https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:48:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487697 Wed, 06 May 2015 17:33:11 +0000 Astrid 1487697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth, I'm glad you found this helpful. :)</p> <p>Angie, it's kind of you to say so, but I don't feel as if I have it covered. There's too many days when I have no clue what to wear and I have to be <i>very</i> careful to keep up with the laundry. What do you mean, a thread about wildcards?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487692 Wed, 06 May 2015 17:05:59 +0000 Angie 1487692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, three things:</p> <ul> <li>You have your essentials MORE than covered - even after the weight loss. (At least, that's what I can piece together from your posts).&nbsp;</li> <li>Start a thread about wild cards.&nbsp;</li> <li>Happy, cohesive outfits are amazing - and possibly more amazing than fantasy outfits because they are real. High five, Gaylene.&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487677 Wed, 06 May 2015 16:14:14 +0000 Elizabeth P 1487677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to hop in and thank you Astrid, for starting this post.&nbsp; And for all the fabbers that made such wonderful comments and observations. I can't tell you how many nuggets of information... sentences written... really resonated with me, and got me thinking.&nbsp; I started to write a response last night but didn't have the brain power to articulate things properly.&nbsp; And now I don't have the time.&nbsp; But I am going to favourite this and come back and read it a few times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487483 Wed, 06 May 2015 05:19:44 +0000 Astrid 1487483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Una. And yes, Gaylene was right on point, as usual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487185 Tue, 05 May 2015 20:09:32 +0000 catgirl 1487185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"The whole fantasy vs. reality challenge was rather abstract to me, because I just can't imagine absolutely LOVING a look that I wouldn't wear in everyday life."</p> <p>This sums up the issue for me. I love all kinds of out-there looks that I wouldn't - or really couldn't - wear in real life. I focus on adding just enough "out there" factor to pass in my work life. At a recent work event, my Gidigio boots got lots of comments. You, on the other hand, define what you like by what is realistically wearable. Don't you think that may be the crux of the matter?</p> <p>And you have wonderful, distinctive style. Gaylene's comment on my cohesive thread makes a lot of sense - in the end, we are what we choose, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487165 Tue, 05 May 2015 19:40:24 +0000 Astrid 1487165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again for all your answers, I enjoyed reading each one of them. </p> <p>@Twinkling<br />Yes, that sounds familiar. I do think I'm usually taking the safe route so I don't have to deal with any of that. It might be time to take some (controlled) risks. But of course it's easier to go for the things that you guess will work for you, when you have little budget to spend and want to be dressed decently.</p> <p>@Ladywone<br />Sounds like you found a way to make it work for you! Awesome. And I agree with you about making things happen even without a big budget, to a degree. I can understand what Angie said too, but I do think you can go a long way if you're patient and put some thought into it. Of course it would all be easier if I had money to throw at the problem, but that doesn't mean I can't succeed even on a budget.</p> <p>@Laura<br />Thanks for the commiseration! And yes, it's true that it's easy to get in a bit of a rut if you choose your clothes just for practicality and remixing possibility. Although I wonder if it really needs to be that way, maybe I'm just not creative enough yet.</p> <p>@Approprio<br />I would be interested to know why you feel the need to focus and purge. Sounds like you're a mood dresser and your outfits seem to reflect you very well. Do you feel a disconnect with any of the things you're wearing? Or is it just that it might look confused to the outsider? Maybe one aspect of your style is the fact that it is eclectic, to a certain degree.</p> <p>@Eva<br />Yes, I would say I pick my purchases more according to the current wardrobe. Of course I do have to keep wearability in mind, but it might be a good idea to keep the style fantasy more in mind as well. And that "top down" closet cleanout sounds like a good suggestion. I might do that, without really cleaning out the closet, but theoretically - to see where I want to go with what I have and how those pieces could work in that new wardrobe. I don't think I'm very far off in my dressing btw, but it's enough to feel not quite satisfied with a lot of my outfits in everyday life. I don't see a huge shift happening, but a lot of little tweaks, maybe. </p> <p>@Suz<br />Ooh, I remember when Steph had you do that exercise... I&nbsp; recall something about houndstooth?! (You can tell me if I'm crazy.) This is a great exercise. Although I think I might have difficulties pinning just <i>one</i> specific outfit down. </p> <p>@Marlene<br />Yes, availability is a big problem, I agree. I've been doing a lot of online shopping, even though I really would prefer to see things for real and try them on. </p> <p>@Una<br />I think you're wildly successful implementing that strategy! I can always recognize your outfits as yours. Thinking about the spin your essentials should have is a great idea.