YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Stuck in a rut

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Stuck in a rut https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:36:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955945 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 22:02:54 +0000 Suz 1955945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, thanks for the compliment and as others have said, I think your summer outfits this year were fabulous. Sometimes we are hardest on ourselves. Also, I love what Bijou and Gryffin said -- you want wildcards that work, and too ladylike feels "old lady." I agree it is really hard to identify those workable wildcards but as Bijou also said, creating a wardrobe is a process of evolution and it is okay, even necessary to make what later seem like mistakes as we go along. Meanwhile, as someone who's retired, you are fortunate in that you can dress more casually and it's easier (I think) to aim for juxtapositions when not dressing for a stuffy corporate environment.  Re dresses: I never wore them except for "occasions" for years. What switched it all up for me was first, the tube skirts (super casual & comfy and below the knee) followed by this year's casual summer dresses, which worked so. much. better. for me than pants or even shorts in our extreme heat. I didn't ever feel "dressed up" in them -- just relaxed. But finding dresses like that is not so easy. The feeling has to do with cut, length, fabrication...lots of things. I've bombed with a few attempts in previous seasons but this year I hit the bonanza. I had some that felt completely casual (like I might wear them on the beach), some that felt "going into town casual," and some that were more "casual occasion" oriented. Just saying, don't give up on the dress idea or perhaps the skirt/ top idea if dresses are hard to fit.  Chris987 on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955865 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:54:38 +0000 Chris987 1955865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Gryffin! What a very astute comment "if it's get too ladylike or expected it feels like "old lady". That really resonates with me. There is really something your 1 - 5 I'm definitely going to think about them.  I was wearing my black Ecco quilted sneakers recently and a friend said she like them and I said I loved them but somehow they often felt off, and her  reply was that I need to dye my hair purple and that would fix it. Gave me a good laugh but there is something to the general concept.... gryffin on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955845 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:19:39 +0000 gryffin 1955845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris - You always look fab to me.  Especially have swooned over your new coats!  That being said, I hear you.  I have a very classic style and at 58 yo, if it gets too ladylike or expected it feels "old lady."  So here's what helps me keep my edge. 1. Haircut.  I wear an inverted bob (it's wedged up short in the back and the bangs, well I call them the "angry toddler hack".  I make my hairdresser cut them really spiky and jagged like an anime character.  So although it's silky smooth (humidity permitting) the line and bangs are edgy.  2. Juxtaposition - very important.  The more classic the pieces the more I must have something very rate.  Classic blazers with hiking boots, lady coat with sophisticated moto boots, sexy sheath dress with suede booties and moto jacket.  Do the unexpected.  Pearls and jeans, cropped leather moto and evening gown...3. Mies van der Rohe - "God is in the details" - best quality and best iteration. Fit, fit, fit.  No exceptions  Good proportions for your body.  Best quality fabric and drape. Basics with just that little something extra - what I think of as elevated basics.  Silk tee shirt, cashmere tank or hoodie, special texture/weave/detail.  That kind of stuff.  4. Ok is not good enough.  If you really love the pieces you pick - fit, fabric, proportions, color, details - then you are excited to wear your clothes.  5. Unique - don't run with the herd, unless love where the herd is going.  Being an authentic Chris is much more flattering than being a wannabee anyone else.  This is why I still rock leggings, black, skirted leggings, hiking boots, heeled hiking boots etc.  Anyway, those touchstones help me make better decisions.  But you always look awesome to me Chris!!! Style Fan on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955631 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 23:26:28 +0000 Style Fan 1955631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, that cracked me up about the raccoons in the driveway.  Bears walk up our driveway and down the valley.  I think their den is down there.  The cubs are so sweet.  I need to get a picture.   Chris987 on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955568 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:10:39 +0000 Chris987 1955568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Celia, thanks, and you said it well, the classic cuts are just so easy to wear with our body type (and other cuts are so much more difficult), AND also feel boring after a while as you said. Maybe I have some sort of a craving to have an entirely new wardrobe every season I suppose if that's true I ought to acknowledge it although I don't really want clothes shopping to be the only thing in my life, as fun as that sounds! efben, you crack me up with the "classic with a nod to casual/sporty. Shocker" :-). I know exactly what you are talking about.  