YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My fashion reality check

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My fashion reality check https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:52:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Janet on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374292 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:48:46 +0000 Janet 2374292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kyle, you look super sharp as always! But I hear you. I think you might benefit from mixing things up a little as you enter this new phase of life. All the pieces are super workable — even the dressier boots — but it’s all in the mix. When I want to wear a dressier item, I make sure to work in something else in the outfit, or even multiple elements in the outfit, to play against type. Dressy boots? I’ll go with faded jeans. A blazer? Graphic tee and maybe denim or my Athleta side stripe pants. Nice trousers? Pair them with sneakers and a denim jacket. I’d play around with these elements you have on here, to make them feel more casual and appropriate for your new life. I think you’ll find they all work! Sal on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374220 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:36:26 +0000 Sal 2374220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love these outfits Kyle.  They are modern and fun and also practical.   I exercise in the morning and then get dressed for the day.  But I go out to work 90% of the time now, so I have to change.   I agree with Angie - wear the lovely things even when at home.  Maybe coords/sets could make you feel comfortable in between the activewear and the smarter casual?   In summer I feel really good at home in my jumpsuit.  I somehow feel stylish and cool and put together. Suz on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374216 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 01:36:26 +0000 Suz 2374216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love those outfits, Kyle! I'd wear any of them (and have the shoes to give it a start!)  My climate differs....but I SO understand your dilemma. For me, changing in and out of the exercise gear is key, and I just give myself permission to do it if I need to. For instance, my twice weekly kettlebell classes are in the morning, so I wear gear for those and then shower and change. But I'll often go for a bike ride, or. maybe a jog, or in winter, even a skate --  in the afternoon --  so I just change into gear to do it and change back to the real clothes later. For walks I tend to wear my "normal" clothes but switch out the footwear.  For commuting by bike, ditto, though I do prefer my narrower trousers when on the bike, as a rule.  And like Angie, I tend to wear my "normal" casual clothing in the house.With a big apron, if cooking and tidying. (If doing heavy cleaning or gardneing, that's another story.)  It has helped me to purchase items that have the comfort of sweats but the dressiness of real clothes, i.e. these Wit and Wisdom pants, but also my Colettes (as you mention) and some of my jeans.  Angie on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374205 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:58:58 +0000 Angie 2374205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These outfits are fantastic, Kyle!  #3 is KILLER.  #1 with the silver bag you mention too!  My 2 cents:  Soooo, I think that the problem is this: you don't wear this type of very casual outfit daily. After your morning walk, in which you wear gear, if you stay at home and don't have anything planned - you get into lounge type wear. Or run to the grocery store in your "walking outfit". Of course, the ease and comfort of what you are wearing at home is great! You mentioned that was important to you, and that makes sense.  But if that is what you're wearing most days - it's not going to be how you want to dress. Hence you're feeling the way you're feeling. Spending money on items you seldom wear - as you mentioned too.  Soooooooo! You have options:  <ul> <li>Give yourself permission to change a few times a day so that you can wear what you want to wear more frequently. We only live once :) </li> </ul> <ul> <li>You can cook in nicer clothes (and clean too). I do! Daily. With a gigantic apron and scrunched sleeves. I don't wear wide sleeved things that flop around my arms though.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Consciously elevate everyday outfits after you've finished your walk. I think you're after more polished casual items too. The ones that give you ease and comfort on the mid-section especially. </li> </ul> Something to ponder! Kyle on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374196 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:20:02 +0000 Kyle 2374196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I change clothes during the day. I walk most mornings. Outside if it’s cool enough, and at the mall in the heat of summer. That’s casual, usually shorts or joggers, sneakers and short or long sleeve tee shirt, depending. If pressed for time I might stop at the grocery on the way home dressed like this. This is also the way I dress if I’m at home cleaning, cooking and doing chores or just relaxing. COMFORT and EASE are important to me at home (and while out, but especially at home). Now, if I’m going out and about, doing things like appointments, shopping or multiple errands, you would typically find me in jeans or a Colette bottom (I have three), a relatively casual top, shoes, booties, sneakers or sandals in the summer. Lunches out would be something a bit nicer, usually a nicer top and bag, but still with jeans or Colettes.  