https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:53:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-565715 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:37:37 +0000 Elly 565715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow-- lots of work being done, fun things happening, and realizations made. It is exciting to see what others are looking forward to and trying out!</p> <p>For me this past season was less retail-therapy and more therapy. YLF has really got me thinking about how I have been dressing the past few years and analyzing WHY I was making the clothing and fashion choices I've been making. I've had to start being really honest with myself and let go of some of the things I've insisted on being the irrefutable truth. </p> <p>I am really excited about finally having a decent interview look, although as I build my closet further there are some pieces I could surely add. That said, I feel so much more comfortable going into situations that need a put-together capsule than I did 6 months ago. Prior to this I was always scrambling to cobble together something somewhat workable (and most often questionable and uncomfortable) for interviews, funerals, and other important events that weren't jeans or formal dress appropriate. My little capsule of 2 pairs of slacks, a pencil skirt, and several button downs (plus low-heeled oxfords) is my accomplishment of the season, and as silly as that sounds-- I'm really proud. It is one of my goals to use the last month or two of really cold winter weather here to completely tie up loose ends with the pieces I currently have. For me, that means double checking sleeve lengths and pants lengths, taking the last pair of slacks for alteration, and finding a nude bra or cami for my white button down. I have a few more goals I'd like to kick into gear and complete that I had started before our season here is completely over. I do need to get my behind into gear on spring though, and possibly for a work wardrobe (I'm waiting on phone calls for interviews again). </p> <p>During the process of building an interview or business capsule, I learned a couple of things. </p> <p>1) Tailoring makes a huge difference, but it can only do so much. I used professional services for the first time and it is great to know what they can do (huge difference in how things fit, especially pants, and it was affordable) and what is really difficult and costly. This knowledge opens up options to me as well as help me evaluate pieces based on structure, hopefully helping me pick pieces that are easier to alter in cases where there are not ready-made options (like I want things that fit my waist!). </p> <p>2) Having business clothing that fits and is comfortable and appropriate is an important investment in myself and my future and I should have something that I don't have to freeze in, bake in, constantly readjust . . . especially when I am trying to make a good impression. Maybe the comfort level will help me branch out and use these pieces to step it up in other areas. </p> <p>3) Wool is not evil, and neither is dry clean only. I'm a chronically frozen person . . . being comfortable is worth it. </p> <p>Outside of those strides a lot of my thinking this past season has dealt with how I've been presenting myself (and why) and how I want people to see me and what I need to do to make that happen. I've realized that my self-confidence has been damaged and is holding me back, but I am going to try to keep that from happening anymore. I need to look different than the sweatshirts and boho clubwear than most of the women in my age range in the community wear, because I have different goals. For the first time in my life, I'm dressing too young. I never knew that MDAL could apply to people in their twenties, but I am still dressing like high school and college kids, but I don't have the juniors-size body and it isn't doing me any favors. I've really seen how visible I am to people that are influential in doing what I want to do for work in the community, and had a AH-HA moment about how I'm dressing at the grocery store. </p> <p>I think the last straw was the man I've been seeing a) having to explain to his coworkers (who we ran into randomly-- hello small town) that he wasn't robbing the cradle (he is 2 years older than me, and looks his age-- but apparently I don't) and b) despite being a casual, laid-back guy, he has expressed interest in seeing me "cleaned up". </p> <p>So, that said . . . SWEATSHIRTS ARE GEAR!!!!!!!</p> <p>I deserve to have nice things . . . for me.. Just because no one may be actively judging me based on what I wear places other than interviews or work, that doesn't mean that feeling good isn't important. </p> <p>The little things I wear everyday are really important to the overall look. I need to take the time to find a watch, purse, ect.</p> <p>Building a closet is overwhelming, especially trying to prioritize, but I want to make it a priority to build a decent outfit to wear for multiple aspects of life and go from there.