YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Restlessness

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Restlessness https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:19:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2319223 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 05:13:34 +0000 Suz 2319223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just popping back to say I'll be so curious to hear what happens in the colour analysis -- and it's great you are able to peek out over the top or around the sides of all the horrible housing issues and start thinking about your own style again!  Barbara Diane on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2319220 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:41:28 +0000 Barbara Diane 2319220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven’t read everything everyone wrote but adding in your new colors while still wearing what you own, easing into a transition, can work well. As can adding pops of color, especially near your face, in tops or scarves, etc. Be sure to take time to integrate the new info, and remember that you are the boss of your style. Nomad on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2319192 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:32:56 +0000 Nomad 2319192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ suntiger, absolutely, it made *total* sense to put style on the backburner. I just didn't expect it to be a 3 year (and counting) process, so now it's time to start reclaiming some things that make me feel more like myself (style, hobbies...). :) Thank you, Dee! jussie, the last few years have been SO weird (for everyone, in all kinds of different ways). Very wise suggestion to actually road-test ideas; it's too easy to fall into a fantasy, isn't it? I'm a minimalist with accessories, too; jewelry is such a beautiful finishing touch on other people but I just get too fidgety with it. Thank you, Angie! It's nice to know I'm not alone, and I appreciate the reading list! Astrid, that's a lot of life changes in a short period of time. I'm also trying to shop more sustainably, so that does limit choices and often increases the cost. Old favorites in a modern silhouette is great advice; as I'm doing my "deep think" (as rachylou said), I'm finding myself wanting to return to similar vibes to what my younger self wore, but with better quality and more current updates (and with the advantage of a much more refined eye after a couple more decades of life!). Hi Jenni! It's great to see you too! I've been lurking but it's nice to finally connect with everyone again (much like the moths in my attic, it feels like I'm coming out of a cocoon from the last few years). Jenni NZ on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318880 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:39:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2318880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s great to see you back, I remember you and your beautiful hair! So sorry to hear about all the house issues and hope they are nearly resolved. I don’t have any advice on the style shifts really as I don’t think mine has changed very much, I haven’t got into new silhouettes. Just wanted to say hi. Astrid on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318876 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:23:38 +0000 Astrid 2318876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally get you, I feel similar. I changed jobs shortly before Covid, moved with work and personally, had a few health issues etc... I'm still feeling uninspired with my wardrobe, but I'm not quite sure where I want to go. What makes it more difficult is that I've only been shopping sustainable brands for a few years now which means I have to consider my spending more carefully because it's simply more expensive. I do think having old favourites but in a modern silhouette makes a great difference if you don't know where to start. I've always worn denim jackets with my skirts, dresses and culottes but wasn't feeling it anymore. Then I bought two new slightly more boxy denim jackets in 2021 and 2022 and feel awesome again wearing them. Angie on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318782 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:29:16 +0000 Angie 2318782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nomad, most of us are resetting our styles in some big or small way after three years of pandemic. You are in good company :) A colour analysis app is aways interesting - and can provide a solid starting point. Enjoy! In the meantime, assess your hair, undies, and eyewear. Once those style components are in place and you're happy - the rest will follow. Promise!  Begin reading through these posts to get you on your way. Here to help, guide and support as you need it:  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/01/04/a-stylish-reset-for-2021/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/01.....-for-2021/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/11/17/seven-steps-to-style-renewal/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/11.....e-renewal/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2014/06/26/my-top-ten-style-tips/">https://youlookfab.com/2014/06.....tyle-tips/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/02/02/the-importance-of-setting-style-goals/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/02.....yle-goals/</a> jussie on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318728 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:43:08 +0000 jussie 2318728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to hear you’ve had a hard time. The last few years have been just plain weird to be honest!! I feel like fashion is only lately beginning to find its feet again now post-pandemic (not that it’s over but ykwim). Hmm I don’t know if this helps you but recently I put some thought into my style moniker and descriptors, as well as best colours. I think, the KEY is to actually try out your ideas…. For example, dress as your “ideal” style for a few days and see if the theory holds up in real life. Then make any tweaks needed and try again, till you get a formula/theme/guideposts/rules