YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Changing preferences

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Changing preferences https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:49:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Vildy on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668535 Sat, 28 May 2016 00:43:07 +0000 Vildy 1668535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisap, it would be easy to gently curve the waist arc into a tee shirt and I do this kind of thing all the time.  I do it with sweaters, too. I've heard this kind of fit called a skimming fit. It just follows your curves. Ledonna N. on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668465 Fri, 27 May 2016 22:55:27 +0000 Ledonna N. 1668465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey Jill.    I just found the sweet spot this year for tops.  I have felt exactly what your feeling.  For a long time I would just cover up with jackets and vest.  I find that I really like flowly but not to flowly.  My style has shifted because of 2 reasons.  Dealing with the change "personal summers" and dancing.  I always overheat and I don't like things that are to clingy. Janet on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668385 Fri, 27 May 2016 20:51:28 +0000 Janet 1668385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, lots of interesting insights and ideas here. Thanks for chiming in, everyone. I'm on my phone now, so it's too hard to respond in detail, but all of the responses have helped me pinpoint some of the issues I'm having and what I would like to wear in the future. Style Fan on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668357 Fri, 27 May 2016 19:55:28 +0000 Style Fan 1668357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am rethinking some of my tops too.  I have mostly good quality T shirts (long sleeved, 3/4 sleeved and short sleeved) that skim my body.  I have 2 flowy T shirts.  Zero button ups.  Suddenly I want cropped tops for summer.  Not huge boxy ones but not body con.  In between. I think it is because I am wearing high waisted jeans.  Now my tops need to change. Anonymous on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668315 Fri, 27 May 2016 18:41:55 +0000 Anonymous 1668315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have taken Angie's advice this summer and wearing lightweight merino t-shirts instead of regular tshirts and they're just perfect--just dressy enough for work, and just tight enough to provide some structure. I prefer this look to the semi-tuck....it's just a little neater. I think you can change your mind about what you like without it having to do with your body changing. Anonymous on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668281 Fri, 27 May 2016 18:02:21 +0000 Anonymous 1668281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I'm understanding this (although I NEVER wear button down shirts) - and my version of it is being totally over basic square cut tops and t's. I want some movement and drape, and don't want fitted, but nor do I want shapeless boxes.  I noticed this today when I wore a knit top (a "pretty t" as Aviamariah called them above)  that was not cut straight down from the underarm, but actually curved in at the waist a bit. Not tight , but tailored in. It sits so much better on me, and is SO much more flattering worn out over pants than a basic straight cut t.  It made me wonder how ridiculous it would be to have my t-shirts tailored in this way. But these seem so hard to find in a top that doesn't look too "missy" or polyesterish.    Oversize isn't the answer either.   I agree with Alaskagirl -finding them in a hip-enough look is a challenge.   catgirl on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668273 Fri, 27 May 2016 17:50:44 +0000 catgirl 1668273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting, Janet. I think we've both quit even our Equipment shirts which are not stiff at all. I think I'm pretty consistent in what I want from tops and that has not changed much. But FINDING those tops - edgy, flattering to an IT, in my color and fabrics- is close to impossible. Maybe that's why I haven't tired of them yet - they are still a HEWI! Gail on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668268 Fri, 27 May 2016 17:46:39 +0000 Gail 1668268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet you have verbalized what my problem is, I have  tops but often nothing  seems right.  I don't have a huge amount of true button downs (I think of these as having buttons all the way down ) but I have a few and now I realize why I don't like them. Some of them I think the fabric is too crisp and stiff and doesn't sit right.The silkier the fabric the better I am with them. I bought a few items this past week and there were button downs ! The white one is actually quite crisp but more of a tunic and I got a petite so it's not super long . It has a straightness to it so it isn't too voluminous and yet it isn't too fitted. The blue one from Talbots is silky and has a pleat in the back and stitch detailing so that it flows without being huge or too fitted. I got the blue to go with the Zara pants I purchased in NYC when I went on Monday. The denim one is very soft and also not voluminous. I cannot wear anything that clings to my mid section and that is ruling out 90% of the T shirts I own so I really need a major closet purge. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668241 Fri, 27 May 2016 17:00:25 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1668241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I have been on the lookout for pretty t shirts and I like what Aviamariah just posted. Returning to the original topic, I have this problem all the time. Lately my issue is that I like all my tops in principle but am not satisfied with the length. Particularly with flared silhouettes, I seem to want something slightly cropped with no chance of actual skin exposure, and I only have a couple of items that fit that bill. AviaMariah on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668217 Fri, 27 May 2016 16:17:47 +0000 AviaMariah 1668217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was just looking at my closet and wondering how I got so many button down shirt that I haven't worn once this year! For one they need to be ironed which I hate to do. Also,I collected many of them over the two year I was nursing babies and they are perfect for that. But one thing that I love about button downs is they help hide a little extra around the tummy which I seem to have acquired in the last few months. I did just add what I call pretty tshirts. Aziraphale on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668216 Fri, 27 May 2016 16:17:00 +0000 Aziraphale 1668216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I know exactly what you mean. I struggle with tops in general. I went on a fitted button-front shirt kick about three years ago, when I discovered that they gave the illusion of a waist without clinging to anything! And for a while, it was a good solution. But I haven't reached for a fitted shirt for a very long time. The last time I put one on was for my mother's funeral, but I took it off again and wore something else. I can't put my finger on why. I can't offer a lot of advice that hasn't already been said. Maybe try tops that aren't quite as oversized, but still collapse against your body? Linen blends often work well for me. Tee shirts that aren't just plain tee shirts work too -- what I mean is, tops that skirt the line between tee shirt and blouse. When you say you're going to be more selective in future, I'm nodding along. Me too. Chris987 on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668185 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:30:11 +0000 Chris987 1668185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what Roxanna said about Maneera....very interesting. I'm like that about purses/bags...I tend to tire of them quickly although that is gradually changing. It tends to keep me from investing in higher end ones. Maybe if I had a higher-end one or two I would not tire of it....but it is a very useful thing to know about yourself ... Roxanna on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668180 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:22:05 +0000 Roxanna 1668180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - I am with you here! I have also tired of loose, oversize fits - I think that I too oversaturated my closet with them, and now  I am tired of wearing tops that are too voluminous. I love Angie's solutions. The other thing that i have found works are tees in slightly dressier fabrications - stiff cotton, or linen particularly works well, and BR has a couple of tees with with sheen that makes them a bit dressier. Viva also posted about some tees from Aritzia that looked dressier.  Like Angie said and I think Aida has said before, I am loathe to get rid of all my voluminous tops bc I simply have so many of them now, so i do a half tuck, wear a jacket for structure, or tie them on the side. Though when I buy tops now, I do size down for a more tailored fit. Maneera - what an interesting insight you have made about yourself - that your style evolves more quickly and accordingly you tire of things more quickly. That is such a relevant and applicable insight to apply to your wardrobe. I have to think about this a little more - I suspect the answer for me could really impact my wardrobe size. Angie on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668178 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:16:36 +0000 Angie 1668178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of course, Tex. And high five.  texstyle on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668170 Fri, 27 May 2016 15:08:10 +0000 texstyle 1668170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Got it Angie - so maybe I'm not really loving button downs either these days. Thanks for making the distinction! Angie on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668166 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:59:23 +0000 Angie 1668166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tex, no.  I make important distinctions. The citron is a VERY soft and oversized blouse. The ink blue shirt has these amazing net trims that you can't see in the pic, and a big box pleat at the back to create a trapeze shape. The black is a stretchy form fitting lace shirt. The only true button down shirt here is the denim.  THIS is what I call a button down shirt:  texstyle on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668164 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:51:15 +0000 texstyle 1668164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie - aren't some of those shirts in your Finds still button downs? I mean the citron one, the navy ones - and the others with buttons down the front? Maybe I'm generalizing what a button down is, I do mentally put my popovers in that category even though they only button down part of the way. Is it only tailored style button downs that are losing favor? If I tucked any of my tops all the way into my bottoms these days I would feel "off" I think - like it was bunchy at the wrong spot. Angie on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668154 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:36:25 +0000 Angie 1668154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES. I hit this challenge with clients all the time - and it's been going on for years. Tops are either too roomy or too body con, and very few people like to wear button down shirts that hit the right width in the midsection. Also, T-shirts are often too casual.  