https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:47:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long/page/2#post-2292512 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:58:41 +0000 Star (Lise) 2292512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stag how exciting!&nbsp; I moved from Africa to Europe permanently.&nbsp; I had a massive wardrobe and I moved about half of it.&nbsp; I chose to bring with pieces that were made from pure cotton, linen, quality materials, including some that did not fit, which turned out to be a good thing as I dropped 10kgs here.&nbsp; If I were to do it again I would probably do it differently.&nbsp; I would pay more attention to climates and seasons.&nbsp; The clothes I wore in a Johannesburg winter are only wearable here for a very short Spring and Autumn.&nbsp; Also I would take into consideration items I can obtain easily where I am going.&nbsp; For example, leather is expensive in South Africa and I have thrifted some really fabulous leather and suede jackets and boots here, so I would definitely take them with if I were to return. I realise you are asking more for packing tips of which I don't have.&nbsp; I hauled mine across the world on two separate flights one year apart and I had a large amount of Kgs available with that particular airline.&nbsp; The first trip I took what I needed immediately on that particular trip and left it there, and the second and final haul I chose what to take with up to the weight allowed.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long/page/2#post-2292502 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 03:22:33 +0000 SarahD8 2292502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with others that your style has become more tough and urban — but juxtaposed with that new femininity that you mention. More playful, less proper. More feminine, less ladylike. </p> <p>Of course it’s tempting to ascribe the urban toughness to Berlin, but only you can say whether the city is causal or if your style might have evolved in that direction wherever you were. Not being there, I can’t really notice similarities between local street style looks and what you wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long/page/2#post-2292472 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:32:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I suspect you’re right about that getting toned down. But here’s one little encouraging tidbit: I got my black lace-up boots here in Berlin (on Mehringdamm) in the 90s, took them with me when I moved, but never felt comfortable wearing them there. When I showed them to my friend earlier this year, he said something like “oh, women here wear those all the time”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292471 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:19:28 +0000 Suz 2292471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohhhh...it probably depends a bit on your work and your daily routines but if you are anything like me, you may find the urban aspects of your style will be toned down a bit. I use the passive voice because it won't necessarily be by choice! It's not just about wanting to blend with an environmental norm (which may or may not affect you). It's more (for me at least) about what's practical in the new environment. I'm in a much more suburban environment than I was and it affects footwear choices, coats, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292469 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:13:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, thanks for getting the analysis of my style/changes started. I think you/r style and me/my style have some similarities which make the differences more fun. I like your new spring colored shoes, and I wonder if you and I are both turning in this direction on our own or in a “Cerulean blue” moment when that’s how fashion winds are blowing. I feel so seen (in a good way) that you recognize how liberating it is to wear my pieces from when I was first beginning to buy clothes on my own. </p> <p>Bijou, have you noted style shifts as you’ve moved from one state to another, and how have the beloved things you brought along adjusted to the new locale? Funnily enough, when I moved from Berlin over two decades ago, it was to the very same spot I’m headed now. </p> <p>Suntiger, if the Med trip comes off as I hope, I’m sure I’ll do a packing post, to rejigger what I put together now, kinda on the fly. </p> <p>BD, good point about something going missing. Not something I like to think about, but def something I should prepare for. </p> <p>Suz, it’s sudden in some ways, but something I’ve seen coming, eventually, for about a year, and I decided to get it over with sooner rather than later. The disconcerting part is not knowing whether I’ll move back here or not. Thanks for your observations on my style. I’m curious what will happen with the more urban part, as I’m headed to a city one-tenth the size of Berlin, with very strong ties to its bucolic surroundings. I don’t plan on becoming a farmer’s wife or part of the horsey set, but those influences are strong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292390 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:19:34 +0000 Suz 2292390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're making a huge&nbsp; and perhaps a sudden?)&nbsp; move -- you must have so many different feelings about it. I wish you the best for all these transitions.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't have too much advice about packing. I've moved across Canada several times. Each time I edited, and when I went west from the east, I left behind my heavy winter gear (in storage, since I knew I was going back). Our most recent move was permanent, but that meant we had a van because we brought all our furniture, too. That definitely made things easier!