https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:06:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2282731 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 17:12:31 +0000 LJP 2282731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not very sentimental nor am I attached to clothes in any way . &nbsp;Yes I feel guilty at times for the amount I have and how much I also give away , but all I can do is try to be better. I refuse to wear things that make me feel bad about myself - weight, figure "flaws" etc and also refuse to wear anything itchy or uncomfortable, Those are the things that I end up giving away. &nbsp;Style mistakes are different - and I rely on my gut feel to guide my decision. If I'm embarrassed to go out of the house in it, off it goes. &nbsp;Like I said, I'm quite mercenary . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2282718 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 16:21:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2282718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed this when it first went up.&nbsp;</p> <p>The key for me, I think, is to accept that the item is not what I thought it was, and to figure out what it actually is/what role it fills.&nbsp;</p> <p>Last Christmas, my big request was for an optic white fisher sweater. I've had various stark white toppers in the past, and felt there was a real hole in my wardrobe. What I received is a fuzzy cream-colored Northface zip-up. It is a very nice jacket, and not cheap. But it also cannot make the outfits I had in mind. I started just reaching for it whenever I needed something to ward off the chill in our cool spring/early summer. Eventually I got the hang of it. Haven't had any homers with it so far, but it does now feel like "mine". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2282708 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 15:39:08 +0000 Bijou 2282708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I think we all make mistakes from time to time. I try my best not to, but it is hard at times. The idea in your head is interesting as that is a problem for me too. Thinking that something would work perfectly for me, only to find it does not and often vice versatile - being sceptical about a purchase, only to find it becomes a workhorse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2282645 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 10:22:13 +0000 Jenni NZ 2282645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought I would follow up Bijou. I wore my disliked cream mock neck top another 4 times which made # 30 wears and donated it in the “clothing bin” today. It is still in excellent condition.<br /> It was one where even searching hard for what I thought was the right thing didn’t work out in the end. I would never have guessed that I would prefer to wear the black one underneath the cream jumper. I thought I wanted the colour to be the same from neck to waist. Sigh.<br /> At least I suppose I am making fewer mistakes as the years go by. I have avoided extra purchases a couple of times recently by realising I could do something similar to what I pictured in my head using something I already own. I wonder if picturing an outfit in my head is part of the problem?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2280368 Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:03:15 +0000 Bijou 2280368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rejoiceandbe - that is great. I often donate my gently used items to Dressed for Success, so I know that those items are being appreciated and not ending up in landfill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2280183 Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:19:42 +0000 Rejoiceandbe 2280183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my clothes are thrifted, so if something doesn't "work" for me I am happy to re-donate it to be sold again by my favorite charity. It may be sophistry but that way I feel as if I am giving twice. Once when I bought it and then when it's sold again. As I live in a small town, I often see my second time around donations on the racks. I don't feel as much guilt about making a fashion mistake if I know that some good can come out of a bad decision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2280047 Sun, 04 Sep 2022 02:48:02 +0000 Bijou 2280047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna, a good point about potential ways to save unworn shoes. I am glad that I am not the only one who experiences weight fluctuations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item/page/2#post-2279887 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:08:52 +0000 DonnaF 2279887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes shoe inserts and/or foot add-ons like bunion or toe sleeves can save shoes. </p> <p>I’ve also found that a five or ten pound weight loss do wonders with making tight shoulders and upper arms fit on ill-advised sales blinder purchases. Sadly, those same 5-10 pounds also make other favorites not fit, but I’m holding onto them because statistically weight loss doesn’t stay off for more than a couple of years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279877 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:15:29 +0000 Bijou 2279877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, the purchasing errors are the worst. Footwear is bad for me because once my feet show that the shoes are not comfy, through blisters or sore feet, I find it hard to go back to them and probably should donate immediately.