https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:03:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872466 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 13:44:19 +0000 Suz 1872466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, what a wonderful story! I am in awe of you and your entire family. To take up ice skating in one's 80s!!! Though apart from the risk of falls, why not? If there is any sport calculated to return us to the joy of childhood, it is that one. It's almost like flying in dreams.&nbsp;</p> <p>You are truly a terrific writer. Speed, facility, clarity -- any of those might be goals in some contexts, but don't necessarily characterize the real storytellers, poets, or essayist. Rock on!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872463 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:56:03 +0000 Staysfit 1872463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, Christina F., I appreciate your complements. I accept them, and appreciate them warmly. I have worked hard to improve my writing skills, and maybe they are better now, than in the past. I enjoy a good story, I love to read. Metaphors and puns are definitely my thing, and a big part of my sense of humor. Imagine the struggle my two literal minded autistic children had living with my metaphors and puns! Miraculously, they adapted, and learned to decipher them. :-)</p> <p>My paternal grandmother had bard like abilities. However, she didn’t recite from oral tradition, she created her own stories and entertained people for hours. She made up stories about whatever topic my brother and I gave her. When she wasn’t telling a story, she was reading a novel, and she was always drinking coffee and smoking Kool cigarettes. She loved history and historical fiction. She was one of six high school graduates in her small town, and the only girl. She went on to college and majored in history. She started smoking at age 11! She came second to last in a sibship of six. The older siblings introduced the younger to smoking. (She had two sisters, both of them also graduated high school and one other went on to college). All of them died of lung cancer except one, my great aunt, who stopped smoking early and died last year. She must have been over 100 years old. My dad doesn’t recall her exact age, but maybe 106 or 107. In her 80’s she took up ice skating! In any case, I was 15 when my grandmother died, and it was devastating. I loved her so much. I learned story telling from her. I know I can spin a tale and people will listen. I carry that piece of her with me, but my true gift is like that of my grandmother, it is a verbal, oral, aural skill. </p> <p> The other people in my family - my mother, brother, husband, son and daughter are the natural writers. They can sit and write quickly and easily and it will be well stated. They have been my best teachers. However, with the exception of my son, and sometimes my brother, they are not story tellers. Their writing is precise, concise, and maybe terse or scientific. The emotion Angie wants me to leave in my style planning can definitely be found in my writing, and there are times I wish it wasn’t so evident. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872425 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 03:58:10 +0000 Suz 1872425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, au contraire -- you are a wonderful writer, who can spin a playful metaphor out of thin air and keep us all so spellbound that we fall straight into it and don't regret it! You know how to think on a page and that is a true gift. I do not say that lightly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872385 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 03:34:16 +0000 Jaime 1872385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots to think about in your post. My wardrobe needs have changed slightly this year as I have shifted from work at home/volunteer in a charity shop to more work outside the home including meetings and just visiting the charity shops! Because I have lots of clothing I have zoned in on a jacket with jeans look (which goes for business formal around here) and tried to streamline my jeans so they don't call attention to themselves. If things continue like this, I will have to rethink my summer style a bit but I am not there yet. I am hoping to carve out time for a wardrobe assessment next week actually and posts like these are always inspirational. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872384 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 03:27:12 +0000 rachylou 1872384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m thinking about my capsules, which are functionally and seasonally categorised. My summer capsule isn’t working that great for me in my ‘new’ microclime. I’m in the hills now, even the littlest heel is totally out. No heels kinda means a different summer style; I’m not sure what appeals. I also have a lot of office wear going unworn. I love my suits and am still finding some occasions for them, so I’m thinking about ditching separates and the office sweaters.