https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:25:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490924 Wed, 13 May 2015 02:34:54 +0000 Sara L. 1490924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've learned so much it's hard to write it all down, however, the most important lesson has&nbsp;been to NOT buy things for my fantasy lifestyle.&nbsp;Figuring out how to incorporate my work and weekend looks into one cohesive closet is still an ongoing challenge.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490897 Wed, 13 May 2015 02:02:37 +0000 aptlee 1490897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. bookending footwear with my light hair color<br />2. updating my eyewear from rimless to bolder frames<br />3. inching my slim pants (only!) up to ankle length </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490865 Wed, 13 May 2015 01:18:42 +0000 MTBGirl 1490865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have learned so much and like others said, don't want to repeat. Your question was what is one of the best lessons you learned on YLF. &nbsp;Amongst all the fabulous fashion insight I have learned to respect other people's styles, no matter how different from mine (which I don't think I can actually describe just yet besides maybe polished casual?) and I really appreciate all the positive attitudes of all the lovely ladies here as sometimes it seems like such a negative world and it is a wonderful thing to be conversing with people all around the world in different countries and climates and situations and style preferences and sizes and ages...and on an on it is a wonderful thing! I feel like sometimes, when I actually have some time, I am on my own little fashion getaway..only I'm not alone...I'm with all of you! : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490847 Wed, 13 May 2015 00:57:20 +0000 Anonymous 1490847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been away for a bit and just wanted to express how much I love this thread you started, Texstyle! I won't repeat lessons I've learned that have already been touched on, but I do want to say how so many of the lessons shared here are new to me. Thank you, fabulous YLFers for this; it's wonderful to have your ideas all in the same place. This one's going in my bookmarks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490497 Tue, 12 May 2015 10:25:15 +0000 lyn67 1490497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, this is hard, don't even know where to begin?<br />-it's not you, rather the wrong piece (style, cut, fabric, color, size, etc.) so don't settle for less then perfect, even if need bossing your clothes:-)<br />-having fun with fashion<br />-size and age &nbsp;are just &nbsp;numbers<br />-white does not make me look (always:-)) fat<br />-black does not look (always:-)) harsh<br />-the third piece make all things more polished<br />-fit and grooming &nbsp;IS soo very important&nbsp;<br />-you can look stylish and feel comfy at the same time no matter the dress code<br />-accessories make a BIG difference(esp. the right shoes and bag:-)).<br />-the concept of PPL and so have enlightened &nbsp;about the fact that you cannot wear the same pants with heels and flats for a perfect look-no matter how hard you try:-))<br />-we are all different. It's OK to stay out of some trends. What works for some, will not necessary work for me-still I can appreciate them on others<br />-others makes efforts to look effortlessy chic, too:-))</p> <p>-our style continuously evolves</p> <p>and OMG, sooo oooooon...</p> <p>BUT to keep things &nbsp;real, I DO &nbsp;still have problems practicing the one in, one out or &nbsp;the SYC concept.... these are really bugging me:-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/3#post-1490450 Tue, 12 May 2015 04:25:53 +0000 lyn* 1490450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've learned it's okay to just love frocks! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1490320 Mon, 11 May 2015 21:48:13 +0000 Lyn D. 1490320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 3 'Fs'- Fabric/Fit/Function.<br />Especially useful when considering a new purchase :)<br />Plus everything mentioned above and more!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1490281 Mon, 11 May 2015 19:09:47 +0000 texstyle 1490281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>dakotacheryl - PPL is Perfect Pant Length </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1490278 Mon, 11 May 2015 19:06:25 +0000 texstyle 1490278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz (and others) mentioned juxtaposition and I think that is such a great point too. I think I've learned that juxtaposition can be in the actual pieces of clothing and how they relate to one another, and in our choice of shoes/bag and how we style ourselves with regard to hair, makeup, and jewelry. For me, wearing mostly tees and casual items makes me feel a real need to always do my hair, always wear at least some makeup, lipcolor is key to me to feel polished, and to pay attention to shoes that are not just decent in style, but in good condition. I typically add a belt and jewelry to most outfits as well and have been looking into adding some higher end pieces in that category.</p> <p>I didn't realize when I wrote this post that it would resonate with so many but it's been so fun reading the replies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489641 Sun, 10 May 2015 02:53:50 +0000 Jaime 1489641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh what a great thread! Although so much of what I have internalized about dressing was learned here, my most important lessons are not about fashion at all. From the beginning Angie made me comfortable expressing myself in a way that I sorely needed. Her wonderful way of welcoming and respecting everyone and yet firmly insisting on decent behavior has truly changed my life for the better in many ways.