https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:41:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1970235 Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:05:42 +0000 taylor 1970235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Closet purging /editing on this scale is a huge job and quite time consuming, Your post is extremely helpful<br /> Congtates on a job well done ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1970230 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 23:07:23 +0000 Colette 1970230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to be redundant but THIS IS IMPRESSIVE! Congratulations!!!</p> <p>When you said, “I no longer have items that require effort or energy to style.” I realized I have more work to do in my closet and a new new wardrobe goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1970218 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 22:26:25 +0000 Barbara Diane 1970218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impressive edit and interesting write up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969755 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 14:50:31 +0000 cheryl 1969755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic insights. Great job! Thanks for sharing, its very inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969669 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 06:27:55 +0000 Bijou 1969669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, you have made wonderful progress. Your honesty and insights have helped me in editing my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969655 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 04:14:02 +0000 cindysmith 1969655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Holy moly, that's some impressive work you did! So very proud of you XOXO </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969558 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 23:08:43 +0000 Cee 1969558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That may have taken a bit of time ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969527 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 22:29:30 +0000 Staysfit 1969527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MANY THANKS TO ANGIE WHO INSPIRED ME TO EDIT MY CLOSET, AND TO FOLLOW MY HEART WHEN IT COMES TO MY STYLE CHOICES. I have learned so much from Angie, and I put it all into play when I did this edit. I found myself thinking in terms I have learned from Angie, for example, essentials, basics, statements, wardrobe workhorses, etc. I tried not to overthink or analyze, which has been my tendency, and instead used my emotions as a guide, only stopping to analyze once I had things sorted. I no longer have items that require effort or energy to style. Everything fits in, mixes and matches, works for my life and most importantly feels like “me”.</p> <p>Jessikams and Kathie, belts seem hard to find for some reason. The belts I kept should work for everything, but I would prefer a choice of silver hardware. I removed 9 belts from my closet, most were in warm color tones that I haven’t worn since I let my hair turn grey. I am left with one medium reddish brown belt with an alligator print that reverses to a flat black. I have a navy leather belt with a squared brass buckle. I have a textured matte silver leather belt which is showing enough wear to warrant replacement, but it serves as a wardrobe workhorse. I decided to keep it until a suitable replacement turns up. It makes note for future reference that If I had a crunch for space, I would look for metallic silver belts, handbags and shoes. It would be nice to have a grey or mid tone blue belt but I can do without until I bump into something that meets my criteria. I’m looking for raspberry red/fuschia and turquoise/light teal to use as statement pieces. I kept two statement belts. One is a deep reddish pink wide belt with a rounded silver buckle. I love it! I want its skinny cousin to wear with jeans.... I also kept an old leopard print calf hair belt, and pair it with a similarly toned and patterned handbag bag and loafers. The leopard accessories capsule allows me to add this current/trendy print without veering from my color palette :-)</p> <p>SarahD8, Runcarla, does the dye in printed silk run when it’s washed? I have quite a few silk prints and have been afraid to try handwashing them. I sometimes handwash solids.</p> <p>Suz, your insight and ability to articulate your thoughts is truly amazing. I agree that our paths have been similar in many ways. Education, family and career drew my time and attention and I didn’t take time to develop my wardrobe. Once I had time I had to give myself permission to become truly self indulgent. My original wardrobe goals lacked specificity. I had very little sense of what I liked and wanted from my wardrobe. Some of the most helpful early steps included figuring out an appropriate color palette,getting new glasses frames, thinking about my professional and personal roles and considering my functional wardrobe needs for each. I read the two books you suggested —-Style Statement, and Triumph of Individual Style, and I read all the daily posts from Angie and Inge, and along with this the crucial experimenting/purchasing phase to figure out how to pull everything together into a personal recipe for style. I essentially built a foundation of style and