</p> <p>I’m also thinking one more year maybe at the bakery and then getting a real job, lol, so I’ll put the freeze on the capsule and not replace anything.</p> <p>Quirky Waif tho is still pretty definitive. But probably needs to address her hair now that she’s run away from another stylist... Haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872378 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 02:40:13 +0000 Christina F. 1872378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, usually we visit a family beach home each summer, but there’s not much reason to dress up there. Ah well. </p> <p>Also, as an aside, as a former writing teacher, I can say that your writing isn’t bad at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872374 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 01:19:51 +0000 Staysfit 1872374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, writers and shrinks should be meta-thinkers. I admire that you use writing as a way to clarify your thought. I have experienced the benefit of writing as an aid when thinking about a difficult professional case. In that situation, there is a specific, pre-determined structure and format for the writing. It’s a way of organizing a lot of information so it can be formulated into an assessment and plan. Many times I write a first draft report, set it aside for a day, and then go back and re-read and edit. It’s often in the time before the second reading, or during the second reading that inspiration and deeper thought occurs. My thoughts somehow Gel and I know what to do, I reach a higher level understanding, or some other insight may occur. It can also occur as I am writing the first draft, but that is rare. </p> <p>I wish I had some structure for writing as a tool for thinking in the other parts of my life. Frankly, I wish I could write well. I never had formal writing instruction, and I am painfully aware that my grammar and sentence construction is sub par. I have recently been thinking a lot about a spider analogy as it applies to my thought process in my work life. The analogy is strangely apt in a different way here. The thoughts in my head are not neatly woven like a spiders web before a fly lands on it, but look like the mess that happens after the fly has landed and is struggling in the threads! A good writer, like a spider, can reorganize the web, untangle the threads and put the pieces back together, I like the web analogy here because it’s when the ideas become complex, that the organization of the writing becomes most important. A spider web is very complex, and yet so simple and beautiful at the same time. I lose the thread when I am writing anything with complexity, I am not a spider. I haven’t figured out how to build a web. Hmm, I didn’t know I was going to say all that! :-)</p> <p>Tanstaafl, it’s refreshing to hear that you are planning to move in a more professional direction with your style after hearing so much recently about trends for more casual wear in workplaces. I love your plan to be more thoughtful about what you wear.</p> <p>Jazzy Dance, your post reminds me of the months I spent backpacking in Europe. I had three tops, two bottoms, two pairs of shoes, a swimsuit, sweater, undies and a jacket. I wore skirts for my bottoms. Everything was easy to wash and could dry overnight. The only times I wished for something more were at high altitudes. It was cold, even in the summer. My jacket wasn’t warm enough. (We didn’t stay urban, we went to Chamonix). </p> <p>Sarahd8, Functional capsules are a great way to sort and think about your wardrobe I suspect that’s particularly true for people who have multiple demands upon their wardrobe to accommodate various activities. I don’t require separate changes of wardrobe for work, the community or leisure. I can wear the same thing in all places, so the functional division wouldn’t benefit my thought process. I do have a separate formal dress capsule and a gear capsule.</p> <p>Delurked, your process sounds deceptively simple. I think some of the steps I am taking may be a part of the process you describe, but I tend to muddy the waters with detail before things become clear. I need untangling! Always a spider in that web! Your list looks good by the way, you seem well sorted. Knowing what you don’t need is a step I should add to my thinking —— obvious are cashmere sweaters and skinny jeans! </p> <p>Christina F., with the money you save from following your plan, I hope you take the wishes for beach vacation! :-)</p> <p>Runcarla, I admire the way you have approached your upcoming retirement. I’m currently facing some small career changes which have no impact on me financially, but seem to have motivated me to clean and sort, toss and cull, and to re-organize all through my house, not just my wardrobe. Somehow, the process helps me open my mind and heart for whatever may come next. </p> <p>Angie, .....sage advice as always. I chuckled when I read that I should keep the emotion in my style. Most of my purchases are impulse buys that I justify with really good sounding rationalization.<br /> </p> <p>Smittie, I love the idea of phasing out my clothes and trying to get as much wear from them as possible. When I am done with my clothes, they go either to DD, her best friend, or to one of several local charities.