https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:37:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915571 Thu, 03 May 2018 01:03:15 +0000 dakotacheryl 1915571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AviaMariah there is a whole website just for posting Elizabeth Suzann photos and size information. I have posted a few outfits, but there are many many others, in a variety of sizes...v cool.</p> <p>The only thing to be aware of is that there were some pattern adjustments last fall and some sizes changed. The newest sizing is with Generation 4.</p> <p><a href="https://www.esstyled.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.esstyled.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915556 Wed, 02 May 2018 23:15:15 +0000 Anonymous 1915556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - how is it that you know exactly what I would do (and actually did today) ? &nbsp;Yes, you're dead right. It's a shopping habit I need to break. i just don't have the time to spend hours in a mall or on-line.</p> <p>I'm mentally exhausted by all of this right now - and trying on a few pair of pants today made me want to cry. &nbsp;I'll refocus on white jeans only for right now. &nbsp;My new skirt? &nbsp;Ha. To be honest, it's still in the bag wrapped in tissue and I haven't looked at it since I bought it . &nbsp;I'm not sure I have the right tops for it. Sigh. &nbsp;I had bought one to go with it at the same time I bought the skirt, but ended up returning it. &nbsp; This whole process really drains me. I'll be trying to carve out some quality time (unrushed) to shop next week. &nbsp;Thanks for the ongoing ideas and support . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915485 Wed, 02 May 2018 19:20:58 +0000 tulle 1915485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, how well I know that "moving target" you speak of!&nbsp; It sounds like you're doing a very disciplined and thorough job of making your closet work for you.&nbsp; I'm about to do a seasonal change-out, too, and will be keeping your no-nonsense approach in mind--very inspiring.&nbsp; Good point about the style descriptors--really must get on that soon! I just had my hair cut VERY short again, so that will be affecting my choices.&nbsp; I'm going in the opposite direction, for example, with t-shirts.&nbsp; After avoiding them for years in favor of loose, feminine blouses, I found myself craving the slightly tomboy look of a casual jacket or blazer over a graphic tee.&nbsp; Didn't want to invest a lot in this experiment, but ended up finding a few inexpensive, nice-looking cotton tees and tanks from Uniqlo and Old Navy.&nbsp; What I learned when trying them on was the importance of:&nbsp; 1) Neckline--no standard crew-necks allowed; they must have a more flattering slight scoop or V; 2) Fabric content--no spandex, lycra, polyester, or any other cling-making ingredients; they must have a soft, loose, natural cotton drape; and 3) Color and design--they must do something interesting for the jacket I intend to wear on top.&nbsp; These pairings would not work for a professional look, but have been a fun change.&nbsp; My Jeans Problem sounds pretty much identical to yours, though I was lucky enough to find good white jeans last year. (Could current styles have something to do with this? I know what I want, but finding them is so difficult!)&nbsp; Must admit that buying a couple of pairs of non-stretchy jeans in a size bigger than I really wanted to wear has vastly improved my temper...<br />P.S. Have you tried stretching those white loafers?&nbsp; Angie has detailed several ways to do it that might be worth trying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915461 Wed, 02 May 2018 18:18:48 +0000 AviaMariah 1915461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dakotacheryl - not to hijack this thread but I'd love to see how some of those Elizabeth Suzann pieces look on you.&nbsp; I'm very intrigued by companies like this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915445 Wed, 02 May 2018 17:21:13 +0000 dakotacheryl 1915445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, those tops are the Elizabeth Suzann Georgia Tee in their wonderful heavy linen.</p> <p>Right now, their turn around time is 6-8 weeks!! Hope that comes down soon. I only have one order that I’m waiting for, and that’s a pair of their Andy Trousers in flax colored linen. I hope to have them by mid-June. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915440 Wed, 02 May 2018 17:10:06 +0000 karen13 1915440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Life has kept me from regularly reading the forum the past few months, but I have to pop in and say “YAY YOU!”</p> <p>I will read whole thread later because my quick glance shows it filled with wisdom. In the meantime, how about a t shirt like this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915404 Wed, 02 May 2018 15:34:24 +0000 Suz 1915404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm super late here and everyone else has said everything that needs saying, so I'll just congratulate you on doing this again -- it's hard work and brings us up against our shopping flops, but this is going to be so useful.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love <b>Angie</b>'s suggestions for style moniker -- Trendy Classic...hmmm, I like that one for myself. Definitely go with the idea of juxtapositions. </p> <p>There's also something special to be said for the monikers that describe a persona, like <b>Gryffin</b>'s Professional Princess of Darkness -- something about its referring to a character makes it a bit easier to ask the question she mentioned asking herself...Would an X wear this? I found it really helpful when I identified myself as Urban Prince. That's not my current moniker and I really need to work on a new one -- that's why I was talking about a "reset" I think. So I need to do what <b>Janet </b>described -- not just the edit for fit but that added question: Do I wear it and feel great in it? If not, sunk cost and move on!