Though I've posted very little on this board the past year or so, I have been a YLF member for over four years, and have long had a keen interest in personal style. However, that said, I also become overwhelmed and for various reasons end up backing off from what comes to seem like a time-sucking, costly and often frustrating hunt for individual pieces and overall looks that work for me. This past year I was not at all personally depressed, but I would say that I was "clothing depressed." Given that I work from home and don't have to conform to any specific standard of dressing, I was usually grabbing t-shirts and jeans and a comfy sweater or a hoodie. I tend to wear the same pair of sneakers most of the time (they're sporty-lux, but still...always the same shoes!) It finally started bothering me recently, and here I am, back to the collective wisdom of fabbers, hoping to cut through the doubt and confusion, and finally, once and for all, come up with a template for what works for my particular challenges and makes me very happy.  So, currently: As I said, I can wear what I want. Also, I happen to love comfortable, somewhat casual clothes.  I live in a city with all different types of fashion. Probably mostly casual (it's Boston, with a large student population).  I walk a lot, bike in the warmer weather (a LOT), and I have to be honest and say that I prefer a flat or low heel most of the time.  I have to pay more attention to the price point of an item than many people. That said, I am willing to consider spending a fair amount of money on a really perfect investment piece.  Oh, I almost forgot that besides a regular wardrobe, I want to build a wardrobe for tango, which means flowy skirts and pretty tops and certain types of harem-y trousers. But I want to invest in things that can do double duty, for when I'm not dancing.  I probably have a lot of wardrobe holes, but believe it or not, I have trouble identifying all of them because I don't know what it's like to have most things I probably could use.  I also have orphans that I don't want to give up on...but need to find "bridges" to make them more useful. And for me, this is often hard.  Because of the texture of my hair when I try to grow it out, I have been stuck with the same short hairstyle most of my adult life. It's not that it's that bad, but I am really tired of it.  I am short, with a very large bust, and I just do not find stuff off the rack that works well for me. It is a ton of work to get a few items that are good. If I lived in Seattle I would have hired Angie long ago. : )  Etcetera.  Now onto my style goals. They are not as clear as I would like them to be....but posting here will probably help the process.  I'll say first of all that I dislike shopping, for the most part, but also I am an emotional shopper. I fall in love with a very specific item. I don't have a plan for that item, but I want it (it's very often something I can't have anyway--sold out, too expensive or doesn't fit/suit me well). But my point is, my love of things is very random.  What I really want to do this year is to effectively pull together some capsules. I have never done this. I'm not sure how to go about it. When I shop online, it's like going down the rabbit hole. (Did I tell you I have ADD? Heh heh--but I'm not really joking...) Also, and this is the other really big thing--I want to balance my love of androgynous/rocker-chic types of "harder" style with a lot more femininity. But the key word is "balance." I don't feel comfortable going really girly. But I'm too far in the opposite end of the spectrum. And where the feminine touches would manifest is another question. I am thinking softer blouses, as well as more skirts and dresses. On edit, I think the key word might be ROMANTIC.  I was taken by Shannon's use of the descriptor "Parisian chic." I myself am not sure what it might mean, for myself. But it resonates.  One other thing I nearly forgot is that I want to start experimenting with different cuts of jeans and trousers. I've been doing skinny jeans almost entirely, and it's time to mix it up! But being petite (for bottoms anyway--I can buy regular sizes up top), I am unsure which proportions would look good for me.  I also want *a little bit* more tailoring. I've always liked very drapey, clean, unstructured clothing. I have been wearing a lot of my Eileen Fisher linen tees this year. But I'm wanting to move away from that. I'm just afraid that a lot of structure on my body might not look right.  Before I forget again, I have to add that I hope to thoughtfully incorporate texture into my wardrobe. It's been lacking. Heavy, bulky texture is something I need to avoid, though.  The pic with the black moto jacket is, to me, a really nice example of textures coming together.  I have been collecting pics (I don't have my own Pinterest page--these are just pics I've found online) for years of pieces and looks I've really loved. I've reviewed them recently and interestingly, my tastes haven't changed. This is good in that it means I really know what I like. However, what I need to know is how to cut through all the general eye candy and figure out what actually serves me, considering my personal situation and the direction(s) I want to move in.  I'm including just a few things I've found recently. The black moto (which is again a kind of "tough" rather than feminine piece) sold out in the time it took me to write this! The Anthro dress is maybe a bit too feminine for me, but it's so pretty (it doesn't look really appropriate for tango). The white silk shirt is totally gorgeous; kind of expensive right now, but it's an ideal. The blue silk tie blouse was on sale last year when I was not checking things out online. I almost feel like it's a big job to keep up on what is coming out of the stores, and things I like sell out so quickly....Anyway, you can see that many things I love are pretty RANDOM.  Thank you for reading this looooong post! xoxo (Also I didn't know how to find the bookmarklet for these products, which mostly are not Custom Finds. Sorry for any confusion!)