https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:01:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061124 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:55:07 +0000 modgrl 1061124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also not at all specific. I have no expectation of "Perfect." I really need things to fit my torso because I am short. Everything else can be adjusted, tailored, rolled or styled. I will pay extra if something is really great or if I am obsessed/fixated on something, but I don't usually have such specific rules for the exact fit that I want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061101 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:22:32 +0000 jayne 1061101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting read.&nbsp; I actually don't know how to categorize myself.&nbsp; It has been topsy turvy since starting YLF and I feel I am in transition.&nbsp; But I am also more and more reflective and less impulsive than I used to be.&nbsp; Anna, do you reflect over your purchases/wardrobe?&nbsp; Is there a correlation? I haven't been around long enough to see if you started one way and transitioned to another? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061098 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 17:12:02 +0000 Scarlet 1061098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go shopping with something specific in mind and invariably buy something else instead that I hadn't thought of but saw and loved and declare myself happy, e.g. I think I need dark blue skinny jeans and buy the most crazy distressed pair instead. I am very spontaneous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061086 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:48:49 +0000 fieldmouse 1061086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Mo</b> said, </p> <ul> <li><i>Hmm, I wonder if specificity correlates with how badly or not you need an item?<br /> </i></li> </ul> <p>It definitely correlates with my willingness to settle </p> <p>My specificity largely involves fit and flattery and comfort (e.g in case of coats: pockets, hoods, warmth), not so much exact cuts and colours. Style- and colour-wise, I usually have an "acceptable range", if the item fits the other requirements.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061083 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:36:59 +0000 DizzyLizzy 1061083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have become picky, to the point that most of my shopping is for planned purchases ie I make a list. Fit and fabrication are both equally important - I'm not a fan of manmade fibres, and I think it was the predominance and availability of cheap (and often not so cheap) fast fashion that was the catalyst for change. I really dislike clothing that looks shabby after a couple of wears. </p> <p>I started using a list so that I could identify and fill holes in my wardrobe, and it has worked well for me. There's still plenty of wriggle room for unplanned purchases though....it's just that these days they still have to fill my number one criteria - fit and fabrication. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061081 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:36:17 +0000 rae 1061081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am another person who does both. If it's a matter of a need, like my packable, breathable, layer-able, water-resistant, lightweight trench... I am very specific. Because I know I'll be uncomfortable if all those boxes aren't checked.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also very particular about dream items, though not specific per se. I'll know perfection when I see it.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I also love to browse, graze, and fall in love on sight.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061053 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:10:55 +0000 Mo 1061053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I wonder if specificity correlates with how badly or not you need an item? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061022 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:32:28 +0000 Amy 1061022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes very specific...sometimes not at all. When very specific, I often turn to the internet, like others have mentioned above. Recently, I was able to find some lambskin opera gloves at Amazon, which I had failed to find anywhere else. Now, I'll be able to wear my faux fur wrap with the 3/4 sleeves this winter and be warm &amp; cozy.</p> <p>On the other hand, I wasn't intending to buy anything the last time we got together, but fell in love with those red suede pumps and they had to come home with me.</p> <p>Then there are items that are in the middle somewhere. When shopping for pants, I have settled for "OK," but end up regretting my purchase. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1061006 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:11:38 +0000 Von 1061006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/member/milehighstyle/" rel="nofollow"></a> </div> </p> <p> <div> </p> <p> &lt;span class="watch"&gt;</p> <p> </div> </p> <p> milehighstyle - Banana changed the pocket placement on some of their Martin fits, and the Jacksons, which I prefer seem to be becoming an endangered species...when I can find them.&nbsp; The pockets made "hip wings" which aren't cute at all! </p> <p>At Ann Taylor, the Tropical Wool signature fit pants are fitting a full size smaller (and slimmer in the hips) than the pairs I bought in 2012 and 2011. I'm curvy, but surprisingly can't get into the curvy fits.