YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Hole-y Living and Safety Cones

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Hole-y Living and Safety Cones https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:25:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Beth Ann on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371510 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 21:17:20 +0000 Beth Ann 1371510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ True enough, Thimbelina, although I've had good luck with tricks to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL.  Sometimes the ladies there show me the good Italian stuff and tell me when it goes on sale!  (They sound like drug dealers).  I admit that, since I'm still recovering my sewing skills from years gone by, I'd be too scared to work with fabric more than $20 a yard at the moment!  Oh......and I really want to make a coat of that fine single layered boiled wool that she uses so elegantly! thimblelina on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371507 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:58:57 +0000 thimblelina 1371507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Umm, not necessarily the eileen fisher if you matched some of the specialty italian fabrications she uses. Pretty expensive stuff that! Beth Ann on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371402 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 17:49:59 +0000 Beth Ann 1371402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz:  Crossposted!  And such a thoughtful post, as usual!   Indeed, most of my holes are actually HEWIs now, too.  I've always had plenty to actually wear, but my items didn't work well together before YLF, except for that decade in which I wore black bottoms and a bright shirt -- but that was rather a fashion purgatory with a uniform!  I think I am just beginning to see most of my holes this way, and I'm just making sure I stay aware of true holes (like snow boots and a funeral outfit) that might pop up from time to time.  For example, I still don't have a raincoat with a hood, but I've got my umbrella with me today, which will do in a pinch, since most rainy days are suburban car commute days. Sewing would likely help with my HEWIS more than my holes.  I see it as an important element to making my style, well, more personal.  I need to line up a project and search for a block of time when I can commandeer the kitchen table (we can eat at a small table in the family room for a few days).  Of course, that's my son's school desk!  I think he'd love a sewing day, since they don't get snow days! E:  I think I'm just beginning to play with my closet (mending, altering, outfit creation) as a precursor to shopping.  Your comments help bring this more into my conscious mind.  I think I'll make it a regular step before shopping!  You would be a natural for reworking existing garments on a sewing maching (up cycling).  I think it requires more technical skill that sewing from scratch, as redoing a zipper, for instance, it's tougher than putting in a new one.  I'd suggest starting with a skirt --- tweak the pattern to the fullness and length you like, and then make it twice more again.  You're right that you no longer save money sewing, except for high end garments (I could sew an Eileen Fisher cheaper than I could buy it at Nordies, for example). E on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371330 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:05:39 +0000 E 1371330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  Thanks for starting this thread: I loved reading your thoughts & those of everyone who's replied. Honestly, my wardrobe is big enough that most of my holes are wants rather than needs. When I have a truely functional hole, like the trench or snow boots for my new climate, I get on that right away, although I try to get it secondhand if at all possible. So I up my budget & start shopping online. Footwear always gets the biggest priority for me. Everything else, I just hope the thrifting gods will send my way! And work around in the meantime, while reminding myself of your #3. I also wear an outfit I love on thrifting days so that I can compare any potential purchases to it! Oh and sometimes if I’m really longing to thrift, just to spend time with clothes, instead I work on mending/tidying the closet/etc. and see if I still want to thrift after that. Usually it scratches the same itch.<div> </div><div>When I’ve been looking for a style hole for years though and it hasn’t appeared, I’ll also turn to ebay (or now liketwice, which thankfully provided me with 3 pairs of well fitting grey trousers in different styles, which have made getting dressed so much easier) and be willing to spend more in order to get it. Although I *still* haven’t filled most of my style holes, which I suppose definitely makes them HEWIs. My newest solution is to learn how to sew: sewing is far more expensive than thrifting (especially if I want ethical fabric), but I’m at the point where I can afford to splurge on a few ideal pieces, as I have such a full closet already. Plus since I love to wear the same silhouettes in different colours & textures, sewing is ideal: I can work out the fit on one pattern & then just keep making it over and over without getting bored. Of course, I managed to forget my iron during my move (sigh), so the sewing is still hypothetical at this point. </div><div> </div><div>At least I can keep knitting, slowly filling my knitwear ‘holes’ such as ‘socks to bookend all the colours I wear’ and 'a (muted) rainbow of cardigans that fit my waist'. LOL Honestly I create so many ‘holes’ in my head by wanting to have things in all of my favourite colours, it’s a good thing my style is quirkier than most of the forum member’s, so I’m not tempted to lemming. Otherwise my wish list would get out of control.