fashion knowledge. Four years seems long to me; it’s like I have earned an undergraduate degree. I don’t believe I have been particularly smart with this process either. It has been expensive, often frivolous, and involved more time than I expected. </p> <p>When I started, my closet was filled with the equivalent of comfort food, but there was nothing with true nutritional value. Now, my closet feels substantial, well stocked and filled with nourishing choices. The biggest skill I have developed is to trust my emotions and feelings. I don’t think I can repeat that too many times. I am more honest with myself about myself. The distortion and avoidance tactics have been pared away. There was a noticeable shift sometime recently where I stopped being distracted by what worked for other people if it didn’t fit my needs or sense of style. I get great ideas and insight from this forum, but I filter them better. The other very important factor in my success has been building the foundation of knowledge mentioned above. Without a foundation, it is hard to build onto what exists or to sort through and pick out the relevance of new information. It’s kind of like saying “the more you know, the more you can know”. </p> <p>Toban, you are so correct about the casualization of the workplace. I found myself nodding as I read what you wrote about being at a more established point career wise, and how that offers some additional flexibility and allowance for more individual style as opposed to sticking with the traditional uniform and dress code, written or unwritten of a given workplace. </p> <p>Sterling, yes, I agree. I have also been fascinated by what people are learning about themselves as they have done these edits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969509 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 21:57:30 +0000 Cardiff girl 1969509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well done to you and your very useful friend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969504 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 21:49:46 +0000 kkards 1969504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>congratulations on doing the hard work, on recognizing the issues, and for developing a stratagy....now comes the really hard part, remembering the issues and living the stratagy... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969432 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 18:51:05 +0000 Anonymous 1969432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fabulous read. You have inspired me to get back in the closet and finish the editing job started earlier in the month. Thank you for listing your categories. I saw some that I'd not considered. Congratulations on doing such a big job so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969419 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 17:48:00 +0000 Anonymous 1969419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite part of these posts are the lessons learned. &nbsp;There have been so many fascinating lessons learned among the various Forum Members. &nbsp;Your lessons are fascinating ... especially about the white and the stripes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969418 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 17:38:38 +0000 Toban 1969418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amazing and awesome work. What a weight off your shoulders to clear out your wardrobe of anything that doesn’t fit your style descriptors and in great shape. </p> <p>I hear you on making our work wardrobes that touch more casual. I’ve found my work environment has really changed over the past five years in the degree of formality. Business casual is now 4-5 days per week at my work with more ‘corporate’ for special meetings only. Also, being mid-career has opened up flexibility as I’ve moved up the chain and become established. I’ve really had to rethink my essentials and core pieces to have that flexibility. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969413 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 17:12:00 +0000 Suz 1969413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahahahaha, <b>Angie</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>This is <b>SO</b> impressive, <b>Staysfit</b>! You have put the work into your wardrobe and it really shows.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's interesting that you and I followed a somewhat similar path. A big wardrobe purge before joining YLF (for different reasons), followed by a flurry of purchasing and possibly even purchasing more than we needed, followed by considered edits and a new refinement of our personal style, together with a slightly smaller but still substantial wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's just that you managed to do it in less than half the time! Smart woman.&nbsp; </p> <p>I do think the experimentation/ buying phase was really important to me, personally. I'd never bought many clothes (or not since my early 20s) and I had missed out on learning what I really liked to wear. I had to try a lot to find out!