https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 15:51:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415613 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 05:46:20 +0000 Scarlet 415613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, I have my coffee too I think this is definitely an acquired skill. Personally I don't like returning things because it costs me precious time. I only buy things I love. If I am not sure what to wear it with, I try it with things together in the store and buy something to go with it to be sure I have at least one way to wear it. This also helps me when I am in a hurry to have some tried-and-true combinations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415292 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:22:52 +0000 rachylou 415292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got my coffee, then read - because I knew it would be a good think ;&gt;</p> <p>When I think about how I shop - I suppose the first thing is I'm attracted to certain things. Then people will say certain things look cute on me. The combination of the two has generated a fashion template I like and am fairly sure works for me.</p> <p>'Course, the flip side is, I have a hard time registering anything else. If I find it's gotten too much - 5 black shirts with (scary) cap sleeves too much - I make a man come shopping with me and try on what he brings back, no matter what. LOL. I do admit there's one guy friend I'd never take with, because he's simply too bossy. But otherwise, you know, it's a pair of fresh eyes.</p> <p>I'll also wear new "base" items out shopping, to find things to go with them. Like, if I find a nice pair of pants, I'll put them on another day and go looking for tops. </p> <p>Envisioning how something will look is not particularly easy. My family seems jam packed with architects, art historians, artists/craftsmen, art collectors... and I've come to believe A) There's an aspect of that not everyone is born with, not to the same degree. B) Some training in art, art history, or the like can help a person see better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415271 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:52:18 +0000 ButterflyLady 415271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you! I am now firmly in the camp of ordering/buying and then trying/rejecting/returning or trying/rejoicing/keeping!</p> <p>Vildy - you may have something there - I love colour and textures, and trust my instincts, maybe I'm trying to analyse too much. It's very interesting working out this style stuff, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415250 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:11:08 +0000 Debbie 415250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try, try is the only advice I have. You will get familar with what works and what you like. It takes time and patience. Something I am in short supply of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415242 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:58:14 +0000 rae 415242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading the other comments, I think the only way to develop the knack your friend has for envisioning how items will work with the existing wardrobe is to 1) get to know your wardrobe well and 2) experiment with lots of things until you get a feel for what works. </p> <p>Seems like you could do this by either buying what grabs you and returning what doesn't work -- or buying very inexpensive items at first to test drive new looks. I use both these strategies myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415240 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:46:32 +0000 Vildy 415240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to reply before I read through the replies. If what you want is a play of textures - and in plums, purples, dark greens - I think the light and delicate appearing multi color necklace you linked to would be terrific counterpoint. It sounds to me like your instincts are good but perhaps you're approaching it as Fashion - and would feel better having concrete<br /> examples to fall in line with - when maybe your approach to fashion is<br /> artistic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415221 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:13:47 +0000 ButterflyLady 415221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't live in the States, no. I'm in the UK - some stores will give you a few weeks before you have to return, but there is one retailer who, online, will only give you 8 days to return! But still, even a week is enough to try things on and make different outfits. I definitely need to do that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415209 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:05:20 +0000 Queen Mum 415209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>coffee in hand :-)<br /> Do you live here in the states where we can return easily?<br /> It's a never ending cycle of shop and return for me. I have to get it home and try it out before I know if it's going to work.. although over time I'm getting better at visualizing. When you bring something new home, play dress up in your closet and see how many outfit possibilities you can come up with. Some will work, and some won't but you'll get some ideas of new pairings you hadn't thought of before.