YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion Challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion Challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:59:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1618243 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:06:40 +0000 Anonymous 1618243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, the scarf is a great colour, and your accessories are very nice. I can see why you gravitate towards studs though, as that's something I do too. I find bangles annoying, generally. I like the pairing of the stiff button-down with the soft knit leggings. Janet on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1618234 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:49:18 +0000 Janet 1618234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just realized that somehow I have not yet chimed in on this thread. Oops! It's been fun to watch the challenge spread. Joy, I can really appreciate the cardigan challenge. I love your argyle one (but I have a weird soft spot for argyle). How did the long olive one work out after a day of wear? It does seem a bit long for you. I think cardigans are tricky, but I'm also not much of a cardigan person when it comes to personal style. I still own two, which I actually like more when I turn them around and wear them buttoned up and backwards. They're both crewneck and shortish, at hip length. One is quite old -- a sort of modified argyle diamond pattern in shades of olive, that my mom bought me while we were out shopping together probably a decade ago, so it's quite sentimental. I will now need to challenge myself to wear it. El Cee, I love those silver jeans, and that jacket too. I'm getting a better idea of how warm my jackets are during this experiment, and it's a good reminder to me to make sure my tops are comfortable to wear on their own (not too tight or clingy even if they're an underlayer) to be wearing jackets when I'm going through the "warm flash" phase of life. Quick jacket removal is sometimes a necessity. As for the wide-neck sweater, I have a couple of those, and I usually wear a tank underneath to hide the errant bra strap. That kind of top is usually a good candidate for a scarf too. Sterling, the accessories challenge is another really good one. I need to do that myself. My jewelry and scarf collection is, well, vast. In fairness, some was inherited, some dates back to my early adulthood in the 80s. I'm really sentimental about jewelry and scarves (mom loved both! You see a pattern here in my sentimentality?). Oh, and I have a white Brooks Brothers button-front shirt too -- it's the more fitted one, which does not button all the way to the throat. I haven't worn it in a long time, either. I had a black one too, but consigned that. They're beautifully made shirts, and classic, but my main wear for a white shirt like that has been layering under a sweater, and lately that just feels a bit too traditional for me. I'll need to see if I can style that shirt in an edgier way that feels more "me." Great work, ladies! El Cee on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1618193 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 12:31:06 +0000 El Cee 1618193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling -- Nothing wrong with cozy fallback clothing. I think I will be going the same route today. I love your accessories. The scarf print is gorgeous -- but I understand about indoor vs. outdoor fabrications. (I can only wear my wool ones as outdoor neck cover in winter.) It will be interesting to see if you can find a way to wear it that is neither fussy nor overly hot. (if you do, please share your secret.) Joy -- I very much like the drape and color of your cardigan but I agree that it is a bit too long. I think that with this type of cardigan there is a very fine line between just the right amount of long drape and a full out bathrobe look, especially on a small or petite frame. My report -- Yesterday's outfit worked well. I really do like the wool blazer, but it is a bit too warm to wear in some indoor locations. I will be more likely to use it as lightweight outerwear. Today I am going the comfy cozy route. I will be wearing the same silver jeans as yesterday and will be pairing them with a gray GAP sweater dress/tunic (which is several years old) and a silky striped scarf in shades of gray and purple. I am evaluating whether I should keep or toss the tunic. The neckline (a wide and deep U) is a bit problematic as I have trouble keeping bra straps from showing (and I am not a big fan of strapless bras). I may try layering the tunic over a tank or shell to eliminate that issue. If that trick works, I may hold onto the piece. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1618070 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 03:05:43 +0000 Anonymous 1618070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Challenge Day 4 of cardigans. Today's was an olive jersey cardigan and just one look at the photos convinced me it is a definite NO. I think this cardigan has made me hesitant to try the long duster cardigans that were popular this winter. I wonder if it will be wearing me. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1618018 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:38:11 +0000 Anonymous 1618018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tomorrow (February 19), I'm going to wear comfortable, cosy fallback items.  Same ponte pants and a sweater.  Simple.  Easy.  Comfortable.   So I will wear some unworn accessories to meet the challenge.  