https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:41:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2387106 Fri, 30 May 2025 18:28:50 +0000 Janet 2387106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Posting an update…</p> <p>The Saint and Sophia skirt arrived. I love the fabrication, and it fits well at the waist, but I am not fond of what the side-seam pockets do for my shape — they just add too much bulk and width where I already have it. It’s a shame because otherwise I quite like it. If they’d just set the pockets forward it would have been a winner. </p> <p>Brooklyn, that Allsaints skirt is very appealing! I’m not sure about that panel across the hip though, on my figure. </p> <p>Maybe I’ll try the Ruti skirt. Thanks for all the great feedback and info! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2386822 Mon, 26 May 2025 01:04:56 +0000 Momo 2386822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will try to share a picture of the ruti skirt! I was away this weekend at my sons graduation </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6/page/2#post-2386772 Sun, 25 May 2025 04:26:40 +0000 elpgal 2386772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, HUGE thanks for sharing your Wisdom. I used it on a summer dress. I wore it to the farmer’s market and very quickly realized why I don’t wear it. I came home, quickly put in the donate pile. Not only that, I wad able to stay with that mindset and quickly pare down the rest of my summer dresses and skirts. Thanks for getting me started! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386768 Sun, 25 May 2025 03:32:42 +0000 Brooklyn 2386768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you might like this Allsaints skirt. I have it. It’s made from cotton (except for the stretchy textured panel at the top) and lighter than it looks. </p> <p>Also, Etsy has lots of similar skirts to the ruti skirt - made from cotton and in colours or a print. So that’s an option you might want to explore too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386767 Sun, 25 May 2025 02:10:11 +0000 Cookie 2386767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somewhat similar vibe to the Ruti skirt, I tried this on today: <a href="https://fire-opal.com/products/new-ellis-skirt-in-jet-jersey-by-porto?variant=47125861007612" rel="nofollow">https://fire-opal.com/products.....5861007612</a></p> <p>I really liked it a lot but couldn’t justify the price in the moment. The waist is VERY stretchy—size 2/medium fit me with plenty of room. Just another brand you might look into. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386754 Sat, 24 May 2025 23:22:29 +0000 DonnaF 2386754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just discovered there’s a Ruti store near me so I popped over to try the *Momo skirt* in a Petite and graphite color. Had it not been 20% off store wide and in a Petite I would not have bothered. I will take pics after I have tried styling it. The skirt is about 3x what I would normally spend even at the sale price so I need to be sure!</p> <p>The fabrication is like a technical nylon. I tried on the black as well but the details didn’t show up much which may be why I didn’t like it. It also comes in dark brown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386718 Fri, 23 May 2025 23:28:47 +0000 DonnaF 2386718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you scroll through the black option there’s a photo of a short stocky woman. I love that it comes in Petites and hate, hate, hate that I have absolutely no need for another skirt. This looks like it would be a great option for travel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386717 Fri, 23 May 2025 22:10:35 +0000 LJP 2386717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow - I love that Ruti skirt. Wish it was a little more price-friendly in Cdn dollars. This brand/label keeps popping up in everything I read online lately...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386714 Fri, 23 May 2025 21:39:22 +0000 Janet 2386714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Momo, I’ve looked at that! I’d love to know your impressions of it. Pics?? The models in the stock photos are so slim and straight that I wondered how this would work on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386658 Fri, 23 May 2025 12:30:55 +0000 Momo 2386658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://ruti.com/products/the-go-to-skirt">https://ruti.com/products/the-go-to-skirt</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I just got this one. &nbsp;Not a basic black skirt !</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386525 Wed, 21 May 2025 18:01:37 +0000 Suz 2386525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I love the Saint and Sophia skirt and not to enable or anything but I saw a resurgence of handkerchief hems all over the UK and Austria when I was there ....</p> <p>I also love your strategy of actually wearing the thing to pinpoint why you don't reach for it. Your analysis seems spot on and I really like your trouser alternative to the skirt.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386479 Tue, 20 May 2025 22:27:48 +0000 Jaime 2386479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good strategy and yes, summer items need to do more heavy lifting because you can just wear less of them. I agree completely that it takes actually wearing a piece to know if it is working, a try on is just one dimensional somehow. The skirt you ordered looks promising! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386429 Tue, 20 May 2025 13:27:40 +0000 Janet 2386429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, IKWYM. Skirts seem strangely difficult to source lately. Styles are really specific — boho tiers or (ugh for me) minis. Not doing that again, I finished with minis in my 30s. Or corporate pencil skirts, which, again, not doing again. </p> <p>I did decide to order the S&amp;S skirt. The cut looks really promising and I have liked the Tencel items I’ve owned. Will cross fingers and report later! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386426 Tue, 20 May 2025 13:06:32 +0000 Carol 2386426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like we are in a weird skirt moment now. I need to also buy a skirt, but nothing seems right. I have my eye on the lightweight linen from Quince, but it is bunched at the waist. I look great in a-line minis, but they are also snug, and not the most comfortable.&nbsp; Things feel too warm, too formal, too frumpy...I feel like it was not this way before.&nbsp; I don't know what's up with skirts.</p> <p>I don't know how I eliminate pieces, but I know I am not doing well lately with very artificial fabrics.&nbsp; They look so comfy online, and sometimes when you get them they are like a scratchy nightgown.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386416 Tue, 20 May 2025 11:45:37 +0000 Janet 2386416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I think you’re right! Fabrication makes a huge difference in black items in particular. The flat black of the skirt — no texture or interest — made it feel utilitarian and dull. A backdrop can still be interesting. I had a black slip-style skirt but it was developing pills and I didn’t care for the fit after a brief time of wearing, but I can see how it would theoretically be a better backdrop: simple in shape, style and color, but with a little depth and texture. Filing this knowledge away for future use! After all these years I’m still learning. </p> <p>Jenni, I hear you about how sometimes the feeling sneaks up on us before we realize we don’t love something. Sometimes for me the decision is made after seeing photos! </p> <p>This tactic is helping me look at my closet a little differently. Another pair of pants went in the giveaway bag. They served me well for years but I’m finished with them and ready to wear my other fab things! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386412 Tue, 20 May 2025 11:28:52 +0000 Helena 2386412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great strategy Janet, thank you for sharing it. It makes total sense that a piece that's too basic would not give you the artistic edge you need. Especially a skirt which you can't really style much (vs say a more basic shirt, which you can scrunch, knot, later etc).</p> <p>I will try this with some of my pieces I'm not loving! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386409 Tue, 20 May 2025 11:23:07 +0000 Suntiger 2386409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black pieces can be deceptively tricky! They're good backdrops but often fall flat. I'm trying to only buy black pieces with an intentional shape or texture now. Classic (structured), Edgy, and Glam look great in black, unstructured casual....meh...<br /> *gives own wardrobe the side eye*<br /> Definitely try that skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386401 Tue, 20 May 2025 07:09:18 +0000 Jenni NZ 2386401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m not sure if I use this strategy. Maybe I do, but slower? It took me another 10 wears of my long olive cardigan after showing the forum last year before I finally decided I didn’t feel good in it and donated it!<br /> Partly because I didn’t have a good replacement and still don’t, entirely. I can wear other things but kind of miss the ease of grabbing that when wearing a column of olive… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386378 Tue, 20 May 2025 00:21:28 +0000 RachelNZ 2386378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a good strategy to really consider why something isn't feeling right. I hope you can find a skirt that provides the right options for you.</p> <p>I make notes on every item I remove and I think I am definitely getting better at remembering those learnings when looking at new pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386334 Mon, 19 May 2025 21:28:11 +0000 Karie 2386334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use that same strategy too. In fact, I will often pack an item that is not getting any wear and force myself to wear it on a trip. I did that with a pair of pants on a recent trip to FL, and when I looked at the photos when I got home, the pants immediately went into the donate pile (I think I need to rethink that strategy!).<br /> I like the skirt in the photo. It definitely has that edgy vibe that looks so good on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386333 Mon, 19 May 2025 21:09:59 +0000 Lisa 2386333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis and excellent strategy on questionable items. When I edit my closet and I struggle with an item I compare it with something else I know I enjoy wearing. If I'm not willing to wear it in place of the favorite piece then it goes in the donate pile. Wearing an item to see how you feel is another excellent strategy and one I've also done in the past too. Sometimes you just need to put an item in it's paces to see if it works because our style preferences are always changing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386325 Mon, 19 May 2025 20:36:08 +0000 Sal 2386325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I use that strategy too. I usually wear the piece to work because on 90% of the days it does not matter…. The strategy made me like a skirt I had avoided for close to two years, and edit out a dress that is a bit softer and prettier than my style now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386322 Mon, 19 May 2025 17:37:38 +0000 AndiB 2386322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After watching an Instagram post on culling your wardrobe (suggested taking 5 items not often or ever reached for), I moved 5 seldom worn tops to the front of my rod, in easy reach, and actually wore one today!&nbsp; I think it has a legit spot in my wardrobe, still, if infrequently worn.&nbsp; I have a big work event all day tomorrow, that I have to dress up professionally for (so not using this method tomorrow), but the remaining 4 tops are lined up for tryouts for the rest of the week.