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for sparking these thoughts and good luck with your shopping!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915392 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:50:23 +0000 Sara L. 1915392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I stalled on the style descriptors thing for a long time too.&nbsp; I finally bit the bullet and picked out some words and it has been immensely helpful.&nbsp; "Feminine but not girly" has been a key concept, as well as "sleek", which helps me to avoid all those cute tops and shoes with bows and ruffles which inevitably drive me crazy and I never wear.</p> <p>I had to take everything out of my closet last summer because we were putting new flooring in.&nbsp; I purged tons of stuff since I had to take it all out anyway and it was a great feeling.&nbsp; I also keep a woven hamper in the corner of my bedroom for donate-able stuff.&nbsp; If I try something on and it doesn't fit or I realize I don't like it anymore and I'm never going to wear it again, it goes straight into that hamper.&nbsp; When it gets full, I bag the stuff up.&nbsp; It's not just for me either - the whole family puts stuff in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915383 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:39:54 +0000 Angie 1915383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Next step:</i> </p> <ul> <li>Show us your bottoms that fit on a separate thread. No need to try them on. Finds or photo on the bed is good.&nbsp;</li> <li>There is a white jeans round-up, so start there. &nbsp;</li> <li>You will need to bite&nbsp;the bullet and order&nbsp;<i>some</i>&nbsp;stuff online, but VERY carefully. We don't&nbsp;want you&nbsp;going back to a store, getting stuff impulsively you think will do, and disliking it the next day or week. Try to break this shopping habit. It's fine when that happens once in a while, or you want to test something at home with the intention of returning it if it doesn't work. We all do that.</li> <li>What happened to the skirt you bought? Have you tried it on again?&nbsp;</li> </ul> ETA: you have to think about black and its role in your wardrobe. You are enamoured and seduced with a heavily black wardrobe when you see it on others - and buy a lot of black too. But I'm not convinced it makes you happy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/3#post-1915361 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:09:42 +0000 LaPed 1915361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm finally sitting down and reading through this whole thread -- what a treasure trove of advice. I thinking pushing oneself to come up with a set of descriptors and a moniker (and accepting that these aren't something set in stone, that they'll have to evolve with you over time) can be hugely helpful. Angie's suggestions for you are so evocative, I think it's really just a question of deciding which direction you want to take.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm thinking that there's a sort of ruthless artistry to a good closet edit. Knowing what to leave out, how to pare down and get to the essence of something, is so fundamental to good writing/art/music, that it makes perfect sense that style would be the same. So, yeah, you're a Style Virtuoso, and I hope you find the perfect summer refreshers. </p> <p>Oh, and I wholly endorse buying pants, jeans especially, in a couple different sizes when you find a perfect pair -- I've started doing this shamelessly over the past couple of years. I was really resistant for a while, for all those same vanity/body-image reasons, but then I started shopping vintage pants and it really hit home for me that the size on the label is completely and utterly meaningless. What counts is that the rise is just right, the legs are cut just right, the pockets are in just the right place, etc. I think this strategy works well if you want a core set of classic pants you can rely on for several years going. If you chase pant trends it doesn't make as much sense to duplicate heavily, but pants-shopping is just too time-consuming for me to embrace every trend that comes along. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915358 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:59:45 +0000 Christina F. 1915358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to say, Lisa, that this thoughtful analysis is inspiring. I think you will feel liberated without all that wardrobe detritus, I really do. Even though you have a daunting task in front of you to replenish (well, I'd find it fun, but I'm not everyone. I have the heart of a scavenger hunter). Angie and the others have given you all the advice you need, so just a hearty "Brava!" from me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915357 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:59:12 +0000 Colette 1915357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for clarifying Lisa! I'm going to take a harder look at my stash of t-shirts and evaluate the way they fit me. I don't have a moniker, yet, but I'm sure blobby and unpolished will not be part of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915353 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:50:38 +0000 Anonymous 1915353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Colette - I better amend my comment about t-shirts: Angie didn't say they were unflattering , period, and hard to wear for everyone. It is her personal experience with them. &nbsp;And I agree...