</p> <p>@Angie<br />I get what you're saying and sometime this really might be true, but I think I'm leaning more towards Ladywone's opinion that you don't need to compromise your sense of style if you don't want to. Sure, it might be more difficult, but I don't like the idea of thinking of a compromise as a necessity. And yes, I should think about some wildcards. But it's hard to think of spending on a wildcard if you're not feeling as if you have the basics down.</p> <p>@Daria<br />Yes, that's true - there will be changes in the future and my wardrobe will probably change with it. That's just how it goes.</p> <p>@Joy<br />I hate to think of you being anxious because of clothes! You're always looking wonderful. I do think I've always wanted to be more dressy, but at the same time I'm a practical person at heart and also have a little tomboy in me. I do have to find a way to bring those two apparent opposites together.</p> <p>@Shiny<br />Yes, travelling a lot certainly doesn't make it easier... As for compromise and style - I actually don't think what you mentioned is a big problem for me because most things I'm drawn to actually work rather well on me. There's no aspect to my fantasy style that would never work for me. I'm naturally drawn to the colors that suit me best and I think my preferred cuts and lines mesh rather well with my figure too. Of course there are some tweaks necessary, but there isn't a huge divide.</p> <p>@Caro<br />Wise words. :)</p> <p>@Lyn<br />Well I could of course. But looking put together is more important to me, I think. Making some changes might be better to evolve my style, but I don't want to do it if it would mean being uncomfortable in between. I think it has to happen organically or it won't happen at all. Does that make sense?</p> <p>@Summer<br />Yes, it's much more difficult if you have to keep on course over a long time, with planning purchases in the long run and everything. To me it always happens that I buy something that I think will work well towards my aspirational look, just to have it all change when I come to the point of buying the other items to go with it. If I've been successful the old item works just as well with the changed preferences. But sometimes, not so much. I do think this is getting better recently, though. I feel more settled in my likes and dislikes, now.</p> <p>@Style Fan<br />I like the look of some Trippen shoes I've seen. Definitely not my style, but they're rather cool and I can admire them on other people. Shoes in general are definitely a problem for me too, I have wide feet and don't want to compromise too much on fit when I buy shoes.</p> <p>@Staysfit<br />Yes, very sensible to work towards the mood you want, but implementing it in a way that works for your life. I definitely want to do the same, I don't want to end up with clothes that don't work for my life, just because I thought they were beautiful or because I looked good in them in the dressing room. </p> <p>@Author Linda<br />YES! Having it look effortless. That's the key. And it's true, you can see when someone's just playing and the look isn't true to them. When I was a teen I was pretty much a tomboy and every try my friends made to put me into something more girly was unsuccessful. I could borrow clothes as much as I liked, I just looked off in things that looked perfectly natural on other people. Luckily I've now decided that the only person who's going to dress me is myself. ;)</p> <p>@Gaylene<br />Yes, that's true. And actually my fantasy looks weren't differing much from my reality looks, it was more that the weather wasn't cooperating or something. The whole fantasy vs. reality challenge was rather abstract to me, because I just can't imagine absolutely LOVING a look that I wouldn't wear in everyday life. Like I said a while ago, the love for my things (and my outfits) comes with wear. But the challenge made me aware that right now I'm just not quite where I want to be, with my style. Not far off, as I said to Eva, but the majority of my outfits just don't quite hit the right note at the moment. Off to read your mini-essay, now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487130 Tue, 05 May 2015 18:29:44 +0000 Gaylene 1487130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'd take cohesion and happiness over fantasy any day. I posted a mini-essay on Una's thread because your comments got me thinking about fantasy aspirations vs, day-to-day dressing. I'm not going to repeat it here, but just offer the thought that maybe your current wardrobe IS more reflective of your personal style because it is your real-world expression of yourself in your current setting. Dressing in your fantasy version might end up defining you in unexpected ways if you do not live in a fashion-conscious environment. Maybe the "personal" in personal style is about that adaptation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1487001 Tue, 05 May 2015 14:40:56 +0000 Angie 1487001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladyone, respectfully, that depends entirely on the sensibility of your aspirational style - which differs enormoulsy between people. You're lucky that you can find yours in thrift and consignment stores. That does not hold true for everyone, unfortunately.&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz, rotten luck I know. Orange is not your colour and overly drapey styles don't light your fire either. Onto the next fab wildcard - and we can help you if you like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look/page/2#post-1486980 Tue, 05 May 2015 13:42:34 +0000 Author Linda 1486980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I know what you mean because I'm sure I've been there. Like some of the others here, I'm a grandmother and have undergone several style evolutions. I like that word. I think it's what happens as fashion shifts, and our lives shift (and our tastes and our budgets).