https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:44:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327659 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:38:43 +0000 Ornella 327659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too often think about this and how you Angie, as a professional, need this particular skill in order to understand and see all your clients in the framework in which they want to be seen. (Btw, thanks for making it clear why you don't not comment always ) </p> <p>I have two types of filters.</p> <p>First one - what I would wear. This one is getting finer by each new day spent here and that to me is good news.</p> <p>Second filter is about seeing other people's outfits, i.e. commenting "I like this" on the forum. I also approach that in two distinctive ways: one is if I personally like it and would wear it myself straight away - that is a no-brainer. Another approach is by trying to understand another person's aesthetics, style and effort put in, and seeing whether with those parameters I can still see things working. (Sorry, I can only express myself in techie terms sometimes).</p> <p>I look at most things visible in terms of logical vs. instinctive dressing (as <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-your-dress-sense-logical-or-instinctive">I have asked here before</a>) and since I am Team Logical I need to know why some things work. Although, there are always exceptions that I can't understand, but still like. To sum it up, understanding other people's style although I'd never wear it, is part of becoming more style literate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327527 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:22:40 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 327527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll be succinct: No.</p> <p>Everyone has a filter. We all see the world through it. We can't help it. However, there are many outfits in magazines, on TV, in stores and on this forum that are not right for me, that I would not wear and are not my style but I can love them on others. </p> <p>My eye does learn to adjust, and often when that happens a style that was formerly "love but not for me" might weasel its way in. Those drop crotch pants on All Saints are slowly going from WHAT??? to Maybe... for me. By fall perhaps they'll be Heck Yes!</p> <p>Socks with sandals I don't think will ever happen for me but I do love the look on others. I'm mostly not sure how to execute it well with my existing wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327508 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:34:35 +0000 Anonymous 327508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I've lived through different fashion eras and worn a wide variety of styles, I hope that my filter is pretty broad. YLF has helped me to enjoy many styles on others I wouldn't wear myself. Now, if it don't care for an outfit, I feel that I probably haven't yet adjusted my eye to the look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327490 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:31:48 +0000 bella 327490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I have a filter but I definitely have a "horizon of fashion understanding" - to gently rip off from a famous continental philosopher. This means that my appreciation of fashion is of course prejudiced by my own fashion choices, but it is not necessarily constrained to what I would personally wear. It is always changing and expanding. I try to gain a better understanding of where others are coming from in their fashion choices and keep an open mind. That said, some fashion styles will also lie beyond my horizon of appreciation. In that case, I just keep my mouth shut. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327436 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:57:35 +0000 nicoleb 327436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think i can honestly say that if i don't really have this problem. I know that a lot of times my friends will bring up things in a store and try to make fun of them to me and i feel like i'm constantly...i dunno, maybe defending them? Pointing out body types that could pull it off and how? But i've also been pretty obessive with reading style blogs/magazines/etc. So even if i don't like it or it's something i wouldn't personally wear doesn't mean i don't have an appreciation for the thought and creativity that went into it. Diversity makes the world go round? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327420 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:33:58 +0000 Anonymous 327420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started looking at fashion blogs 2 years ago. One blog I looked at was nothing special just normal office wear but she offered good tips and generally looked nice - then she went crazy and I stopped looking at that blog. She just looks like she puts anything together and maybe dresses in the dark ( or maybe looking for shock value) so I don't see the point. </p> <p>Another blog I look at is a beautiful young woman that always looks amazing even when she dresses a bit eccentric. She at times also looks a little crazy and yet unlike the other women she always makes it work.</p> <p>Then there was YLF... I always thought Angie looked so good no matter what she put together, even pants with dresses ( a look that I really dislike). </p> <p>I have always been pretty open to differences, I don't have to like something to like it. But if it is a look that I'm not really fond of I'm definatly more critical, it has to be done to perfection for me to apprieciate it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327392 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:19 +0000 Lisa 327392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I certainly have a filter and try to provide comments centered around outfit ideas that I would do if I wore the outfit to help out a WIW post. What I try NOT to do, is say I simply don't like an outfit without a reason. And this is hard when it is something I certainly would not wear. I am hoping as long as I state a reason why I would change something it comes across as helpful and not negative critique. Otherwise all I would ever say is "that's lovely" and that can get pretty boring. I find something that helps me the most, is when someone posts a lot of outfits and I get a feel of their style. Then I find I can think "more like them" and hopefully provide suggestions that are more on point for the WIW poster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327371 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:15:11 +0000 kellygirl 327371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo Sveta's response. I feel like the more time I spend here, the more open I am to different looks. I couldn't agree more with her example of TX Sarah. Sarah is supremely polished and