A bracelet I love, but tends to slip up and down my wrist and distract me. Earrings that I just never reach for because I usually go with studs.  And finally, a scarf from Banana Republic.  I absolutely adore this print.  What I didn't realize is that fabric content matters even in scarf.  This is wool.  It is not really an in-door scarf.  Also I discovered it can fussy.  Wearing scarfs is a lot harder than most women make it look.  ETA:  I wasn't able to wear the bracelet (too uncomfortable) or the scarf (too hot and fussy).  I am still wearing the earrings.  Although this should be a sign that the bracelet and scarf could be purged, I just can't do it. The bracelet will be worn on special occasions.  The scarf will be relegated to cold weather outer wear.   Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617866 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:47:05 +0000 Anonymous 1617866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The blazer is beautiful, El Cee.   El Cee on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617722 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 14:11:00 +0000 El Cee 1617722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling -- I like the outfit you have laid out for today. The crisp white Brooks Brothers shirt is a gorgeous classic. Is that one of the special items that you are "saving"? I do that with white shirts too -- afraid that I am going to stain them. But I so love the look. Today I am planning to wear a classic plaid jacket -- bought last Fall and, as yet, is unworn. Fit is great and the gray/black plaid coordinates well with other pieces in my wardrobe, so I don't know why it has sat in my closet all this time. (I think it is because I have been favoring cardigans over jackets this winter for the comfort.) I am going to do a rendition of Angie's Urban Equestrian ensemble from Fall 2014. These are the pieces I will be attempting to wear together (fingers crossed) -- plus tall black boots or black moto boots, haven't decided which ones yet. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617705 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:55:57 +0000 Anonymous 1617705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree. Sterling, this is a great combo. I do this, too, except with a crisply ironed blue chambray shirt instead of a white shirt. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617516 Thu, 18 Feb 2016 01:24:44 +0000 Anonymous 1617516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, this looks like a winning combination. Crisp white shirt with soft knits. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617457 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 23:42:53 +0000 Anonymous 1617457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I laid out my outfit for tomorrow (February 18) and I selected the most UNWORN ITEM in my wardrobe:  a Brooks Brothers' Button Down Shirt.  I am going to pair the button-down with my Kut from the Kloth Leggings (which I adore).   Now I have a cheat.  I am going to put a sweater in the car.  If I get uncomfortable during the day, I can change.   Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617440 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 23:05:00 +0000 Anonymous 1617440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like this cardigan with the blouse.  Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617355 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 20:13:06 +0000 Anonymous 1617355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Challenge Day 3 of cardigans: Today's blush cardi works better over a sleeveless top but it is still too cold for that. I like that it has a V neck but wish it were a bit bigger. Tina Christine on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617320 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 18:50:26 +0000 Tina Christine 1617320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I like this challenge. When I retired I had clothes that I thought were "too good" to wear other than to work. After several years I started wearing these clothes in casual atmospheres like coffee shops, out to a local grille for a relaxed dinner and now around the community for errands, etc. I felt good. Now I have another group of clothing I have saved for when I go out between casual and dress up. Those clothes don't get worn so much and your challenge has reminded me to wear those clothes more freely. Sometimes I saved clothes for rare occasions because I loved them and didn't want to wear them out. That really makes no sense to me now. I'm 5' talk and it's hard for me to find petites that look good on me and selection his limited. So I saved. No more! Thanks for the reminder! Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617293 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 17:23:54 +0000 Anonymous 1617293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The red blazer worked out great at work!!!  It is a bright red.  People commented how much they liked it throughout the day.  I felt GREAT.  I made a mental note that the red blazer must be worn more often. Thanks for asking, Smittie.   Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617238 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:38:16 +0000 Anonymous 1617238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm...I think you were supposed to wear that grey blazer ;-) Maybe the problem with the outfit is that you're doing the constrictive top AND bottom. Maybe you need to pair the grey blazer with your ponte pants? I think the cardigan/skirt combo is very nice. How did the red blazer outfit work out? Did you feel good in it? El Cee on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617232 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:20:14 +0000 El Cee 1617232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling -- I totally understand why a blazer, even one that is a great fit and fabric, never feels quite as cozy as a cardigan. Perhaps it is something about the structured/less relaxed nature of a blazer that makes it feel more "constrictive". I personally am not reaching for my blazers and jackets as often, especially when it is an "at home" day. (Food for thought.) I have a few knit blazers and motos that I should try as a "cardigan equivalent" on those days. I also understand about the "saving" shoes thing. If I really like a new pair, I am so afraid that they will get beat up or scuffed that I will avoid wearing them. Silly Me! Shoes are meant to be worn. By the way, I love your skirt. The pattern is fabulous. Today I am trying to style a chocolate brown drape front cardigan. I think the reason that I am not wearing it is that I just do not have the right supporting acts. This particular brown seems to have a lot of red in it, so it doesn't work that well as a true neutral and, in my mind, does not play well with my tops and tees. I am wearing it today over a bright citron drapey tank with a pair of KUT distressed boyfriend jeans and gold metallic fashion sneakers. I am also wearing some gold earrings and a polished stone bracelet that ties in with the brown and citron colors. It works. I may try pairing the cardigan with a tomato red lightweight sweater later in the week. I am still not sure I will keep this piece, but want to give it a fair shot as it is really soft and comfortable. I love this challenge. It is really forcing me to think outside the box. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617185 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:01:43 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1617185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Count me in! Starting this evening, because today I'm in workout clothes. Actually.. I have some saved stuff there, as well. Hmm. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1617136 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:26:10 +0000 Anonymous 1617136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never have a hard time getting dressed in the morning.  I lay out the outfit I am going to wear the next morning and I am dressed in less than five minutes (no brain power whatsoever).   The challenge has stymied me today (February 17).  I selected my outfit last night (and I loved it at the time).  This morning that same outfit feels "constrictive."   It is not!  But I feel I want something more "cosy."  I opted to change the grey blazer for a black cardigan.  I paired the cardigan and skirt with black oxfords and a white tee shirt.  I don't have a picture of either the oxfords or the tee shirt.  I'll remedy that after work.   Unworn item:  black oxfords.  No reason that they are unworn other than I had been "saving" them.   Joy -- when we are done with this challenge, I will be curious to know if it helped you make any decisions.  I hope the challenge was helpful to you.   Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1616891 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:42:05 +0000 Anonymous 1616891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I love the idea of the thick belt to switch it up a bit. Joy, I really like the floral cardi. I'm not doing a challenge, but watching with interest. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1616827 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:04:28 +0000 Anonymous 1616827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Joy.  I have enjoyed your WIWs for a long time now.  You never cease to blow me out of the water.  These three pictures are not on par with your usual WIWs, suggesting that the items in question belong on probation.   In all fairness though, the shirt doesn't photograph well and that may be throwing me off.  When I go back and review the pictures, it seems my eye falls on the shirt and I have a hard time seeing the rest of the composition.  I would donate the shirt for sure.  Could we please see the cardigans styled with a different top?   El Cee on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1616757 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:53:00 +0000 El Cee 1616757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling -- I really like the Gap Floral sweatshirt. I can understand why you would want to wear it more than once a week. Stylish AND cozy. What more could you ask for? Joy -- You have a great "plan of attack" this week, tackling items by group. I should try that method. Love #1 and the subtle tonal pattern mixing (stripes/checks/snake). I really like the checked shirt. I also like the overall tonal look in #2. As I have a poison eye for argyle, I will let others be the judge on that particular sweater… but I admit I might have a tough time parting with a classic cashmere item in good condition. I am a total sucker for big floral prints and could see the cardigan in #3 worn with white jeans. Like it with charcoal as well -- but perhaps not with the checks in the mix. (I am a more hesitant pattern mixer, so take this with a grain of salt.) Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1616748 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:35:35 +0000 Anonymous 1616748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Challenge Day Two: cardigan week: I am showing you 3 on probation today. The pants are charcoal Ponte jeans and the Fossil belt is too big. The checked shirt is also under consideration. AT with some Spandex. 1: AT black Swacket. 2: cashmere arguile several years old. 3: rose patterned cardigan again with pattern mixing. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1/page/2#post-1616737 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:17:49 +0000 Anonymous 1616737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you, El Cee!!!   You, in turn, inspire me to continue the work.     El Cee on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616732 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:05:01 +0000 El Cee 1616732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling -- I am going to thank you again for this challenge. I really needed the push it is giving me to evaluate my wardrobe orphans. I have been home-based for a couple of days, so I have not started on my jackets/blazers. I tend to reach for cozy knits and looser bottoms when staying home -- so I thought I would start with evaluating those types of items. Yesterday I pulled out a pair of Eddie Bauer darker wash boyfriend jeans that I have had for a few seasons. I usually wear them in early Fall and late Spring and cuff them. I have not worn them since last Spring. Tried them out full length yesterday as we had messy weather (and needed to run a few errands). Wore them belted with a high-low long sleeved tee, long necklace, puffer coat and cute duck boots. I was not so pleased with the look, even though the comfort level was great. The reality -- I prefer them cuffed and worn with flats (and no socks). Today I am not leaving the house, so I am wearing the same jeans cuffed with a short sleeved v-neck tee, jean jacket and flats. Much better! So the jeans will stay and get worn cuffed indoors or in warmer weather. Tomorrow I will attempt to style an orphaned chocolate brown open front draped cardigan. I think I am avoiding it due to the color. As much as I look very good in earth tones, I am usually happier when I wear black (or denim) as my dark neutral. [I am originally from NYC metro area and cannot seem to get beyond my addiction to black. Is there a 12-step program for this?] Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616674 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:59:59 +0000 Anonymous 1616674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ February 16:  Today I am working from home.   I know I have permission to wear my nicer clothing at home, but it is pouring outside and I am just not feeling it.  I am opting for a safe and comfortable fall back option.  Oh, and I personally am very comfortable repeating items during the week.  That is probably why a segment of my clothing doesn't get worn.   Grey ponte pants. Gap grey floral sweatshirt.   Caslon navy tee shirt (if the day gets too warm for the sweatshirt). Not frequently worn item:  wide leather belt (2").  I love this belt.  It is great quality and certainly makes a statement.  I tend to always select a narrower belt (1").   Socks. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616503 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:59:40 +0000 Anonymous 1616503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, thank you for your assessment of these pieces. Yes, these jeans have a low rise and it is a problem to keep them up. A big shopping trip with lots of jean try ons is in order. Alassë on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616393 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:19:44 +0000 Alassë 1616393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a great challenge for you, Sterling. I am excited to read your update posts. Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616359 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:26:17 +0000 Anonymous 1616359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy -- I am going to be honest with you.  I do not love it (and I love so many of your outfits).  The color of the sweater set is beautiful.  I love it on you.  I don't necessarily like that sweater set with those jeans.  The length of the sweater is not what bothers me, it seems to be the rise of the jeans.  The rise to too low.  I am hoping that others, who are better at this than me, will chime in as well.  Anonymous on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616330 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:39:01 +0000 Anonymous 1616330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Monday. This week will be mostly cardigan week with whatever else I can throw in. Today I am wearing a midtone lavender Karen Kane sweater set that does not get much wear. It has sparkly beading on ribbon trim and the fabric is a silk/cotton/spandex blend. Plus side: fabric is lux, color is good on me and hard to find, nice spring weight. Minus side: feels too short (it's a petite). Also up for review are white Kut Diana skinny jeans and Trove loafers. I tend to reach for looser boyfriend jeans and the loafers are so comfortable but I think would look better with wide pants, something I don't have in a light color. Thoughts? Angie on "Fashion Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-challenge-1#post-1616263 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 15:23:45 +0000 Angie 1616263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great challenge. Fun that you wore a skirt today.