that work well for you. Or if you don’t have the pieces to test out, try them on in store and take pics in the change room to analyse at home. Try out different colour palettes and wear them for a day or a few days, again taking pictures. That’s the process I went through and it really helped. For example, I thought I wanted to accessorize more, as I really admire a well-accessorized look on other people, but I tried it for several weeks, and I’ve learned, that unfortunately wearing accessories somehow doesn’t look the way I want it to look on me. LOVE accessories on other people, but on me they often look “too much” or cluttered. I never would have realized that unless I actually tested my idea for a while! Probably to do with the nuances of individual bone structure and skin and hair texture. Also I think metal jewelry is simply too shiny for my skin, hence why I’ve always preferred colourful plastic earrings, if I do force myself to wear an accessory at all. I just never understood why before. Sooo…. My suggestion is a period of experimentation! Hold on to your hat, could be a wild ride! Also, maybe pick one trend to try out? That might be all you need to feel fresher. Ease into it that way…. Also they always say shoes are the quickest way to update a look. So there’s that. Dee on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318706 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:05:16 +0000 Dee 2318706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to hear about your chaotic housing situation, so unsettling thats for sure. Hopefully all will settle down soon but its good to take a little time for yourself as well. The colour analysis sounds like a wonderful place to start for inspiration. Anonymous on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318698 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:38:59 +0000 Anonymous 2318698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The housing issues sound awful! It's definitely ok to let style, and other things, take a backseat when sorting out the important stuff. I think a lot of us are in a style evolution, life evaluation phase rn Nomad on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318659 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:45:55 +0000 Nomad 2318659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, I know what you mean about moving away from a shadow style that doesn't feel authentic anymore. For me it's probably goth and rocker.. I love those aesthetics but they aren't really *me*. The housing issues have certainly been a hit to finances (thankfully manageable; I started with a good cushion), but mostly I've been in a holding pattern of, "Well, when I'm past the current major problem, *then* I'll deal with sorting out my wardrobe/hair/exercise/food/budget/etc." And then as soon as I'm just about through that problem, something else pops up. I *think* I can finally see the end of the must-do projects, but even if new things arise, I'm realizing I can't stay on pause forever so I may as well start working on some things at the same time! I like your idea of 1-2 key pieces that spark some inspiration. Keturah, I feel for you so much! Good luck with everything and I'm sending hugs back your way, too. I'm really looking forward to the color analysis, but excellent point that color by itself isn't enough! (I lovingly gaze at piles of colorful paint chips, so no judgment from me for staring at the color in your closet...) We'll both get through this next phase of style and life, I'm sure of it. :) rachylou, boooo to bad neighbors. Let's all just be good to each other, right? And I think you're exactly right... a deep think is in order. Cardiff girl, I fully agree and will take your words to heart: it's time to look forward and not back. It'll take work but we'll get there. Tanya, work schedules/locations definitely have a big impact on style. I hope you end up with the work situation that works best for you, and it makes total sense to wait to hear the verdict before making big wardrobe changes. Nomad on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318656 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:30:29 +0000 Nomad 2318656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla, I love your classic style and the twists you add to it (I *love* your faux leather pants). I'd love to hear what you learn from the beauty department next weekend! LJP, I'm definitely hoping for some inspiration. I'm sorry about the job situation, and it totally makes sense to look for distractions when one part of our life isn't where we want it to be. I hope we both figure out how to soothe our restlessnesses! slim cat, ooof, I feel you on the neighbor issues, too. I feel like they got worse in the last few years... lots of making up for pandemic time, I guess. And thank you for the kind words! I like your incremental approach to shifting your wardrobe. Suz, those are wise words! My size change hasn't been drastic, but I was overdue for a bra refresh and have been working on that (one band size up from previous). Hair situation is... also very overdue, since I haven't seen a pro since 2020 and have just been trimming the ends occasionally myself and putting it up in a bun or braid. I miss my red hair. After the color analysis it's probably time to make an appointment. I love your new moniker; it suits you perfectly and looks like an excellent north star as you consider new items. I'm enjoying watching your refresh process. Brooklyn, thank you! I absolutely adore your style; your colors and silhouettes are gorgeous and very *you*. I may borrow your formula idea; I don't need a ton of variety and like the idea of getting something down before trying to expand. Jaime, I've developed such an increased appreciation for sleep after the neighbor situation! Maddening. But I'm so much happier and healthier now, even with all the house project chaos. I'm looking forward to seeing what your spring fever leads to, style-wise! Tanya on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318631 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:03:52 +0000 Tanya 2318631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to see you here again and I am very sorry to hear about everything that is going on.  