https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 04:34:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472991 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:07:20 +0000 Fruitful 472991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've favourited this because there's so much wisdom here.</p> <p>All my life I've seen things that looked wonderful in a photo, on someone else, or on a model, and not had them look the same on me. In the last few years I've done better, but I still forget and have to relearn all the type of stuff MrsEccentric talked about.</p> <p>Online photos can be very deceiving, and it can be unintentional. I just can't get my camera to pick up a true red!</p> <p>Yes, we can be disappointed that items look so different on us. But there's an upside: it's that items look so different on us! That means if I like an item I see on a blogger but feel like I'll look predictable if I wear it too, well, maybe I won't!</p> <p>If I had the wonderful array of etailers with as wonderful return policy in my country as you do in yours, I could imagine sticking to buying from them too, why not? I only started shopping on Ebay to get items that are hard to find here. It's been pretty hit and miss though; I treat it as gambling. In fairness, my brick-and-mortar purchases have been just as hit-and-miss, what with skinny mirrors, random passers by telling you you look great in that dress etc. </p> <p>Online shopping is easier with a tape measure on hand so I know that a dress that hits a model above the knee will be a midi on me. Doing a Google image search to turn up different pics of the same item is helpful when working out the true colour. </p> <p>I actually think the purple dress looks like a great fit on you, and the colour is very feminine and pretty with your colouring, but if it makes you feel unfab, that won't do. I like the UWP vest especially with those amazing shoes. I find the colour of that skirt meh, but that's JMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472985 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:54:48 +0000 Kari 472985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to add one note to the plethora of solid advice you've already received: Yes, just because something looks fab on someone else doesn't mean that it will necessarily look fab on you, or on me; but I also have to remind myself that when [insert clothing item] looks fab on someone else, and doesn't look fab at all on me, that is NOT a value judgment about my body.</p> <p>Like everyone else has mentioned, there's a lot of trial and error involved in finding your style niche, and during the times when you try something that you're excited about and it doesn't work out, keep reminding yourself of the things that ARE utterly fab on you, and don't dwell on the "failures!"</p> <p>(And... I'm trying to remember to take my own advice, too.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472956 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:57:10 +0000 catgirl 472956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll have to find my "are you easily influenced?" post. I am very easily swayed when others rock a look even if I KNOW it's not me. Fortunately, I've only recently somehow developed some self-restraint before clicking the PURCHASE button. You will get better at knowing what is truly you, and until then, it's trial and error and keep or return with YLF to keep you on track! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472954 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:53:33 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 472954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am right on with Rae! I love the purple dress, but if the color makes it "off" for you, dye it! Do a little research and make sure you get the right dye for the fabric, then go go town. </p> <p>Barring that, let's talk price, Natalie! You and I are about the same size. </p> <p>The loincloth thing actually made me LOVE the UWP, so it's really all about what makes YOU feel great. My friends were all on the loincloth thing, so I said, "Heck yes it's a loin cloth! Imma line it with kevlar and then you can't kick me in my junk!"</p> <p>Things deteriorated from there. This is what happens when you put 4 over tired dog trainers in a room together. :D</p> <p>Clearly you are slightly less spastic than me and just a different brand of UWP.</p> <p>I actually really like the vest too, but agree - try sizing down. </p> <p>Stay way from the pencil skirt. It just doesn't look as amazing as some of your other pieces (like that purple dress).</p> <p>You are right on track. Doing better than me, really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472935 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:22:22 +0000 Ginkgo 472935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like the dress on you, and absolutely love the vest! I think it's very flattering and slimming on you. Try the next size down it if it feels bulky to you; I notice in the inspiration picture the model is wearing one that looks smaller and shorter on her compared with her photo.</p> <p>After almost a year reading YLF (uh, being addicted to YLF), I have just recently gotten it into my noggin that I should stick to specific colors and styles. Am still developing what my uniform should be, and how to then vary it with accessories and details. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472934 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:22:08 +0000 Kate 472934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It just takes practice, and you are completely on the right track! Some of my most painful purges were items I bought in my first year after finding YLF. Anything pre-YLF I could say "wow, what was I thinking?!" and toss it. Anything after YLF I would say "wow, I should have known better!" and be reluctant to let it go. Over time I came to realize that it truly is a process of trial and error, and we all make shopping mistakes sometimes. I can rationalize a purchase like crazy, but I still can't perfectly predict my wardrobe workhorses. And that's ok. And buying things with good return policies helps :)</p> <p>Also, thanks for sharing this blog, somehow I hadn't seen it before, and those are some of my favorite colors to wear!