https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:56:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472923 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:08:37 +0000 Kate 472923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are off to a great start, and weeding out the clothes you don't like must feel freeing! I just want to chime in and say that only 10% of my closet now is from before YLF. At the time it seemed daunting and expensive to replace so much of my wardrobe, yet slowly but surely it happened and I'm not broke! Another tip is to start doing laundry as often as possible. Re-wearing items more often becomes a possibility when they aren't sitting in the laundry basket, and that means you can get away with a smaller wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472478 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:37:07 +0000 Deborah 472478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say stick with it, it will pay off in the long run. It is frustrating but also liberating to get rid of things that are not what you want etc. I would rather repeat wearing great outfits than wear a different outfit each day of the month that wasn't up to scratch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472414 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:50:49 +0000 Freckles 472414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sigh. It is such a process isn't it. Persevere and give yourself a bit of a break too. A pretty closet is sort of like an embrace in the morning even if you don't have everything in there clotheswise that you want yet. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472320 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:53:42 +0000 Mander 472320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly wanted to admire the effect of the empty hangers. I have seen several versions of those velvety hangers around, though, and I will probably buy some once I finally get the actual shelves and such put up. The non-slip aspect is definitely appealing!</p> <p>Hopefully one of these days I'll actually have an outfit worth posting... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472288 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:09:31 +0000 Jonesy 472288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's tough...I just filled up two large black Hefty bags with castoff sweaters and other stuff...some things are from about 10-15 years ago! It's a process; you sound like you are absolutely on the right track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472265 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:20:19 +0000 biscuitsmom 472265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've gotten great advice (which Im following closely, cuz Im in the same boat!) but good luck- you'll get thru this and come out of it with some great items and be much happier...You've identified the problem and want to change- which is HUGE! I bet 6 months from now, you'll be in a much better place PS- YAY to huggable hangers! They are SO great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472199 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:05:37 +0000 modgrl 472199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your hangers are taking up so much valuable space. </p> <p>How about some of these huggable hangers to replace the giant plastic ones: </p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=huggable+hangers&#038;ie=utf-8&#038;oe=utf-8&#038;aq=t&#038;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&#038;client=firefox-a#q=huggable+hangers&#038;hl=en&#038;client=firefox-a&#038;hs=6PH&#038;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&#038;prmd=imvns&#038;source=univ&#038;tbm=shop&#038;tbo=u&#038;sa=X&#038;ei=97zKTrOKH-f40gHk5IDqCg&#038;ved=0CJwBEK0E&#038;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/search?......r_pw.r_cp</a>.,cf.osb&amp;fp=21c3b062890d36f5&amp;biw=1416&amp;bih=724 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472191 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:47:49 +0000 Laurinda 472191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I focus on what I have that I love, and can grab without thinking. After a year of purging and making careful selections my wardrobe is hugely improved (but nowhere near perfect ;-).</p> <p>Have you checked out "The Vivienne Files" posts on dressing chic with fewer items?<br /> Great for inspiration on doing more with less. <a href="http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>Here is one example wardrobe, she does other color schemes as well:<br /> <a href="http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/2011/09/wardrobe-4-hermes-scarves_16.html" rel="nofollow">http://theviviennefiles.blogsp.....es_16.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472176 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:47:14 +0000 rae 472176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm right there with you, down to the "woah" feeling when you give things away, remove the meh stuff, and realize you're closet is still pretty darned full. Oy! </p> <p>It sounds like you are plugging steadily away at this - I will think of you as I work on my own wardrobe and know that I'm not alone. Keep it up, and I hope to see wonderful outfit shots before I know it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-472173 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:31:26 +0000 Mander 472173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I have taken the first step of putting everything that I felt a bit "meh" about into this massive pink suitcase. I thinned out the scarves and belts and normal t-shirts, too.</p> <p>I still haven't built my new shelves and such, but look at this huge suitcase full of clothes and all those empty hangers! And yet the closet is still half-full!</p> <p>Next time, I will deal with the shoes. Gulp. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471364 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:19:01 +0000 nancylee 471364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're absolutely doing the right thing to get rid of all the items that aren't working. It sounds like you're just stuck in the in-between space of having gotten rid of the old, but not having discovered the new yet. Maybe the best thing to do is browse some old posts here on YLF, read about wardrobe strategies (building capsules), and look at the items you kept for clues about your evolving style. It sounds like you know what you like and don't like (texture, etc.) so that's a great first step. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471295 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:33:27 +0000 Mander 471295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awww, thanks, all. I really need to just pull out everything that isn't working right now and set it aside. Somehow I have this idea in my head that I have to justify why I don't want or don't wear particular items anymore, and if I don't have a good reason to get rid of it I put it back in the closet and tell myself that I *should* be wearing it.</p> <p>@CocoLion: I'm no eBay expert, but I just guesstimated the postage and started everything at a low price. I figured that any selling price was a profit over donating the items to a thrift store, and that there are other women out there who are in the same financial and size boat as me who would appreciate finding inexpensive items to expand their wardrobe. I ended up under-estimating the postage a little bit on one item but I didn't sweat it. </p> <p>@Elly: Maybe your friend and I should swap! I have several shirts like that which I have had for ages, but somehow I've become really tired of the 3/4 length sleeve, but I'd like more long sleeved tops in nice feeling fabrics. Texture has suddenly become a big issue, too -- I find myself not wanting to wear anything made from acrylic or rayon because somehow the fibers feel strange on my skin.</p> <p>Maybe this week I will fill up a suitcase with things that just aren't working right now, and hope that I get a sewing machine soon so that I can learn to just make the things I wish I had. