https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:28:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1371260 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:00:22 +0000 Golden 1371260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love 6 on you! The color is great!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1371131 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:54:30 +0000 Lynne 1371131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I like the top in #2 on you, Merideth.....the colours are deeper and the line is fitted and&nbsp;smooth.&nbsp; I can see it being quite versatile for you.&nbsp; However if you're not loving it, and you don't need it, I am sure you can hold out.&nbsp; It's good to try these things, if only to train your eye as to what works!&nbsp; Have fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1371042 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:01:24 +0000 Meredith 1371042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz and Jackie, those are the items still in the running!</p> <p>Beth Ann, thanks! My overthinking definitely gets in the way of the happiness factor, but I think I'm getting cliser to being more intuitively. </p> <p>Thanks Shevia! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1370998 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 02:22:54 +0000 Jaime 1370998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorites are #3 and #6 and I think the soft blue in #5 looks good on you too. I think Aida has a good point - it makes sense to hold out for 10s with more expensive essentials like coats and jeans. On the other hand, if you want to change your style a bit, you have to take some risks and try some new things, and holding out for 10s might restrain that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1370950 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 01:21:35 +0000 Beth Ann 1370950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another thumbs up for 1,2, and 3.&nbsp; If seems to me like you're on the verge of a style shift -- it often begins with that sensation of, "I have nothing to wear."&nbsp; I'd suggest buying what works for your lifestyle and gives you pleasure, but refraining from making big, long term purchases until your style direction settles a bit.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1370888 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:55:58 +0000 Suz 1370888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Jackie said!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1370848 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:18:42 +0000 jackiec 1370848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are being very thoughtful and careful - I like that! But let me say I love 1&amp;2, and I think 3 as well, on you. You look so amazing in that dress - colour and style - esp with the booties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1370779 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 22:02:35 +0000 Meredith 1370779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to bump my own&nbsp;thread, but I got distracted over the weekend and didn’t have a chance to&nbsp;respond to the rest of you. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/ummlila/"><b>Ummlila</b></a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/cheris/"><b>shedev</b></a><b>, </b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/aida/"><b>Aida</b></a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/caro/"><b>caro in oz</b></a>,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/pupsadiepup/"><b>Gigi</b></a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/cheryl65/"><b>cheryl</b></a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/susanolding/"><b>Suz</b></a>.<b>&nbsp; </b>Thank you all for the very thoughtful advice.&nbsp; You offered very practical opinions regarding&nbsp;these specific pieces but more importantly offered insight into the bigger&nbsp;picture.&nbsp; After mulling this over during<br /> the weekend, here’s what I’ve learned.</p> <p>1. Many of you cautioned&nbsp;me against buying something I don’t love because those items frequently go&nbsp;unworn.&nbsp; As I thought about this I&nbsp;realized that I’m actually really good about wearing what I buy.&nbsp; Even if something isn’t perfect I usually&nbsp;find a way to make it work.&nbsp; BUT, I do&nbsp;think that I am more eager to replace the things I don’t love, so I’m still&nbsp;feeding the shopping habit.</p> <p>2. It’s probably not&nbsp;realistic to expect everything to be a 10 at this point in my wardrobe building&nbsp;process, but I need to identify strategic pieces that must be 10s and track&nbsp;them down and then fill in with the basics, the 8’s, etc.</p> <p>3. I need to put together&nbsp;some very tiny capsules.&nbsp; Back in August<br /> I started to think about building a capsule for fall.&nbsp; I love Angie’s posts on capsules and think&nbsp;they are very realistic for my lifestyle. &nbsp;But building a cohesive capsule to last me 5 days of the week (or even&nbsp;3) is just beyond my capabilities at this point.&nbsp; I need to start smaller, but keep some of the<br /> principles of capsule dressing in mind.&nbsp;I have some ideas about where to go with this, so stay tuned.</p> <p>4.&nbsp; Many of you asked whether anything was&nbsp;specifically wrong with the pieces and I had a hard time answering this&nbsp;question.