https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:29:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2055291 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:55:06 +0000 Sal 2055291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that idea Janet - I think it could really work. I sort of do it - I have a couple of winter options that I am sick of that I am going to put in storage soon. And I do this with evening occasion wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2055175 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:39:48 +0000 Janet 2055175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Continuing to follow this discussion, and wondering about making more use of my holding zone, which currently serves as almost just a waypoint before items leave my life forever. I am thinking of an experiment in which I put a larger portion of my wardrobe in the holding zone — the stuff I rarely or never reach for, for whatever reasons, even though I really like it. This includes things that for some reason are not super easy to style, and items that I don’t wear even though I try them on and they look really good. I would leave the really slam dunk core pieces in my closet, and if I’m feeling bored, “shop” my holding zone instead of hitting retail. Sometimes a little time and fresh eyes can make something feel right again, or in time some style avenue opens (ie, the acquisition of a certain style of skirt or pants makes an old top useful again), or even a seasonal change brings up an opportunity to layer a previously-neglected “summer” top. </p> <p>I don’t know if this sounds a little crazy, but I may try it, perhaps when I start shifting high summer wardrobe out of my closet in favor of fall/winter stuff. At the very least, I’m going to go through the exercise of pulling out all the summer stuff and grouping it into two sections — I wore it or I didn’t wear it this summer — to help me see exactly how much of my wardrobe is going unworn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2055159 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 11:56:17 +0000 cindysmith 2055159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you just might be on to something here, something that would totally work for me. Every summer, I see all the maxi dresses (for winter, sweater dresses) and I start thinking that I should go buy one (or six LOL).</p> <p>Except I DON'T WEAR DRESSES! It's more about the emotional impact any dress has on me, because I'm often guilty of "manspreading" (or sitting in other very unladylike manners). I also climb things quite a lot (stools, countertops, trucks, tractors), which is also not conducive to ladylike mannerisms in a dress . </p> <p>Prime example? This year, I bought a stinking boatload of maxi dresses at the thrift shop. Because it seemed like a good idea at the time. (In my defense, they had a plethora of dresses, like a whole fleet of boatloads of them, so all dresses except formals were 99 cents.) Of course, they went unworn.</p> <p>I shall keep the prettiest one for the next time I see all the maxi dresses and decide that this is my season for dresses. Thank you for this brilliant suggestion<br /> XO </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054964 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:21:20 +0000 Christina F. 2054964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I meant to reply to this ages ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a reliable but intermittent craving for boho lite items, especially in the summer. I am always tempted to purge some of them that I don't wear so much, but I am also always tempted to buy more. So you make a good point - I should keep most of what I have on hand for when the craving does pop up. If I had the goal of a very tightly curated wardrobe, that might be a problem... I don't have that goal at all, so it's okay. It's probably better to keep what I have than to consume more stuff anyway.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054957 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:14:21 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2054957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve never seen it put so clearly and eloquently! </p> <p>I tend to pounce on certain types of botanical print - those are my outliers - and then I edit them right back out, and feel accusatory and impatient with myself for money wasted. Then I feel restless, wander into a store to “scratch the itch”, as you put it... and I re-pounce!</p> <p>Thank you for putting up this post. This is a valuable realization! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054587 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 00:00:06 +0000 Sal 2054587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena - that is it exactly!!&nbsp; Most of us have a few aspects of our life that require odd things.&nbsp; My Club athletics jacket (do I like it - not really, does it get worn - yes it does but not in any fashion conscious way).&nbsp; And even the most committed neutral wearer might have a day where a blue or red jumper is just the thing!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054586 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 23:42:33 +0000 Helena 2054586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I 150% agree with this and have made the mistake more than once of trying to get the wardrobe too "perfect" (meaning Instagram minimalist closet post looking) rather than honouring my authentic style which includes some quirks and even contradictions! Thanks for articulating this so well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054445 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:12:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2054445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must be more schizo than most here, because I enjoy pulling on a different style. I've worked out a winter style, but know that I also have summer and deeper winter styles/tastes that are different. And even in those shoulder seasons when the berries are so delicious (metaphorically speaking, and referring to clothes in those colors (that have great textures)), there are days when that just isn't what I feel like wearing. So I don't--I have other stuff around. </p> <p></p> <p>I never have understood