https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:55:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2378006 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:14:23 +0000 Jenni NZ 2378006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you so much Kinnick! I think that’s exactly what I needed. My husband is only 5 months older than me so he will turn 65 in October this year 2025, and I will be 65 in March 2026. In New Zealand one nice thing is that we can get the “pension” at 65 whether we keep working or not, although I think if we do it might be more highly taxed- which is fine since it is taxpayer money. We are helping the kids financially in different ways but it seems much harder for them to get into owning their own homes than it was for us. And I don’t know how long to help them because one day we might need more of the savings ourselves!<br /> My husband seems more emotionally wedded to his veterinary practice than I have been to mine, and I think when he feels ready he might need to sell and leave rather than having to work for new owners as I have done, which definitely has downsides as well as the upside of no longer having to manage things and pay staff etc. I don’t really want to retire if he has not but I might feel that I need to as time goes by. I thought it would be an advantage being such a similar age but maybe not. I enjoyed the first part of my little road trip in September but I did miss my family by the end of it (and they missed me and asked me to come back) so I had 12 days away rather than a possible 16. I want to go back to see my sister in the UK again and am not sure if I want to go that far on my own…obviously lots of people do but would I get lonely? I don’t want to outstay my welcome with my sister either…<br /> Lots to think about. Thanks for the “tea and sympathy”! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377970 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:36:27 +0000 kinnick 2377970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have watched my husband, who is also a physician, struggle with partial retirement and then complete retirement. &nbsp;I think it is incredibly difficult to go from being a decision maker in a practice to being a worker. &nbsp;Full retirement has different issues and, in my opinion, requires planning with your life partner. &nbsp; If only one of you is retiring then you have a completely different discussion. &nbsp;You may end up having to discover how to enjoy your retirement while your husband continues to work. &nbsp;My husband kept working part time for the kids’ sake because he wanted to have more money for our children. &nbsp;They are doing fine but we worry they will not be as financially successful. &nbsp;It is tricky to figure out how best to help because, as a parent, you don’t want to foster dependency but you want to make their lives better. &nbsp; Where do you draw the line on continuing to work for your children and grandchildren? &nbsp;These are hard decisions. &nbsp;Trying to do more for the environment is also another way of caring for children as it is their future. &nbsp;Try not to be too hard on yourself as you are in difficult transitional times. &nbsp;You will figure it out and feel better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377793 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:55:03 +0000 Angie 2377793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy,</b> I echo<b> Sal</b>, and<b> Suz. </b>So<b></b>&nbsp;sorry to hear you're having a tough time.&nbsp; Please get whatever you need to stay warm to fit your changing body. Happy to help out if you need guidance and support.</p> <p>As for the rule of 5 idea. The fact that you begin with a well established and fully functioning wardrobe with no or few holes is a<i> very </i>important bit of information ;)</p> <p><b>Jenni,</b> keep on listening to your head and heart. Striking the right balance is key. It's quite satisfying to go shopping and not be tempted! That always makes me appreciate what I have at home even more!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377774 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:01:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had a wander around stores on my 2 week days off this week, while running other errands. Small mall on Monday with lots of clothes shops of new clothes. It didn’t make me feel any better, lots of stuff, too much! Nothing grabbing me. Then today Wednesday in 3 thrift stores near each other- one Red Cross, one ambulance, and one Habitat for Humanity. The ambulance one has the nicest best displayed stuff. But again so much, and I go out of there feeling I just have so much already.<br /> I wanted to see if my feelings had changed after this thread but they haven’t </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377765 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:13:09 +0000 Suz 2377765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy,</b> nodding along with <b>Sal</b> and <b>Jenni</b> here. You are an amazing thrifter and you need to buy what you need to keep yourself warm and comfortable and safe!&nbsp;</p> <p>Another point about the rule of five -- that I think the author does acknowledge and mention -- is that it is clearly more appropriate for someone like herself who starts with a well-stocked wardrobe! For someone without a decent sized closet, it is truly unrealistic and even harsh (I mean assuming the person can afford to buy what she. needs.) It is an excellent goal for someone like myself with a well stocked closet. (Not that I plan to follow it, but I see the value for someone like me and for you, <b>Jenni.</b>) It is not for everyone, though.