YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Struggling with 2014 and trends

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Struggling with 2014 and trends https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:09:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php krishnidoux on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1222067 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:10:45 +0000 krishnidoux 1222067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You write: < Wondering if I should keep a style journal to chronicle my ups and downs and see if my style crises tend to coincide with transition or other significant times.>  I say: yes, absolutely, do! It just so happens I did this very thing myself, starting last year in a notebook, and recently leafing through it I had an epiphany: I noticed that every year around mid-march, as winter is taking its sweet time to exit, I feel particularly blah and confused stylewise. I feel nothing quite fits. Analyzing this, I came to the conclusion that it must be the slow intrusion of whites and summer colors as well as lighter fabrics into an otherwise darker, heavier wardrobe. I want to wear a different palette, yet am stuck having to still put on my (darker) boots whenever I go out. This time of spring tends to also be messy, with the snow melting, and the dirty slush all around, so white jeans or jackets are still out of question.  I have been trying to circumvent this by wearing lighter garments with a warm(er) cami underneath and nylons, for extra insulation. It works for some, but not all items. For example, all the blue, white and red "marine" summer styles transition well at this stage, because items tend to be sturdier and thicker; however thin flimsy florals and pastels do not. This year, pastels happen to be huge.  This year, I had gotten myself a very simple, classic wool pea coat - something that one can't wear in the dead of winter, but that is perfect for now. It has helped tremendously. Mine is in navy blue, (not ink, but really navy almost royal). The cheery colour meshes well with more summery garments.  Jaime on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221887 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 01:48:23 +0000 Jaime 1221887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to bottle all the wisdom on this thread and drink it. YLF is wonderful but our way of seeing things is way out of the context of everyday life for most people. You have great style and probably have had too much winter already. jen on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221874 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 01:23:50 +0000 jen 1221874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rabbit loved your post about the shoes! So get it! Carla on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221860 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:59:32 +0000 Carla 1221860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aaargh! Created a big long response, and lost it! Essentially, marked up your fashion angst to career change and experimentation with more classic/ trad clothing (theory suit, etc.) vs your RATE/UWP style. (Head vs heart? Are you being authentic to who you are?) and this overlong winter delaying the fun that is inherent in warm weather fashion. shedev on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221853 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:46:27 +0000 shedev 1221853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of the benefits of being our age is that we get to pick and choose which trends we adopt. Hip to be square would just look like a hot frumpy mess on me. I don't think there is a whole lot to appeal to UWP personas at times and it can be easy to feel left behind. annagybe on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221821 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 23:35:30 +0000 annagybe 1221821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was having a bit of trouble with 2014 trends, or so I thought I was. But Angie pointed out a few of my recent outfits are very 2014.  For me I decided that I'm going to focus on sporty things for now. Sneakers, sweatshirts, etc. Echo on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221815 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 23:20:09 +0000 Echo 1221815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW, Una, I still consider you a style inspiration. I have always viewed your style as well-honed and all your own. So you incorporate trends, but you aren't ruled by them. I, too, wonder if style crises occur more often during times of transition in either one's life or in seasons. What I can tell you is that from the outside, you have nothing to worry about regarding your style! catgirl on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221756 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 21:46:44 +0000 catgirl 1221756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am in between basketball game and birthday parties (feeling like Natalie - MOTGGG!) but I had to check in to say thank you to all who posted replies and tell you how VERY MUCH BETTER this thread has made me feel.  Truly, I can't express it enough.  It's a world of reassurance and reminders that I need to revisit whenever I get to this point. I'm realizing part of my issue is that it's still winter here while so many of you are onto spring looks.  Wondering if I should keep a style journal to chronicle my ups and downs and see if my style crises tend to coincide with transition or other significant times.  There is so much wisdom and kindness here, and I appreciate the gentleness.  I will reassess, do some closet culling and rearranging, and hold off on purchases until I sort myself out a bit and start having fun again. If only the pajama jeans would get here already!  