https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:33:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1643050 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:40:31 +0000 Chris987 1643050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Suz I'm going to start trying stuff on soon, I know that's the only way to tell. </p> <p></p> <p>Firecracker...thanks for suggesting I follow Diana, will look at her style, and excellent comment about my hair! .I'm a little tired of the style and am indeed thinking of changing to something less classic. Like maybe a shorter side part/bob with no bangs. I love longer hair and my hair would work for that but with my small face/features the overall look is just too dreary&nbsp;when I let it grow</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1642953 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 04:14:51 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1642953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I'm nodding at what Janet wrote above, and it's great that she gave you some examples that resonate with you. I wonder if you might also be inspired by forum member <a href="http://youlookfab.com/member/akabori/" rel="nofollow">Diana</a>. Her style is roughly "elegant eclectic," and she is a pretty pear who is short-waisted. Her style is a great inspiration to me, as a sister eclectic/arty sort of dresser! </p> <p>Another thought: Your hairstyle is a classic style. It looks great on you. Does it reflect where you want to go with your style? (It might or might not--I don't know the answer.) But if you feel it is part of your "old" style and you're wanting something a little different, that could be part of your move. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1642871 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:31:13 +0000 Suz 1642871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are pretty. It all comes down to fit, though, so the only way to know is to give them a bash!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1642852 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:06:33 +0000 Chris987 1642852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm browsing several online stores and putting lots of ideas into my "finds" list..love that YLF feature Angie and Greg!! What do you think of this blouse/skirt combo from Anthropologie&nbsp;as possibilities for me? &nbsp;Seems both pieces would be versatile and could be worn together as a "dress" if the fit was just right. They do both come in petite sizes although the top is mostly sold out in all sizes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1642215 Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:20:37 +0000 Chris987 1642215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Tracey</b>, well said. </p> </p> <p><b>Isable,</b> yes I do think it will be tough, but it will be an adventure and I'm looking forward to it. Pinterest is a great idea, I have only been on that site a few times but will explore it more. </p> <p><b>Angie,</b> I agree it looks like Janet's style is a good thing for me to explore. I'm sure I'll find some others along the way too. </p> <p></p> <p>thanks so much everyone, I'll post some stuff once I have some ideas. Will be trying the fitting-room-selfie route so I can be really analytical about what I see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641827 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:59:16 +0000 Angie 1641827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like what Janet said. In fact, the kind of silhouettes that she wears may be of great inspiration to you.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641718 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:25:11 +0000 Isabel 1641718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is hard Chris. You are stepping into a somewhat unknown. Have you tried to get some ideas on Pinterst ? &nbsp;That has was really helpful for me when I wanted to tweak my style. I just pinned, pinned and pinned at first. Then I noticed many similarities in the vast pictures. That helped crystallize things a bit.</p> <p><div>And Janet's shirt suggestions are amazing. Good Luck !</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641712 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:20:49 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1641712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet said it so well. I too have a few that I've held onto and have layered them once in awhile. &nbsp;I think the tops Janet found are all great and definitely a step towards more femine style. &nbsp;Time to go have some fun experimenting and trying on other top styles and seeing how you feel about them. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641698 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 21:05:19 +0000 Chris987 1641698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Xtabay</b> thanks for the reminder about Angie's pear posting. I need to spend some time studying it, it's FULL of great info. </p> <p><b>BC</b> - good idea on cropped jacket over longer top, could use a few more casual jackets</p> <p><b>Unfrumped</b> - yes exactly, what you call "retail research" is just what I need to do.&nbsp;I'm already thinking about a specific mall and some&nbsp; boutiques...and I definitely need to get my head around the fewer/nicer idea. It's time. </p> <p><b>Rachylou</b> love your comment about your legs starting at your neck. LOL! . </p> <p><b>smittie</b> - great ideas..not sure about cropped flares or skinny jeans but I have several of the other items&nbsp;already and it's a &nbsp;good list to work from.</p> <p><b>Deb</b> - yeah there may still be something feminine&nbsp;about this shirt, but I think my definition of feminine may have changed over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641622 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 18:52:18 +0000 deb 1641622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that shirt as quite feminine. The style may be on the masculine side but the paisley overrides that to my eye. I think it could work into your new more feminine goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641589 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:59:30 +0000 Anonymous 1641589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Janet and others who have said that flowy tops are a good way to de-classic your wardrobe.</p> <p>Here are some other ideas:<br /> Long sweater over skinny jeans<br /> Pointy toe booties<br /> Cage sandals<br /> Open toe booties<br /> Leather jacket<br /> Geometric patterns like windowpane.<br /> I bet you could do the cropped kick flares which are the of-the-moment trend, if you wanted to.</p> <p>I really like your classic look (great blazer and shoes!) but can understand that sometimes you just want a change!<br /> Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641560 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:15:25 +0000 rachylou 1641560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so short waisted, I tell y'all, my legs start at my neck. I feel ya.