YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion in Your Environment

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion in Your Environment https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:35:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2363136 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:10:35 +0000 Dee 2363136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou - Wonderful that the retail shop can feel like a fashion runway  where you have the opportunity to hold your own there RachelNZ- Thanks for the millennial prospective from where you live. Yes, with dressier styles in these very casual times its easier to feel like a bit of an outlier to your environment but why not stay true to your own style just the same. RachelNZ on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2363118 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:04:04 +0000 RachelNZ 2363118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in the suburbs of the second largest city in NZ. The environmental norms are very much casual with a lot of athleisure. It's not really a fashion city and is known for the ubiquity of a certain brand of black puffer jacket! I am often dressier than others and am working on embracing this as part of my style. I am comfortable with being dressier at work as I feel it enhances the perception of me as a technical expert. However in general life I second guess myself before I leave the house but generally feel fine once I'm out and about. I tend to feel dressier because I prefer dresses and skirts when others wear jeans. Also skinny jeans are very much still worn especially in my age group of millennials but there are a lot of wider leg jeans on younger people and some of us millennials are adding other shapes to our collections ; ) rachylou on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2363075 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:49:18 +0000 rachylou 2363075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I work in Hipsterville, of course. That’s where the bakery is located. But then, hipsters aren’t quite the in-thing anymore. So it’s a fashion fest, but not quite fashionable. Still, especially in the retail shop, it’s a runway Not dressy, but stylish. I feel I hold my own. When I work the retail side, it’s a bit of an opportunity for me Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2363029 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 21:21:02 +0000 Dee 2363029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger - Yep, it seems heels, suits and ties have definitely taken a back seat to much more casual, comfortable styles these days. Style Fan- Yes I have heard about the many celebs having cottages in the Muskokas, and I’m certainly not surprised to hear that Lululemon is big thing there. You’re right, the Plateau is a great spot in Montreal for unique fashion. Style Fan on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2363020 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:14:03 +0000 Style Fan 2363020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in Muskoka, two hours north of Toronto. Many people (including celebrities) have cottages here because there are several large lakes. There are also lots of wooded areas and large provincial parks to hike in. The towns are very small. There is a mix of long-time locals, retirees, and new families who moved here during the pandemic. People dress very casually. We live on a hiking trail, and the people who pass are usually wearing hiking gear.  When I walk my dog, I wear casual clothes, which are my day outfit.  I will change if I am going somewhere.  For example, I am wearing denim shorts, a T-shirt and a denim shirt for sun protection today.  I will wear sneakers for walking.  I will fit right in with the people I see.  There are a lot of Lululemon leggings walking around.  I don't wear leggings except for Yoga. If I go out for errands, I change to long pants, but I would fit in with shorts.   I wear wide-legged jeans and a nice shirt for more dressy occasions, like dinner or a concert.  That seems to be what most women wear.  I have spent several winters in Montreal (Plateau area).  I love the fashion there.   Suntiger on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362995 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:18:04 +0000 Suntiger 2362995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in a very small town, but travel in my state a lot for work. It's generally very (often too imo) casual, but just about anything goes, so I don't feel out of place. The only thing I rarely see is suits and ties. Lots of shorts, casual skirts and dresses, sneakers, and flat sandals. Occasional heels, though the very highest I see only for drag. People will often dress more creatively for First Fridays, probably cause there's a big arts community. Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362957 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:32:00 +0000 Dee 2362957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Euro TomGirl - Thanks for the fashion update from where you are, seems skinny jeans are still going strong there too. Helena - Yes I too love to hear about what people actually wear in their day to day lives. Your suburbs seems to have a more varied demographic but again casual athleisure and sneakers dominate this environment too, I guess it’s just so practical to wear for many people’s lives. Joy- The standard for dressy has certainly changed throughout the decades, and black pants or jeans with a fancy top is a common default style formula many use to feel dressed up now. Sal- I’m not familiar with the US take on hot Euro summer? Anonymous on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362949 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:47:49 +0000 Anonymous 2362949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of the women I see around here are out gardening or running errands locally in this small suburban town. Not the best to see women dressed up. Most women who dress up wear black pants with a dressy top. Jeans are dressy , shorts are not. Most days I wear loafers and my long hair pinned up to be cool in hot summer . Each day starts out cool and gets warmer as time goes on . Helena on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362942 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:51:26 +0000 Helena 2362942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love these threads ... it's so fun to read what people are wearing irl, and