YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-year review: am I on track?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-year review: am I on track? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:50:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jaime on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388775 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 23:34:19 +0000 Jaime 2388775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree that your style is bolder in the best way. I agree that bold can be more than color, and in your case I see it as leaning into your own personal style so you have a distinct look, which creates a sort of presence. As for me, goals? What's dat? Kyle on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388719 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:07:44 +0000 Kyle 2388719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did a major closet overhaul this year. I got rid of my remaining pre-retirement clothes and finally started to figure out what my retirement and hot weather style looks like. I’m being more realistic about what I need and will or will not wear, and very picky about every piece I add. I can now walk in my closet and quickly assemble a nice-looking outfit — I no longer just stand there feeling overwhelmed. I’m not as careful or deliberate as you are, but I do prefer a smaller wardrobe, but also need a reasonable level of variety. I would love to do all of my shopping in person (especially for shoes) but it’s not always possible. Meanwhile, I continue to always enjoy seeing your creative style. Suz on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388674 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:46:50 +0000 Suz 2388674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, I just looked up my goals, and they were essentially no goals, so no wonder I could not remember! I decided I was just going to carry on carrying on!  "My main goal is to carry on, like yours (Angie's) and Helena’s. I’m going to do a bit of analysis on the forum when I get a chance, though. One addition I know I want to make is more white/ off-white jeans/ trousers across seasons. This goes with my word of the year, white, but also reflects the fact that I had to retire several very old pairs of white jeans."I I have indeed added another pair of white jeans and a white denim jacket, as well as some white tees, and some bone sandales, so I guess I am doing well with that goal.  Suz on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388673 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:40:19 +0000 Suz 2388673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla, as others have pointed out, you are extremely thoughtful and considered about your style and also leave room for the odd wild card, especially in your thrifting. I love how you work hard to style your items in multiple ways. Your small wardrobe is extremely hard working and the thought you put into it pays huge dividends. Brava!  I think the pleather pencil skirt is plenty bold! Fun colour, interesting texture, and while classic, also a bit of a fashion-forward choice because pencils are a fringe trend.  I am embarrassed to admit I can't even remember what my goals were --I mus to a review of my own. Thank you for the inspiration!  LJP on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388537 Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:53:51 +0000 LJP 2388537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd venture to say that you *have* achieved bolder, at least in how I understand the word to mean.  Crisp and structured and colourful , with the addition of menswear accessories all = bold in my eyes anyways. Like many others have said, your skill with a small wardrobe and discipline are admirable.  I don't have that same personality makeup - but can certainly appreciate it in others. Also  that new EF vest should be fun to work with once fall hits !  And lastly - you've inspired me to do a mid-year reveiw/edit of my own.  I have a few days off coming up soon and just might give my closet a once-over now that I've had a chance to see what I'm wearing this summer.  Sal on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388536 Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:40:52 +0000 Sal 2388536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see boldness here Carla - in spirit and attitude. And I think leaning into your crisp classic Essence with a twist. I will look at my goals too - I am trying to shop locally as well. It’s not all made in NZ though. I have had success with thrifting and second hand too this year but as it was out of season shopping it is still to be worn. Lisa on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388448 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:51:54 +0000 Lisa 2388448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've done an EXCELLENT job of wearing the heck out of your clothes. I always enjoy your outfit posts and seeing how you remix your small sized wardrobe into new outfits, it's quite inspirational! And your new additions are thoughtful and purposeful, mixing seamlessly into your wardrobe. Bravo! One of my goals this year has been to reduce the amount of black in my wardrobe. I've done a fair job of that, having edited much of the black clothing out of my wardrobe and staying away from adding any new clothes in black. Black is so common across all seasons, I have to remind myself when I shop not to look at black. The items I added from my summer shopping list have worked well (you can see them<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/checking-in-on-my-summer-shopping-list"> in this post.</a>) I thought I was done with my summer shopping, but I have added a few pieces in linen (I put in the finds). We have a long summer season, and I think linen pants will be a nice change from shorts. I also have a European trip planned and I would prefer to sport pants over shorts for that trip (many religious sites require being covered up and since I do not wear dresses, I think linen pants will work well in the heat while providing leg coverage). I've been slowly expanding my linen shirt collection for some variety beyond my graphic tees in the heat too. I also added a JCrew chambray shirt to replace a denim one I had that got a hole in it. I also recently added a couple of Hawaiian shirts for an upcoming cruise. I have a large wardrobe, but I still do 1 in/1 out, so I have edited some items from my wardrobe to make sure I don't start stuffing my closet with more items than I can use. JAileen on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388442 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:58:48 +0000 JAileen 2388442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your style, and how thoughtful you are about your wardrobe, too.  