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489613 Sun, 10 May 2015 01:52:44 +0000 dakotacheryl 1489613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have really enjoyed reading all of the responses here and I share the same epiphanies as many of you.</p> <p>And I honestly think I dress better, with more thoughtfulness and less "working at it" than I did in my 40's. I now have a wardrobe that coordinates and offers endless possibilities.</p> <p>And I so enjoy looking at and admiring the wonderful variety of styles that you ladies here show me on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing.</p> <p>I have one question though...and I thought I was good with acronyms...what does PPL stand for? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489592 Sat, 09 May 2015 23:45:37 +0000 rholmes27 1489592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Previously, I could tell when something didn't look good on me, but never knew why. Now I can at least make a good guess. I have loved being part of this forum, even though I'm more of a lurker than a poster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489590 Sat, 09 May 2015 23:38:33 +0000 Gigi 1489590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread! I liked reading about your epiphany about the graphic tees. It's nice to have something to wear that feels special even though it's casual and simple, isn't it?</p> <p>I"ve learned a lot of very important things on the forum. The main ones are</p> <p>. It's OK to have my own style even if it doesn't match anyone else's.</p> <p>. It's OK to be super picky and leave empty-handed from the store, even if it means waiting years before finding the perfect item. (They are called HEWIs for a reason, right?)</p> <p>. Semitucking! This is really helpful since I have a short waist, and it seems to extend my torso while still allowing me to display my belt.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489573 Sat, 09 May 2015 22:30:43 +0000 DonnaF 1489573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Forgot to add:</p> <p>8.&nbsp; Learned to be more adventurous with combining colors.</p> <p>9.&nbsp; Learned to pattern mix.</p> <p>10. Learned to juxtapose casual with more dressy items to extend their wear.</p> <p>11. Learned to consciously try to include color, pattern, texture, and shine in outfits or at least have three of the four. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489556 Sat, 09 May 2015 20:32:41 +0000 DonnaF 1489556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1.&nbsp; Never say never.&nbsp; It often takes my eye time to adjust to a look.&nbsp; It really helps to see YLFers in WIWs to help me envision myself.&nbsp; It's also fun to see lemming wear!</p> <p>2.&nbsp; The semi-tuck is not just for J.Crew catalogs.</p> <p>3.&nbsp; Rethink duplicating because it can lead to splitting wears.</p> <p>4.&nbsp; PPL</p> <p>5.&nbsp; Buy and wear clothing for the life I lead, but I don't have to dress like a slob or uber casual; smart casual is okay.</p> <p>6.&nbsp; Just because it fits, is a color that flatters, and is within my budget doesn't mean I have to buy it; maybe it's not my *style*.</p> <p>7.&nbsp; I have style preferences, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489552 Sat, 09 May 2015 20:23:10 +0000 Anonymous 1489552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I really empathise with your light bulb moment and realisation about dressing for real life, Texstyle. I've read a fair few replies and I'm pretty much in agreement with all that's been said.</p> <p>The main lessons for me? Well too many to think of and mention here though some that come to mind are... how to appreciate all other tastes and style on ladies of all ages shapes and sizes. That I need to dress for my real life and climate. That I should never say never regarding trying new trends (hello BF jeans!) and mostly, to have fun with fashion.&nbsp;There are probably many more too, but I would be repeating what's already been said by the others and I also think that I'm most likely still learning!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489376 Sat, 09 May 2015 11:41:51 +0000 Staysfit 1489376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh this is an excellent question, I've learned the following:</p> <p>1. Style adjectives and a style statement help with shopping and creating a more cohesive closet where items can mix and match. </p> <p>2. One in, one out.</p> <p>3. Variation on a theme is a good thing, but purchasing multiples in the same color is not always the best idea because it leads to splitting wears.</p> <p>4. My style is not the same as anyone else's, so feedback while helpful, still needs to be tempered with what I feel in my heart. </p> <p>5. A plan for shopping and wardrobe development keeps closet overgrowth at bay.</p> <p>6. Less is more.</p> <p>7. I love shoes! (I knew that before actually)</p> <p>8. Change your glasses!!! The frames make a difference.