And dinners out or concerts and shows would be something even nicer and dressier, depending. For this I would almost always wear heels.<div> </div><div>This first outfit is something I wore to the grocery the other day. Faded wide leg jeans worn with a navy sweatshirt accented with silver stars. Footwear is silver Ecco’s and I carried a small structured silver crossbody bag with a wide strap. The other two are also winter outfits. These might be worn for going to appointments or even lunch with friends.  This is a link to an example of a “nicer” top I might wear for appointments or shopping in the summer. Summers are tricky because it’s so hot and I loathe linen.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/7948607?color=110&size=large">https://www.nordstrom.com/s/79.....size=large</a> </div> Angie on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374184 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:05:10 +0000 Angie 2374184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sweet Kyle, our first Queen Sassy - what are you wearing every day?  Let's start THERE :)  Sal on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374166 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:10:57 +0000 Sal 2374166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very late to this, but I agree with all the advice given. Transitional periods are challenging to work through with respect to your wardrobe, and I think many of us have some trial and error. I think the blazer is awesome for you, and I am pleased you are keeping that.  I like the boots but could imagine other footwear could make the blazer feel more 2025 Kyle.   I think some juxtaposition can help - I am wearing a feminine blouse to work with more masculine trousers and sneakers.  All together as a combo it feels like 2024/5 Sally whereas in a different combo the blouse would feel off. Laura on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374163 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 03:06:55 +0000 Laura 2374163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a solution. We need to go out more often! You're absolutely right about environmental norms. It's not that we can't dress our way, but we live in a resort-like atmosphere and a hot climate. People come here to relax, enjoy and soak up some sun and fun -- that vibe permeates Phoenix. Still, there must be a way to combine the classic, dressy, strong styles you love with items that work in a hot climate and with your lifestyle. Musing out loud, brands like Ralph Lauren, Lily Pulitzer or Tommy Bahama might be worth exploring. A sharp blazer in linen. A swooshy palazzo pant. Whatever you want to explore, you have a willing partner for a shopping expedition! Carla on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374159 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:21:12 +0000 Carla 2374159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much wisdom in these well thought out responses!  This thread is a treasure. Suz on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374155 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:58:26 +0000 Suz 2374155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is very hard to give up on the dressier and more structured pieces we love! I don't think we absolutely have to. It's more a question of juxtaposition with the more casual and just right for climate and lifestyle items. It's definitely been a process for me and I sitll do not always succeed. I do think it's okay to have a few seldom worn items, though -- like blazers. I still adore them and feel most myself in them, much as you do, so I can't give them up entirely.  Here is a thought relevant to your warm climate:  For me, gilets and vests are a little easier to wear / mix with more casual items, and would work much better with your warmer climate.  Also, I find shirts (with proper shirt collars and scrunchable sleeves) can give the feeling of "structure" that a blazer also gives and that I otherwise might miss -- yet they don't necessarily feel too "dressy." For you, they would provide sun coverage and that crispness that a dramatic classic requires.  Kyle on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374153 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:52:57 +0000 Kyle 2374153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, thank you for your thoughts and the relevant links. My biggest realization is that I have to embrace casual dressing for my life today, and try to do it staying true to my dramatic classic style aesthetic.  I really like your idea of juxtaposing dressy and casual items. Your wardrobe and fashion choices are inspirational to me. Lisa, living in Arizona, climate is a huge factor for me, too. It’s really very hot much of the year and rarely cold. Jenni NZ, we have to be realistic, don’t we? I, too have plenty of going out outfits. Appreciate your thoughts on the boots. Angie, thank you for sharing your wisdom here. I want to start embracing casual fashion while staying true to the silhouettes I love. I see some experimenting in my future to develop some go-to outfits that are practical, comfortable, and make me feel like my best version of myself.  