<br />I wear them every weekend and for walks, yard work, etc etc because what else do you wear?? &nbsp; But for more polished casual and work wear, they aren't a good piece for me, I now realize. &nbsp;I can look a little dumpy in them because I'm not thin enough to wear them body-con styles, or to be able to tuck them in ....thus creating a blobby, unpolished look. On me &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915351 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:44:26 +0000 Colette 1915351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What are you wearing instead of t-shirts? Obviously I missed Angie's lesson&nbsp;that they are <b>inherently unflattering,</b>&nbsp;and<b>&nbsp;difficult to wear;</b><i>&nbsp;I just bought another one. And it's gray!&nbsp;</i>T-shirts are&nbsp;just so easy to wear for my super casual lifestyle...if I need to run out I throw on a topper for polish.<i></i><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915350 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:32:59 +0000 Anonymous 1915350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suzanimal - thanks for the recommendation; sadly, they are completely sold out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915348 Wed, 02 May 2018 13:30:43 +0000 Anonymous 1915348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm loving all of your thoughts and ideas. &nbsp;And to everyone who still says " don't be so hard on yourself" &nbsp;..... stop! &nbsp;.This is my sense of humour. &nbsp;Self-deprecating and not taking myself so seriously. Poking a bit of fun at my silly shopping habits. &nbsp;I am not lying awake at night berating &nbsp;myself for tossing out 4 filets. &nbsp;I have more important stuff to worry about &nbsp;</p> <p>Cheryl - man I wish I had your wardrobe! &nbsp;Where are those 3 tops from ?</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915332 Wed, 02 May 2018 12:02:49 +0000 dakotacheryl 1915332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on all of the work and results you've accomplished!!</p> <p>I have hardly worn jeans for the past few years, and, after buying a pair of high rise Levi's Wedgie crops for Spring/Summer needs, I now know why...</p> <p>I hated mid-rise jeans. No matter the size, I was always needing to pull them up!! These new high rise jeans require zero fussing to wear...yay...donating the few pairs of jeans I had left in my closet.</p> <p>I bought a pair of Khaki pants last summer that were comfy and appropriate for everything except work.</p> <p>I find that I am liking woven tops more than T-shirts for my casual needs as well as work needs. And the length is critical, not too short, not too long. I did buy a couple of shorter length boxy fit T-shirts for summer, and these will be worn on weekends and will be looking very worn by the end of summer, while the woven shirts last for more seasons of wear.</p> <p>I am attaching some of my wardrobe basics..hmm...what would my style moniker be? &nbsp;Simple, neutral, easy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915326 Wed, 02 May 2018 11:49:25 +0000 Suzanimal 1915326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisap, try these white jeans. I bought them based on Angie's recommendation and love them.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915324 Wed, 02 May 2018 11:45:42 +0000 cindysmith 1915324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is actually really good work you've done! It can be so hard to edit our closet, for so many reasons. Kudos to you for getting really honest with yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915316 Wed, 02 May 2018 11:27:59 +0000 kkards 1915316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lisa p....very late to this thread.....i saw it yesterday, read it quickly, but didn't have time to comment....<br />1st....congratulations on going thru everything....and more power to you that you did it on your own! if the oldies challege ttaught me anything, it's that i have a hoarder mentality when it comes to clothing and i need to tame it, but it would be soooo much easier to do with someone pushing me<br />2nd...love love love that you have made a list of needs...good to practice PPP with that list, but....sometimes finding what's on the list can overwhelm and become depressing (as in, "nothing is working, what wrong with me...") and it maybe helpful to walk away...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915298 Wed, 02 May 2018 10:39:46 +0000 Lesley 1915298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating and inspiring. It makes me want to do a real purge, like a try-everything-on purge, ASAP, and it's giving me food for thought on phasing in other shirt options besides my beloved tees (I mean, I have a work-from-home, pick-up-the-kids, walk-the-dog kind of life, ie, a real tee shirt kind of life, but damn, if I think about it, it's not the most flattering option). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915269 Wed, 02 May 2018 07:33:36 +0000 rachylou 1915269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, jus’ sayin’ here, I like the idea of ‘Moody Classic’ as a composite from Angie’s analysis. </p> <p>A really good go-through. You really looked at stuff (that’s my downfall... I just lean in to the closet and say I’ve gone through it...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915244 Wed, 02 May 2018 03:40:40 +0000 Anonymous 1915244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, you are my hero. I am so impressed! I did let go of a whole pile of jeans which fit, but I want a higher rise now. I also learned doing the 30X30 challenge that I I don't need as many. Variety is more important for me.<br /> Next winter may be colder and wetter and you will probably want those tall boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915236 Wed, 02 May 2018 03:27:45 +0000 Jenn 1915236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some of the items on your list are so familiar to me.</p> <p><b>T-shirts.&nbsp;</b>I told my husband to remind me not to do it every time I try to buy a t-shirt, because I am constantly seduced by graphic tees as travel souvenirs. They never look as good when I get home, but I don't want to get rid of them because of the memories. I'm just not doing it anymore.</p> <p><b>Summer Scarves.