https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 06:12:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791429 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:46:45 +0000 ManidipaM 791429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I can understand the not hitting the aspirational nail on the head with every outfit, and the frustration from that. You look GREAT; but you probably feel you should look... different (of course, still great)? It's not an unfabness issue; it is a direction issue.</p> <p>BUT... I will *not* agree that you don't HAVE a style. You do, it's visible loud and clear. Maybe you just need help from Angie and others to *articulate* it enough to figure out what elements it needs. I guess Angie and Jules already know you well enough to say 'suit'! :-D</p> <p>As for holiday unfabness, I think Linda (milehighstyle) hits the nail on the head for me. For those with a more casual lifestyle and style preferences, it's a big switch to holiday dressy---especially if kitsch and cliche come off the table, like Rachy said in her everyday holiday dressing thread. Even those of us with more RATE than polished styles want to look 'special' --- hence, by definition, different --- for the festive season without resorting to snowmen and holly berries at every turn. And it does mean leaving our comfort zone, which ups the ante on the seasonal stress anyway. </p> <p>I know I run into this same quandary a few months earlier in the year (our festive season in India). I'll buy something special-ish and find it refuses to integrate with the rest of my closet, leaving me feeling 'costumed' rather than 'well-dressed'. And then I'll beat myself up over the waste of my budget on something not to be worn that often---too blingy? too fussy? too kitschy? It's hard to hit the middle stride. And this is even before the season of SAD! :-p</p> <p>I know it's not a solution for everyone, but I've had partial success by trying to bridge the gap my pulling from both directions --- sort of like zipping up a snug dress. Pull the everyday into a higher order of specialness, so that the festive is not as much of a shocking, confidence-foundering departure. At the same time, tone *down* the festive to less 'out there'. Angie's subtly gleaming new pants are a case in point --- they shine and shimmer, but without looking sequiny and tacky; I can see them being worn by day without reaching for sunglasses or suffering diurnal dysmorphia.</p> <p>As Angie keeps advocating, garments that can be dressed up OR down work best for those of us who aren't super-polished and formal in the everyday, and don't have a regular diet of 'occasions' to wear something 'occasional'. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791424 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:04:57 +0000 Deborah 791424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I have just read your post (but not the responses yet) having come from a day of shopping and feeling totally unfab! The holidays for me fall in our hottest season. I don't like hot weather, and I don't enjoy summer clothing as much as winter. So today we had 39 degrees and I have "nothing" to wear in this weather if I'm not at work (my work wardrobe is fine). I know what I need, but cannot find what I need. It's harder to hide body flaws in summer clothing...so wryly I decided today that I will just wear the one dress works over and over lol! I have the month of January off work, it will be hot, and I do not know what I will wear!! Keeping cool and looking stylish while on holidays in the heat is a constant challenge... Hopefully I will feel more positive I the morning after a good nights sleep:). There ends my whinge. BTW despite how you feel, you ALWAYS look totally fab to me x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791405 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:10:27 +0000 goldenpig 791405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Suz, I'm sorry you've been feeling like you're in the doldrums style-wise. I know I've had periods like that over the last few months where I was really upset about the state of my wardrobe. But I can assure you your appearance is quite the opposite...always stylish and inspirational to me! Sometimes it does take a new item to pick you right back up where you left off (for me it was the burgundy maternity skinnies)! I can't wait to see your new purchase on you! And I agree with the others, you'd be stunning in a cream suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791368 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 05:06:33 +0000 Suz 791368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hehehehe.....</p> <p>I will, I promise....but don't you want PICs, too???/ </p> <p>You will laugh when you see what I bought. But it was one of those corner-turning purchases, you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791362 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 05:00:04 +0000 Ariadne 791362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No kidding! Spill, pretty lady! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791331 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 04:25:57 +0000 Transcona Shannon 791331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - you are a terrible tease not letting us see or know what it is you bought!<br /> I'm looking forward to seeing your item(s) and hearing more about your epiphany. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791316 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 04:12:10 +0000 Suz 791316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my. </p> <p>I come back here after my long day and what do I get? </p> <p>Tears of gratitude and happiness. YLF is the BEST!!! </p> <p>I am sorry, first of all, for all the typos in my earlier posts...typing on the phone while a passenger in the car. </p> <p>And I am equally sorry I did not come back here to respond. </p> <p>Thank you all SOOOO much. </p> <p>So many words of wisdom. You have ALL hit it on the head, and tomorrow I will post to explain exactly how and why. </p> <p>In brief, though --- I wore a version of one of the outfits I showed you to the reading. (Pics to follow soon). It went well. I felt fine. Felt fine also at the supper with friends afterwards in the completely different locale. </p> <p>But...confession time...part of the reason I felt fine was that between car ride and reading I did a little retail therapy. </p> <p>BIG epiphany as a result. </p> <p>Anna...style dysmorphia is it. Or rather....it's like I am just *almost* there....you know? Not QUITE able to figure out how to dress to my aspirational style...and so not happy even if what I put on looks good. I am pretty sure you will understand what I am saying. </p> <p>But I liked what I bought so much. And then when I came back and saw Julie's and Angie's and Inge's advice to buy a suit, I just had to smile. </p> <p>No...I didn't buy one yet. But honestly, I have been thinking of it for the past year...and when you see what I did buy, you'll see how well it fits. </p> <p>AJ, I will say it again, but you have the PRETTIEST toenail polish and shoes in the holiday stratosphere. Wow, so lovely. You really do look festive, just with a bit of paint and sparkle!! </p> <p>Gaylene and all those who counselled capsule shopping vs. outfit. shopping, gosh, it takes me a heck of a long time to internalize Angie's great advice. But it was while I was shopping today that I FINALLY got it sorted in my mind what that might mean, and Gaylene, you express it so articulately - this idea that it is a whole "area" with various possible just finally went DING in my head this afternoon. Too late for this year...but NOT too late for next year, and by golly, I will be prepared then!!</p> <p>Mary - can't believe you signed in from Cambodia!! </p> <p>You are all true friends. Amazing how that can happen over the internet! </p> <p>More soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791182 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:48:26 +0000 sarah 791182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think textstyle hit the nail on the head for me.</p> <p>And wow, you would ROCK a suit : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791159 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:34:54 +0000 ironkurtin 791159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The holidays are a stressful time and I suspect you are turning stress inward. You are gorgeous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791153 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:29:20 +0000 unfrumped 791153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What texstyle (what a great play on words!) said. And Gaylene--except, I am back to where I need to re-accumulate said capsule.</p> <p>And the kind of glorified specialness we place on certain holidays that makes it easy to get overwrought, as though it matters a whole lot, and we have to achieve some kind of high level of something--instead of being glad we're vertical and with friends and family. </p> <p>If you feel unfab in your outfits, I'm going back to smash my face into my SAD lamp... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791038 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:07:01 +0000 MsMary 791038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just have two things to say:</p> <p>1. I cannot imagine what you are smoking that makes you feel unstylish or unfab in any way. You are one of the bright style lights in the YLF firmament!</p> <p>and </p> <p>2. I am finding that leaving the country for the holidays is a great cure for every single kind of holiday stress! (I know... not practical for most people! But I am loving it! *waving at everyone from Cambodia*) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes/page/2#post-791033 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:49:12 +0000 Inge 791033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have anything new to add, Suz, such great advice and insights from the other ladies. Just wanted to say that I too have been nothing but impressed (floored actually) with all your outfits. You are a gorgeous woman, in super shape, with oodles of style and flair!<br /> And yes, a suit was the first thing that came to mind too. So versatile, chic and elegant!!<br /> (I have been planning to get one for two years now, so should get on this asap myself;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-791004 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:25:34 +0000 Anonymous 791004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Suz, IKWYM. As the others have said, you always look polished and appropriate but the "festive" element can be so elusive. I agree with so much of what Linda said. If you're anything like me, you are too practical to want to lay out a lot of money for one sparkly top that people will remember next year. For the last few years I've found something in advance, tried it on and thought everything was sorted. But because it wasn't an outfit that got to be "road tested" it felt awkward and when the time came to wear it, the kinks were not worked out. </p> <p>So I'm not really sure what the solution is. I like Angie's idea to buy a suit that's special but not necessarily "holiday only". You could work outwards from there and I'm sure it would get a ton of use together as a suit and separated for your writer's gigs. </p> <p>Big hugs and sunshine from AZ! &lt;&lt;&lt;hugs&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790967 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:55:16 +0000 Gaylene 790967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, thinking about a festive/dressy capsule has been way more productive than trying to plan outfits for specific events. </p> <p>I started by listing events ranging from dinner at a nice restaurant to performances at jazz clubs and theaters to Christmas parties (a.m. and p.m.) to having friends over during the holidays. In my case, I figured I could cover most of these events in with a pair of silky, skinny trousers, a couple of skirts (one pencil and one flowy), a soft cardigan, three tops (edgy, sparkly, lacy--with at least one three-quarter sleeved), and a silky, shirt with a bit of detail that didn't look like a business shirt. I also figured that using a very basic color scheme of ink/cobalt blue and black for these items would let me pair these pieces with my other clothes to create even more variations. By switching in accessories, boots, and dressy shoes, I can cover most of the dressy events in my life without feeling like I am always wearing the same outfit.