They are scheduled to arrive while I am gone next week - arrgh! Peri on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221735 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 21:21:09 +0000 Peri 1221735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not meaning to hijack, but Rabbit, thanks for your kind comments. I have struggled with how to balance health and fashion...flip flopped between giving up and trying to do the best I could. A lot of days I still flip flop. But you are right about something. I met with a group of women the other day. All were dressed well and 7 out of 8 were in gym shoes. Not fashion comfort shoes, actual Brooks, Asics, etc. Granted, at 54 I'm the "young" one of the group, but still...if some company could find a way to dress up actual running shoes they would make millions. (Not the Cole Hahn Nike Air gimmick, I mean the real thing!) Kat on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221633 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 19:11:46 +0000 Kat 1221633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "I'm not knocking pointy heels, as members who rock them here really do wear them with panache and grace, I'm just saying any hint of discomfort or awkwardness in movement and that is the first thing observers will notice, not how 'on trend' someone is." Oh wow, this post is the perfect articulation of how I feel.  I always notice when I am squirming, unbalanced, tugging, rearranging -- and on some level, that comes across to others.  Tottering in heels and pulling at my sweater undermines a confident hum I project when my clothes align with my movement, no matter how many "flattering" boxes I've supposedly checked.  Happy, grounded people with a spring in their step look the most stylish to me.  Their clothes *flow* on them (even if they're not specifically flowy garments).   TBH, the never-ending wheel of trendy isn't something I pursue.  What I admire is the evolution of personal style and clothing as a form of creative self-expression.  If the latest hem or or color or sleeve in the department store supports that, great.  But running out to Buy The Latest Thing doesn't create style -- and style is always current. CocoLion on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221627 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 19:04:15 +0000 CocoLion 1221627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really do think Mom jeans are very fringe, so if you don't feel they will work for you, it doesn't mean you are behind the trends of 2014.  I just had to get that out of the way. I tend to be very trend embracing, which is getting more and more challenging as I age.  However, I do not embrace every trend.  The D'Orsay flat or loafers, for example.  Or wedge sneakers.  Leather bottoms.  Neoprene.  Lace.  Full midi skirts.  Usually they are trends that don't fit (my feet fall out of flats and loafers even).  Or are unsuited to my lifestyle (leather bottoms, lace, full midi skirts).  Or price range (leather bottoms). I still revert back to many of my tried and true 2011 formulas and don't feel dated, I feel classic in them.  I still love my skinny jeans and Newbury boots combo, because I feel sexy in them. rabbit on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends/page/2#post-1221599 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 18:19:11 +0000 rabbit 1221599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just wanted to add one note about the 'comfortable shoe' thing that Peri's comment got me thinking about.  From where I'm standing I see very few women out and about in pointy-toed heels.   This includes in offices, in shops, in the city center.  I see a lot of women wearing comfortable shoes.  Often European and expensive, sometimes colorful,  brands that they carry at Footwise and local boutiques.   They look great and they fit their environment.  The shoes pair well with their outfits.   When I look around me at women whose personal style I appreciate, I notice them, and they look grounded and happy.  When I notice heels on someone crossing the street, that's not always the case.   I'm not knocking pointy heels, as members who rock them here really do wear them with panache and grace, I'm just saying any hint of discomfort or awkwardness in movement and that is the first thing observers will notice, not how 'on trend' someone is.  I love what I've seen of your style Peri, including the choices you have made for comfort.  I'm also nodding at what unfrumped and krishnidoux said.  If a trend doesn't flatter you, it's not likely to be one you want to hold onto even if you do test drive it, unless the comfort and fun factor is really high. rachylou on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221598 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 18:18:58 +0000 rachylou 1221598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Una! You have put voice to my feelings. There are some trends that I've worked in, but my style gestalt is not what's in right now. On the one hand that's ok - I'm on a mission to be me (which sounds hilarious) - but I also love The Game. But I can't really swing with bfs, perforations, and metallic shoes... I mean, I have the metallic shoes but I'm just not 'getting' them. And here's the other thing: The mega trend is a lack of mega trends. So while I can tell I'm not in, I can also tell I'm not out. That just makes the brain implode. deb on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221536 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 17:07:28 +0000 deb 1221536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, I am not finding anything I love right now so I have decided to coast. I am wearing more structured shirts now for some reason. The same ones I wore two years ago and they feel really good. Could it be the season change for you? Vix on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221532 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:43:58 +0000 Vix 1221532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi AG -- Others have already done the heavy lifting re answering so I can be lazy. As you know I was floundering this spring (yes, those of us who skew modern classic at heart can have trouble even with minor updates, ha!), hoping I could look intentionally current-ish when desired. And you said to me, "You have such a strong personal style aesthetic that I see you as modern at all times... Not sure if that makes sense but it's what I get from your outfits. I see all of these as completely within modern style and 2014." So I'd like to reflect those words back to YOU, since they're true from my perspective. But then I want to ask -- *what* elements of current style do you feel you aren't tapping into? Because from here, I'm not seeing what you're feeling. <div> I know my struggle was a nagging feeling that I had to flip my wardrobe ratio from where it was -- mostly tailored with a few slouchy/oversized pieces -- to the inverse. But by weeding some items out and being careful