https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:54:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2177000 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:18:40 +0000 Helena 2177000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hiya, here is a link with a few capsule wardrobe planners that might be helpful ... I think the first one would be especially great, because it walks through that process of assessing your lifestyle and true requirements, before it jumps into pieces:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://prettysimpledays.com/2018/08/28/the-top-4-free-planners-to-help-you-build-a-capsule-wardrobe-from-scratch/">https://prettysimpledays.com/2.....e-wardrobe</a>. I have used that one and really enjoyed it.</p> <p>You could make use the 'capsule concept' to build out your warm weather wardrobe over the next few months, and then do the same as we move back towards cold weather (or the opposite if you're southern hem. - I think you're north though?!)</p> <p>Enjoy the process!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176997 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:56:13 +0000 Toban 2176997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to everyone above that still remembers those thoughts I put out on dressing well during and after weight loss transitions. It means a lot that it still resonants with you. </p> <p>Echo, I think you’re got step one down. Being really thoughtful about rebuilding your wardrobe. </p> <p>I still keep a small-ish capsule wardrobe despite it being two years later. I did a lot of reading about capsule wardrobes. Mix and match works well for me. I like wearing the same things on repeat, with seasonal refreshes. I had the opportunity (pre-pandemic) to try a lot of silhouettes that I had previously ruled out at heavier weights. Some worked, some didn’t. But I took an experimental view of it and never let it make me feel inadequate or less than if something didn’t work. Probably my biggest change in silhouettes that I made post weight loss is incorporating a few more fluid fitting pieces, such as COS (always incorporating some structure elsewhere in outfit). That really surprised me. I also never wore scarves before, because I felt it brought too much attention to my large chest. Now drapey scarves are a signature in my style. </p> <p>Best wishes on your wardrobe rebuild. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176979 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 13:12:32 +0000 RobinF 2176979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like fun! I pretty much dislike most of my wardrobe right now but it's really just seasonal boredom. Love your pink coat, such a great color!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176976 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:44:34 +0000 Anonymous 2176976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great coat! I definitely suggest having the wardrobe basics, essentials, and color scheme sorted first. If you're still in the process of weight loss though, don't spend a lot on non-flexible clothes.<br /> Also spend the time identifying your color and style type, contrast levels, silouettes, and activity capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176974 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:34:16 +0000 N 2176974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm doing the same right now! My current wardrobe is SO SO small and because I wear the stuff on repeat like every item at least (very least) once a week it has worn out relatively quickly. EXCEPT Fillipa K. Those wash so so well and look perfect. I'd check her stuff out for wardrobe essentials. I really love my two scoop tops from there. </p> <p>Anyway, I've decided to build my wardrobe pretty much from scratch (I don't own any jeans, nor shorts. I only own a pair of woollen trousers (Barbara Bui I got from a consignment store for a bargain price as I think the person before me wore them like once) and the bottom is too skin tight for me so I feel really self conscious in them. They show the shape of my bottom too much and are just too much for conservative Japan. The other pair of trousers is another woollen pair of culottes from Cos. I have one skirt from Uniqlo that is 7 years old and that's all I have for bottoms. I have more tops but some have holes now or aren't all that flattering. I'm also vegan so don't really want to wear wool anymore going forward. So yeah, i'm right there with you! Oh also all my bras (I only have 3) are stretched out so dont fit and I need new ones. Pants fit though at least. My camis that i wear for underwear (I have 4) are a good few years old too, and need replacing. I probably should start with the basics too. Have you heard of the website Boob or bust? They are really great at getting the right size. I always thought I was a UK 32B or 34A but Boob or bust measured me as a 28DD or 30D. I thought it was crazy but the last time I went back to the UK I went into M&amp;S and tried that size and it was the best fitting bra i'd ever tried on. The middle section actually layed flat against the skin which it never had before when listening to the m&amp;s fitters. I didn't buy that time as I hadn't finished breastfeeding by then so wanted to wait but I haven't had the chance to go try any on again. I probably can in Japan though but i'm not a fan of the styles here. They are all mostly push up ones and I really don't like those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176928 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 04:14:12 +0000 Renee P 2176928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would type"capsule wardrobe" on Youtube to get a basic start and perhaps build from there. Congratulations on your hard work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176927 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 04:01:58 +0000 Jenni NZ 2176927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As soon as I read your post I thought of Toban.