Irina, I’ve added a pair of comfortable loafers to my shopping list. Thank you! <div> </div><div>Jaime, I think I’ve decided to keep the blazer, but the boots are going back. The color is off, and they are too dressy anyway. I may exchange them for a more casual lace-up style. cat2, No more blazers for me, either, unless there is a specific pressing need. Dee, it’s comforting to learn that others can relate. Retirement is a big change that touches all areas of our lives! cjh, The blazer has brown tones, which I rarely wear, and is plaid, which I also don’t wear much. Those are the aspects that are out of my comfort zone. But I’m going to keep it! Bijou and Suz, I’ve been spending the most on the items I wear the least. Because I love them. Buying pieces I loved when I found them worked for me when I ran a creative firm where dressing the part was an element of our brand. I miss that aspect of working (and not too much else, honestly). My shopping habits need to adapt. Unfrumped, these are very good thoughts and suggestions. I am a turtleneck girl and just love wearing them when weather permits. </div><div> </div><div>Olive Green, classic, but not stiff or stuffy! Jules, yes, personal style is key. And I think I’m going to be on low shop for awhile as I compile of short list of true needs to deal with later. AndiB, this is actually a Madewell blazer! </div> unfrumped on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374110 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:54:59 +0000 unfrumped 2374110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like what Olive Green posted also. I think it overlaps with what I was trying to say— that’s not just why I like it though! It’s because it gives an example of a type of style persona that can combine the more practical, less precious , with definite aspects of quality and even”beauty “ in garments. That doesn’t have to be your own target persona or ideal outfit, but it might suggest new ways of thinking about how to still “ dress well” but slightly differently than from the workplace or even the typical “ going out” mode of prior times. AndiB on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374105 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:10:05 +0000 AndiB 2374105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your posted outfit is a standard go to for me, but I am still working, and will for a couple of years.  But I LOVE a blazer, and too think I will wear one on my casual weekends, or evenings out (I work out most nights after work, I never go out during the week, haha, so there's that).  I am working HARD not to buy new blazers, though I am gravitating now toward sweater blazers, so the blazer but comfortable.  But I wear those to work, and wouldn't likely on the weekend.  Re foot wear, I can't wear loafers, my heel is too narrow, and I just like a sharper shoe, so booties in the winter are what really seems to elevate my look but low block heel, up to an inch or an inch and a half but no higher.  I am so drawn to the booties with the kitten heel this season but have not succumbed yet, so good for me, because I just can't any more.  Also a nice leather sneaker like the Ecco's that so many on the forum own, those are a good alternative for me.  I think our styles are probably similar, and I DO get to wear my blazers and jackets still as I go to an office daily, but won't be in a few years.  I dashed through Madewell yesterday after a mani - I love their jackets and have a couple - and somehow how managed not to bring home a nice structured tan and brown check-ish thing, I just can't keep investing impulsively in jackets that I won't reach for for long. The booties that I have in two colors are the Vagabond Marjas, in black and brown, they are real workhorses for me, slightly pointy toe but so comfortable.  Wearing them today!   Jules on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374103 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:32:14 +0000 Jules 2374103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Although our particulars are different this reminds me a bit of what I posted at the start of the year. I was all shopped out and felt I was essentially buying similar things over and over, only to end up returning them because they were ‘fine’ but not adding anything to my outfit styling that I didn’t already have covered. As planned I’ve been very low shop this year and it’s been great for me. I’m very happy with my wardrobe and relieved to be out of the endless looking/buying/returning cycle, with no plans to change my approach in 2025. I actually really like the brown boots in this outfit, the combo of cool and warm tones - which I also used to dislike - would be what made it interesting for me! But personal style is the key Olive Green on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374098 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:00:04 +0000 Olive Green 2374098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I look at this and think you could do something more rugged with the same clothes by switching to a more English country style, practical but relying on classic silhouette and practical fabrics.  