https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 19:06:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002622 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:56:54 +0000 Gretchen 2002622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad to see you are back and things are looking up! </p> <p>As someone who struggles with fit All. The. Time,, can I suggest you look at a few pieces that you know will fit now, and will make you Happy? Start from those things you have and wear often, and the add a color complement, or a fabulous pair of shoes, or scarf... I find if I can point to at least 1 item of my outfit that makes me happy, I can overlook the pants that aren’t the size I’d like to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002585 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 20:27:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2002585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My love for the colors in that dress is well documented. Blue and grey will pair very nicely. Best wishes to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002405 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 14:27:14 +0000 Bijou 2002405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva is there a particular style that you are drawn to? I love how Brooklyn’s Byzantine Jewel inspiration has given her style a cohesive refresh. It may be a fun project to consider before launching into buying new things.</p> <p>It is wonderful to hear that your health and business are doing well. As for families, yikes no one can push my buttons better than my family, I love them but they drive me nuts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002387 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 13:48:17 +0000 lyn67 2002387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, just logged back in to give my 2 cents. big relief you are on the way out of the lows.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't be too hard on yourself, and&nbsp; what if you plan your new outfits&nbsp; based on those&nbsp; 3 or 4 things you've had and worn forever, with a twist. (a new colorway, a new print or accessorizing with new shoes, bag or jewelry?) Those&nbsp; are FFBO schemes for a good reason so why not breathing in them new life&nbsp; somehow? Then slowly will come all the other ideas, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002142 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:24:50 +0000 viva 2002142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Isabel,</b> I hear you! I respond very strongly to color, although to be honest I have been lost in a sea of grey this winter. (I think I bought 3 MORE grey sweaters -- so this item and in fact this color are now on my no-fly list indefinitely.)&nbsp; Interestingly, focusing on color may help me to avoid knee-jerk purchasing (another grey sweater would be just SO easy). If I add the color test to my current full-price-only test, it could really help me focus on what I truly love.</p> <p>I've been thinking about this exact color after seeing this dress in a local boutique. Not my style <i>at all</i>, and thankfully on sale so I wasn't tempted to even try it on, but <i>the color</i>!&nbsp; I am keeping my eye out for more juicy raspberry - which could add real life to my sea of navy and grey.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002062 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 15:43:01 +0000 Anonymous 2002062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva, maybe aim to include beautiful colors? Beautiful color combinations? If you're not enjoying emphasizing certain areas of your figure, why not just not for a while? You can contribute some beautiful color visuals for now while you get your health and fitness in order. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2002036 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 14:42:50 +0000 viva 2002036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow: I had forgotten how wise and warm you all are. Thank you so much for taking the time to chime in. I can't respond to every single one of you but please know I read and absorbed all the comments. A few specific responses:</p> <p><b>Vix, </b>thank you so much for your detailed and helpful note. Thinking about this effort as building a <i>semi-capsule</i> really seems to break it into a manageable chunk for me, and I like the idea of concentrating on&nbsp;<i>color + fit + personal style + trendiness</i> .... and also really thinking about how things work together. It's funny, these ideas at the same time seem so obvious and so groundbreaking. I really appreciate the help.</p> <p><b>Robin</b>, I may post some of the "failures" for feedback. There is a blouse in particular that I can't figure out.</p> <p><b>Sal,</b> I hope things have recovered in your home after last year's shocker. And as for looking at forum members whose style I admire, you know I will be looking at yours. We overlap in our love of the 70s, and I am always struck by the beauty of your outfits.</p> <p><b>Juniper Green: </b>I will definitely look for and read your post!</p> <p><b>Angie:</b> Thank you for all of your kind words and your encouragement (as always). And yes to yoga! I've been trying to do more lately, and it really does help in so many ways.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn:</b> <i>"Softly, softly."</i> I love this and will try to make this my mantra (although it goes against every muscle in my body, which always wants to <i>act</i>).</p> <p><b>UmmLila:</b> Your outfits area always such an inspiration to me. I'm happy to be back so I can see more of you.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Unfrumped:</b> You've outlined some really good ideas for being critical and going beyond fit, which will be helpful to me. <i>"What is this doing for me?"</i> is going to be a really helpful question. A girl needs to have her standards!!!</p> <p><b>Brooklyn and Gigi: </b>I'm intrigued by the mood board idea. Thanks, Gigi, for the link.</p> <p><b>Lisap:</b> YES TO EVERYTHING. And especially this:<i> "Don't buy weird styles that you've never worn before."