</p> <p>It is all good and well to say that it is ok to keep wearing unflattering, uncomfortable, awkward, and trashed things because no one important sees your loungewear, PJs, workout gear, casual clothes, hiking stuff . . . until all of the sudden that changes and you realize that it sucks to wear sweats with holes just because it is "only you". Plus, it is really embarrassing to grab that pair when you are running out the doorto something public! </p> <p>The same kinda goes for fancy clothes . . . it is easy to justify not needing them enough to have some and spend money on them . . . and then you need them. </p> <p>Having appropriate warm clothes is important, and those important layers that make winter bearable are on the top of my list for next winter.</p> <p>I also realized the importance of having a real hairstyle.</p> <p>I came to terms with my love of classic, and that it is ok to mix it with other elements that inspire me. </p> <p>Now, I'm figuring out how. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564746 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:33:03 +0000 Kirti 564746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learnt...</p> <p>...that I love cross body bags.</p> <p>...that I can find shoes that fit me, even though I have super fussy feet. I just shouldn't buy in a hurry.</p> <p>...that cheaper doesn't always mean better.</p> <p>...that culling is the key to the perfect wardrobe.</p> <p>...that remixing can make dressing a great experience.</p> <p>...that thrift shopping is fun.</p> <p>...that I love colour, especially my red pants.</p> <p>...that I love mixing colours and that I'm starting to enjoy mixing prints.</p> <p>...layering tights is great for colder weather.</p> <p>...you can layer jackets under a coat (this I learnt from Angie!)</p> <p>...that alterations are crucial, even little ones (this I learnt from YLF!)</p> <p>I learnt a lot just being a style blogger and now that I'm on YLF, I find myself learning more and more everyday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564732 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:19:16 +0000 Meredith1953 564732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned so much! </p> <p>I have re-embraced color! As a child my mom said I wore the loudest clothing!<br /> I have re-affirmed my love for simple lines and comfortable fabrics<br /> I have LEARNED that playful is good! I never really had anything playful before. Possibly I confused it with juvenile or whackadoodle. I realize that a touch of whimsy or play is really good and I have occasionally incorporated it into my outfits and really loved that touch (I'm looking at you polkadots!).<br /> I have learned that I CAN wear a dress *spoiler* I am posting a dress today *Gasp*! I just like the dress with patterned tights and boots which I have NEVER tried before.</p> <p>Thanks to all the lovely encouraging YLF who have applauded my efforts while nudging me gently (yes Angie) to "change up my wardrobe". I'm going to try but while being true to my sense of of slowly developing, codifying style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564725 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:01:36 +0000 anne 564725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>- It is okay to cull clothes just because I don't like them<br /> - not to purchase clothes if I don't like them, even if Angie and the YLF forum does (I needed that encouragement to get past my perfectionism 3 years ago and buy anything at all, but I have a solid enough base to hold out for better now)<br /> - I like having a small wardrobe<br /> - investing in an attractive warm jacket to wear at home in winter is worth it.<br /> - likewise occasionally buying myself new warm PJs<br /> - I like very fitted-to-the torso jackets<br /> - I can do voluminous waist abandoning, but need to be careful about bust flattening </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564715 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:35:29 +0000 rute 564715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on SYC, so I've learned a lot!<br /> - I've learned that some trends come and go so fast, I should avoid them;<br /> - invest on classic pieces;<br /> - Invest on quality;<br /> - Define my style helps a lot and go for what I love avoiding beeing influeced by what I see on others! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564714 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:27:50 +0000 Astrid 564714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned that I still love boho and probably always will, it's just different to what I always thought boho to be! It's tailored boho chic with clean and simple lines that I'm attracted to and I like the descriptor Suz gave me: "Grounded Boho Chic" . Or "Ladylike Boho" like CocoLion called it. I think I can live and really work with this idea. </p> <p>When I look back I feel like I'm now at a point where I'm dressed nice everyday. My wardrobe is now fairly empty, but there are no mistakes or frumpy leftovers left. </p> <p>Another thing that I learned was that I truly don't need that many clothes to feel fab. I like to wear clothes again and again and love to make them mine. I'm not sure how minimalist I want my wardrobe to be in the future, but I don't need that much variety to feel great. I guess I'm an "uniform" dresser and I definitely prefer it if I'm able to mix and match my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564713 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:04:22 +0000 Transcona Shannon 564713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your timing is fabulous with this post Elly because I did a lot of thinking over the weekend while doing some closet cleaning about my style. I have discovered:</p> <p>- retro classic is definitely how I feel like dressing these days - it feels like "me"<br /> - I am not going to be married to my retro classic style 100% though if something else should tickle my fancy: I am willing to experiment since that's how we grow<br /> - I crave colourful footwear for spring but love my Docs for colder weather<br /> - I love wearing black and grey and will not apologize for it!