Comfortable all weather boots. Looks good at the feed store and getting groceries while providing more freedom of movement. Not precious, but classic.  unfrumped on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374080 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:27:22 +0000 unfrumped 2374080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sharp outfit! But I can so relate. Could repeat many of the same paragraphs above. I also love blazers and bought several after retirement that I barely wore. It’s also harder with pant styles all over the place , because I like specific lengths & styles together- not good at the “ universal “ blazer. The last paragraph from cjh is really good. In just the outfit you have, is there one item that you feel is “ you” to the core. And I mean the actual item. Are the boots perfectly comfortable so you’d pull them on to go to the grocery store. Would you wear the jeans to cook dinner but only if in sneakers. Do you love how you look in a black turtleneck but you could rock it with joggers for the grocery, great jeans for a casual dinner. Can you try on some outfits and see if you can identify a “silhouette “, and reinterpret that in different more casual fabrics, like knit or technical fabric blazers for example, or vice versa but still related, more“ comfortable “ ( loaded word) aspects of fit and find some in elevated or luxe fabrics ( Sports Luxe type approach. ) I think clothes really need to feel comfortable but that is not the same as sloppy. It means the fabric feels great ( cool or cozy depending on season) , the shoes make you step lively, the waist bands sit right but don’t pinch, the topper slides on & off without contorting yourself. These are challenges of finding the right pieces— brands, styles,fabrics. It’s ok to do Retail Research. Sure you don’t want a lot of churn or to keep things that your inner voice tells you are not right, but still you might have to try on different things, try different makers. Suz on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374079 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:25:01 +0000 Suz 2374079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, I love that phrase: "embrace the freedom from constraint that dressing to please myself brings." I'd adapt it a little bit for my own purposes, and maybe yours, too! I'd say, instead, that my goal is to "embrace the freedom AND constraint that dressing to please myself within my, climate/ environment brings."  Bijou your shorts are a perfect example. Not something you thought you particularly liked or wanted to invest in....but super practical for your climate and your activities...and you learn that spending a bit more for a version that feels very "you" suddenly makes the item itself feel so much better and easier to wear. In my own climate/ situation, that goes more for colder weather items and footwear that can take more rugged conditions....so I will pay more for a coat that feels fantastic and/ or boots, and less for a very dressy summer dress, since I won't wear it often (much as I might want to!). And so on.  For you, Kyle, with your warm climate, the needs might be more similar to Bijou's or Brooklyn's and our other Australian forum members?  Anyway, I have found that putting my fashion $ into trousers/ pants, coats, footwear, and some knitwear has been helpful to me. Shopping secondhand for blazers and some other toppers has allowed me to add interest at lower cost. (My Paul Smith jacket is from consignment -- I could never have afforded it at full price!)  Bijou on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374078 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:13:40 +0000 Bijou 2374078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's hard to criticise this outfit because you look fabulous Kyle. The real issue is that you should also feel fabulous in this. I can see that with such a classic outfit, whilst not boring, it may not excite you or be the new direction that you are seeking either.  I find buying in outfits useful. Often, if I see an item that I think would work well in my wardrobe, I go back wearing (or taking with me) the pieces that in my mind I thought would be good, and then see before buying if it is the perfect piece. Transitioning my wardrobe to be less dressy has been hard for me - something that was thrust upon me in 2020 when a colleague decided to start his own business and invited me to join - a great career move but caused confusion for me style-wise. In the first 2 years I foolishly bought additional suits and blazers, simply because I loved them and thought "well I'm still working..." Gradually I have found that I can be happy with a more casual and eclectic style that whilst it defies environmental norms, is practical for the lifestyle I lead. As Suz wisely points out, putting your fashion $ into items that you will get the most wear from is the way to go. Recently I bought 2 pairs of linen shorts that I know will get lots of wear from over my long hot summer. Previously, shorts were something that I would spend little on because whilst practical are not my preferred style. I have found that if I buy a cute short set that has an interesting design, I can feel good in them - so spending a bit more on what is practical and no more 'going out or dressy work outfits' is where I should focus.  