</p> <p>So, the shirt *does* look really good on you. I wish I looked as good as you in a shirt. I like the fit in the shoulders. But I do see that it's very classic. I second Janet on drapier fabrics and blouses as opposed to shirts. Softer collars are something else to try. Or no collar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641542 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:17:33 +0000 unfrumped 1641542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just a hit and run response, but I agree that if you have a dept store, boutiques or other good B&amp;M stores in your area, just doing "retail research" can be very helpful. Set aside no-rush time, no expectations; Try on styles, colors, brands (no $$ worries for research) and see what lights your bulb. Like, this style but not in polyester. This sweater but I don't want to pay $300 (or maybe, just one great, versatile&nbsp;but higher-dollar sweater IS what I need rather than 15 so-so tops) . These colors compared to colors you used to like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641530 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:36:53 +0000 Anonymous 1641530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a pear, but I am short waisted, so I can relate. It took me a while to figure out that I'm better off not wearing a belt, and that a short-over-long silhouette (for example, cropped jacket over a longer top) looks really good. I agree that drapey, loose silouettes are flattering.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641509 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:00:47 +0000 Anonymous 1641509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fellow short-waisted pear shape here.</p> <p>If you haven't already, read Angie's advice on dressing the pear shape.&nbsp; It's so helpful!<br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2014/02/20/how-to-dress-the-pear-body-type-2014/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2014/02/.....type-2014/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641504 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:48:11 +0000 Chris987 1641504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bonnie, interestingly enough I have never found the tunic style to work on me, they are always too long (even in petites) if the shoulders fit, and&nbsp;the bottom&nbsp;hits&nbsp;at the&nbsp;widest part of my body...but I've always tried them in structured/woven fabrics so&nbsp;I should give the&nbsp;less structured and/or knit&nbsp;fabric ones a try.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>Janet, good point on fitting and alterations. I do most of my own alterations and agree that what you describe could be relatively simple to do. </p> <p>Already having a couple of AHA moments...go for knit/flowy fabrics, floral prints, drapey/loose silhouettes...:-) ...and skip the conventional collars....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641499 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:41:59 +0000 Angie 1641499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to run, Chris. But I will be back. Nice to see you post.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641491 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:35:38 +0000 Janet 1641491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another note about these drapey styles -- don't forget that tailoring can make a difference. With my particular body type, they can feel too roomy through the body because they tend to be a little longer on my short torso. That often means that the tops are a little longer, and I need to size up to accommodate my hips (and sometimes also my bustline). If the body feels too roomy on these styles when you try them, keep in mind that it's a simple alteration to take a bit in on the side seams so the fit is still easy but follows the line of the body more. I think that can really help when shifting from a tailored style to something a little looser that is still flattering and doesn't feel too big and billowy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641483 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:24:26 +0000 Bonnie 1641483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar body shape and have given up on this style of shirt because it is so hard for me to get the proportions right. I found tunic style tops work for my body, especially in a less structured, drapey, floaty style like Janet suggested. Have fun shopping and show us what you find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641476 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:15:00 +0000 Chris987 1641476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet, that is just the type of input&nbsp;I was looking for! Yes yes yes that "conventionally flattering" comment&nbsp;really hits home with me. &nbsp;Love all the ideas. Especially love that pleone black/white&nbsp;top since I really do like geometric prints...I need to start doing some&nbsp;"try on stuff I wouldn't normally wear" shopping trips.....</p> <p></p> <p>Hoping to hear from others....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641468 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:09:18 +0000 Janet 1641468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that shirt too -- I'm fond of paisley, and I am often drawn to tailored button-front shirts. However, at this point in my life, I don't wear that style of shirt very often at all, and I have too many of them that I hang onto because they fit me well and are conventionally flattering on my shape. I guess I keep them because they are classic, and in case some style starts to trend that can incorporate those shirts, or I figure out some styling that makes them feel fresh. But I wore one yesterday (although it was not a nice crisp one like yours) and felt a bit fidgety in it. </p> <p>If the color and print are what appeal to you, I suggest looking for different styles of tops in similar colors or prints. Try something a little less structured, and more drapey or floaty. You may need a tank top or cami underneath if it's a little sheer, but that can be a nice look. I've included some random finds from my collection just to illustrate some silhouettes. </p> <p>This many help you feel more current, and also help move you towards the softer, more feminine style you are wanting to adopt. </p> <p>I am also short-waisted and pear-ish, so I understand some of your fit issues! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-my-style-persona-how-to-get-started#post-1641446 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:28:34 +0000 Chris987 1641446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Hi everyone.</p> <p>&nbsp;I’ve been wanting to change my style persona for a while, from my long-standing Classic/Menswear/Sporty to something more feminine (but not too many ruffles/bows) and fashion-forward. I’m not even sure which of the style personas suggested here on YLF represent what I’m looking for. I agree with&nbsp;the things Mac said in her recent forum posting “how to cull one’s closets”... tough to get started, can’t just purge everything, looking for advice. </p> <p>&nbsp;I have a body type that is difficult to style (I guess we all say that, don’t we) - short, short waisted, pear. I am using the red paisley shirt below as a metaphor for getting myself started. I really like this shirt, for reasons unclear to me (maybe the color), but have not worn in in quite a few years and I think it does NOT fit the new persona I want. I finally decided to make an effort to style it, the results are below. the&nbsp;3rd one with skinny&nbsp;jeans is purposely with one leg rolled up as an experiment.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;I’m thinking it’s time to let it go. What can I learn from this shirt and my attempts to style it? Is this&nbsp;styling completely stuck in my old personas? (I think so). Be honest, you will NOT hurt my feelings :-)</p> <p>Thanks so much in advance.</p> <p></p>