https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:55:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247346 Mon, 10 Jan 2022 19:11:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2247346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sure had the wrong impression—wonder where it came from! I’m the same as you about wool, and began divesting of it when my son was an infant. The few remaining pieces I have are not worn on my skin, but I still can’t wear the sweaters all day long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247326 Mon, 10 Jan 2022 16:42:03 +0000 LaPed 2247326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie -- Yes, vest with olive pants for sure! I'm wearing it with the ones below right now.  </p> <p>SF -- Back in my teens/20s, I was really devoted to merino long johns, but over the past ~5 years I've developed some eczema/dermatitis issues that prevent me from wearing animal fibers on my arms and legs (I get a rash just on my knees and elbows). Even a cashmere sweater or a super-fine merino top feels like a hair shirt if I don't have long sleeves on underneath it. Socks, sleeveless/short sleeve, and accessories are all fine, but for actual long johns I need silk or synthetic. I have to be careful about buying wool cardigans and sweaters too, because I can only wear them with a long sleeve underneath... I'm hopeful that someday I'll find a "skin barrier repair" routine that solves this issue. I figure if skin can change once it can change again! But for now my baselayer arsenal consists of silk, Capilene and Heattech.  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247251 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 23:40:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2247251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear your endorsement of fluffy warm insoles. I included some in Christmas presents to my parents this year, as they are now spending winters up north after a couple decades of Florida winters. </p> <p>Your body comp changes are enviable—well done! Good decision to hold off on more purchases until you get a properly-fitting winter topper! </p> <p>I think feet spreading/getting bigger is fairly normal as people age. Mine seem to be going in the opposite direction, and I can now take a 9.5 sometimes instead of the 10s I’ve worn at least since high school. Go figure. </p> <p>Is silk warmer than merino? I do love silk, but am surprised to hear you looking for it, because I thought you had a drawer full of toasty merino long Johns. Of course, there’s no reason you can’t use them both in New England winters! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247235 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 22:03:51 +0000 Angie 2247235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wardrobe Essentials and Simplicity. I'm loving that for you, <i><b></b></i><b>La Ped</b><i><b></b></i>! You wear brown with the best of them, and I'm happy to see it feature strongly in your wardrobe :)</p> <p>Your style works well with your setting, lifestyle, and '90s sartorial preferences. Please carry on!</p> <p>Fun vintage vest. With olive pants!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247219 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 18:05:38 +0000 LaPed 2247219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b> -- Yeah, I've found that the trick to wearing a good deal of gear and gear-adjacent clothing is to keep the colours quiet. The clearance racks are always full of neon purple etc, but I'm learning to resist!</p> <p><b>Rachylou</b> -- Always room for one more puffer, right? ;)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Roseandjoan</b> -- I know it's been talked about on the forum before, because a lot of us grew up with one coat and one pair of shoes and that was it, and having more than that feels extravagant. Wear-counting shifted my perspective. If you only have one coat, it's going to rack up 100+ wears every single year!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Kkards</b> -- I love planning one fun footwear addition to look forward to wearing in the spring. In the past, it's usually been sneakers, but I'm feeling a bit of sneaker fatigue at the moment. The turkish sabahs are something I've wanted to try for a long time; fingers crossed they work!</p> <p><b>Suz</b> -- I suspect the foot growth is mostly genetic. There's a tendency towards hypermobility/loose-jointedness in my family, which I think may lead to feet "spreading out" over time, especially when you factor in lots of walking/running. Both my parents have gone up a couple sizes since I was a kid, and both need wide sizes. I remember my grandmother not being able to wear anything but stretchy water shoes and Birkenstocks in her later years, to accommodate her wide forefeet and painful tailor's bunions from years of being squeezed into too-narrow dress shoes. There is a lifestyle factor too. I've spent a lot of the past two years barefoot, or wearing my wide-toebox Altra running shoes, which has given my feet an opportunity to grow more than they would wearing dressier shoes. I've talked to some other folks who've switched to a more at-home lifestyle who've experienced similar.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Nemosmom</b> -- Swapping out insoles was such a revelation for me! It's made winter much more manageable. And yes, I'm feeling really good about my burgundy and mahogany type colours, along with olive greens, and really only want to add things that will work as a good support act for those pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suntiger </b>-- I've been very much inspired by your colour palette, your focus on simplicity, and attention to actual wardrobe needs!&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cardiff girl </b>and <b>Joy</b> -- It all comes back to Angie's SIMPAT, doesn't it? In some ways, the pandemic has made it easier for me to focus on my actual wardrobe needs without feeling as much external pressure to dress a certain way, simply because I don't see as many people on a daily basis!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Bijou</b> and <b>shevia&nbsp;</b>-- Don't worry, I could definitely get through the winter with what I have for winter coats/boots (below). But they are for sure the categories most due for an upgrade. My current black Blundstones used to be roomy enough for thick/two pairs of socks, and now I can only wear them with thin socks. They've seen me through six winters, so they're looking pretty scuffed up. My next Blundstones will be the "thermal" model that come with insulation and a shearling footbed. Around the house, I'm pretty happy with my Bogs, but they're not great for hikes or longer walks and they don't play nicely with any of my wide/straight leg pants. They only really work with tapered/skinny bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>Likewise, my long navy parka is starting to show its age (six years -- shiny cuffs/collar/pockets, and some perma-dirt along the hem), and while it fits fine with tailored layers underneath, if I want to wear anything chunky or oversized I end up in my ski/hiking parka instead because the sleeves/shoulders are cut more generously. The brown parka is great paired with actual ski pants, but for around-town use, I really want something a bit longer. I scored a secondhand Aritzia cocoon coat last year and while it's *great* for layering on milder days, I find wool coats don't quite cut it if it's below -7°C or so. I'm very grateful to be in a position that allows me to tweak/improve my options rather than making do. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247205 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 14:38:06 +0000 Anonymous 2247205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The boots and socks thing is super important! I learned that the hard way Big yes to Team Simple these days! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247157 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 01:51:49 +0000 Jaime 2247157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I zoomed in on your lodestar vest and it really does seem to signify your style - practical but interesting. Other than that I am getting a chilly just reading your post . Definitely agree that you must accommodate your new foot size asap.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247119 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 21:36:39 +0000 nemosmom 2247119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love those brown boots and am really loving the darker/browner direction you are going. The brown will be stunning with your burgundy too!</p> <p>Big yes to paying attention to fit (mid-day sagging sucks!)</p> <p>I am super jealous of your outdoor lifestyle - it’s either way too hot or freezing here! I am also getting less tolerant of the cold (even though I prefer cold to summer) I feel like I FEEL the cold more these days. I high five your prioritization of parka and boots (and wooly inserts!) and anything else you can add to feel comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247109 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:31:35 +0000 kkards 2247109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Imo you can never go wrong with a super warm puffer. (Pulled mine out today so that I could sit outside &amp; enjoy a sociable hot chocolate)<br /> And those brown shoes in #8 just give off a relaxed vibe that I think is perfect<br /> As is the vest </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247104 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:16:13 +0000 Suz 2247104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ETA, I wonder what is with the feet gaining a half size? I can understand the other body composition changes. But feet do change, too, and sometimes I think we try to deny/ ignore that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247103 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:15:12 +0000 Suz 2247103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This makes perfect sense for you. Of course you need to prioritize well - fitting footwear (and pants) and clothes that keep you warm! For sure. I love the items you show here. Simple and utilitarian, yes, but comfortable looking and easy to integrate into the closet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247095 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 19:10:34 +0000 RoseandJoan 2247095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have such a cohesive style that suits your lifestyle, I can definitely see why 2022 will follow the same pattern and empathise with the mental gymnastics big ticket purchases can cause. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247093 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 19:04:49 +0000 Cardiff girl 2247093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perfect,you know what your lifestyle requires and you buy clothes that suit it.l have found that my focus has been mainly on outdoor gear this last year as well thanks to the pandemic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247036 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:34:00 +0000 Anonymous 2247036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your neutrals&nbsp;and pieces you like are perfect for your style and life. &nbsp;You have given this lots of thought. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247034 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 04:47:09 +0000 Bijou 2247034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Winter boots and a warm parka sound like essentials, so I am glad that they are a priority for you. I admire how you put together a stylish and practical wardrobe. The new vest is a perfect addition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2247015 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 01:02:25 +0000 rachylou 2247015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel this… ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2246944 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 20:22:24 +0000 Helena 2246944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Simplicity and essentials ftw - I love this LaPed, and how you truly use your wardrobe to support your active outdoor lifestyle. These polished casual pieces look perfect to me, and like they will stand the test of time, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-reflections-for-2022#post-2246930 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 19:19:35 +0000 LaPed 2246930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've enjoyed reading everybody's retrospectives, analyses, goals and resolutions! My own have been percolating for weeks, but I haven't had a chance to sit down and write them out until now.</p> <p>My lifestyle in 2021 (and prior, for that matter!) was very outdoors-focused, and most of my wardrobe additions bore that in mind. My numbers held pretty steady compared to previous years, with about 3 dozen items coming in and 3 dozen going out. Note that I include everything -- including gear, basics, lounge/sleep, accessories, etc -- in my tally.&nbsp;</p> <p>My feet have gone up a half size, if not a whole size, since the start of the pandemic, and my body composition has changed a bit too. I have a bit more bulk in upper arms/shoulders thanks to a combination of outdoor chores, playing with handweights, and taking up paddleboarding, so some of my coats/jackets/shirts feel a bit snug up top while fitting fine elsewhere. Meanwhile, my waist/hips are slightly leaner than in the past and that, coupled with pandemic-era size inflation, means I'm having to learn to go down at least a size if not two when I buy new pants (and more often I'm finding myself sized out of the pants I want altogether). As I replace items that aren't fitting properly, I need to remind myself to be <b>extra critical of fit</b>: will the pants stretch out and sag over the course of a day? Will the coat accommodate a chunky sweater? Are the boots comfortable with my thickest socks, and do they have room for a warmer (shearling or wool felt) insole?&nbsp;</p> <p>My tolerance for cold weather seems to be ever on the decline, even as our winters get milder. I desperately need to replace a pair of winter boots that are now too small and am waiting for the sized-up pair to arrive (the Ugg Adirondacks below). I'd really like an even-warmer down parka than my current options, and am debating the two below. I will probably also add some extra silk base layers, silk liner socks, and lightweight fleece/knit liner gloves at some point this year. I have a hard time buying big-ticket items, so I've made a deal with myself that <b>until I've resolved my parka/boots needs, I won't buy anything else</b>.&nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of silhouette and palette, my inclination is to keep everything <b>as simple as possible</b>. I'm not feeling particularly experimental, and just want clothes that can be thrown on and forgotten about. I am happy in my <b>dark neutrals, especially black and brown</b>, and want to focus on maintaining that foundation this year. Essentials it is! My first purchase of the year was the vintage wool vest (photo #11), found at a consignment shop while I was dropping off some other things. I couldn't resist it, and it seems like a good lodestar for my style this year. Dark neutral, utility-inspired, and warm! Images 1 - 10 are just some things that might make their way to me this year. I'm finding the colour cohesion very soothing. :)&nbsp; </p>