YouLookFab Forum » Topic: [meta] Your WiW Preferences?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: [meta] Your WiW Preferences? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:18:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Zaeobi on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences/page/2#post-2339052 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:26:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2339052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Jonesy Yes it makes the YLF forum unique, for sure! (I tried posting to Lookbook many years ago, but the comments feature just wasn't the same - it was also centred around 'finished' looks instead of workshopping outfits) @LaPed Roundup posts seem to be popular! Even if your opinion echoes others, that can still be useful information for the poster to know - especially if they're evaluating K/R or trying to gauge reactions to their looks LaPed on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences/page/2#post-2339033 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:31:09 +0000 LaPed 2339033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like both! My preference as both audience and author is a big roundup style post, where you can really see themes and patterns emerge. I don’t always comment on wiws because I often feel I’d just be repeating what others have already said. But I can sympathize with the feeling of having your post feel overlooked or neglected, maybe I should chime in more! Jonesy on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences/page/2#post-2339009 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:14:55 +0000 Jonesy 2339009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really enjoy all sorts of WIW posts! Echoing JenniNZ, I think the WIW posts add something distinctive to the forum. Zaeobi on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences/page/2#post-2338969 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:15:51 +0000 Zaeobi 2338969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @lyn67 Oh of course - we don't know what the item looks & feels like in reality, so ultimately we can't judge it as well as the poster. @Irina I know what you mean about Pinterest - it can be like those websites that masquerade as fashion blogs but are really just one giant advertisement (you know the ones - with the endless sponsored posts, gifted items & lots of glossy photos with little to no context like text or background story). Some people love reading those for escapism but, much like @Dee says, others get overwhelmed & need more 'direction' to know how to respond/ proceed. I doubt that @staysfit meant that comparison in a way that causes offense - I interpreted it as Pinterest photos & WiWs without a textual explanation/ background story/ thematic questions don't teach her as much about people's thought processes *behind* their fashion decisions (which can then inform her own). But some people like/ actually prefer that! It's just like @JenniNZ says about her outfit creation process - it comes almost intuitively to her now, but took some practice to get there. Some people can practise that from a single stylised image by itself (whether it be from a magazine, blog, Instagram or Pinterest), intuitively knowing how to put together their own look in comparison to it - but others may need more images together (like collected on a Pinterest board) to be able to draw enough thematic links to work out how to apply it to their own style. lyn67 on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338957 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:41:36 +0000 lyn67 2338957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Irina-thanx for cutting it in slices for me. I am not using Pinterest nowadays. Used it in the past for my inspiration, too- but see, I still didn't get it right at first---I only now understand the difference....so may have been the case with Staysfit, too. ETA just for the context & LOL. I so strongly prepared myself for posting a long promissed  wiw from my part this morning but  forgot my phone at home....will make up for it tomorrow, I hope!:-)) Dee on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338955 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:13:19 +0000 Dee 2338955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi - I enjoy seeing different angles of an outfit and closeups of items too. I was referring to a huge dump of photos that come with little explanation or context to them. Jenni NZ on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338951 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:39:31 +0000 Jenni NZ 2338951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel like I do my outfit prep almost instinctively these days- quite quickly, but mainly because I have a lot of choice in both the main clothing items and the accessories. Today I thought I would wear a less worn mock neck because it’s getting warmer and this is a thinner fabric. It’s red, then I wore my older dark grey pants which are also a thinner fabric. Then the studded Oxfords. Then I thought, oh a chance to layer just a waistcoat since it’s warmer, don’t need full knitwear. This waistcoat needs a brooch to hold it so I picked a silver coin one which matches the silver studs on the Oxfords. And then I thought which earrings?- oh, I have some that are red and silver, those will be perfect. And that whole process probably only took about 2 minutes. It has taken many years to get to this point of ease. Yay! Irina on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338891 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:06:51 +0000 Irina 2338891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn67, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Pinterest. I like it and use it a lot. All my wardrobe is there as well as a number of lists and all sorts of boards.  <div>I look at Pinterest images (and other online photos) for inspiration. I They are mostly heavily edited and aim to impress, promote, sell. To me it’s a new format of fashion magazines. Some forum members are very stylish women with great skills in creating outfits. I enjoy looking at their outfits but I see them as real women in real clothes who choose to share what they wear and do not use their photos as advertisement. Although I don’t think any of my outfits can be mistaken for a Pinterest image, I still find the comparison offensive, sorry. Zaeobe, you are right, my style is minimal and maybe because of that I’m not sure I understand what “extensive outfit prep” means unless we are talking about special occasion outfits.  </div> lyn67 on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338877 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:53:25 +0000 lyn67 2338877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a visual person, so I like them all!  I never post K/R but always learn from other's comments and love to share my 2 cents, too-just don't expect to be counted heavy--we are all different and you never know better than actually the person itself. LOL, Irina what's wrong with Pinterest? Just curious...:-)  Zaeobi on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338864 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:34:26 +0000 Zaeobi 2338864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Irina Yes, this forum is a nice way to get an idea of how 'real' people live in their clothes (as opposed to highly styled celebrities/ bloggers etc), which I'm guessing is what @staysfit was referring to. Well, your minimalist style looks great without extensive outfit prep, so it obviously works for you! @Dee No worries. I find it useful to see different angles of the same outfit so I can imagine it in 'reality', but I can see how that might overwhelm others - guilty as charged, sorry lol! @Jules Good thing there are others who prefer the 'finished' WiWs, so they can comment on those ones for you :) Haha I actually get a little overwhelmed by Instagram BECAUSE of the lack of textual explanation & just scrolling through emojis/ photos - so to build on @Dee's point, horses for courses I guess @Suz You've made me realise that I'm likely the same - a different poster based on my time constraints. Like when I started this thread but didn't reply until 5 days later (lol oops...) I still need to get better at assessing fit... @JenniNZ Yes, I remember the days of posting in text-only forums (back on dialup internet, no less) were a very different experience... @Janet Yes, flatlays are better than nothing (no text) - I like them for inspiration but I also like that WiWs give an idea of how garments hang on different bodies. Yes to weather affecting WiWs though - I'm so over having to wear rainboots in this humidity... @Sal Yes, I like seeing people's explanations on WHY their opinions differ - I find it useful on K/R or Y/N posts. I also can't participate in NAS, don't worry (well I COULD but I sympathise on the worldwide shipping costs). 'A welcome distraction from work' is an excellent way to put it @Angie Thanks, I hope you had (are having?) a good holiday :) Yes, even with people I 'follow' I still miss posts - so I can't imagine what it's like for you! Oh what we could all achieve with more hours in a day, haha... Angie on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338702 Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:43:18 +0000 Angie 2338702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Soooo nice to see you chime back in, Zaeobi :)  This is my forum, and I enjoy ALL the on topic posts about fashion and style! I don't have faves.  I try to comment on most of the posts eventually, but not always in as much detail as I would like. Time is at a forever shortage, and sometimes I miss posts. I need another 12 hours in a day...... Sal on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338631 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:00:52 +0000 Sal 2338631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With Keep /return posts I feel I can be helpful - and it's kind of like virtual shopping without spending money!!  I find it interesting when everyone has the same opinion, and just as interesting when we all differ. I feel with the forum that it is a give and take thing - I don't expect everyone to comment on all my posts or even be interested in them.  I rarely comment on shopping advice ones eg where to buy a green puffer - because I can't really help because I usually don't know.  I don't comment as much during NAS because I don't participate in it.  And sometimes I am tired or not in the mood for commenting.  So I get it.  I have weeks when the forum is a brilliant distraction from work - and times when I don't have much to give. But I am much more likely to comment on people's posts who do contribute to the forum - and who comment on other people's and give advice/support etc.  I like seeing new people join and I feel we are welcoming to genuine newcomers here. Janet on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338628 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:04:47 +0000 Janet 2338628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like it all. I enjoy visuals and really prefer posts with photos, even though I can’t always comment on every one. Even if it’s just a flat lay or pics of individual items, it gives me visual information that I find very helpful and stimulating. But WIWs are the best. Maybe now that the weather is cooling off, and we finally mounted our full-length mirror on our bedroom door, I’ll post more of them. Jenni NZ on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338626 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 20:13:17 +0000 Jenni NZ 2338626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like all kinds of WIW. Just imagine for a moment what this site would be like if no-one posted any photos? While there can still be helpful interactions with Fabbers who do not, being able to see the people who are discussing both the joys of dressing and the issues with it really enriches the discussion, to me. The process posts might sometimes make the discussion even richer, but the pure joy of just a “look what I wore” is a pleasant counterpoint to that in my view. Suz on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338623 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:54:19 +0000 Suz 2338623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like all kinds of WIW posts -- and never really know which type I might prefer until I delve into the photos/ text!  I will admit that sometimes my time constraints affect which type will appeal most. When I'm overwhelmed with work, or when I'm travelling or dealing with visitors or a lot of family issues,  I probably prefer the siimple, one outfit type that aren't asking any questions that demand real thought, ;)  It's street style in virtual form and people watching and that's fun.  When I have more time for analysis, I like the theme-related, the challenge-associated, or the set of outfits across time, as well as the outfit labs and packing posts.  As to the question about K/R -- I learned a lot about fit from those posts in the early years. As well as less easily articulatable stuff about style congruency. I honed my ability to see why something might work or not work for a particular poster, and could also translate that to my own style.  