https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:34:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436980 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 05:38:22 +0000 gradfashionista 1436980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eek, so guilty of doing this, although I've got better. There is one shirt I have had for years, but haven't worn, and have no inclination to give away. Part of me doesn't want to 'waste' wearing it now because I stay at home at work, but then when it comes time to visit family/SO, I don't want to pack it because of the wrinkles. It didn't make it into my luggage when I went home for the summer, but it will this year!<br />I have a few other items that I haven't worn, and those are listed on eBay. I became much better at recognizing that when something doesn't get worn quickly, there's a reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436961 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 04:51:22 +0000 AM 1436961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming back in just to say thank you. I ripped off the tags of a new jacket today and headed out to run a few errands -- and work at a cafe instead of home. I don't need to save that jacket for a meeting.&nbsp;I owe this outing (and making this day a little special) to you. Again, thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436916 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 02:58:59 +0000 MsMaven 1436916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post hits home with me and many others. I had it drummed into my head as a kid to "save" nice things for special occasions by my Depression Era WWII Mom.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, there is an element of buying clothes for my fantasy life--the one I last lived in the 1980s and the possible future one. Most of my not worn are dressier clothes.</p> <p>Then there are a few things not worn because we've had a ridiculously mild winter.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've found that if I save things, by the time I get around to wearing them they are not quite as fashionable as they once were. (Tearing my hair over a few EF things not worn enough, "saved" and now I've moved on.)</p> <p>Wear these items and enjoy them without guilt. Please do it for us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436869 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 01:36:30 +0000 rachylou 1436869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I'm totally guilty of this. I try to "save" my best pieces so they'll last until the end of time. Interestingly enough, I only do this with clothes. I mean, for example, I have no *good china.* My neighbor is appalled that I use my grandma's monogrammed silverware and china to feed my dog... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436749 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 21:37:02 +0000 abc 1436749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I might analyze I think part of your hesitance might be due to having the kids around, no? I sometimes do the same, or wait to wear the nicer stuff on a day I know I will be around the kids less - for fear of sticky hands, spit up, etc. </p> <p>It's hard to master the MOTG capsule that's child proof </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436545 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:55:37 +0000 Colette 1436545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, I do this and have been trying to stop this habit in all areas of my wardrobe (and life). I learned this from my Mom and it is a difficult habit to break but I am making strides, albeit small strides.&nbsp;One way I have been forcing myself is to actually buy less and if I do buy something, but&nbsp;don't wear it within a week or two, I return it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436499 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:03:01 +0000 Anonymous 1436499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do sometimes let new purchases "decompress" for a while in the closet but if I really don't wear something, I give it up no matter how nice it is. I analyze what went wrong and I try not to make that mistake again. It&nbsp;<span>bothers me much more to spend money on something and not use it than to risk damaging it. I feel very strongly that things belong to the people who love and care for them so if I'm not going to wear it, it should go to someone who will.<br />Maybe you're just intimidated by the newness of these items? Or you feel like you have to be someone else to wear them? Try wearing them around the house while you do familiar things, like eat breakfast , or watching TV.</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear/page/2#post-1436371 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:38:07 +0000 Dimity 1436371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do this too. I find a way for me to wear things I'm a little cautious about is to take some time and try on outfits so that I can see how it looks with clothes I have. Then I can quickly throw on the new items when I need to get going quickly and know that it will work. <br />Sometimes it helps to consciously decide to have an attitude of abundance, so that I stop myself from thinking "Wow, this is so nice, I'd never be able to replace it if I wrecked it", and instead think, "Wow, I've got this great piece and I'll find&nbsp;more great pieces when I need them&nbsp;too". It really turns my thinking around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436306 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 05:10:19 +0000 AM 1436306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For this very reason I'm trying to make more significant days. Visiting the local&nbsp;coffee shop, bakery,&nbsp;book store, boutique. Planning ahead for day trips (Philadelphia Flower Show).&nbsp;Finding ways to be festive at home -- a better happy hour with a new cocktail (Moscow Mule in copper mugs). I sympathize. Just want to feel like there is an occasion for slipping on that special piece.&nbsp;Added bonus, there may be more fun to be had! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436298 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:42:43 +0000 Ginkgo 1436298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remind myself how sick how I feel to open a drawer and take out an item that I'd loved (but saved) and see that it just looks too dated now, that its moment is gone. &nbsp;Better that it lived its life and got spaghetti sauce on it than never emerged from the gloom of the drawer or closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436291 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 04:25:38 +0000 Echo 1436291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, I did this for years. And I would "save" the nicest items until they either weren't current or until I didn't WANT to wear them anymore. How sad to let items I was so excited about go to waste.