&nbsp;</p> <p>Aspiration is that wonderful territory between who we are and who we want to be. We aspire in our careers. We aspire in our appearance. I aspire not to look like a grandmother or, if I must (because I will never again be 30), to look like a hip and stylish woman of that age. We work with what we have and use all of our accumulated knowledge to do it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've read and heard and seen it said that the epitome of having your own style is making it look effortless. Effortless for you. Effortless on you. I think that vibe comes from confidence in what you're wearing. Liking what you're wearing. Liking the way you look. I embraced Marie Kondo's decluttering mantra not long ago because it was so perfect for defining both my wardrobe and my life. It must give joy. If we love the clothes in our closets and we love wearing those clothes, that might be the cohesion we all seek. Joy pulls our "look" together.&nbsp;</p> <p>At least, I think so. I've been completely out of step with my closet in the past. Right now I'm completely in step. The transition periods are the most frustrating. We know where the gaps are. We know what's not quite working yet. Instant fixes are hard to pull off. They may not even be possible. Sometimes what needs to happen isn't the clothes, it's what's going on in our own head as we step from one mental place into another.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gosh, I'm rambling. Need more coffee. All I really want to say is you're (all of us) are doing just fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486919 Tue, 05 May 2015 11:54:11 +0000 Staysfit 1486919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has made for excellent reading. I had a much different response to the fantasy vs. reality challenge, but I have definitely been in the position you describe because it is part of the reason I decided to overhaul my wardrobe in such a drastic fashion. Personal style is something that is constantly evolving and keeping an eye on your fantasy vs. the realities in your life is a great way to think about the direction you want to move. It certainly doesn't have to be the only factor, but it can certainly add to ones joy and happiness. In my case, I have 2 fantasy style icons and 1 reality style icon. Most of their clothing has no place in my real life whatsoever. I looked carefully at my style icons for what they had in common and decided they are confident, poised and graceful. I can try to work towards those but I cannot purchase them in a store (I wish I could sometimes!). I think my point is that even more important than what you are wearing, or your style is your overall attitude and grace. If you can find a way to express that with what you wear than you are getting it right. </p> <p>Wardrobe cohesion vs. fantasy: I'm going to put in a vote for wardrobe cohesion being something that is good. My style statement, Genuine Composed, has helped with that. I certainly have a wide variety of pieces and silhouettes. I have some wildcard items. I think you can have cohesion along with the fantasy pieces. My recent experience has taught me that picking a color palette and sticking with it makes this easier. You can slowly add new items that come close to your fantasy and they will fit in and you can pull out the old ones, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486897 Tue, 05 May 2015 10:26:54 +0000 Style Fan 1486897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid this is such a thought provoking question.&nbsp; The other Fabbers' responses were very interesting.&nbsp; I struggle with what approprio said but I could not put it in words.&nbsp; Do I look intentional or do I look like I&nbsp;ran through my closet backwards?&nbsp; But I want to look slightly thrown together.&nbsp; Not too neat.&nbsp; I have neat hair.&nbsp; Nothing I can do about that.&nbsp; It goes neat all by itself.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also have major foot problems.&nbsp; Old granny shoes don't do it for me.&nbsp; I spend a lot of time and most of my clothes budget on shoes.&nbsp; (I actually am a grandmother.)&nbsp; Half of them work for me and half of them get don't.&nbsp; The only brand that is reliable for me is Trippen.&nbsp; They are German and super expensive.&nbsp; Very cool looking though.</p> <p>I actually like the clothes in my wardrobe.&nbsp; I struggle with finding pieces in colours I like that fit my criteria.&nbsp; When I do I hang on to them for decades.&nbsp; I am my own vintage store.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486891 Tue, 05 May 2015 10:02:03 +0000 Summer 1486891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have similar constraints, Astrid. &nbsp;I feel that if I could just blow a whole lot of money on a completely new wardrobe, I could achieve the style goals I aspire to. &nbsp;Obviously, that is not possible so, like you, I have to buy to complement my older things, and to ensure that everything mixes and matches to give me flexibility and variety.<br />&nbsp; At the moment I would dearly love to update my shoe collection; I'm not at all happy with the options I have. &nbsp;My practical side then kicks in to tell me that those shoes are still wearable and I should prioritise &nbsp;new tops, as I have far too few in my wardrobe. &nbsp;The shoes will have to wait until next year. &nbsp;It's frustrating, but it's just how things are. &nbsp;At least I know that I can put outfits together that are appropriate for my lifestyle, but I need to work harder on the happiness factor.