<br /> And I realise the situations are different, but there is some good advice on threads from a recent new Fabber named N. who is also wardrobe building. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176918 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:16:11 +0000 Jaime 2176918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you are off to a fabulous start with that pink coat! I thought of Toban's advice right away, mentioned up thread. Will be following with interest because all these tips are good for anyone rethinking their wardrobe. And shout-out to my thrift sister Gillian - sounds like something I might have said ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176905 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 02:26:29 +0000 Anonymous 2176905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Buying clothes to outfit a new wardrobe is addictive. Be careful to stick to your resolve about keeping things small but quality.<br /> I would start by naming your best dark neutral and light neutral. Get about three or four pieces of clothing in each that match or blend well together. Let’s say, for example, that navy is your dark neutral. Get a pair of trousers, a jacket, a top or two, and a skirt or casual pants all in about the same shade of navy. For example, white is your light neutral, do the same...about 4 white pieces that can be worn together if you want. To these pick a couple of accent colors that are flattering. Get a couple of pieces in each accent color that will work with your neutrals. Get about four tops or a skirt and 3 tops in patterns that include at least one neutral color and an accent color. A navy and white striped Breton tee would work well with everything. Add accessories that will work well in your climate and lifestyle and go with at least a couple items in your wardrobe. With a column of neutral, you can easily add color or other neutrals to make outfits. Go slowly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176897 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 01:43:43 +0000 Anonymous 2176897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a big thrift shopper anyway, but personally I would spend an hour or two at a thrift or consignment store when you’re able to access dressing rooms and just try a bunch of different looks. Anything that strikes your interest. Take photos of yourself in the mirror or or the items individually. Then, even if the thrift items aren’t the ones you want to buy, you will have tested a lot without investing money yet. The reason I would do this at the thrift store instead of a department store first is because you can find items of all types and quality at the thrifts - they won’t just have what’s trending right now. And you might find a new to you style or brand to love. Then you can always go straight to the retailer or hunt down the exact items you want online. And your coat is gorgeous!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176882 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:39:21 +0000 slim cat 2176882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your pink coat - fab with black ( or dark denim if you like jeans - and it does brightens the day ).&nbsp;<br />I don't know if you like printed pieces or textured ones ( lots to experiment and discover ). Wishing you good luck on the rebuilding the wardrobe! Will follow your future posts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176879 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:54:08 +0000 cat2 2176879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There have been some really detailed posts by others on what they consider their Essentials to be; you might take a look at those and try your own list given your work and home requirements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176875 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:14:47 +0000 rachylou 2176875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack. That’s so true. And say you had a local lingerie boutique, where you probably could do try-ons... if it’s like my neighborhood boutique... well, if we were talking dress stores, it would be all wedding gowns... eh, I think we need Angie for this one...</p> <p>...ETA: And cross-posted with Angie! Yay, Angie’s here to save me from my own suggestion! Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176873 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:10:05 +0000 Angie 2176873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Echo</b>, I'll be back to reply in more detail, but first, CONGRATS! </p> <p>Second, LOVE the shocking pink coat! Absolutely KILLER. And so is the new watch :)</p> <p>Third, to <b>Rachy's</b> point. Start replenishing wardrobe basics FIRST:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/02/08/wardrobe-basics-refresh-for-2021/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/02.....-for-2021/</a></p> <p>Then move into building small capsules. Will embellish later on how I've guided clients through their weigh loss style journey. It's fun!  