https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:51:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2299289 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 01:55:24 +0000 Angie 2299289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading your post, <b>LJP</b>! You had a stylish year from the KILLER looks that I saw here. I say it every year - you always look fab! &nbsp;LOVE you in earth tones and light neutrals :)</p> <p>There is a HUGE difference between oversized items that look like a bad unstylish fit to me, and very fluid and boxy items that fit well and look chic. I cannot appreciate what looks like bad fit no matter who wears it and who is advocating it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I sooo get your need to want to experiment with every style of black pant for your work uniform. I'm sure I'd be doing the same thing!</p> <p>I'm nodding along with wise&nbsp;<b>Irina, Jenn&nbsp;</b>and<b> Suz </b>too.<b>&nbsp;</b></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298949 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:59:40 +0000 Dee 2298949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bingo!! LJP on the oversize/ wider silhouettes, as this meant a total retooling of other items to go with them, which kind of ticked me off, because exactly like you said, my closet is all over the place now, and I'm not so sure about this new look either. </p> <p>Always enjoy your frank and honest assessments on your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298929 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:56:27 +0000 Suz 2298929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn</b>, that is exactly right, re returns and how I am increasingly starting to look at it. It's a small cost if it ensures they actually go back into circulation vs. get stuffed in a landfill!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298914 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:21:19 +0000 Jenn 2298914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really insightful comments about the "vibe shift" here. It wasn't so long ago that all fashion journalists could talk about was the stagnation in silhouette with skinny jeans reigning supreme and then WHOOSH. I don't think it impacted me quite as much as others because I wear a lot of dresses, but I felt it too.&nbsp;</p> <p>And yes, return those less-than-perfect pieces. When I order from places with return fees (which I do pretty often), I steel myself in advance for the potential of paying to send items back. Usually, when I think about the gas and time and general PITA-ness of doing in-person returns (or even, in-person try-ons), the dollar cost doesn't seem so bad. I figure I'm paying for the privilege of trying on new clothes in my home, testing them with other pieces in my wardrobe, and taking my time to make a decision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298573 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 18:40:45 +0000 LJP 2298573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that are more than a few of us who found it a challenging year , fashion-wise . Another point I neglected to make : all of these “ new looks “ finally hitting every price point and penetrating the market in general made it feel necessary somehow to now have to buy the right shoes , the right top, the right outerwear , accessories ad Infinitum to make this all work together . Oversize , looser fit garments need a more substantial shoe to balance them , for example . To me it felt like I needed to acquire so much to make it work , which was not what I wanted to do . The result is a closet mishmash . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298569 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 18:10:44 +0000 unfrumped 2298569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy your posts and especially your outfits!</p> <p>I can relate. Even more so as I ( so far) have no energy to even try to do a review , other than to say 2022 was not the best year at all, due to some personal events/ losses. So despite getting to do a few more things I am ending the year more confused about dressing than before, &amp; made a number of “WWIT “ purchases, &amp; too much duplication.<br /> So, hoping to achieve a re- set in 2023 and will appreciate following along other’s experiences and style hints. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298566 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 17:48:57 +0000 Gail 2298566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting to read Lisa. &nbsp;A weird year for sure !<br />I'm totally on the struggle bus with style. I have all different styles of jeans and never seem to have quite the right top or footwear to go with. Of course I have lots to go with skinny jeans but am tired of that look and want to update .&nbsp;<br />I own an overwhelming amount of clothes that I really don't wear anymore due to lifestyle , don't go anywhere much day to day .&nbsp;<br />I try to emulate looks that I see and like and it never turns out quite like I hope, probably because I need to be about 3 inches taller haha. I firmly believe that it's the footwear issue mostly as I cannot abide discomfort but &nbsp;want to look updated and the 2 never seem to meet lol. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I know I need to really do a ruthless closet try on and clean out which will give me a little clarity. Happy 2023! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298526 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:48:49 +0000 Cardiff girl 2298526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>always interesting to read these end of year musings on fashion so thank you for that.l hope that you will not be offended if l say that l perceive you to be a fashion perfectionist and l think that therefore you will never be 100% happy &nbsp;with your look and will always be striving for better but this means that to the rest of us you look like you have pretty amazing style .. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298473 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 21:38:35 +0000 LJP 2298473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh thanks Synne - off to find Diana Goss ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298466 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 20:21:37 +0000 Helena 2298466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa just a quick comment to say THANK YOU for summarizing the 2022 sea change so well ... It's been a weird year for me too, with my FFB pieces becoming "wrong" (for me) seemingly overnight ... Sharing your wish that it all comes together in '23! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298461 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:40:29 +0000 Synne 2298461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great review! It shows that you think this through, and you have a strong opinion of what works and what doesn't. Sometimes I think you can be a bit hard on yourself, but I respect your unapologetic honesty and matter-of-fact-ness. It's what I my self need! I want to understand the abouts, not just rely on that I will "get it intuitively", because I don't :-)</p> <p>I think you are into IG stylists and new perspectives, like I am, and I recently found a blogger who in my eyes have a very overlapping style as you. Her name is Diana Goss. You both rock blonde shorter hair, and a preference for flattering and classic silhouettes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298458 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:28:25 +0000 Bonnie 2298458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved your post. I tried not to think too much about clothes this year because I was on a low buy year. &nbsp;Maybe it was easier for me to do one because the styles this year were so unappealing.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298455 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:14:17 +0000 LJP 2298455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks kkards , slimcat, Robin ,tam and suntiger , - nice to know it wasn’t just me who found this a weird fashion year ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298436 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:43:58 +0000 kkards 2298436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>this was just what i needed today.<br />i saw everyone was doing end of year wraps and reviews and thought i'd go back and look at my 2022 goals, and apparently even at the beginning of the year i know these year was going to be a hot mess, so i didn't even do any goals or strategies or plans or whatever you want to call it&nbsp;</p> <p>and know i don't need to do an end of year recap, because you captured it in these 2 sentences.&nbsp;</p> <p><i>That said, </i><b><i>I do think a lot about clothing and fashion ,</i></b><i>&nbsp;and the role it plays in my life. &nbsp;</i><b><i>I found 2022 to be challenging, fashion-wise.<br /></i></b>ditto to your trend commentary. i get stuck on something, what to find the "perfect" X, settle for something that's really close, keep looking...well you get where I'm going. in fact, i will probably post a K/R on this very topic latter this week (still waiting on 1 last UPS delivery)</p> <p>here's to 2023 and figuring out what the "new" normal is. or at least how we want to dress for it.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298429 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:33:31 +0000 slim cat 2298429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried too to get more black pants to wear to work this year ( navy as better option for me ) with even less success since my preference for lower waist, slim silhouette was nowhere to be found. New shapes were not happening for the above mentioning reasons and my inability to do oversized shapes. Many things already look oversized on me and it's often a sloppy look at beast - lol. I'm still looking for the right flares for myself but gave up on wide leg style ( sloppy on me ) and cargo versions ( loved it in the past - now love it on young co-workers that I can't compete with ).<br />I love reading about your accessories - shoes, bags, etc. That's the area that &nbsp;I'm less informed about - new shape, styles, availability.&nbsp;<br />I hope the 2023 is better year for some new styles that go with our preferences and bodies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298414 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:39:09 +0000 Anonymous 2298414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh I'm with you about the new shapes- feeling a bit lost these days! Lots of "been there done that" or straight up Nah :/<br /> I hadn't noticed the puffy bags either, but trends are very slow to trickle down here.<br /> Sounds like you have a good plan going forward for all the challenging areas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298389 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:18:26 +0000 RobinF 2298389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to a lot that you say. The new silhouettes are hard for me to get used to and hard to just do partway. I feel like I used to know my style instinctively but now am struggling with it - overthinking maybe? I do know a lot is my body image. Having turned 60 this year and always struggled with my weight, I am trying to decide if I want to jump on the never-diet-again-just-accept-myself train or start another diet. I know that would make me feel better both mentally and physically but I am just so tired of it.