the emphasis on honing one style as "your" style, as if we are always the same people, and want to emphasize the same part of ourselves. That just isn't me. There are situations (like at work, or at my kid's school) where I want to give a particular message consistently, but other times I just feel how I feel, and don't care to reel myself in to just one version. </p> <p></p> <p>The danger for me is in making up wardrobes to suit that one style. Besides wanting to edit everything else out, this can lead to me wanting to buy all the tings, just for the sake of having one style. For me, this is the wrong way to go, and would get boring after a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054444 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:11:55 +0000 Staysfit 2054444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have done this before and discovered something interesting about myself. I do not wear the reserved items. For example, I eliminated white denim because solid white makes me think of the lab coats I wore in medical school and residency. I never liked them. I kept two pair of white jeans just in case but I have not wanted to wear them. They are going into the giveaway bin. I feel secure in my personal style and do not feel the need to mirror the people around me. If something does not spark joy, or does not fit my style persona, I have been culling it without remorse. Lots of clothing looks good on me and fits me because I’m tall and thin. However, when I don’t like it, I don’t wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things/page/2#post-2054392 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 02:12:37 +0000 notsaf 2054392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad this idea was helpful for some of you, and thank you for sharing you thoughts and stories, which I've truly enjoyed reading! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054389 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 01:20:42 +0000 Leslie 2054389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant! I have a lovely black lace dress with a white lining, sleeveless, fit and modest flare, and black grosgrain ribbon belt. Just below the knee, very ladylike. For those days when I wake up feeling Betty Draper/Grace Kelly...but black, so it is not too dainty or precious, and links back to the more me portions of my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054335 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 19:52:01 +0000 Anonymous 2054335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting perspective! I tend to go all or nothing in my quest for simplicity, then later decide I want variety (rewind-replay). This summer I didn't toss anything (yet), so thinking on this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054276 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:44:00 +0000 Alicewonderland 2054276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So true! In the past I have purged things because I didn’t wear them often, only to buy the exact same thing a second time to replace them when I missed them. Arrrg! Boy did I feel dumb but now I don’t purge things I like quite so ruthlessly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054169 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 04:37:34 +0000 Jessikams 2054169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very timely, as I am just going through some old boxes and find myself itching to purge things even when they look good. Will think more on your points. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054095 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 23:11:48 +0000 Chris987 2054095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been consciously doing this for about a year but you explained it far better than I could :-). The ones that come to mind are a red print blouse and a couple of chunky wool sweaters. It really works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054082 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:25:06 +0000 Katerina 2054082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an excellent idea. Very clever. I can especially relate to the linen - have a long linen shirt dress that gets the same treatment.</p> <p>For me, these outliers are mainly the few boho pieces I have. I like them, they are not within my primary style, but they are fun to pull out time to time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054066 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:15:13 +0000 Kathie 2054066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this idea, and I do hang on to a few outliers, simply to add variety. The trick for me is to remember that while 1 item that’s an outlier in a certain way can be useful, I don’t need to keep adding similar outliers. For example, I bought a white moto-style jacket this spring. I love it, and it got tons of wear. I was briefly tempted to buy more white items, but stopped myself, because “add more white” wasn’t truly a style evolution I wanted to embrace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054061 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:37:02 +0000 rachylou 2054061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, yes! My life is 95% the same, but then the occasional occasion or whimsey takes me, and it is really super to go shopping in my closet and come up successful. It’s kinda become more important for me too because the three boutiques in my neighborhood have been selling the same things for the last 30 years (and the quality is so high, I don’t know how they stay in business... I still own everything I’ve ever bought in then) and all other stores have become Ross (and I’m still also wearing many things I’ve gotten at Ross, except the jumpsuit Lilypup shredded on its first outing).</p> <p>If I don’t want more of the same, I’m not sure it’s that available. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054060 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:13:41 +0000 Sal 2054060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post and I agree. I think the key is when you still love the piece - or at least really like it. I am not really a uniform dresser, so my style is a bit haphazard. But I have a couple of outliers that work a couple of times a year. </p> <p>This polka dot dress is a bit more pretty and classic than I usually wear. But every now and then I find it appealing or good for a function. I wore it to the horse races, to a work dinner with international visitors, and once or twice just to work. I think it has had 5-6 wears over 3-4 summers but I don’t plan on editing it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054059 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:12:44 +0000 Jane 2054059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a super strategy. Really good.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not sure I can make this work for me though because I feel irritated by the items in my wardrobe that I don't wear and take up valuable space. I get cross with them. How ridiculous!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054056 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:03:32 +0000 Janet 2054056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s a really good way of thinking about it. As someone who has a preferred way of dressing but also some shadow styles and a healthy appetite for variety, I can relate. </p> <p>Seasonal changes also nudge me outside of my preferred way of dressing. I’d wear jeans and boots and jackets all year round, weather permitting. I feel like my style takes a turn away from urban casual cool in the summer, out of necessity. Summers see me go a little lighter in color palette, more pattern, and by turns a bit more boho or preppy. </p> <p>I have pieces that are outliers for sure. But my life is varied and I have occasions to wear some things that just don’t seem right any other time. So I find it useful to hang onto *some* outliers even though they’re not likely to ever achieve workhorse stature. Not everything needs to be a workhorse for me to enjoy it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054054 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 19:53:32 +0000 Style Fan 2054054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent advice.&nbsp; I am sure I have a peasant blouse somewhere in my holding zone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054051 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 18:59:47 +0000 Gretchen 2054051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% yes to this! Today in my closet I have:<br /> - 1 boho tunic which gets worn only to bbqs on hot summer nights<br /> - 1 leopard print jersey top, which comes out for about 2 weeks in the fall<br /> - 1 navy argyle sweater, for that first crisp fall day, or in case I suddenly need to go apple picking<br /> - 1 super cozy forest green cowl neck sweater which makes an appearance at Christmas and stays only through January<br /> - 1 pair of blaze orange flats which added a pop of color in April, and I suspect will show up this fall on football Sundays. </p> <p>Could I live without these items? Sure! But they make me happy in the limited role they play. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054038 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:51:20 +0000 Anonymous 2054038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And yes , I too can’t wait to wear my dark skinnies ! They are classic , flattering and make me feel good ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054037 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:50:40 +0000 Anonymous 2054037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very insightful , and very smart . I like this . I think this gives me permission to hang on to the few linen pieces I own ( as an example ) and call it a day ( and not buy any more !) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054030 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 16:43:32 +0000 Cardiff girl 2054030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The YLF world is divided into purgers and non purgers.l am a non purger therefore feel that your advice is excellent especially for those who tend to over purge from time to time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054021 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:52:05 +0000 Suz 2054021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting idea! Very clever!&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Shevia</b>, I tend to keep only those items I actually like to wear. But on Carla's post I noted that I no longer really have a "shadow" style and rarely crave items that don't feel like "me." So I rarely buy them in the first place.&nbsp;</p> <p>Of course I sometimes buy things that seem like "me" at the moment of purchase but prove unworkable. That's usually because of some feature of the item apart from its style, so -- poor workmanship or quality, awkward fit I couldn't have predicted, or weather conditions or occasions never come up for wearing it. Once in a while it will be a style detail I hadn't thought of that rules the item out and then that's one more thing to avoid in future. ;)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054020 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:46:51 +0000 karen13 2054020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent analysis! I’m sort of betwixt and between in my wardrobe right now. I’ve been purging quite a bit and this is food for thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054017 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:31:50 +0000 kkards 2054017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This! exactly.....sometimes these items become, at least for me, essentials after a year or 2, sometimes they are items that were once essentials that become once in a whiles...and sometimes they are just a once in a while item....for example, these black/blue jeans, a couple of years ago i felt i needed black jeans, tried and returned some. found these that were blackish, waited for them to go on sale, pounced...and then hardly worn them, thought about getting rid of them, but now every when black jeans are "trending" again, i just pull these out and scratch that itch....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-not-editing-all-the-things#post-2054011 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:16:16 +0000 Anonymous 2054011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely LOVED every single word of this post. &nbsp;It makes so much sense once it is spelled out for me. &nbsp; </p>