Find your wardrobe holes. I needed shorts as I am going on a beach holiday and go to the beach with my friend every week - the hole emerged. It is nice to know that the shorts and matching long sleeve shirt for sun protection are going to be worn immediately and not in my fantasy life. It's taken a while for me to accept and adapt my style. I feel that I now have a more interesting style than when I worked in a strict office environment and embrace the freedom from constraint that dressing to please myself brings. cjh on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374074 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:38:38 +0000 cjh 2374074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The blazer and boots with black base are very sharp on you and I’d only prefer a different color combo if you want to keep that look. But you say you’re not comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone. What about this is not so comfortable? It’s hard going from work to retired, or one level of social activities to another, a big learning curve for some of us. My philosophy has ended up being a solid “why get out of the comfort zone” because if I’m uncomfortable, that’s no fun. That’s not to say I never try anything new, but it’s not going to be too far off my beaten track now. It took me about 6-8 years to find my own zone, and I could probably take off a year on the front when I first retired and still wore all my same casual things, and another couple years in the middle Covid period when I bought nothing, and the most recent year when I do finally feel like me 95% of the time. Also, it might happen again, but since I am happy here, probably not for a long time. As to hints, the answers from everyone all make lots of sense. One thing to consider is which parts of the current outfit DO feel right and like you? Is it the turtleneck, the jeans, the boots? Pick that part and rework from there, maybe? Because I heard different options - switch the turtleneck for a graphic tee, switch the blazer for something softer, switch to blue jeans, switch the boots to more casual. But if you love the boots, switch everything else! Just an idea. Good luck! You look great and everyone who sees you will agree. But you do want to be yourself. <div> </div><div> </div> Dee on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374072 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 01:18:02 +0000 Dee 2374072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your outfit is really nice but probably just a little too dressy for your current lifestyle. I can sympathize with your struggles Kyle, its been a 4 year challenge trying to figure out what my actual wardrobe needs are since retiring. Covid etc.. with all that causal dressing just confused things even further for me and then pant silhouettes changed from being slim for over a decade to being wider now. So lots to navigate through.  As Angie and others have suggested you’ll probably just need to find a few different ways to add a more causal vibe to your outfits, How casual you want to go with it all will totally be up to you and what you feel best in.  cat2 on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374070 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:52:59 +0000 cat2 2374070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been shifting my wardrobe to more casual. This year I wore jeans and long sleeve tees with my blazers, with loafers so far, and then I expect to switch to boots and a lightweight turtleneck. I don’t like logo tees; I like a lightweight dressier knit. I think they call them knit jersey? I am not buying any more blazers because I still have several and only wear out maybe one a year. I do still have to sit on my hands not to buy evening pieces. Jaime on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374069 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:49:32 +0000 Jaime 2374069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I really like the blazer and I think the color of the boots is throwing you off. Granted I do not exactly dress according to the environmental norm, but I find blazers like that very useful in our moderate winters, where it can be warmer outside than indoors. As suggested above, if you paired it with sneakers (if you wear them casually) or other more casual shoes you might see the blazer in a new light. Anyway, I am fortunate that my milieu is about as eclectic as it comes and I can pretty much wear whatever I want without awkwardness. But you received a lot of great advice above. Irina on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374064 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:21:11 +0000 Irina 2374064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I have never bought a whole outfit at once. And it probably wouldn’t work for me. My priority is not one new outfit but rather how new items will work with the rest of my wardrobe. <div>When I feel uninspired, disappointed in my abilities to style new outfits, and feel I look boring ( happens often), I look at Pinterest or videos of my “style icons “ to refresh my senses.  What works for me is to have anchor items - items that I can wear often and like them on me. For me, these are jeans, good t-shirts, great bag, a trench, a jacket and so on. These form backbone of my wardrobe. Maybe try to ensure you have such items and you are excited to wear them.