https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:20:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293936 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 23:11:13 +0000 Ellemnop 2293936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my mind, we are all sitting around a roaring fire at a chic ski lodge sipping hot cocoa or red wine and hashing out this conversation as our Fashion Scholars conference. I LOVE a deeply analytical fashion convo!</p> <p>The distinction between physical comfort and psychological comfort is a really interesting one to turn over, and something I often find deep conflict in. Probably comes down to how willing I am to prioritize my wants/needs over the context of the situation.&nbsp;</p> <p>In order:</p> <p><b>Physical comfort</b> - I spent years squeezing into shapewear and too-high heels on a daily basis, only caring about how something looked to others instead of how it felt on me. No longer! If it rides up, pinches, or rubs it's out. Like <b>Helena</b> I will very occasionally compromise here for special occasions (interview, fancy wedding).</p> <p><b>Color</b> - I find myself very sensitive to colors and tones these days, and feel deeply uncomfortable in colors that are too loud for me.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Fit/figure flattery</b> - I am extremely picky about finding items that meet my many and various criteria here, but given how rarely items actually check all my boxes I'm often left wearing stuff that's 80% there. It bums me out.</p> <p><b>Vibe/Story</b>&nbsp;- I like to adapt my style to the context/energy of the place or activity if I can. I think I'm after feeling like a part of 'X' place/activity? Like a goal of looking as if I belong, as opposed to blending? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293878 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:22:03 +0000 Jenni NZ 2293878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think comfort is *the* most important thing to me. Maybe that’s a given for us Fabbers and for Angie’s clients, but it doesn’t look like it is for all the celebrities we see tottering around in high stilettos?<br /> After that it would be a degree of dressiness for my work days, and otherwise appropriateness for the social context. Most of this is subconscious for me on most days, and only gets lots of thought put in for special occasions.<br /> I am using my tracking data for sustainability and value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293859 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:21:42 +0000 Zaeobi 2293859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything @Barbara Diane said! Climate &amp; Comfort come first for me*, &amp; Colour is a close second (in terms of what flatters me but also what's appropriate for my surroundings). </p> <p>That said though, I'm ok with standing out, considering I've been doing it my whole life (un)intentionally already (simply based on how I look &amp; where I've lived, at odds with the lifestyles &amp; cultural values around me). So long as I'm standing out whilst being practical, that is </p> <p>---<br /> *Like @Stag, I've always been aware of my clothes being 'on' me (as a kid I'd get adults to retie my shoes if I felt they weren't of equal tightness, lol). But I actually *prefer* that feeling of clothes on me when it's hot (I *hate* the feeling of bare limbs sticking to each other due to sweat) So what I class as comfort might be different to what others do - variety is the spice of life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293834 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:22:45 +0000 Anonymous 2293834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, thrilled that resonated with you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293764 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 03:47:19 +0000 Carla 2293764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My data points for choosing an outfit are: &nbsp;comfort, practicality, and self expression. &nbsp;In Synne’s thread&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-why-when-it-comes-to-dressing-and-style">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-and-style</a>,&nbsp;<b>Nikki&nbsp;<i></i></b><i></i>wrote about a relative asking her “who are we today?” &nbsp;That has been rattling around in my head since I read it. &nbsp;Like&nbsp;<b>Jenn’s&nbsp;</b>idea of&nbsp;<i>storytelling,&nbsp;</i>I choose outfits that communicate a theme or persona - even if it’s just to myself! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293754 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 02:59:11 +0000 Jaime 2293754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting and always happy to see a long nerdy post alert! I absolutely love those jeans on you and you look great!<br />Comfort - For sure, my skin is ever more sensitive to itchiness and I cannot stand being aware of my shoes (it does happen when testing a new pair).<br />Armor - Yes, my clothes are a form of armor against other people's assumptions. Where I live your clothing often signals your social/political group and I like to be clear what I am not. This has more implications on a daily level than you might think.<br />Creative - I enjoy dressing creatively and mixing vintage and current pieces together. I also dress to appeal to a very select group of people. Basically I want to be the opposite of approachable and friendly .</p> <p>All of this adds up to me being psychologically comfortable, which is probably my overriding goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293753 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 02:59:02 +0000 Sloper 2293753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For my lifestyle:<br />Where I’m going (for me, this includes who will be there)<br />What I’m doing<br />Most importantly - mobility and safety as I recover from back surgery! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293722 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:55:24 +0000 Bijou 2293722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, what a great analysis. For me there is the “what has sparked my imagination factor” which features prominently in my daily dress choices and purchases. Yesterday, having watched the Netflix Series Wednesday, I was dressed in black. Today, having read about Katerina’s ecru bag, I am wearing an ecru dress, the different items are in finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293720 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:34:23 +0000 Sal 2293720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting Helena, and I don't think I know my answers despite tracking.&nbsp; I am trying to use past data to predict the future, which "can" work but of course things change - pandemic, sizing, climate, lifestyle etc.</p> <p>Physical comfort is important but I can find firm jeans and skirts comfortable - I don't like everything too stretchy or loose.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I have been to several functions recently and for some of them I have been confident to "stand out" and others I wanted to "blend".&nbsp; If I am going to a difficult meeting or a formal meeting for work I definitely have a core couple of outfits that I pull out as armour.&nbsp; This is not common, but a handful of times per year.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293669 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 20:07:00 +0000 Barbara Diane 2293669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first thing I do in the morning is check the weather forecast for the day and then my plans to see if I will be indoors or outside. With that information I plan my outfit. </p> <p>Comfort is a given, Colors that I look good in are a given. Looking appropriate for the situation is a given. Figure flattery is a given.</p> <p> The only exception is that figure flattering gives way to comfort sometimes at home, for example I have a cozy, easy to wash and dry way oversized -not in a flattering way-sweater that I wear over everything at home.</p> <p>Trendy isn’t on my list, but occasionally after seeing a trend for a while my eye will adjust to it and I will pick up an item or two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293664 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:27:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2293664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“ no patience for pinching, itching, pulling, etc? Do we get more sensitive with age? ”</p> <p>Lol—the former was me as a kid. I never outgrow it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293659 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:55:33 +0000 Suz 2293659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your recognition that if we keep specific items in our wardrobes over time, their relevance to various data points might shift, i.e. the jeans you bought for trendiness earlier might still rank high for comfort (or some other category) a few years later.&nbsp;</p> <p>What Jenn said also interested me -- I don't think of my clothing as "armour" either. That has never made sense to me (well, except as against the bitter cold!) I'm not sure "decoration" works for me, either. "Expression" sounds so vague. But there's an element of "which aspects of myself will I foreground today" in my dressing.&nbsp;</p> <p>In trying to parse out the data points that are relevant to me, I guess I might say:&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Practicality to purpose.</b> This is my main data point. I use this instead of "comfort," which is part of it, but only part, for me. I want my clothing to work for me. :)&nbsp; But purposes differ on different days. One day, I'll be hiking in the woods or in my neighbourhood. The next day, I'll be visiting a friend at their workplace, or heading off for errands, or (gasp!) going out somewhere. I am very sensitive to climate and a need to dress for it (perhaps because I spend a lot of time outdoors on foot).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joy quotient.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>Something in my outfit needs to make my heart sing. This is harder to achieve in very casual (and especially, all gear) outfits. It's something I am working on. Items that bring me joy include but are not limited to: beloved classics that are having an iconic moment; trends I've been eager to embrace; gorgeous colours, textures, patterns; wildcards that allow me to wear other, older things in new, fun, or unexpected ways; fabulous footwear.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Personal figure flattery priorities.</b> Not a huge concern but it is there and accounts for why I tend not to wear specific silhouettes and do wear others.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293657 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:49:41 +0000 Janet 2293657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good musings. I’m not data driven when it comes to my wardrobe — I’m far too impulsive and emotion-driven in that part of my life! (Interesting because elsewhere I am very analytical and not impulsive.) </p> <p>Physical comfort and ease are becoming more important. Maybe because now I’m pushing 60 and just have no patience for pinching, itching, pulling, etc? Do we get more sensitive with age? Or just less likely to put up with BS of any kind, even if it’s from our clothes? I’m noticing subtle differences in my tolerances: tops i’ve worn for years suddenly need the tags cut out, shoes that used to be fine now seem to pinch or rub… It is definitely making me more picky! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293653 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:41:09 +0000 Helena 2293653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome insights and ideas everyone - so interesting to hear everyone's take on their 'data formula' of sorts!</p> <p>One standout for me is the comments around being willing to stand out/kookiness/telling a story ... oddly this is *not* something I do; in fact, the opposite in a lot of ways! Blending in visually is high priority for me ... vive la difference, and I appreciate the creativity, individuality and personality others bring to their looks, and am quite happy being part of the backdrop that makes those looks shine!</p> <p>Angie, here's something interesting - I totally agree that comfort is - and rightly should be - a priority! For me, I am willing to sacrifice a certain amount of physical comfort in order to fit in and/or blend with the social context (case in point: I will wear heels downtown because I'm going out with a group that tends to get quite dressed up, wear heels, etc.) This is probably my least negotiable data point, if I was forced to choose. Again, visually that is - I have no issues being different in other ways :D</p> <p>Do others find their data points can compete?&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm sure we've discussed these things in many ways before but it's always interesting to hear people's thoughts with a different slant! x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293643 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:03:39 +0000 Cardiff girl 2293643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s good to lean into the nerd-y ness sometimes isn’t it!l am pleased l am not alone.Comfort and warmth are the two main priorities for me at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293635 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:44:51 +0000 Angie 2293635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice musings!</p> <p>At this stage, I feel that<i> physical</i> comfort is an assumed given when you are a Fabber or my client. I don't know anyone here - or in my circle - who chooses to be physically uncomfortable (at least, not for long!). It is always top of the list ;)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Helena</b>, GREAT outfit! KILLER jeans, and I love a classic top.&nbsp;</p> <p>BALANCE is key for me. Here is the post that sums it up crisply. Many overlap with your data points, actually:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/01/13/finding-a-stylish-balance/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/01.....h-balance/</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have PERSONAL figure flattering priorities that I adhere to.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am very particular about the colours, lengths, fits, and fabrics of things. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am a Trendy Classic. Equal parts. Equally important.</p> <p>Outfit polish, good grooming, and looking neat and tidy is very important to me. I am the opposite of RATE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking natural, healthy, fairly modest, and being able to move freely and jump to action in my outfits is important too. I am on foot, in the elements, with doggies in tow! And my work with clients is more active and physical than you think.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do not adhere to my environmental norm (your version of social context, is how I understood that point). It's of zero importance to me to look and dress like the people around me. For example, I live in a casual city where neutrals reign supreme, and I am a daily dressy dresser who wears lots of brights. That makes me happy, and feels authentic. That said, I am sensitive to my audience. If I'm with a client who loathes pink and loves navy - I will wear navy! If I'm with a very casual client, I will dress smart casually and not business casually. If I'm with a client who does not wear pants/jeans, I'll wear a dress/skirt! If I'm with a client who pulls out all the stops - I will too :)&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293633 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:41:02 +0000 rachylou 2293633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh this is something to contemplate! I probably think about functionality for the day first and warmth a very close second. After that I think about if there’s enough… kooky/trendiness, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293630 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:23:52 +0000 Jenn 2293630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much to think about! I especially like the term "fluid style approach" and think it's a great concept for me to keep in mind right now. I've had UmmLila's "neighborhood sorceress" term bouncing around in my head after my latest wardrobe experiments and I've been trying to balance that descriptor (which I love) with the half of my closet that's simple black blouses and blue jeans.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your distinction between physical and psychological comfort, along with varying priorities in different contexts, clarifies things for me. Some people refer to their clothing as "armor" and I've never really felt that way. It's more, "How do I want to decorate myself today?" and that depends on what the day has in store.