YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Hitting the reset button

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Hitting the reset button https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:39:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2002153 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:42:56 +0000 Angie 2002153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm wowed, and look forward to seeing the updates, sweet JG. Make sure the undies fit right too - and much love to you. xo viva on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2002136 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:15:54 +0000 viva 2002136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JG: Thank you for pointing me to this post. It's funny how major life events can really wreak havoc on one's wardrobe! Your experience and checklist are going to be really helpful to me. I think one big challenge is the holding zone idea, which in theory I know is necessary but which makes me itch a little .... I can get a little OCD about having things just so, and only having things I need. In the past that has meant a lot of wardrobe turnover and consigning as my tastes changed; but the challenge is different now that it's weight and body related. I think you are smart to have a holding zone since you are young and your weight could fluctuate more. Mine almost definitely will, and likely only upwards. So I'm reluctant to hold onto the things outgrown. Anyway, I wanted to wish you the best of luck as you embark on this new chapter of your life. I'm glad it feels like you're headed in the right direction.   JuniperGreen on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2002127 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 17:55:51 +0000 JuniperGreen 2002127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you everyone for the kind comments and advice! I think I will put all my stuff in a seasonal holding zone until next year rolls around - that way I'll have a backup if my weight shifts again.  And also the spring/summer changeout isn't that far off anyway.  Re: underthings and bras, I am actually sorted, thanks to some formerly too small pieces now working and a recent order to treat myself! Thank you for the suggestion to look up Toban's posts. Lots of good stuff in there.  And also a good idea to think in terms of a capsule for the time being.  I really like that one from Angie! Vix - I will look into other subscription services!  I really like the idea of fun pieces showing up on my doorstep, and don't mind running errands to the post office to ship off the ones that don't work.  I have done Rent the Runway before for events and will probably look into that again. Rachylou that is a BIG closet turnover!  I at least have plenty of pieces to get me to the mall and back :D Barbara Diane - the pants are the worst... I thought I could cinch them with belts but the saggy seats are the giveaway! Angie thank you so very much for the words of encouragement! YLF is a wonderful touchstone when I'm overwhelmed and I'm getting lots of good ideas and cheer from you and your beautiful community.    You're right that I can brighten/lighten up my neutrals - new white pants and jeans are top on my to-buy list, and I won't wait until summer to wear them.  I'm also on the hunt for dresses and skirts... feeling excited about looking for more feminine pieces in general and embracing some softer looks.   New specs are probably in order, too, and I'm putting a renewed focus on polish for my hair, makeup, and skincare.  It's all part of the journey, and I hope to have some updates with new looks in the coming weeks.  RobinF on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2002123 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 17:50:39 +0000 RobinF 2002123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is a lot of change! It sounds like you have a good plan and lots of good advice. I agree with the bra fitting recommendations, I find that bra size fluctuates with weight. And a good idea to save your old favorites just in case you go back to that size as things settle down. Suz on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001931 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:22:04 +0000 Suz 2001931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First of all, you have been through a lot! It's a tumultuous phase of life and never easy, no matter what. Your attitude is brilliant and you seem admirably organized and sensible about your current needs. Angie and the others have already given fantastic advice. Definitely look up Toban's threads -- she is a past-mistress at this stuff! And you are going to come out of this with flying colours. I can't wait to see your new style as it develops -- please share your try-ons and purchases as you go along! Anonymous on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001926 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:00:00 +0000 Anonymous 2001926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Go slowly and deliberately. Are you sure that you don't need a bra fitting? You have a lot going on. Take time for walks and maybe meditation. Anonymous on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001922 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 04:49:34 +0000 Anonymous 2001922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a tough experience, regardless of how positive or necessary the outcome. I too admire your attitude. Creating plan and lists are a great idea, and all that came to mind when I read it was the same thing Angie said: underwear, and even some nice at-home wear that actually fits you.  I think it's important to make sure you feel good about yourself at work, and that spending some money on new work clothes will benefit you in more ways than one. rachylou on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001814 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:49:44 +0000 rachylou 2001814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having once been through a closet wipeout, I second Runcarla’s idea of putting together a little capsule of new stuff ... to see you through the process of rebuilding. Yeah, my wipeout was so big, I didn’t have anything to wear to go shopping at Target! My mom had to go buy me something so I could leave the house! Barbara Diane on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001798 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:10:40 +0000 Barbara Diane 2001798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pants that fit are key. My mom lost weight and the slightly oversized tops weren’t so bad but I hounded her about her droopy pants. Don’t be afraid to order multiple sizes and styles online. It’s worse to wait for an item to arrive and then wait again for another size. And then a third size. Yes, this has happened to me. I do suggest keeping your old size packed away unless you are committed to maintaining your current weight. The Cat on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001793 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:03:27 +0000 The Cat 2001793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no recommendations, other than saving the items you love, for one year. Then, if they still don't fit, donate them. I love your positive outlook, and send you my best wishes for a happy future. Vix on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001788 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:56:19 +0000 Vix 2001788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi JuniperGreen -- I find these blank-page periods really challenge us to grow. So often there's a fine line between "stability" and "stagnation" and I'm glad to hear you're headed down a great path (stylistically and more!) now. Nothing too concrete to offer, but since you're doing StitchFix wanted to add that Ann Taylor and Rent the Runway both have "subscription" services. Have only used the latter -- and it was a couple years ago -- but for a few months it was a fun way to choose and try out stuff that I would have been too hesitant to buy flat-out. I kept one of the dresses and it's now a warm-weather staple! [Oh and generally with weight shifts I keep things packed away til they're in season again -- and if they still don't fit then I consign or donate in-season.] Angie on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001777 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:27:59 +0000 Angie 2001777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my word, Juniper Green. You have gone through a lot. (((HUGS))). You are strong and beautiful, and thanks for sharing. You will have another carefully curated wardrobe that fits in no time.  