</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for the in depth assessment. Definitely a few ah-ha moments for me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298383 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:34:47 +0000 tam 2298383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Enjoyed the post and feel the same on so many things you noted.&nbsp; The only way I wear short boxy sweaters is with a white or patterned shirt with a collar and the bottom long enough to hang out.&nbsp; I feel it takes the emphasis away from my now round midsection that was so flat in my younger years. I don't know if that is a stylish way to wear but it makes me feel better.&nbsp; For me style is whatever makes me feel good when I look in the mirror.&nbsp; No more self judging and trying to keep up with a trend that was pushed by the 20 something on social media.&nbsp; Here's to a wonderful 2023 no matter age!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298379 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:34:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2298379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your posts are always fun to read because you are a good writer and because you come at this from such a different direction than me, and I love the challenge of seeing a different perspective. </p> <p>This sentence absolutely rings true for me though: “oversized looks still need to fit”. I love that look, when it’s right, but it’s so hard to get right! Body changes as we age affect that too. In the 90s, I loved the leather moto jacket a 6’4” friend handed down to me and think I wore it well. Wearing it the last couple years has been a challenge, and I’ve recently passed it on to my 6’3” son, who I have to admit looks much better in it than I do. </p> <p>I hadn’t noticed the puffy quilted bags at all. When I used to live in the place I’m moving back to, Vera Bradley bags were very popular there. I’ll have to see what’s up with that now. </p> <p>You mention the effects of passing 60 more than anyone I know. I’m headed that direction, (I hope—the alternative’s not good) and am curious how I’ll feel about it when I get there. </p> <p>Have a great 2023! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298352 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:47:57 +0000 Suz 2298352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cons feel like clown shoes on me, too, Lisa, and all except the very slim profile platform version are also exceptionally uncomfortable on me over the long term and I don't know why. Maybe with a Superfeet insole they would work and I would never say never, because I love the idea of them. But.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are more relaxed and done with fighting your body and wishing for shopping options that are never going to offer themselves, etc. you are in a <b>FANTASTIC </b>place for growth and new joy in your closet. I think it is like everything else in life...the minute we accept the restrictions we face (whatever those may be) the minute a window opens into some new options we have never imagined.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298349 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:36:06 +0000 LJP 2298349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And yes , Irina, you’re so right . It’s not an end game . I am a little more relaxed about it , I feel , and am tired of fighting with my weight , my style etc. For as frustrating as the cycle of buying / trying and returning can be , it is fun to continue to try new things . The day I become stuck in a look is the day I have stopped loving fashion . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298348 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:34:01 +0000 LJP 2298348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Indigoprint for your thoughts . If you wear an 8 in shoes you can have my green Converse . Hardly worn. Another look I’ve tried a few times ( Converse in general ) and they are just not me. . I feel so self conscious in them - like I’m wearing clown shoes . Lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298337 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:51:03 +0000 Indigoprint 2298337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Found myself nodding along with much of what you said.<br /> Big silhouette changes challenge me the most and then the trickle down....overcoat, shoes et al that are influenced by the change.<br /> I have found some comfort in expanding my shoes<br /> btw love those converse that color green is the bomb!<br /> Thoughtful thoughts, will be interesting to follow this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298335 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:34:29 +0000 Jaime 2298335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Lisa - you did indeed contribute something interesting! I am thinking about what you said about the vibe shift. I definitely feel and see it in terms of jeans and pants silhouettes. For me it means a return to my beloved lower waisted boyfriend jeans. Anyway, your analysis of your shopping tendencies and traps is astute. I also fall in the trap of buying a lot of pretenders instead of holding out for the one true thing. I am contemplating the oversized proportions issue. I do wear some oversized jackets but some points of fit are key to my not feeling like a cartoon. Lots of things to think about in your post, thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298334 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:12:53 +0000 Irina 2298334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the end it comes to how do me make our decisions - if we require analysis to understand and move forward, then diving deep helps. Or how much our decisions determined by our intuition and feelings? And should we trust them?