https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:48:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379438 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:07:35 +0000 Suntiger 2379438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to do that. I'd hunt for the harder things with no success, then buy an "easy win" to make me feel better.<br /> My solution now is that I don't let myself buy-or even look for- the easy things until I've bought the less fun or more difficult ones.<br /> Dresses in particular are problematic when size and shape fluctuate, in my experience. Even 10 pounds can make a huge difference whether a dress works well or not, so they end up getting much fewer wears. Bras are something worn daily, so though more expensive, the CPW goes to basically nothing quickly. </p> <p>Big yay to trying the bra converters and checking thrift shops for belts. I think I paid $5 for 3 of the converters and have found nice leather belts at charity shops for a dollar or two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379421 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 01:07:37 +0000 DonnaF 2379421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I have a number of bras in a style that comes with hooks to convert them into racer backs. Not sure if I lost weight after I bought them or if my breasts simply lost volume, but I discovered that if I made the bras racer back it solved the problem of extra room in the cups. There’s also plastic thingies one can buy to function as converters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379417 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:38:02 +0000 Suz 2379417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those pieces really are screaming your name. I hope you try them!&nbsp;</p> <p>As to bra and undie shopping...sigh. Yes. It's not fun.&nbsp;</p> <p>I take a size that is not widely available at retail here. And if I do find it, the cost is exorbitant. </p> <p>I have been saved by the NAS sale -- I found a few bras that fit me and I like that are almost always available at the sale and every year I stock up. Most years I only need to buy one and the others are still rotating (I try to have a dark and a light in one of my styles, and two darks and two lights in the other style, at various ages/ stages but none worn out) It is still an expensive proposition, but far less than it would be at the sale price, and if I look into it once a year I can forget about it the rest of the year.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379368 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:42:42 +0000 SarahD8 2379368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ket</b> a thing that I did last year that worked well for me was to set an annual clothing budget and then divide it into categories. One of the categories was "wardrobe basics" (sensu Angie: undies, sleepwear, socks, gear) and I also made a list of what I needed that I could check off as I went. I found that putting these less-fun things to shop for on a list of priorities (I actually put them at the top of the list!) directed my focus to them, and it worked in terms of getting me to actually address an area of my wardrobe in which I often under-buy.</p> <p>I really like <b>Lisa</b>'s idea of stocking up on preferred brands at designated times of year to go along with sales. Smart! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379356 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:45:49 +0000 Lisa 2379356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I set aside twice a year to replenish my basics like bras, undies, and socks. The first is during NAS where I can usually snatch up Hanky Panky thongs, Bombas socks, and True &amp; Co bras on sale. The second time of year I shop for these items is around Black Friday, this is when I can usually get my favorite Jockey bras, undies, and sleepwear on sale, along with Smartwool socks because both companies usually do a sale for the upcoming Christmas season at this time of year.</p> <p>Having designated times of year that I shop helps me keep my basics replenished at a sale price, which I appreciate because indeed they are not as much fun to shop for as the clothing items that you see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379263 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:54:23 +0000 Carol 2379263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had a tad bit more disposable income this year, which makes your problem less of one for me--I can get the undies, but also snatch the occasional sale dress.&nbsp;</p> <p>One thing that works for me has been realizing I don't need a lot of stuff. I went almost a year without jeans recently, which is unfathomable to a lot of people. But what are jeans other than a type of pants? And I had pants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Other than that, getting over impulse spending is really just a slow, painful practice. For me, anyway. Just as you might slowly cut down on coffee, you slowly get better at avoiding the fun purchases. Slowly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379262 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:48:37 +0000 VioletMyra 2379262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Ket, I feel your pain when it comes to belt in my size . . . men's belts fit BUT they aren't what I want. Are you interested in wearing obis? I made two out of silk ties purchased from thrift stores - each obi took two ties. They are perfect for me. If you're interested, search youtube for tutorials; there are many ideas for placing the ties to get different shaped obis. Best wishes to all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379261 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:34:23 +0000 Jaime 2379261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to answer this from the perspective of second hand shopping, because that is the only extra insight I have to offer. In terms of bras, and I agree they are the most annoying thing to shop but so worth it, you can often find new with tag bras at a considerable discount on ebay. Just in case you find something you really like but don't want to spend the retail price. Belts I would look at the men's dept. for longer lengths. Belts are often overlooked in the thrift store. Scarves similarly - it take patience to look through a basket of ugly scarves but in the end I have found a few treasures. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379255 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 01:10:46 +0000 Ket 2379255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal</b> thank you! I’m on pins and needles until both pieces arrive. I’m never sure how something will fit until I can try it on and see how it shakes out. It’s so helpful hearing the breakdown of underthing brands that you own! Some of these brand names are new to me. And it’s so cool your friend ensigns undergarments! I will have to peek (no pun intended) at the website! </p> <p>Side note. We used to have KMart in America. In fact, the store was founded here. (Coincidentally, the founder of KMart’s mansion just went up for sale.) The chain didn’t fare well in the 2000s. The last store in the US mainland just closed last year. They have a few remaining stores in the US Virgin Islands. I used to visit Kmart a lot asa child and teen. I’m a bit sad it’s no longer around. Anyway, fun to see the name and know someone has a KMart to visit in another country!. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379254 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:26:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 2379254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Cat, thank you about Triumph. Wow, 1886! I had no idea… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379253 Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:12:25 +0000 Sal 2379253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see you in both these pieces - and the prices are good!</p> <p>I do have quite a few bras just to clarify - but down to one nude, no seams, etc that I can wear under white tops.</p> <p>I like Jockey underwear (for knickers) but I also have Bendon, Triumph, Naran (my friend designs this) as well as Lululemon and some from KMart (equivalent of Target I think).&nbsp; With bras again a range from Naran, Berlei, Triumph, Bendon, Pleasure State.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379251 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:05:03 +0000 Ket 2379251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Val</b>, No apologies necessary, truly &lt;3 I am a verbose writer at times and pack a lot into a post ha! So no worries at all That is a good point about unwired having more give for fluctuations. I have been wearing unwired sports bras the last 3-4 years. But I'm ready to upgrade to a bralette or bra as I heal. Curvy Kate has a lot of lovely things! Thank you again for the link. I've already been looking at their site and bookmarking several styles to consider trying.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379249 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:54:06 +0000 Val 2379249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ket, sorry, I got carried away by a favorite subject and missed your point about health issues and weight fluctuations. I would not be excited to buy a bra that only fits for 2-3 month…<br /> Did you look into unwired bralettes? They may handle a little more size change. I think Curvy Kate has some too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379247 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:31:35 +0000 Ket 2379247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Val, it's so lovely hearing from someone with an opposite problem! I used to love lots of undergarments and bought quite a bit. But went through a lot of health challenges for 4 years, and kind of lost my verve for nice under things. Anyway. I love these suggestions you gave me. So thank you! Off to look at the links :D&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379246 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:28:39 +0000 The Cat 2379246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, Val, and others,<br /> Triumph and Sloggi are international. More info here: <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_International" rel="nofollow">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wik.....ernational</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379243 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:17:37 +0000 Val 2379243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>We get Sloggi in Europe (France and Portugal at least), I like them a lot.</div><div>DIM is similar</div><div><br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.dim.com/en-us"><div><div><div><div><a href="https://www.dim.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.dim.com</a> › en-us</div></div></div></div></a><div><div><div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></p> <p></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379242 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:14:25 +0000 Val 2379242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>ohh, I have exactly opposit problem, I love buying underwear and have realistically much more then I need. Buying clothes is ok, buying shoes and acessories is very difficult. <br /></div><div>Maybe you could set some time apart just to look up what lingerie market has to offer now, gather the inbformation, get inspired, without commitement to buying. <br /></div><div>like for exemple, this one is from Curvy Kate<br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.curvykate.com/products/curvy-kate-victory-balcony-bra-papaya?variant=43669825126555"><a href="https://www.curvykate.com/products/curvy-kate-victory-balcony-bra-papaya?variant=43669825126555" rel="nofollow">https://www.curvykate.com/prod.....9825126555</a><br /></a></div><div>this is from Playful Promises</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://us.playfulpromises.com/products/playful-promises-ramona-red-strap-detail-illusion-sheer-plunge-bra">https://us.playfulpromises.com.....sheer-plun</a></div><div><br /></div><div>these two are from Maison Close, just for the fun, to see what is in - prices are crazy, sizes also, and most of their stuff is not very flattering when worn under the actual clothes (they are kind of not ment to). But the quality is great and I just like to see the styles</div><div><br /></div><div><br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.maison-close.com/products/wire-bra-blue-angel">https://en.maison-close.com/pr.....blue-angel</a></p> <p></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.maison-close.com/collections/bras/products/brassiere-bra-pink-french-kiss">https://en.maison-close.com/co.....rench-kiss</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I will not go further about expensive undies for I fear I will be tempted :)<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379241 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:25:06 +0000 Ket 2379241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b>, I'm hoping the dress fits and flatters! Definitely good deal for $10! Such a bummer when a brand goes out of business or discontinues a product! I'm glad you found another brand. I've never heard of Sloggi, but have heard of Triumph! I'll have to look at them. Thank you :D&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379240 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:14:47 +0000 Jenni NZ 2379240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually maybe it’s a global brand? Made by Triumph. I only thought it was Australian perhaps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379238 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:58:33 +0000 Jenni NZ 2379238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow the dress looks amazing! Fancy getting that for $10!