https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:58:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805377 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:48:20 +0000 Echo 805377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Part of the purpose of fasion, IMO, is to dress in a way that is inspiring to yourself and that boosts your confidence, but not to get in the way of being you. In other words, the very best outfits, whether they are understated or OTT, are the ones that make you notice the person and not the clothing. Like the expression goes, you need to wear the clothes and not have the clothes wear you. If the most memorable thing about a person was his/her outfit (after having had a chance to speak with the person and get to know them, that is), then IMO they were dressed in a way they probably should not have been. </p> <p>Even when it comes to celebrities and fashion bloggers, I tend to identify them by overall style. Few outfits stand out to me because most of them fit with the person's overall aesthetic. So Helena Bonham-Carter may dress in a flamboyant manner, but it matches who she is so it is never overpowering on her. Tilda Swinton dresses in a way almost no one else could pull off, and yet things almost always work for her because she owns the look. </p> <p>Like someone else mentioned, it is much more memorable when people dress in a grossly inappropriate manner or when they dress in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable about themselves. That is much more memorable and identifiable than a person wearing a character-appropriate, event-appropriate outfit, no matter how fabulous it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805356 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:07:39 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 805356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like fashion. Not necessarily being "fashionable" but I enjoy getting new clothes, dressing what I feel is nicely, etc. It's fun and it makes me feel good. I also appreciate care in presentation of other things and I feel much happier in my own home when my house looks good (a constant work in progress. I live with a carpenter, and similar to the cobbler, his children have no base or trim...), when the yard is kept (sadly my "gardener" said she does not like cold rainy weather and generally tries to pretend we don't have a yard until it's warm out - I'm the gardener) etc. It helps me feel more "together" and confident. And honestly, I have found it does affect how people treat me. I remember one time years ago I was flying somewhere and had made an effort to look nice, wear makeup and such before it was generally my habit to do so. What a difference! It was an eye opener. I don't think people do it on purpose either, it's just that associative learning that all mammals do, I'm quite sure.</p> <p>I enjoy when other people dress nicely but exactly how much I pay attention depends on context. I notice at work, often. If not specifics, certainly over-all impressions. I notice at dog shows for sure and honestly I at least internally can be a little snobby about it. I think the SHOW in dog show is important and there is a huge lack of fashionability for no real reason as I see it. I love to people watch at the coffee shop, out eating and such too.</p> <p>However I do often find, particularly at very busy social functions, that I do not notice the specifics of what people wear. If you asked me, I could not tell you unless what someone was wearing struck me as particularly nice or not so nice. I tend to challenge my environmental norm because it just doesn't appeal. Seriously dog trainers, it's okay not to wear ball caps and polar fleece all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805300 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:34:58 +0000 Transcona Shannon 805300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think clothes matter. A lot. And I don't think it's shallow to think that way.</p> <p>How I dress not only results in others perceptions of me but also affects my own mood. If I dress in a put together manner, I feel more confident and just happier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805295 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:20:19 +0000 shoppingisfun 805295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw a stranger crossing the street as I waited at a red light yesterday. She was so fashionable that I still remember admiring her outfit, although I couldn't tell you exactly what she was wearing. Something animal print and a long brown coat, I think. Maybe boots? I don't remember, but I know she looked FAB! Maybe I am just shallow but I always notice what people are wearing, although I might or might not specifically remember the clothes later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805292 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:11:37 +0000 Aziraphale 805292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Citygirl, what you say is all true, and I have made the same observations before. Of course we size people up based on what they are wearing! But what surprised me at these Christmas parties was how little I noticed clothes when I was engaged in talking to unfamiliar people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-805226 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:34:04 +0000 Lisa 805226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread, thanks for starting this! I find when I am bored or just have more time, or are around unfamiliar people I notice the clothes more than in situations when I am occupied. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804697 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 14:18:11 +0000 citygirldc 804697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you have noticed someone wearing jeans and a t-shirt to a dressy event? I'm sure you would have. Clothes do matter because it's the first impression of you that someone notices. You can gather a lot from someone though their clothes: their personality. Of course one can't truly judge the person until you meet them but clothes sometimes speak louder than words. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804576 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 03:15:55 +0000 crazyone 804576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's definitely a level of clothing-related inappropriateness that is noticeable and negatively distracting--think extremely stained or torn/hole-y clothing, or over-exposed skin for the context, to give two common examples. And I think this is true for most reasonably observant people, whether or not they are into clothes/fashion.