</p> <p>Style fan, I like the concept of a wardrobe item earning its place. Only the hard workers stay. </p> <p>Violettt, stylish comfort sounds like a wonderful way to dress. My fitness routine could become an entire blog. I regularly do Pilates, run, walk, and mix in some Yoga. </p> <p>Barbara Diane, I love how many different things inspire you to make changes. The color palette available in stores is one I relate to very well. </p> <p>Always trying, I have no idea what the typical dress is for an agility challenge, but my neighbor has an agility course set up in her yard for her dogs. She runs around in what looks like an Adidas Track suit. It isn’t form fitting. She looks comfortable, stylish, and can move easily with the dogs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872314 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 20:35:25 +0000 always trying 1872314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First thing I have just decided to do is find a way to upgrade dressing for my two sports activities -playing pickleball&nbsp; and agility with my dog.&nbsp; mostly I just wear what I wear to the gym-sweats of varying kind, and t's of varying kind depending on the weather. Things get difficult when one is too old to wear leggings, and all that body con spandex.&nbsp; I look like a big blob in that stuff, even though I am not actually fat. So my first goal is to try to find some more stylish looks with other kinds of athletic wear.</p> <p>I have a lot of other things sorted-mainly problem items like jeans and footwear.&nbsp; I want to add some prints in tops as I have too many solids, and maybe wearing my flats more.&nbsp; So at this time I have no planned purchases, except replacing old wedge booties with some block heeled ones.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872269 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 17:39:38 +0000 Barbara Diane 1872269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these kinds of posts. Sometimes I start by purging, sometimes I start with an idea.<br /> Learning about rises was a major aha moment for me. Before that I didn't understand why pants would reach my bra. :)<br /> Wardrobe changes happen in many different ways for me. A favorite color is finally available again, I change size, I need to replace faded clothing, ecttera. Sometimes it is fine tuning. Sometimes desperation. I started wearing navy one summer because I couldn't find black. and I had lost weight. Going naked wasn't an option. ;). Recently I decided to stop buying navy. Talbots catalog came, all navy. Right now a lot of my clothes come from Talbots and Talbots outlet. And I'll need to replace my summer pants, Sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872266 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 17:32:30 +0000 Violettt 1872266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Hi staysfit:&nbsp;</b>Thought provoking post! &nbsp;And I admire you so much for staying fit, one of my New Years goals. Can you share your fitness routine? &nbsp;One thing this website has helped me with so much already is just the fact to THINK about our wardrobes, how we dress, what we choose, what we have in our closets, how to pair things, etc. &nbsp;I was so used to not doing this, and such an impulsive shopper, that going forward I will try to be so much more organized as far as my closet and shopping habits go. Thanks to everybody for this!<br />I'm retired now, so I think I will plan stylish comfort day to day outfits more, and certainly weed out impulse buys. &nbsp;I need to stop this. &nbsp;Very hard, as I love to shop~ Need to write it down~ As&nbsp;<b>Smittie</b> said above, what worked? what didn't work. &nbsp;Great idea and point Smittie~<br />One thing I have begun is writing in a journal everything I buy, categories of my clothes, etc. what I might need, after taking an inventory on what I have. And writing outfits too. &nbsp; I found a Kate Spade cute little journal at TJ Maxx which says "Chic Happens" on the front, cute~ Looking forward to 2018, I want to purchase a couple more investment pieces, like a Chanel jacket namely, something I can wear proudly when I'm 70 still. &nbsp; I notice many cheaper sweaters or jackets, just don't thrill me anymore, so I'd rather buy one great quality piece than 5 cheaper ones. &nbsp;I find it's helpful to just be outside at a local hip coffee shop or somewhere you love for style inspiration. &nbsp;For me, it's always an artsy place, like at a concert, opera, or favorite restaurant. &nbsp;I love to observe what people are wearing, then jot down style inspiration. You're never too old for style inspiration, right? </p> <p><b>Stylefan:</b> have you seen the "So Slimming Ponte Pants" from Chicos? They are absolutely fab~</p> <p><b>Runcarla:</b> wow, excellent! &nbsp;Writing down what kind of life you lead, and activities you do, during the course of a week. Great idea~ This would for sure help organize what kind of clothes we need!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872262 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:52:58 +0000 Style Fan 1872262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Staysfit.