<div> </div><div>Oh and you’re selling yourself short re: your outfits!</div></div> Beth Ann on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371184 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:47:21 +0000 Beth Ann 1371184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thimbelina:  There are times in life when the holes make it a bit hard to navigate the road!  Hang in there and keep listening to Angie!  You'll get there! Lynne:  Thanks for the encouragement!  Learning to walk past "meh" has taken a surprisingly long time for me, but I'm making progress! Dianthus:  SO easy to see the great pieces on the forum and conclude that they must be in my closet, too!  I'm trying to learn to just enjoy an item on others, and stop and really assess my own wardrobe and life before I hit the "buy" button! Alasse:  That's it exactly!  Moving around the holes and creatively pairing other items can lead to great discoveries! Sarah:  Magenta sounds fab in a sweater for you!  You're also wise to consider the "right size" of your wardrobe.  I'm very prone to the siren call of the "cute top" as a pick me up.  Particularly when they're reasonably priced! Suz on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371183 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:44:43 +0000 Suz 1371183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a thoughtful post, Beth Ann. It sounds as if you've come to a wise place in your shopping and I'll be curious to see what the new year brings.  Also -- how does the sewing change the landscape? Can you deal with any HEWIs or holes that way?  When I arrived at YLF a few years ago, my closet was basically the Grand Canyon, so quite honestly, the whole idea of "wardrobe holes" left me scratching my head. How would I recognize one? What would help me identify them? How could people be so specific, saying things like, "I need a berry coloured top in a tailored fit." Or, "I have to have a pair of animal print shoes." And so on. How could they know???? And beyond the obvious weather or job related needs -- I have to have a winter coat in Ontario, and boots; I have to wear XYZ at my job -- how could they even tell?   All this was exacerbated by the fact that I work from home so had no work-related dress code to fulfill.  That led to a veritable Yosemite of purchases, LOL. I filled the Grand Canyon!!  Now, for the first time in my life, I think I have almost all my basics and a lot of my extras covered. It's only now that the concept of "wardrobe hole" has begun to have any meaning.  I usually think in terms of functional capsules. I imagine all my seasonal activities, and see if I have the clothing required to take me to each one comfortably, without too many laundry bottlenecks. And if I'm missing something, that's a genuine hole.  Most if not all of my holes are HEWIS. And I'm learning that it's better to treat them that way. The minute I rush to fill them, is usually the same minute I make a purchasing mistake.  But we're assuming that I have enough to decently cover me in the meantime. If I didn't, I would absolutely settle for less-than-10s in the need to put outfits together.  Beth Ann on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371179 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:41:11 +0000 Beth Ann 1371179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Meredith:  It was your recent post that finally pulled together my own feelings on the subject! Amy:  I so hear you on the difference between true holes and items that we simply desire because they move our style forward.  There's nothing wrong with buying things that aren't absolutely necessary, of course, but I find that sometimes I spend the limited funds I have -- and end up with no snow boots! Deborah:  Your discipline is showing up in a more defined personal style -- which is a long term goal I have for myself, as well.  Waiting is part of the process! Rabbit:  I have considered doing a bit of thrifting for bags and coats, particularly.  I find less in my size than smaller sizes, however.  I'm not sure why that is, since I wear the most common size in America!  And you're absolutely right about repairing and repurposing.  We don't do enough of this anymore.  Our grandparents surely did! Adelfa:  I'm still learning how to stay focused on my needs first when shopping, since I am a true golden retriever (squirrel?).  I try to keep the difference between hunting and gathering (needs) and reconnaissance (inspiration and exploration) shopping in mind -- both are valuable.  Sounds like you're keeping some sort of list to help out! FC:  Absolutely true!  Most of what we call holes are more "wants" than true "structural disintegration!"  Of course, that's alright, too, as long as we full enjoy what we have --- Sounds like your oxfords will see lots of service (and they're fab) Gigi:  I'm like you.  I need to try on lots of things to refine my eye and focus my shopping list.  