https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:22:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347346 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:36:33 +0000 Ket 2347346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a wonderful question for me to ask, Jules! Thank you!! I agree: soft boho tops are easy to find thus far, and shaped retro items are less plentiful unless I go to retailers specializing in retro. And even then, I think sewing might be better, since some of my body proportions don't fit off-rack sizes easily. I also haven't replaced my retired tailor, and that presents a challenge too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347341 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:02:28 +0000 Jules 2347341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From another angle, what's easy to get at retail and what can benefit more from being sewn or knit to measure?<br />I think that soft boho tops (a tried and true for my own style) are pretty readily available, and have an easy fit. Shaped retro items might be less available at retail currently, and require more tailoring to get a good fit (which also means more work for you I imagine...). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347087 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:47:24 +0000 Ket 2347087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ginger</b>, there is so much practical goodness in your reply!! So thank you! &lt;3 After reading your reply, I realize I don't always give my environment sufficient consideration. For me, it's 50:50 looks:physical comfort. But environment? I kind of just don't think about it outside of basic 4 seasons. </p> <p>I really love that you sew your own skirts! I am very hourglass, so skirts are often an issue for me. I know how to sew a little; we've been buried in home renovations and I've continued to hold back on sewing anything. And then too, I worry it won't fit well after all the work. Perhaps it's time for me to truly just bite the bullet and sew. As they say, if it both scares and excites you, you should do it. And that's kind of me with sewing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm also intrigued by your 1940s overalls!! I wonder how they would look on me... I haven't worn a wider leg in ages. But I'm very intrigued by these and may give them a whirl! I think my favorite pant shape is actually a softly tapered shape as pictured. It's just easy to wear and style. Also, I still prefer skinny jeans due to their ease. (I never feel comfortable in a bootcut or flare.)</p> <div><br /></div><div>High waists; I really want to find bottoms with high waists!. It's usually more difficult to find as I have a deep pelvis, <i>and&nbsp;</i>I'm curvy, <i>and</i>, I&nbsp;am tall. As I reply to you, I continue to realize sewing maybe is my best answer to all my issues.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Love all your thoughts... I'm totally percolating in them &lt;3&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347085 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:38:22 +0000 Ket 2347085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jennie</b>, not a problem at all! Thank you so much for letting me know the correct spelling!! I really want to look at her outfits and get some inspiration :D&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347084 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:37:46 +0000 Ket 2347084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>cat2</b>, well said and much wisdom. Basics are an area I struggle with. I somehow resist getting basic items, especially if I'm in a season of fluctuation. Nonetheless, I know basics help a TON when getting dressed, with how I look and feel. So I think I just need to bite the bullet. I kind of have shied away from it, especially jeans. My inner thighs rub together a good deal right now and I've blown through jeans. It got expensive replacing jeans every 3-6 months. I haven't tried polyester pants yet; they may wear better! So I'll give this some thought and tries :D&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b>, I always expect great comments here, so I agree! &lt;3 I love Relaxed Retro Boho as a side note, I've been playing with the moniker "Sensual Eclectic" or "Sexy Eclectic" a lot lately, and it's been quite fun! (I prefer the later, not sure why as I usually don't consider my style choices sexy.) So I will play around more with this new one. I generally do go with positive but (haha!) somehow I didn't' think of using <b>AND</b> with that phrase. So I like that shift a lot And you're right: the softer boho is much easier on a daily basis. It's probably why I have been hanging there so much, with minor exceptions.&nbsp;</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347083 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:32:12 +0000 Jenni NZ 2347083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think it’s Jenn with 2 “n”s, just if you’re searching the forum. Her most recent post was about the gold party dress. Sorry on my phone so can’t link. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2347081 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:28:37 +0000 Ket 2347081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, I almost wish I had shown the peplum blouse in black and white. It is a pretty bright color for me. Even so, I agree it's a sharper style for sure, and more buttoned-up and up-keep for daily wear. Thank you for &nbsp;lovely feedback on the new print blouse, btw. I love that blouse. I wish I had a bit more waist shape in it. But it's so beautiful, I almost wish to save it for special wear. (And I'm actually trying to get away from that.) I really appreciate you explaining "practical and not boring" and showing me examples. When I think back on the last 10 years or so, that's actually how I've dressed the majority of the time! So that's comforting.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cee</b>, thank you!! :D&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jaime</b>, you said it well! Choices&nbsp;<i>are </i>soothing to me! I like eclectic. Which is perhaps why I sometimes find it difficult to relate to fashion and style out there -- as they tend to all be a single type? I tend to be a mood dresser. Capsule wardrobes cause dread and anxiety.