<br />I think we should and also give ourselves a credit.<div>This been a weird year to say the least. And if you are making progress In pivoting your style despite it, you are doing great.&nbsp;</div><div>It is a journey not a destination, right?</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298329 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:40:22 +0000 LJP 2298329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla - yes, the OTF wide legs are alive and well . I wear them to work maybe once every 2 or 3 weeks . You’ve reminded me of a challenge I’ve set for myself : to integrate my work and “other” wardrobes . I don’t touch those OTF’s outside of work and yet they are gorgeous pants that net me compliments each time I wear them . I think you’ve mentioned the McGill thing before but I can’t remember what it is . You’re also a whole lot thinner and leaner than I to begin with I’m simply carrying too much weight for my frame size . I will , however , google it again , lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298327 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:25:40 +0000 Suz 2298327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can understand why you might get obsessed with the "right" black pant. Your black pants are my jeans -- daily work wear (pretty much) -- and therefor a key building block to your sense of style. Also, the fit and feel of the item is key -- you have to be able to sit in them without feeling your stomach pinched, walk around in them without tripping, or feeling like you're in costume, and they have to go with whatever top you have to wear.&nbsp; And if they wrinkle all the time, or bag out, or fade in the wash....well...it's a task. I have no suggestions other than those classic wool BR pants that I bought in navy....which are probably too dull for your purposes. But I can see the problem, for sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I sympathize with the struggle with oversized items. I love the look, but not so much on myself -- I have to be really mindful of where an item is oversized, or it just won't work on me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite the challenges, I&nbsp; think you&nbsp; made great progress this year because you focused your shopping on your real needs, struggled with that (as we all do) and also made some useful discoveries. You have some good ideas for going forward, and with luck, you'll have a good footwear year next year, which should make you feel more yourself, whatever the black pant situation.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298323 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:15:36 +0000 Carla 2298323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very good assessment of the year and the particular challenges of shopping mid-level retail. &nbsp;Vis a vis the oversized look: I’m not a fan of oversized top over oversized bottoms, but I’ve done it with a big cowl neck sweater and wide leg trousers. &nbsp;I prefer a closer, but fluid fit top with wide leg bottoms, or a bigger top over slimmer bottoms. &nbsp;<b><br /></b></p> <p>Don’t you have a pair of wide leg OTF pants that fit and looked very good? &nbsp;Can you experiment with them?</p> <p> <div>Though I recognize the modernity of the lug sole, and how well it balances outfits with unstructured and oversized items, I’m not a fan for myself. &nbsp;But can I find a tall shaft dressy bootie with a modest heel? &nbsp;So far only an Aquatalia bootie that is almost $700CA and doesn’t look like a match for my foot - meets the brief! &nbsp;This is the only item I’m ‘obsessed’ with finding in 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t have many cropped tops, and the few I have, bother me when they reveal my back and I feel cold. &nbsp;I&nbsp;<i>have&nbsp;</i>found that I am doing more&nbsp;<b>tucking in&nbsp;</b>of tops. &nbsp;My favourite look recently is tucking light, fluid fit sweaters into the ruched high waist of Lululemon joggers! &nbsp;8 months of the McGill Big 3 having resolved pouchy tummy issues to my satisfaction :-)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298320 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:10:29 +0000 rachylou 2298320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found the same to be true for me re flares, split pants hems and shorter sweaters. The short sweaters felt unflattering and draughty. Flares and split hems somehow the wrong vibe… but I remember loving them as an office worker, flares that is.</p> <p>One thing I really loved you in this year, Lisa, was your shacket. A shacket is kinda boxy, kinda oversized, but it also has a tailored vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-2022-and-moving-forward#post-2298317 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:47:07 +0000 LJP 2298317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always <b>enjoy end-of-year posts here </b>and hope I  too can contribute something interesting !</p> <p><b>To preface:</b>  I don't use finds anymore ,nor do I track wears or purchases . This is not for any reason other than lacking time /not willing to make the commitment to full-on wardrobe management .  I find it very interesting that others do - and always gain knowledge from those types of posts.  I no longer promise to do things I can't /won't follow through on .....<b>but I secretly would like to dive deeper than I do into keeping track of what I buy ,wear, and pass on. We'll see if that happens in </b><br /> <b>2023 ;)</b></p> <p>That said, <b>I do think a lot about clothing and fashion ,</b> and the role it plays in my life.  <b>I found 2022 to be challenging, fashion-wise.