</p> <p>As for clothes in general, I notice, and based on comments I get, people around me notice, too. And this is NOT at all limited to women who are interested in fashion, or people who know me. I get comments from the boys in my lab, both positive and negative, and I get comments from strangers, too (all positive, and this time mostly from females) --so it's clear that people *do* notice, in all sorts of contexts. I would say that the "meeting tons of people" at parties context is objectively different, since it's sort of person overload. </p> <p>And yes, face is the most important/most memorable thing. But I find I notice people's clothing, the way they dress/carry themselves, etc. a LOT more now than I did in high school, where it seemed like *all* I noticed was how pretty a person's face was.</p> <p>I only find *extreme* overdressing equivalent to *extreme* underdressing--in general, I prefer moderate overdressing to moderate underdressing, because it is more visually interesting. From the point of view of people watching, I find American street life distinctly more boring than Indian or Spanish street life, since the women in those countries dress with more flair than most American women do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804501 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:38:48 +0000 Mona 804501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i always notice clothes. I think they say a lot about a person. However, I dont base my opinion on what somebody is wearing. If I enjoy the conversation, clothing becomes less important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804496 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:30:42 +0000 Diana 804496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ik, I totally agree! My old boss used to come to work on weekends in ratty tees with holes and food stains, and it was SO distracting! I always hated having to meet with him on weekends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804490 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:24:17 +0000 ironkurtin 804490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find clothing quite important, because I enjoy it, much like how I find sports extremely unimportant, because I could care less.</p> <p>To me, clothing is part of an entire package or presentation and I always notice it. Recently I met a lovely woman who felt perfectly comfortable wearing a stained t-shirt with, shall we say, extremely large, long, and unfettered bosoms. My discomfort with this grew until I could barely pay attention to what she was saying. I don't remember her face very well, although I stared at it with the desperation of the damned. Just the stain and the screaming desire to IMMEDIATELY find her a very supportive bra - or go curl in a corner clutching my own sweet girls promising that nothing like that would EVER happen to them.</p> <p>Now, I'm sure I seemed very stupid to this nice and very bright lady, who was perfectly happy swinging stained and free. We could have had an interesting conversation if I hadn't been so horrified by gravity. And, if I had suggested a shopping trip, I am 100% positive she would have been totally uninterested, because to her, obviously, clothing was not important AT ALL.</p> <p>So. To each their own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804453 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:22:38 +0000 Raisin 804453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it can depend on the situation, because I've had moments like you're describing too. For me, when I'm in a situation where I'm meeting a lot of new people and there is a lot of social interaction it can be like a sensory overload. So I probably wouldn't remember anything about anyone's outfit either because I'm too focused on saying the right things and whatnot. But day to day I do notice if people I see regularly are well dressed and I hope to look presentable and well dressed too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804435 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:53:44 +0000 catgirl 804435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OOOH, I love this topic. Clothes to me are one of those areas that cross all boundaries - function, fashion, art, status, money, creativity, self-perception. I live in a place where no one is judged by what they wear, which is simultaneously a relief and a bit demoralizing. It's entirely a function of the climate - who can wear stilettos and pretty flowy dresses in the snow? And what kind of formalwear is suitable for -10? On the other hand, we are having our annual cocktail party tomorrow and I guarantee people will be jumping at the chance to get dressed up and show off a bit. </p> <p>I would say I notice what people are wearing only as a matter of curiosity - things like lack of PPL or frumpiness will catch my eye, but it makes almost no difference to me in terms of how I perceive them as an individual, unless it is excessively slutty or dirty or otherwise inappropriate. It's not that I don't enjoy visually pleasing sights and style but that I can't let it impair my judgment in my particular environment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really/page/2#post-804397 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:20:59 +0000 Aziraphale 804397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Niefern, that's just what I said. It seems I get the general picture, without noticing the details.</p> <p>But the details are important to the person dressing him/herself, because you can't really give the impression of being well put-together, or at least of belonging to a certain style tribe, without getting the details right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804377 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:59:28 +0000 Niefern 804377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have read that research in behavioral science has found that first impressions are quite strong, may last for 5 years and they take place on a subconscious level. So even if you were not aware of details of peoples' clothing, you probably got a good general idea of the group and of the individual people, even if you can't recall any specifics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804376 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:54:06 +0000 annagybe 804376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually Gaylene to borrow an analogy from modern art. Do you prefer Malevich's White on White?</p> <p><a href="http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=80385" rel="nofollow">http://www.moma.org/collection.....t_id=80385</a></p> <p>To the exuberant Kadinsky's Small Pleasures?