</p> <p>But I've taken two approaches. First, I've stopped buying for my "fantasy life", where I buy things that are inappropriate for the situations in which I find myself daily. Second, if I buy it, I make an effort to wear it within a week. If I don't, or if I make excuses not to wear it, I generally take it back.&nbsp;</p> <p>But you are so right that real life doesn't wait for special occasions. Now, if I buy nice items, I intend to wear them as much as I can. They will often become dated or old whether I wear them or not, and it's a shame to let something go when I haven't ever worn it. Nice things, even the ones with higher price tags, are intended to be used. Better to use them and get my money's worth.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436239 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:09:05 +0000 Karie 1436239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can honestly say I don't do this, and really never have. If I buy it, I'm wearing it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436236 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 02:06:51 +0000 Susie 1436236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't not wear my nice things, but I do sort of plan their first wearing or two. Like Marilyn said, I don't want to waste something new on an insignificant day! But after a time or two, the urge to save it is gone and it goes into (hopefully) regular rotation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436230 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:58:16 +0000 Anonymous 1436230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread reminds me of a person I used to know who, when talking about his childhood, said, "If you measure how much good we had by how many times we used the fine china, we didn't have much good." I think it's great to go ahead and use nice things. When my DD accidentally broke my teapot, I took the opportunity to treat myself to a beautiful Polish pottery teapot. Of course I hope it won't get broken, but I use it daily and it looks so nice sitting on my kitchen counter. So go ahead and wear your "too good" clothes. The perfect time to wear them is now--not after they go out of style. Besides, there's no better time than the present. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436219 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 01:47:47 +0000 anne 1436219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate, in that I rip off my work clothes as soon as I come home to "save" them. And I have had to talk myself into wearing a t-shirt that only cost me $6 at Kmart 2 years ago - yes, just because it is still in good condition I can wear it at&nbsp; home! And I have bought items intending them for lounge wear, but then thought they were nice enough to wear out, and&nbsp;found myself saving&nbsp;&nbsp;them for that!</p> <p>In a way though, I'm less likely to do it with the nice, expensive things because I am conscious of CPW. So it in order to justify to myself to buy a more expensive item I'll say to myself - now you need to wear this once a week (or whatever)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436161 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:24:32 +0000 Marilyn 1436161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The fear of wasting a great outfit on an insignificant day.&nbsp; It's a real thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436160 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:21:06 +0000 missvee 1436160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom used to do this, but she grew up during the Depression and good clothes were hard to come by, and something nice was treasured and saved for 'best'.<br /> Whenever I hesitate to wear something I ask myself why did you buy this? Did you buy it so your closet would look nice, or did you actually intend to wear it? That seems to put things into perspective for me :-).<br /> Btw I just saw your other thread, and the EF jacket looks great. I bet it will become a workhorse for you now that it's had its maiden voyage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436159 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:18:04 +0000 DonnaF 1436159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup; I used to do this A LOT, esp. due to having a home office.&nbsp; Like many others here, this was probably learned from my mom.&nbsp; I think I still do this to some extent, but it really helped when I stopped buying DCO stuff.&nbsp; Now, I don't feel that so much of my stuff is too precious to wear.&nbsp; I just bought a silk shirt I really, really want to wear, but I'm holding off for now because I will be traveling next week and I'm not sure that I would get around to washing it (if needed) and having it dry in time to stash in my suitcase.</p> <p>I don't have little ones, and at home I always, always, always wear an apron.&nbsp; Except when I go out to meet Rand, my UPS guy.&nbsp; The apron really protects my clothes from general grubbiness and is a psychological inoculation.&nbsp; Learning to wear the nice or at least nicer stuff is really a process.&nbsp; One day at a time, one day at a time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436078 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:41:33 +0000 shipskitty 1436078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely work. I look forward to seeing the gorgeous outfits you create with these pieces.</p> <p>Yes I've done this too. Too good to wear for any occasion. Relegating myself to wearing old stuff around the house. Also purchasing the first practical item I've found (and duplicating or triplicating it) rather than hanging out for something I loved. Net result feeling frumpy and boring and lovely things growing dated in the wardrobe while I was wearing the worn out and 'practical' items I didn't love. Now I try to buy things, lovely things that speak to me, that I can dress up and down and can really WEAR. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436068 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:25:41 +0000 Anonymous 1436068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is my number 1 resolution for 2015. I am wearing everything in my closet. I have weeded out those items that are worn out and/or just does not fit anymore. What is the purpose of buying these nice things if you don't wear and get enjoyment. So now I am wearing the heck out of my clothes and shoes.