</p> <p>I found several of my capsule items existed in my current wardrobe (pants, silky shirt, soft sweater, and pencil skirt--all in black) and purchased the other pieces in a single shopping trip. Since I was looking for specific types of items, I found I could cruise through the stores quite quickly. I also found shopping for tops and a flowy skirt quite a bit easier than trying to fit dresses and tailored pants. I substituted items if I found something I liked that could work in the same way as my original thought. My flowy skirt turned into a midi with an asymmetrical hemline, and my "lacy" top into an edgy, ripped, cowl-necked, three-quarter sleeved top in a ink blue/black print. Since most of my dressy items don't get worn that often, I wasn't as concerned with quality since it's unlikely that most of my dressy items will be worn that frequently; if they last a season or two, that's just fine with me.</p> <p>I think Angie is quite right in saying that it makes sense to have a capsule for specific activities that crop up regularly in our lives. Trying to create an outfit every time an event is upcoming is hard work and, to me, often discouraging. My capsule lets me play around a bit with the items to create outfits that harmonize with how I want to dress for a specific event. I can do classic or edgy, casual or dressy, or any variation in between with my capsule. My capsule has taken the stress out of dressing for these events. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790955 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:35:00 +0000 catgirl 790955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Angie and Anna, I see NOTHING remiss in any of your WIWs. You always look absolutely turned out and stylish. It's one thing if you want to change or redefine your style but as far as not feeling you HAVE a style - I must beg to differ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790931 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:02:39 +0000 Angie 790931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goodness! I was just going to suggest that you get a suit, Suz. High five, Jules :)</p> <p>Suz, you are *so gorgeous*. You look more stylish, comfortable, confidant, fit, hip and poised with each photo that you post here - yesterdays outfit postings are sheer proof of this. I can't understand why you feel unfab. What are you smoking???!!!</p> <p>:)</p> <p>And I LOVE YOU IN SKIRTS with BOOTIES. </p> <p>I may need to come over and spank your naughty bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790925 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:50:50 +0000 RoseandJoan 790925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, your WiW posts are so elegant, I believe it is part of your persona and you wear it well.</p> <p>I wonder if you have the need for a suit which could form part of your core wardrobe and be updated for semi formal events with a new top or shoes? i know it is a big outlay but is it worth considering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790903 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:26:08 +0000 cciele 790903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think you've got your every day style down, Suz, and agree that's it's this special event dressing -- compounded with all the other stresses of the holiday season -- that can contribute to the unsatisfied, unfab feeling. Maybe it's the pressure to look good, festive, special and feeling the lack of time and energy to do so! Having a capsule at the ready can help, and it's a bummer your outfit didn't arrive on time!</p> <p>No solutions here, just empathy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790900 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:24:39 +0000 AJ 790900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always think you look nice, Suz!</p> <p>Usually I do have the holiday wardrobe blues. However, this is the first year that I'm really happy with my holiday wardrobe options. This is also my first season that I committed to buying only certain colors: dark emerald green, burgundy, camel, and black. (I don't really have anything that I NEED to buy, so I thought I'd limit myself on what I could buy and make a mini capsule to add to what I already own.)</p> <p>For the holidays, I try to let accessories and shoes do most of the work. I have been looking for bling shoes for a couple of years now and thrifted one beautiful pair (pic 1), but unfortunately it just was too high for me after that night to the theater. A couple of weeks later I came across this Nina pair at Nordstrom Rack (pic 2). Not as much bling, but still nice and the 2 inch heel is much more walkable.</p> <p>Also sporting space age polish (Pic3 with uncomfortable thrifted pair. Sniff!) that goes great with the shoe bling and makes me feel extra festive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790867 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:55:23 +0000 kellygirl 790867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh, I think you totally have a grip on your MOTG style. It's definitely more polished than mine. I'm excited that you have those brocade jeans to play with--I think those will make a great addition to your holiday capsule </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790865 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:51:43 +0000 Freckles 790865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I had my husbands work event or a really formal occasion I would feel so. </p> <p>I am mildly disgruntled as I always desperately need fab shoes, I am a bit unsatisfied with my shape and still need new up to date accessories. All in all though I am fine. Both my new this season cashmere turtles look terrific with my black pencil skirt and this is really more than I need.