</p> <p>9. This forum is a well run friendly venue with some of the most helpful women I have encountered, and the credit goes to Angie and her crew for setting the tone. Thanks Angie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489369 Sat, 09 May 2015 11:19:47 +0000 unfrumped 1489369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things! Can't pick just one. </p> <p>Maybe " intentionality " is a theme. I had been more random and more limited to certain stores and departments. When I realized I loved certain hem styles on tops and that I was buying less flattering ones just because they were what I encountered most often. Then I had to learn I didn't have enough time to explore EVERY option and search endlessly, so I'm learning both what's good enough for the time &amp; other resources used, and also that I could WAIT rather than buy. </p> <p>Juxtaposition, maybe using the term loosely, was a big deal. I don't want to " stand out" at work with very trendy or eye- catching garb but want some interesting elements.<br /> Footwear- a great thing. Still, I've been learning to tell the difference in what updates are right for me even if not always at the very forefront. And how the footwear has to match up with the pants or skirt or both.<br /> Last for now-- trying everything on with stuff I own and being more ruthless with returns. I am much better at telling which things are " almost" and hence will languish; or, that the item I THOUGHT would go with everything,<br /> really does not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489323 Sat, 09 May 2015 06:47:31 +0000 Deborah 1489323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I think the most important thing I have learnt here is to dress for myself and dress the way I like and not feel pressure to 'fit in' to any particular mould. &nbsp;This has been incredibly liberating and I believe it has facilitated me really honing my style. &nbsp; &nbsp;There are more specific things I have learnt like bookending, ppl and definitely dressing for my real life.. but with a touch of drama lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489321 Sat, 09 May 2015 06:41:50 +0000 Jeweled 1489321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are my top things I've learned thanks to YLF:</p> <p>1) Instead of buying half a dozen colors of the same item, limit yourself to no more than three of the same item: 1 light neutral, 1 dark neutral, and 1 color or print.</p> <p>2) Capsules for different parts of your life - home capsule, errand-running capsule, dressy capsule, workout capsule, etc.</p> <p>3) That outfits can be creative and unique without dipping into the "costume" realm - I've seen this thanks to the lovely folks who share photos of their cohesive, creative ensembles.</p> <p>4) Paying attention to the details can make a world of difference in the impact of an outfit.</p> <p>5) Just Flattering Enough (JFE) - a life changing perspective!</p> <p>6) The concept of wardrobe tracking / outfit tracking - I love this brilliant idea, but still trying to figure out how to do it in a way that works for me (and a system that I'd stick with).</p> <p>Thank you, YLF-ers, for teaching me so much! &lt;3 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489266 Sat, 09 May 2015 02:50:52 +0000 Carla 1489266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. 'It's about the shoes'! Amazing how footwear can make or break an outfit.</p> <p>2. Bookending</p> <p>3. Pay attention to hair, specs, bag...things that can become a stylish signiture</p> <p>4. Life appropriate, rather than 'age' appropriate</p> <p>5. Using 'happiness factor' as a dressing guideline </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489262 Sat, 09 May 2015 02:41:36 +0000 Debbie 1489262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The biggest things I've learned is:<br /> 1. You can be fashionable at any age.<br /> 2. Quality versus quantity.<br /> 3. You can try trends at any age.<br /> 4. Your on line relationships can be an important part of your life and you meet lifelong friends on this forum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489235 Sat, 09 May 2015 01:36:40 +0000 K. Period. 1489235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Trendy" is not a dirty word! &nbsp;</p> <p>Trendy was always used as a disparagement in my circles when I was younger. &nbsp;I was terrified of being trendy, but wanted to buy things that were less safe. &nbsp;Angie taught me that there wasn't anything wrong with trendy! I also learned (hand in hand with the trendy revelation) that culling you closet of "obligation wear" clothes frees up a lot of wears for wearing a trendy item out. &nbsp;I feel much more confident about nabbing a trend item at the beginning of its cycle now rather than waiting for it to prove its merit. &nbsp;And I don't fall into the trap of trying to plan for it to last forever. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>(Plus donkey is a magic color for blondes. Thanks, Angie!!!)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489224 Sat, 09 May 2015 01:16:18 +0000 Jules 1489224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somewhat similarly, that it's okay to invest in a casual wardrobe. My life is casual and I frankly would be quite happy wearing jeans and sneakers 90% of the time - this is my honest happy place default. But that doesn't mean I have to wear the odd Costco hoodie, in a colour I don't like, that someone gave to me - I can pick out a hoodie I like, spend $50-100 on it be be *much* happier. I can buy $150 Hunters and wear them to daycare pickup and for mucking around my yard, and love it. I can have and adore several pairs of converse, and someday Ash sneakers will be mine too (just waiting for the perfect pair).<br /> Somehow I always thought my "real" shopping money should go to things I don't/can't really wear: suits, pretty heels, etc; and that casual stuff should always be cheap or even random. I was wrong </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489203 Sat, 09 May 2015 00:39:03 +0000 frannieb 1489203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super cool thread<br />What I have learned<br />1. Dress for my real life - not fantasy life or fantasy body.