Jules on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338616 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:10:09 +0000 Jules 2338616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Both! And while I may engage more on process WIWs, it would too bad if the posters who have largely perfected their process, or just aren't really looking for our feedback, stopped posting WIWs.  I do consider YLF to be an alternative to overly curated instagram and pinterest images, and even more so, the ability to engage about fashion and style using text has been huge for me as I am not a visual person, and had to learn all the lessons the hard way with both words and pictures. On IG I go with the flow and mostly post emojis! But we have so much more going on here than that.  Dee on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338600 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:29:29 +0000 Dee 2338600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi thanks for the clarification. Funny I had only thought of WIWs as the final result although most of my own WIWs tended to have some type of theme or question related to them. I do enjoy WIWs that have a question/theme related to the post but generally like all types of WIWs. However, if there’s a huge amount of photos and little context I become overwhelmed with how to respond.  Irina on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338599 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:29:23 +0000 Irina 2338599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, WIW is a window in somebody’s life - this is how forum members look while they go about their life, attend events, travel. I appreciate them for the opportunity to connect an online persona with a real person in their part of the world. A single photo or a collection, it’s all good. <div>When someone posts outfit labs and other questions, I try to be helpful without hurting someone feelings. </div><div>I’m not that interested in a process of creating outfits. Maybe it’s because I don’t invest much in it myself. It is mostly a personal taste and preferences. And we all different. I don’t see how it can be useful. </div><div> </div><div>Also, wow Staysfit, you compared WIW with Pinterest. Thanks, you just gave me another reason not to post WIW :)</div> Zaeobi on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338597 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:22:25 +0000 Zaeobi 2338597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Sloper That makes sense - I like to post Outfit Labs when I need the opinions of people somewhat clued into fashion (like YLFers) to help me hone my process. @rachylou Haha avoiding indecent exposure is as good a reason as any to get dressed! 'Evolution' is a good word for it but I hear you - I'm still procrastinating uploading all my items into Finds, let alone cataloguing them in WiWs lol! @Kate Fair enough - can you put your finger on why you prefer the Process WiWs? @Helena What sort of wisdom do you glean from Process VS 'Final' WiWs? @Astrid Don't worry, I'm sure we were all 'messy' at first - I still remember my first photos posted on YLF where I hadn't even styled the rest of the outfit (in pyjamas bottoms with the top in question, oops lol!) Would love to see photos if you do decide to acquire anything new (or even just remix your existing items in a different way!) @Jenn I agree that a 'scatter shot' type post can be helpful for getting a more well rounded idea of someone's style. But I think I get what you're saying - often I'll see an outfit in a static photo (not just on YLF, but the internet at large) & wonder what it looks like in motion. Not just the fabrics/ cuts but just how it fits with that person's personality & lifestyle. It's difficult to ascertain those things from just photos (& text), but maybe video reels could help? @Sal Interesting - may I ask what it is that you find useful about K/R posts? @Jaime Virtual people watching, I like that Especially during COVID, I can see the value in it! @suntiger I'm with you - seeing the Story of Style @staysfit No worries, glad you encouraged me to ! (Because otherwise I tend to doubt whether my 'verbal diarrhoea' comments are actually of use to anyone but me lol - I sure hope no one gets annoyed at my need to 'talk through' my thoughts on a post to help crystallise them). Yes, maybe it's just me but I'm noticing that, post-pandemic, some people are growing tired of the 'overly manicured' image that can be pervasive in fashion (like the Pinterest posts you mentioned, or perfectly arranged Instagram flatlays). Like I said to Jenn, that 'real life' flavour to style is what draws me in too! @Olive Packing posts are great! But I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into making them - not just making sure your travel capsule makes sense, but ensuring that your *photos* of it & *yourself* are coherent enough to tell a story? I'm exhausted just thinking about it! Probably why I *still* have photos from my UK capsule wardrobe that I have yet to post, lol oops ... Good point about 'shopping with a friend' - just realised that I've done that only once since moving to HK! Olive Green on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338595 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:03:24 +0000 Olive Green 2338595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of my favorite subjects is capsule wardrobes, as at least the core of a working, cohesive closet. Minimizes the “does this go with anything?”dilemma. Packing posts are a subset of this. So that is one thing.  Since I have lost the pleasures of shopping with a friend to the pandemic and a couple of moves, not to mention the move of commerce to online sources, YLF and all the ladies who post finds and WIW are a part of my process! Zaeobi on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338594 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:57:13 +0000 Zaeobi 2338594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Dee the question is open to interpretation! I'm asking BOTH the people who post their WiWs & the people who view them for their preferences (& reasons why, if they'd like to share). However Irina's original question was about why people post WiWs so I was thinking along those lines - what are people's reasons &/ or preferences for posting 'process' WiWs (like outfit labs or K/R posts) VS 'finished' ones (snapshots, as others put it, like 'look at What I Wore today!')? Some people take others' feedback on their 'process' WiWs to post further, followup WiWs that incorporate said feedback. Others will post a thematic series (like a collection of what they wore that month - or even every month for a year!) It's interesting to see others' thought processes! Staysfit on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338592 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:03:03 +0000 Staysfit 2338592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for separating this into another post Zaeobi.  