<br /> I for one can think of 100 ways to wear those leopard booties you posted. I think they could work with just about any outfit that isn't print based myself. I would try them with a dress and tights as well.... you just gotta experiment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415207 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:57:45 +0000 Mo 415207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly makes a good point in that the more variety in silhouttes you wear, the less mixability you should expect. If you decide you are completely happy wearing only bootcut jeans and always wear 2" heels, you don't need more than 2 or 3 pair. But if you wear both flats and heels, platforms and stilettos, skinny and boot jeans, you're going to need a much wider range of 'basics' and many of them won't play together. Your bootcuts for heels won't work with flats, etc.<br /> I think we generally gravitate toward a few favorite silhouettes and most of our wardrobe can play together reasonably well if not all across the board. But, yeah, I could give myself a real headache trying to make one shirt work with every bottom I own! 2 or 3 matches is just fine with me. Often I'll stumble later across a combo I hadn't thought of originally but if not, that's fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415205 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:57:02 +0000 ButterflyLady 415205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you ladies - very interesting replies.</p> <p>Elly - I think I am overthinking this, which is leading to paralysis, as you say! And I do have a rubbishy collection of clothes, and have that mind set where something new will be better than the things I already have ...</p> <p>bj1111 and Jjsloane - I very rarely buy and return , because I rarely buy. I think I need to remember that I can, in fact, return things if they aren't right! Maybe I should go with my instincts more, and not think too much about it, then try things at home. And Mo, yes, I also need to remember that my 'social' life is Open University tutorials, fairly informal restaurants, the theatre and shopping. And not gala balls at upscale venues! Or a boardroom (I'm very drawn to tailoring) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415193 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:46:11 +0000 Elly 415193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't worry about something I buy going with everything. Because I have a small wardrobe I wear all my outfits regularly. Therefore, I am ok if I have a couple of pieces that only work with one thing or two things. There is a huge difference between creating orphans and trying to make everything go with everything else--- which is very hard to do unless you only buy one type of garment in every category. For example, if you only wear mid-rise trouser leg slacks in a color range (black-grey, or navy, or brown) all your tops should go with all your pants. If you have more than one color range or if you have both skinny and wide leg slacks, or if you wear skirts and slacks not every top will go with every bottom well. Plus, more than likely you need to have 4-8 bottoms and 8 tops anyway-- so if every top goes with 1 or 2 bottoms you are good. Not everything has to be versatile to the point of paralyzing. If you can't remember what clothes you have--- you probably have a bigger closet than you think or the clothes just aren't that good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415188 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:37:36 +0000 Jjsloane 415188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop A LOT, but return A LOT. Not the most efficient, but often fun and the items that I keep I'm sure about as I've checked they work with at least a few things I own and they don't require a whole new outfit just to wear the one new piece. I have a mental list (really should write it down, but it's rather short right now) and try to keep in mind looks I've seen that inspire me, but I don't have time for much clipping and saving. I like to consider a piece I'm interested in if it's a basic that will work with almost anything (white button down top, solid color cardigan, good pants/skirt/jeans) then it's a no brainer if I don't have the exact same color/style already. I like to have a few things that pull those basics together. Right now I'm drawn to multicolor printed tops and dresses. I tend to like the same colors so often have several coordinating items already in my closet.<br /> Case in point: today I am wearing a newly acquired top that has a blue, orange, white and purple print. I have cardigans and jackets in almost all these colors already (today I went with the rusty orange color), it works with my white jeans (today's choice) and blue jeans. </p> <p>I think the necklace you linked to is beautiful and would work with many things. This got a bit lengthy too, but the bottom line is you could start with a palette you like, a look (formula of pieces) or a specific list of items you need. I think you at least need to pull out everything you have to see what works already and what needs something to make it work (and there's your list) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415187 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:35:05 +0000 Mo 415187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I now have a list since joining here! Some of it is trial and error. I tend to buy piece by piece and not in outfits, but I can mentally pick some things from my closet that piece will go with usually. Sometimes that doesn't pan out though. Maybe the textures don't go together or the lengths are odd together, etc. A few times I have gone shopping wearing an item I'm trying to pair up. For instance, my skinny non cargos I wore while trying to shop for a tunic to go with them.