&nbsp;<br />2. PPL - an understanding of what it means<br />3. The third piece<br />4. I actually have a crazy love of leather and while I'm not RATE in any way shape or form leather is my itty bitty toe dip into RATE<br />5. Capsules - Have literally changed my life<br />6. Shopping for all parts of my life not just work. I used to ignore the weekend/MOTG part of my life or comfy staying at home. Now I shop for all aspects of my reality<br />7. Buy, try at home, play in your closet and return if it doesn't work.</p> <p>And of course the smart, brilliant woman on this forum are why i keep coming back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489153 Fri, 08 May 2015 23:09:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 1489153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things; but the main one was that I wasn't crazy (or at least I'd found other women who were just as crazy) to still be interested in fashion in my 60s :)&nbsp;</p> <p>YLF also helped me:</p> <ul> <li>let go of the work clothes I was hanging on to even though I'd retired&nbsp;</li> <li>dress like "me" even tough I'd moved to more conservative town with a different climate</li> <li>understand the difference between classic &amp; modern classic</li> <li>understand the difference between what I thought I wore &amp; what I actually wear (through tracking)</li> </ul> Even though all these things have been instrumental in changing the way I shop THE most important thing is the YLF community. That is why I stay :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489139 Fri, 08 May 2015 22:41:41 +0000 Chiara 1489139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While there can be great pleasure in a spontaneous I-love-this-item purchase, having a wardrobe of clothes that work together and where items all get worn is an ongoing pleasure! With YLF I have learnt to 'shop the closet', and had a lot of fun doing that. <br />Yes, PPL (I kind of knew it intuitively before, but now I really know what I knew!).<br />Tracking what I wear- has started to show me what items are the real workhorses, and also what my "uniform" is, and where I could experiment a little more.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489137 Fri, 08 May 2015 22:38:26 +0000 Olivegreen 1489137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, gosh, all so true. Like others, have a list.<br /> Capsules: Took me forever to implement this and does it ever work.<br /> White: My girlfriends now regard me as impossibly avant garde because am rocking white denim, or column of white, and white shoes.<br /> Identifying favourite shapes and fabrications. And then trying others.<br /> Bags: Need not be all brown, all black, or serious. Pets, indeed :-)<br /> Accepting the inevitable changes and editing to stay current.<br /> And maybe most important, that smart women can take fashion seriously and make choices that make smart look very attractive. At any price point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489125 Fri, 08 May 2015 22:04:30 +0000 Suz 1489125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a wonderful thread! Thank you for starting it, <b>Texstyle</b>. And I love your lightbulb moment -- it makes perfect sense! That was a fantastic ensemble. For me it was a bit of a lightbulb moment, too, for a slightly different reason.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, my very biggest lesson as probably been "dress for the life I live." I'm still learning it, of course, but what a difference it has already made. Like <b>Traci</b>, I used to buy emotionally -- or sometimes, desperately, because I literally had nothing to wear for an occasion. And then the clothes would just sit there, not useful for anything else, because I had no idea how to pair them with other items I owned.&nbsp;</p> <p>Isn't it interesting that you and I both needed to learn this lesson and we both live at rather the extremes of climate? Because dressing for my real life often means dressing for my real climate. We both also work from home and spend time walking outdoors. This dictates a level of practicality that those working in air conditioned and heated offices and commuting by car might not need. It's both a challenge and an opportunity, I think. Graphic tees have been a great discovery for my summer style, too, by the way -- and for winter, patterned pullovers, which is the equivalent.&nbsp;</p> <p>The reason the graphic tee ensemble hit home for me and is still resonating is more for the lessons on juxtaposition. This was an entirely new concept for me -- one I am still struggling to learn. <b>Gaylene's </b>thoughts are very much on point here. I think as I continue to evolve my style, this element of juxtaposition will become more and more important. The outfits I love most always contain some element of that. Jeans with a great (and dressier) jacket. Jeans with refined footwear. A dress with a denim jacket. A silk blouse with Cons.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've loved reading everyone's insights. Fabulous.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/one-of-my-best-lessons-from-ylf---whats-yours/page/2#post-1489093 Fri, 08 May 2015 20:34:50 +0000 Sal 1489093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of lessons but probably the biggest one is seeing clothes worn of so many different women, in different places, with different shapes, styles, tastes etc... It has helped me appreciate a range of looks, and given me great information about what might work for me. </p>