with combos, I feel like I'm where I want to be style wise. Now I KNOW you have a capital C Closet. Do you need to spend some time *in* it vs trying to add to it? I wonder if trying on combinations -- and yes, that means with the shoes you'd wear with things -- and playing with proportions would help you get from her to wherever "there" is? </div> unfrumped on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221530 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:41:20 +0000 unfrumped 1221530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just emphathizing and hoping to encourage you and be encouraged myself. I would say the majority of posts are about some "new"  purchase (s),  but that is partly the skew of posts--people are not as likely to post, here's me wearing the same thing. I LOVE Asingh's posts of remixing her wardrobe items in new ways, because that  seems so real to me and I'm trying to to more of that. So while I do think the forum leans toward new-adopters and maybe even high-shoppers, it's partly a statistical fluke as well and I take comfort in the likelihoood that a lot of people are still regularly wearing outfits/items  they got last year or the year before, or before ! Or I can hope Fit, fit, fit. That's what I'm trying to remember. Whether classic or trendy, I am working on that "know it when you see it" great fit -recognition because that's what I'm likely to love  and want to put on. Mostly flattering plus some of that just- flattering-enough, but then has to have a special feature--super comfort (fit and fabric) interesting detail, special benefit (works with certain proportions, for example). And quality, though those are related. So trends have to measure up there or I need to pass by. And continue to use internal compass of, do I really like this better than what I'm wearing? Trend adoption for me needs to be related to "aha!" improvements in fit or silhouette. For example, there are some styles of shoes that are current now that I think look really dorky on my feet (even though they are comfortable, I might add, which is kind of a dilemma!). They do not meet my "foot flattery" standard (admittedly internal suger-poison eye).. So I will not buy just to be able to think, I am on-trend. That to me is having my own style sense. But OTOH if I have some shoes that are comfortable but to me are looking dated and also not so flattering, then a goal is to find something that ticks the right boxes for me--again, sure, I   clearly am  influenced by external fashion shifts but I try to tell when I feel it's something I want to do --admitting I do want to have some sense of being updated--but not feeling pressure to discard a look that's working and I still like. I'm also finding that too much trend is not "me". . It is fun to find that balance and just the right touch. And will continue some trends even when waning on the fashion scene if they really fit me. rae on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221505 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:49:32 +0000 rae 1221505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <ul> <li>That can happen when one has a strong Personal Style. It supersedes the trend! trend! trend! fashion monster. </li> <li> You do look current!</li> <li>PPP - the dry spells make up for the times when you want everything in sight. :)</li> </ul> Mellllls on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221502 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:39:25 +0000 Mellllls 1221502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel these days there are trends and then there is everything else.  nothing is truly "out" like the past.  does that make sense?  or maybe i think this because i am getting older and less fashion fun. karymk on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221500 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:37:01 +0000 karymk 1221500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a lot of your same sentiments Una.  It feels like a hamster wheel sometimes.  Maybe it's time for a little Normcore? That might be the reboot we need. Suz on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221453 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 14:22:18 +0000 Suz 1221453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, you have great and current style. You don't need to worry about adopting trends that don't speak to you. In short, what everybody said. But thank you for asking the question because I have loved the responses and want to read the book that rabbit mentions! texstyle on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221448 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 14:05:10 +0000 texstyle 1221448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with the others una - you have great style, seem very current without being overly trendy, and look fantastic in the clothing choices you make. Not to mention we'd miss you terribly if we didn't see your fab posts. I'm definitely not one to stay up to trends but sometimes I admit feeling a bit of pressure to do it - but it's my own pressure, no one else. This spring the only real purchases I've made that seem slightly on trend is a cream colored handbag and a couple of almost pastel tops. Otherwise it's been the usual white, gray and black slouchy tees and the continual quest for more stylish but comfortable shoes. Peri on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221435 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:43:13 +0000 Peri 1221435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know what you mean because I don't feel like I am ever "in style". Mostly because of limitations like shoes or not being able to wear things tight, I can try a look but just never get that last detail right. For instance, I was so happy to see flares and wide legs showing up in stores now, but of course, my shoes aren't right, and now I've bought all these tunics,  so I'm still not on trend, don't look quite right. The way Goldenpig could do the Flora Mortis T was so much better than the way I can do it, I almost think I shouldn't try.  Well, this hasn't gone where I thought it would! So it isn't really what you mean...you look fantastic and have nailed a certain look, and wonder what to do when that look is slowly replaced in the style world. I never nailed a look in the first place. Hmmm. But I sort of feel it. I love bright colors and look ill in these icy and skin toned pastels that are all over the place now. Bright colors are not the look du jour for sure...but I'm sticking with them and really don't care.  