</p> <p>It sounds as if the fantasy/reality challenge gave you pause for thought about your wardrobe and your style aspirations, so let's hope it will prove useful for you with future purchases.</p> <p>One last thought: you always look lovely in the outfits you show here.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486890 Tue, 05 May 2015 09:58:57 +0000 Astrid 1486890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many good posts, thank you. Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten you - I don't have time right now to answer in depth, but I'll come back to this thread later today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486885 Tue, 05 May 2015 09:33:13 +0000 Ledonna N. 1486885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>" If you're practical, short of time, demand a high level of comfort, and are budget conscious - to some extent you're compromising your sense of style."</p> <p>Um I have to chime back in, creativity cannot and should not be limited or blamed in lack of funds. To me, it is an excuse like the statement I just want to be comfortable not fashionable. I do 95% of my shopping at thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales and flee markets. I have not compromised on my style at all. From the fabrics to my style descriptives from fantasy to realality. I think that many people compromise because they are frustrated with the process. I know I was with my summer wadrobe. I encourage you to step out on style faith be willing to take the journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486859 Tue, 05 May 2015 07:00:46 +0000 lyn67 1486859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And what if compromising your cohesive look, for your "evolving" style? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486857 Tue, 05 May 2015 06:47:55 +0000 Caro in Oz 1486857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Resolving the tension between aspiration &amp; reality/practicality is where my style<i></i><b><i></i></b> lies imo. Without the aspirational my wardrobe may function but won't feel like me &amp; without the right core it won't function at all. I agree with Angie, we all need at least a few things that make our hearts sing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486803 Tue, 05 May 2015 03:44:25 +0000 shiny 1486803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shoes + bag + third piece (jacket/cardigan) are essentials for me to elevate, well, essentials, to style. Reality however is I'm traveling so much these days (60%) and these are just the pieces that need to get cut from the carry on to make room. Add on the reality that the top &amp; bottom essentials have to be comfortable to wear on plane/all day meetings AND relatively wrinkle free AND durable to withstand travel. All this adds up to compromising for practical reasons.&nbsp;</p> <p>For work (which = travel) I am definitely going more garanimal these days: formulaic. It's a challenge but also a snore. I don't know if it expresses my style, but it's working.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do agree about the wildcards. I've got a couple right now. One is that LOFT white big asymmetrical shirt. It's a wild card for me because I don't tend to do starchy white shirts. It is my style in that it's artistic/creative looking. I have worn it a ton in leisure hours for artsy occasions. I have hesitated to wear it to work since it seems "out there" compared to the safe stuff I've been packing, but recently did, and rec'd compliments so it'll be coming on future business trips.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another wildcard is this navy asymmetrical &nbsp;tent dress I just bought in CA. It's super comfy and swingy and I do think it's my "style" -- my style includes the descriptors "comfy" and "easy." I have yet to wear it to work but I'm going to, soon.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know if I strive for "cohesive." As a mood dresser, sometimes I just want to blend in. Other times I want to stand out. I need both options in my wardrobe.</p> <p>I suppose when I think of the term "compromise" and "style" -- for me that means, fit and flattery. I may love yellow, but it doesn't love me, so I compromise there with only small doses. I love certain fits but they don't work for my figure, so I compromise there too and interpret the trend with a different fit that's more flattering. Does that make sense?</p> <p>The biggest area I compromise on is quality, but not by choice. I *could* afford highest quality / designer end -- but these high end designers do not fit my petite yet curvy frame. And I don't have time or inclination for major alterations or endless shopping trips. So I will compromise with lower end, lower quality mass market stuff that is tailored for petite and fits off the rack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486758 Tue, 05 May 2015 02:17:21 +0000 Anonymous 1486758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand, Astrid. I have a strong practical side and am limited by my casual lifestyle although I bat for Team Dressy. I also feel that many of the looks that attract me are for a taller, curvier woman, something I will never be. The right wild cards are the best but it is hard to predict what will be loved after a season or two. I have a sense of anxiety about finding my style because I am running out of time. You are so smart to be thinking about this now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486735 Tue, 05 May 2015 01:41:19 +0000 Daria 1486735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I think it's perfectly fine to be very practical with your wardrobe for a limited time, when there are financial and life style constraints - being a student on a limited budget and also wanting to blend in at a uni is a perfect example. You will get bored by your capsule eventually and will be ready to start another leg of your style journey. Most likely you'll have a slightly different budget to work with then! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486711 Tue, 05 May 2015 01:24:16 +0000 Suz 1486711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The wild card is such a great concept, Angie. Very helpful. Now, I just have to learn that it is okay to spend money on it. My two latest wild cards were busts, so I'm a bit shy... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486682 Tue, 05 May 2015 00:19:43 +0000 Angie 1486682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz hit the nail on the head. If you're practical, short of time, demand a high level of comfort, and are budget conscious - to some extent you're compromising your sense of style. But the compromise needn't be huge - that's the crux, Astrid.&nbsp;</p> <p>I vote throw in some wild cards. Take it from there and try to reach your aspirational style one item at a time - over a period of time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486671 Tue, 05 May 2015 00:07:54 +0000 catgirl 1486671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a problem for me. I tend to default to things that are easy to throw together and work practically for my long days, like what I am wearing today - a black tee, flowy cardi, ankle pants and ankle boots. They must be comfortable, presentable and not distract me with fuss factor. I've tried to reconcile this practical cohesiveness with my own style by hunting down pieces that fit these easy categories but still have a little of my own UWP flair - thus the booties are pointy patent, the cardi is asymmetric and the pants are a fun pattern. It's an ongoing struggle not to default to what requires the least effort.</p> <p>A black cardi is a good example though. It can be preppy, boho, RATE, polished, edgy, dressy, casual ... All depending on the style you choose and how you mix it up. So maybe figure out your essentials and then find details that really make them YOURS. And as Angie said below, throw a few wild cards in to keep it fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486663 Mon, 04 May 2015 23:58:39 +0000 Marlene 1486663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with this all the time. &nbsp;I have an image of what I want my style to be and then cannot find the pieces to accomplish that. &nbsp;I live in the land of mall stores so it is difficult to find interesting and unique pieces without making massive journeys to lands far-far away. &nbsp;So my current reality is that I look pretty suburban-mall on a day to day basis. &nbsp;But over time I hope to score those gems that will lead me towards my fantasy. &nbsp;</p> <p>Today I was out shopping in a local store and a gal walked in with an amazing pair of fluvogs. You just don'e see that out here in suburbia! &nbsp;The rest of her hair and outfit were typical suburban mall wear... but those shoes....sigh! &nbsp;I could tell that she was piecing together items for her fantasy wardrobe...one bit at a time.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486660 Mon, 04 May 2015 23:56:02 +0000 Suz 1486660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I think those of us with a big practical streak and money constraints can often find ourselves in your situation. I know I was there and still am, to an extent. In other words -- I have a good eye and sense for "essentials" -- and thanks to YLF I even know which style of those essentials will look best/ work best for my body type and overall presence. But I find it harder to find or even imagine the more dramatic "statement" type items I could use to pull my wardrobe away from the "merely cohesive" and into the truly "expressive." It's a puzzle I'm still working on so I don't have any answers beyond what Diane suggested. Or what Mrs. Eccentric (Steph) used to do: pick your very favourite (most personally expressive) outfit and figure out what makes it shine for you.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486603 Mon, 04 May 2015 21:55:29 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1486603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to say something and then I realized it was pretty much what E said about finding the missing links between current closet and fantasy closet and building a transition over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486600 Mon, 04 May 2015 21:44:52 +0000 E 1486600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is very interesting! I feel constrained by availability, so I can't always express certain looks that I would if I could snap my fingers and make clothes appear on command, but I'm not a wardrobe minimalist, so I'm not specifically constrained by making sure all of my clothes go with one another.</p> <p>Or, well, I do limit my clothes to certain styles that play well, so that my large wardrobe is mix and match, but that reflects my style choices, so it's not a constraint.</p> <p>From what it sounds like: you're picking pieces that match what's currently in your wardrobe vs your dream style, yes? If I were you, I'd try to figure out the 'missing links' between your current closet &amp; ideal one, then decide on the stepping stones that will get you there. Easier said than done, I know.