It's tricky because time is short, but it also gets me used to not always leaving the store with a package! Sarah A on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371163 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:10:45 +0000 Sarah A 1371163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This post is really thought provoking (as usual!) BethAnn. I think I get a rash of "holes" for things I want to try out I'd be better to avoid and recognize as passing fancies. Now true holes... Warm flattering merino or cashmere sweater in magenta that isn't too classic and some all weather but not snow boots ( I think the Patagonia tin shed rider boots may fill the hole here). I have also recently added 4 scarves to see if I can "lighten up" my black and gray sweaters sufficiently to slow down my sweater purchases... Enough to recognize the true number I need to add. I'm glad you posted this as it will help me consider how to work around some of my desired and be more PPP. I am wondering if a wildcard item I purchased last month actually moves my style forward (tags still on) this is another area your post has me considering... Thanks Alassë on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371162 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:06:53 +0000 Alassë 1371162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent strategy, Beth Ann. I do the same - either work around by wearing unflattering items, or tap something else in my closet to fill the niche (if I have a large enough selection). And FWIW, I thought your outfits were 9s, too. cheryle (Dianthus) on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371142 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:23:27 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1371142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post BethAnn.  I love the visual description of navigating the closet. I am with Amy on this one.  I sometimes think I have a wardrobe hole because I play monkey see, monkey do and covet things that others have without realizing I don't need the item.   I usually dress in clothes that are comfy and easy to change into but upping the game a bit for shopping to do a comparison is a great idea. Lynne on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371136 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:14:33 +0000 Lynne 1371136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thankyou for explaining HEWIs to me!  And thankyou for your thoughtful post, I have visions of you navigating those traffic cones, slalem style!  Your comment about dressing to shop really resonates with me; if I am feeling 'meh' the allure of something not-quite-right is so much stronger than if I'm comparing it to something flattering. thimblelina on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371122 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:22:52 +0000 thimblelina 1371122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great points here... My current wardrobe seems as much holes as clothes, kinda like Swiss cheese! I try to just remind myself to have patience. And yes, keep a running list. Thrifting a little is great, but the time involved can be daunting. Wearing a favorite combination is a great suggestion. It will remind me to keep the faith & know my wardrobe will grow organically over time. Gigi on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371108 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 05:25:19 +0000 Gigi 1371108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an inspiring post: to know that it's OK to wait, maybe for a long time, to find just the right item to plug that wardrobe hole. The way I deal with wardrobe holes is just to shop a lot and try on a lot of things. That way I start noticing whether style X or style Y looks better, or whether color X or color Y lends the vibe I want. Then I am more poised to know what items are good contenders in the future, and that saves me time. Regarding your item in question, a trench coat, I haven't bought one yet because I too want a hood (I am very forgetful and hardly ever have an umbrella with me), it needs to be a specific shade (light neutrals only), and it needs to be single-breasted (I look frumpy with two sets of buttons). I haven't yet found one, so until then, I just rely on my twelve-year-old unfab jacket, which is still in quite good condition.  I love how you said that you wear some of your best outfits when you're out shopping, so that you feel like your outfit is better than anything you tried on. What an excellent strategy! Firecracker (Sharan) on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371099 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:51:43 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1371099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very wise, Beth Ann. I can't even think of any wardrobe holes I have. I just filled a HEWI, but it wasn't actually a hole: metallic oxfords. I could have lived without them, although I've worn them a lot already. So I don't think I actually know what a wardrobe hole is, in my life. You have me thinking I should concentrate on identifying them--making a mental note if I find myself "reaching for something that isn't there," as Deborah says. Because when or if that happens, I have a feeling I just turn to something else in my large closet without even realizing what I'm missing. I may need to systematically identify orphans and see if they lead me to any valid holes. And btw, I think your outfits are more often 9s or 10s. Adelfa on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371097 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:46:35 +0000 Adelfa 1371097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like my holes because if I'm aware of them, it really limits what I'm looking for when I shop. For someone who gets overwhelmed in a store easily, this is great. For instance, yesterday I went to Banana Republic to see if I could fill my severe F/W cardigan hole. No. But I also had a sock hole (filled) and a lighter than black or charcoal pant hole (filled with taupe Sloans) and a long sleeved work top hole (one black silk top) and there was a 40% off full price items sale so I got one pair of pants and one top and some socks for a very reasonable price! If I'd just wandered in looking around I might have come away with items that didn't fit in my wardrobe. Especially with that sale. rabbit on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371091 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:33:42 +0000 rabbit 1371091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your approaches sound wise to me.   