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377760 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:05:52 +0000 Sal 2377760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy - sorry to hear that it is a very hard time. You have been a brilliant thrifter and you need to be warm and dressed so I don’t think the rule of five is possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377757 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:01:42 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Joy I think you have been amazing with your use of thrifted items! I have been very impressed over the past few years with how you have done. Obviously when one changes weight in a major way like you have it means you need different clothes.<br /> The woman who started the Rule of Five campaign is only in her 40s I think and she was a former fashion editor who could see the churn in the system right up close and decided to do something about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377751 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:21:05 +0000 Anonymous 2377751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find it hard to limit buying new things when I have lost a bunch of weight. Maybe I will cut back on what I own but I can’t stop replacing what does not fit including shoes. I live in a four season climate . That complicates things . It is snowing out now. Plus with the snow that fell during the night, I will have to dress warmly and bundling up includes boots to keep feet warm and dry . Everyone older than I is dying lately including a dear sister and Jimmy Carter. It will soon be my turn and I am not ready. Luckily my husband takes good care of me. Today is a day to get out. Looking outside I am not sure I want this. I will try to implement the rule of five, but weight loss demands that I wear pants that stay up. This is hard with trying to use up used things I wash after each wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377747 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:00:20 +0000 Bijou 2377747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you can find joy in fashion and your wardrobe. You have such a playful spirit and always dress with an element of sass. I particularly like how inventive you are when doing dress ups or dressing for a special occasion. </p> <p>Working from home changed things up for me. There is no longer the 'need to dress well' with the realisation, that my clothing consumption and spending needs are limited balanced with an enjoyment of fashion. I now see my management of my wardrobe to be similar to my diet, I eat well to support my health with the occasional treat. I get wardrobe joy from accessories, that can add interest to casual basics. I like to support local businesses and so most of my purchases over the last few years has been local retail of eclectic and interesting pieces. My favourite purchase of 2024 was this linen set by an Australian designer who did a limited run of 50 pieces inspired by West Australian nature. It has been perfect for my long and hot summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377741 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:23:08 +0000 Helen247 2377741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jenni in NZ.<br /> Reading your post I thought: so many changes in your life in these few years.<br /> No wonder we sometimes feel lost or that something was lost in that process.<br /> I applaud you for succeeding in your commitment to buy only 5 things in one year.<br /> That on it's own is a major change I am yet to commit to in 2025.</p> <p>Fun is such a personal issue, it means a different thing to different people. I have been told to have fun...<br /> I am reviewing my interest in/need for sewing my clothes. After a lot of soul searching (read frustration) I decided that it doesn't have to be perfect , I can do it for fun. Totally a new concept for me. Not sure what this "fun" will look like, but I am willing to give a try. With a different attitude, not telling myself that I don't need to make anything as my wardrobe is full, and not out of guilt for having boxes of fabrics.<br /> It's a challenge, and I always like challenges.<br /> Take your time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377641 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:14:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jules and kkards for the suggestions. I am looking at buying local for my limited amount of new items, and yes kkards I think in the future I might volunteer at the local hospice shops, a cause that feels close to my heart. I don’t want to do it until I have retired though, as it feels too much like work when I still work hard on my 3 days a week. But later, yes, I think it would be fun and do some good hopefully.<br /> Judy, thank you. Yes the Rule of Five is very restrictive, and quite opposite to how I have purchased for over a decade, but I had been gradually reducing the amount anyway as I made better choices- so 14 items in 2023 before the 4 items in 2024.<br /> And I no longer have 200 counted items in my wardrobe, I have 144 which feels much more manageable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377638 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:07:33 +0000 kkards 2377638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni -thinking about this some more . &nbsp;Wondering if there is different way from you to have fun with fashion, and feel better about your fashion footprint/impact. &nbsp;Some of he thrift stores here, not sure about where you are, are run by volunteers from the charity that sponsor the shop. &nbsp;Perhaps volunteering at the shop would be the best of both worlds for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377637 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:51:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RachelNZ, and Cookie, thanks for your thoughts, yes it is a time of transition for me and I hope to get fun in other ways, just need to rebalance my work and non-work interests gradually I think.<br /> Thank you Jaime for the excellent analogy regarding food! I will take that on board. Thanks Sal, and thanks Suntiger. Yes I am thinking hard about any new items brought into our home! We have so much already. We are pivoting towards experiences rather than possessions, enjoying the possessions we already have.