https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:58:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950967 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:48:00 +0000 Christina F. 1950967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another orphan comes out to play! I actually should have worn this top sooner. It’s one of the few I have in a softer color palette that I’ve been dipping my toes into, and it plays nicely withy new-ish capsule of white bottoms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950706 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:37:30 +0000 Christina F. 1950706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks, CJ! I am trying to be thoughtful because it's easy for me to go overboard. I have so many items I like, but I'd like to wear the ones I LOVE more. I am getting better at buying only things I will love (or else are necessary to make other stuff work), and I believe I'll have fewer items I merely like as time goes on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think alterations are necessary in most of these cases, though it's possible the ikat top could benefit from having the shoulders taken up - a common alteration for me. I discussed the ship skirt above. The gingham dress needs some wax or something on the zipper, which I can do but haven't gotten around to yet. I think it may be a little tight, but I've been working on my core due to my back issues, so I have to try it on again. The Boden tunic is likely a bit tight and may go into holding, as I hate passing on Boden items right away. I think the rest fits!</div><div><br />Thanks, DeAnna. I flipping love that skirt. I'll never pass it on until it falls apart or stops fitting.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950694 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:55:56 +0000 DeAnna 1950694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look amazing in the ships skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950692 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:48:49 +0000 Anonymous 1950692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Creating outfits is a goal of mine and that would include finding ways to integrate items that yearn to dance and no one asks them. I do love that patterned skirt in #2 above and that ikat blouse you are wearing today sings as well.&nbsp; Is it possible to alter any of the items that bother you?&nbsp; The stain on the blouse would bug me too and you've tried everything to remove it.&nbsp; I would either wear it at home, period, or I would donate it.&nbsp; I love your thinking process and how you care enough to make everything work.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950676 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:07:10 +0000 Christina F. 1950676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn, you make a good point. I have learned a lot and wouldn’t buy some of these items again, based on fit.</p> <p>In some cases though, I just have too many similar things and am splitting wears. This is the case with the boho stuff, Sal. I’ve worn plenty of other boo stuff, but there is a fine line for what I will wear at work - I don’t want what I wear to be too unstructured usually. I got rid of some of the pieces that went too far in the early summer, or else relegated them to casual only items (the number of which I expect to decrease by attrition over time). It may be that I have to edit even further with this in mind! Shoes have also been an issue due to my back, as you say - my choices have been limited unless I want to carry the shoes to work, something I hate doing. </p> <p>Jussie, that’s a good observation. I think it’s a coincidence? But I will check when I try them to see if there is some problem there.</p> <p>I realized today the problem with the gingham top is that I need to layer it at work, and that’s tricky. It may have to go into the non-work capsule, which limits its useability. </p> <p>I am wearing the ikat top today. The lining is a bit tight but it’s not uncomfortable. The jeans have been a bit of a orphan, but they get use in the shoulder season, and can be work with boots in cooler weather. Ditto the shoes, due to my back. They are my oldest and least padded Birkies. I think they’re okay for another year though, since use was light this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950665 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:37:21 +0000 jussie 1950665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also adore the ships skirt.<br /> I am noticing that three of the orphan tops have a notched collar. Is that part of what’s not working for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950639 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 11:13:56 +0000 Angie 1950639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your happiness SHOULD be high in that outfit. It LOVES you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950575 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 04:13:06 +0000 Sal 1950575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I agree with Brooklyn.&nbsp; &nbsp;I usually do a similar exercise at the end of the season and see why something is not being worn - with three outcomes - firstly that I grow to like it again, secondly that I want to keep it but maybe have rare chances to wear it, or thirdly that it is time to move on....</p> <p>I really like these three outfits that you have created.&nbsp; They suit you.</p> <p>In looking at the orphans the theme is they seem to be the more boho pieces - I wonder if this is a style that either is worn on holiday or that you are moving away from?&nbsp; Or have you not been able to wear the shoes because of your back?&nbsp; My favourites are the Anthropologie Dress and the Old Navy dress!!&nbsp; I remember the gingham suited you well but if you still haven't worn it then maybe you are not really drawn to it?</p> <p>I do like some summer boho pieces but I don't really wear them for work so I limit them to one pair genie pants, one-two long sleeve tops/tunics (often worn over a swimsuit) and maybe a dress.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950559 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 02:46:31 +0000 Brooklyn 1950559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s a good project. I think the trick is to make yourself wear each item. If you wear it and you are happy with the outfit that you create (even if it has some issues - like a super high waist - that means you wouldn’t buy it again), keep it. Why not, if you have the space and don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s a good learning exercise for future purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950442 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:14:06 +0000 Christina F. 1950442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks, Katerina! The skirt is a light fabric but is lined and can definitely be worn with tights, boots and a knit top. I think I can wear it in all but the coldest weather if I layer properly. The high waist has thrown me off in the past, but I've concluded it's best to just layer my tops to cover the waistline until if/when I decide to alter it. I should be able get more use out of it going forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Angie! This is my outfit TODAY and the happiness factor is very high.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>suntiger, I have definitely curtailed skirt purchases for this reason. I don't tuck very much either, due to my short waist. So with skirts, I mostly hope to try to find ways to wears the ones I've kept, rather than adding too many more. (I am hoping to find a white denim pencil skirt, but that will be easy to pair with things.) The grey pants definitely need an outfit lab, and that's a good idea for them.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950436 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:00:14 +0000 Anonymous 1950436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to do this too! Skirts are often orphans, due to lack of available short fitted tops since i dont tuck. Where i managed to find a solution was in jrs department!