Angie on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221431 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:37:49 +0000 Angie 1221431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love what Cathy said. She absolutely hit the nail on the head. (Good job and thanks).  Una, truly, you are concerned for no reason. You lack nothing in the trendy and current style dept. FAR from it. What you lack at the moment is the confidence to continue to wear and purchase what you like. You are perhaps still a little overwhelmed by life, and these feelings are bleeding into your style life. Not sure, but that's my guess.  Proceed on this leg of your style journey. You still have killer style, look plenty on trend, and are VERY current. Please stop the worry and enjoy the good thing you have going. That's a YLF order.  love Angie xo Parsley on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221429 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:30:07 +0000 Parsley 1221429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My advice is just not to sweat it, Una! You always look current and there's no need to grab onto trends that don't sing to you. Just wear what you love, and don't pounce until something calls your name. Transcona Shannon on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221426 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:24:29 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1221426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you can be current without being trendy, if that makes sense. There are always seasons where the trends don't suit our particular style aesthetic or body type, so then it becomes a matter of wearing what we have and love in a current way - skinnies in a current wash, handbag in a current shape,etc. I also like what Deborah said about us lucky Fabbers knowing and seeing trends quicker and more frequently than what we see in real life. You're looking fine Una Helena on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221422 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:17:56 +0000 Helena 1221422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi there, thank you so much for posting your feeling on this as I have been feeling the exact same way! And you are far trendier and edgier than I am! I think like Deb said, on this forum we are exposed to so many looks and trends that it can feel overwhelming at times. And then I look around at my normal life and see that if I'm not wearing yoga pants and have a piece of jewelry on, I'm looking pretty good! And then I'm like, what's the point of this anyways!! I think if you add one piece per season that speaks to a trend, you're current. I think what's important is to KNOW what's on trend, not necessarily to wear it all. If you know, then you are making decisions based on what's modern, picking and choosing as you see fit. What I like about the forum is that I feel connected to what's new and fashionable (and I get joy out of seeing the fashionistas putting amazing looks together and also interacting with such a positive group of women!). But truthfully, I wear very little of it trend-wise. I do tweak what I wear a bit (e.g. semi-tuck!) and take inspiration from some members, but I don't even try to actually incorporate too many of the trends; they just don't make sense for me. Stay true to yourself and THANK YOU so much for sharing again, as I feel 100 times better because of it ironkurtin on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221408 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:03:20 +0000 ironkurtin 1221408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If it ain't broke don't fix it. You have tools to recognize what you like and how it should fit, and that extends through all space and time. viva on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221404 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 13:01:53 +0000 viva 1221404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "If fashion starts to stress you out, it's time to rethink how you're thinking about it." Totally agree with this. ETA: I don't want to look at someone and see "the current styles"; I want to look at someone and see her style. With you, I always do. leopardluxe on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221397 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:51:04 +0000 leopardluxe 1221397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I pretty much agree with what others are saying. I wouldn't worry about trends. Just stay true to wearing what you like and feel good in. Adopt new elements if you want to that are considered trendy but don't otherwise focus on whether you look "2014 enough."  I have never once looked at someone and said "gee, she looks very this year" or "she simply does not look trendy enough." I think the opposite is sometimes true and it's more of a "head to toe look" thing when someone's outfit looks a bit dated (as in, wow, that woman's whole look is very 80s --I observed this last month when I was at Long Beach flea market. Large padded shoulder jacket, acid wash mom jeans, camper type boot and a mullet haircut. The whole look would have been considered the epitome of stylish in 1983. But hey, the woman wearing it seemed happy and owned the look -- so bully for her). As someone as style savvy as you are (participating in this community and wearing what is flattering on you, experimenting with new trends, etc.) I don't think you ever run the risk of looking like you just walked out of 1980 (or any other era/trend/fashion victim scenario). So have fun with it. If fashion starts to stress you out, it's time to rethink how you're thinking about it, imho. It should be a source of fun and inspiration and other positive things. Not something that stresses you out or makes you overly self-critical (there are plenty of other things in life that are plenty good enough at doing that) :-) Jjsloane on "Struggling with 2014 and trends" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-with-2014-and-trends#post-1221391 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:22:35 +0000 Jjsloane 1221391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Confidence and a beautiful smile are always in style and on trend! Don't get hung up on what you think you SHOULD wear in 2014.