<br /> My longest lasting undies were bought from a supermarket and I was sad when you could no longer get them. I have found another sort from our easy department store called Farmers. A bit more costly but often on sale. An Aussie brand called “Sloggi”, of all strange names. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379237 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:46:52 +0000 Ket 2379237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I so agree, <b>Carla</b>! My bust tends to be a bit low and a good bra makes all the difference. I'm going to try an inexpensive minimizer bra soon. It has high reviews, so we'll see. My weight has fluctuated some as I heal. So still not ready to spend the big bucks on bras until my body fluctuates less. Undies though! I am over cheap undies!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379235 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:43:02 +0000 Carla 2379235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A good bra can make a world of difference with how an outfit&nbsp;<i>looks</i>! &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>I found some undies I really, really liked over 2 years ago, and stocked up. &nbsp;Like 18 pair. &nbsp;And, 5 new bras that set me back almost $500 this past summer. &nbsp;I’ve got to say the bras are doing their job - and in comfort! &nbsp;2 black, 2 beige, and for funsies - one red!</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379234 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:29:44 +0000 Ket 2379234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal</b>, hopefully you can buy a second bra soon! Bras do make getting dressed so much better. I am going to try an inexpensive minimizer bra soon that has very high reviews; we'll see how it goes! My size has been shifting enough that I don't dare go for the higher end stuff I usually purchase. However, I also don't want to live in seamless nylon sports bras anymore, either. Do you mind sharing which brand of knickers you purchase?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379233 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:27:08 +0000 Ket 2379233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is so much more fun! And way more visual payoff too. So those are good insights.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Bras truly are expensive! I will say I still haven't invested in good, proper bras. My weight has shifted again. Until my health fully heals, I just don't have the desire to spend $50-100+ on a single bra. It just pains me to buy a bra that might only fit for 2-3 months. So I am making do with inexpensive bras for now. Undies though-- I do need some better undies. I'm over cheap undies!! So that might be worth the investment. They have more wiggle room with sizing compared to bras, I feel.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The dress and sort-of dress screaming my name. Tell me what you think! I actually already ordered them. The dress is final sale, but for $10 it feels worth the gamble. The split body sweater top is something I just love. I have a long knit cardigan I've worn to pills and tatters over two years. I have a feeling I will likely love this sweater to bits even if we get an early spring.&nbsp; </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.citychiconline.com/plus-size-sale/plus-size-dress-wrap-swing-219757ginger?catfilter=eyJpZCI6Ijc1MzIiLCJwcmljZS1yYW5nZXMiOmZhbHNlLCJjb2xvcl9mYW1pbHkiOiIyNTM4IiwicHJpY2UiOiIxLjAwLTIwLjAxIn0%3D">https://www.citychiconline.com.....ilter=eyJp</a></p> <p> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.citychiconline.com/plus-size-new/longline-split-sweater-copper">https://www.citychiconline.com.....ter-copper</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379230 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:20:08 +0000 Sal 2379230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bras are so expensive. It can be off putting. But it does make getting dressed so much easier. Right now I have one nude no show bra and I need a second and it is limiting my daily choices.</p> <p>I actually like buying underwear but I do need a refresh and have been putting it off as the retailer I want to go to is on the other side of the city. </p> <p>I agree with Angie’s thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379228 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:11:49 +0000 Angie 2379228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! This makes perfect sense, <b>Ket</b>! You are not alone in feeling this way ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>It's soooo much more fun and exciting to buy items that you can visually SEE in your outfit. And that most of the world can see too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wardrobe Basics like bras and knickers are workhorses that need our attention at least once a year, but it can be hard to spend the money. Undies are pricey. Especially bras! I empathize.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>My 2 cents:<br /></u><br />Try the dress that is screaming your name - (and I want to see the dress!) You need to get that out of your system. Then prioritize the other items. Get one bra, perhaps. A few pairs of knickers. See how you go.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buying-undies-when-the-dress-is-screaming-my-name-how-to-prioritize-shopping-needs-and-goals#post-2379227 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:57:52 +0000 Ket 2379227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I have some basic needs or small holes in my wardrobe. Yet somehow, I find myself going for the easy wins such as sale gems. For some reason, buying new accessories or undergarments feels like changing a lightbulb that's been burned out for months.&nbsp;<i><br /><b></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm always soooo glad when I buy the necessary things. The pay-off is huge. I know this and yet... somehow it's hard to say yes to the undies when I could say yes to fab new dress or blouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Currently I need&nbsp;</div><div> <ul> <li>new undies&nbsp;</li> <li>1-2 new bras&nbsp;</li> <li>new belts -- I've been using the same single belt for 3-4 years now and it's time to expand</li> <li>new scarves -- see belt issue, I've been using one scarf for a while</li> </ul> </div><div>Belts and scarves feel a bit challenging. I know what I want when I see it. Also, sizing can be tricky with belts right now, as I need larger sizes. I Thrifting in my town is now very limited. (The local thrift store that used to sell amazing things has downsized and now only sells hiking and skiing apparel.) I haven't dug through Postmark or eBay yet, but considering it.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't search the forum yet; wasn't sure which terms to use. (This subject has probably been discussed extensively but my brain isn't remembering specific people or posts.) So, feel free to point me to other posts where this has been discussed. Hit me with your best thoughts and strategies &lt;3</p> <p></div> </p>