I think there is something to be appreciated in everyone's choices! I'm in another suburb of Toronto, which is weighted towards commuters and work from home folks. There are lots of families around, with a substantial minority having a stay home parent (at least for a time) if I was estimating. So what people wear around here is reflective of home life, I think. It's pretty eclectic as suburbs go, which I think reflects different ages, lifestyles, diverse background cultures, etc. - some moms are quite dressy, while many opt for comfy athleisure a la Lululemon (I do this a lot as do many of my friends in their home and close-to-home life) or jeans. Neutrals rule with colour tending to be more understated. - retirees range from Lululemon-esque to smart casual and not overly dressy I wouldn't say - young women tend towards comfier, baggier styles for casual wear, and dress up in jeans and cute tops with a 90s or 00s influence (cropped or otherwise belly-baring, ribbed, ruching, ruffles).  - with proms just taking place recently, I did notice that the young women were wearing an array of brighter pastels and jewel tones, which is a change from the softer colours I've seen in years past.  - Skinny pants seem to have filtered out for the most part - the exception being leggings worn in an athleisure look - even at that though, there's a lot of baggier athletic pants or flared leggings - sneakers, sneakers, and more sneakers yay! But dressier women might wear wedges or heels of some sort. - there are definitely some people who like a designer/logo-heavy look. Designers handbags on chain straps abound! - I am drawing a blank on what men tends to wear! I think it's athleisure or jeans for the most part ... casual, and I don't notice a lot of fashiony looks on the men around here. Sal on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362940 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:10:55 +0000 Sal 2362940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread. Coming back to say Gen Z here is similar to Angie - currently US casual influence (college hoodies, baseball caps etc) and the US take on hot Euro summer. And yes skinnies are still popular here - they have become a classic. Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362939 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:06:08 +0000 Dee 2362939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cat2- thanks for chiming in with the fashion environment of the techy burbs. Seems a very sensible strategy to wear out clothing that you already own with no necessity for any tan chinos lol. Angie- The Seattle urban city prospective sounds very alternative and artsy, cool casual or sporty tech. Seems a safe bet to assume that you’re a very stylish outlier in this particular environment. EuroTomGirl on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362938 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 19:46:35 +0000 EuroTomGirl 2362938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A small town in the UK. Skinny jeans or leggings. Young’uns wear them high-waisted and with cropped tops; older’uns wear them with hoodies or t-shirts/tops (as opposed to blouses or shirts). Footwear is trainers, sandals or boots (rather than shoes), and flat. This is women, and daytime. I’m not sure if there’s a difference in what people wear in the evening. Pretty much the same to go to the pub or a casual restaurant, I would guess. Carla on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362933 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:06:07 +0000 Carla 2362933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s fun to read these around the world reports of how people are dressing at any moment in time!  Thanks Dee for starting the thread. Angie on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362928 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:12:50 +0000 Angie 2362928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was a fun read! Thanks, Dee!  And thanks for sharing, everyone. I am nodding along at the similarities :) I live in the city of Seattle, and by the water. Not in the suburbs. Here's my rundown: Gen Z -  SHORT crop tops, sweats, short shorts, big open shirts over cropped tops, big tees, sweatshirts, short baggy puffers, wide jeans, pj pants, Birkies, sneakers, socks. Dainty jewellery. Nail Art. Short  dresses for going out. Make-up. Lots of makeup.  Grown-ups across all ages is this: <ul> <li>Athleisure with designer bags and nail polish. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Major Seattle rocker all-black goths with lots and lots of tattoos and body piercings. Often with rainbow hair. HUGE look in my neigbourhood.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Polar fleece, jeans, hoodies, sweatshirts, sneakers, puffers,  for the tech world. Gear. Seattle is a tech hub.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Bits of everything else!</li> </ul> Hair is long across the genders. Far fewer people with short hair. Lots and lots of beanies. No heels. I soooooo seldom see anyone in heels! Only at Nordstrom. I'm the colourful, dressy person who often wears white in these crowds :) Cee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362926 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:57:10 +0000 Cee 2362926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anything that goes with jeans. cat2 on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362924 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:30:54 +0000 cat2 2362924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in a techy burb where everyone in tech dresses like toddlers. Hoodies, ill fitting tees, generic jeans and Converse or Allbirds. The finance guys do the chinos and Patagonia vests with plaid shirts. They used to do chinos and blue chambray shirts. I don’t work in tech or finance and until the pandemic traveled extensively to traditional business attire events so I have a full wardrobe of traditional adult clothing suitable for US and European cities. I am slowly adapting to staying here more, but have no aspirations to end up dressing up like my neighbors. My MIL had a similar closet and spent her retirement dressed well as she wore out her nice closet; I am planning to do the same, but with fewer tan chinos. Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362919 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:51:17 +0000 Dee 2362919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal- Sounds like you’ve got your style sorted out for your work environment, and socially, I do like it when everyone is similarly dressy even if styles are completely different. Jaime- Great to learn about what people are wearing where you are, and I too see plenty of skinny jeans being worn around my city as well and agree that the more eclectic the fashion, the less likely you’ll be an outlier. I appreciate you all for taking the time to share, I hope we’ll hear more from some others as well. Jaime on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362899 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:57:27 +0000 Jaime 2362899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in a small city within commuting radius of Tel Aviv, which is (arguably I'm sure) the most fashionable city in Israel. The people I see on an ordinary basis often are wearing clothes that identify their sub-cultural group (religious Jewish or Muslim or adamantly secular). There are many Russian immigrants here with their own recognizable style. One thing I have noticed is skinny jeans are still very popular, which makes me wonder how long it takes trends to trickle down. Younger people tend to wear wider jeans though.  As for me, fitting in is never been a big goal, and the environment is eclectic enough that I can pretty much wear what I want without standing out too much.  Sal on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362898 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 23:19:10 +0000 Sal 2362898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting topic. I live an inner city suburb in a provincial city.  I work at our business which is at the airport (domestic, cargo, medical and recreational aircraft). At work there are a couple of us that like clothes but mostly the engineers wear corporate polo shirts - it is not a very fashion forward environment.  I have to keep practicality in mind with colours and footwear. Socially I catch up with my friends either exercising or maybe dinners or drinks in or out.  We all have different styles but are a similar dressiness level.  When I was a MOTG I was probably a bit dressier than most on the sport sideline and at school pickups and dropoffs. Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362895 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:48:43 +0000 Dee 2362895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz- you’re right, perhaps we aren’t seeing our neighbours in their most fashionable attire if they’re just around their homes/gardens or walking/ biking in their own neighbourhood, I do however, like to put some effort into my outfits even if its just grocery shopping or running errands but many people may not want to bother. Like you, my aspirational style is on display the most when I’m visiting major urban cities. I feel totally at ease with my fashion choices there. Perhaps its because no one really knows me there and also the fact that most people seem to dress up a bit more. Anonymous on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362894 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:16:04 +0000 Anonymous 2362894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear more dresses than anyone in this casual area. I am best at cocktail parties. Suz on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362882 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:39:13 +0000 Suz 2362882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My situation sounds similar to yours, Dee. I live in the suburbs of a smaller, less cosmopolitan Canadian city. And it's really hard to know how people dress here, because you usually see them in one of three situations:  <ul> <li>In their cars. Where you can't really see them.</li> <li>Walking their dogs in the neighbourhood.or on the hiking trails nearby, or on their bikes on the trail. </li> <li>In their gardens. </li> </ul> In none of those places are you really seeing them in regular clothes.  Downtown, it's a mix. Mostly, the scene is very casual. But how many of those very casually dressed humans are locals, and how many are tourists? It's not always easy to judge!  The types of outfits I see sound a lot like the ones Carla describes. Slouchy oversized with shoulders, midriffs, or legs showing on the young. Pale tones. Mix of classic and schlumpy on the older women, with the odd artistic type in the mix.  I dress more casually than my aspirational style, not to fit in -- but for reasons of practicality. Because I get around on my bike, on foot, and by transit, I need weather-ready clothes and footwear that goes the distance. It's a constant balancing act, trying to figure out how to look like "myself" and also be dressed practically for my real, work-from-home, chores in garden, walking, biking life. My compromise really does sound like yours, Dee -- I'm in smart casual rather than gear for those bike journeys, which is a step away from the environmental norm but not quite as dressy as I might like. For instance, my thinking might go as follows: "I'd rather be in a blazer with my jeans instead of a sweater, but the reality is, i need to squash my outerwear into my panier at my destination. So I'm wearing the sweater."  When I go to a larger city -- Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Seattle, anywhere else -- I tend to dress more as I would like, which is a slightly elevated version of what I usually wear.  Note: I do get comments on my appearance, whether I'm in the suburbs or in town. I sometimes think people feel freer to compliment or at least comment because I am on the smaller side. I seem non-threatening? Young women often compliment specific (trendier) items, like my jeans or footwear. Middle aged and older women usually comment on my hair, or some bright element of the outfit. I get a lot of comments on my Pom Pom London bags. Even in London, I had people on the tube asking me where I got my bag!  Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362877 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:23:08 +0000 Dee 2362877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla - you paint such a vivid picture of the detailed fashions in your town, its easy to imagine these people there. Interesting how you don’t “see yourself” in other women in your town but in Ottawa it seems to be a different story and environment, perhaps due to it being a government town.  