The best ways we've been able to temper things is by semi-tucking soft tops for structure, sizing down, opting for very lightweight knitwear, and wearing tailored jackets over roomier fits.  Furthermore, my preferences have changed too. High five, Janet. Over the last year since I changed my moniker to "Urban Pretty", I hardly wear my button down shirts that fit well and look good (apart from the denim shirt). They are a slam dunk on my body type. Yet, I want something prettier and more girly. These are tops that I grab all the time at the moment:  Peri on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668153 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:21:30 +0000 Peri 1668153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here it is. Peri on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668152 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:21:12 +0000 Peri 1668152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Meanwhile, I'm stocking up on some volume while it's here! I see that tops are already moving shorter while I'm still in love with longer...I'm afraid we will be back to more fitted pretty soon. And I know I won't want that, since I've never wanted fitted tops in my life. I longed for drapey, long before drapey arrived! Well, in my case it is body type. I'm not super busty, but busty enough to draw some attention, and it is attention that I have never liked. Eyes off the girls please! But, volume...I don't mean the extreme type. Just something that flows. Maybe you would like this top? I love it! Bought it in red, and apples is on its way now. Drawback...polyester. But the nicest kind, feels like silk.  Okay, I'm going to have to go "find" it. I'll add in a minute. Carla on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668149 Fri, 27 May 2016 14:12:48 +0000 Carla 1668149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ugh! I WANT to love my button downs (classic white, pale blue and white stripe) but I'm not loving the way they bulge out in front when tucked in, and the tails are too long to wear untucked. I only feel good when they are worn under something - like a jacket, or sweater - and summer is not the time for adding another layer. Like you, I was thinking that maybe some judicious tailoring might do the trick, but I'm not sure it would be worth it. My favourite type of top is T-shirt style (fitted across the back) with short, or 3/4 sleeves, and ruching or draping at the front. Maneera on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668140 Fri, 27 May 2016 13:49:47 +0000 Maneera 1668140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Seems like you are in my head, Janet! Well, I've been feeling very similarly. (I have mentioned earlier that my not-so-slim midsection is making me a wee bit more conscious & picky). I've always had trouble fitting jeans, not tops....so what's up with that?! I have actually removed all button downs from my closet. Like you, I just feel 'off' in them. They fit & everything but they don't 'fit' into my current dressing mood/style. I don't want to get rid of them just yet, so I've packed them away. Fitted tops feel wrong, very voluminous tops feel wrong too. So I hear your pain! I DID go shopping and bought a few tops though. Some are wovens designed much like a tee, so they fit close to the body but don't cling. Some are knits with a trapeze shape so the slight flare at the midsection area is more forgiving while the top is fitted. I am learning that I don't like the same style for very long. My style evolves faster, so it's best to not invest heavily into any style. 6-7 tops a year are plenty for me becoz I'll wear them over & over and then just be "done" by the time next season rolls in. texstyle on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668139 Fri, 27 May 2016 13:48:18 +0000 texstyle 1668139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I'd need to see some of the voluminous tops you are talking about to comment about alterations. I still wear button downs or popover styles some but my style is different, more casual with a hint of preppy I guess. But I hear you on the midsection as of course we all do tend to change shape a bit over time and I'm no exception.  