&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think it's a good idea to try to put a few outfits for the immediate destination in your carry on, along with any smaller and especially precious items.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you enjoy your last few months in Berlin. And also hope you get that sunny holiday before the big move.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like Sal, I think you've crystallized your style and grown more confident and playful with your outfits. In fact you are creating outfits and thinking about the best uses for old favourite pieces and mix and match possibilities. I agree that your best looks combine an urban (Berliner) edge with feminine touches or colours. Who knows where your style might go in future?!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292386 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:06:47 +0000 Barbara Diane 2292386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t read the above suggestions, but I might not put all of one category in one suitcase in case a suitcase or two goes missing (temporarily or permanently). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292305 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 13:38:45 +0000 Anonymous 2292305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jealous of the Mediterranean trip It's been 5 years in Berlin already? Time flies!<br /> Yes to packing seasonal bags- definitely the way to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292292 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:19:04 +0000 Bijou 2292292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you enjoy your last month in Berlin and good luck with the move. I have moved states a few times and have always felt such a sense of relief once I boarded the plane onto the next destination. I too like the familiarity of 'my stuff' which help make the new location feel familiar and my home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292239 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 21:10:46 +0000 Sal 2292239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>StagF - I see a growth in confidence in your style.&nbsp; You seem to be having fun with it - and I think being able to wear your older good quality clothes has been liberating and enjoyable for you - and add to them where needed.&nbsp; In contrast when you were in Florida I think you had "made do" with pieces that fit the climate and your body during that time, but that didn't make you happy.</p> <p>You do have a mix of urban style and soft colours in your best looks.&nbsp; I too have only just worked out how to wear spring flattering colours in my style without making them feel either 1980s or too ingenue.&nbsp; I like ingenue style and 1980s style but not so much for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292237 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 21:05:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sal! I still haven’t figured out quite how I’m going to do the move. Need to get cracking on that, or I’ll be coming back after Christmas just to dismantle things, which would be sad. </p> <p>Sarah, that’s a great question. You have “known” me since before I got here, I think. You’re such a good observer and analyst, I’d love to hear what you and others think. I’d post that as a new thread if it didn’t sound so ott egotistical. </p> <p>I may review old posts to compare (in the spare time between doing the prep work for the research visit, the international move, and saying goodbye, ha!) but I think the main things that have changed about my style that have changed are that I’ve consolidated it and gotten a handle on it. I’m now an unrepentant wearer of pastels and pinks, and am intentionally trying to come up with a more feminine winter style, something I never would’ve done before. Those style changes are consonant with personal changes. I have always been a little quirky, but think my style, at least in summer, has become bolder about being playful and having that one thing that off. I’m also no longer sure RATE is a great descriptor. Is that what you see too? </p> <p>It will be good to see my dad more often. He is losing his memory and can’t always hold a phone conversation, so I’ll go help my mom/spell my sister who’s local weekly. I will be physically closer to my son, but airfare from Boston to the hinterlands where I’ll be is more than to Berlin, so idk if we will see each other more. There’s a third man, one my age, who I’ll also be glad to be near. I still need to take that pic at Brandenburg Gate for him. I want to find out for real if this relationship stands a chance. I think the move towards a more feminine style is authentic and comes from within me, but he happens to like it. If things work out, I’ll be posting questions about how to change certain parts of his style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292228 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 18:30:54 +0000 Sal 2292228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck for the move and adventures over upcoming months.</p> <p>I have only moved country with either one suitcase as a 24 year old or a shipping container as a 30 ish year old. If your stuff is coming on the airline in suitcases I don’t have specific advice. I guess it depends if you will be unpacking soon or if you will be living out of the cases. </p> <p>Sure there are lots of emotions going on - will be great to be closer to your son. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292217 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 15:55:01 +0000 SarahD8 2292217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, these are big and bittersweet changes, SF. It will be nice to be closer to your son I imagine and precious to be able to spend time with your parents.</p> <p>Returning to the style realm, I’m curious if you have any thoughts about whether and how Berlin has changed your personal style or outfit creation/dressing habits? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292211 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:31:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, always good to hear the voice of experience—thanks! </p> <p>Thanks Dee! Doing my best to enjoy the last month here, not spend it sad that I’m leaving. </p> <p>Nikki, I’m getting the message that a combo might be best. </p> <p>LaPed, your “heartbreaking to lose” items would fit in a carryon! Wow. When we discovered a couple years ago that our storage locker had been robbed, I remembered many items of clothing off the top of my head. I still miss those wool midi skirts. Agree with you on not keeping things that are about done or that make me go “ugh”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292157 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:47:23 +0000 LaPed 2292157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow! Best of luck with the move, settling in stateside, and the upcoming Mediterranean trip. That's a lot!</p> <p>I think my own approach to packing would to identify my "can't live without" and "heartbreaking to lose" items, and put all those in the largest carry-on possible. Basically a capsule wardrobe built around the pieces that I love the most. Then, cull ruthlessly, as is my wont in the run-up to a big move (having been in the same place for 6 years now, my wardrobe is larger than it's ever been). My metrics for ruthless are: 1) Is it on its last legs? and 2) does anything about it make me go "ugh" or "meh"? I totally get holding onto special, low-wear items, but I think a move is a great chance to clean one's slate of those middling placeholders that tend to accrue over time. I wouldn't worry too much over what goes into each suitcase, beyond trying to avoid putting all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. That is, if a piece of luggage gets lost, it's better if it only has one coat in it, rather than every piece of outerwear I own.&nbsp;</p> <p>Keep us posted on your Berlin bucket list progress. At least you get to enjoy one more holiday season before you leave!&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292141 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 16:27:07 +0000 Anonymous 2292141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe both </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292138 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 15:51:22 +0000 Dee 2292138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow SF, that will be a big change leaving Europe, so much to consider too. I agree with Angie that it would be wise to edit out any of your wardrobe that no longer suits you or your needs. I would likely try and pack anything that I would be so heartbroken to lose in my carry-on whenever possible. However, since I’ve never had to fly for a move I heed to the advice of others who have much more experience with this, but I wish you all the best and enjoy your last month in Berlin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292135 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 15:00:42 +0000 Angie 2292135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The start of a new chapter is exciting and nerve wracking! Wishing you luck, safe travel, and a peaceful transition. Enjoy your last month in Berlin!</p> <p>I've lived in four very different continents. Each move was a haul and permanent - except for when we lived in France. That was less permanent, but still for 18 months. As far as wardrobes go, personally, I packed everything for each move after a very thorough edit. And glad I did. I needed it all. All seasons, weather, occasions, settings, and events were covered.&nbsp;</p> <p>My suggestion is to do a thorough edit first, and pack as much was you can. Cover all bases. I did that to prevent re-buying something I already had.</p> <p>As far as getting it over there. We brought several big suitcases with us. We paid for the overweight. Checked it all into the hold. Shipped the rest with a few very reliable services and shippers. Some of it arrived before we did! :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292127 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 14:40:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve just done a swing through my favorite market. It’s not so magical today: it’s cold &amp; grey and starting to snow. I got here just before closing time (20 more min). The best thing I found was this veggie moussaka. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292119 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 14:11:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2292119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, I dream of organization! The documentation is inspired by others on ylf, but I clearly don’t have their flair for analysis. </p> <p>Sally, thanks for the good wishes! As much as I like my wardrobe strategy, complicated long-distance moves are not it’s strength. </p> <p>Cee, isn’t it fun that even while we move around the world, we can stay in our online communities? </p> <p>Nikki, functional capsules or seasonal? </p> <p>Kathie, thanks so much for the good wishes! You’re probably right about footwear. I can go through it fairly quickly, but much of mine is fairly new right now. </p> <p>Carol, the Med bit still feels like a dream. Maybe packing the capsule will make it feel more real. </p> <p>Kkards, I appreciate you seeing the uncertainty. It’s a little scary. Your formula of some seasonal cases &amp; some functional makes a lot of sense. </p> <p>Rachylou, it’s time….