https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:06:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough/page/2#post-1170118 Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:21:38 +0000 jen 1170118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry can't look at your clothes, too busy looking out your window </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough/page/2#post-1170117 Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:21:22 +0000 krishnidoux 1170117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread. Your style is gorgeous, no doubt. However&nbsp;I understand you want to explore. <br />1) First, lots of pics is a great advice. </p> <p>2) Then, set aside some time,&nbsp;go to nice stores you like and just try on different items: shapes, colours&nbsp;and items you would normally <i>never </i>wear. Make it a point to do so.&nbsp;Don't buy anything (unless you completely fall in love).&nbsp;Revisit the pencil, for example, because they keep coming up with new fabrics and better cuts. I could see you in a long midi-length pencil for example, an A-line long jacket, wider, fluid pants, silk print blouse...</p> <p>3) Then, pay special attention to the shoes/booties. They make or break a style. If you find yourself constantly wearing the same types of things, it may be because the footwear you have command it. Study other styles, and pay special attention to the footwear.</p> <p>4) Try different ways of tying your scarves.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough/page/2#post-1170113 Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:10:43 +0000 leopardluxe 1170113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's great that you have a uniform that you know works for you and you feel good in. I have plenty of days where I'm lacking enthusiasm for getting dressed in the morning (usually tied to my ever-fluctuating hormones making me feel gross that day, ugh!)&nbsp;and my basic uniform of leather jacket, sweater, jeans and boots is always a solid fallback &nbsp;for me.</p> <p>I've found pinterest very helpful in inspiring me to try out new looks when I get into too much of a rut. I keep a private board called "outfit inspiration" where I pin outfits that have some element of style that appeals to me but that isn't necessarily what I would have thought of to pull together. </p> <p>On the mornings where I feel like I need some "fashion inspiration" I look at it and usually an idea then gels in my head.&nbsp;</p> <p>Can't wait to see how you implement some of the suggestions above. They're all great ideas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough/page/2#post-1170112 Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:06:17 +0000 April 1170112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Catnip, I'm hoping you'll find some inspiration from our Challenge Chain -- both from the challenge you get as well as the ones given to others. &nbsp;</p> <p>Cool shots of the city! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough/page/2#post-1170110 Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:52:41 +0000 AraArena12 1170110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>this great! =D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157703 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 19:10:43 +0000 Sarah A 1157703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have gotten tons of great suggestions and I cant wait to see which ideas you decide to try first. I find that trying some of my square scarves bandana style with the points kind of off to the side to make an asymetric line is a fun easy way to freshen up the look. Don't discount wearing sweater dresses OVER slim pants... warmer in the cold and no veins. Love the colors you have in your wardrobe too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157676 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 18:32:46 +0000 rachylou 1157676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, Catnip! <i>*How</i> to update?*</p> <p>It occurs to me that you've got a very preppy look going on there: scarf, crewneck, string of pearls. Are you happy with that? I mean, as trends go, preppy is gone... </p> <p>...But as a way of life, <em>à la</em> <i>ma famille</i>, it lives forever. I'm now thinking of my cousin who's the most stylish prep. I'm not quite sure how she does it. She does wear her scarves differently now - no tails. Her pearls are different. Bigger, more choker like, decorative clasp as the focal point of the necklace. I'm thinking she wears pearls less too. The sweaters are the same, but perhaps a little less fitted, more slouchy. Pants are a little slouchier with the more fitted sweaters. Lots of layering on the sweaters (or under, more properly speaking) these days. Often a collared shirt AND a turtleneck (maybe too warm for a lot of people though). Maybe slightly avant-garde loafers...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157490 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:33:34 +0000 Catnip 1157490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thank you so much for the compliment.&nbsp; I'm thrilled!&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm going to try to overcome my jacket&nbsp;problems (Adelfa has already given me some good ideas), and I'm planning to get new specs sometime soon.</p> <p>Columbine, more patterns and more dark blue bottoms are both terrific ideas.</p> <p>LoveSarahDub, thanks for the encouragement and compliments.</p> <p>Shiny, I gave up on dresses years ago because I had so many spider veins on my legs.&nbsp; I've had most of them removed, so it's time to try dresses again.&nbsp; Thanks for the suggestion.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157393 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:17:31 +0000 Angie 1157393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes. And say hi to the Upper West Side for me. We know it quite well.&nbsp;Nice area. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157391 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:16:49 +0000 Angie 1157391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Catnip, you've received lots of great suggestions here. I'm chiming in to compliment you on the fit of your jeans and pullover&nbsp;in #1. You did a killer job, and I am impressed. Thoroughly modern and current.