https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:32:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603967 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 22:42:33 +0000 anchie 1603967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not at all FOWO, just the opposite. I love to wear things out, it means that they were a good buy and that i enjoyed wearing them. I have the fear of getting bored with something which is still in perfect condition.<br /> And regarding FOMO, i am slowly learning that there will always be something similar if not better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603952 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 22:23:53 +0000 Anonymous 1603952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>This has been a really inspiring post for me</b>. &nbsp;I am guilty of FOWO (and/or staining). &nbsp;This has been my greatest challenge wrt to my wardrobe. &nbsp;So many comments on this thread are making me rethink is silly fear. &nbsp;</p> <p>My personal challenge in 2016 is to wear my beautiful wardrobe. &nbsp;Thank you all. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603805 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:03:14 +0000 Zoe 1603805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both.&nbsp; <br />FOMO is way less frequent, but in the fall I got very caught up in the limited supply of Ines de la Fressange items at Uniqlo.&nbsp; I hadn't seen a line that fit my figure and my taste like that in a while and I had just lost weight, too, and needed new clothes.&nbsp; Was checking the site at all hours, just in case a desired item popped back.&nbsp; Some never did, which reinforced the feeling.</p> <p>FOWO is more common, especially for things that are delicate or light-colored.&nbsp; I have a white wool sweater that I love the shape of, but haven't worn yet this winter for fear of spilling coffee on it. (This is a legit concern.&nbsp; I'm a spilly sort.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603803 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:56:04 +0000 Elizabeth P 1603803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FOWO!&nbsp; Brilliant!&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, I think I have this more than FOMO.&nbsp; My classic example is a pair of Josef Seibel black patent sneakers... got them, loved them, got compliments on them, they seemed so "me".&nbsp; Then I&nbsp; realized I wasn't wearing them as much as I'd like to, as I didn't want them to wear.&nbsp; Or get trashed in an unexpected walk on rough ground. &nbsp; So I duplicated.&nbsp; And started wearing them happily, probably even more, as I knew I was 'safe".&nbsp; The ironic thing?&nbsp; The duplicated ones are still in their box, unworn.&nbsp; Will they still be so "me" when the first pair actually DO wear out?&nbsp; Who knows?&nbsp; At least the duplicate was on sale :)</p> <p>I also have a bit of FORITL, for sure.&nbsp; I'm often nervous washing something for the first time... I had two tees twist very badly recently, it's so disappointing.</p> <p>New style goal:&nbsp; Wear my stuff.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603745 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:54:48 +0000 Angie 1603745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YOU are the master of your style. Your wardrobe items are there for YOU. Wear your stuff!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603740 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:40:11 +0000 Ginger 1603740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your definition of FOWO - getting tired of the same favorite items. I've definitely experienced the Wearing Out phenomenon every summer, which is a looong season. Plenty of time to weary of formulas and essentials.</p> <p>Several years ago I bought a capsule of lightweight button-front shirts that I wore all the time, with flared cotton skirts at work and cotton/denim shorts elsewhere. The next year I made a white piqué skirt and wore it 3 times a week, replacing a similar black skirt for preference. But on a whim I bought an athletic skort wore it daily at home instead of cotton shorts. The next year I accumulated more dresses and really enjoyed the simplicity of getting dressed; I also wore the skorts more, and rarely wore the button shirts. This past year I was more in love with dresses than ever. And partly due to lots of dance rehearsals for a show, I'm totally on the fun fandom tee + athletic skort + white sneakers bandwagon for home and casual wear. (I don't get out a lot...)</p> <p>I go back and wear that piqué skirt and love it again; but then the next week I still reach for an easy knit eShakti dress. And I feel bad about it!&nbsp; And though my faithful and comfortable button shirts are showing some wear, that's not why I stopped wearing them.</p> <p>So FOWO is a real thing for me, because I've experienced it. I "ration" wearing favorite dresses because I don't want to lose joy in them. But the rationing steals joy as well.</p> <p>FOMO is a struggle, but thanks to YLF the last year I've become MUCH better. Yesterday I said No to a long-sleeve sweater dress that would have been less than $20 on deep clearance. (My local Macy's is closing.) But the fit wasn't <i>exactly </i>what I prefer, and the colors weren't my best. A year ago I would still have gotten it, but this time I left it and don't regret. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603726 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:14:04 +0000 Windchime 1603726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to read your post because I was curious about the acronyms! There's a lot of wisdom in your post and in the replies. FOMO relates to Angie's blog post today, doesn't it? </p> <p>Shortly after I found this blog, Angie commented to someone that if you miss out on something, try not to be too upset because you can count on there always being new things coming out in the future. I've thought of that several times when I was considering settling for something that was close but not exactly what I wanted. </p> <p>As far as FOWO--for me, a limited budget and wardrobe size go a long way toward preventing that. I try hard to rotate through most of my wardrobe on a regular basis (by season). </p> <p>Here's an acronym: FORITL--Fear Of Ruining In The Laundry! That has been my biggest source of frustration since YLF--things that are washed in cold and line dried still shrink; dark colored items emerge from the washing machine with strange, permanent whitish streaks; white items emerge with strange, permanent rusty streaks. And of course it only happens to my favorites. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603716 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:24:24 +0000 approprio 1603716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I like to think I have FOMO and FOWO under control, I'm definitely afflicted with FOTO. I have a lot of trouble parting with garments I like if they fit well and suit me, regardless of their relevance to my current style. Exhibits: several gorgeous blazers, a few particularly nice skirts and a couple of pairs of very good shoes. I think there's always a part of me that thinks I'm going to find a way to wear these pieces in spite of the fact that some have hung around for years without much attention. Ho hum.</p> <p>I identify with what shevia says about vintage fashion. I still have not-buyer's remorse about a number of outstanding pieces I've walked past because I didn't feel I needed them at the time. Once in a while, very, very occasionally, you should listen to the FOMO.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603711 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 12:44:29 +0000 gryffin 1603711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped - I totally have both.&nbsp; First, I don't think I am typical of the forum.&nbsp; I have a uniform, okay multiple, a high tolerance for repeats, I don't get bored and I want what I want.&nbsp; When I find something that I adore, if cost is not prohibitive, I will duplicate exactly.&nbsp; Hence, the Lucky Brand Lola skinnies - two in rotation (one with ripped knee, one with back patch to keep knee from splitting.&nbsp; The most perfect jeans, discontinued, hate the new material, I have 5 pairs in the drawer.&nbsp; Yes, I have FOWO (because I don't wear ripped jeans) and I will have trouble finding anything as perfect.&nbsp; I sized up for a slouchy skinny fit and I love this jean, don't care what they show.&nbsp; Gap always skinny skimmers (black/gray), Gibson riding jacket, Emerson Fry long jet sweater, dansko lucille booties, EF skirted leggings - the list of duplicates goes on and one because I could not dress without these things)&nbsp; But my style evolves slowly and I want what I want.&nbsp; I do have FOMO, being the long jacket princess and long jackets are few and far between I have been good about only adding perfect pieces.&nbsp; But when I find them I save up and duplicate - here's looking at you Theroy Selata (one for hard general wear, and one in the suit/for good group).&nbsp; This works for me, because I can then wear the "everday" iteration and enjoy it without rationing because I have a spare.&nbsp; My system is not for most, I am a more consistent dresser with a very defined and not necessarily common style that works for me.&nbsp; But for me, this works well.&nbsp; I'd rather have less choice, but duplicates of what i like, so I can enjoy them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603700 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 12:10:55 +0000 Jaime 1603700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped, I have both FOMO and FOWO with vintage items. When I spot something vintage, particularly designer vintage at a low price I am apt to grab it whether I think I can wear it or know where I could sell it. I once made Angie laugh by saying that with enough money one can almost always buy x, but how often to you have the chance to buy vintage designer clothes for a few dollars? Anyway, I think FOWO has been around much longer than FOMO, which seems to be a relatively recent phenomena that came with the huge amount of information we now have at our fingertips. FOMO is often based on stress from too much information and decision fatigue. FOWO is really the flip side of healthy moderation, and maybe not at bad thing if it doesn't go to far.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603694 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:25:33 +0000 Staysfit 1603694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG! Your posts are so insightful Unfrumped. I truly appreciate that you are sharing your thought process with us as you review your wardrobe. I must fight the FOWO/FOMO syndrome. For example, before my closet revamp, I had 12 pairs of the exact same style and color of jeans! I also could hear that thought process you described for the AT blazer going through my head for countless items that I have purchased in the past that ended up contributing to closet bloat. </p> <p>It has become less of an issue now that I spent so much time honing in on my color palette, style descriptors, and really nailing down my wardrobe essentials. The other key for me, so far, has been a strict clothing budget! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603613 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 02:57:58 +0000 Sally 1603613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have learnt to wear my clothes more frequently and not save for a special occasion. That's mainly because i changed size several times in the last 5 years and felt i wasted clothes by not wearing them when i could. I do have FOMO when i shop and need to be more calculated in my purchases. However i don't get time to shop during term time (I'm a teacher) so it's not so dangerous. I would however like to be more minimalistic so should correct my FOMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603597 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:44:30 +0000 Style Fan 1603597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suffer from FOWO.&nbsp; I save my "good" clothes for ????&nbsp; I collect them and admire them but rarely wear them.&nbsp; I try really hard to wear them but then I worry about ruining them.&nbsp; When I read Gaylene's post I thought what will people think when they sort&nbsp;through my stuff.&nbsp; <br />I do the same with jewellery.&nbsp; I wear things when we go out for dinner and special events but not on a daily basis.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603591 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:35:03 +0000 Anonymous 1603591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree with Gaylene.&nbsp; Wear the beautiful things, use the best dishes and silver if it gives you joy.&nbsp; You will move on to something else and your children probably won't want your treasures. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603589 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:27:45 +0000 Gaylene 1603589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, this is one area where getting on in years can be an advantage Given the fact I'm 67, I figure a new cashmere sweater is destined to outlast me, or,at the very least, my interest in wearing it. ;)</p> <p>On a more serious note, helping sort through the closets of friends who are no longer here has really changed my perspective. It's so sad to be folding beautiful, barely worn, "kept for good" clothes into a Salvation Army donation bag. I wish my friends had worn their beautiful things. </p> <p>As for FOMO, the fashion world has never failed to regularly send forth new and desirable items to tempt me for the last fifty years. I'm pretty sure that they won't disappoint me in the future. And, besides, figuring out how to work with the new stuff keeps me on my toes. Skinnies, boyfriend jeans, and now flared crops--to think I called them Frodo pants just a year ago... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603588 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:26:21 +0000 Sal 1603588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had FOMO but I do not have FOWO! &nbsp;I love wearing my clothes to death....unless they don't last the pace. &nbsp;In an ideal world my clothes would wear out as I tired of them, sometimes they wear out before I do and I feel regret...and other times I wish they would wear out!!</p> <p>Right now I cannot think of a time where I did not purchase an item and regretted that later (in terms of clothes). &nbsp;I can think of two dresses that have worn out that I regret and I still have held onto wondering how I can mend them to keep wearing them. &nbsp;</p> <p>What I should have is FOGOO?* &nbsp;I have two dresses that make me look too busty as they too tight in the back since I have been gymming.....</p> <p>*Fear of Growing out of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603581 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:11:44 +0000 Anonymous 1603581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FOMO seems to plague me with certain items. I need to adopt Joy's strategy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603576 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:52:48 +0000 Gail 1603576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I experience both FOMO and FOWO . I have however been really making an effort to to curb the FOWO and have been wearing more of my "good" items. If I continued to save they will be out of style !! <br />I think I grew up with a family that had that mentality and need to stop it NOW.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603575 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:45:02 +0000 Kaelyn 1603575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FOMO is definitely something I experience on the regular. Mostly because I'm plus size and it's incredibly hard to find things that fit my broad shoulders and large bust. When I see something unique AND it comes in my size, I feel like I have to get it right away before it sells out and I can never find anything like it ever again. This is silly, of course, because I almost always see something similar at some point. But this blue moto jacket and floral ponte pants are still calling my name even though I've decided against them until/unless they go on sale because I just don't NEED them like I need other things right now.</p> <p>FOWO is an issue when it comes to wearing something to death, not so much getting tired of it, for me. I wear every single pair of pants until they get worn down and rip in places that can't be repaired easily. I wear all my sweaters until they get holes or the pilling is way past the point most people would get rid of them. I get bored in the sense that I need to add new pieces to the mix somewhat regularly, but I don't really get tired of individual pieces I've worn a lot. I just have to come up with new ways to use them now and then. But some things I'll wear the same way over and over again because I am a shameless outfit repeater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603571 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:21:21 +0000 rachylou 1603571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg. I have FOWO!! That is why I'm now staring at a pile of boots and wondering where to put them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603568 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:12:16 +0000 unfrumped 1603568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes and yes!