</b> I have said this before on the forum, and I stand by it:  2022 was the year when a LOT of brewing  changes in mid-market fashion coalesced into a whole new look for a lot of us. Sure, we have been dabbling with high rise/high waist pants for awhile now, and we've been playing with wider legs /shorter tops, chunkier footwear, etc ., but it seemed to me that all of these things came together at retail and nothing else was readily available.  This big change in silhouette finally crystallized this year. <b>  I struggled to find "my" look, and struggled to find pieces I was really drawn to among all of these new fashion "basics</b>" . It was also a year when I felt my looks changed the most - I hit 61 in June 2022 and noticed quite a change in my body and face.  Putting forth the whole package was not easy, and felt off my game a lot of the time. How do I dress for my age (literally and figuratively) and what do I really want to wear?  </p> <p><b>So....I experimented a lot in 2022</b>.  </p> <p>1.Because I have to wear <b>black pants/bottoms at work everyday</b>, I found myself ordering, buying , returning and rebuying <b>every g-d***</b> <b>version of a black pant that existed</b>. I want to look "dressed" at work, and I like wearing updated versions of things to maintain an identity among a sea of masked faces and uniforms .   I became obsessed (really oddly) with slit front flared fluid pants at one point and didn't stop until I all-of-a-sudden had 4 pair.  I actually don't love any of them and don't wear them now.  I bought wide leg, mom-fit, flare leg , straight leg, you-name-it black pants and jeans, and on and on it went.  What I don't like and won't go forward with: flared pants.  I read a comment recently on a fashion IG acct that hit the nail on the head: they can look costumey on some of us, me included.  Pass .  <b>Verdict: one trend at a time.  Go through the collection , be real with what I am wearing, and cull those that are past their prime or are not flattering. Don't be lazy with online purchases that aren't 100% and RETURN THEM. </b></p> <p>2. I experimented with <b>the oversized look in jeans and knitwear</b>, and discovered I don't love it on me.  That experimentation taught me that oversized looks still need to fit, and that moderate versions of this look are best.  I have a very boxy sweater and big wide leg shorter jeans that are probably a size too big, and wore them together a few times before deciding this look does me no favours. Again, the extremes no longer work on me as I age - which I am fine with .  <b>Verdict?  Probably pass going forward .  This trend has legs though, and does look modern.  Will have to experiment a bit more?</b></p> <p>3. I <b>love the oversize outerwear trend</b> , but didn't invest in it . I have  a lot of outerwear and couldn't justify buying anything this year, but I feel this is a look that will be around for awhile and looks very updated and modern to me. I plan to buy a loose trench of sorts for spring (if I find the right piece that isn't fitted and strict)  and a loose fit fall jacket  - not sure what that will be but I do like the oversize bomber look (a la TIBI) and will on the watch for something .  <b>Passed on this for now but intend to invest in 2023. Quick and easy way to update a basic outfit.</b></p> <p>4. I am a <b>big footwear lover </b>and have used shoes and boots as the easiest way to update my wardrobe for years . Shoes always fit  (whereas clothes - not so much anymore). <b>But 2022 seemed a retread -</b> pun sort of intended- of lug soles, chelsea boots, etc etc and I was already over it. I<b> started on this look a few years ago - don't want to add more of the same</b> .  Angie has shown  and discussed the snip toe and square toe trend lately, but they aren't showing up at retail here  yet .  I did buy a pair of Free People western influenced suede boots in a lovely caramel colour, but it was the wrong time of year for me to buy them (end of fall )  and I haven't worn them yet . What a waste. I think I was "desperate " to add in another pair of boots this fall/winter and fell prey to a good looking item .  Passed on most shoe/boot looks this year = a good thing as I have LOTS. I have had cream boots/loafers on my mind for a long time , but again, wasn't willing to invest in the same lug sole look. Until I see something new and different, I'm sitting on my hands. Verdict: <b>not a great year for footwear .</b>. 3 clear fails in photos below . Passing on the navy and olive sneakers but hanging on to the boots (mine are suede) . Persisting with these because they were spendy and are comfy . Just not a good style match for me . </p> <p>5. <b>Bags also have changed a lot this year </b>- and I do like the plushy/cushy/quilted/pillowy totes and bags.  My collection of bags is very non-trendy, which is good, but I did wish I had the need for an updated trendier one.  Pass on this one though - don't use a purse often enough anymore to justify it. <b>Maybe this look will pass sooner rather than later anyways.</b></p> <p>6. <b>Shorter knitwear</b> - I have to watch it because I don't have the figure for it . However, it still looks best and newest, and longer baggier sweaters are flattering on just about no-one.  <b>Verdict : need to come to terms with my body because this look isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  Always on the lookout for banded bottom tops, and medium/not cropped length tops.  </b></p> <p>This got away from me, sorry. Husband in the background: "what are you doing??"  .  <b>I didn't buy a lot in 2022 </b>(other than my inexplicable collection of spilt hem flared leggings) , didn't shop as much, and honouring the reality of my job and lifestyle fared me well.  <b>Do I have a lot of pieces I love? No. Do I wear all of my clothes? No.  Do I have a handle on my style?  No.  See what I mean?  2022 was an odd one.</b></p> <p>Here's hoping all falls together in 2023! </p>