YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 06:39:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php texstyle on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1616286 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 15:59:07 +0000 texstyle 1616286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good job Sterling (and Janet). I need to do this with my jackets (again) too. I am a big fan of jackets but have only a short window of time in the south to wear them, so I own too many for my climate. I already know of three I never wear but have kept in the closet. A dark denim jacket, a charcoal gray blazer and a deep brown military style that is just "too brown" for me right now. I think I've worn the dark denim jacket maybe 10 times over many years. Isn't that silly? Why in the world do I keep it? Because as far as denim jackets go, I really did like the look of the dark denim (not rugged or RATE) and I thought it would be good to wear with non-denim bottoms. But I SO rarely wear non-denim bottoms that it just doesn't make sense to keep any longer. I wore the deep brown jacket quite a lot so I don't feel bad about letting it go and my new field jacket in deep olive takes it's place anyway (and I love that jacket and get compliments on it out in public). The charcoal blazer was an expensive mistake. I thought I'd want to have something "nice" for business meetings, etc. but ended up not wearing it at all for that purpose as I like it best worn with denim and it's too dressy and high maintenance to wear as an everyday jacket. Oh, and one more burgundy moto style that was just a mistake I guess. It looks fine and is a beautiful color, but for some reason I keep thinking it's not "me" so I don't reach for it. I know one other problem with it is that it does not have pockets and the material feels like it wants to snag on everything. Lately I've resorted to limiting my shopping to tees that I love and want to duplicate for this coming season, a few denim replacements, and other necessities, while I ponder my style objectives moving forward. And sorry, didn't mean to hijack with my thoughts. Gigi on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615743 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:56:44 +0000 Gigi 1615743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, this is great that you are getting clarity on your toppers. It is so nice to be able to know what has the potential to work and how, so that you can find solutions. It's such a simple question to ask--Why don't I wear it?--but it really is at the crux of the matter. I just finished doing some purge work today, and it would have been helpful to think of this question while I was doing it. However, I can see in retrospect that the items I was not wearing had problems that were unsolvable or that I didn't want to solve, lol. So away they go to consignment or Goodwill. celia on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615706 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:40:19 +0000 celia 1615706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice job on the exercise and on buying that cute pink blazer. Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615705 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:39:03 +0000 Anonymous 1615705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much, Smittie.  That link is so helpful.   Amiable -- do it in tiny steps like Janet and I are doing.  It is so much easier.  I am going to implement what I learned to day and try to make it a habit.  Then I will tackle another category.   amiable on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615704 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:37:02 +0000 amiable 1615704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brilliant plan.  I need to do this too.  Now to find the time. Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615641 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 01:18:51 +0000 Anonymous 1615641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ haha, Sterling! I was going to suggest you get another blazer or cardi! I like the pink a lot! FYI, here is a montage from BR that shows some nice stylings of a pinstripe blazer: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/category.do?cid=1036531">http://bananarepublic.gapcanad.....id=1036531</a> Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615638 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 01:13:34 +0000 Anonymous 1615638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Because I like nice, even numbers, I bought this blazer today.  Pink.  New color.  It arrives on Wednesday.   Alassë on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615633 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 00:58:50 +0000 Alassë 1615633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great thread (so is Janet's). I'm taking notes for myself. Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615507 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:30:23 +0000 Anonymous 1615507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Janet!!!!  This was a really worth while exercise.  I feel really good about it.  Yay for us!!!! Janet on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615505 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:23:50 +0000 Janet 1615505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a thoughtful analysis. The things you learned sound like great takeaways -- putting toppers all together in one closet; paying attention to which proportions are go-to's for you, and starting with toppers to build your outfits. Glad you were inspired!  Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615498 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:07:49 +0000 Anonymous 1615498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are my results. Prior to joining YLF I did not own a single cardigan.  Every single topper I owned was a blazer.  Today I own four blazers and five cardigans.   Grey suede blazer:  My favorite blazer of all time (the blazer to rule them all).  I don't wear it because it seems I am "saving" it.  I didn't have to work hard to define outfits that incorporate this blazer.  Most things in my wardrobe work with it.  Solution:  I will consciously plan on wearing it from now on.   Black blazer:  This is my workhorse.  I wear it constantly.  I wear it in the office and as outerwear on mild weekends.  I could not function without a black blazer in my wardrobe.  I guess this would be an "essential."   