&nbsp; I'd chalk it up to weight gain, except my old ones still fit perfect.&nbsp; It makes no sense that in the same size and cut, I could no longer even pull the pants past mid thigh! I was having one of those "waaa, when did I get soooo fat!" moments until I tried the ones at home. </p> <p>Amy - Have you tried any of the dressier Dansko shoes?&nbsp; They look better than the traditional clog, which still keeping the clog base.&nbsp; I've seen some Mary Janes and some that would look nice with dress pants.&nbsp; But, I can't lie, as clunky as Danskos are, and as wrong as I feel they are, some days, you just need easy shoes and warm socks!&nbsp; <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dansko-professional-clog/3479925?cm_cat=datafeed&amp;cm_ite=dansko_%27professional%27_clog:260376_2&amp;cm_pla=shoes:women:clog&amp;cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&amp;mr:referralID=374c17b6-3bf6-11e3-a88a-001b2166becc" rel="nofollow">I want these for winter</a>...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1060643 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 03:19:34 +0000 minimalist 1060643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I could really do with a heavy dose of your "close enough." </p> <p>I'm not sure where to start, though.</p> <p>Footwear, for example. I'm so demanding of potential new everyday shoes, I've been wearing hideously-worn-looking steel-toed Sanita clogs EVERY DAY. </p> <p>Physical issues are a huge factor right now. These clogs are the only shoes I've found that I can wear on hard surfaces for more than a few minutes without my lower back seizing up. </p> <p>My first YLF-inspired style challenge is to replace these clogs. For indoor lounge-and-cooking-wear at bf's, hardwood-on-concrete floors, I settled for Mephisto Helens. I miss the clogs' support, and don't love the sandals' style, but the look is less repulsive than the clogs were. My pedicures get air time, and the black cat on black floors welcomes my increased sensitivity to my feet's immediate surroundings.</p> <p>For outdoor use, I can't make the support compromise, so I guess it'll be clog-boots, all black. Where to find them? </p> <p>I'm already compromising on looks, workmanship, and ethical sourcing. And still, shopping for this essential item, both on-line and B&amp;M, is all frustration and no joy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1060448 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:35:11 +0000 El Cee 1060448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna... this is such an interesting thread. Thanks for starting it. I have been popping in and out all day to see what everyone is sharing on this subject. I will have to agree with you that one's shopping style may have more to do with one's personality than one's age. I am 55 now, but my shopping "persona" is still very similar to what it was in my '20's. I am very much&nbsp;an emotional dresser and shopper. Making set lists of wardrobe needs goes against the grain for me, although I greatly admire this discipline in others. My body has changed over the years as have my fashion priorities and basic clothing needs, but I still shop mostly based on what "grabs" me at the time. I am a bit more practical in my selections, but the driving force is still the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you/page/2#post-1060427 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:18:46 +0000 annagybe 1060427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, one, I'm not that young. I'm 41. I don't think age has huge amount to do with this question. I think it's more a reflection of personality. I was just genuinely curious how others thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060414 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:10:22 +0000 Anonymous 1060414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty specific if it's an expensive item. The cheaper it is, the less specific I get. Which, I think, is my problem! In fact, Anna, I think you just helped me decide on a not quite right item I bought the other day. Sales goggles struck again. Thanks, I owe you one!&nbsp;&nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060397 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:55:25 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1060397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not that specific most of the time, in the sense that I don't go to the mall or go online saying to myself "I need a rust red pair of skinny jeans". I am particular in the sense that all my clothes have to fit well and have the characteristics that are flattering on me, so I dismiss a lot of things in stores out of hand as not for me. But when I'm actually shopping I'm generally just looking to see what's out there and what might work for me. I usually have a category or two in mind, like "I need to replace my black ponte blazer with one that fits better" or "I need some winter-weight tights" or something along those lines, but I am also open to being surprised by something I wasn't looking for. I wonder sometimes if I should be more specific and browse less, but I fear that if I did that I'd never buy clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060378 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:32:19 +0000 DonnaF 1060378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try not to be overly specific since that only leads to frustration.&nbsp; Last summer, I DID have a white jeans skirt on my list, and I ended up buying one at AT on sale.