<br /> I also tend to bargain shop, especially for trends that are new to me. That way, if it's a total bomb I don't feel guilty about spending a ton of money.<br /> Lastly, and I still forget this sometimes, imagine where you are going to wear this. What specific occasions? I found I was buying a lot of pretty dress up clothes but had nothing that could do league night bowling as a concrete example!<br /> Oh, and start with just a select group of colors. I used to want say, a cropped blazer, in every color you could imagine so I had lots of 'options'. Well, it's actually more limiting to have more pieces that don't play well with each other. Expand the colors later when you have all the basic bases covered. A light neutral, dark neutral and then bright color or pattern is a good start.<br /> Good luck!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415186 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:33:58 +0000 bj1111 415186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ok...i have my coffee!</p> <p>i'm a serial buyer/returner. i buy on impulse so i have to be! i buy things that make me want to grab them before someone else does. then i hang them in my closet for a while--up to several months--to see if i smile every time i open the closet door. i play with the clothes, make outfits in my head at night then try them out in the day. i've been photographing too, since ylf, which has been uber helpful.</p> <p>things that make me smile are a function of the thing itself and the price point. the ones i keep are the ones that make me happy to have. even if i don't wear them that frequently, i feel fabulous when i do!</p> <p>i use the same approach regardless of the type of item that i buy--shoes, jackets, accessories. for online stores that charge for a return, i load my cart and revisit everyday, sometimes several times a day. then i ask myself, how would i feel if someone else got it. if i have a huge feeling of regret and lost opportunity, i buy the item.</p> <p>wordy answer to an interesting question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-shop-1#post-415180 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:26:05 +0000 ButterflyLady 415180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>** Apologies, this is very long and rambling. You might need coffee before you start reading!**</p> <p>I'm asking because I am interested in the different ways people buy clothes, and also because I fear I am a bit clueless!</p> <p>I have an online friend who has a very strong sense of her own style, and always looks fabulous. When she finds clothes or accessories she likes, whether in store, or online, she seems to be able to effortlessly imagine how they will work with what she already has, and the different outfits she will be able to make. She has her fall/winter wardrobe ready in her mind!</p> <p>I, on the other hand, well ...... don't !! I will be drawn to things, but sometimes it's because I love the colour, or the style on someone else. It's very rare I see something and can see how it will work with what I've got - I try not to buy unless I can, but this means I only have a tiny amount of clothes, and I often wish (too late!) that I had bought something when I see it. </p> <p>Here's an example (with accessories rather than clothes) :-</p> <p>The other day I was browsing the jewellery, and found two pretty necklaces. I didn't buy either because the first, although a beautiful blend of colours (it's here - the multicoloured one <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/M-Woman-Multi-Strand-Beaded-Necklace/dp/B0055ABDAQ?ie=UTF8&#038;ref=sr_1_89&#038;nodeId=540710031&#038;sr=1-89&#038;qid=1314972809" rel="nofollow">http://www.marksandspencer.com.....1314972809</a>) I didn't think would go with any of my clothes. But then I couldn't really remember exactly what clothesI had The second I loved because of the colour - I have had clothing this colour in the past, although not at the moment. I also liked it because it was long so I could wear it looped round twice, to get a sort of multi-layered look, but I could also wear it long. It's not online, but it was a long strand of bright green beads. But I didn't buy it because I've never worn a long necklace before. And I didn't know what it would go with. And .... well etc etc *sigh* This happens to me all the time, with clothes, bags, scarves, everything. I find I play very 'safe' and will buy, say, black pants, or jeans, and wear with a plain top. I feel very dull.</p> <p>But I don't know how to build a wardrobe of lovely things that co-ordinate, with accessories that work with everything. Occasionally, I will get a yearning for something (the leopard print boots I posted about being an example) and I can think of how to wear them, but then I get stuck into only wearing something in that one way. Which is dull.</p> <p>I don't know how to start, I think that's what I'm saying. I have (unusually for me!) a very hazy idea of the way I want to look - I like the brogue style shoes (although I would need a heel, I have just taken delivery of some shoe/boots which might work - that's a whole other post!) with pants look, quite elegant, but with lovely textures and colours like plums and purples, dark green, velvety and tactile. I don't seem to be able to translate that into actual garments, though.</p> <p>How do people work out what to buy, and make sure everything hangs together? Do you make a list? Try on a lot of clothes? Have pictures from fashion magazines in mind?</p> <p>Well done if you've got to this point - I am so sorry it's long and vague - the ability to produce a sentence seems to have escaped me. I think what I am saying is help! How do I start!? </p>