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472851 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:51:25 +0000 lynne 472851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't be discouraged, we've all been there. I'll confess to being easily swept into an Anthropologie fever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472834 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:26:56 +0000 afterism 472834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The purple dress is cute. Did you try the belt higher up? It just looks like it's not on your waist to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472646 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:13:40 +0000 Anonymous 472646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow, I can really commiserate with you! I echo the others. You are fab in deep saturated colors. The purple has been greyed down enough to be a little drab on you. Turn it into eggplant, and we'll talk. The SHAPE of it is wonderful on your figure, and I love what the belt does to accentuate all of your curves. </p> <p>The sweater-vest is really cool, but does not read "demure bombshell" to me and it hides the best parts of you, IMHO. I also don't think the raisin skirt will serve your wardrobe needs because of it's paleness (pallor?), lol.</p> <p>Natalie, you are doing such a great job. I guess all of the hits do require an awful lot of misses in the beginning. This is hard work and you give me the will to keep going so don't give up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472628 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:38:36 +0000 mrseccentric 472628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, just to say it once more - this is how you learn! here's some linx on dyeing nylon, if you're feeling crafty:<br /> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6m8g4qe" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/6m8g4qe</a></p> <p>Frankly, just REALIZING that not everything that looks great on other people will work on you is a major part of the battle. It takes most people a long, long time to 'get' this - after all, no one in advertising wants us to think this, ever!</p> <p>i've found that zeroing in on colors, fabrics and shapes can be very helpful in avoiding mistakes. Certain colors will flatter you and work easily with the other colors in your closet - you can recognize these colors and avoid buying colors that don't meet these specs. (This is a great reason to buy in person - photos aren't accurate at all in this regard.)</p> <p>It's the same process with fabrics and clothing shapes. And checking return policies before buying will reduce headaches. </p> <p>A lot of people think that this approach sounds too restrictive, especially if you're only beginning to find your own style. But if you don't have unlimited time and money it makes sense to zero in on what you love and what works for you. There is so much variety out there in the market that you could easily spend your entire life flitting from flower to flower, as it were, and never settling on what makes YOU happy. </p> <p>I'm an advocate of being picky and staying true to the exact factors that really work for you. It's funny, but the more you are super selective about what you buy and bring into your closet, the more choices you have when getting dressed in the morning - no items you have to battle with, and so many pieces the work wonderfully together.</p> <p>Natalie, to me it sounds like you are well on your way! Just trust yourself and don't be afraid to be picky and to say 'no'. Have fun! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472603 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:57:16 +0000 rae 472603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ageeing with the other ladies - this is how you learn! And you *didn't* purchase the skirt - so you *are* learning. Give yourself your due credit, girl!</p> <p>Now, onto possibly saving the un-returnables... </p> <p>I actually love the dress on you! You just need a saturated sweater to mitigate the lightness of the dress. Or, you could hit it with a $5 packet of dye if you are really that unhappy with the color. </p> <p>I think the vest is super duper cute, too - maybe a little UWP for you? You could try it with a saturated silk blouse or a sweater under. Is the belt attached? Maybe you could try this piece over a long sleeve tee, with a midi skirt, boots, and ladylike belt? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472601 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:47:11 +0000 goldenpig 472601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I'm glad the purple dress looks okay to you guys. I think I'll just go ahead and wear it especially since the inertia of trying to learn to resell it on eBay is just too great for me right now. I like it except the color--if it was as dark as it looked in the blogger's pic I'd be totally happy with it. Amy great idea about dyeing it, but it looks like it is nylon and spandex and the lining is viscose, so I think that probably wouldn't work? QueenMum, I gave away all my cardigans in a purging fit (out with the old me!) but I'm realizing maybe I should have kept a few. I'll see if there are any left to play with.</p> <p>I'll have to get DH's opinion on the sweater vest. I have the feeling that one is going to go the way of the faux fur jacket and get the ax from him... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472600 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:37:22 +0000 Mo 472600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also don't think the purple dress is a miss. And thanks to you, I just might try to belt my purple dress lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472593 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:17:32 +0000 Jonesy 472593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean about others' style vs. your own (thanks for the shout out, Sarah :). Sometimes I see looks on others that are so fab/interesting/exciting, but then I have to mull over how much they fit with my style direction, you know?</p> <p>Having said that, I like the purple dress on you, and I like the sweater vest. Not keen on the light yellow pencil skirt, as you and others have noted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472590 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:10:46 +0000 Amy 472590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is the purple dress a natural fiber like cotton or wool? If so, you may be able to dye it a color you like better. I think the silhouette looks nice on you.</p> <p>If it's polyester, it won't take the dye as nicely, even if you use something specially formulated for it.