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176870 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:57:31 +0000 Echo 2176870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, that's a whole lot more difficult right now! Undergarments were one of the first things that started to change, and it is VERY hard to shop for new when stores do not have dressing rooms available and I don't feel safe going out. I've always worn supportive underwire bras and panties that don't leave any unflattering lines on my abdomen, but my size and possibly my needs have changed. I've been wearing supportive "day bras" for now, and while they don't show anything or show any lines under clothing, I also know I would prefer better. But until something changes in the world, I am not sure how to go about shopping for bras. With the number I usually try on in-store to purchase one or two, I fear I would get banned for the number of returns bra shopping would generate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176869 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:53:24 +0000 Irina 2176869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rebuilt my wardrobe in 2015 when I purged almost all synthetic fiber items. I started by identifying my main colors - black, navy and grey. My essential items were mostly in those colors. Most of the garments were dictated by the office dress code at that time. I bought black coats and bags. Once it was done, I started adding a bit of color but still in my color palette - white, blue, khaki and cream. My essentials are simple and plain, I keep tops in solid colors but my pants are patterned.&nbsp;<div>I find that it worked for me - I started with my base wardrobe and overtime bought more interesting items that fit into the overall style.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176867 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:44:35 +0000 rachylou 2176867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and Angie’s ‘reassess the basics first’ wisdom! To ensure you’re trying on things with a good foundation underneath! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176866 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:42:57 +0000 rachylou 2176866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, of course, I crashed and burned my wardrobe in the space of two weeks when I became diabetic. My mother had to go to Target and buy me something to wear so I could go out and buy something to wear! Lol. So that’s outfit No 1: the Essential Essentials Outfit.</p> <p>No 2: This is skipping all the ensuing crazy mistakes and buying and going straight to when I landed here... Assess Activities and Estimate the Percentage of Your Life They Take Up... then aim to build your wardrobe in those percentages, from most frequent activities to less frequent ones.</p> <p>... I’m thinking you know your style, so there will be less detours! That’s a good thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176864 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:34:37 +0000 unfrumped 2176864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, tigh” may depend more on how many “ pieces “ you wear for an outfit/ ensemble. For exam, if you wear mostly dresses without an indoor topper, you have a lot of leeway, since it’s one- piece dressing, so could have a variety of “ best colors, and even prints, but think about how it goes under your coat, do they go with black tights, and such.<br /> For someone wearing pants or skirt, top, and jacket, there are more decisions about how colors go together , and whether you like monochrome, or how much mix&amp; match, what’s on top vs bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176861 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:14:02 +0000 Echo 2176861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>unfrumped, that is great advice. I am still working out which silhouettes work for me because they have changed, and it is harder to determine without going to stores to try things on. I never used to wear trousers or jeans, simply because they were so hard to fit, but that could change. I never wear button downs or skirts. Perhaps it is just as well that I have the planning time for now!</p> <p>September - May I spend 90% of my time in my work wardrobe, which doesn't need to be fancy, but I still generally wear dresses. In the summertime I am happy with workout clothing and a small capsule of summer dresses/vacation wear, as I spend a lot of time outdoors.</p> <p>You're probably right about the color scheme, but how tight would you make it? I know I look better in and generally prefer jewel tones as opposed to pastels, and light blue and yellow tend to make me look like death warmed over. I guess I had not considered narrowing things further... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176859 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 22:02:25 +0000 Echo 2176859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, em! I did just purchase a hot pink coat. Coats, because we wear them so much here, are the one thing I rarely purchase in black because it seems to make the season long and dreary. So pink, red, green or patterns are my preferences. The coat I bought is NOT particularly good quality and was very inexpensive, but it ticked the boxes and I don't expect I'll still be wearing it next winter, as it probably won't fit.</p> <p>As for lifestyle changes, I've mostly gone low carb, which I realize isn't everyone's preference. I never thought I could do it, but Dh adopted it for his health, and I joined him to be supportive. I didn't think we would stick to it, nor was I confident it would work, but I've had 50 pounds come off without any effort so far. Things have now plateaued, so I am trying to increase my activity level and reduce snacking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176858 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:55:07 +0000 unfrumped 2176858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recommend you read Toban’s posts on her journey with fairly tight capsule- type work wardrobe that evolved through changing sizes.