Color analysis is a good place to start. The last couple of years have been hard on everyone.  I am still waiting on our work policies to become permanent, they supposedly will by the end of this year - they will decide how much hybrid/WFH is expected/allowed etc.  So that may inspire a shift in style, we'll see. Cardiff girl on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318602 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:14:38 +0000 Cardiff girl 2318602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think a lot of people are reassessing their lifestyles and ,consequently ,their wardrobes since the pandemic .Personally it all coincided with a lot of big life changes for me so l am slowly reassessing my wardrobe too.l am gradually letting go of a lot of clothes that l have had for over twenty years.It feels like the time to look forward and not back but it takes time and emotional energy. rachylou on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318578 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:07:26 +0000 rachylou 2318578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ohmigosh. Don’t make me tell my bad neighbor stories in sympathy. Love the idea of a colour analysis. And also the style moniker is my favorite place to start. I have always found that rewarding: a deep think. Ket on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318562 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:59:21 +0000 Ket 2318562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just posted because I’m going through a somewhat similar thing. By the way, oh the mold is horrible!!!!! I have been sick with mold illness for 3 years and we are in the midst of remediation for it now. Anyway. I don’t have good style ideas. Still figuring it out for myself. However, a good seasonal color analysis will be splendid!! I self analyzed myself two years ago and found my season. It really helped me in a variety of ways. The only thing I have to watch for is not to buy an item just because it’s my seasonal color. Bad lines/cut can’t necessarily be rescued by one’s best colors. Unless you want to own it and stare at in your closet or have it for future reference. Which I have totally done just because I loved the color. Ha! Sending you many hugs!! Sal on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318529 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 02:06:19 +0000 Sal 2318529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hope you enjoy your colour analysis - I have considered doing one again as a fun exercise! My style has not had a dramatic change but there has been evolution over the last five years away from an element of bombshell/retro.  It was never my dominant style but a shadow style.  I think it's a mix of fashion and occasion and age that has made this less authentic for me right now. For you things that could help - and I don't know it lack of time or financial pressure (as well as the COVID/apartment disruption) have been major contributors. In person shopping at thrift or real stores can be inspiring if you get the right place.  But in general I think a stocktake of what you have and where your gaps are is the right step. It can take a while but sometimes one or two key pieces can spark a love of fashion again - a gold bomber I purchased in 2019 was so good for sparking me up (it cost less than $20), as have the right shoes!! Jaime on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318525 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:39:03 +0000 Jaime 2318525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree that the color analysis will help give you new eyes to see your wardrobe. Noisy neighbors drive me insane - I am glad you got out of that situation. I am in the mood for a style reconsider too. Spring fever perhaps! Brooklyn on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318524 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:36:03 +0000 Brooklyn 2318524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good to see you back! I’m sorry about what you are going through, which seems like a lot to handle. I experienced a big style change at the end of 2018 when I quit my office job to work for myself. I work exclusively from home now. Pretty quickly I realised a lot of my office wear (pencil skirts, heels) was no longer useful. And also that I’d over resourced my office wear and neglected my casual and dressy casual wear. It’s taken a while but I’m now pretty happy with my wardrobe. I took a formula approach. Settle on a silhouette that works for you (in terms of both style and practicality) and work on perfecting a few versions of that. Then you can move on to another to add variety. Suz on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318520 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:14:13 +0000 Suz 2318520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A colour analysis is a great way to jumpstart a style reset. Have you also figured out underpinnings (with a size change, often necessary, though not fun) and hair and signature accessories?  I think many people are in the midst of a big closet evolution. Partly because of silhouette changes over the past few years that we may not have entirely kept up with, because why bother when you can't go out. And partly because now that we are not confined to home as often we want more going - out outfits. Many people gained or lost weight during the pandemic.  The first year of lockdowns I bought nothing but gear (and a lot of it, because I was hiking and biking a lot more -- pandemic also coincided with a move for me.) Then I didn't buy much at all for a few years and what I did buy fell into the replacement essentials category, apart from a piece or two.  This year I'm doing a major, major edit and have also bought a lot more new items. I figured out a new moniker (Laid-back luminous garçonne) and am trying to embody a general theme for the spring/ summer season. (LBLG does off-kilter utility pretty.) We'll see how it goes. I do think by the end of this year a huge portion of my older things will be history.  