<br /> - I would like to find a floral (yes Angie...I said floral!) dress somewhat similar to Angie's pink floral frock she bought last year<br /> - I will always be a thriftier at heart but want to invest in a few quality pieces<br /> - I have really enjoyed this past winter, my first full season with YLF and it has taught me that I CAN have fun with fashion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564696 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:37:12 +0000 jayne 564696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to admit that my style of cut is classic, perhaps modern classic, BUT I am a boho color/pattern kinda gal. Which finally explained why I was pulled by boho clothes...in the end, it was the color and pattern and not the boho cut. So what a relief to figure that out.</p> <p>next is that I have two seasons I really like to dress for so I need to focus on each as a wardrobe of themselves and feel no need to try and mix them. I like forgetting about one season of clothes while wearing the other.</p> <p>I have no real scruples about cost per wear and don't see that as a goal for myself to say achieve $5/wear. I happily have clothes and clothes numbers way higher than that!</p> <p>BUT I do want there to be only clothes I wear in my closet (no matter the cost /wear). If I cannot wear in 4 weeks max, everything, then something has to go!</p> <p>and I am way way behind on my casual capsule. This has to be my focus for the year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564681 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:23:04 +0000 harmonica 564681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking back on this winter, I learned that...</p> <p>- dressing up a bit makes every day better</p> <p>- I feel a need for more colours</p> <p>- I find it easy to wear dresses and skirts, but more difficult to wear jeans and sweaters in a stylish way (often because of muffin top / belly issues)</p> <p>- I need to find my body type</p> <p>- I still have several items in my closet that I need to toss or hand over to someone else</p> <p>- I have a small basic wardrobe that kind of works in all kinds of settings (casual, work, wedding, christmas, family events, girls night out, all 4 seasons...) </p> <p>- my search for the perfect leather jacket will start soon</p> <p>- saving for the january and july/august sale can pay off </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564666 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:31:27 +0000 ManidipaM 564666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for this thread, Elly! It made me think and I realized I've learnt even more about myself and my style than I had realized!!! </p> <p>I have been a little depressed at my slow progress of late and at recounting/reviewing my mistakes, and I still feel frustrated that I don't see tangible benefits from many of my epiphanies, but I have learnt a LOT this last season and it FEELS good to know that.</p> <p>I learnt that...</p> <p>- I can wear more colours than I thought I could (including but not limited to orange, beige and tomato red!)</p> <p>- like Mo, I'm craving woven but relatively unstructured (waist-surrendering) tops for spring-summer, and realizing these can also work as winter layering pieces under a structured jacket (hadn't tried that before)</p> <p>- that a no-heels wardrobe need NOT be a disaster; but I'd still like to add a nude wedge sandal</p> <p>- that a no-dressy-black-shoes (at LEAST business-casual) situation IS a disaster and makes me run around like a headless chicken in a snowstorm!</p> <p>- that my favourite ankle-boots look gearish and my teal gladiator-style sandal/shoe looks clunky to most people... and I'm surprisingly okay with that! (I'm taking fun and comfort over fashion on that one, and loving it!)</p> <p>- that my mother's old 'outdated' black wool winter coat is a lovely thing when I really AM cold</p> <p>- that I CAN tie a scarf after all!</p> <p>- that I don't like very structured blazers, but drapier/slouchier style, and softer quilted fabrics are fantastic for my lifestyle and taste</p> <p>- that I can add black back into my wardrobe without feeling like a vamp!</p> <p>- that tights can be layered!</p> <p>- that I like knits best for layering and am veering away from T-shirts for summer sole-layer wearing!</p> <p>- that contrary to the 101 'essentials' lists out there, I can do without the black pantsuit and white button-downs VERY happily indeed.</p> <p>- that I don't need shampoo</p> <p>- that I like my bags big, hands-free and sloucy or semi-structured</p> <p>- that I *can* look good with waist definition despite my belly, though I am not sure I can take belting and waisted fits into summer...