<br /> The grey pants look like they'd work with many of the orphan tops </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950432 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:51:12 +0000 Angie 1950432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE outfit #2 further down the comments, <b>Christina</b>. KILLER. Good job using the the misplaced tank.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950425 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:37:10 +0000 Katerina 1950425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great orphan outfits, Christina. You are chic and stylish. The high waisted skirt is wonderful, what is it made of? Can it be styled with some knitted sweaters or heavier jackets and boots for autumn to extend wear? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950397 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 16:23:07 +0000 Christina F. 1950397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Sarah, I'd love to alter it, but since it zips up the side I imagine the zipper would have to be taken out and moved. I can only imagine how much that costs here in NYC, plus there's too much of a language barrier with my local tailor, so I'd have to go looking for one I can communicate with very clearly. (They are fine for my usual hemming or taking up dress straps.) I got the skirt on eBay after a couple of years of stalking for a price I could accept, so I was just glad it fit me at all...</div><div><br /></div><div>I will consider altering if and when I find a suitable tailor.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds like you're lacking some wardrobe essentials! I have fewer orphans now once I saw Angie's posts on that topic. I still have a lot of statement pieces, but at least now I can pair most of them with something without too much effort (I don't like mixing prints, despite my affinity for prints).<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950394 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 16:10:14 +0000 SarahD8 1950394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE the sailing ships skirt. Would it be worth altering to make it more wearable? If you're going to keep it in your closet (I wouldn't part with it either), the investment might at least help it work a little harder, and give you more chances to enjoy it.</p> <p>Wearing orphans is a great end-of-season project. Hats off to you. I do have some summer clothes that are difficult to style, but in thinking about it I do not think they are really orphans. Rather, I think my summer wardrobe has gotten a little too lean. I have some nice pieces but since summer isn't my dominant season I haven't been willing to invest in the "glue" to hold them together.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950364 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 15:12:34 +0000 Christina F. 1950364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are examples of “orphan outfits” from the last week. All the items happen to be ones I want to keep. </p> <p>1 - the grey pants. I want to keep them but I find it hard to pair them with anything but a tee. I believe I can work on this problem.<br /> 2 - skirt and tank (the tank wasn’t a true orphan, just misplaced). The skirt is a favorite of mine but the waist comes up almost to my chest. I have to style without tucking. I wouldn’t buy anything that high waisted again but I can’t bear to part with this.<br /> 3 - also the skirt. Just had to get around to it but want to keep. It’s scuba and also nice in cooler weather. </p> <p>I neee to wear some of those orphan tops next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/project-wear-my-orphans#post-1950361 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:45:49 +0000 Christina F. 1950361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>In some of the recent discussion about wardrobe size, I believe I mentioned that while I like a relatively large wardrobe with lots of options, I also hate having wardrobe orphans. (I'm not counting is something is in a specific capsule that sees less use in a given year. I haven't really been hiking this year due to an injury, for instance, but I will retain my hiking clothes.) Anyway, I post all this with the caveat that I'm not a numbers person and won't be counting, I go by feeling and my available space.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, my strategy as summer draws to a close (sob) is to create a capsule on YLF Finds of things that have been unworn as yet this year. I am doing a good job of wearing some of those items. My goal is to identify which items I just don't want to wear, and why, along with the items I try wearing and find have problems. Anyway, as you can see, I have too many tops and dresses, always my weaknesses. There are also some other items I don't have finds for (including things like tank tops, which I'm happy to keep around as the rate of them wearing out is high).<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Believe it or not, I have culled a lot of items and been much more careful about what I brought in (1 in 2 out in some cases), but my summer wardrobe is still too big in that not all of it gets worn.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know why I haven't worn some of these, and am not too worried:</div><div><br /></div><div>-The Anthro dress below was supposed to be worn for an anniversary on Sunday (10th anniversary of our first date), but the weather did not cooperate and I wore jeans. It's a new piece that will find its time soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>-The pink maxi skirt will probably come out at the Ren Faire next month - I don't dress up for the Faire as much as many other do, but like to get into the spirit of it a bit. We go each year.</div><div><br /></div><div>-It takes me a while to wear all my patterned skirts. I will get to&nbsp; the other ones. I am buying fewer skirts as a result of this observation, though.<br /></div><div><br /> <div>-The gingham dress has a zipper issue I need to deal with - it sticks and I need to use wax or a pencil to fix it.</div><div><br /></div><div></div></p> <p>-I don't expect to have many occasions for the very boho Lucky Brand dress. I may try seeing if I can use a topper to make it work appropriate.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Other observations:</div><div><br /></div><div>-I tried the off the shoulder trend last year, hence having two tops like that, but I wear them with the shoulders up. The gingham top is my only summer gingham top, though. I hope to wear this week. The blue off the shoulder top just hasn't been worn so I may just not like it much beyond the pretty color.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-The aqua linen Boden sleeveless top has a mysterious small stain that won't go away, on the side towards the bottom. It's not in a very noticeable to anyone else, but it might bother me too much. I had it dry cleaned and pointed out the spot but it's still not completely gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>-The Caslon pintucked top was misplaced for a while. It's gorgeous but the lining may be too tight towards the bottom - often a problem area for me on longer tops, since I'm short waisted and curvy. I want to wear it again and evaluate whether this is truly a dealbreaker, or if the lining can perhaps be tailored.</div><div><br /></div><div>-The most interesting detail of the red tee is the sleeves, which get covered up if I wear it to work since it's always freezing in there.</div><div><br /></div><div>-I really dug the idea of tunics a year or two ago. The Boden aqua one doesn't get worn anymore, probably because when I wear it over pants/jeans you can see the outline of them. I guess that means it's too tight, even though it would look fine on its own, aside from being too short.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My goal here is just identifying why things are orphans, and what the problem is with each one (if any). Since I don't do numbers and have enough space, there's not a particular goal of culling x number of garments. Anyway, I thought some of you might be interested in this, and/or have interesting observations.<br /></div> </p>