&nbsp; I have done some serious culling over the last year, and feel ruthless in getting rid of things.&nbsp; I should try the same with bottoms, I probably have 2 or 3 black knit midi skirts that are not in frequent rotation.&nbsp; I mean, keep one, right?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386313 Mon, 19 May 2025 15:56:22 +0000 unfrumped 2386313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great editing technique , Janet!<br /> I do kind of the same thing( when I do it!) , because I seem to need to identify just WHY I am not wearing something. I wish I were able to do more intuitive/ emotional - just toss it!— but I don’t trust that. Where’s, if I can finally see, this too is too tight across, this top keeps hiking up, this fabric not only wrinkles, it’s hard to iron ( some are not), thes pants don’t flatter in any way— then I feel solid about donating and don’t waste energy on regrets. </p> <p>Of course the other benefit of “ just wear it” is discovering that an item just needed a different support act. I have a N + Z fringe jacket that I’ve been frustrated with, for buying “ more jackets” and for it not functioning how I thought it would, and have been about to just give away to a friend who has a re-sell hobby. It’s a relatively short jacket on me but just did not seem to work with skirts or wideleg pants. Probably because of the texture and fringe, it was too much up top to combine with those bottom pieces. Then I finally tried with slimmer tapered pants, simple Tee, and sneakers and it worked much better and I got random compliments! </p> <p>I tend to buy some things in either a happy color or a particular neutral that is often useful, because I get FOMO about not grabbing it when available, without paying enough attention to how the style or fit will work in. And then wonder why I’m struggling wearing it, because “ it ought to” go , right? </p> <p>Anyway, these small, sometimes only one-at-a-time edits are the most common for me, and important in trying to curate a wardrobe in which more of the items are worn more often, re-mixed more , or make room for something that will be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386310 Mon, 19 May 2025 14:46:29 +0000 Janet 2386310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Social media is scary sometimes. An ad for Saint and Sophia popped up and this skirt would be just the kind of thing I’d try. Reviews are good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386307 Mon, 19 May 2025 14:28:49 +0000 Janet 2386307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad this makes sense to you all!</p> <p>I found it really critical to actually not just try the item on, but to spend a few hours in it. Go to the grocery store or whatever. It really helped me reckon with how I *feel* in something. If I want to go home and change, that’s a really strong sign. </p> <p>Lisa, yes! You get it. Your points about basic/classic and fabrication are so right. </p> <p>Angie, nodding along with you too. I have leaned heavily on prints in summer but am trying to not do that so much. And I stick with a pretty tight color palette too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386303 Mon, 19 May 2025 14:19:21 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2386303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this thought process, and am definitely stealing this idea and trying it out today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386301 Mon, 19 May 2025 14:01:07 +0000 Angie 2386301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good job pinpointing the problem, <b>Janet</b>! On this leg of your style journey, the reasoning makes perfect sense. First, things are relative, and second, we need to listen to our feelings and follow our style mood, When it swings - we adapt :)</p> <p>I like your "try-it-on-again-and-see-how-it-feels" test. Effective! Hope you find a black skirt that is more align with your sartorial preferences. I like the sarong style you posted for you too. I wonder if one of the Ruti black skirts fits the bill?</p> <p>Personally, I like simple silhouettes (on top, most of all), BUT, I add the dimension of colour (and hectic pattern) - which makes all the difference. A solid neon oversized shirt is going to make me happier than a navy one. A hectically pattered silk blouse is going to make happier than a solid navy one. White pants make me happier than navy pants.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386298 Mon, 19 May 2025 13:48:42 +0000 LJP 2386298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's basic-plain, and there's basic-interesting . &nbsp;I consider black bottoms basics, and not to start *that* whole conversation here again , but I agree that very plain basics (like a jersey knit plain skirt) can be difficult to feel good in &nbsp;in a season when you are usually only wearing 2 pieces . &nbsp;In my case, that's where modern/interesting/statement-making footwear comes in (and I know you love footwear as much as I do and have a great collection ) . &nbsp;I think in your case, a plain knit skirt doesn't say anything about your style or personality and probably isn't necessary in your wardrobe. ( I think, after writing all of this, lol) it's probably why I don't own one either. &nbsp;At least a plain classic black pant in a quality fabric can feel luxurious when worn with the right top , but somehow a t-shirt knit skirt doesn't get there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pinpointing-the-problem%e2%80%a6#post-2386295 Mon, 19 May 2025 13:05:22 +0000 Janet 2386295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF — yes! That was my strategy. I wore the skirt with a sleeveless top that is a bit more distinctive/edgy and it still fell flat for me. </p> <p>I think the skirt might have worked in a different fabrication. A poplin maybe, or something silky more like a slip skirt. But the t-shirt fabric just felt wrong. Texture can be really important and I often forget about it! </p>