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279874 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:37:24 +0000 lyn67 2279874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic-and I do a combo of all you did mention already above! Also,&nbsp; a special shout out to <i><b>Brooklyn</b></i>, as I also love to boss my clothes in a DIY way-but I also&nbsp; found out it so much easier (for me) to take that &nbsp;"deep breath" when&nbsp;things&nbsp; have been&nbsp; languishing around for (quite) some time rather than on those freshly banned to be a purchasing errors, does it make sense for anyone?:-)). Conclusion? I don't edit often and&nbsp; stock a lot...:-( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279796 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:24:20 +0000 Bijou 2279796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some great ideas here, thank you!</p> <p><b>Janet</b>, that is good advice. Items that can be given to others for their use is always the best.</p> <p><b>Helena</b>, you seem to run a very tight ship with your clothing, I think you do a brilliant job at knowing your own style and staying true to it.</p> <p><b>Angie</b> - I have a jacket that my bought for me for my 40th birthday, rarely worn but it is a keeper.</p> <p><b>Cat2</b> - that sounds like a good method of getting wear out of your items.</p> <p><b>Carol</b> - the harem pants sound fab. Perhaps do a post of trying different options.</p> <p><b>Style Fan</b> - that is a beautiful outfit, it is nice to see you getting some wear from your white jacket.</p> <p><b>Sal</b> - doing a number of things is probably the best thing. My strategy of ignoring the item for a few years clearly does not work! Luckily I have found 'Dressed for Success' and so donating my nicer work clothes to them is a win for me.</p> <p><b>Slim Cat </b>- it can be tricky and I am not really into wearing something that I actually dislike. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time for something new (such as a silhouette) to feel like me.</p> <p><b>Firecracker</b> - with your sewing skills, I am sure your remakes are always better than the original.</p> <p><b>Jaime </b>- Changing up necklines is a great idea - that is something I often do with camisoles if the neckline is too low cut for my comfort.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279755 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:39:24 +0000 Jaime 2279755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very impressive thread! I am not good with DIY except a simple cut (which I draft my daughter to do) but I will save something I have enjoyed but gone off of, sell or give away what I am sure I have evolved out of, and, new strategy, add a layering crew neck under necklines I don't like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279740 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 23:44:28 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2279740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Nice save, Bijou! <br /></div><div>Sometimes I can alter or remake an item. Assessing whether I care enough to do that usually tells me how much I like the item. I have to look at it as a project, though. Sometimes I've gone to the trouble of altering and then still not worn the item. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279735 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:29:38 +0000 slim cat 2279735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You did very well - total success! <br />I usually donate after some time and a few unsuccessful attempts .<br />I try to make new combinations and get at least couple of times of wear out of unloved items - rarely succeed ( lol ).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279734 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:18:17 +0000 Sal 2279734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a tough one and I have done a variety of things:</p> <p>- Donate or Sell relatively quickly - a black knit short sleeve jacket that just didn't work for me - but it was expensive.&nbsp; A grey cotton jacket that was the wrong fit.</p> <p>- Adapt to make them work - a white denim jacket I dyed olive and it became a workhorse for a few years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Persevere and do the best I can - I feel that the black winter sweater dress is a bit too oversized for my preferences.&nbsp; But it is useful and comfortable and lovely quality.&nbsp; I wear it to work or working from home - I may sell next season depending on how I feel.&nbsp; But I have worn in probably 18-20 times in two years, so it has done okay.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279732 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 21:27:42 +0000 Style Fan 2279732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a white denim jacket a few years ago and never wore it.&nbsp; It was too white.&nbsp; Well, of course, it was.&nbsp; I thought of dyeing it but never did.&nbsp; I liked the style, but the colour was wrong for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I decided to wear it over an olive green top.&nbsp; The zipper is a bronze colour, so it looked great together.&nbsp; I have repeated the outfit a few times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279708 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:26:44 +0000 CarolS 2279708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about this very question as we prepare to change seasons. I have two pairs of pants from the days when my wardrobe was black-dominant: a pair of black and white striped wide leg trousers with a paper-bag type waist and a black harem-style pant. I think each has been worn once.