<br /> Thanks Minaminu and cat2. I have admired your financially responsible approach to your wardrobe cat2 for some time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377635 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:38:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m awake now and wish to thank more people! Lisa, Janet, La Ped and Irina, yes perhaps my interest in fashion is waning a bit as well as wanting to limit purchases for environmental reasons. I am enjoying wearing what I so carefully chose in the past and so maybe can do without the constant pull of the new, since I haven’t felt that I must keep up with silhouette changes for some time.<br /> Dee, Gaylene and Indigoprint, yes hopefully the change of mindset will lead to other different ways to have fun with my clothing. I am interested Gaylene that you are also trying not to purge! That has been a big concern of mine, the world purges too much clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377633 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:17:09 +0000 judy 2377633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I have been following this thread since you posted.&nbsp; In rereading your post just now, it sounds like you felt a bit out of balance with your 200 plus items and so tried the Rule of Five that you read about to try to bring some balance. Well, you went for it and you did it!&nbsp; But now you say: "Getting dressed doesn’t feel as much fun".&nbsp; I would take that as perhaps the experiment worked in that you found you could, in fact, do it and only bought four items, but also worked in that you found you lost some of your joy with clothes...?&nbsp; </p> <p>I find all these ideas floating around about how we have to reign in...one in, one out, or whatever...while fun to take on a challenge at times...are often a miss for me because it's not actually helping to train me to pay attention and learn my balance.&nbsp; People who share these ideas are sharing what works for them, and gosh, it can be helpful.&nbsp; But it sounds like it wasn't a substitute for your own discovery of what consuming less while having your joy would look like for you...?&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, an outer constraint to buy only five things sounds like an artificial imposition that could preclude a lot of spontaneity and fun.&nbsp; Ends up that I acquired eleven new items last year.&nbsp; The expense for the whole year was what I sometimes spent in a month years ago when I had more income, but it's balanced with my current money flow.&nbsp; I bought two more items, but those were donated back to the thrift store I got them from. I experimented with not buying anything...or shopping...for three months in the summer and it was a bit depressing (but the heat often makes me feel that way too! ). But it was informative.&nbsp; I realized I'm so appreciative of all the clothes I own and that can be it's own satisfaction (stability) but also a new piece can infuse some refreshment (novelty) into the mix. And I need that at times.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377624 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:43:24 +0000 Angie 2377624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your thoughts, everyone! Appreciate the depth of feelings. Fascinating as always :)&nbsp;</p> <p>As a thoughtful and veteran style professional, FWIW, I'm going to leave you with three thoughts that get to the heart of the matter for me:</p> <p>1. I firmly believe that fashion and style needs to stay the fun and un-stressful part of your life. There is so much horror, sadness, unfairness, complication, worry, and disappointment in the world - it's enough. <b>Find your personal happy and satisfying niche within your fashion and style world - whatever that may be! - and run with it</b>.&nbsp;<b><br /></b><br />2. If you can't find your happy place within your fashion and style world - walk away for a short or long period of time. Focus on something else.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Balance is key. You need to balance what you like and enjoy about fashion and style, with what feels right in your head and heart. This will differ greatly between people - much like personal style differs greatly between people! We can fully respect these differences and support each other along the way. Horses for courses, always.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes/page/2#post-2377623 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:30:27 +0000 Jules 2377623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In your description of your winter outfit that makes you happy I note local references (kiwi and tiki motifs). Personally I get some of my fashion joy and satisfaction by buying costume jewelry from mostly Canadian artisans. Museum shops here often have a curated selection and I take note of those that interest me and follow them on instagram. I don’t buy a ton, I think two pairs of earrings in 2024 - part of the fun is just checking out new-to-me artists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377615 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 15:42:06 +0000 cat2 2377615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting thread. I tend to buy interesting pieces and neglect my essentials. But by setting a budget, it’s gotten me to focus on first buying the essentials that I need to turn the rest of my wardrobe into outfits. That meant two years of buying mostly casual pants and jeans, which wasn’t very exciting, but the result is that some neglected tops and sweaters have gotten back into the rotation because they work well with the new additions. Could you reframe your hunt to be not about buying statements but about finding ways to bring your lesser worn pieces out to play? I ended up with essentials in colors I didn’t have before and that makes putting together outfits interesting again. I also echo the idea of challenges to make you engage with your current things in a new way. I like