I do all of the top three, but especially #1.  If what I'm picking out isn't at least as fab as what I'm already wearing, I try not to bring it home, even if it seems like it will fill a hole.  (I want any new piece to elevate my closet if possible in terms of interest and fit, which doesn't mean it costs more necessarily).   Some other things I do: -Restore, alter, or re-purpose what I already have.  After searching for a pair of sneakers I loved as much as an old pair, and not finding something that worked as well in my price range, I just restored the old pair and wore it all summer. -Thrift.  This is a big one for me, and I know it doesn't work all the time and requires constant brief store visits, but I have plugged some holes with thrifted items  (dark wash skinnies, interesting bags in key colors, sandals and heels, scarves, a trench coat) at a price where if I decide I want to make more of a financial investment in the future, I know exactly what I'm looking for.  I'm really careful not to bring something home that isn't at least an eight or nine in my eyes however.  Not that I haven't made mistakes, but my batting average is the same as for retail clothes, and the amount invested can be much less. Deborah on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371083 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:08:44 +0000 Deborah 1371083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, this is a great post.  Firstly I recognise a wardrobe hole when I start reaching for something that isn't there. Once a time I would simply go and buy the first filler I could find.  Now I wait!  How often do I actually reach for the item that isn't there?  Is it actually something that resonates with my style?  Can something else that I already have work as well?  If it's still a hole, I then source the one that meets my requirements and buy it, save for it, stalk it amiable on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371080 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:58:08 +0000 amiable 1371080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm starting to feel like holes in my wardrobe are my friends.  That is - I think that most of the things I considered holes were just fabricated by my mind and reading ylf and finding things I'd like to try. (I'm not saying that a dressy winter coat is a fabricated need - just that mine often are.) So for dealing with the need, I do just what you have done - list my need and the criteria that it must meet.  I also list the criteria it must avoid, because I often get so hung up in something that has what I want that I don't notice it having something I dislike.... Then I watch and wait.  Often the watching and waiting means stalking ebay.   Meredith on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1371056 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:15:14 +0000 Meredith 1371056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I deal with my holes by reading about how other people deal with their holes But in all seriousness, I went through a phase where I tried to determine the holes that truly limited what I could wear. It wasn't a bad plan, but I realized my closet was so holey it made more sence to consider most of it a wash and start fresh. Good luck! Beth Ann on "Hole-y Living and Safety Cones" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hole-y-living-and-safety-cones#post-1370980 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 02:00:33 +0000 Beth Ann 1370980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sometimes you just put down the cones and walk around the holes --- In the closet, anyway. I have a couple of wardrobe holes that really must be filled.  First among them is  replacing my snow boots (even though I'm praying for less need for them than last year).  However, I've become more willing to allow Holes to morph into HEWI's (Highly elusive wardrobe items for you newbies). And example of this hole-to-hewi scenario is my need for a dress all-weather coat.  Most people would look for a fabulous trench and call it a day.  For me, however, I must have a coat: 1. Under around $150 2.  With a hood (ever tried an umbrella along Lake Michigan?) 3.  Suitable for layering underneath while still being flattering. (This is hard) High on my overall "style direction" list is a desire to raise my closet average.  You see, I have a closet full of 7s.  Now, I think I put together a lot of 8 outfits, and, every once in a while a 9, but I've been too willing to settle, particularly because money is tight, and I'm in that donut hole of style, sitting at about a size 14. Since deciding to let holes be holes until I can plug them properly, I've learned a few things: 1.  I've started dressing casually, but nicely when I shop.  Often, I'll notice that my own outfit is more flattering than anything I've tried on that day.  I leave empty handed, but pleased. 2.  Having to work around holes makes me more creative in outfit creation, and I'm wearing a higher percentage of my wardrobe! 3.  Accepting the inevitability of some holes as part of an on-the-whole well appointed wardrobe makes me more content.  I keep looking, but know I'll be fine until the best version of the item shoes up! What about you?  How do you deal with holes in your wardrobe?