<br /> Also identify your “ key pieces” - nomenclature is problematic but includes what some call “essentials” , plus “ wardrobe workhorses, ” by TYPE ( styles, silhouettes, fits) and including any kind of “ uniform “ you’ve developed and feel great in.<br /> Understand your roles and goals, percent time spent in each— as in, work wardrobe and what dress code, and so on.<br /> These items will be different for each<br /> person, which is why you would want to give some thought to your specific needs.<br /> For example, do you wear dresses or skirts, or tailored trousers, or jeans, blazers or softer knits, button fronts or pullovers, flats, boots, heels and so on, and of course could be all of the above.<br /> Don’t adopt someone else’s list.<br /> Also play with color palettes/ skin tone and hone in on a fairly tight color scheme to start. If you know black is a major neutral, you still want to decide what is your vision for the rest, otherwise you won’t know what to look for.<br /> And it’s fine to be somewhat flexible if you know you could use either of several items depending on what turns up. For example, you might wear trousers but don’t immediately find “ the ones” but you also wear skirts. Or, you might want a burgundy dress but don’t see one but find a high- quality black dress you can accessorize. But you sit on your hands and don’t buy the yellow or green pants or whatever because they won’t play well and will be orphans. Or don’t get them until you have a good core wardrobe and have extra $$ and space to experiment more. </p> <p>I’m sure this sounds like a lot of “ homework “, but if you trying to start afresh and want to be intentional, I think it would pay off to outline some visions. Pinterest, YLF posts, other style blogs, books all have things to jog your planning.<br /> I would say favorite “ silhouettes“ come first ( what makes you feel like you look great) and then a color palette and then thinking about fabrics and caring for them. Then comparing items for extra details you like. Because that is kind of how items “ appear” as you drill down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176847 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:17:42 +0000 em 2176847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fellow hourglass here, and no waist will ever fit you. Ever. Embrace it, and find a tailor. This is one reason why I like to buy bottoms at Nordstroms, because their tailors are excellent.</p> <p>If I were starting over....I would...</p> <p>1. Buy a coat in your best color. It will not be black. In a color that you don't even need to wear makeup to feel alive.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. Don't EVER go shopping with slouchy socks and no lipstick and wonder why everything looks awful.</p> <p>3. I prefer fluid to structure, so at the moment, have no brands to recommend.</p> <p>Could you either on this thread or elsewhere on the forum share a few lifestyle changes you've made to whittle your waist? I need some help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-2#post-2176842 Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:02:00 +0000 Echo 2176842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to be posting so much, but I am wondering how you would go about building a wardrobe if you were starting over from scratch. Or perhaps you have done this and can offer advice.</p> <p>My size has changed, and I am confident that I will remain this size or smaller going forward because of lifestyle changes. I previously had a very large, but haphazard wardrobe, and I often purchased things simply because they fit and looked okay. I was looking forward to wearing some of the items as I lost weight, but I missed the window on many of them - last checking them when they were too small, and they are now too large.</p> <p>I recently purged most of what I owned, donating almost all of it. Even some shoes I had are now too big. I have a very small assortment of clothing now, and I want to build it back more intentionally, if that makes sense. But it is hard to know where to begin.</p> <p>So if you have or were starting over, how would you go about it? Right now I only know that I would like fewer, but better quality things, and I am less afraid of colour now than I was in the past, but still heavily favour black. I prefer unusual clothing with an edge - leather, or leather sleeves, asymmetrical pieces, unusual shapes - but am also leaning more toward structured clothing than fluid (for a long time I mistook "too big" for fluid). I also tend to prefer dressier clothes. I've made one purchase so far, shown below. But I don't even really know which brands are better quality, or which might fit better. I am between a size 6 and 8 right now, and would like to go down at least one more size, so I have some time to consider things. I tend to be a rectangle/hourglass, and am working on making my middle a bit smaller. It is hard to wear many styles when my waist size doesn't seem to be what manufacturers expect it to be based on my other measurements.</p> <p>If you have any suggestions for style, sustainability, unusual or edgy brands, good quality brands or even things to consider as I move forward, I would greatly appreciate it. I have also been searching the forum for past topics that are similar, but relevant threads would be helpful, too, if you know of them. Thanks in advance.&nbsp; </p>