&nbsp; I am in the midst of a review.&nbsp; I evaluate my needs by reviewing my field notes (a journal I keep with notes about outfits, clothes I like, packing lists, etc.), I look through my wardrobe and make a list of what is working and not working and I look at WIW pictures (and wish I took more).&nbsp; My wardrobe is on the smaller side because I want it to be portable.&nbsp; Each piece has to earn its place.<br />I also have a high rise and am finding it easier to buy jeans the last year.&nbsp; Pants, in general, have become easier to buy.&nbsp; Jeans and bottoms are on my list for next year. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872256 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:27:38 +0000 delurked 1872256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie &amp; Staysfit - on another post I just added a worst of year to a pair of jeans I deemed too high in the rise (Lucky Hayden). I like the shape though, and wear everything untucked, so am keeping - just noting for future. </p> <p>That said, I do ok with pants at a higher rise. And I don’t like low rise on jeans. I guess that leaves me at mid rise for jeans and more open on pants. Maybe due to more restrictive feeling on jeans fabric? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872252 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:22:56 +0000 Anonymous 1872252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*Delurked* succinctly explained my approach. I ask “what worked? What didn’t work?” And “what do I wish I had?”</p> <p>*Staysfit*: I will join you in purging non-high rise jeans. My “purge” will be more of a “phasing out”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872249 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:18:03 +0000 Angie 1872249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>*APPLAUSE*</i></p> <p>A great post <b>Staysfit,</b>&nbsp;and with a great plan. Thanks for sharing. As long as your plan is flexible and you don't take the emotion out of your style - you are sorted.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872247 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:17:33 +0000 Carla 1872247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe evaluations are synced to the seasons, and September feels like the start of a new year for me more than January. My last evaluation was 2 months ago and what flowed from that assessment will be in effect the next 3 months. My primary goals are to stay warm and dry through the coldest and wettest months of the year where I live, and to wear the heck out of my work clothes before I retire. I have what I need to see me through this period.</p> <p>I do envision a change in style, and some wardrobe management work in 2018, after I retire. The first step for me is always to look at how I spend my time - breaking down a week by time (hours) spent on activities. It ensures that I KNOW what kind of life I lead. Then I consider if I can put together outfits for these activities with sufficient variety to keep me happy.</p> <p>At this point in time I have to speculate how I will spend my time in retirement (and 60 hours a week that WON'T be spent working or commuting to work). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872245 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:16:32 +0000 Christina F. 1872245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have gone through a period of wardrobe overhaul, due to changing tastes and needs, and increased funds. I went a bit nuts, obviously.</p> <p>Now that all this upheaval has settled down, I need to figure out what things I have that don't work, and keep most of my buying to a list. I am also figuring out practical considerations such as the fact that I can almost never dress without a topper in the summer (always freezing indoors), so maybe a shirt with a sleeve treatment that looks boring otherwise isn't a great choice. At least, if it's something I plan to wear to work.</p> <p>I also focus far too much on summer clothes, though I live in a four season climate. I buy each summer like I need resort wear (not high end, but even so), and I don't. I'm in an office five days a week and can't bare much skin due to the a/c and professional considerations. My project for next summer is to buy less and weed out what I do have. (NB: I think this is because I'm always longing for a beach vacation every summer.)</p> <p>On the other hand, I use boots and booties three quarters of the year, so I'm going to continue investing in variety there. </p> <p>These are examples of the kind of practical considerations I have, now that I've figured out what my style and lifestyle needs are after all the upheaval. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872238 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:05:03 +0000 delurked 1872238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am keeping in mind what worked and didn’t for me this year. What I wished I had this year to reach for that’s missing from my closet. Also, trying to determine as much as possible what I can make do with to keep my 2018 purchases low. And I am considering only my current lifestyle, body and climate. I am also playing around with capsules from my wardrobe. </p> <p>That said, I also am mentally compliling a list of things to look for, as well as things I have enough of. I will list them to get them out of my head only. </p> <p>Don’t Needs/Do Not Buy:</p> <p>No long sleeve anything (it’s back up to 80 degrees this week. )<br /> Absolutely no long sleeve jackets or sweaters<br /> Jeans<br /> Black/Navy/Gray tees<br /> Limit black</p> <p>Wish List:</p> <p>HEWI - short sleeve, knee or midi length summer dress, preferably woven - I’d probably buy several if I could find them. No not go above knee length, as I am not liking shorter this year.<br /> Looser fit longer length shorts or casual knee length skirt<br /> Fluid fit pants for summer<br /> Linen/sun protection topper - guess this may negate rule above, as long sleeve would be better sun covering. See, I can’t even get through my list without breaking my own rules!<br /> Neutral comfort low/non heeled shoe/more covered sandal<br /> Lightweight polished topper in short or 3/4 sleeves for specific upcoming events<br /> New sports bra style</p> <p>Above all else, focus on only warm weather clothing. Keep in mind if it will work over 100 degrees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872237 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:04:15 +0000 SarahD8 1872237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderfully thoughtful post! I love that you can look back at your old posts to remind yourself of previous insights and goals.</p> <p>Since I am closer to the start of this journey than you are I am really focused on building a balanced, workable wardrobe. I have a pretty strong sense of the style I want to project but figuring out how many of what kinds of items I need in order to carry that out is the project now (especially in terms of basics/support acts).</p> <p>I am finding it useful to think in terms of seasonal capsules. This means I can bite off a smaller, more manageable "chunk" of my wardrobe to focus on at a particular time. It also helps me understand how items work together which is key for me.</p> <p>Secondarily I know I also need to think about functional capsules -- make sure I am sorted for work events, dress-up, etc.</p> <p>Thinking about capsules in terms of types of item -- like you are doing with your jeans capsule -- is the least intuitive for me personally. I like reading about your insights though!</p> <p>And I am the opposite to you when it comes to jeans! An 8" mid-rise reaches the bottom of my ribcage. High-rise would probably double as a bra. Right now I am indulging in a beautiful fantasy of unknown women having an early morning sort through their jeans capsules and in a fit of decisiveness throwing all their 7" rise jeans into the donation bag, then taking them to the Goodwill...nearest to my house...where I will soon find them....yes...may it be so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872217 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:19:50 +0000 Jazzy Dance 1872217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm starting with nothing for summer- last summer I was significantly bigger than I am now and everything except one Patagonia dress had to go. So I have one dress.&nbsp; (Of course I am not counting gym clothes, which are my work clothes, so I'm aware I'm lucky there.)</p> <p>I will be spending one month of the summer urban backpacking so I'm letting my needs for that trip dictate my purchases for the season. The next summer I can buy more frilly pretty things.</p> <p>With my limited budget and backpack space I am going to have to go with a fairly minimalist wardrobe- a couple pairs of shorts, a couple sleeveless tops, one maxi dress and a pair of sandals. I just picked up 2 t-shirts from Boden that I can wear year round. I will be repeating and repeating this summer, so I want to get things that I really love and won't tire of so easily. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872215 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:14:56 +0000 tanstaafl 1872215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still figuring out what my process will be for 2018.&nbsp; My budget is fairly low, so I know I want to be thoughtful about each piece that I buy.&nbsp; I think I will be starting the year continuing what I have been doing for the past month, which is going through my existing wardrobe, photographing the outfits I put together, and determining what I do and don't like about each one.&nbsp; I don't have time to do this all at once, so I take a picture each day, and make notes on what I would do differently for next time.&nbsp; Some of these notes are adding things to my shopping list, some are to try different accessories, sometimes it is to retire a piece from my work wardrobe to casual only.&nbsp; </p> <p>My overall goal is to be more thoughtful about what I am wearing.&nbsp; I want to look a little bit more professional at work, without switching to wearing suits everyday.