&nbsp;</b>I gave away a whole pile last year for the same reasons you mention. Why did I have so many? I think it's because they're an inexpensive "fix." In the feeding an addiction sense.</p> <p>I like your idea of nailing down some style descriptors and then literally carrying them around with you. I need mine to appear as a popup before I press confirm on online orders, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915213 Wed, 02 May 2018 02:47:49 +0000 Jaime 1915213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am commenting before reading the comments so I don't lose track of what I thought :/ . Sell the boots on consignment at the beginning of boot season - use the proceeds to buy the one perfect boot that you would normally consider out of your range. Jeans - the best jeans accommodate weight fluctuations. Since it is impossible to predict I say but two perfect jeans that fit you right now - comfortably. One white, one mid-wash denim. No fancy tricks, rips or pearls. Remember that some feet swell in the summer before you buy shoes. I will now read the wisdom upthread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915207 Wed, 02 May 2018 02:25:40 +0000 Aida 1915207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa I am sooo impressed you did the whole wardrobe instead of just the seasonal stuff. I need to do this too and have been putting it off because it feels a little overwhelming to start. I should just do it.</p> <p>I'd be inclined to hold onto the boots until next season and reassess. then. Could the white loafers be stretched?</p> <p>Those style descriptors are actually helpful, even if a bit of a pain to come up with. I have trouble narrowing my style stuff down to just a few words so I did more of a word cloud to cover all the kinds of things I want. I don't necessarily need them ALL in EVERY outfit but hitting a few at a time usually results in happy outfits. And after using them for a while they're easier to refine and narrow down.</p> <p>Re jeans I think for those of us with weight fluctuations it's really helpful to have pairs that will work on the bigger days AND the smaller days, usually that means one or two stretchier pairs and one or two larger band pairs. I keep both kinds in my closet, even though it takes more room than just one would, and it's absolutely worth it. For now, if there are pairs you still like, at least until you find replacements it might be worth keeping one or two at both the smaller and larger end of your range (but be honest though!).</p> <p>GOOD needs list. Totally reasonable. You can do it! *cheers* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915146 Wed, 02 May 2018 00:50:34 +0000 Lynn 1915146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa- so glad my comment was helpful to you. :)&nbsp;I am so impressed. Kudos to you. Great analysis of the results.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh boy can I emphasize with your frustration. We all have our issues, well maybe not Angie. I need to make some rules for myself on a couple of mine- no plain tee shirts, no non-neutral pants, don't accept just OK. I have a large pile of jeans that "fit" but aren't right in some way too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regarding style monikers and style words &nbsp;I really dragged my feet in coming up with them. BUT the process ended up being quite helpful. It helped me clarify some nuances in my style. &nbsp;For instance I love ethnic fabrics and artisan clothing <u>but</u>&nbsp;most boho styles are not me, I am not a ruffles girl, nor are a lot of the art to wear clothing as they seem too much somehow. So I used artisan but I added sophisticated to indicate that I prefer a certain level of refinement in these garments.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess what I am saying is if you choose to do this process I recommend taking your time and try to be really nuanced about the words and what they mean to you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915127 Wed, 02 May 2018 00:15:18 +0000 unfrumped 1915127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabuloso!</p> <p>Not going in” too deep” with too many duplicates or near- duplicates in any one category is important, I think because it give more flexibility. Not minimalism but to allow for changes in body, taste, styles, moods. You noted that for boots and jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915123 Wed, 02 May 2018 00:10:29 +0000 Gail 1915123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in awe, WELL DONE!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasonal-switch-over-and-some-thoughts/page/2#post-1915116 Tue, 01 May 2018 23:59:05 +0000 gryffin 1915116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - wow so impressed.&nbsp; If it makes you feel better I have purchased many things that I just loved and had to have because I love them on others.&nbsp; The dark side of YLF.&nbsp; I think you've done an amazing job discerning what makes you happy fashion-wise.&nbsp; What is authentic and why something doesn't work for you.&nbsp; I do urge you to find that fashion moniker.&nbsp; I know it sounds inane but the power pause of deciding "does a P-POD wear this?"&nbsp; Is actually really helpful to me.&nbsp; When I am caught in the magnetism of someone elses style it's the only question that can pull me back.&nbsp; On the boots, from what you said let them go (maybe keep your favorite pair) same with the jeans.&nbsp; Clean slate.&nbsp; You have a small curated list.&nbsp; Once the stuff is out you can't default to less optimal.&nbsp; Make the perfect new a priority.&nbsp; And try on some EF pants if you can, I don't own them but they got fantastic reviews.&nbsp; I think adding the items you listed that fit and flatter would make you so much happier with your wardrobe.&nbsp; You are doing an amazing job!&nbsp; Letting go is the hardest part and now you begin the next part of your journey!!&nbsp; Kudos and hugs!! </p>