I prefer the process.  Photos of an end result are nice and can provide some ideas however, without the process they are a bit like Pinterest or Instagram. If we want destination/end result photos…..(repeat) we have Pinterest, Instagram and other resources, although I admit these options may sometimes display more models, celebrities and content makers and not as many real looking people as is ideal.  The process and discussion of WIW’s, and the potential for real people of all shapes, sizes, and multiple demographics, etc. makes YLF unique. The openness forum members have in sharing their process is one of my favorite parts of this forum.  I learn much from the thought processes others use when putting together an outfit.  Often, an end “destination” photo WIW of a single outfit photo includes dialog about what went into the process of creating that outfit or even a question that causes helpful and interesting discussion in the ensuing thread.  Nevertheless, I keep returning for the process and discussion more than for the looks.  I love outfit labs, posts with variations on a theme (Brooklyn), a grouping of outfits worn over a period of time that highlight someone’s personal style or perhaps some other concern they are trying to work out.  I also love closet edit posts and travel posts in which people share what they packed and how well their choices worked for their chosen destination and activities.   Anonymous on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338587 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:37:42 +0000 Anonymous 2338587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Jenn in liking collections of outfits. I'm not particularly interested in WIWs on their own, but I like them in context. I'm much more interested in how people's whole wardrobes work for their lives, how their styles evolve over time, their versions of a theme, and dressing situations that are more challenging than normal. Jaime on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338550 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 01:01:40 +0000 Jaime 2338550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think they are all interesting. Agree with Jenn that a sampling is extra fun because you get a better feel for a person's overall style and also can see what works relatively better or worse on them. But it is all interesting - and yes, a way of people watching with people you actually get to know on some level.  Sal on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338537 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:44:48 +0000 Sal 2338537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no preference. I like outfit lab, keep/return posts, wardrobe editing posts, a good one off outfit that a forum member likes or a collection.  The posts linking back to Angie's blog posts or suggestions are also fun. Sometimes I can be helpful, and sometimes I really can't.  I find it interesting that sometimes there is a clear forum preference for a keep/return post - and sometimes it is very mixed feedback.  Thanks Jenn!  That's a lovely comment. Jenn on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338536 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:14:41 +0000 Jenn 2338536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My favorite WIW posts are ones where people post several outfits at once, so we get to see a sampling of their style--like the way Brooklyn interprets themes and repeats formulas, or how Sal navigates one style persona across multiple dressiness levels and functionality needs, or how Runcarla mixes and matches color capsules to create lots of interesting outfits froma small wardrobe.  I'm not super great at seeing sizing issues or analyzing what's wrong with a piece or an outfit, but I find others' comments on those "in process" WIWs instructional. Enjoyment-wise, though, I always gravitate to posts where I can basically see the forum's "street style." (And I will say, once I know a member's style, it does become easier to pinpoint what's working and what's not for them.) Astrid on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338534 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:40:46 +0000 Astrid 2338534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In the very beginning when I started posting WIW it was because I was absolutely clueless about clothes and what I liked and I wanted feedback to improve. I had no one in real life interested in fashion I could ask. Looking back those first few years of experimentation were a bit of a mess. I felt less need to post my outfit pictures the better it got and the more clear my preferences became. I haven’t been documenting my outfits at all in the last few years, mostly because I’ve felt quite settled in my style and I didn’t shop that much anymore (reading a lot about the climate crisis and our overconsumption made me want to stop buying just for the sake of something new). That said, I feel like I’ve been wanting a bit of a change lately, so regular outfit pictures might help me decide where to put my money if the next acquisition is necessary. Helena on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338530 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:46:51 +0000 Helena 2338530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like both ... process is interesting; final results are fun and often inspiring. I find I can glean wisdom from both types. For my part, I find sharing my own process can be quite helpful for myself so that I can replicate or avoid as needed! Kate on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338525 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:47:10 +0000 Kate 2338525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like both as well, though especially the process ones. rachylou on "[meta] Your WiW Preferences?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/meta-wiw-preferences#post-2338524 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:32:29 +0000 rachylou 2338524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like both! For process ones, it’s nice to see ‘options’ as opposed to perhaps just a yay/nay on a single outfit and/or to have some kind of signal as to what the doubts may be - because the reality is one is good so long as one is clothed! It’s also interesting to see folks’ evolution over time - like a year, over many posts :) And I really enjoy seeing capsules. Developments. I’d say whole wardrobes, but I for one confess to having too large of one for pictures. Can’t ask it of everyone else!