Btw, I’m originally from Ottawa but moved to Quebec almost 30 years ago. Roberta- Love all the diverse and varied fashion that you’ve described in your environment . Also like your micro environment analysis as well, I feel like I too see these same types of artsy fashionable women whenever I make it out to a museum or theatre and find it all rather inspiring. Roberta on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362872 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:59:51 +0000 Roberta 2362872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Dee, I live in a suburb of a big American city. However, my suburb is incredibly diverse, so I see hijab, saris, American casual style, and very elegant, well-groomed Eastern European style. My huge generalization is that Russian and Polish women never leave the house without lipstick and earrings. The question made me think of what I see in my micro environments - the theater, museums, downtown restaurants. That's where I spend a fair amount of my time, and there you see a lot of handmade textiles, lots of black, very stylish older women in expensive but subdued jewelry. Ha ha, I'm not in any of that! The flipside is students wearing you name it. I love my quiet, peaceful suburb, but I really appreciate being so close to a big city. Carla on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362864 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:48:15 +0000 Carla 2362864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I make my home in a small (pop. < than 17,000) town on the north shore of Lake Ontario 1 hour east of Canada's biggest city - Toronto.  It’s a quaint historic town with a vibrant year round cultural scene.  It’s become a haven for retirees - especially folks escaping the Big City.   <div> </div><div>The young’uns are mostly in school uniforms or ‘uniforms’ of their generation.  Flannel PJ bottoms seem to have been upgraded to baggy grey sweatpants, white tank tops, and zippered hoodies styled so they slip off one shoulder.  As summer heats up, I’m seeing v. short cut off jeans, tank tops, slides or crocks with white athletic ankle socks.  Long hair.  French braiding seems to be making a comeback.</div><div> </div><div>MOTG are clinging to their Lululemon leggings and oversized sweatshirts.  Hair in a pineapple bun or ball cap.  Skinny jeans are more popular than any other type, and women in their 30’s and 40’s wear a lot of Blundstones and Birkenstocks.  Also, those thick v-neck cardigans that were a ‘thing’ a year or two ago.</div><div> </div><div>Women of my age seem to be more eclectic.  There are artistic types with long natural grey and white hair and interesting artisanal layers and unusual footwear - linens and cottons in hot weather, wool, corduroy, etc. in cold weather.  There is a set of women with really good, but older closets wearing the heck out of their classic and designer clothes and accessories.  They do good make-up, and hair, too.There are the active types with short, but well cut hair, spendy tech gear including sandals and hiking shoes doing their pole walking along the trails that run through town and into the countryside or along the waterfront.  There are also those with mannish short cuts, t-shirts over cropped capris busy about their homes and involved in the care of their grandkids whilst mom and dad are at work.  </div><div> </div><div>I don’t believe I stand out with my classic style, though I do get comments (generally good) when I wear trendier items like my wide leg jeans or green pleather pants, or when I dress more colourfully - anything red, for example.  I also don’t ‘see’ myself in other women here so much.  On the other hand, I just spent 3 days in Ottawa, and ‘saw’ other women who looked like me out and about.  I probably dress a little more urban than my town’s norm, but certainly not as sharp as down-town Big City folks.</div> Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362863 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:14:36 +0000 Dee 2362863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy that you both are staying authentic to your own style. April- I had to google Vineyard Vines, and ha, there doesn’t appear to be any faux- leather in their collection, seems very sailboat preppy.  Echo- Again I was unfamiliar with the term Hey Dudes, kinda like the name though, they remind of Skechers a bit. Echo on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362862 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:01:28 +0000 Echo 2362862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha! I live in a rural area of one of the least fahsionable states in the US. "Fashion" here is unknown. Denim, sweatshirts, and sneakers, cowboy boots or flip-flops (or Hey Dudes) are staples here. I knew when we moved here that I would never fit in, so I never tried. I wear dresses, unusual clothing, stand-out shoes and boots, and accessorize (people here rarely wear any jewelry whatsoever). It is what it is, but they aren't going to change, and neither am I! April on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362861 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:22:13 +0000 April 2362861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definite outlier. I live in a town of Lilly Pulitzer summer dresses and Vineyard Vines gear (both stores are actually in this town). I'm more of a faux leather dress with fingerless gloves type.  Also, lots of tanned skin on view here. I'm a sun-protection fiend. Dee on "Fashion in Your Environment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-in-your-environment#post-2362860 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:11:19 +0000 Dee 2362860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just curious to find out what the fashion environment is like where you are and whether you're in sync with this environment or an outlier? I live in the suburbs of a major metropolitan area and although this city is well known for being quite fashionable, living in the suburbs it isn't quite the same. People here are either retirees or young families. Making a fashion statement isn't really a priority in this environment, people dress very casually here, lots of athleisure styles with leggings or sweat pants, hoodies and sneakers or high tech gear clothing like Northface and Columbia. I do dress fairly casually to fit in but it seems sometimes my casual is a bit more elevated compared to my neighbors. I really don't wear sneakers/athleisure or the high tech clothing that often. My preference is to dress up my denim and/or wear smart causal items, although I do enjoy experimenting with my fashion much more whenever I have the chance to go into the city. So what's it like where you are?