stylish but there are very few outfits of hers that I would wear. The same goes for MaryK--I love her style, on her. Where I fail miserably is in my comments--I don't know how to comment except to express how I would wear it. I guess that is where my filter definitely kicks in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327335 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:35:23 +0000 catgirl 327335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question. I feel like I keep a pretty open mind and appreciate lots of looks on others that I can't wear or don't particularly even like. I certainly am willing to attempt just about anything. But I do have to be mindful of my own biases. The one that comes immediately to mind is cleavage - I have an irrational negative reaction to seeing cleavage on display. </p> <p>The other filter I have to admit (and this is not discussed much here, nor should it be) is financial. I sometimes have to remind myself that my budget may seem outrageous to some, and conversely that others have far more disposable income than I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327326 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:15:58 +0000 Aida 327326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question and discussion! I think it is very, very difficult to separate one's personal aesthetics from their opinions; I agree it's possible to train oneself to have this separation but for some they will achieve better separation than others (which is perfectly fine!). I do feel that those who come to YLF may come with the desire to improve themselves, but will also have have their fashion filters expanded simply by participating in the forum community (whether it's a lot or a little); it's very hard not to :)</p> <p>My filter is certainly far more open now than it was a year ago. I try hard to keep my filters as open as possible even when it's not easy, and am working at improving this daily. Participating on this forum has given me an excellent opportunity to work on getting that separation from my personal aesthetic, and thinking about how to help others improve outfits that aren't "my style" has not only helped further develop my fashion skills, but it also provided me incredible insight FOR my style (especially as I learn more about each person's individual aesthetic). Being here also allows me to enjoy so many stylings I am drawn to but aren't "me", which is just awesome.</p> <p>And lastly, I truly appreciate the honest feedback given here, whether the posters do or don't share my tastes, and find this vastly more valuable than I would if I posted to a group who DO all share my tastes. Understanding those differences, seeing how others would tweak things even if it's something that would make the outfit "less me", provides fantastic insight to how others view me. And that is, after all, an important aspect of why I put effort into dressing myself well </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327265 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:56:03 +0000 Girl X 327265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to look at fashion as art. There are beautiful, amazing, wonderous works of art that I would never want to own or hang in my house, because they simply aren't right for me. Most art I see and appreciate falls into this category. Fashion is the same, most of what I see and appreciate on other people are not really outfits/items that I expect to wear myself, but that is part of the enjoyment. I get to indulge in the experience of those outfits vicariously through the people who wear them well.</p> <p>I haven't been on this forum for very long, but have tended to leave comments on outfits that are closer to my style, since I feel like I have some knowledge and experience with those looks. When it's far from my style, I tend to reserve comment even if I like what I'm seeing, because I feel like I don't really have anything informed to base my opinion on. </p> <p>I might take fashion a little too seriously! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327252 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:34:10 +0000 Debbie 327252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The longer I read the blog and participate in the forum the more that filter opens up for me. Fashion should be fun is Angie's motto and I see why now. What I consider fun and appropriate for me will not be for someone else. I try to base my comments on the outfit. Sometime I can't identify what I like or dislike about something so I don't say anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327249 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:22:21 +0000 rosee 327249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gaylene: excellent quote! very true.</p> <p>I'd like to think that I am fairly open to different looks, but I still have my own biases. It helps to be aware of my biases though when commenting on others' style. My friends have very different looks from my own, and I like on them what I see on them. I also experimented with different looks over the years before settling into what I'm comfortable with now. I'm still quite new to YLF, and when I comment here, I try to consider whether it works for them (usually YAY), and not whether it would work for me. For looks I'm not as familiar with, I leave the comments to others and try to learn from them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327241 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:40:45 +0000 Becky 327241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many others have mentioned, I think my participation in YLF has broadened my style horizons to the point that I can appreciate someone else's look even if it is a far cry from my personal preferences more than ever before. That said, I don't think it is possible to ever be completely objective.</p> <p>I do welcome honest feedback when I post photos, even comments like, "I don't like it, because it's just not my style." When I post photos, I think I'm looking for two things: 1) Does this outfit work? In other words, does it fit and flatter, and do the items work together? and 2) What do other people think of it? If I deeply felt something was "me," I might wear it anyway even if the majority of YLF respondents didn't like it. But for the most part, if an outfit was universally disliked, I probably wouldn't wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327234 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:11:52 +0000 Isabel 327234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no problem admiring or liking something on someone else that I wouldn't wear. I suppose that I am very person-specific. My clothes must meet my lifestyle, my personality, and so on. So I love seeing others' lifestyle, personalities and proclivities. I rarely outright dislike something. On the flip side, there are things that I love that I wouldn't wear, too. I suppose that when I look at someone else's outfits, I don't think of them in terms of myself but rather on the "look". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter/page/2#post-327233 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:04:22 +0000 Auburn 327233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, if I'm being truly honest with myself, I suppose I have to confess that I am pretty narrow-minded in terms of my "filter."<br /> When I look at a fashion item, whether in a magazine, a catalogue, on a person I see out and about or on a YLF forum member, my mental process is such that I like something BECAUSE it appeals to my own aesthetic and I could imagine myself wearing it. I realize this narrow view would make me a bad stylist...but does it make me a bad person? For better or worse, I rarely find myself thinking "wow, that would be hideous on me but I nevertheless LOVE it on that person." Now, that's not to say I don't appreciate other styles or aesthetics or have any desire to impose MY look on others--variety is indeed the spice of life!--but we are talking here about what we LIKE on others. In my mind there's a distinct difference between respect/appreciation and liking/loving something.<br /> As others have said, I try not to comment on looks that are far afield from my stylistic preferences (unless to comment on a more objective aspect such as fit).<br /> I find it refreshing that many people here, Angie, in particular, are able to provide rave reviews of outfits that they wouldn't themselves wear.<br /> Should I aspire to that or is it okay that I view things more narrowly? Ahh, the tricky normative question... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327231 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:56:54 +0000 Sveta 327231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think my filter is like "I would wear it / I would not wear it" at all. There are a lot of looks on YLF I admire but I cannot / would not wear. TX Sarah is a great example: I admire her posts and outfits but every time I try to copy her looks it just does not feel right to me. I still cannot figure out why! Other looks just plainly wrong for my age or my body type but I still admire them on others.<br /> I think my filter kicks in when aesthetically the look is not pleasing to my eye or just leaves me indifferent. Often it is proportions or colors or balance but sometimes I cannot identify the reason for it. I try to keep an open mind but it is hard! :-)<br /> There is also an adjustment factor: some looks I "filtered" out before I like now more and more: Anna's edgey style is a good example as I learn to appreciate it more and more now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327230 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:56:38 +0000 RoseandJoan 327230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love when an outfit or item clothing expresses something intangible about that person. I feel I know certain members of the YLF community because their style can speak louder than the written word. Of course there are styles which reflect my preferences and styles which are polar opposite but I love the story an outfit tells about a person and their day.</p> <p>My personal exception (as you may know) is cardigan, my filter is blocked so I try to be upfront about how my personal preferences is impacting on how I see the outfit.</p> <p>Recently I posted a thread about a green blouse with an orange skirt, I found the replies fascinating, some preferred the look as is, some wanted to add another element whilst for others admitted it would never set their world alight. I was happy with the replies as it gave me the knowledge that whilst I may like the look (and plan to wear it soonish) many would find the pairing bizarre. </p> <p>I think the last time I posted on this thread I mentioned that a black sheath dress was one of my favourite looks but at that time it did not fit with my personal style. Well guess what? My style is heading in that direction now. </p> <p>I'm also curious about how I will perceive in the future the romantic look I'm leaving behind, will I feel nostalgic or will I feel an aversion, I will have to wait and see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327223 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:39:44 +0000 Janet 327223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course it's easier to like something that we would choose to put on our own bodies -- that's only natural. I'd be lying if I said I didn't look at others' outfits through my own particular filter, which is comprised of my body type, age, coloring, lifestyle, taste, etc. </p> <p>However, I can certainly appreciate when someone rocks a look that I would pass on for myself. I've done it here many times. I don't have to want to wear something to think it looks great on someone else! </p> <p>I laughed when I saw this thread because of my rather terse reply to Angie's "socks and sandals" blog post this morning. I will totally admit that I don't love that look, but it's not just because I wouldn't wear it. I dunno, it always seems a little... infantilizing maybe? Or it reminds me of the 80s and not in a good way (like that old ZZTop video). However, I have seen some people, including some here on YLF, who make it work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327207 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:11:31 +0000 Barbara 327207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great discussion! I tend to look at others' fashions with a designer'/artist's eye. I appreciate style/aesthetic and may make a mental note to TRY something similar. Or decide I don't like it and move on mentally.</p> <p>I have very strong opinions about what I like and don't like and I usually keep them to myself! I do have to bite my tongue occasionally. </p> <p>But what someone else wears is really not my business. I'm not their mama OR stylist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327199 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:02:00 +0000 Gaylene 327199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This discussion brings to mind a comment from someone whose insights I've always appreciated: "It's easier to get through filters if we acknowledge that we have them and that they influence our perceptions of the world around us."</p> <p>Like most of the commentators on the forum, I like to think that I am open-minded enough to enjoy a variety of proportions, styles, body shapes, etc. But, acknowledging that I am influenced by my personal preferences and prejudices makes it easier to understand why my immediate reaction to some photos is "Oh, no-- don't wear that!" even though others make approving comments. Horses for courses, to paraphrase Angie.