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Winter blues might be getting to you too. Also, how about we delve into your jacket challenge. How about an additional pair of specs?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157353 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 14:35:22 +0000 shiny 1157353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you considered branching out to&nbsp;sweater dresses? Since you like sweaters already? They can be cozy and comfortable -- and warm if you layer and pair with tall boots. I see you like RL - start there. They have some lovely sweater dresses that fit just right, not too clingy.&nbsp;</p> <p>I was never a dress person until YLF got me into sweater dresses. What a nice change of place from the usual winter uniform.&nbsp;From there, I branched out to other dresses and last year I wore a dress probably 80% of the days. I used to view dresses as too "dressy" but in actuality they are very easy and a no-brainer to style.&nbsp;Now I'm wandering back again to pants &amp; jeans to mix things up. I am about 50/50 these days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157218 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 07:59:40 +0000 LoveSarahDub 1157218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For starters, I think you look great! And I think there's nothing wrong with having multiple versions of pieces that work for you! I for one have many many scarfs, multiple moto jackets, plenty of dolman style tops, and my fair share of black boots. </p> <p>I have personal belief that if it works for you, use it! So if that means having multiple versions of the same basic design, do it! You look awesome! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157199 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:00:36 +0000 columbine(erin) 1157199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear almost the same uniform. It looks good and is comfortable. One way I'm trying to change it is by wearing more patterns and changing out black bottoms for dark blue. It's a start. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157188 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:21:48 +0000 Adelfa 1157188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann's point about the stretch is very important for those of us who have trouble with toppers fitting! The Gap Academy blazer is stretchy. Denim can have stretch. Leather or faux leather toppers can have stretchy fabric insets. Also, toppers don't have to be able to close--they just have to fall nicely when open (I followed this rule for years then felt affirmed when Angie said it)!</p> <p>Angie buys her coats big enough to accommodate toppers. If you don't want to do this how about vests as toppers? The come in many fun fabrications.</p> <p>You're getting lots of great ideas, I'm just trying to add some to the mix. You have lots of options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157184 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:14:35 +0000 Catnip 1157184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, thanks so much.&nbsp; I am seriously considering boot leg jeans or maybe even wide leg pants (but not too wide).&nbsp; Navy pants would be wonderful if I could ever find any that fit.&nbsp; I agree with you that finding some additional uniforms would be very useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157177 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:04:42 +0000 Beth Ann 1157177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A uniform that works is a terrific thing!&nbsp; What about working toward developing 2 or 3 additional "uniforms" for variety?&nbsp; Perhaps begining with wide leg trousers or a skirt?&nbsp; A formula that works for me is a sleeveless woven top, a ponte jacket, or one with stretch, and a pair of trousers.&nbsp; I've loved my cobalt and white denim -- perhaps a pair of colored pants would mix it up for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157149 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 04:15:56 +0000 Catnip 1157149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa, thanks for the suggestion.&nbsp; You wouldn't believe how much trouble I have with toppers.&nbsp; They almost never fit.&nbsp; In the winter I wear a heavy coat and don't like to wear a topper under the coat... too much bulk.&nbsp; And in the summer it's too hot for anything extra.&nbsp; But I've been aware for some time that I need to&nbsp;find some blazers or other jackets for spring and fall.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157147 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 04:07:05 +0000 Catnip 1157147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, annagybe.&nbsp; This looks great, but some of my scarves may not be long enough.&nbsp; Gosh, I might have to buy some new scarves.&nbsp; In any case, I'm sure some of them are long enough, and I'm going to give this a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157140 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:50:22 +0000 Adelfa 1157140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to second the idea of toppers. Perhaps a tee or a finer gauge sweater, then a blazer, utility jacket, leather jacket, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157138 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:47:23 +0000 annagybe 1157138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237776055300179896/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237776055300179896/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157134 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:43:31 +0000 Catnip 1157134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, don't feel bad about this.&nbsp; No matter how carefully I proofread, I seem to make a lot of typos on this forum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157114 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:20:42 +0000 Suz 1157114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack. Silly typo. <b>PROBABLY </b>some type of modern classic....not "problem" some type! Sorry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157094 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:05:42 +0000 Catnip 1157094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, thanks again.