Are you sure you don't need new bras and knickers? I can't imagine that they fit after the weight loss.  Your shoes and bags fit though :) I LOVE your attitude and wardrobe strategy. Can I clone you?  Some thoughts:  <ul> <li>Pants & Jeans = PRIORITY. Dead right. Tell us how the Everlane order goes. </li> <li>Tops to work with them are next. </li> <li>If you buy a skirt, make sure you have tops to work with it.</li> <li>Keep the capsules small so that you can cover more of your bases at once - especially across the seasons. </li> <li>Stick to a few versatile colour palettes - I remember you're a neutral gal. Throw in some LIGHT withe the dark neutrals. </li> <li>Make sure you have a mix of essentials and statement pieces.</li> <li>Throw in affordable accessories to change up the look of FFBO's.</li> <li>Throw in the wild cards! </li> <li>HAVE FUN</li> </ul> <div>Do you want to refresh hair, specs and make-up too?  Always here to help, support, encourage, troubleshoot, and cheer from the sidelines. xo </div> LaPed on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001768 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:12:16 +0000 LaPed 2001768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, big changes afoot! Nice to hear from you, and sending hugs your way. Crazy how connected our bodies, and therefore our clothes, are to every other part of our lives. It definitely sounds like some in-person pants/jeans shopping is in order. My inclination would be to hang onto the things that you still love, even if they don't fit at the moment, and re-evalute the next time they're seasonally appropriate. Have to admit, the idea of a blank slate holds a certain appeal. Love that blue/cognac capsule in Runcarla's post! Classically Casual on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001763 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:04:41 +0000 Classically Casual 2001763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JuniperGreen, you might find the series of posts by forum member, Toban helpful. She chronicled the state of her wardrobe over the course of a year or so as she lost weight. She especially emphasized her work wardrobe and her color pallet. Anonymous on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001753 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:48:00 +0000 Anonymous 2001753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to hear about your divorce I say definitely don't make quick decisions just to fill wardrobe holes, while you're deciding what you want your style to be. Maybe a prior essential isn't so essential to you anymore, and you may want to shop in outfits-capsules instead of one by one pieces. Carla on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001752 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:47:04 +0000 Carla 2001752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a sound game plan. If you are healthy and happy at the new weight, and it stays off - donate the stuff in holding. I second the trip to B+M for try-on and size clarification. Don't feel compelled to buy right away-and DON'T get lured by the winter clear-out sales that are on now! Then, build a small capsule of mix and match items for work, and another for play based on classic items with a couple of trendy/statement items - for fun. Below is a pic of an older Angie outfit post which I've always though of as a great capsule starting point if I ever lost all my clothes in a fire! JuniperGreen on "Hitting the reset button" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hitting-the-reset-button#post-2001742 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:32:31 +0000 JuniperGreen 2001742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since joining YLF a few years ago, my purchases have gotten more deliberate and thoughtful, and I've really been liking my wardrobe. Earlier this winter, though, I started the process of getting a divorce (sad but necessary and ultimately a positive development), and unexpectedly lost 20 lbs from stress.  I'm feeling better now and doing fine, but that carefully grown wardrobe is now baggy and makes me feel frumpy at a time when I'm trying really hard to have a positive outlook.   My biggest challenge is dressing for work, which is often casual, but I have lots of work-related events and my fallback outfits are now out of the running.  I took inventory this weekend and it's kind of bleak:  The bad news... <ul> <li>Tops: Many of my knits are fairly forgiving, but a few key pieces are baggy now.  At least it's sweater season and I don't mind an oversized look... but I'm really limited to casual options at this point. </li> <li>Pants: I only have two (!!!) pairs of pants that fit well, which makes getting dressed for work very frustrating.  I'm currently wearing a pair of lovely J brand jeans in a dark wash that I'd hoped would be a workhorse and easy to dress up... but just found a hole in them and they need to be decommissioned.</li> <li>Dresses: I've got maybe three dresses that fit well and can be worn to work events, but they're somewhat distinctive so it's hard to put them in frequent rotation.  One is a sweater dress, so won't be helpful in the spring when I have many events coming up.    </li> </ul> The good news... <ul> <li>Jackets: I've got three excellent fitting blazers that I'm leaning really heavily on, thank goodness. Also a leather jacket that was snug but now works well, that I can use over dresses and sweaters for more interest. </li> <li>Foundational garments (underthings, tanks, tees, layering pieces): a mix of fits and actually still serving me well, which is a relief.</li> </ul> My game plan: <ul> <li>YLF blog and forum. I've been spending a lot of time rereading the archives!</li> <li>Keep the too-big clothes in a holding zone. For maybe at least 6 months?  I don't know if the weight will come back or what... but I have the storage space so might as well hang on to the clothing.  </li> <li>Fill essential gaps. Work pants are a priority, and another pair of jeans.  Waiting on an order from Everlane, but I'll need a mall trip to visit some brick and mortar stores, since I don't know what size I am anymore.  </li> <li>Keep it fun. I love shopping and am trying to enjoy the process.  I also signed up for Stitch Fix hoping for some surprise wildcards - I know it's hit or miss but the novelty and idea that "the perfect piece" might show up on my doorstep is intriguing to me right now.</li> <li>Take the opportunity for reinvention.  I'm not going to chop off my hair (my stylist thankfully talked me down) or get a tattoo (too afraid of needles!) but the big shift in my life is an excuse to make some shifts in my style and reassess my style goals.  </li> </ul> I'm a little overwhelmed, but the inventory and to-do list is helping.  Anything I'm missing on my list?