&nbsp; But a little window shopping<br /> trip today gave me the words.&nbsp; Those tops make me yawn! &nbsp;I make this mistake time and time again.&nbsp; I may yet keep one or two of the tops, but as&nbsp;I suspected from the beginning I plan to return most of them.</p> <p>Thank you for helping me&nbsp;process!&nbsp; Without you all I’d have another<br /> sad season of clothes.&nbsp; I look forward to&nbsp;sharing some of the more peppy, joyful clothes I have in mind.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368957 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 02:55:27 +0000 Suz 1368957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're wardrobe building and you don't have unlimited financial resources AND you aren't completely sure yet about your style preferences and direction, then it's better not to wait for 10s on everything. Aida summed it up very well.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I joined YLF I was in this situation. I had literally no clothes after a 35 pound weight loss. And I had no real idea what I liked, what looked good on me, or even what was out there (since I hadn't shopped for a while). So I made sure I had some "10" jeans (since I wear denim almost every day), a few "10" coats (since I live in Canada), and a few "10" booties (ditto) and supplemented with thrift shop, consignment, and on sale items to try different colours, shapes, trends.&nbsp;</p> <p>Even then, it was expensive. I don't think I have anything now from that first year on YLF except (probably not coincidentally) the jeans and the coats! (I wore the booties out, so that's not a condemnation of what I bought.)&nbsp;</p> <p>It really is a process of trial an error.&nbsp;</p> <p>A couple of thoughts. On my screen, it's really difficult for me to judge how good these colours look on you. Not saying they look good or bad. i just can't tell.&nbsp;</p> <p>#1 is a fun dress. I hear what people are saying about how difficult it could be to wear, but it really depends on your lifestyle and needs. I have a dress that body con and I wear it a lot, in fact. But, I don't work in an office. And I "de-bombshell" it with tights, a topper or sweater, and in various other ways.&nbsp;</p> <p>Style and colour wise from what I can tell -- I like 2 and 6.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368888 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:36:17 +0000 cheryl 1368888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorites are 2, 4 and 5 but I think they all fit you well and they all look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368874 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:24:11 +0000 Gigi 1368874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite styles on you are 4 and 6. #4 is quite casual, as someone else has pointed out, but what I see in it is that you wear the fluid fit very well.</p> <p>It's really a tough question as to whether you want to hold out for 10s. I guess my opinion is, if you really can't get dressed very well because you're missing, say, the perfect leopard print belt, and having such a belt would help you put together a million outfits, then it might be a good thing to settle so as to create more immediate&nbsp;versatility in your wardrobe.&nbsp;However, if you're just thinking how nice it would be to have a moto jacket because they look so smashing, but you already have a boring jacket that technically&nbsp;could do the same job as the moto,&nbsp;I would keep looking for the perfect moto, because not much wardrobe versatility would be gained by settling.</p> <p>I think the cost of the thing also matters. For instance, a moto jacket is expensive, so it makes sense to wait. And I think it also matters if the item is a statement piece. Since the statement piece packs the main style punch in an outfit, you wouldn't want to compromise.&nbsp;But an "OK" long-sleeved t-shirt might be a place to settle, since such a shirt&nbsp;might be necessary to help you put together lots of outfits while you await finding the perfect one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368774 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:18:31 +0000 Caro in Oz 1368774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think #2 looks great &amp; I love the structure of #6 on you. Having said that I wouldn't keep anything I didn't feel great in. Photos only tell part of the story &amp; you are the one wearing the clothes &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368728 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:16:31 +0000 Aida 1368728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#2, 3, and 6 all look good to me.</p> <p>Regarding filling vs. holding out, there are a few ways to look at it. If you are truly rebuilding, you may not be able to hold out for all 10s because, well, you still need to be wearing something! When you've got pieces in place already, then you can afford to be pickier and more patient. In addition, with very few pieces even if they're higher quality, you run the risk of them wearing out much faster than they would if your wardrobe was in a more complete state.</p> <p>If you're still sorting out what your personal style is, it may be worth looking at basics that you <i>know</i> feel like you and putting your focus there. Like, if you know that you love and will wear dark skinny jeans or a black a-line skirt or a crisp white shirt or a slouchy gray sweater, get those in a 10 and put in some dollars there.