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969399 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 16:25:19 +0000 Anonymous 1969399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's truly amazing - a lot of work, and not emotionally easy. I'm glad to hear you feel liberated and fresh - great work ! &nbsp;I stopped buying silk tops for the very reason you describe. The few I do have, I save for "good". &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969398 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 16:17:59 +0000 Carla 1969398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second what SarahD8 wrote about washing silks. DH has 3 silk shirts (Tommy Bahama) that I wash and hang dry. DH then gives them a light press. They are 5, 4, and 3 years old and are holding up very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969394 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 15:33:29 +0000 SarahD8 1969394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Amazing work! Thank you for taking the time to write up your experience. It is so helpful to me in thinking about how to edit my own wardrobe going forward. (I did participate in the challenge a bit this month but of course editing is an iterative process.)</p> <p>I think I am very similar to you when it comes to wardrobe categories. I love love love sweaters and knitwear, but am very practical/utilitarian when it comes to handbags and coats. I do love a colorful shoe though!</p> <p>And I also prefer luxe materials like silk and cashmere. May I suggest that you try washing some of your silk tops on the hand wash cycle in your machine? I use cold water and a delicate detergent (unscented eucalan) and have had good success. After all, you are not wearing these tops now, so it seems that if one became damaged it would not be taking a workhorse out of rotation. And if it goes well, you’ve added to your active wardrobe without spending a cent! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969357 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 14:28:29 +0000 Angie 1969357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VERY, VERY<b>, VERY I</b>MPRESSED</p> <p>THIS IS SOOOOO FABULOUS. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION.&nbsp;</p> <p>AMAZING INSIGHTS AND LESSONS LEARNED.</p> <p>YES, YOU HAVE TO TRY IT ALL ON AGAIN. NO SHORTCUTS!</p> <p>WELL DONE. VERY PROUD OF YOU.&nbsp;</p> <p>ENJOY THE LIBERATED AND ORGANIZED FEELING.</p> <p>I hope I made myself clear...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969353 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 14:21:13 +0000 Kathie 1969353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love reading others peoples notes from their edits, and yours is no exception. So helpful- and I realized I need a belt update, too. I’m impressed by how much time you were able to put into this, even though taking it in small chunks. Bravo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969349 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 14:13:51 +0000 Jessikams 1969349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the belts. So hard to have just the right one when you need it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969336 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:42:18 +0000 rachylou 1969336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big edit! Impressive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969335 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:41:58 +0000 nemosmom 1969335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thoughtfully written wrap-up! It sounds like you had a great edit! Thank you for sharing your lessons with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969334 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:41:20 +0000 LaPed 1969334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that's some extraordinary progress! And it sounds like you gained some good insights in the process.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-conclusions-finally-done#post-1969327 Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:18:06 +0000 Staysfit 1969327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie suggested a closet edit challenge for October. I decided to take this on and worked in categories rather than doing everything at once. This worked well, but might not for everyone. Categorical editing may increase the risk of creating closet orphans, and may make hamper discovery of wardrobe holes. In my situation, limited free time and a large wardrobe made breaking the edit into categories more convenient. In my wardrobe, a tight color palette and limited silhouettes prevent most orphans. </p> <p>The categories I used were: Jeans, winter boots, coats and jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, tights and hose, sleepwear, exercise gear, skirts, hanging tops, knit tops/sweaters, dresses, jewelry, belts, handbags, makeup, nail polish, underwear/bras, dresses, fashion boots, booties, and shoes. I reviewed each category twice or possibly three times. The first time I went through and pulled out anything that was obviously not in keeping with my current style, not in my color palette, unworn or worn out. I relied on my style adjectives which are fresh, classic, polished, light and soft. I also tried to keep the concepts of graceful movement, texture, and staying true to my lifestyle in mind throughout the edit. My first edit was typically largest, but not always. Trying everything on is very important, and helped me figure out a lot about items that went unused in my closet. One of my biggest discoveries was how much I hate wearing large amounts of white. To me it feels cold, crisp, and clinical and reminds