I like what kkards said about older women simply wearing shorts being bold - yes!  I think I’m older than you and shorts are essential for me, too.  It was already 96 this month.  Skorts might look better, but for me, shorts are cooler. Angie on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388437 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:34:35 +0000 Angie 2388437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like what Karie said in her first sentence! Carla, I see bolder as you gain major confidence in owning and working a classic style and small wardrobe. More importantly, your curly hair IS your bold and makes the biggest statement ROCK ON.  New additions fit seamlessly into your wardrobe! Loving the additions of the  mustard, animal print, and white bottoms. Please carry on.  Like Janet, I feel the need to do therapeutic shopping this year - and did just that with out-of-town fun fashion friends this week in B&M stores. It was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! And we had a ball! New items are thoughtful and work well with what I have. I'm delighted! Karie on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388435 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:18:03 +0000 Karie 2388435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your “Older and Bolder” mantra, and your style seems very organized and well thought out. I much prefer to shop B & M, but a lot of retailers have left my area (like J Crew and Athleta) so it’s getting harder and harder to do that. Olive Green on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388434 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:11:15 +0000 Olive Green 2388434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your style. So deadpan chic! You really pay attention to the shoe, and accessories, which to me makes it.  Like you, I have most everything I need, and am not wanting. So right now working on making a backup/copycat each for regular wear shoes and boots. All new purchases are online as even a Target is an hour away and I am a full time caregiver. So sticking with tried and true brands. We are Tilley twins.  Big change this summer was Jorts, have three pair now, and will be replacing lighter cotton poplin shorts as they wear out. Have edited the tshirts, and have a lovely range from Uniqlo and Comfort Colors.  For me, a bit muted and tonal makes it work. I love bold and bright but stuff like the cobalt would only work in accessories.  That mustard vest is FAB. Waiting for that WIW photo.  RobinF on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388429 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:38:46 +0000 RobinF 2388429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Dee's description - classic and playful. I love how you know your style and pick up pieces that work seamlessly with it.  I have been buying a bit of both B&M and online, new and thrifted. I used to shop with my mom but since she passed away I don't really have a shopping partner. DH goes with me but it's not the same So I miss that but sometimes online works better anyway, as long as I choose carefully and make sure to return those that items don't work. Janet on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388428 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:00:28 +0000 Janet 2388428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always admire your thoughtfulness and discipline around your style. Despite my thoughts at the beginning of the year, I’ve been doing a bit of shopping. I admit, it’s been partly emotional retail therapy as I’ve been feeling restless and in need of distraction. But, it’s not been mindless. I’ve been editing a lot too, and changing out some old things that no longer suit me and my goals for newer, nicer versions that will hopefully last me a long time. I check out the local stores, especially smaller shops because I want to give them my business, but I do order online mostly from Nordstrom and Athleta. I’ve started popping into a couple of local consignment/thrift stores, but rarely find anything interesting in my size. Star (Lise) on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388427 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:41:27 +0000 Star (Lise) 2388427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am inspired by the way you manage a small wardrobe. Your outfits do look bolder to me, while still being totally practical which is not always that easy to achieve, adding into the mix that you wear the same items a lot yet often come up with new combinations is really cool. When you add a new piece you really make it work in multiple ways. Like I said 'inspiring'. Also alot of people would consider your choice of colours and prints bold. I definitely see bold in your outfits. As for me I have shopped a lot more than I planned this year but mostly 2nd hand, and I am extremely happy I did. My wardrobe feels much fresher than it has done in years. I kept to buying only in the proposed earthy palette and it is making me happy. Dee on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388426 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:35:02 +0000 Dee 2388426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really enjoying your style direction Runcarla, it's classic in many ways yet playful. I like your considerate approach when adding new items and yes, being bolder can simply be trying new styling ideas. I'm a B&M shopper, whether at a regular retailer or a thrift or a consignment store. I need to feel and see the construction before trying things on. I rarely online shop because I'm fortunate to live in a big city with plenty of options. I had hoped to do a low buy this year, but I haven't done too well in this regard, I added new jorts, cropped light wash Levi's 501s, a couple of tops etc.. and I now have to sort out my footwear due to problems with one foot. kkards on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388424 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:24:10 +0000 kkards 2388424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla you are always so true to your style, and your goals. <div> </div><div>Re this statement  Shorts are the backbone of my hot summer outfits, but there’s nothing particularly bold or stylish about them I know what your are saying, but I think there are many women who would disagree with you. I think many women of a certain age would say that just wearing shorts is bold. </div><div> </div><div>And I do think your style is bolder, or at least bolder than what I remember of your style from when you 1st started posting on the forum.  Your embrace of colored leather pieces is the 1st thing that comes to mind.  