</i> (One would think you know me.) I am trying in February not to buy anything at all on sale - and the only thing I have purchased so far is that Topshop skirt (which may or may not work). Buying something because it is a good deal is a trap I fall into easily. I'm going to add your other rules to my list of Dos and Don'ts.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut/page/2#post-2001939 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:36:02 +0000 Gigi 2001939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad that things are improving for you. It sounds like you've been through a difficult time.</p> <p>When I'm feeling unfocused about my style, I create a mood board by googling "street style" and maybe a season and place ("winter street style new york city," etc.) to get lots of photos to inspire me. I then go about creating the mood board by looking at several categories: single color; single item; color combinations; item combinations; complete outfit; textures/materials; silhouettes; patterns; overall mood; and accessories. I make a folder for each of these categories in my computer's photo program and pull in screen shots of what interests me. Afterward, I go through the screen shots and look for patterns in what I have selected (e.g., maybe I have lots of pics that have leather, or a lot of earth tones, etc.). This helps me discern my main interests. I then use that as a shopping guide.</p> <p>I took the above exercise from what used to be the Into Mind blog. Here is the link if you want more info:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://anuschkarees.com/blog/2014/02/28/mood-boards-2-0">https://anuschkarees.com/blog/.....boards-2-0</a>. I personally find it very helpful for getting focused and staying on track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001928 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:11:40 +0000 Anonymous 2001928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva, great news that health and business are on the upswing. You have lots of good advice. You will make wardrobe mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on allowing each mistake to teach you something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001916 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 04:33:20 +0000 Anonymous 2001916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to chime in after a long day at work &nbsp;You remind me of how I felt a year or two ago, which is the difference in our ages. &nbsp;It took me quite a long time to come to terms with the changes that menopause wrought on my body. &nbsp;I never knew whether it was that, or me not working out enough or not eating well enough, but regardless, it was a tough time that caused me to doubt (and hate) everything I had in my closet. &nbsp;The pants issue was , and still is, really difficult. &nbsp;I am still , 2-3 years later, trying to find jeans that make me feel good about myself, and work trousers that fit me really well! &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyways - unfrumped has made a lot of good points that I wish I had followed then - especially not caving in to too many less-than pieces, and asking what exactly is that garment doing for me. &nbsp;Good advice. &nbsp;I will say that I regret buying too many placeholders, thinking my style and fit malaise would be over soon. &nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of what to buy? &nbsp;I say trust your instincts, even if they don't feel very well informed these days. You have inherent style, and you have to remember that. Don't buy crap at places that sell so-so clothes. &nbsp;Don't buy weird styles that you've never worn before - it's usually a mistake when we are feeling less than great about ourselves. &nbsp;I say buy a great pair of boots, a great pair of jeans, a cashmere Everlane sweater, a cool new coat, and a blouse or two. Get an Equipment silk shirt. &nbsp; &nbsp;And as others have urged - relax and be patient. It will all come together. &nbsp;Shopping like a crazy person determined to find stuff (who, me??) never works. &nbsp;Phew. I wish I could follow my own advice sometimes. &nbsp;Oh, and new earrings. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001898 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 03:23:05 +0000 unfrumped 2001898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So good to have you posting!</p> <p>Lot of good suggestions.<br /> Not much wat to avoid tryons.<br /> I recently went through some major stuff which triggered a need for do- over of part of wardrobe. I did a fair amount of try&amp; returns but at least tried to be tough on , do I love how I look in this? Because I would keep wearing some things I guess for variety when I really liked other things better.<br /> So I agree with identifying a few of your “ benchmark” items and outfits and make your eyes “ see” what you like about it and don’t get things that aren’t that or BETTER— just keep wearing the best. For example, I have a couple pair of Vince pants that gave me a look I like much better than some AT pants I was holding on to, so made myself let go. </p> <p>No way to avoid a lot of try- ons. I did that and went, well these pants kind of seem to fit but.. Or, what is this cardigan actually DOING for me? </p> <p>I have really adored many of your outfits so I’d say put a few together that are your most mood- lifting as where you’d like to set your bar. </p> <p>Also I tried a lot of new- to-me brands and designers. Returned a lot because kept telling myself, “ if it were a “ 10” you could keep it, but if not, try something else”</p> <p>Plus, I still have to have most of my pants tailored. Otherwise I’d never buy any. What matters is to start with a fit that ( I think) is most flattering and fun but for needing waist taken up, hem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001896 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 03:16:24 +0000 Jaime 2001896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much great advice on this thread! Glad your health and business are looking up. We all nod knowingly about the family stuff. And yes, menopause is a game changer in terms of body, skin and ability to give a ----. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001835 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:34:58 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2001835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear the good news! You've gotten so much great advice here, I'm finding it inspiring myself. I really need to do a good closet edit and take advantage of some of these tips, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001831 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:11:04 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2001831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, you know how much everyone here misses you, when the first thing we all thought of was that today's featured blogger looked like you. Winter is the pits. I'm hunkered down in NH in the latest storm, making lentil soup. And wearing my winter uniform of cardigan and jeans. This time of year, as a work-from-home professional, that's what does it for me ... but I try to keep it fresh with new jeans and new knitwear shapes. And, I swear I refresh the lipstick after drinking tea, even if it's just to please myself. I also chase myself out to pilates and yoga about five days a week, and go for long walks with my dog unless we're truly in blizzard conditions. I"m also planning ahead for spring excursions .... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001828 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 23:59:19 +0000 LaPed 2001828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to hear from you!! Glad to know 2019 is looking brighter than last year. No advice to add to the treasure trove in this thread, but I'll look forward to seeing your WIWs again. Your polished take on tomboy/gamine style is such an inspiration.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001811 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:39:16 +0000 Brooklyn 2001811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Viva, good to see you back! I’m glad things are looking up for you. 2018 was a stinker for me too.<br /> I would start with a Spring/Summer mood board and try to figure out what to add from there. Softly, softly. There is no need to rush back in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001766 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:08:15 +0000 Angie 2001766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Viv,</b> BRILLIANT news about your health and booming biz. I am soooo happy for you. We all have cobwebs in our dysfunctional families so &nbsp;consider yourself in good company :)</p> <p>Mid Winter is soul-destroying, so there is that. Things always look up in the Spring. Lots of great suggestions from the ladies. You might find this detailed post helpful too:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/12/07/how-to-break-out-of-a-style-rut/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/</a></p> <p>I'm nodding along with <b>Helena, Suz, Vix</b> and <b>Toban.</b>&nbsp;</p> <p>You need to edit out the items&nbsp;that&nbsp;don't&nbsp;fit. Select the items you like best from the rest, and build outfits with them. Keep each outfit simple, and add one dramatic/statement item to an outfit. Style you hair, make-up, and add accessories.</p> <p>We can help you pull these outfits together if you like.&nbsp;</p> <p>You mentioned that you wanted to grow your hair a bit. Do that and enjoy the stages. I did that last year, and it was a fun hair project.</p> <p>And FWIW, add yoga to your life. Best work out for body, mind and spirit. Once your head is right - the rest will follow. Always here to support, guide, encourage, solve the puzzle and troubleshoot. Much love to you. xo</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001749 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:41:45 +0000 JuniperGreen 2001749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Viva - I just made a post that has echoes of your own.&nbsp; So hello from the other side of a tough year, and congrats for making it through!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I made a sort of to-do list for myself in my post, which has been helpful and made it easier for me to wrap my arms around my whole situation.&nbsp; I spent the past month bemoaning my ill-fitting clothes and fussing about what to do... so I just picked a few things to tackle and will take it on in small chunks.&nbsp; It's still overwhelming and easy to get discouraged, but I'm trying to remember it's a process.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001729 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 19:35:41 +0000 Style Fan 2001729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful to hear that your health is good and that your business is back on track.&nbsp; So much good advice here about getting your fashion sense back.&nbsp; I have always admired your style.&nbsp; Professional and approachable. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001725 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 19:33:03 +0000 rachylou 2001725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, this is a bad time of year for me. Brain goes into a complete fashion fog and I don’t know what these things in my closet are. It’s the time of year I have to promise myself not to buy until I’ve had a good think about how I spend my time, what I like, what would make it look good, what feels stale and what feels fresh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001703 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:57:06 +0000 Sal 2001703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely to see you post and pleased most things are on the up!! We had a shocker from 2016-2017 - I actually found the forum a distraction.</p> <p>You do have a wonderful style that I have always admired. I love your playful professional looks - and would love to steal your clothes except I am far away and larger!</p> <p>I know when you step into the style world after a hiatus things can feel different and favourite retailers have changed, proportions etc. </p> <p>Maybe checking out wiw from forum members with similar - or different- styles might be inspiring.</p> <p>Personally I am loving midis and culottes this summer - both for work and nights out. There is great footwear around too!