&nbsp; I think I can accomplish this through more careful consideration of the outfits I wear, like pairing my more casual tops with more professional toppers instead of a comfy cardigan, or adding a few more heels to my shoe options, or focusing on higher quality jewelry/accessories.&nbsp; It's the finishing touches that I think will make the most difference for me, and luckily the lovely ladies here have been very helpful.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872213 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:09:56 +0000 Suz 1872213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a terrific post! Very thoughtful and analytical.&nbsp;</p> <p>I usually do a wardrobe review and assessment this time of year, also, along with an overall, "life" assessment or "year in review." I haven't ever really thought about <b>how</b> I approach it though (which is rare for me, since I'm usually a meta-thinker!) Typically I just kind of dive in...but often in writing, which is my way of thinking....which is one reason this forum has been so helpful, because it gives me a place to jot it all down and some thoughtful listeners to discuss it with.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like your emphasis on "closet first." That makes total sense -- it gives you something concrete to work with and grounds the thinking in reality. I think that is going to be my approach this year, too -- and thank you! I will do as you have done and go capsule by capsule. I know just which capsule I will look at first. Footwear! The place where I inevitably have my biggest wins and biggest fails!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-are-you-evaluating-your-style-and-wardrobe-needs-for-2018#post-1872212 Wed, 27 Dec 2017 13:56:04 +0000 Staysfit 1872212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to be a double poster this morning, but I realized after I posted about my jeans, that there was a separate concern of interest. Forever the person with an analytical mind, I am very curious about the process people are using when they are developing their goals and plans for the year? </p> <p>There are really two things I am thinking about here. One is about my style and whether there needs to be any change in my style moniker and adjectives as I go into 2018. The other is the related question of what sort of additions or changes I might want to make to my wardrobe. One seems to lead naturally from the other, so the style piece would seem to come first. However, my process didn’t start with looking at my style adjectives or moniker. I think I am borrowing from Angie who has taught me well. It started with a closet assessment and trying on everything to see what I still like and what I don’t. I made an early, quick discovery with my jeans. I strongly prefer a high rise, so I quickly culled mid/low rise jeans from my closet. I plan to go through the same process for the remaining items in my closet. My tops, my dresses, my toppers, my shoes and boots, my coats, etc. </p> <p>My considerations for each category include climate, my coloring, color palette, my lifestyle, my budget, fit and flattery, and my overall aesthetic/style and practicality (ie. is the item machine wash, durable, sturdy, etc.). I think the closet assessment, which has traditionally helped me cull items that are worn out, faded, ripped, or otherwise past their prime, is clearly the place to find your current style preferences and pet peeves. It becomes clear when something you once loved is no longer favored. Wardrobe gaps and orphaned pieces become evident. A list of missing pieces can be compiled including basics and a decision can be made about essentials.</p> <p>After the closet assessment, I will look over my style moniker again and adjectives to see if they still fit. I anticipate that they will. My best guess is that I will adhere to them more closely. I have developed a more refined sense of what they mean. I also am reviewing my old posts which I wrote as I developed my style moniker. Finally, I am going to evaluate my success with last years plan which I called Mindfulness. It was a good term, and I believe a good plan, so I may tweak it and use it again. Once something is working well, I tend to keep it in place unless a problem develops. </p> <p>Making decisions of what to add to a wardrobe are complex. I base those on budget, need, wardrobe holes, color palette, style, and emotion. Last year a large part of my budget was spent on keeping my wardrobe “Fresh”. The choices made for wardrobe updates are key to a refined style because they become the direction the wardrobe takes over time. That is why understanding your style and sticking to some sort of plan becomes important. My style moniker helped me choose my 2017 purchases. I have been happy with all of them. I believe an assessment of the years purchases can help someone understand their style direction and if it is changing. The same is true when looking at the items that are culled. There is nothing in my moniker or adjectives that would have determined whether I purchased low or high rise jeans. The other factor that went into my purchasing choices this year was careful selection from the list of trends that Angie posted. </p> <p>What is your process? </p>