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471275 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:28:43 +0000 Marley 471275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear ya' sister! Been there - and what I eventually did was get rid of all of those tops that I didn't like/didn't feel good in - and I learned to schedule "handwash tops time" each night - and then sometimes wear the same top the next day - but with something different over it or under it - so that it didn't look exactly the same as the day before. I found that I was much more happy wearing the few tops that I liked almost everyday, rather than wearing tops that i didn't like. But it was a process - I didn't just get rid of them all at once - in fact I have one that I had hung back in my closet and so I wore it again the other day - and felt just as UNfab in it as ever - and so, now it is back in my YLF clothes swap bag. You may do that several times, before you are able to completely let go of it - but its just all part of honing your style and getting your wardrobe to fit your style! Also, don't forget Angie's #1 rule - Have Fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471239 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:33:22 +0000 Elly 471239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slyvie is right--- also, really take a good look at the tops you like. Maybe instead of variety, you need to search out a few more (online if need be) that are very similar to the ones you have that work. If I remember right, you are a plus size. My favorite shopping buddy is plus size as well and I find we go through periods of drought where we have a horrible time finding the right fits and styles in tops. Her favorites are 3/4 sleeve button downs with some seaming that hit around her low hip. There are times where all we can find is clingy stuff, or short cap sleeves, or sleeveless, or tops that are too short and boxy (she's 5'9"). It's the pits--- still, it will come around! </p> <p>Maybe you need to pick up some fun scarves or jewelry to make you feel like you have more options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471058 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:10:48 +0000 Sylvie 471058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you. I second tarzy's suggestion to put aside the tops that aren't working. For the tops in the currently working part of your wardrobe, put together at least one outfit you could walk out the door in right now. Photograph those outfits as a reference. Once you have the easy tops sorted, you can go back and experiment with the more challenging ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471044 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:44:48 +0000 ironkurtin 471044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is funny in a way, because YLF has helped me with *stopping* the endless wardrobe turnover!</p> <p>You will find your workhorses, but it takes time. You'll get there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471040 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:40:39 +0000 qfbrenda 471040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I've replaced 100%.... or maybe 95%... that was because of weight loss, not just YLF. But still... it's a process that takes a lot of time. I still have a long way to go. In a year, I'm betting you'll feel differently about your closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-471031 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:31:27 +0000 lyn* 471031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since YLF, I've also replaced over 90% of my wardrobe (more than once).</p> <p>I can open my little closet and sigh quite happily now. There is still some tweaking in some sections to be done, but it's definitely about the journey, not just the destination </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470968 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:27:04 +0000 Sveta 470968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have replaced more than 80% of my wardrobe when I joined YLF - this is how bad it was! Over the year I got rid of everything I did not feel fab in, that did not work for me anymore, often with the help of YLF. Did I have glaring holes in my closet after that? You bet! Did it help me to focus my shopping and get my renewed wardrobe into a state where I LOVE 80% of it and LIKE other 20%? No doubt! Would I get here if I hesitated to get rid if items which did not make me happy? Not likely!<br /> So take a deep breath and continue to do what you are currently doing. You will get there if you are patient and persistent, I promise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470952 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:36:39 +0000 CocoLion 470952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am impressed you sold stuff on eBay, good for you. I have 2 bags ear-marked "eBay" because they are good items from good brands, but I haven't had the time to do it yet. Any advice? Thanks Mander!</p> <p>Also,<br /> "Somehow I seem to have tons of tops but only a handful of them are tops that I want to wear and that seem winter-appropriate."<br /> That just described my closet to a T. You are not alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470924 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:44:49 +0000 tarzy 470924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really believe in getting rid of everything that doesn't work, so I think you're exactly where you should be. In fact, I would set aside all those tops that are not working for you. (You don't have to purge them, just set them aside.) Yes, it makes it difficult to get dressed, but for me, at least, it forces me to see what I need rather than keep wearing things are so so-so, or even wrong. (The trick is not to just replace the old with new that's the same as the old!) </p> <p>You're in the muck - just push through! Better to have just a few things that you love and wear, rather than a closet jammed with things that you don't like and don't wear. You can do it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470910 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:30:12 +0000 lyn* 470910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww; I felt like that when I started building my closet too! Don't worry - it will get better :)</p> <p>I'll have some crackers ;D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470906 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:25:44 +0000 Kristine 470906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some days are better than others for me, but I know how you feel! Keep going, you'll get there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470892 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:12:46 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 470892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pass the w(h)ine here! I feel the same way... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sighongoing-wardrobe-crisis#post-470873 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:45:14 +0000 Mander 470873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really, this is just a rant, but I knew I'd find sympathetic ears here. ;-)</p> <p>I have been slowly working on purging things from my closet and getting items that fill various holes in my wardrobe. I sold a bunch of things on eBay and yesterday I took two bags of stuff to the thrift store. There is a big stack of further things to get rid of in the corner, and just about every day I pull out something else.</p> <p>But the process is tedious and I am still frustrated when getting dressed most days. Somehow I seem to have tons of tops but only a handful of them are tops that I want to wear and that seem winter-appropriate. I only have one sweater that I actually like and that seems appropriate to wear out, the rest are just for schlumping around the house in. I did order another one the other day but it hasn't arrived yet. There is a continuing lack of tops that suit my taste, size, and budget in the shops near me. I still only have one pair of decent-ish jeans.</p> <p>Yes, I'll have some cheese with my whine. And maybe some little crackers, too. </p>