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001682 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:24:02 +0000 Elizabeth P 2001682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Hi Viva, good to see you posting again, and I'm glad things are heading in the right direction with your health and work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing brilliant to add, you have some great advice already.. just that you have an amazing innate sense of style, so I'm not at all worried about you bouncing back.&nbsp; It will just take time.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001680 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:23:03 +0000 RobinF 2001680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean - is it the winter blahs or a real style rut - hard to tell right now. Maybe start with your favorites, what you like about them, what they say about your style. Why do the new purchases not work? Maybe figuring out that would help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001675 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:14:28 +0000 kkards 2001675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay that health and wealth seem to be on the upswing...as for family, well as we say in my family, it is what it is....<br />now on to the fashion thing....1st as has been mentioned, Feb is the worst...winter is set in and it seems to be stuck...and there outfits that are ok but that adding an accessory&nbsp; will change enough to make you happier? sometimes for me, its a simple as adding a scarf/shawl, sometimes its as&nbsp; easy as tweaking a roll/cuff on my jeans.&nbsp;<br />i'd start thinking about spring and what i want and if any of that could be added and worn now...maybe a tee shirt in a new color worn under a blazer for now...maybe the skirt you have above with boot(ies) now....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001669 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 18:05:05 +0000 Vix 2001669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Viva --</p> <p>So very, very glad to hear your recovery is going well! And that many of the other weights are lifting.</p> <p>Great comments upthread re relaxing into your innate style, remembering it's a tough time of year to be coming out of a rut, regrouping via small style-related personal care, browsing, trying ev-ery-thing on....</p> <p>I'd add: keep doing the below!</p> <p><b>"I did just order a Topshop skirt I saw in Finds ... it looks like something I can wear with the footwear and sweaters I have on hand."</b></p> <p><b></b>C<b></b>oming from my direct experience -- that's a great strategy; think in terms of outfits and adding to the pieces you already have (bonus if you like the items vs just finding them useful). I'm not saying it's the *only* way forward, but I do think it's one of the best ways!</p> <p>At this stage, try hard not to fall in love with something that you then need to buy "friends" unless you commit to returning within a time frame (aka do as I advise not as I've done, ha). </p> <ul> <li>You're really building out a semi-capsule, so I rec evaluating in terms of color + fit + personal style + trendiness (since I know that's part of your style).&nbsp;</li> <li>Not every new piece has to work with every old piece or another new piece, but...there should be a fair bit of mix/match flexibility OR 1 to 2 outfits that you love love love and will wear on repeat.</li> </ul> <p>I hope that makes sense. I just had to do this myself (for the nth time) this fall and aside from the Return Churn it worked out well. </p> <p>ps I ended up with one nutty-for-me, toe-outside-style-zone, limited-outfit use item that I don't regret and have worn a fair amount so I hope you end up with at least one of those since they're just...fun. ;)<br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001665 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:55:55 +0000 Barbara Diane 2001665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do find that after I remove from my closet the items that aren’t working, I seem to have more clothes and more possibilities. Obviously you need to have some working tops and bottoms or dresses for that to be true, but somehow I see new possibilities from the same old pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001664 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:54:57 +0000 Bonnie 2001664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question and what wonderful responses you got. I'm glad to hear things are looking up and have missed seeing your interesting, lovely outfits.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001663 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:52:51 +0000 Barbara Diane 2001663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In addition to the above, a new lipstick or nail color can brighten your day. If you wear jewelry but haven’t been bothering, wear one piece. If you haven’t been doing your makeup do one thing.<br /> Not sure where you are or when the weather changes. If it’s sooner you could focus on spring. If it’s not for months then your current weather. </p> <p>Glad you’re doing better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001653 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:22:25 +0000 Janet 2001653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, this is a tough time of year.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the print on that skirt. I think I saw it in Nordstrom last week, and it's pretty but I passed by because the bias cut is not kind to my shape. I hope it works for you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/digging-my-way-out-of-a-fashion-rut#post-2001652 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:22:24 +0000 Kim M 2001652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's great to hear things are looking up.&nbsp; I know life can really throw us a curve (or several) sometimes.&nbsp; After self care, and in addition to what the other women have said, do you have a style moniker that could help you weed through potential wardrobe purchases/choices?&nbsp; Or, how about an outfit formula that you know works well for you?&nbsp; If so, maybe buy *one* entire outfit of good quality that fits your formula and you feel great in, then, try branching out from there to add pieces to those basics or even replicate with one more entire outfit that mixes with the first.&nbsp; Best of luck--I agree this time of year is a restless time for wardrobes! </p>