</p> <p><a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/show-full/piece/?search=Vasily%20Kandinsky&#038;page=2&#038;f=People&#038;cr=12" rel="nofollow">http://www.guggenheim.org/new-.....#038;cr=12</a></p> <p>Because frankly I think life would be boring if everyone dressed as a Malevich. Because like art I think there is room for all styles.<br /> Back to Elizabeth's point I do notice what people are wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804375 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:50:02 +0000 Angie 804375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for chiming in again, Gaylene. I am truly humbled at a very unexpected response! I am smiling at your family's amusement while giving you a virtual hug :). THANK YOU. I like your take on over and under dressing - the appropriate and inappropriateness of both given the context. I wish people who overdress weren't judged as harshly though. You don't seem to get a wrap over the knuckles when you under dress - at least not in the US. </p> <p>Elisabeth, like Diana, I notice people's styles as much as what they are saying. The two are intertwined and part of the same presentation. Life is a stage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804354 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:18:28 +0000 Aziraphale 804354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Junebug, I agree with what you say -- I've always thought clothes gives us important clues about a person -- but I was still surprised to realize, in retrospect, that I couldn't remember what anyone was wearing at those parties. I did remember hairstyles, glasses and faces, though, and whether or not a person looked hip (for lack of a better word). Just no below-the-neck details. So clothes obviously matter to some degree, just perhaps not as much as I thought. I think, in a situation where I'm engaged socially, a person would have to be wearing something really LOUD, or else just plain inappropriate, for me to notice. For example, I'm sure I'd have remembered if someone had showed up in their pajamas.</p> <p>Actually, one guy was wearing a Santa Claus hat. I did remember that.</p> <p>Gaylene, no worries, it wasn't really a hijack anyway. Interesting that you say you notice other people's clothing when you're feeling ill at ease with yourself. Perhaps we are more judgmental when we're feeling a little underconfident? And more magnanimous when we're feeling on top of the world?</p> <p>Diana, More than beige, MPJ, feeling good in my clothes gives me extra confidence, too. :-)</p> <p>Jules, I totally judge other people more harshly on flaws that remind me of my own! I try not to, but it's true. What you say resonated with me.</p> <p>Angie, aw thanks, what a sweet thing to say.</p> <p>Jewell, it's true, we ARE aware of how people dress, and I think we do judge them on it. But for me at least, it's perhaps not as focused as I thought. I get the general picture, but don't really notice the details, unless I'm literally doing nothing else but people watching. But for the person getting dressed, the details must be important, because you can't generate a general aura of stylishness without getting the details right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804319 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:35:13 +0000 Isabel 804319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that being someplace where I have to interact with people to not be as conducive for "people" watching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804318 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:34:06 +0000 Diana 804318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting observation, as I would say that I'm the opposite. I always notice what people are wearing, to the point where sometimes it distracts from actually tremembering faces or personal details. It probably has something to do with my general social awkwardness.</p> <p>Clothes are also important for me in these situations because they lend me social confidence that I don't normally have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804306 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:10:51 +0000 morethanbeige 804306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thoughts. I also love beauty in my life in general. And I find that the more I focus on it, the richer my life becomes. (Something about what you focus on grows?)</p> <p>I was also at a party where I knew few people. My husband had "obligations" to speak with colleagues and they even discussed some business. So, when he was doing this, I had the chance to "people-watch" and I found the fashion so fascinating. When I was "engaged" I had the experience much like you in that I was more focused on the face.</p> <p>Fashion, for me, like others have mentioned, has so much to do with my sense of self, my confidence, my willingness to put myself out there, and to be me. And it has changed my life in so many ways, that it is so much more than fashion.</p> <p>My hubs is not in to fashion for himself. He loves it that I am. And often we show up at a place dressed very differently. I love that we can each do our thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804303 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:04:29 +0000 Gaylene 804303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, Angie, yours is the only fashion blog that I read, probably because I admire your style so much. You also have a knack for explaining your thought processes so well that you completely changed my mind about fashion blogging. It's probably my age, but most other fashion blogs, even those aimed at the older woman, just don't hold any appeal. That's probably why my family are so amused at my participation in this site. </p> <p>My objection to overdressing is that it is, to my mind, the same as underdressing. Both are situationally at odds with their surroundings. To me, appropriate dressing is a melding of personal expression with a recognition of the situation--the people, place, and occasion. Ignoring the situational aspect, when done deliberately, sends a powerful message that makes wonder about the person's attitude and feelings towards the event and the people who are there. </p> <p>And, Elizabeth, sorry for the highjack, but I wanted to answer Angie's questions. And to get back to your original intent, I, too, can't remember what people wore if I'm engaged in the event. It's only when I'm an observer on the sidelines, or if I'm feeling ill at ease myself, that I notice what others are wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804298 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:52:30 +0000 Jules 804298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your meaning was clear Elisabeth, no worries :)<br /> Total aside: I hate