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although I could stand to add a couple of new pairs of pants to the mix for this fall and winter, I also want to get use from these two unloved pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I can easily make the striped pants work in at least a few outfits without adding anything new to my closet. I just need to make it a point to wear them.&nbsp;</p> <p>The harem pants will be a bit trickier. Footwear is the first challenge. I don't really see them with my oxfords or loafers. Ideally, I'd like to pair them with nice semi-refined combat boot. But I haven't found one yet. I might be able to get by with my Blundstones in the meantime, but it's not thrilling me. </p> <p>I also feel that I need some structure on top to balance the slouchiness and make these work for the office. I have a blazer in my "bought but not committed to" pile that I think would do the job. I did a try-on and I quite liked the balance of funky and corporate. Otherwise, I'm not sure what else I would do to get more life out of the harem pants other than to wear them around home as loungewear. Crossing my fingers that the other option works instead! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279705 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:11:51 +0000 cat2 2279705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Star, it does help prevent a stack of old items you never touch, if you take a look at all your alternatives and pick the oldest. Then you are trying on old things more frequently and can figure out how they work with your new things. I often find combinations with old pieces that work in addition to how I originally envisioned wearing my new pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279700 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 16:53:03 +0000 Angie 2279700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NICE adaptations! WELL DONE.</p> <p>I'm surprised the frilly sleeves layer well under jackets, <b>Bijou</b>. They must lie a lot flatter than I thought. Yay!&nbsp;</p> <p>To answer your question:</p> <p>This stunning black lace blouse is PERFECT in every way, except for that it's black! Which I no longer wear. At all. I wish it was navy. It's 10 to 12 years old and a gift from my late Dad. I don't wear it - but I can't let it go. I stare at it and smile. That's fab re-purposing in my book ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279684 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:08:38 +0000 Helena 2279684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done!! I must admit I am not good at this ... But you've inspired me to try a little harder! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279683 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:06:59 +0000 JAileen 2279683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, when things really annoy me, I donate them. &nbsp;I don’t feel bad. &nbsp;Someone else will love it. &nbsp;Second, if the ruffle sleeve is the problem, why not remove it and rehem the sleeve? &nbsp;I change things all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279667 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:03:34 +0000 Bijou 2279667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I think it all depends upon in what way something feels forced. I don’t wear items that are physically uncomfortable, such as a knit that makes my skin itchy or poorly fitting shoes. Like your cream top, this was just a style preference. I do think keeping and using the item is less wasteful and also helps reinforce the lesson to be learned.</p> <p>Carla, it sounds like your t-shirts are indestructible!</p> <p>Rachy, that is a good point about having clothes that you are not precious about. My best friend has an exuberant puppy, so anything I wear when visiting needs to be robust or something I would not mind if it became a little distressed. It is always handy to have clothes that look fine but can be appropriate for those situations.</p> <p>Sisi, I am glad your sandals get compliments and you have been able to wear them.</p> <p>Janet, I can appreciate the benefit in wearing favourite clothes, especially when you have an extensive wardrobe, as I do. It really is a balancing act. With this knit, it is not what I really want, but definitely worth keeping and wearing for another year or two to wear it out and ultimately replacing with a better choice.</p> <p>Star, I do that too, not wear something for a few years and then ultimately cycle back to it. It makes my editing decisions tricky and keeps my holding zone rather large.</p> <p>Suntiger, when it comes to clothing that makes me feel uncomfortable, either physically or emotionally, then I too pass on them. For me it can be tricky to judge at times. For example I have a number of above the knee skirts that I have not been wearing much lately, preferring midi skirts. The question of keeping them or not is interesting as it is more for fashion rather than modesty that I am wearing them less.</p> <p>Cardiff Girl, I think you have the balance right. I am hoping to repurpose more so that my fashion mistakes are lessened. YLF has helped me a lot with being more mindful with my purchases.</p> <p>Indigo print, given this is a knit I don’t think I can chop the frill off as it would likely unravel the rest of the sleeve. Potentially I could detach the entire sleeve, as that is where the seam is, you have given me something useful to consider.</p> <p>Brooklyn, you are amazing in how you find creative solutions to these problems. A good idea to practice the waist band alteration on a less loved skirt.