</p> <p>- that I could do with more dresses! </p> <p>- that I can make do with less than 30 garments and accessories for entire seasons!</p> <p>- that I want to incorporate more of my jewellery into everyday wear<br /> BUT that I want to own less jewellery and fewer clothes and bags --- but maybe not fewer shoes, since I rough them up badly and fast!</p> <p>- that I could rescue MANY orphans with the right undergarment, and NEED more camisoles and tank tops!</p> <p>- that I could do with more long-sleeved T-shirts for winter layering</p> <p>- that I need new pullovers and would prefer new cardigans to pullovers bar a few colours!</p> <p>- that I LOVE wearing white, even though I'm clumsy and replacements get expensive</p> <p>- that I want to find new, more updated ways to wear my hair long and not actually cut it short (my easier, more versatile hairstyles being a short crop or falling just beyond the shoulders, while it currently hits my waistline) for summer</p> <p>- that I prefer my hair shorter in *winter* since I hate having it drip-dry down my neck in the cold!</p> <p>- that I don't need to change my lipstick to match my clothes and can wear just 2-3 shades on all occasions, with all outfits, all year! (with at best one swapout per season)</p> <p>- that I should STOP HOARDING my favourites, laying them away for later or for special occasions only and WEAR them while still in style and good condition, and while they still FIT! </p> <p>- that poor fit is a bigger letdown for appearances than poor condition, and not-my-colours are a worse letdown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564644 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:19:35 +0000 Mo 564644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I discovered that my formula of jackets and boots in winter with jeans is flop proof and I don't need multiple silhouettes to keep me happy - just multiple boots and jackets lol.</p> <p>Also I am craving more flowy and woven tops and dresses for the coming season, which is a huge departure from my mostly knit and waist defining choices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564643 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:11:58 +0000 Makrame 564643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with AJ on learning to love structured jackets. Not sure yet either how to translate this into summer.</p> <p>Also love silk or silky (i.e., some polyester) shirts now. I used to wear cotton button downs mostly but discovered that silk shirts have less gappage on my bust and I generally like the flowy shapes for a change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564636 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:01:58 +0000 AJ 564636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I luv how the structure of jackets flatter my torso. I'm not sure how to apply this to my summer wear. I guess look for tops that are more fitting and find some light weight, short sleeve jackets to wear over camisoles. I want to try to find more full skirts for spring/summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564634 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:59:25 +0000 Angie 564634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's always a great type of thread, Elly. I think MN Sarah started one just like it at the end of Dec. </p> <p>I learned that:</p> <p>- Marrying my love for Modern Classic, Punk and Androgynous looks can be done. </p> <p>- That I crave colour and pattern more than ever. </p> <p>- That I LOVE trousers now that all the '80s inspired looks are back. </p> <p>- That I am really into pattern mixing despite my minimal style.</p> <p>- That I am absolutely not interested in wearing jewelry other than my wedding rings, my pearl necklaces, and my Mum's gold medallion from the '70s. </p> <p>- That I am still a bag lady.</p> <p>- That I have men's taste in shoes. (My Japanese friend pointed out that I like shoes that are fit for a man, and I agreed with her!)</p> <p>- That I *really* love simple tops because they make other parts of the outfit shine. They also make my hair and specs more of a statement. </p> <p>- I am also in the mood to add a softer streak to my style this season. I am over hard edge and all over florals! </p> <p>I guess that's all for now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-feel-looking-back-at-this-past-season#post-564627 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:45:04 +0000 Elly 564627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have had a lot of epiphany threads lately, as well as many of us that are getting our closets ready to turn over into a new season . . . which usually comes with some analysis.</p> <p>I'd love for this thread to be a kind of place where it would be possible to consolidate some of those things. I sometimes need threads like this to get me thinking and analyzing . . . so I thought I'd start a place to muse it over. </p> <p>So, what did you learn this past fall/winter season? </p> <p>What worked, what didn't, what are you moving forward with? Anything you will do differently coming into spring/summer, or even next years' FW season? </p>