</p> <p>I actually like the vest. I'm a bit clueless though, as to why a color on your lower half would not work for you. I often pick colors like tan and beige for my skirts/pants that I'd never wear near my face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472589 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:09:41 +0000 Queen Mum 472589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the first dress on you, but the jacket is too (bulky, long, heavy?) with it. Note that in your inspiration pic she is wearing a cardigan which is a softer, less bulky look. </p> <p>I do think the sweater is a bit heavy on you. The idea is good, but i think you need a less bulky execution of it. </p> <p>You're right about the yellow... stay away from that shade. </p> <p>It is a learning curve... and we are always going to be tempted by what looks so great on others. You'll get better about being able to discern whether it is right for you, BUT sometimes you never know until you give it a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472560 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:40:31 +0000 Anonymous 472560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get what you mean. As for the first look, it's a fairly decent one. If you would be photographed smiling on a sunny day with greenery in the background you'd feel much confident about it! Also, since you're brunette, perhaps pulling back your hair would help ( I see the blogger has a different coloring ). Or a cinnamon hair accessory to tie in the look. ( A berette? )<br /> Now , I do have this problem sometimes. I look in a store display and like whatever they stiled there, but on me some looks/colours look better than others. I'm slowly learning to anticipate, but surprises still happen. I learned to avoid pastels, but I have a trench in an almost pastel coral that works. I guess that's the fun of shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472557 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:33:29 +0000 ironkurtin 472557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of the great artists began by copying other people - and making mistakes. Mistakes are an inevitable part of any journey. That's how you learn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472539 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:02:59 +0000 Sheila 472539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have returned SO many things...actually started checking the sales clerk before I approached the station to see if it (hopefully) was a different one than the last time! Finally realized that they don't care, it's just their job...Anyway for what it's worth, I agree with your assessment of all items except the Elizabeth and James sweater-tunic. I think it is a beautiful piece and could add some warmth and texture to your closet. Having lived in the Bay area for a long time, I know how some days are just so chilly and you need something to make you feel warm and cozy. Just a thought. </p> <p>Oh and you could definitely wear a long-sleeved layering top under the sweater, if you still feel sensitive about your arms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472538 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:59:29 +0000 rute 472538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that the look is perfect for you! Love 2! Fabulous dress and fabulous color mix!!!<br /> Love also 8/9!<br /> The only thing I'm not sold is teh yellow skirt.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472536 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:57:27 +0000 bj1111 472536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i LOVE 8/9 on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472524 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:20:19 +0000 sarah 472524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh, yes, this has been a huge part of my learning here at YLF - For example, I will never look great in a lot of things that look great on greenglove or jonesy, even though I absolutely adore their style - they are very tall and their coloring if so different from mine and they also have a different sort of "presence". That's just one example, but there are lots of others - so much of my style journey has been about finding the combination of clothes that work for my lifestyle, body type, coloring, personality, etc, etc. But it surely helps to try things out and learn from the successes and the failures! So, don't be discouraged! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472522 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:09:15 +0000 Suz 472522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, from my perspective, you seem to be learning so quickly and figuring out your style at a lightning speed! So hang in there and keep trying on, as others say. I agree that it would be best to shop only from stores that have generous return policies for a while, and keep taking photos and considering. </p> <p>I have already made a pile of mistakes, too, and had to get rid of items that I bought in a fit of hope. Fortunately most were either returnable or thrifted (so no big financial outlay). I also bought a pile of items last summer when I just began with YLF and many of those, I see now, were not taking me in the direction I want to go; I'll have to get rid of them before next summer, but I did get a season's wear from them and they were not expensive. </p> <p>FWIW, I really love that purple dress and it seems to me to fit your style really well! I also love the vest. But if you don't feel good in them, then just chalk it up to the learning curve. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472502 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:09:50 +0000 kimlee 472502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The purple dress fits you beautifully - if you could find a similar style in a deeper shade of purple then the look would be KILLER. I agree with Kristen, it takes time to learn what will and will not work with your body, your lifestyle, and you style preferences. Just keep trying! Your style has evolved so much in just a short time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472499 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:58:33 +0000 Kristen 472499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It takes time to learn one's own body shape and style. You are absolutely right, what looks great on one doesn't always work on another. When I first started, I would try whatever hot item was sweeping the forums, and I often put it back because it didn't work on me. But as long as you don't take it personally (i.e., thinking there is something wrong with YOU because a piece of clothing is not right) there is no harm in trying on clothes. </p> <p>I know ordering clothes online is easy and fast, but if you can get to an actual store and spend some time in the dressing room trying on clothes for free, it really helps speed up the process of learning what works for you individually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472494 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:35:39 +0000 Mochi 472494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I think the purple dress looks cute on you, though if you don't feel the confidence, that's the main problem. I don't have any answers to your larger dilemma LOL--I just ordered that coat that looks so smashing on Angie and I'm pretty sure it's not going to work for me at all (yay for free shipping and returns). Also the store doesn't carry petite sizes so I have to order it and try it on. I'm also considering that part of my education in clothing...I'll have a better understanding of WHY a look doesn't work for me (Obviously, in the back of my head I'm idealistically hoping for a small chance that the item fits beautifully...). It truly is a learning curve until we get to a certain point, as Claudia says. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472488 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:05:47 +0000 modgrl 472488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress is ok, I would belt it higher. I don't think it's as bad as you think. I love the vest actually. Pop a ls tee under it and you are all set. The skirt is at the rack and it was not super on you the first time around. Fit and flare seems to be a more flattering fit for your shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472487 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:58:59 +0000 Claudia 472487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW, I think that you are totally on the right track with the purple dress. The style looks great on you and yes, a deeper hue would be better, but otherwise, that is a very good dress for you.</p> <p>I also think the sweater vest might work better in a smaller size. It's a great sweater! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472486 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:54:49 +0000 Claudia 472486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that all this, the successes and the failures are all part of a learning curve. I think we have all experienced this, especially in the beginning. Finding out what doesn't work is necessary to hone in on what does work, both in clothes and in shopping methods. As time goes on, you will find yourself getting better and better at knowing what will work and what won't, but that doesn't mean it will always be a success. Even Angie has bought things to end up returning them.</p> <p>Hopefully the money spent on the failures isn't too high, but just consider it part of paying for an education in your own style and fashion education. </p> <p>I think you are doing an excellent job and enjoy seeing your efforts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-because-something-looks-fab-on-someone-else#post-472485 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:44:37 +0000 goldenpig 472485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...doesn't mean it will look fab on me! I should learn my lesson! </p> <p>I fall in love with outfits I see here on YLF or other blogs, but when I am tempted to copycat with the same exact item I tend to get burned. For example, the UWP Heed hi-low sweater that Una, Rae, MaryK, Andrea and others rocked. I ordered one in copper and as soon as I put it on, I felt silly. Sorry for not taking a picture, but all I could think about was how someone commented that the front panel looked like a "loincloth" so I couldn't stop thinking about that when I had the sweater on. So back it went right away. And I don't think I make a convincing Urban Warrior Princess anyways.</p> <p>Then I fell in love with this look by an Anthro blogger:<br /> <a href="http://anthroclosetchaos.blogspot.com/2011/10/waffle-over-lunch-free-shipping-is-back.html" rel="nofollow">http://anthroclosetchaos.blogs.....-back.html</a><br /> Such lovely autumn colors! Eggplant dress, cinnamon cardigan and cool mustard and teal belt. These colors are right up my alley! I must wear this look! So I search eBay for the same dress and find it and the belt and win them both! Trouble is, I didn't realize it but the purple is lighter than I thought (I tend to do better with deeper/saturated color not pastels) and the belt is a little too tight. I learned my secondary lesson, don't buy clothes on eBay because they're not returnable! Here's the dress and belt (and cognac leather jacket since I don't have a cinnamon cardigan)...doesn't look so great on me, right? Now I don't know what to do with the dress...try eBay (I've never sold anything on there)? Consignment (never done that either)? Donate? Wear it anyways even though the color is a bit too light?</p> <p>Also, I loved this Elizabeth and James herringbone sweater vest that hillview (and several of the other mommies on my mommy board) rocked so I ordered one, but didn't realize that it doesn't work so well on apples (the others were all tall slim rectangles). And I'm not used to having my arms bare...not so big on the vest look. This also doesn't look so hot on me, right? I think it's going back...<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-accessorize" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ccessorize</a></p> <p>Finally, I've been obsessing about finding a size 6 yellow raisin Halogen skirt since so many of you look so great in it and it seems like the perfect skirt to go with so many things. I keep checking the stock to see if there has been a return, with no luck. But I actually tried the skirt on a long time ago and never bought it...you guys didn't think I looked good in it and I'm not so sure the yellow shade is the right one for me...I tend to look better in deeper mustard rather than lemon yellow. I should give up on that one too, right?<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anthro-try-ons-pencil-skirts-at-nordstrom-anything-worth-buying" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rth-buying</a></p> <p>So how do you know whether something that looks so fab on everyone else is going to look good on you or not? I do so much trial and error ordering and returning. But I think from now on, I'm going to stick with Nordstrom or Anthro or other places with hassle-free returns. I don't think I'm savvy enough to shop confidently on eBay. And I need curb my lemming tendencies and stop trying to jump on the bandwagon!</p> <p>1-5. Purple waffle weave dress and yellow belt from Anthropologie via eBay. With cognac leather jacket.<br /> 6. The inspiration look from Anthro Closet Chaos.<br /> 7-9. Elizabeth and James herringbone sweater vest.<br /> 10. Hillview rocking the original vest.<br /> 11-12. Yellow pencil skirt (never ended up buying). </p>