https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:03:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022/page/2#post-2245250 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 15:38:57 +0000 Chris987 2245250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou</b> - great suggestion about adding accessories. I've gone off scarves, don't wear belts, but shoes for sure and maybe even some more modern jewelry and or a purse or two.&nbsp;</p> <p>What a great idea <b>suntiger!</b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245243 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 14:40:04 +0000 Anonymous 2245243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think it'll take that much to get it just right! I discovered from buying a bunch of classic neutral pieces, that it just takes one magpie piece to turn a bunch of classics into an Outfit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245223 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 08:31:43 +0000 Bijou 2245223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you will have lots of fun in 2022 being able to add statement pieces that you love into your wardrobe. For me, I find it is often accessories that really help add interest to basic outfits and I find the $ per wear on these items to become low (shoes, handbags, jewellery, scarves, sunglasses and belts). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245190 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 21:28:37 +0000 Chris987 2245190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Sal!&nbsp;</b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245080 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 19:03:48 +0000 Sal 2245080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very late to this - but a well written analysis that I think will help you in 2022! I look forward to seeing how you progress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245061 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:44:43 +0000 Chris987 2245061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Joy! </b>I do like coral a bit, but I like warm orange colors even more, as long as they are not too bright.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2245054 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:24:55 +0000 Anonymous 2245054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a wonderful analysis, Chris. What Angie said. &nbsp;You probably needed to be here before adding more trendy things.&nbsp;<div>About orange. &nbsp;You might like coral. &nbsp;My striped orange shirt has not been worn for quite a while. &nbsp;It is time to figure out why not and see if it does not fit like it should. &nbsp;I suspect that it is too short. &nbsp;An orangey red is my best shade of red, but hard to find. &nbsp;</div><div>Thank you for writing this analysis and wishing you the best going forward.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244866 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 13:33:37 +0000 Chris987 2244866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>RobinF,</b> yup, you are feeling exactly the same as I am. I sometimes do that same thing of not knowing if I like something until after wearing it a few times. I was with a friend over the weekend who said her daughter (who has fantastic style) always knows what she wants in all areas of life and was born that way. I need some of that!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>lisa p</b> great points about unefemme ... I think I will take a stroll through her instagram posts .... after a quick look there is a lot going on so could grab some good ideas. Yeah the winter scarf can look a bit "stale" but I run too cold to avoid them completely :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244740 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:40:43 +0000 Anonymous 2244740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and yes - I totally agree with the scarf issue you mentioned earlier. &nbsp;I have one - yes one - that I regularly wear, and that's it. I don't even wear them with a winter coat anymore - just too much to fuss with &nbsp;and the look is a bit stale to my eye. &nbsp;Who knows. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244739 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:38:42 +0000 Anonymous 2244739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris - I recognize the differences you pointed out - especially the climate . I think of her as someone who worked on her core colours and silhouettes and then broadened the base to up her style quotient. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244728 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:40:21 +0000 RobinF 2244728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I relate to a lot of this. I an super bored with my wardrobe and don't know what to do about it. My problem with purchases is that a lot of the time I don't know if it is a keeper until I have worn it a few times, and of course then I can't return. So I need to get better at figuring that out.</p> <p>I like your idea of having tops and shoes as your edgy/trendy pieces. I try to do the same, mostly because bottoms are so hard for me to fit that I can't be too picky about them.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I totally agree with being off scarves! For years that was how I added some pizazz and color to an outfit and now I have been off them for a few years and haven't figured out what to replace them with.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244724 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:06:17 +0000 Chris987 2244724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>nemosm</b><b>om!</b>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>lisa p</b> t hanks, and yes I do look at unefemme from time to time. Her climate is very different from mine, and to my eye her body type is more of a straight/slim not curvy pear like me. Her style is also a bit more classic than I want to be, but I do find some good ideas on her blog.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244615 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:48:15 +0000 Anonymous 2244615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris - I identify with so much of what you wrote here ! Forgive me if I’ve mentioned this before , but are you familiar with Susan Blakey of unefemme.net ? You remind me a lot of her / in colouring , hair , body type etc - and she is also a “ reformed “ classic dresser with a lot of really great updated looks . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244612 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:29:24 +0000 nemosmom 2244612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed reading your thoughts, and share similar thoughts. It’s been a wild couple of years. Style isn’t static, and it sounds like you are going with the flow and taking notes along the way - all good things! I share the frustration with online shopping and duplication. It sounds like you have identified the direction you want to go, and that’s a big win! I am excited to see where you take it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244594 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 15:17:17 +0000 Chris987 2244594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Irina!</b> I am not doing any more shopping this year and probably not in January either, but i d plan to shop my closet to see what I might have that would work in my new approach. I have a few ideas already.</p> <p><b>Shevia</b> - you have a LOT of really great statement pieces! With your awesome skill at thrifting designer duds it is inevitable Plus "another white shirt" might be in a different style from the ones you already have ..</p> <p><b>Phoebe</b> good point about small and compact handbags. That's all I use these days.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Christina F.</b>  it turns out most of MY mistakes came from online shopping. The mistake was made in assessing the fit and quality. Looking back I really should have known better for each of them. I do well at returning stuff I've decided I don't want, it's the <b><u>DECIDING</u></b> that is sometimes flawed. (I never quite got that until now so thanks for inspiring that thought process)</p> <p>Hah, that's funny <b>cat2</b>! I'm so disinterested in my casual cashmere pullovers that I don't even want to wear them at home I could make one heck of a cat bed out of them - and my boys would love it for sure I'll probably donate them instead. </p> <p>interesting <b>Alw</b><b>ays Trying</b>- I do that sometimes too and it can work out just fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244592 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:53:41 +0000 always trying 2244592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mistake this past year was buying cheap because I thought it would get little wear.&nbsp; The cheap white dress I posted a while back is the perfect example.&nbsp; I intended to wear it to 3 holiday affairs, but ended up only wearing it once.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244591 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:40:25 +0000 cat2 2244591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too funny, I have had a winter project of wearing one of my boring cashmere pieces each week, until I wear them out! I am still sorting what replaces them; I think it’s more casual knits in softer yarns, and have been trying some from new brands. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244584 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 14:12:14 +0000 Christina F. 2244584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is great analysis-thanks for posting. I think I also feel the winter sweater malaise, even though I have a lot of statement sweaters too. I’m interested to see how you take it all to the next level.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Online shopping makes me make more mistakes for sure. I am more likely to keep things out laziness and have had to force myself to go to the effort to return. Is usually have to go to Manhattan at least once a month for something or other and save most of them for then. I can mostly make outfits with the items, but succumb to things that aren’t right in terms of fit or fabric.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244582 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 13:46:09 +0000 phoebe 2244582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a "mostly classic and sporty style" person, scarves can seem too "extra" and I've never gotten into them unless it's cold out, and even then only the most practical versions.</p> <p>I've been looking at handbags, small, compact versions that can add so much visually and are now more functional than ever, with hand sanitizer, masks etc. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244546 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 02:16:52 +0000 Jaime 2244546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent review and agree with the comments. Well except the part about lacking statement pieces - that is not my particular problem . But I do relate to the temptation to duplicate - in my case I too often assume I can always use another white or blue top. But really, I can't. Looking forward to seeing where you go from here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244515 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 21:23:57 +0000 Irina 2244515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis, Chris!&nbsp;<div>&nbsp;I relate to all your issues - too many essentials, duplicating, not wearing scarves anymore (expect winter ones). I, too want to add more interesting pieces. Have you been able to find any items that might point &nbsp;you in new direction or some inspirational pictures?</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244511 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:39:03 +0000 Chris987 2244511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>THanks so much <b>Angie</b>. You are such a great coach!&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks J<b>enni NZ</b>, a strange 2 years indeed. Your description of your embroidered jacket is reminding me of a faded black denim jacket I saw in a photo of Keith Urban. It had a simple abstract design of orange and yellow on the back or the shoulder .... I LOVED it and can't believe I didn't save it. It seems every photo of him has one denim jacket or another but I can't find that one again. I keep thinking I should buy an inexpensive jacket and get some fabric paint ....&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Rachy</b> interesting orange is working for you! It works for me too in small doses, and I do like that particular top, just perhaps not enough to justify having bought it.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jaileen,</b> so true,&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<i>no reason a statement can’t be functional.