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Dee</b>, more confirmation I actually do prefer to dress more like the 2nd blouse for everyday wear. It's just easier. And less fussy.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Irina</b>, thank you! I do think moody boho is kind of my home base. I will definitely check out Jen's posts :D&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346972 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:27:08 +0000 Anonymous 2346972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the color of the second blouse much more on you- the first looks more a bright spring color to me.<br /> Big yay for combining styles though! Maybe a peplum top with fluid pants- or the soft blouse with a pencil skirt or pleather leggings? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346940 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:32:09 +0000 Ginger 2346940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TL;dr. I'm with Angie 100%: Practical and not boring.</p> <p>Practical for me is clothes that don't restrict my motions. High waist pants (no waistband pulling down when I crouch or sit) and full skirts (no hip tightness). Also good fabrics like wool flannel and tweed, cotton corduroy, fine cotton tops, and linen, that breathe and are more or less sturdy if I decide to take a break and weed a flower bed or climb a ladder to fix a garland, and can be spot cleaned and washed without worry. Not boring is focusing on precisely the colors, patterns, and color combinations that I love.</p> <p>I finally bought this weekend some pink patterned velvet fabric. I've been eyeing it for over a year; it's home dec and not cheap! But it's pink and beautiful and I will love wearing a skirt from it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346936 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:25:34 +0000 Ginger 2346936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really get this struggle. I went through something similar when I started to work at home. I'm still sitting at a desk for most of the day, but the environment is different (literally different, I can control the temperature more) and I didn't need to be anxious about people noticing me wearing the same top or skirt twice a week.</p> <p>First thing (as Angie says) is to determine your life style. Mine is 4 days sitting, 3 days up and around. I found I wasn't comfortable sitting in pants or shorts for 11 hours, and even leggings were getting annoying. So skirts or dresses it was for those days. That gave me a guideline.</p> <p>Then activities and environment. Sitting, I tend to stay cool or get cold without exercise. So for winter I planned a formula that would let me stay as warm as possible without bundling in a blanket, and yet pull off a layer if I went for a walk and got warm, or was sitting in the sun.</p> <p>And finally, preferences. I'm super particular about color balance and blends in non-dress outfits. So that drove my choices for skirts to make and tops to buy. --&gt; FWIW, I find it relatively easy to find tops, but almost impossible to find skirts that fit my proportions and meet my wishes. So I make skirts and buy most everything else.</p> <p>Maybe doing some basic analysis like this would help you. At least to get things out of the way. You're pretty active. Start with basic pain points (Tights!). Then, do you prefer pants or skirts/dresses? From there, in an ideal world, what would be an ideal type of garment for your day? If pants, what would be the cut? Think outside the box, not just what you see at the stores or what Fabbers are wearing. What is both flattering and comfortable? Say you made some 1940s overalls. (I have done it and they were extremely flattering but also super comfortable and easy to work in. The shirt doesn't untuck or rearrange itself and the wide legs don't restrict movement at all.) At least that's how my mind works! And I do my own thing without an awful lot of reference to trends. That's how I winnow down to what will actually work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346923 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:40:37 +0000 Angie 2346923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ket</b>, first, lots of great comments on this thread!&nbsp;</p> <p>Second, I love BOTH vibes for you. They are easy to unite and juxtapose. Just as you astutely described! You can sport a range of style personas successfully. You are Relaxed Retro Boho! :)</p> <p>You absolutely ROCK that peplum! Too bad the fit was off in the waist.&nbsp;</p> <p>You ROCK those soft boho blouses. Signature. Please carry on!</p> <p>You'll wear what is easier and more comfy most days because that's your sweet spot. You are are the boss!&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone who is limiting the word "but" in their vocabulary, may I suggest;</p> <p>"Practical <b>and</b> not boring".&nbsp;</p> <p>It's a subtle and more positive nuanced version :)&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346817 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:27:52 +0000 cat2 2346817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who has rebuilt wardrobes at various sizes over the years, I would focus on getting some basics in place so you can make entire outfits. For me that was some jeans, some non jean pants and a skirt and a dress. Look for pieces that have details you like, whether it’s the color, the fabric, the cut or a trim. Then you can work from there to figure out what makes you happiest in the fun pieces like tops and sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346814 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:22:14 +0000 Irina 2346814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find the first top looks too sharp because of the fitted style and a bright color. The second one is softer and more harmonious. I think your style is moody boho, you need added contrasting elements to keep an outfit from being too soft. Denim, combat boots or even a tube skirt.&nbsp;<div>Look at&nbsp;<b>Jen’s&nbsp;</b>outfits, she has this edgy boho style, she brilliantly combines tough elements with boho garments.&nbsp;</div><div>You mentioned English country style before, I believe. You might want to use it but it doesn’t have enough juxtaposition in its core.