</p> <p>There used to be (years ago! pre-Pinterest!) this neat blog by an Irish grad student, but she made it private so I can't link, boo (she didn't do outfit photos, it was more meta-style focused)! She had a series about a 'top down' closet cleanout. Rather than go through everything and decide whether to keep it or not as you went, she suggested first envisioning your style, and then cleaning your closet out accordingly. Which is sort of old news now, but back then it really helped me sort out how I wanted to look. Another good prompt for me is imagining how I would create a 'costume wardrobe' for myself if I were on a TV show/movie.</p> <p>I think I'm rambling too much! The issue of feeling like you match your environment but don't quite match your personal style is a different one of course, but this is too long as it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486595 Mon, 04 May 2015 21:28:37 +0000 approprio 1486595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Understand completely Astrid! I think that quality of being fundamentally yourself is very elusive whatever your style, because you're always bound by what's available to you in the first place, what you decide to invite into your wardrobe, how you put it all together, and then the most important part, what the outside world makes of you when you do.</p> <p>I like what Keturah and Diane say about that problem of finding a sweet spot with casual glamour, which is something I aspire to as well. In fact, it encapsulates what happens when I dress for myself, and I didn't pitch in with fantasy vs reality because I don't see much of a distinction. Very often I put together a bunch of stuff that delights me and then go about my day, without really thinking about whether it's casual or formal. It's just me, wearing what I want to wear.</p> <p>So I run into trouble with a lot of diversity. My wardrobe expresses my style very well but is somewhat incoherent in its execution. And I'm very wary of looking a bit overdone. I'm of an age where everything needs to appear intentional rather than looking like I ran through my wardrobe backwards. I need a bit of drama in my look (tell me something I don't know, Mr Kibbe) but it's difficult to achieve this while conforming to accepted standards. </p> <p>I'm addressing this right now by focusing on capsule basics in support of the statement pieces and thinking about what I've learned on YLF about colour and style theory. I need a big purge as well, which I'm dreading because I have no idea what to do with some of these lovely things I've accumulated over the years which probably have to go.</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for such an interesting question. On preview, what Twinkling said. Marked as favourite.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486587 Mon, 04 May 2015 21:11:59 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1486587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lot of my 30x30 outfits last month felt dull, because I chose for maximum mixability, and am not much of an accessories person. I think that issue, writ large, is a problem for a lot of us in our wardrobes. We want to be, and to a point have to be, practical in most of our choices, which leaves us with some outfit combinations that don't have a lot of flair or particularity. I don't think there's anything wrong with that but many of us don't feel happy wearing those outfits. </p> <p>I guess I'm not offering any solutions, just commiserating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486575 Mon, 04 May 2015 20:48:55 +0000 Ledonna N. 1486575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic I have felt this way. I am heavily influenced by the 70s &amp; 80s and House music and fantasy (zombie apocalypse anyone?). </p> <p>For various reasons:</p> <p> I was a child in these decades so I had to wear what my mom wanted me to catholic school uniform a play clothes not at all my style. Then the army a uniform and when I had down time I wore sweats. I was almost 30 when I left the service. I had not one clue what my style was. It took a long time for me to find a work look and after work look.</p> <p> Hence highwaisted wide leg this worked because in my careerI have to be on the move up dawn different environments from construction to business meetings. I need to be able to be ready. It also covers my need to go dancing and not be restricte by fitted clothing. Dancing for me is a marathon sport.</p> <p>Now I am not as flamboyant or extra or maximum at work as I am during my of work look. I am a parried Down version of all the things that I love. A vest headwrap rugged boots suspenders the most flare I have is my hair i call it the afro-mohawk-frohawk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/compromising-your-style-for-a-cohesive-look#post-1486563 Mon, 04 May 2015 20:29:18 +0000 Twinkling 1486563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I'm struggling with this a lot, but more so for monetary and physical reasons.&nbsp; A lot of my wardrobe doesn't feel cohesive as a whole as I strive to purchase things to suit my style, yet then I find myself with very little in terms of full outfits that really piece together nicely. So it limits my options as I turn to the same few options over and over again. Then I add the fact that I feel my style doesn't suit my body or my face, and I often feel like I should compromise so I don't risk looking like a sorry idiot to the public. After a while sort of starts to feel like a vicious circle I'm not really sure how to get out of.&nbsp; </p>