&nbsp; I am going to review all the posts.&nbsp; I'm relieved to learn you think I have some understanding of color because it is very important to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157087 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:01:40 +0000 Catnip 1157087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia, if you're ever in NYC, please look me up.&nbsp; We'll have lunch in the neighborhood. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157081 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:57:03 +0000 Suz 1157081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/09/describing-your-style-persona/">Here's another post that might be useful.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>And along the left hand margin you'll see links to more in a similar vein.&nbsp;</p> <p>And once you've done some of these exercises, please let us know what you figure out! It will be fun to share the journey.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think beautiful colour will play a key role in your style evolution, whatever direction it goes, because you're clearly very sensitive to that and aware of what colours suit you and make you feel happy. And you are problem some type of modern classic dresser. But the question is, how will those descriptors become modified and refined?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157079 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:55:42 +0000 Jaime 1157079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry I cannot focus on your clothes after seeing the scene from your bedroom. I used to work in that neighborhood.&nbsp;I love New York! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157075 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:50:52 +0000 Catnip 1157075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kellygirl, I've been thinking of trying bootcuts, as you suggested.&nbsp; I'll go shopping for some if it ever stops snowing.</p> <p>SW Ann, I&nbsp;have started&nbsp;the photo collection.&nbsp; Thanks for the suggestion.</p> <p>Annagybe, you are so right about updating the way I wear my scarves.&nbsp; I've been wearing them like this for way too long.</p> <p>Lyn*, I'm so glad you like the way I dress now.&nbsp; It feels comfortable, just a little too much of the same thing all the time.</p> <p>Suz, I know you're right about collecting photos.&nbsp; I'm also going to look into Angie's exercise.&nbsp; Somehow I have missed it, so&nbsp;this suggestion is really helpful.</p> <p>Alaskagirl, why didn't I think of pattern?&nbsp; Good idea.</p> <p>Gigi, I never thought of&nbsp;considering personality traits that I might like to bring out.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thanks so much everyone.&nbsp; I have a lot of work to do, but lots of good suggestions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157050 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:25:15 +0000 Gigi 1157050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like SW Ann's idea of gathering pics of outfits that you like and also of just trying on different things in the fitting room.</p> <p>Do you have some personality traits that you'd like to bring out? If you're a gentle person, maybe something soft and feminine would work; Victoria's Secret has some stuff like that (they don't just have sexy bombshell things!). Or if you're a take-charge person, maybe some dramatic colors or angular patterns would bring out that facet of your personality; Nordstrom carries some designers whose clothes would meet that description. And so on.</p> <p>I used to be in a style rut before joining YLF. I just did a lot of looking online at fashion sites and started noticing different kinds of looks that appealed to me and&nbsp;expressed some facet of my personality. I would then look for clothes that seemed to express that facet. After a while in this new "style personality," I would feel myself shift again and be drawn to a different type of outfit. So the styles keep shifting on me. I've been doing a lot of shopping, lol!&nbsp;I still haven't pinned a single style&nbsp;down as "mine"...I think this is some kind of emotional therapy or something, and I haven't gotten to the end yet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157029 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:11:09 +0000 catgirl 1157029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe adding pattern?&nbsp; A change in hemlines?&nbsp; Asymmetric hemlines really help add interest to my uniform.&nbsp; I am very much a two piece dresser - pants and sweater, skirt and sweater, MAYBE bottom with blouse and jacket.&nbsp; So I really seek items with built in interest when I can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-a-style-breakthrough#post-1157022 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:08:22 +0000 Suz 1157022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, the snow, the snow -- it's been crazy this year, hasn't it?&nbsp;</p> <p>Love to see from your bedroom window like that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have been feeling something similar lately, so I don't have much valuable advice to give. In my case, this happens in part because I am working at home and it's the most comfortable option for me. But it gets dull. I'm still working out what I actually mean by that, and what I might do about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it's a great idea to pin some photos of silhouettes and styles that speak to you on a deep level. You clearly understand colour and what flatters you -- now you want to go one step further and figure out how to make your style distinctive and personal.</p> <p>Have you done Angie's "five adjectives to describe your style" exercise? Or tried to come up with a "style statement" or a rubric? <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/02/04/coin-your-own-style-descriptor/">Here's a post to get you started.&nbsp;</a></p> <p>It's quite an adventure once you get going.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p>