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346812 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 12:19:54 +0000 Dee 2346812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also agree with Suz, the first top is a real statement and its what most will see first. Your second top has a more relaxed, romantic vibe and we see YOU more. &nbsp;Certainly you can play around with both types of silhouettes as your mood dictates, but I’d likely lean more towards the second look for everyday wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346802 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 04:13:06 +0000 Jaime 2346802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Suz really said it all! As a fellow juxtaposing, eclectic type, I say there are times you want one and times you want the other and there is no reason to restrict yourself if having choices is fun and not stressful to you. I am as moody as can be, so choices are relaxing to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346796 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 02:02:22 +0000 Cee 2346796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not bad ! I really like the second one </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346790 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:27:34 +0000 Suz 2346790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA, I think you suit and can wear both styles (boho and retro) but you might find, as long as you are MOTG, that your daily wear needs a bit of ease (and needs to be easy care) while your dressier looks can be more structured.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346789 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:25:42 +0000 Suz 2346789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you can combine both style elements, but you are correct that some retro pieces are more demanding to wear or at least can feel demanding to wear when you are MOTG.&nbsp;</p> <p>The new blouse does not create as much shape because it is less structured itself. <b>BUT</b> it frames your face in a spectacular way. The pattern also subtly echoes and highlights your lovely curls. It is harmonious on you. It doesn't fight you. You shine in it!&nbsp;</p> <p>I see <b>YOU</b>&nbsp;first, when you wear the blouse. I see the top first, then you, when I see the peplum. Part of that is the colour, which is also fab on you but much more insistent. Part is the snug and structured cut. Part is that -- as you mentioned -- the fit is not just right. It doesn't mean that top is bad on you -- it's just more demanding to wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>I may have been the one who said the coat was practical but not boring. For me, a practical but not boring item is often an item that fits easily into my daily rotation in terms of its level of casualness/ dressiness/ structure/ ease and level of care required. But it is a fun pattern or colour or a slightly unusual cut. Like my new velvet jeans, strangely enough. These are practical -- warm, easy to wear, comfy. But not boring. Another practical not boring new item (for me) is my Effie sparkle top. One from the summer was my asymmetrical skirt. Practical because it is knit, easy wash and wear, navy (my dark neutral). Not boring because of the cut.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-for-some-advice-retro-and-stiff-versus-boho-and-soft#post-2346770 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:21:34 +0000 Ket 2346770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love some advice. Similar to&nbsp;<b><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slow-edit-slow-evolution">Janet's recent post</a></b>, I and doing some navel gazing and recognizing some looks are better on me. So, here's a long meandering post. That said:&nbsp;I would love your thoughts and feedback, if anyone has any!&nbsp;</p> <p> <div>Now, I take Angie's advice very much to heart: I am the boss, not the clothes.&nbsp;However, I'm also noting what looks good on me versus what looks KILLER on me. Maybe with weight shifts it will change. I'm not sure.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Also I have a broad range of clothing tastes. I love anything that's vintage, historic, interesting, thrifted, kooky, retro, dramatic, romantic, or handcrafted. (My Pinterest general style board has close to 6,000 images saved. I just love fashion and style.) </p> <p>But in an effort to feel good about myself, I've also been wondering what is great on me and what is, perhaps, the style of my 20s clinging to me. (I was such a hipster in the mid 2010s!) Am I really that good in bohemian? Do I do better in slightly more refined retro with a bit more defined lines?&nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div>For comparison, I've been looking at this coral peplum top versus the new floral print blouse I purchased. </p> <p>The coral top had issues, and was returned. The waistline was a bit above my natural waistline, just enough to be a pain. Nevertheless, I still wish I had kept it. On the flipside, a more retro style takes more energy to wear. It's not "slip this on and nap on the couch later" type clothes to me.</p> <p> </div><div>The print blouse is soft, and fluid, and just so comfy to wear. I love it. It takes minimal energy to wear. While I don't think it's horrific on me by any means, I don't know if it creates as much shape as the coral top.&nbsp; </p> <p>In the end, I'm likely going to keep both styles in rotation. I do not like feeling boxed in or labeled necessarily. I dress by feeling most days.&nbsp;</p> <p>The reason I'm exploring is I want to sew and knit more in 2024. I don't want to waste the time and materials sewing things that aren't necessarily my best.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have been considering the statement made to me about my coat: it's practical but not boring. What does practical but not boring look like for me? I am kind of feeling into that, though I don't have Ean exact answer for it. It's likely something I'll have to kind of feel out as I go along.&nbsp;</p> <p>Something I have noted and an image consultant pointed out to me: I tend to favor a lot of juxtaposition. And that part is very true for me. I feel very stifled and fussy in a peplum top AND pencil skirt. But pair the peplum top with soft pants, or the pencil skirt with a poet blouse, and I'm happy camper.&nbsp;</p> <p>maybe I just need more juxtaposition and mixing of pieces. (Which means I need to buy more bottoms, really and truly! 2 pairs of jeggings aren't doing it.)</p> <p> </div></p>