</p> <p>For some of the trendy things, if you wait until your 10 comes along then you may end up missing out on the trend; in these cases, sometimes I will keep an 8 because wearing the trend will make me happy (and I could always continue looking for a 10 if I wanted). It's sometimes tough to get that balance of "I want a 10" and "I want to wear this <i>right now</i>". And if you're eclectic, that can make things even more difficult; it becomes really easy to end up with a LOT more 8s than 10s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368711 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:43:15 +0000 shedev 1368711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the jewel tones best . What are the other attributes of these tops besides color. How well do the styles fit the direction you want to go. I think if you are leaning toward returning then follow your gut .If you don't feel the love now, you probably won't in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368706 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:34:35 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1368706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #2 the best because it has both color and print, and the color is good on you. I also like that slaty color in #6 on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368703 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:23:38 +0000 Meredith 1368703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/elly/">Elly</a>, I overlooked your comment! &nbsp;The green dress is tricky and almost certainly going back. &nbsp;I was so tempted by the sleeves! &nbsp;A dress with sleeves! &nbsp;But it's really too body con to be very versatile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368699 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:20:49 +0000 Meredith 1368699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all for the thoughtful feedback. &nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/scolaris/">thimblelina</a>, I think it could make sense for me to fill the gaps with some less expensive items and focus on a few key 10s. &nbsp;I think that might feel more manageable. &nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/texstyle/">texstyle</a>, I agree there is a lot of visual interest to #2. &nbsp;Color and two patterns in one top? &nbsp;It definitely appeals to my eclecticism. &nbsp;Of any of the options it probably is closest to what I understand my style to be.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/enginemom/">Marlene</a>, Thanks for the feedback about the colors. &nbsp;I agree that none of them really make me sing, but it was fun to try a new pallet! &nbsp;The blue top is by Adrianna Papell.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/deborahann/">DEB</a>, I appreciate you giving me "permission" to take time and good advice about focusing on the basics.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/joy/">Joy</a>, May I ask which colors worked best for you? &nbsp;I'd love to try some other options!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/alasse777/">Alassë</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/ambergreen/">ambergreen</a>, I just don't want to go overboard with too many tops. &nbsp;On the one hand I really need to refresh my tops&nbsp;and I love the idea of starting with many items at the beginning of the season. &nbsp;But I do find myself wondering if there is something better out there. &nbsp;I also think back to a past thread where some folks were arguing that it isn't reasonable to expect to be as excited about a basic top as some other items in one's wardrobe. &nbsp;Maybe I need to be okay with "just fab enough." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368650 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:39:43 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1368650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with everyone on which of these work well on you to the eye, but the main thing is that rather than thinking and analyzing what might work, it's more about how you *feel* wearing them (like DEB and Joy noted). (And this coming from another person who tips way more toward thinking than feeling...)</p> <p>Yes, sometimes we do need to just fill wardrobe holes, but I do think it is worth holding out for what we really enjoy. And though better quality is always a good thing to go for, pieces you really like don't have to cost a lot.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368642 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:31:56 +0000 Elly 1368642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The warm jewel tones are my favorite on you -- the green dress is nice, but I don't know where one would wear such a thing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368618 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 18:01:47 +0000 Alassë 1368618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1, 2, 3, and 6 are colours that look wonderful on you. Do you have concerns about the style of the tops, or having too many tops in a particular niche? Otherwise I'd keep these new ones. 4 seems very casual (unless you need a lounge item), and I don't think 5's colour&nbsp;flatters you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368588 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:20:58 +0000 Anonymous 1368588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't keep