setting a color story for the month and dragging out everything in those colors to see what new combinations I can come up with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377607 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 13:54:30 +0000 Minaminu 2377607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good thoughts and suggestions. I wholeheartedly echo Stylefit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377605 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 13:19:56 +0000 Dee 2377605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suntiger,</b> you've brought up some interesting points about finding joy and satisfaction in wearing what we ALREADY HAVE. I feel that is probably the most important thing we can do to be sustainable. </p> <p>I also have mixed feelings now about the one in, one out idea of closet management. Of course there will be times when we need to edit out some items but often I just feel it's another way of bringing in more new stuff without wearing what we already have, thus leading to more churn and potentially more clothes ending up in the landfill. It may help to keep the wardrobe numbers stable but is it really helping to stop overconsumption and overproduction? </p> <p>Sadly, as I look into this topic more, I can see that even shopping secondhand hasn't really slowed down the primary shopping market, it's more of an add-on to it. So solutions to it all can be complicated. </p> <p>Thank you <b>Jenni </b>for initiating this post&nbsp;and to the other forum members who have contributed to this thought provoking discussion, I truly enjoy fashion. I do find it lots of fun but I also want to find different ways to enjoy it more responsibly and this post has given me pause for thought on it all.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377601 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:11:51 +0000 Suntiger 2377601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I resonate with your post a lot, though since my wardrobe is smaller, I do end up having to replace things more often. I really hate the impact of overproduction and consumerism on the earth, the workers, global inequality, and our collective mindset about physical things. I think shopping has just become like a quick dopamine hit (like social media, web surfing has), and we've become addicted to novelty.<br /> Stepping back from shopping is a way to rebel against all that in a small way- at least it helps to reset my own mindset about what I really need/want. </p> <p>There's something to be said about finding joy in the things we already have, appreciating them when we wear and take care of them. It doesn't have to feel like glee, it can just be like putting on old friends. Even when they're things that are simple and utilitarian, it must be the fit or fabric that makes them just right. When you really appreciate what you have, you don't crave more (ideally).</p> <p>I still want novelty in life of course Exploring new places, hearing new music, learning something new, trying a different food, etc are healthier ways to get that novelty without having to bring in some new object into my home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377600 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 09:18:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thank you all for your kindness. Helena you are right it is hard not to take on the whole burden of the problem as a conscientious person- I know you to also be a conscientious person. I think just telling you all my feelings has already helped and maybe can help me find more joy again in choosing clothes to wear, mostly out of what I already own.<br /> Thanks Suz for suggesting challenges. I don’t feel like doing a tonal one as I like contrast too much, but might try other things. I am also trying to choose other interests more as my interest in my work is slowly fading.<br /> Thank you kkards, I did see your post about losing your mojo. I feel my concerns are a bit different, I can put things together happily still, it’s a more general feeling of not enjoying the whole field of fashion like I once did.<br /> I will respond to more commenters tomorrow as it is late evening here now and I need to go to sleep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377594 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 05:34:13 +0000 Suz 2377594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely love what Jaime says here and think it is well worth a thought. In fact, I had been strugging to formulate a similar argument (if argument it is -- perhaps a meditation or thought experiment is the better phrase) but did not have anything as eloquent or well articulated yet -- she said it way better than I could have and found an excellent example. Anyway....I'm going to think on it some more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377592 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 05:28:17 +0000 Sal 2377592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting and thoughtful. And congratulations on achieving your goal. That’s impressive and to be celebrated. It’s not easy to reframe your relationship with shopping so well done.</p> <p>It will be interesting to see what 2025 brings - and if you need or want more additions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377583 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:09:57 +0000 Jaime 2377583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a fascinating post and responses. One thought that occurred to me, which may or may not be helpful, is to consider the analogy with food. We all have to eat. Some people enjoy cooking, making an art of it. Some people enjoy eating itself. Some people have a much more functional approach and eat for health or other goals. Some people enjoy homesteading and making as much of their own food as possible. Eating is an important social ritual and has been so historically. There are many issues with sustainability in our food supply - perhaps they don't get the same amount of attention as the problems with the fashion system but scratch the surface and they are there. Nonetheless we must eat, and for many people it is one of the ways to enjoy life. We all have to negotiate what works for us, but giving up on the fun and social aspects of food is not a tenable solution.