</i></p> <i><br /> </i> <p><i></i><b>Suz,</b> yes exactly right about "fashion" scarves (as opposed to warm outerwear ones). I don't wear them at home either, and will not get rid of my large collection, but they are mostly in hibernation. Nodding along with your comments about online vs B&amp;M.&nbsp;<i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244507 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 19:42:00 +0000 Suz 2244507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Chris</b>, what a terrific analysis. I can certainly understand and commiserate with your closet blahs. Like you, I veer classic and also veer "essentials heavy" in my wardrobe and shopping and this can lead to boredom. Your point about the accessorizing with scarves feeling dated hit a note for me; I've been feeling that, too, which is bad news considering scarves are pretty much my only means of adding real interest to many of my outfits -- and oh, I don't enjoy wearing them at home!&nbsp;</p> <p>One barrier to successful shopping, at least here, has been the fact that almost all of it has to be online. I know that's always the case for petites, anyway. But in a regular year, you can at least get out to stores to feel the fabrics, see the cuts and silhouettes in person (or on a mannequin) and get the gestalt of a season. These past few years, that has been harder, making interesting outfit combinations more difficult to imagine (at least for me).&nbsp;</p> <p>I, too, am feeling ready for a style shift or evolution but I have not yet got there, even in my mind! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244502 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 19:21:18 +0000 JAileen 2244502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Duplication is a problem for me, too. &nbsp;But I duplicate the SAME colors! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Your outfits always looked good to me, but I do see adding less utilitarian, more fun/statement items will make your wardrobe more interesting and exciting to you. &nbsp;There’s no reason a statement can’t be functional. &nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244496 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:57:47 +0000 rachylou 2244496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very insightful… and you’ve made me realise with your mention of orange… that it’s actually been working for me… I did an orange purge awhile back and it’s crept back in a different tone which does work… I need to contemplate it. Which is not to suggest you might like a different orange or anything, lol; you’ve just make me pay attention! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244494 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:47:09 +0000 Jenni NZ 2244494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Chris. It has been a strange year-2 years!- so how we deal with the stress is bound to differ. I lost any shopping excitement in the winter but for me it was seeing the embroidered jacket in the window that brought some on again and led to buying jacket, jeans, sandals and top. I think like me you have had weight loss also so that does lead to needing some replacement items which can’t be helped! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244480 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:03:08 +0000 Angie 2244480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, what <b>RunCarla</b> said, 100%!&nbsp;</p> <p>Second,&nbsp;</p> <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>This is a GREAT analysis! <b>Chris</b>, you needed to be exactly<i><u> here</u></i> with your wardrobe and style before branching out to the next level of fabness! It built confidence, discipline, and strengthened your good instincts. WELL DONE. I am very proud of you!</p> <p>Now you know to move slightly away from an essentials heavy wardrobe, and focus on some trends, statements and juxtapositions that you can seamlessly remix with your gorgeous classics to create&nbsp;"excitement".</p> <p>I'm excited! :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244453 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:00:23 +0000 Chris987 2244453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>SF! </b>For me the snooze fest has been the full year, not just winter.&nbsp; I don't think I always know what "perfect" is for my wardrobe ...&nbsp; And thanks for&nbsp;the kind wishes!! </p> <p><b>Runcarla</b> - thanks! I do agree that classic does suit me, (as it does you) I just want to add a little more of&nbsp;other styles. Yeah the duplication thing needs to be managed very carefully - sometimes it's great and sometimes it's quicksand ...And thanks for the hair compliment :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244449 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 15:35:54 +0000 Carla 2244449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get it, Chris. &nbsp;I’m feeling like my closet (and outfits by default) are skewing more classic and I’ve succumbed to some of the same shopping traps - mainly duplication. &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>I will volunteer however, that classic suits you. &nbsp;Your OOTD posts are showing great attention to good fit, and a casual elegance - and your hair is looking so good these days!</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-at-2021---looking-forward-to-2022#post-2244447 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 15:31:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2244447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting. I always enjoy these introspective pieces too. It’s fun to get a peak at others’ thought processes, see where we are similar and different, and maybe try on new approaches. </p> <p>On shopping, I’m with you on shopping for the current season; where we diverge is that I tend not to buy things unless they are perfect in every way, which might be a bit extreme. Also, our essentials to statement ratios are reversed. </p> <p>I hear you on what a snooze-fest winter dressing can be! I’m working on that too, and plan to do more WIWs like my last one, showing whatever I’ve come up with that helps me deal with the gloom. </p> <p>I agree with you on how inspired/inspiring Anchie’s rebuilding strategy was, especially taking a step back and seeing how the outfits from different months all fit together in a mix-&amp;-match capsule. </p> <p>Wishing you all the best in the new year, and strength and joy to deal with whatever’s not the best, sartorially &amp; otherwise. </p>