</p> <p>I am pretty much doing the same thing with my makeup and toiletries. Use up the stuff I have opened before opening anything else. For the unopened items that I do not plan to use,&nbsp;I am donating them to a shelter. It is amazing how much more room I have in my vanity cabinets. Also, sold my Clarisonic this weekend. Was not using it so why let it just sit around - (I got it as a gift&nbsp;a little over a year ago&nbsp;that I unfortunately could not return) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436064 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:17:49 +0000 Anonymous 1436064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Guilty as charged. And have to admit I think Linda and Celia 's thoughts re: not being good/thin/pretty enough are mine too. That resonates through just about everything in my life, sadly. &nbsp;Getting better at that, but you'd think by 53 that would have been resolved. &nbsp;Blech - now I'm in a funk about this ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436063 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:12:08 +0000 Lyn D. 1436063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not 'too good to wear'- please wear and enjoy- life is too short…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436061 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:06:20 +0000 Aquamarine 1436061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadly, I am guilty of this too but I have gotten better. It doesn't apply to just clothes either...it's just a mentality of keeping some things "nice." Like Catnip, I think this is from my mother. Or grandmother, who kept her couch encased in plastic! Luckily, I have not passed this tendency onto my daughter so I consider this progress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436055 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:58:57 +0000 celia 1436055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do that more than I should. And I think, as Linda pointed, it has to do with lingering feelings of not being 'good enough'.<br />Good job that you cut the tags </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1436008 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:46:14 +0000 Anonymous 1436008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been very guilty of this in the past, but then, I also bought too much stuff for my fantasy life, so it was a double whammy. Now, I buy more for my lifestyle and I try to wear my stuff...result! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1435957 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:04:31 +0000 Sveta 1435957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You go girl! You are much more precious than even the most expensive clothes and totally deserve them!<br />Usually it does not happen to me. First of all I am very careful to get things which are right for my lifestyle. Secondly I am too much excited about my new stuff so I tend to start wearing them right away if I can! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1435953 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:54:22 +0000 Catnip 1435953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, I used to do this a lot. &nbsp;Finally I realized it's a habit I learned from my mother. &nbsp;I guess the idea was that I should feel good because I had something brand new and terrific sitting in my closet. &nbsp;Needless to say, this doesn't work.</p> <p>I'm amused because last fall I bought an EF sweater jacket. &nbsp;Since I'm retired it's slightly dressier than many of my everyday clothes. &nbsp;I've worn it to several dressier occasions with various tank tops and necklaces, but I've had to force myself to wear it for my usual daytime life. &nbsp;Finally I found the solution, and wear the sweater jacket with a&nbsp;cotton turtleneck and straight legged jeans (not distressed). &nbsp;This works well and gets lots of compliments.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1435945 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:45:08 +0000 Elizabeth P 1435945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, I do this.&nbsp; A couple of classic examples popped into my head as I was reading this.&nbsp; <br />1. I bought a pair of blue silk track pants on sale at the end of the summer 2013.&nbsp; By the time I got them, it was getting cool to wear them, so I put them away for 2014.&nbsp; I used them for my Challenge Chain travel wardrobe last year, so I DID virtually wear them last spring. :)&nbsp; Then the season for them came around, and every time I thought of wearing them "I might spill something on them" or "I might sit in something".&nbsp; So I've now had them a year and a half and worn them twice :(.&nbsp; <br />2.&nbsp; Another example only different.&nbsp; Not sure if you saw my EF drape neck dress K/R a couple of weeks ago, but I have a black one, and love it, but ... it's black.&nbsp; Thought I'd like a more summery coloured one.&nbsp; Found a great price for one on eBay, and took a gamble with the colour.&nbsp; Well, the colour is not my best, but I'm going to keep it, because it was inexpensive, I can't return it, and because it's not the best on me, I feel I will wear it (and travel with it) without worrying about it.&nbsp; So the workhorse will be the not so flattering one.&nbsp; How stupid is that!!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1435938 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:39:32 +0000 E 1435938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Back in 2010 I suddenly realized I'd thrifted all of these clothes I loved, but I only wore them when I left the house (not terribly often), saving them for those days, and was wearing boring loungewear the rest of the time. So I cut loungewear out of my life, started wearing my regular clothes just for me, lived happily ever after. ;)</p> <p>I'm glad you started wearing that jacket! It sounds delicious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/not-too-good-to-wear#post-1435932 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:28:03 +0000 Summer 1435932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have two items "haunting" me in my closet at the moment. &nbsp;One is a knee length navy coat, bought to wear to funerals (after feeling frozen to the bone at a couple of grave-side services). &nbsp;The other is a lace dress bought for a recent wedding. &nbsp;I have intended to casualize both of these, but haven't done so yet. &nbsp;I'm hoping to wear the coat for my next shopping trip, dressed down with jeans and boots, but the dress may have to wait a while for its next outing.</p> <p>My strategy now, when buying dressier items, is: 1) not to spend a fortune, and 2) to buy simple, versatile pieces that can easily be dressed up and down. &nbsp;Lesson learnt!</p> <p>&nbsp; </p>