I wonder if you have any really light, breezy button downs in your wardrobe? I think my button downs are all so casual, light weight and breezy that I'm still enjoying some of them. I have gauze, linen and lawn weight cotton mostly for summer. I don't mind a voluminous button down once in a while -- I recently got the very light weight plaid one in my Finds and prefer to wear it untucked or just slightly tucked in front, with slimmer shorts and simple sneaks. It's probably not the most flattering in a conventional way - but it reminds me of summer camp or something (which I never attended so it's just the "idea" of summer camp). At first I thought it was too boxy, much like the new white long tee, which is also larger than my usual style - but both have become regular items for me now that I've worn them a couple of times. I have a navy linen button down that I'm loving again after not much wear last year - I like to wear it untucked, sleeves rolled jcrew style - it is a slighter slimmer cut and looks nice over shorts when I leave the bottom button undone and keep a deep v at the top. Eliza on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668136 Fri, 27 May 2016 13:43:23 +0000 Eliza 1668136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joining this club, Janet. I have a couple of cotton button downs that I have never worn, though I put them on and reject them. I have purged most of my hyper voluminous tops, yet some of what I am left with is too clingy on the mid-section which is still in recovery from two years of reduced activity after injuries.I hang onto a few classic button downs, just in case. I also have silk blouses and a couple of silk tees. Somehow, I am too precious about the blouses, and will wear the silk tees, but not as routinely as something I can throw in the wash.  In addition to the wish for the perfect land of body skimming and bulge concealing tops, I am finding that collars and buttons can add variables to a look (especially a three piece outfit), that I don't want to deal with. I am liking cleaner lines. So I am now trying a variety of brands of tee shirts, seeking quality fabric, no excess volume but a little "secret keeping" and some oomph. Can't say there are a lot slam dunks with it so far, though I just received an order from Uniqlo. I have never tried their tees and the cotton ones are thick, some have a bit of detailing and they look well made (haven't washed yet). They have a range of silhouettes. I also found a JJill one that was well made and nicer fabric than many. I churn summer tops more than anything in my closet and just don't want to buy flimsy ones.  You are not alone. Anonymous on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668131 Fri, 27 May 2016 13:34:04 +0000 Anonymous 1668131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't been wearing button front tops, as they don't usually fit my shoulders and biceps, unless I go up in size and they become boxy. I also struggle with just the right fit on tops so they are flattering. I've been thinking about this and how it relates to wovens vs. knits. I'd like to wear more wovens as I find they can look more put together, but find more difficulty achieving a good fit with them. So I end up in knits by default. And although I'd like to exclusively blame a boxy shape on the cut of top, I am fighting against too boxy on many tops of both fabrics. But I also don't want clinging. I want it to skim. Chris987 on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668126 Fri, 27 May 2016 13:09:26 +0000 Chris987 1668126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes same thing for me. Not feeling the button down shirts at all any more, and finding it tough to find tops that are streamlined enough to flatter but not too voluminous or long...aka "cuts that follow the line of my body without clinging".  I don't' have a collection of the too-voluminous ones to work with like you do Janet. I've also been ordering a lot online  and it's really hit-or-miss to get ones that meet all my fit/color/fabric goals. Stores don't seem to have enough of a selection either.  It is a bit frustrating! I like your idea of getting some of the tops altered to make them slimmer..if they are ones you really like otherwise. Bonnie on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668120 Fri, 27 May 2016 12:53:58 +0000 Bonnie 1668120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had this happen to me. Last year I had only button front shirts. I joined YLF and started taking photos which made me look for more flattering tops. I've added about 15 new tops and the ones I like best are as you described, "cuts that follow the line of my body without clinging".  Janet on "Changing preferences" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/changing-preferences#post-1668113 Fri, 27 May 2016 12:40:13 +0000 Janet 1668113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I'm due for some more closet editing. Every time I have tried to wear a cotton button-front shirt lately, I have just not been feeling it. During our all-too-brief Spring weather, I tried a few times but just felt "off" in these shirts. The problem is, the alternative seems to be either more voluminous tops, when I don't necessarily want to wear volume on top, or a knit/tee, which felt too casual, or a silk blouse, which felt a bit too dressy or precious. I think I'm having a little trouble with not enough tops in my closet that straddle the line between too fitted and voluminous. What's up with that? Is it just me becoming more aware of the need to flatter my midsection, which is not as slim as it used to be? I just seem to be getting pickier about tops, and want cuts that follow the line of my body without clinging. Maybe I invested too heavily in more voluminous cuts a couple of years ago and have tired of them. Maybe I can have some altered to take out a bit of volume. Has anyone else had this kind of thing happen? I'm sure we all have changing preferences from time to time. I'm so used to having an easy time finding tops that work well for me, maybe this is just my cue to be more selective moving forward. In the meantime, there are a couple of shirts in my closet in pretty colors and prints that will probably at least go in my holding zone (although my holding zone needs a review too! Too much there!).