</div><div>I stop myself now from buying tailored pieces like I used for the work from office. I have enough clothes and play now more with accessories like bags since I don’t have to carry the same bag for work. </div><div>And I remind myself that instead of fancy, occasional shoes, I should be looking for everyday shoes with good design. And it’s ok to spend more money on ordinary things. </div><div>Now to your outfit - I do not like new boots with it, same as you. I like the blazer on you but feel like you need maybe a casual items here - loafers in black patent leather or white sneakers and a black hobo bag. Another option is to wear the blazer with the same black turtleneck, blue jeans and black shoes. It can be a really versatile item   </div> Angie on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374062 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:13:52 +0000 Angie 2374062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kyle, you look KILLER :) (Tomorrow's style nugget post will resonate - to Suz's point).  Let's take this outfit. To casualize it, and make it "elevated everyday": <ul> <li>Graphic tee. A slogan you are passionate about. Lisa does this very well. </li> <li>Casual shoes - instead of heeled dressy boots. Loafers, sneakers, oxfords, mules. Suz does this well. </li> <li>Crossbody with a broad strap.</li> </ul> A fab vest instead of a blazer might work better for your climate and lifestyle.  FWIW, here's my 2 cents:  What you tend to like are sharp, strong, classic, dressy items that nod to certain trends. So I suspect that’s how you really want to dress now that you’re retired, and it’s at odds with your lifestyle, environmental norm, and climate. I can't do anything about your climate, I'm afraid! But you have the power to decide how dressy you want to go. Adhere or defy the environmental norm. Once you've established that, I think things will fall into place.  ETA: Happy to help you figure it out! Jenni NZ on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374060 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 23:31:42 +0000 Jenni NZ 2374060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, you look absolutely amazing to me. I can see that the blazer is cool toned and the boots warm toned, so perhaps I agree that wearing those together is not the most cohesive. I would be hoping to see a bit of tan in the blazer. Your wider problem I can easily relate to. I did that for years, bought dressy items thinking “This will be good for going out to dinner”- with our best friends, the wife of whom is very stylish. Then they shifted further away and a pandemic happened! I have “going out for dinner” outfits to last me years. We just don’t go out like we used to. I’m trying to buy very little so I can get good use out of what I have, but I do get bored at times from so little new stuff coming in. The dress up/dress down stuff does the best. This is not really a help I feel… Lisa on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374057 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:03:15 +0000 Lisa 2374057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I have run into changes in lifestyle roadblocks. I moved from a cold weather state to a warm weather state and it's been a huge learning curve. In NJ the weather was consistent throughout the day but in NC you have to know how to layer! It's common with our mild winters to go from jacket and sweater to long sleeve shirt to a tee all in the same day. I'm still working on creating more layering outfits with my wardrobe. I'm also still working on breaking the habit of purchasing cold weather items. I like a good sweater, but the mild and short winters where I am now mean I don't get to wear many of my sweaters for very long. I admit I've picked up a few during NAS out of habit and I haven't had weather cool enough to wear any of them yet. I can see me returning a bunch of sweaters because they just don't fit my current climate. With WFH I've also had to adjust my "work" wardrobe. I need less business casual items and I wear more athleisure when working from home. I do still wear trousers and jackets and jeans when I WFH but I'll also wear a lot of athletic wear. For NAS this year I focused heavily on coordinated Zella outfits, because I spend many days in them. This increased my happiness factor with athleisure WFH outfits considerably. And on the days I need a break, I still wear my business casual clothes. Other adjustments I've made (besides adding more athleisure wear) is changing the material of what I wear. I adore a good blazer, but a structured blazer won't get much use with my casual lifestyle. Instead a knit blazer I picked up this year at NAS has gotten a LOT of use because it fits casual outfits better than the structured blazers do. When I shop, I am trying harder to stick to a list of filling wardrobe holes. This is helping me to adjust my wardrobe. I also think very hard about the item I want to buy and if I can't incorporate it into an existing outfit, or when I get it home it doesn't work the way I intended, back it goes. Making sure something I bought can be assembled into an outfit as soon as I get home has helped me avoid getting stuck with items because of a short return window. Suz on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374050 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 21:11:15 +0000 Suz 2374050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First of all, Kyle, you look killer classic gorgeous, as always!  