</p> <p>Queen Mom raises an interesting point, however. How closely do the filters of those who comment in YLF forums reflect the filters found in our "real" worlds? Can negative comments made by friends and family be dismissed as "rude" or "ignorant" because they don't like a YLF-approved outfit? By keeping negative reactions to myself, do I restrict the feedback that those who are brave enough to post their pictures actually want? Or, as I rationalize, do posters want the support provided by YLF to dress in a way that they want regardless of what others may think? Do any of the other commentators in this forum wrestle with these questions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327195 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:58:05 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 327195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - how funny. I'm imagining that blog post being a couple of months ago, but just realised it was probably quite a bit longer ago! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327177 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:15:31 +0000 Aziraphale 327177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think it's nearly impossible to be completely objective about any topic, and fashion is no exception. I can appreciate some looks on others, even if I wouldn't wear it myself (the ankle socks with sandals is a good example), but other times, my mind just screams nononononooooo. For example, I cannot get my eye to adjust to harem pants, no matter how cute you insist they are, Angie! And I usually agree with you on style issues. That's what got me reading your blog in the first place. You've got a good eye and you dress with style and flair. </p> <p>I think I'm being honest here. I try to be open minded in all things. Here's a related example: my mother-in-law recently bought a new sofa for her living room. It's stark white, and before I saw it, I thought I'd hate it. But you know, it totally works with the rest of her decor. She has style and a good sense for interior decorating, so even though she often chooses things that I would never pick for my own house, I can completely appreciate and enjoy them in her house. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327176 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:13:55 +0000 Vani 327176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nope, not at all. Except for the wearing of leggings as pants, utra-low rise + visible thong, cleavage spillage, crotch high hems and other such things, I think I can wholeheartedly appreciate 99.9% of all facets of fashion &lt;underline&gt;when done right&lt;/underline&gt;. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327171 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:58:24 +0000 taylor 327171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be more biased, but I love fashion, so If someone wears something I would never wear...I look a little deeper, does it suit their personality, style, color preference etc.</p> <p>I am more critical when women my age dress like teens or reveal too much skin...I am working on that:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327170 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:55:45 +0000 Heather 327170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always try to keep an open mind of the person's body type and--the longer you stick around, here and get to "know" people--personality.</p> <p>There are tons of things that I wear that many would never consider, but I feel they work for me and certainly vice versa. </p> <p>I do feel that I can appreciate most trends even if they don't work for me. They most likely work for someone fabulous and makes them feel awesome. </p> <p>I love so many pieces or entire outfits posted here that I inquire for shopping details. ;)</p> <p>I always LOVE honest feedback on my posts. Please, please do comment on it--even if it isn't your favorite. I do like feedback. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327168 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:53:25 +0000 Carole 327168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This relates to interior design-an Interior Designer can't just have one style they utilize to decorate all the houses. They have a personal style that may find it's way in, but ultimately it's someone elses house and their needs and style preferences must be relected. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327163 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:45:31 +0000 Angie 327163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very wise and wonderful comments here! You gals are amazing. </p> <p>It really is quite hard if you think about it. Where are the boundaries of your filter? </p> <p>Polly, I bring up this question every year for new forum members, while giving Veterans a chance to rethink their perspective - which you just did :)</p> <p>MaryK, you should absolutely say when you would wear something! I find your filter particularly open. </p> <p>Lynne, it's really hard to NOT be influenced by your own style preferences unless you train yourself to do so. It's like getting "style-fit". Some people can walk around the block, others can run a marathon. In my line of work, I have to run 20 marathons in one day - but I have had almost 2 decades of practice (getting style-fit). But I still train hard and ponder things all the time. There are very few looks that don't make it through my style filter. I *still* ponder these looks each season to give them another fair chance, and own up when the penny has dropped. </p> <p>For the record, I do not NOT comment on threads when I feel the look isn't working to my eye. I just can't get to every thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327152 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:25:54 +0000 Lisalou 327152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, the funny thing is that I see fashion through a filter when it pertains to myself. I realized that reading the recent blog post on breaking out of a style rut. I can very much appreciate looks/styles on other people, but then I think of myself "I could never wear that." *Could* never wear that, not *would* never. I'm trying to adjust my thinking, though, and start to question why I think I could never wear something. I think I tend to be much more accepting/appreciative of others' fashion sense and risks than my own! (of course like PPs, there are definitely things I just don't like on anyone...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seeing-fashion-and-style-through-a-filter#post-327148 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:20:01 +0000 Diana 327148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just had another thought about this... </p> <p>On yay or nay posts, I always make a point to actually leave a comment (rather than just voting) if I vote nay. I find it really helps my objectivity if I have to articulate *why* I don't like something, plus I feel like the poster deserves to know why I voted nay. </p>