</p> <p>Zaeobi, waving to my sister in transcontinental wardrobe planning! </p> <p>Minaminu, what a nightmare. Is that part of why you keep such a compact closet these days? I will miss this city terribly, and might move back eventually. </p> <p>Kathie, that suitcase for the first bit that is certain sounds really smart. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292114 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 12:32:17 +0000 April 2292114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an organized transition!&nbsp; Admiring the intentionality of your documentation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292102 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 09:40:54 +0000 Sally 2292102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what an exciting move.&nbsp; I don't have much advice to give as I haven't moved countries in a long time and I always got rid of a lot of clothes so I didn't have to send boxes.&nbsp; I know you don't want to do that.&nbsp; &nbsp; I hope it all goes well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292082 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 01:16:41 +0000 Cee 2292082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow... That's a bit of a move alright... Happy trails and I hope you settle in well </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292080 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:39:48 +0000 Anonymous 2292080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exciting news, Stag! So many things to think about. I like the idea of capsule suitcases. Keep us posted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292075 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 22:51:49 +0000 Kathie 2292075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking back at your lists, the one category I would be more ruthless with is footwear. If it's worn out (or will be worn out with only a couple months more wear), super uncomfortable, or seemingly unlikely to fit into your new environment, I'd leave it behind, since footwear can be bulky and difficult to pack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292056 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:14:35 +0000 CarolS 2292056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of change, but I have a feeling you will be happy to be nearer your son and parents.</p> <p>The idea of a couple of months on the Mediterranean sounds lovely -- that's the one I'd be most excited to pack for and it sounds like it is probably a subset of the spring/summer capsule you'll want&nbsp; handy when you get to the US.</p> <p>Good luck with whatever formula you choose!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292053 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:50:20 +0000 kkards 2292053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that’s a lot of change, with, trying to read between the lines, a lot of unknowns. &nbsp;Which makes packing well difficult. &nbsp; I’d pack one suitcase of neutral, ie not to casual not to dressy (not neutral colors because I know that’s not you) and appropriate &nbsp; to the season you are actually &nbsp;traveling in, and throw everything else into suitcases based on season.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292052 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:46:07 +0000 rachylou 2292052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big change of gears! I’m thinking like Kathie… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292036 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:14:22 +0000 Zaeobi 2292036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just saw @Irina post something similar to my worry! It happened to me when moving to Brazil too, so it's safer to think of it not 'just' an 'off-chance', I guess... </p> <p>I recently packed up my entire black capsule wardrobe when I went home this summer (in one suitcase though) &amp; would recommend separating according to your planned activities rather than clothing types. I actually placed one set of my pyjamas in my carry-on &amp; then enough for 3 days at the very top of my suitcase (because I knew I'd be getting over jet lag those few days). Directly beneath those PJs was a wedding outfit (because I knew family would rope me into one during my first week back, lol) &amp; one appropriate for the doctor's office (for a COVID check-in etc I had scheduled). </p> <p>So maybe work backwards from your itinerary like that? E.g. if you aren't going to the Mediterranean until the summer, pack those clothes in the innermost layers of your suitcase instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-back-looking-forward-berlin-2018-2022-v-long#post-2292035 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:08:04 +0000 Zaeobi 2292035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It does take time to adjust to a new climate, doesn't it? Even when you *logically* know somewhere will have certain types of weather, old habits die hard when it comes to actually *purchasing* for that climate, don't they? </p> <p>I'm still in a 2 season climate for now but am slowly having to re-acclimatise myself to preparing to move back home. ETA: I've only *just* come to terms with the fact that I don't need heavy winter gear here - only 6+ years since I first got here! </p> <p>Unfortunately I don't have much advice to offer other than I'd recommend packing in 'batches' rather than by category - that way, on the off-chance one suitcase goes missing or is delayed, you won't be stuck without ALL coats whilst in heavy winter (for example). </p>