me of the white lab coat I wore as a medical resident. Not all whites were problematic.....it was the whites that were too warm, and or had little texture to break them up. So I kept a white lace top, but not plain white button up shirts. My second edit included trying things on, making sure they fit, and that I still liked them. When I tried things on I would occasionally see a stain or pull that I didn’t see when examining a garment previously. My third edit included a trusted friend, to help with items I was not sure of, and to help me spot anything I should remove that I had missed. The extra eyes turned out to be very helpful. My friend gave me honest feedback, which is key. I am lucky to have a good friend like this, and know she is special. (Many thanks dear friend XO!). DH also helped sometimes, he’s good with color, but he gets picky about symmetry and if I listened to him I wouldn’t have any of my beloved Moto jackets! :-)</p> <p>165 items were in good enough shape to donate to a fundraising rummage sale taking place this weekend. Whatever doesn’t sell will go to a local charity. The women running the sale pull out items appropriate for DFS and then send the rest to either the rescue mission, one of the local refugee support organizations or the Salvation Army. I gave my daughter 13 pairs of lower rise yoga pants, which work better for her build, and she also took two dresses, two handbags, a cardigan, and two of the white blouses. So the total number pulled out was around 185. I am not counting items that went into the trash bin, like plain whit tees that were worn out or had those pesky yellow deodorant stains, or old pajamas, etc. </p> <p>It’s amazing I still have anything left right?! I learned some good lessons from all of this. 1. No more purchasing white! 2. No more horizontal stripes unless they are low contrast and continue all the way down a dress. I don’t like a block of horizontal stripes on my torso. 3. I do not need more formal dressy clothing, that section of my wardrobe has more than enough. 4. I love sweaters, and I wear them, so I should not feel bad about spending a good portion of my wardrobe budget on them. 5. My belt collection needs an update. I prefer rounded buckles, and probably would favor silver hardware with my coloring. I have mostly gold hardware square buckle belts. 6. I need to focus on making things a tiny bit more casual while retaining polish. The job shift I had back in January 2018 resulted in my wearing fewer sheath dresses to work. I have tried to make them more casual by adding long cardigans, and I like the effect. 7. I love luxe fabrics like silk, cashmere, and merino wool. I don’t wear many of my silk tops however because of the need to dry clean them, so I want to look for something that looks as nice, feels as nice but is easier to maintain. 8. I also need to shift to lighter weight knit items and dressing in layers because the buildings where I work tend to be overly warm, but there are pockets where it’s freezing cold. The opposite happens in the summer where the buildings are freezing, but there are areas where it is too warm. So light layers.</p> <p>I have very few wardrobe holes. I need a warm jacket or coat to wear over my new puff sleeve and bell sleeve tops. I already have a wool cape, but it isn’t going to work once temperatures fall below freezing. I could use a shorter trench coat, and if possible would replace my long dressy trench with one in a better color. In the meantime I am looking for a scarf that pulls my palette in along with the color of my trench. I have figured out that I am not someone who needs a lot of variety in footwear colors. I have navy, grey, metallic silver and raspberry red/fuschia as my main colors. While I have some brown and taupe footwear, it’s old, and as it wears out I will not replace it. I also prefer my footwear to be very comfortable and practical, so I have very few statement pieces compared to the number of shoes and boots in my collection, The same is true of my coats. Almost all of them are grey, although I do have one or two colorful pieces for variety. I am not a handbag person. I kept only 6 handbags including my work tote, to carry me through four seasons, My handbags are generally simple, large enough to hold what I need, and light weight. My work tote needs replacement, and I am looking around. I think something metallic would be nice, because it would work with everything, I might also pick a mid intensity grey. My friend thinks I should get both a raspberry/fuschia cardigan and blazer. She was surprised I didn’t have either. I told her I have looked but not found them in the correct fibers, color and style I like. She says a lighter blue blazer would also be nice, and I have looked for that as well. Turquoise/light teal, periwinkle, and fuschia/raspberry are the colors that seem most prominent in my wardrobe. Grey and indigo the two neutrals. </p> <p>I asked my friend what adjectives she would use to describe my style. She said: eclectic, colorful, polished, rich (she clarified that this meant the textures and fibers, not the values), simple with unique details, and semi casual. Her adjectives were different from mine, but it was interesting how they do echo features I try to look for when I shop. </p> <p>The entire process was fun, although a bit nerve wracking for DH as he watched the unwanted items grow in number. My closet is much neater, and I feel energized. </p>