</p> <p>Some data points that influence me when buying/dressing: <ul> <li>physical comfort</li> <li>psychological comfort</li> <li>gender signaling</li> <li>social context</li> <li>adaptability (how well does this fit into my wardrobe and how many different ways can I wear it? can I adjust it during the day if weather/context changes?)</li> <li>fit and flattery</li> <li>storytelling (what story does this tell about the wearer?)</li> </ul> <div>I realize that last one is more squishy than data drive, but it's probably the single largest question that impacts my day-to-day choices.</div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293616 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:04:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2293616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Comfort (physical) ranks very, very high for me, always. Ease is pretty high up there too. I strive to have pieces that let me do what you model here: pop on (I’m guessing you spend less time thinking about outfits for home than for going out) comfortable pieces, and have them look great individually and together, without much effort. </p> <p>Trendiness enters into my style quietly; I don’t intentionally seek out trends, and as I wish to keep my things over the long haul, I’m unlikely to go all-in on trends. I am sure, though, that I am influenced by them, and my tastes change along with the market. The same goes for environmental norms, although I am trying to get better at noticing and remembering what other people are wearing, so I can be in the same ballpark. </p> <p>Figure flattery does matter to me, but perhaps not conventionally. I like having and highlighting my waist, but also powerful legs and broad shoulders, which I know fashion conventions say should be hushed or looked away from. </p> <p>I’m just realizing, as I’ve skipped my workouts for too long now, that physical comfort in my body is also very important to me. I am unlikely to feel pleased with anything I wear if my body didn’t feel comfortable before starting to get dressed. This means that I’m less likely to think about style at a time when other people are (I think) most interested in it. I think many people find they can “make up” for not feeling good in their body with their clothing. That doesn’t work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings-about-style-data-long-nerdy-post-alert#post-2293614 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:30:40 +0000 Helena 2293614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi friends, totally random thoughts being shared here, inspired by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/six-months-of-tracking---ltd-appeal">Sal's tracking post&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;and her thoughts around how to use the data she's collected. Absolutely nothing new in what I'm saying - but just a different framing that occurred to me that I need to get out so it doesn't keep swirling in my head I also think for me it puts some logic to a more fluid style approach, which always help my rule-seeking brain.</p> <p>In data analytics there's a sort of mantra: <i>"the right data at the right time in the right way"</i>. In other words, the data itself is kind of useless unless you understand what question you are trying to answer, or what problem you are trying to solve. </p> <p>The weather in Sydney is the weather in Sydney (data). I'm following it now because I'm going there in a few weeks and need to know what to pack (right time, right way), but most of the time it's not relevant to my choices - but it's highly relevant to our Aussie fabbers that live in the area (but not as much if they are on vacation in Canada). </p> <p>So with personal style. Not right or wrong, but more relevant or not relevant. For example, the data points I personally tend to work with are: <ul> <li>what's comfortable (physically and psychologically)</li> <li>what's conventionally flattering</li> <li>what colours are good on me</li> <li>what's classic</li> <li>what's on trend/current in the fashion world</li> <li>what's on trend/current in my social context</li> </ul> ... and I'm sure there are more! </p> <p>On any given day when I choose at outfit, I'm weighting these data points relative to the style 'problem' I'm trying to solve. So for example, today I'm working from home and the comfort data point is paramount. The other data points come into the equation, but they are weighted far lower. However, next weekend I'm going to a birthday event downtown, so physical comfort and classicness will rank lower;&nbsp; psychological comfort, flattery and trends higher. Same data, different picture being created.&nbsp;</p> <p>To <i>some </i>extent, we are all working with similar data points (not the same, but some commonalities; e.g. what's trendy in fashion writ large, what's available at retail, etc.) but we will have considerable differences too. <i>To a much bigger extent</i> <i></i>we are all solving different problems at different times and thus will use (or ignore) these data points as make sense. Even as individuals, the inputs are going to change from day to day. Hence the inspiring diversity of our individual styles which is so celebrated at YLF!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Today's WIW</b>: comfort ranks high; other items rank lower. Trendiness was a high data point when I purchased these jeans; classic and colour were high data points when I purchased this sweater and shoes. On balance, the output is a classic casual outfit with a touch of current.&nbsp;</p> <p>Told you it was nerdy! Thanks for reading if you got this far (and no offence taken if not lol) ... would love to know what your style data points tend to be if you care to share! No right or wrong answers; just individual expression and good fun! x </p>