<br />Perhaps Jenni, along the lines of the many excellent suggestions above, you need to reframe your relationship with getting dress and style, but give yourself permission to enjoy it despite the ethical challenges? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377578 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 22:37:27 +0000 Cookie 2377578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I’m not sure from your post whether you are wishing you found it more fun, feel guilty about the whole concept of even having fun in this way, or both. I agree with others that there are lots of ways to have fun with fashion that don’t involve buying more new things or buying anything at all. And personally I would find it very stressful to have a rule about acquiring only five things … the stakes of every purchase decision would be so high! It would be easier resolving to buy nothing at all.<br /> I have been generally moving away from mass-market/fast fashion and thrifting a lot more of my wardrobe but that has been kind of organic rather than planned or guilt-driven. And thriftiness is fun for me. But I do struggle with excess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377565 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:14:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 2377565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Staysfit, that’s a very full response and helpful thoughts. Yes I had some of the same approaches, as I think more in complete outfits than everything mixing with everything else, and always have done. But most of my clothing lasts a very long time. I still have 18 items that are 2010 or earlier and I wear them all, some not that often, but most of them are statements and none are worn out despite being 15 years or more old. I spend all winter in a skivvy (mock neck) under a warm woollen knit and those just don’t seem to wear out much, several are thick strong NZ wool. The patterns are distinctive but I don’t mind wearing them on subsequent days. I would wear them whether at work or not. That part does still feel fun, like the knit with the blue and green tiki and kiwi on (tiki is a small decorative figure, and the kiwi bird not the fruit!) I wear with matching paua shell/abalone kiwi earrings. That outfit feels complete and I don’t need to change it. Probably though buying something special and new had been a big source of fun, and I intend to continue buying fewer items so that fun won’t be happening as often? Of 2024’s 4 items, only the bright pink top felt fun really. The Skechers, the dark green cropped cardigan and the navy ponte pants felt satisfying and all have had plenty of wears already but they are all plainer and didn’t feel fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377561 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 17:57:09 +0000 Staysfit 2377561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, you more than anyone has made me think long and hard about how much, what, how and why I purchase something. &nbsp;I am sure others on this forum have also considered the truth of what you say and the impact of their actions on the earth and then adopted new ways of doing things. &nbsp;Nevertheless, I am sorry to hear you think your sustainable ways have somehow put a damper on the fun part of fashion. &nbsp;That makes me wonder what is fun for you about fashion? &nbsp;I am not sure sustainable practices necessarily have to dampen one’s fun with fashion but that may depend on your answer to the question above. I admittedly need time to consider further how sustainability practices affect the fun of fashion for me. They certainly have changed how I shop, and how I think about clothing.&nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>It took a long time for me to refine my personal style. To my eye, some people have a natural gift and inherently choose items that complement their coloring, figure and personality. Not me. It took a lot of work and experimentation and I still don’t always get things right. &nbsp;Some of the fun in fashion for me in the past was experimenting and figuring things out. &nbsp;This type of experimentation, by me, was not a good sustainable practice. For a few years, I had an overly large wardrobe and closet bloat. I have minor guilt and shame associated with this however, I did my best to re-home items that did not work. &nbsp;Learning what worked for me was fun and also, strangely, has helped me adopt more sustainable ways of managing my wardrobe. &nbsp;I learned what does not work, and to pay close attention to quality details and the functional and practical aspects of a garment.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>DD31 once said I have fashion functional fixedness and she is correct. &nbsp;I am not one to mix up my clothing into lots of different outfits; I struggle with capsules. &nbsp;I doubt I could limit myself to 5 clothing purchases per year as I easily burn through more than that in workout gear. &nbsp;Nevertheless, I currently wear and enjoy everything in my closet. &nbsp;Number wise, &nbsp;I still may have more than some. &nbsp;I assume this means I wear my clothing a bit less frequently and in turn, it lasts longer. &nbsp; For example, I have jeans that are 7 or 8 years old and winter coats that range from 15-30 years old&nbsp;and are still going strong. A good fraction of my wardrobe, maybe 80%, is on the classic/modern classic side, (I like Angie’s terms: basics and essentials). The other ~20% of my wardrobe are statement items. &nbsp;In the earlier mentioned &nbsp;experimentation phase, my wardrobe was statement heavy (~50-60%). &nbsp;A statement heavy wardrobe creates a lot of need for supporting pieces, it provides a lot of variety and certainly