These are bold pieces that you have made, IMO, part of your signature style.  </div><div>Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year looks like </div> Helena on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388423 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:17:29 +0000 Helena 2388423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla I've always admired the organized intention you bring to your style journey. You put your eyes on a goal and move forward with purpose. Seems like you continue to do so this year! Well done and YLF! Staysfit on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388422 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:09:53 +0000 Staysfit 2388422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @runcarla, I think one way to be bolder by embracing a more crisp and classic look as well as to making use of color, print and the silhouettes and architecture of your outfits.  It sounds like you are on track. My only purchase between January and June was a long down coat from Aritzia that fits easily over my bulkier knits and blazers. I am rethinking my personal style, and will likely make some edited purchases to create some looks that match my revised vision. Lynne on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388394 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:30:23 +0000 Lynne 2388394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @runCarla I love your style direction! I'm sure you're channelling Older and Bolder in many ways, not just your wardrobe! @bijou, I adore your shearling loafers!!! I love supporting B&M stores and thrifting where I can, but sometimes online just feels more convenient. Bijou on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388393 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:24:35 +0000 Bijou 2388393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Crisp whites make a statement, particularly in summer. Your wardrobe additions are well considered and practical.  My wardrobe is becoming more casual and reflects my desire to be comfortable and yet wearing clothes that I love and also purchased locally - my goal is to look glam and fun without being overly dressy. These were my main goals for 2025 and they are working for me. I am not shopping online - this is due to: 1. finding online buying tricky to see the fit and fabrication, and my history of laziness at not returning less than stellar items; and 2. wanting to support bricks and mortar stores in my local area, everything I have bought this year has been from a few small boutiques (other than 2 items bought when travelling). 15 items purchased in total with a view to cutting back over the next 6 months. For this winter, I have enjoyed buying (and wearing) the following pieces: - shearling loafers (I wear them even around the house as they feel like slippers - but wonderful shoes with great support and take my orthotics); - fashion sneakers - glitter, with zebra and leopard print and a touch of pink in the mix - so OTT they work with everything. - a vinyl jacket with faux fur, a great windbreaker and so useful when walking my dogs, inexpensive and fun. - velvet topper - I get so many compliments when wearing this, it instantly dresses things up. .  Carla on "Mid-year review: am I on track?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-am-i-on-track#post-2388391 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:32:08 +0000 Carla 2388391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sort of… My mantra for 2025, chosen in January,  is ‘Older and Bolder’. My plan was to wear the heck out all the clothes in my closet, adding a few colourful or bold elements (gold footwear and bag?, leopard print?), and being braver with my style.  Second hand first, and B&M a priority. Wearing the heck out of my clothes… All but two pair of my 10 bottoms (7 pants, 3 shorts) were new last year, and those 8 bottoms have all racked up over 30 wears.  Black linen pants thrifted in 2023 have 13 wears, but will come into their own over summer.  New natural coloured 501’s have 10 wears since purchase in April. Tracking wears has taught me that I wear 1/3 of my tops in cold weather, 1/3 of my tops in hot/warm weather, and 1/3 of them year round.  The later category get the most wears and are lightweight flannel button downs and lightweight cotton sweaters. In May I edited 5 cotton sweaters with 50-60 wears each due to visible signs of wear.  I have not replaced them, and can promote lesser worn tops that fit the brief when cooler weather returns.  I culled 7 items in a fist quarter edit, and another 9 this quarter.  7 were for the trash bin, and 9 were donated.   Shopping… I’ve added 10 ‘new’ items this year - see Finds below.  5 items thrifted.  The Eileen Fisher puffer vest was thrifted, then gifted to me by a fellow thrifter who decided the fit was too snug for her.  The vest and the bikini are the only items that haven’t been worn yet.  Everything else is in rotation with the Vejas, 501’s, white button down, and navy bucket hat getting a lot of wears.  The leopard print shoes, we on my list, but any ‘gold’ has been more of a mustard hue (sweater and puffer vest) and I won’t be wearing them for a couple of months.  The Vejas were bought online from Simons - a Canadian department store chain - everything else was B&M. Style… I don’t feel like my style is bolder, but it has become ‘crisper’ as I lean heavily into classic - and own it!  I’m doing things like wearing silk scarves tied like a man’s necktie with cotton and linen button downs, and using a double breasted blazer jacket as my third piece.  As soon as the weather warmed up, I pulled out the prints: red Hawaiian shirt, lemon dress, a new fruit and flower print skirt.   <div> </div><div>Shorts are the backbone of my hot summer outfits, but there’s nothing particularly bold or stylish about them.  However, I’ve been paying closer attention to the tops I wear - favouring crisp cotton and linen button downs - and taking a little extra time to ‘style’ them (tucking, knotting, creative buttoning, etc.) and making better choices with how I accessorize. Bolder isn’t just bright colours!  It can be body con or architectural shapes, creative styling, prints and textures! Going forward… Shopping is more challenging at present due to a variety of factors.  I’m not feeling any constraint to styling of outfits because I’m lacking something - so not feeling any pressure to buy - nor loosing the enjoyment in shopping when I do browse.  New parameters are just another challenge to overcome! If you set wardrobe or fashion goals for 2025, how are you doing?  Are you sourcing your clothing and accessories differently?  Any B&M shoppers out there? Or mostly on line? </div>