</p> <p>I do think the real reason for any of this is lack of time, Christmas cards still need finishing, baking not started yet, etc. and when do I fit it in? </p> <p>Christmas tree farm this weekend and I have gloves so I'm good to go which is a major whoot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790851 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:28:53 +0000 annagybe 790851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, so I don't quite understand. From the WIW's you have posted you look fine. BUT, many of your posts you say you don't have a style, you don't have a good wardrobe and that you are so far from it.<br /> So instead of body dysmorphia/eating disorder thinking you have style disorder thinking?<br /> Because I just don't see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790845 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:22:21 +0000 Amy 790845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I was typing on my phone earlier, so it was slow going for me. I wanted to add that you ALWAYS inspire me with how beautifully put together you are. You are such a lovely lady. I hope you start feeling as fab as you look in your WIWs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790827 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:01:00 +0000 rachylou 790827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say that's a yes. For me it's centered around everyday wear. I feel like my everyday wear should join the festive spirit. We have exited Ordinary Time. But I'm finding it a challenge to "party up" non-party wear. It's an oxymoron.</p> <p>It could be that I'm finally old. I have been finding it harder and harder to appreciate my holiday home decorations as well. I'm not getting the impression of a whole holiday scene. I see old furnishings with ornaments plunked down on top of them. Kinda lipstick on a pig.</p> <p>I have to tell you, I also find people less excited, less willing to make things special. In the old days, I'd look forward to everybody's holiday dress. There'd be long gowns and real jewelry and pretty shoes. Now, I get to look forward to... fleece :P</p> <p>Ok. Right. Wasn't supposed to whine and whinge. Anyways, I got my holiday/winter sweaters out yesterday. Hopefully that will perk things up. I've a Christmas Red one and a Christmas Green one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790822 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:51:25 +0000 Suz 790822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly, my problem is you problem, except you've got a much better handle on your MOTG style than I do. And I have a few more occasions but the style needs are totally unpredictable. I ordered some brocade jeans. But they didn't arrive in time for my event. Alas. </p> <p>Cute sweater, Una. Maybe I'll get time to check out anthro. One can dream. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790814 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:37:54 +0000 kellygirl 790814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's really cute! I kind of wanted something that could stand on it's own though--layering is problematic for me. The sweater looks kind of short on the model. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790805 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:31:51 +0000 catgirl 790805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly, what about something like this? I was just eying it myself since it's on sale right now!</p> <p><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-sweaters/26207779.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....207779.jsp</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790801 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:28:19 +0000 kellygirl 790801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally! Let me preface this by saying that you always look immaculate--so pretty and polished in everything. I was thinking on this yesterday and trying to figure out why I am so dissatisfied with my holiday capsule and I think for me, it is because I've only really got a grip on MOTG type of outfits. Departing from MOTG takes a lot of effort and I find that most of my clothes are really only MOTG. I don't have shiny, sparkly, tailored items because I really have no need for them except for an occasional evening out--and even then, except around the holidays, it is usually very casual. Throw in the fact that I don't like to be cold, uncomfortable or OTT, makes the options even slimmer. I'm going to keep my eyes open for something kind of holiday and fun--like the brocade jeans or a sparkly sweater--nothing terribly fancy but a step up from MOTG. It would be nice to have these things handy when the holidays come round. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790792 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:13:29 +0000 Suz 790792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the virtual hugs and boosts everyone. And Geneva, I am going to get one of those lights. I am prober to depression and take good care to minimize the risks but this would be an extra bit of insurance. </p> <p>Such wise observations. I think you've all n made good points. In my case I think I'm always being caught off guard. I think I have no occasions and then I donut as Sylvie said they are never the same type and funding the right outfit at a moments notice can be impossible. I've been good at not buying for my fantasy life but a couple of times a year I do need fancier or at least DIFFERENT outfits. </p> <p>Hugs to everybody else experiencing this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-the-holidays-make-you-feel-unfab-in-your-clothes#post-790759 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:43:13 +0000 Transcona Shannon 790759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - you look FANTASTIC so get any thoughts out of your pretty head that are telling you otherwise!</p> <p>I think we all get so incredibly stressed at this time of year and then you add in probably more unhealthy eating than we normally do, less sleep than we normally get, changes in weather, adjusting to less daylight....it can sometimes all be a recipe for feeling kind of yucky.</p> <p>Just take a deep breath Suz - you are beautiful and stylish! </p>