Secondly, I'm really curious about what Angie will advise. Maybe she'll begin <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/12/07/how-to-break-out-of-a-style-rut/">here,</a> with her blog post from 2015. She also links within the post to other relevant topics, like style renewal.  I suspect in your case, your need is somewhere in between a quick get-out-of-a-rut and a renewal that takes more honest and serious accounting of how you actually spend your time and what you actually do most in your retirement. It can take quite a while to get one's head around these major life changes, especially when combined with, say -- a move (change of weather conditions and/or urban to rural/ suburban environment or vice versa), new hobbies, illness/ recovery, and so on. Add to that the pandemic, where half of us lived in loungewear, exercise gear, or PJs a lot of the time and lost our style moxie! I'm not retired, but I do work from home a lot of the time. And I also moved during the pandemic to a suburban/ exurban area (vs. the city), a move I am still trying to accommodate myself to, with only mixed success. My aspirational style is a bit dressier and more polished than my living conditions allow. I'm not talking here about purely social "environmental norms," which I'm personally okay with contravening. I'm talking about practical needs -- which I'm never okay with ignoring. Above all, I'm a practical dresser, so I'm always on the lookout for items that are both extremely practical and that look a bit more like the style I aspire to.  Given my weather conditions and lifestyle, I've cut way back on my blazers, for example. I love a good blazer -- it is one of my favourite wardrobe items and it never really feels "corporate" to me, personally --and so I still eye them eagerly in the stores and online. But I've realized that outside my teaching in a classroom or occasional meeting/ prsentation day, I just don't wear them. So I've pretty much confined myself to one blazer type jacket per main season, and I make sure it's a shorter or patterned or otherwise cheeky one. I also have a dressier utility type jacket that is cross seasonal.  Confession: I still probably make the mistake of buying too many dressier items. But not as often, and most of those I buy are on the cheaper side, or purchased on substantial sale, or are such winners for me (like my long gilet) that even at a high price, they are worth it because they will live in my closet for at least a decade.  I try to put most of my fashion $ into items that will give me a lot of wear, which means trousers (and yes, I wear dress trousers on my work from home days -- much easier than wearing a blazer indoors, for me!), and jeans, knitwear, more casual toppers, and outerwear, plus footwear.  Re footwear, for my climate, sneakers, oxfords, and boots give the most value...I also have dressier booties, but because I walk a lot, the harder working and more practical lug soled boots get far more wear.  And if I do buy a dressier item, I try to imagine how I might dress it down via juxtaposition. So, for example, I'll often wear my dressy trousers with denim shirts or jackets.  Kyle on "My fashion reality check" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-fashion-reality-check#post-2374045 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 20:47:44 +0000 Kyle 2374045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve fallen into a frustrating pattern of buying something and liking it until I try to style it and make it work for my life and existing wardrobe. When I style it the way I envisioned I almost always don’t love it, try a few other combos and don’t love them, second guess it all, feel disappointed, return everything and start over. I have too many things I’ve kept and have never even worn, and I think I’m buying too many things that don’t really support my current retired and casual lifestyle.  I admire those who make really smart purchases that support truly killer outfits and who make it look (seemingly) effortless. This blazer and boots are a good example. I was trying to get out of my comfort zone with a pattern and colors I don’t usually wear. Both are new and styled simply enough with a black turtleneck and jeans. I think the result is good, but not the stellar end result I really want for my style (it’s a bit boring). Plus, the boots are a very warm color and the jacket is all cool tones. And, honestly, I probably would not wear either the boots or the blazer ALL that much. Once I return these items, which I’m fairly sure I will, I may step back and stop buying for awhile. Then, when I do buy, it may be helpful for me to buy a complete look instead of pieces that never seem to integrate the way I had hoped. And to also be a lot more realistic about my very casual retired lifestyle. I tend to justify dressier pieces as “going out” looks, but I don’t honestly need an awful lot of those. <div><div>I wonder if anyone else has run into a style rut or roadblock like this and what suggestions you might have? </div><div> </div></div>