</p> <p>But it is problematic if you have rare "special" occasions and want to wear something kinda fancy that otherwise doesn't get worn. So the dressy capsule is hard for me.<br />That gets back to spending more time on outfit creation and creative dressing and versatile pieces. What could I dress up if I had to if I were "between" items for a dressy event, meaning, tossed old ones out and have not or not ready to replace. Sometimes nothing dreadful would happen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603563 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:04:00 +0000 Anonymous 1603563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FOWO is/was my big problem, and only this winter have I made a concerted effort to get over it. &nbsp;I would buy these expensive , beautiful things and then rarely wear them - for that fear of "wearing it out'. As if that would happen. &nbsp;I think it's also something I took from my mother and her sister - that whole "oh I have to save that for good" idea that is silly. What is "good"? &nbsp;Where will I need to go that will require a brand new cashmere sweater? &nbsp;Wear the damn thing already, and buy a new one once this one is done! &nbsp;It's more fun that way, and I'm happy with the notion that i don't have to keep storing and pulling out these barely worn pieces year after year that end up not looking current far sooner than they would ever wear out. Done with that, I tell you !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603554 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:34:18 +0000 Anonymous 1603554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is this the same thing as "saving your good items" for some undefined event in the future when you "might" want to wear them (and then they never get worn because you are always saving them)? &nbsp;If so. &nbsp;Yes.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603550 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:18:41 +0000 unfrumped 1603550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, exactly!&nbsp;Great quesion&nbsp; for self.<br />&nbsp;And I also am trying to apply, do I really need this or am I filling in a made-up wardrobe hole, as in, I <u>ought</u> to have something like this available. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603548 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:16:55 +0000 Anonymous 1603548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to have FOMO and would get a place holder or several, but I still kept looking.&nbsp; I learned not to do this when I ended up with several red jackets, none of which I really liked.&nbsp; Now I ask myself when looking for something I think I need/want, "If I buy this will I still be looking for (this type of item)?&nbsp; If yes, then I don't buy it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-may-have-fowo-as-well-as-fomo#post-1603545 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:07:55 +0000 unfrumped 1603545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Continuing my approach to the new year's wardrobe review, by not just thinking of what to add or subtract, but how to improve my processes.</p> <p>I have at times had FOMO--fear of missing out; not missing a trend, usually, but typically missing out on a type of garment or fabrication I'd been looking for, think maybe I found it, even if was not perfect, so = fear that this was IT and a better interation might not come along.&nbsp; I still have this.<br />For example, I saw the AT blazer below and my first thought was, oh, here is a not-black-but-goes-with -black&nbsp;blazer in a sort of classic style and I tend to need&nbsp; not-black for my jackets and maybe I should get this. This is not because I have to have it to wear now to complete an outfit, but because I&nbsp;think I probably will want to wear it sometime and then poof, I couldn't find one.&nbsp;So I would be tempted to&nbsp;order it and&nbsp;and also tempted to &nbsp;keep it if it was&nbsp;<u>pretty</u> good. &nbsp;Then I would have another blazer that maybe in a few years&nbsp;might &nbsp;look outdated. (I have not ordered it !).&nbsp; </p> <p>My long noodle on DK and French stuff is more related to FOWO--" Fear of Wearing Out" and again, with a twist, not exaclty wearing out physically, though that is there for sure--" better not wear out this burgundy sweater that is totally my FFBO life-saver"-- but also fear that if I wear something often for a while, I might get tired of it, and then I'd&nbsp;want &nbsp;to replace it so, I ought to rotate items.&nbsp; </p> <p>Both experience and YLF have shown me that FOMO is not real--I can always count on findng something else as good or better<u> if I stay flexible<br /></u>and if I don't start to fret thinking I might have "nothing to wear", that instead I will always have enough things to wear and probably happier things even if there was&nbsp;a style drought.&nbsp;</p> <p>More recent experience and reflections have shown me that FOWO is also not real; my frequently-worn items don't necessarily lose appeal just due to familiarity, and&nbsp;items that I am not choosing as regularly don't improve much from hanging up in the smokehouse, so to speak, often because they were not as&nbsp;happy/fun in the first place, and in fact may lose freshness. They may<u> also </u>feel fresh when re-examined. It's just not a direct equation. In fact, &nbsp;wearing items frequently helps reinforce and refine what it is I would like to continue, duplicate or change completely.</p> <p>Over to you--do you have FOMO, FOWO--or something else entirely, like UhOh. </p>