anything that you can't wait to wear. Your coloring looks similar to what mine was before my hair turned grey and I'm not sure that these are your best colors. They seem a bit muddy for your complexion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368581 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:08:19 +0000 Deb 1368581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 1,2, 3and 6. Both the colours and styles suit you very much. Not as sure about the colours of 4 and 5 on you. Hang out for things you really like otherwise you won't be satisfied, waste your money and end up with things you don't feel good in or wear. It does take some time, perhaps a few years, to build a fab wardrobe, so allow yourself time. Maybe start with a foundation of good basics in the right colours for you, and add the wow factor after that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368571 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:40:55 +0000 Marlene 1368571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a fan of #6 (what brand is it BTW?) I like that it is muted AND still saturated. &nbsp;The others seem to be just OK to me, color-wise. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368565 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:33:59 +0000 texstyle 1368565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that #2 has both a very beautiful and on trend fall color but also has interest so that it would layer beautiful under different toppers for fall. I also love the same or similar shade of #3 and like it for the cozy factor - if it's a good fabrication and feels good on, I don't see why you wouldn't keep it. The other items I am not as certain about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368564 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:28:34 +0000 thimblelina 1368564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to balance this every season because my wardrobe is so small. I try not to spend 'real' money on anything but my personal 10s. Right now I'm cruising thrift store racks for new midi skirt shapes to try, but I directed my big budget to the perfect a-line denim skirt from Boden. I only buy '10' jeans, that's why I only have a few. Could use a few '10' jackets but if those elude me I'll drop the wad on a single leather one &amp; just make due. Sometimes I'll sub out something from my dream list with a good lesser equivalent. I was prepared to spend $200 on some cognac d'orsay flats at anthro, but then I found a similar BCBGeneration pair on sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368551 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:18:31 +0000 Meredith 1368551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/member/cjhaab/">cjh</a>, thanks for the feedback. &nbsp;I think my biggest problem is I am in the overthinking/paralysis stage of wardrobe building. &nbsp;Always second guessing and wondering if things are good enough to the point of not making a decision.<br />I've thought about my wardrobe enough to know I want to make better choices, but I still have question marks about what constitutes my personal style and what I really need for my lifestyle (I'm in a weird limbo stage).</p> <p>There are not really any flaws to the pieces, but some feel more current than others. &nbsp;I find myself wondering if I should hold out for pieces that push the envelope a bit more, but maybe I should be more concerned with that type of thing once I've pinned down a style direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368536 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:56:23 +0000 cjh 1368536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1 and 2 look like great layering pieces. Think of 2 with a fab blazer, tweedy jacket or sweater over in plummy shades? 3 and 4 I love! Of course they are my colors, look cozy and useful. 5 - meh? 6 - good color and I like the shape.&nbsp;<br />Do you have specific flaws that prod you to return these, or are they just not your usual choices? All that being said, if you don't love, don't keep.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/filling-holes-vs-holding-out#post-1368524 Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:35:16 +0000 Meredith 1368524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>A few weeks ago I decided to do a color experiment. &nbsp;I almost alway gravitate toward bright colors if they are available, but a flattering new&nbsp;lipstick shade encouraged me to try on items in a softer, cooler color palette. &nbsp;Focusing on the color, but not really the style&nbsp;I bought an armful of options to try at home. &nbsp;I learned that while I will never give up on my happy brights, these new colors definitely deserve more of my attention.</p> <p>Now I have to decide whether any of the styles are worth keeping. &nbsp;I'm leaning towards no on most. &nbsp;I really want to refresh most of my fall tops (they don't feel current), but I don't think it makes sense to refresh okay with other okay things. &nbsp;Maybe I should focus on buying one amazing&nbsp;head to toe outfit and mixing in my current pieces. &nbsp;</p> <p>What are the benefits and drawbacks of holding out for 10s early on in one's style journey? &nbsp;Is that an unrealistic goal?</p> <p>P.S. I will upload photos from my phone of some of the items I tried. &nbsp;As I said, I think most are going back, but please let me know if you seem something I don't. &nbsp;</p>