was fun. &nbsp;People may be more likely to remember statement items so I believed I needed a lot of them. &nbsp;I have since learned I do not need so many statement pieces and that I am comfortable with not being cutting edge/current. You may recall my trial with uniform dressing when I wore jeans and a grey sweater or tee every day of the week. &nbsp;When I did this, the fun of fashion was somewhat dampened. I learned that for fun and joy in my outfits I require color, statement items and, variety, however, I also discovered I am content with much less variety and color than I imagined. Also, I found that certain statement pieces are more repeatable and become part of signature style, an example of this may be eyeglass frames. Also, some essentials, like blue jeans for me, can also be statement items and hence become more easily repeatable for my style. When I wear signature glasses and change shoes and or jeans daily, my grey top and jeans outfit has enough variety. There is a fun factor for me and this uniform has become an easy and sustainable wardrobe base.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One sustainable practice I have not yet effectively adopted is buying resale. &nbsp;Given my height, fit is already hard, and the only brick and mortar resale shop in my community is the Salvation Army. I believe the items there should go to people that cannot afford them otherwise. I have tried looking at online resale but have not had much luck….yet. &nbsp;I’m willing to keep trying. &nbsp;It would not be in keeping with “buy local” as a sustainable practices. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>My wardrobe has become much smaller through attrition. I replace worn items which typically includes 2-3 statement items per season. This is enough to keep things fresh and aids with variety. &nbsp;I have been knitting my own sweaters so I can choose the fiber, color and design. &nbsp; If I could sew, I would probably make many of my own clothes as well. Someday, if I have the time. I&nbsp;have done my best to adopt more sustainable and earth friendly practices. &nbsp;I agree we should do our best to reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle, and do whatever we can to protect the environment in all areas of our lives, not only wardrobe management.</div><div><br /></div><div>Refining my personal style and learning that for me, fun in fashion comes with simple lines and design, classic pieces with a twist of color or a statement to pump up the look and with a small amount of variety has aided my commitment to use sustainable practices. &nbsp;I need fewer items. I keep them longer. What I wear needs to be practical, comfortable and meet one or more sustainability factors.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am content that there is consistency between what I feel and what I project to the world. I do not think everyone has the same source of fun in fashion, the same sense of style, etc. and because of this, what I learned that has helped me become more sustainable while maintaining fun in fashion may not be helpful to you personally, but I do hope my thought process is helpful to you or someone else here on the forum.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2025 Jenni! &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377559 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 17:37:45 +0000 RachelNZ 2377559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni NZ&nbsp;</b>I was a lurker for a long time before I signed up so know from your posts over the years that you have taken a careful and sustained approach to changing your relationship to both your wardrobe (focusing on 30 wears) and shopping (reducing what you bring in). Your commitment to this has been inspiring!</p> <p>It sounds like you are on the edge of bigger life changes - you're already working fewer days than not each week and you know that will stop completely within a few years. I know your preference (as is mine) is for dressier outfits and I personally find that work provides the outlet for wearing these outfits compared to general life due to how casual others dress in NZ. Also like you this is where I get a lot of compliments on my outfits.</p> <p>There are some great ideas from others here which could bring some fun to continuing to wear and reduce your existing work wardrobe over the next few years.</p> <p>But it may be time to begin considering what a post-work lifestyle and thus wardrobe look like. From others who have gone through this change it sounds like it can take a number of years to work through and missteps will be part of the process. A concern would be that if you are overly restrictive over this period you won't have the chance to add the right items for how you now spend the majority of your time. So it may be that you need to give yourself some grace over this time!</p> <p>Maybe somewhere to start would be just assessing how you feel about your non-work outfits. Do you have any outfits that tend to get compliments? What do you think it is about those outfits that generates compliments? Are there any activities where you feel you don't have appropriate outfits or a very limited range? Are there any items (maybe dressier pieces) that you are constraining to one type of outfit that could be tried in other ways?</p> <p>The work you have already done puts you in a strong position as you move into this new phase of life </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/feeling-differently-about-clothes#post-2377547 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:53:06 +0000 Indigoprint 2377547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I am wondering if the Fun is yet to come.?<br />After acquiring a new mindset regarding your wardrobe and accommodating it into your lifestyle it may take some time to get to the same fun and satisfaction that you had "pre" new mindset regarding your wardrobe.<br />I am close in age and working towards retirement and have similar thoughts so will follow this thread with interest. </p>