slim cat on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318514 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:18:10 +0000 slim cat 2318514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I sympathize with neighbor situation - many times I wished I can move from our apartment ( the view to garbage 3-4 times a week plus loud noice; fav place to smoke anything - almost under my windows; people with loud music at 2-3 am; guy who likes to park a car with stereo blasting and waits for confrontations; rent going up - now more than ever/they want to make up for pandemic time, ... ). Sorry - got carried away. The shift in my wardrobe was in favor to treasure hunting at Marshall's, Ross, ON in what's available in my size with preference to natural fabric like cotton, linen, rayon. The black came back of course ( I almost got rid of it before ). The trendiness took a back seat - just trying to freshen up jeans now with some more fun colors for tops. I hope the color analysis will be fun and a fresh start of some renewal in your wardrobe ( your past pics look fabulous - I've just looked it up since it was before I joined YLF and even before I started lurking in shadows  ;-)  ).  LJP on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318513 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:15:19 +0000 LJP 2318513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think a colour analysis will be fun , and hopefully inspirational . My own restlessness ( from a job that doesn’t pay me what I’m worth and that feels so repetitive at times ) has manifested itself in the opposite way : I’m buying too much as a way to divert my attention away from work . I know how I want to dress but keep getting distracted along the way. . Carla on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318511 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:06:13 +0000 Carla 2318511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This time of year I miss all the special ‘makeover’ editions magazines used to put out in the time before everything went digital.  I think getting your colours done will be a treat, and like pushing the restart button.  <div> </div><div>I’ve moved from ‘tomboy’ style to ‘classic’.  Part of it is style evolution and mood, and part of it has been shopping issues.  Limited access to varied B&M and hit or miss online shopping has me defaulting to repeats of what I know already works - but my closet is starting to look like a list from ‘10 things every woman should own’!  I’m trying to introduce a little ‘pretty’ (or yin) into my closet - thanks to some eye opening comments (particularly from Suz) in a thread I started a week or two ago. Next weekend I’m going to an event hosted by the beauty department of my local pharmacy.  I’m hoping for some tips and hints on what’s trending in make-up.  </div><div> </div><div>Please do share the results of the colour analysis!  </div> Nomad on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318509 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 23:41:03 +0000 Nomad 2318509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Indigoprint, I *do* still have the skirt! I wore it last week, and will wear it again tomorrow. It's my favorite piece of clothing right now. Indigoprint on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318508 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 23:29:24 +0000 Indigoprint 2318508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Color analysis will be fun and offer some direction. Hopefully you still have that Vetta leopard skirt so FAB!! Nomad on "Restlessness" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restlessness#post-2318494 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 21:48:38 +0000 Nomad 2318494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Warning! Long and navel-gazey. I'm feeling incredibly stale, style-wise. Maybe a bit life-wise, too. Since 2020, I've been feeling cursed in the housing department. I've been fortunate to have safe homes (and it could be so much worse!), but an upstairs neighbor's toilet flood led to a long and expensive involuntary bathroom/kitchen renovation at the height of the early pandemic, then the neighbor next to my bedroom wall started throwing loud parties in the middle of the night on random weekdays and didn't care that I had to get up for work, then I decided I needed to sell the place to keep my sanity, then I was there for most of a year while it was on the market (keeping it constantly showing-ready... while sleeping on the couch to get as far away as possible from the noisy neighbor), then buying a (blessedly quiet) place a year ago, and then dealing with a string of unanticipated house projects --major mold under the living room floor, leaky exterior doors, HVAC issues, a moth infestation in the attic, and more-- that have kept me from moving my furniture in yet. Whew! I think that sums it up. I didn't keep track of my wardrobe purchases in 2020-2021, but it wasn't much (maybe ~5 non-gear purchases total). Last year I bought 15 items, a lot of which was replacing essentials due to weight changes, and this year I've bought 3 items. So maybe 25 things over 3.25 years, I think. So, in short, my housing situation has been chaotic and unsettled, the world situation has been what it's been, and my wardrobe has been largely stagnant since early 2020. Probably no wonder things are feeling stale and off-kilter. I'm also realizing that my wardrobe is a sea of black and gray, and black makes me look wan and pale(r), and not in a cool goth-rocker way. I used to think I was cool-toned, but now I think that's probably wrong, and a lot of my clothing colors aren't doing me any favors. So... what now? I have a color analysis appointment with a pro in about a week. I know that isn't the end-all be-all, and I don't plan to dump *all* my black, but I'd like some help figuring out what's flattering. Also, it sounds fun, and I would like some fun. I've also been Pinteresting, and I'll see what themes emerge as I hit critical mass. It's probably past time to evolve my style moniker/avatar, do a closet cleanout, and fill some of the resulting holes. Has anyone else had a big style evolution over the last few years? I imagine I'm far from alone. If so, did you have a deliberate process or did it just kind of happen organically?