&nbsp; It was a little short, and well, it hasn't gotten any longer so I sometimes wonder if I should have spent another $25 or so and bought a longer skirt elsewhere.&nbsp; I also have a dark denim shirt on my list.&nbsp; I won't go nekkid w/o one, so I'll wait until the perfect one comes along.</p> <p>I like Gaylene's approach of shopping functionally, and generally that's what I try to do.&nbsp; I don't have any gaping holes in my wardrobe unless it turns out that my feet can no longer tolerate last year's booties.&nbsp; This means I have *wants* vs. true needs, so I can wait for sales and the like.&nbsp; </p> <p>FWIW, with some stuff on old lists that I truly thought I needed did not turn out to be the workhorses I thought they would be.&nbsp; Worn yes, but not worn to death. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060354 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:54:49 +0000 Krista 1060354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've become specific in that I have a list of ideas that I'm shopping for. As for exact specifics about an item... I do not always have the time, energy and desire for PPP, especially since I prefer to shop in stores. If I can get to a 9, I'm happy, but it's possible that my version of a 9 might be someone else's 6. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060326 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:20:20 +0000 shedev 1060326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was building my wardrobe I was less specific in my wants. I'm a little more specific in my searches. I have one wardrobe hole, black winter boots, the rest are wants and I can wait for the right one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060320 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:12:46 +0000 Suz 1060320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to read all these responses. It's a good question!&nbsp;</p> <p>Sometimes health or tricky fit issues create the specific demand. That was true for Peri.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sometimes it's climate. I might like a particular coat a whole lot, but if it won't keep me warm I will have to get a bit more specific about my requirements (i.e. it needs a collar, can't have bracelet sleeves.)&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I'm a bit like Rachylou in that I sometimes just go shopping for fun, to see what's out there, with no specific object in mind -- in which case I'm pretty open. OTOH, unless something appeals to me really strongly and I can definitely imagine wearing it, I won't buy it on those "open" trips. I have to be able to justify the purchase to myself, in other words. Sort of what Gaylene said. Unless I love it, forget it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Other times, it's more of a need -- I need boots. Well, they don't have to be perfect, but they do have to fit properly and be a style that I like and can imagine wearing.&nbsp;</p> <p>And other times, I know exactly what I want and I'm pretty determined to get it! Unless something else that will serve the exact same purpose just as well comes along. :-)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060316 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:10:58 +0000 Alassë 1060316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy my serendipitous purchases too, but I think I still need to practice PPP on the main wardrobe holes &amp; long held wants. Those can get very specific, and I don't think it's a bad thing (for me). I'll re-buy and have wasted money on an inferior piece otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060310 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:04:53 +0000 unfrumped 1060310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm more a mixture or category-shopper. I don't stalk--which&nbsp; unfortunately doesn't help stretch my budget.</p> <p>But, I'm getting more specific, once I finally noticed that the reason for closet orphans or nothing-to-wear times was due to the fact that the item or outfit really needed to have some certain characteristics or it would&nbsp; not work the way I wanted it to. It's still a general-specific concept--a jacket that will go with these 3 colors or with pants + skirts and look great (so I might not be sure what that is); a top that will&nbsp; modernize several of my bottoms; something like that.&nbsp; A lot of this comes&nbsp;about as, &nbsp;go home and try it with everything. So I'm still sometimes buying the wrong thing, but am better at figuring it out&nbsp; after I try it with my existing clothes, and less likely to keep it, and then may have some further aha moments as to what I really should be looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060302 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:01:34 +0000 Glory 1060302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I settle very very easily. I usually have a general idea in mind such as a colour in an item: navy sweater. If I find something that works I snap it up.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060301 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:01:17 +0000 Anonymous 1060301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, you are young. I get more specific each year realizing that I may have those black pants or whatever for years. Plus, the body has its specifics that must be met. However, there are times that I pick something up that's inexpensive with the idea of just enjoying the look for a season or two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060299 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:59:58 +0000 Sara 1060299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Specific shopping can be maddening! Right now I'm on the hunt for a classic black, non corporate blazer. You wouldn't think it would be so hard. I will settle for an 8 or 9. When I'm not looking for anything in particular though, it has to be a 10! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060292 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:56:17 +0000 rachylou 1060292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question. I have three types of quests I go on: totally open, a general category (like slim fitting flared pants), or Item X from Brand Y (and then I'll go to every store in a 50 mile radius, because I'm obsessive).</p> <p>I find if I get really specific about my wants on a general category quest, I simply don't find a thing. Easier to find hay in haystack than a needle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060283 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:49:45 +0000 Gaylene 1060283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually shop for a specific look or function if that makes any sense.&nbsp; So my (mental) shopping list might be for a winter jacket that can be worn comfortably in cool, but not freezing, temperatures and a couple of interesting tops that I can wear with jeans. The jacket could end up being a pea coat, a stadium coat, a light-weight puffer, or a even a short wool coat. The tops could be a cashmere sweater, a fancy sweatshirt, or a soft turtleneck in a current color, or anything else that I think would liven up a basic jeans and boots outfit. I guess my "specific" is more about the functionality of the piece in my wardrobe than "I want a cobalt, chunky, cropped sweater to wear with my jeans".</p> <p>Stalking, searching, or waiting, for a specific garment just isn't my thing. I also like keeping my options open to some degree so I don't end up buying something that I don't absolutely love and want to keep in my closet for a long time. I learned the hard way that trying to be too logical and systematic about my purchases ended up with my having a closet full of things I never really wore. </p> <p>So my lightweight winter jacket and casual top could end up being a chunky sweater worn with a puffer vest and scarf, or a pea coat with a cashmere turtleneck, or any other combination that would fulfill the requirements for a lightweight winter coverage and a top to be worn with jeans and boots. And I'd be perfectly happy because that was what I'd have wanted all along, even if I hadn't quite realized it when I made my list.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060220 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:13:52 +0000 catgirl 1060220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was never a specific shopper until now, when I have no time and much more specific needs regarding comfort, laundry care, and presentation.&nbsp; I still love browsing, but I'm finding that much of what I love I already own in some form, which is good place to be.&nbsp; And what I need is often obvious and specific. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060218 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:13:02 +0000 fieldmouse 1060218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have really specific requirements for some items, such as coats or footwear, but it's very difficult, near impossible, to find items that perfectly fit those requirements, so I usually have to settle on some of them.</p> <p><b>Diana</b> said, <ul> <li> <i>For some reason I hate shopping for really specific things if I have to go to stores but on the Internet I love it. </i></li> </ul> Yeah, same here, because online I can choose the category I'm interested in from each store and not get sidetracked. In shops, the items tend to be in "mixed company", not arranged by type, so I have to browse through the whole shop, even if I'm only interested in coats, for example. Makes sense from a marketing perspective, of course... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060192 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:57:26 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1060192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Von, what pant fits did AT and BR change? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060188 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:55:18 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1060188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends.&nbsp; Sometimes I'm looking for something really specific (a long sleeve collarless silk blouse in a latte color), sometimes I just want another button front shirt and will look for one that strikes my fancy.&nbsp; Fit and material matter most to me, so once I find those to be perfect I sometimes compromise on the details.&nbsp; I wanted a chunky cropped sweater in an ink or cobalt color, but found the perfect one in burgundy and that was ok.&nbsp; Burgundy works with my wardrobe just as well and it was more important to get the sweater that hit at the right part of my waist and wasn't too long for my arms.&nbsp; Sometimes you can still end up with a 10 even if it wasn't what you set out to get in the first place.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-how-specific-are-you#post-1060167 Tue, 22 Oct 2013 19:46:21 +0000 lyn* 1060167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am definitely a "close enough" kind of person too, but I'm hoping to transition eventually to be a PPP. </p>