it when I judge someone's clothes, but sometimes I do, making myself cringe. It's almost always because they look like I might have were I not making more effort. Most recently a mom at a kids' birthday party, wearing a sweater I owned but purged some time ago, and other ill-fitting clothes, long hair with no style to it, etc... It just hit WAY too close too home and made me uncomfortable! All my problem and all in my head of course! I felt awful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804295 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:51:41 +0000 JuneBug 804295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am of the view that what one wears is as important as the impression they want the world to have of them. When you are introduced to a new person, the clothes they wear leave as much of an impression on you of them- speak to you about the person, so to say, as much as the person would or wouldn't say about themselves. While remembering each and every piece worn would be farfetched in a room full of people, you could get a fairly decent idea of a person by the way they dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804273 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:22:07 +0000 Angie 804273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to run, but really wanted to chime in to say that you are a cutie, Elisabeth. I like your musings. They are forthright but always respectiful - not easy to accomplish </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804267 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:11:39 +0000 Aziraphale 804267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aaaaa! I think I gave the wrong impression with the title of this post. My apologies. I wrote this late last night.</p> <p>I did not intend to criticize anyone for their interest in fashion. I love fashion myself! And I derive great pleasure from aesthetics, too -- I'm talking clothing fashions as well as architecture, home decor and beauty in the natural world. </p> <p>So. The reason I wrote this post was that I was struck by the fact that, when in a social situation that demanded mental effort, I actually noticed very little about anybody from the neck down. The reason it struck me as odd was that in general I do like to look at, talk about, and experiment with clothing. I mean, you'd think I'd at least NOTICE a few items of clothing on others. But I didn't. </p> <p>What I did notice was the overall effect, though. I was aware that some people looked more stylish than others, and you can pick that up without remembering any specifics. Clothes help contribute to the vibe a person gives.</p> <p>You know when I DO pay attention to what people are wearing? When I'm doing nothing else. The other day I was fifteen minutes early and while I waited at the skytrain station for my husband, I watched passengers go in and out through the turnstiles. I had all kinds of fun observing their attire, and guessing where they were going to/coming from. </p> <p>I guess all this says more about my inability to multitask than anything, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804263 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:09:32 +0000 texstyle 804263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think grooming is at the top of the list - but clothing is still important. Especially fit, function and color. It doesn't have to be expensive or trendy but I think it needs to meet the needs of the person wearing it. And some of us just seem to "need" more style than others to feel good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804246 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:39:12 +0000 Angie 804246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, if fashion blog outfits often inspire you negatively - why do you browse through them? Or do you not browse through them and I have the wrong impression. I'm curious :). And FWIW, overdressing is merely another form of self expression - as is underdressing. It seems fair to judge them equally. No? </p> <p>High five, Suz! I echo your thoughts. Some of my very favourite people in the world dress less than stylishly. It's just not their thing *at all* - and we all live in peace and love each other. No judgements either way. It's as important not to judge someone who loves fashion and style if it's their thing. Life is about enjoyment, and if being fashionable and stylish makes you or them happy. Why not! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804234 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:29:41 +0000 Gaylene 804234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think "fashion" plays a very big role in my perceptions of others. I will notice if people look badly groomed or are inappropriately dressed for the setting. Occasionally the aesthetic beauty of an item, or outfit, might grab my eye, or I might notice how something the person is wearing really suits them, but I can't remember ever thinking "oh, she is a wearing such and such a piece from this designer".</p> <p>To be totally honest, many of the outfits on fashion blogs inspire a negative, rather than positive, reaction in me. Instead thinking the person looks interesting, to my eye, it seems like the person disappears by letting her clothes do all the "talking". I'm also a bit dubious when I see someone who "overdresses" for her surroundings. I'm more likely to take a tolerant view of someone who is underdressed because I know that not everyone takes an interest in what they are wearing--for some people clothing is just something to cover their bodies. People who overdress, however, have usually made a conscious decision to do so--a political statement, of sorts. Depending on the context, I find that attitude can be admirable in some situations, but ill-mannered, and, occasionally laughable, in other situations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-important-are-clothes-really#post-804207 Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:38:40 +0000 Ginkgo 804207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with MPJ that our clothes affect our own confidence and ease. At the first party I attended after joining YLF, I was so relieved (and happy) to see that I was dressed appropriately in regards to the other guests. I am an introvert and I don't need to be stressing quietly to myself that I look like a fool! Here I'm remembering the party that I thought was a picnic/hiking group in the county park that turned out to be in the posh building at the county park with chamber music quartet and catered...</p> <p>True that in situations like exercise class or book clubs I don't really remember what anyone else wore so do not worry that they're taking notes on my appearance. </p>