Red blazer:  I love the color.  I don't wear it because it is a heavy flannel wool and too warm to wear at the office.  I keep the blazer because I love the color.  Solution:  wear as outer wear in addition to the black blazer.   Charcoal blazer with subtle pinstripe:  Great blazer.  It is dressier than any of the other blazers in my repertoire.  It could be the pin stripe.  I bought this blazer to give the black blazer a break from rotation.  The truth is that I still reach for the black blazer...every single time. I have a lot of grey pants.  Solution:  Try coordinating with the grey ponte pants. If this doesn't work, nothing will.  Donate. Talbots fuchsia silk cardigan:  My favorite cardigan of all time (the cardigan to rule them all).  I don't wear it because it seems I am "saving" it too.  It is perfect for my climate.  When I do wear it, I wear it most often in the Spring.  It is gorgeous.  Solution:  I will plan on wearing it this coming Spring.   J Jill black cashmere cardigan:  This should be a workhorse because it is black.  It is a J Jill item and there is something about the proportions that don't make me feel fabulous.  I have only worn it ten times in one year.  I wonder if I forget about it and reach for my black blazer instead.  Solution:  I'll place it in a prominent spot in my wardrobe.  If I see it and don't wear it, then I'll know it is time to donate.   Old Navy grey crew neck cotton cardigan:  I picked this up on a whim.  It was my first cardigan purchase.  It is cheap.  Really cheap, but I wear it constantly.  When I travel, this is the cardigan I want in my carry-on bag.  I fully intend to upgrade this article in the future.  I have yet to find one that I like as much.   Gap grey cotton cardigan:  This was the second cardigan I bought (also grey).  I wear it solely for lounging.  I tried it at the office, but found it looked too much like I was wearing my Grandfather's old sweater.  Not a good look in public, but a great look at home watching TV.  And it is oh so cosy.   Banana Republic cotton cardigan.  This cardigan is heathered.  Most people would not see a pattern, but I do.  Evidently, I am not a big fan of such a pronounced heathered pattern.  This sweater was included in my first ever WIW.  I got lots of positive suggestions.  I haven't had the opportunity to try the suggestions yet, but I will.   Here is what I learned.  I don't have as many toppers as I thought.  They are spread out between two closets.  You wouldn't think this would be a factor in planning what I am going to wear, but it seems to be.  I need to put everything together into a single closet.   I have a favored silhouette in both blazers and cardigans.  The ones I love the most have nearly identical proportions.   I always plan my outfits by first selecting a bottom.  I want to try selecting a topper first and see where it takes me.   Staysfit on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615492 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:19:58 +0000 Staysfit 1615492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had to go back and read a few posts to understand what you were doing here! I'm a bit slow this weekend! This is a helpful idea from Janet, and I can see why you would use it. I am tempted to do it myself. As much as I've honed my closet, I still find there are items I'm not wearing. I need to ask myself why? Is it a special occasion item, poor fit, or a wardrobe orphan? Maybe I could create some FFBO with the items. I have a cashmere cardigan shaped like a blazer. The color is terrific for me but maybe there is something off about the fit/proportions because I never wear it! I should start with that! Good luck with your effort because I have a feeling I will stop after one item! Janet on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615488 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:09:35 +0000 Janet 1615488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL Lisa! I'm feeling a bit of that urge to rid myself of things in life that are not working for me -- houses, jackets, even pens that I don't like using! ;-)  Sterling, I'm really happy that my exercise has been helpful for you. Thank you! Keep us updated on how this goes for you.  Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615468 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 19:29:06 +0000 Anonymous 1615468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This makes sense to me. And Janet needs to stop. She's making the rest of us look bad ;)<div> </div> gryffin on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615430 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:44:16 +0000 gryffin 1615430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling - it's an insightful question but as always, when something needs thought and time, it can get pushed to the proverbial back burner.  I so applaud you both for evaluating your pieces so brilliantly.  Sometimes we just have to see the same old thing, in a new way, and it gives it a whole new light.  Good luck and major kudos!! Anonymous on "Janet's Question: "So why don't I wear it?"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/janets-question-so-why-dont-i-wear-it#post-1615427 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:35:19 +0000 Anonymous 1615427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I read that question in her post this morning, I shuddered with apprehension.  Did I really want to go down that path?  No.  I do not.   BUT maybe I can break the problem down into smaller bites like Janet is doing.   Janet started with jeans and then went on to blazers.  Blazers are a great place to start for me.  I am going to define my category a bit wider than Janet though.  I am going to work on "toppers."   Using Janet's strategy I am going to pull all of my toppers out of the closet and examine each carefully.  This includes blazers and cardigans (no coats).   I am going to ask her question:  "So why don't I wear it?"  If the answer is that it is not part of an easy FFBO, I am going to define a few outfits that incorporate the orphans.  I will document those outfits for future reference.   If I find that those toppers are still not being used as part of my working wardrobe, then I will have to assess whether to keep them or not.  I don't necessarily have to purge them, I can demote them to my casual capsules.  My color scheme doesn't change across capsules so the transition should be easy.   This seems so rudimentary, yet I didn't see it until today.  Thanks Janet.