</p> <p>Merwoman, shortening hems on tops, particularly some of my summer t-shirts is a little project that would help make them more wearable.</p> <p>Robin, your approach makes a lot of sense. My sewing skills are limited, so anything more complicated than hemming is likely to require a professional which comes at a cost.</p> <p>Nikki, wow, that sounds like a great project.</p> <p>Cat2, that is a good suggestion. For me, this is the only navy sweater I own, so I have no alternative to this if I want to wear a navy sweater. I know if I bought another, I would wear that, I am not quite disciplined enough to wear the less preferred item when I have a choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279666 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:59:08 +0000 Star (Lise) 2279666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to add that I do also alter clothes that I am not happy with.&nbsp; The two ditsy floral cami-type tops have been shortened and are more flattering than they were.&nbsp; I probably would try and remove the frills that were annoying me on a top.&nbsp; I did shorten some wide bell-type sleeves on a cotton top to 3/4 and it is much better for me now.&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>Cat2&nbsp;</b>I find your comment interesting.&nbsp; Does this prevent getting a backlog of very old clothes in your wardrobe?&nbsp; I think I may try and do the same from here forward. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279663 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:51:22 +0000 cat2 2279663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear the oldest item that would work first. So the oldest navy sweater would just get the wears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279660 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:36:41 +0000 Anonymous 2279660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For an unloved item, I try to style it in unexpected ways. If that doesn’t work, I figure out how to repurpose it. I have plans to use the fabric of a skirt for a lining of a purse. I was inspired by merwoman’s post a while back </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279657 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:18:44 +0000 RobinF 2279657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of the above! I will often just wear it - I usually bought it because I thought I needed it. Or as Brooklyn did, I will try to fix it. That has mixed results for me, sometimes I still don't wear it and then it's time to let it go.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279656 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:14:22 +0000 merwoman 2279656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your perseverance Bijou.<br />live been emboldened as well by&nbsp;Brooklyn’s amazing talents for remaking items, and have had some success in dying a few items that weren’t seeing a lot of wear . I’ve also shortened the hemlines on some old tops that had fallen out of favour in the current wave of higher waistline pants.&nbsp;<div>As I’m very bad at remembering my fashion missteps, I &nbsp;also find it very helpful to keep the seldom worn item around as a reminder NOT to purchase something similar, be it the style or colour.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279650 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:43:12 +0000 Brooklyn 2279650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you. Sometimes by wearing an item you can find that a problem is not such a problem. </p> <p>Generally if I don’t love an item I try to identify the problem and fix it, if possible. Of course it’s not always possible to fix it. And sometimes there is a risk I will ruin something by trying to “fix” it, so I consider the risks before trying it. The time involved. The skills required etc. The likely appeal of the item (unaltered) to someone else if I were to donate it rather than attempt to salvage it for myself.</p> <p>This week I bit the bullet on a plaid skirt I was not wearing because it has a lot of gathering around the waist. Because it is also tiered it ended up pooching around my hips in an unflattering way. I took a deep breath and cut the waistband off. Then I sewed 2 darts into the front section so that it now sits flat on my hips. Then I overlapped the top of the fabric of the skirt to recreate a flat waistband. It looks so much better! It’s not something I’ve ever done before but I took the risk because I have another skirt with a similar issue (which is much more precious to me) and I thought I could use the plaid skirt as practise for the other skirt. Now I can do the same thing to the other skirt with more confidence. So this time it’s been a win. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279645 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:34:55 +0000 Indigoprint 2279645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I was ok with a shortened length, I would cut of the frill, leave it a 3/4 length or maybe add a fun harmonious/contrasty sleeve end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-wear-from-an-unloved-item#post-2279644 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:33:55 +0000 Cardiff girl 2279644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes get my needle and thread out.l dye things or l will use them for chore outfits until they are worn.l do take stuff to charity as well but l think it is really important to own one’s fashion mistakes.Wearing the garment even though you don’t want to teaches you what you do and don’t look for in said item. </p>