Good suggestions on accessories/jewelry/purses etc. I do follow some bloggers online but I find I don't really like reading most of the ones that focus on what "older women should wear" because it's just too limiting. I've done the closet reorg idea in the past and it DOES result in new ideas, maybe I'll try it again. And I love the idea of taking some pieces and building outfits around them. I think I'll do that when I take Angie's advice and put together two great fall outfits. Thanks! Greenjeans, I'm not exactly sure why I don't feel myself in dresses unless it's for a bit of an event. Maybe if I spent a little more time thinking about this I could figure it out, and it would lead me to some other good ideas. Style Fan, I can so see you as a flower child back in the day , dancing at Woodstock with bell bottomed jeans and an actual flower in your hair..but yes that style doesn't seem to repeat itself later in life as well as some looks do. I do follow some bloggers but could probably use some new inspiration. Good luck trying to incorporate Style Bee looks into your wardrobe! Jane thanks, very kind of you, and glad I was able to help. I never did wear light blue/red myself I finally found two dresses in reds so late in the summer that I only wore one of them, and light blue has been so hard to find. That blouse is beautiful, kind of like an old china pattern! Suz, funny to hear you say you maybe didn't figure out how to move on from a plateau but got more comfortable with the journey...your style just seems so YOU and so well put together. Grass is greener I guess. Your suggestions are terrific, and I'll keep them in mind, although I'm not convinced I'm in a place where I can reliably make good decisions on wild cards and essentials with a difference. I am focusing on bags and footwear right now where I seem to make better choices. Thanks smittie, good point. I guess you are saying take a bit of a risk with something a bit bolder. Good advice. Style Fan, HAH! pine trees and bears and Santa oh my! (Doesn't quite rhyme like the original lions&tigers expression from Wiz of Oz). Side note: the FB community page for my very small town has been full of black bear sightings lately. It's a very rural area, although much less remote than where you are I think,  yet so many people seem surprised. The weekly police blotter in the local newspaper always has at least one story about sometime calling the cops because "there was a raccoon in my driveway". :-)  Suntiger GREAT idea to include the 180 degree NOTs. Bijou, thanks, I do tend to be my own worst critic I have had mixed success with wild cards - the nutmeg coat I bought last year is fabulous but works for a very short season. The powder blue sandals from over a year ago not so much...I love them but they are a bit too maximal to go with much (Angie DID say they were maximal). You said it well "wildcards that work are the best workhorses of all." I'm currently thinking hard about some cognac suede booties that fit well and I kind of love but would be very limited seasonally even if I treated them. I need to build up the basic non-limited wardrobe items first, although you are right that I have an ok selection now. Good point about seasonal refreshes vs. mistakes, you have to take them all in perspective and be able to tell the difference. Stagiaire Fash on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955447 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:54:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1955447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, what a great attitude about “evolving” rather than “mistakes”. Style Fan, I thought I was driving everyone nuts with my posts about that bag, so I’m relieved there is someone who didn’t see them. <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/restart-the-bag-search" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....bag-search</a> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-now" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-now</a> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/another-one-2" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ther-one-2</a> Bijou on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955427 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:06:18 +0000 Bijou 1955427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I know I am late to this thread, but I was genuinely surprised to read this, because to me, your summer outfits have been stylish and anything but boring. At times I have felt in a style rut. Occasionally I would go off the deep end and buy a wildcard - that was so wild it was unwearable... I remember the first time I bought a wildcard that worked. I bought some summer sandals that were denim with pretty crystals on them, probably twice as much as the more basic sandals I normally bought, but I fell hard for these. I wore those sandals into the ground because they were practical for my lifestyle. This is the sort of wildcard that you are looking for. I honestly think you are probably at that wonderful spot - where you have the colours, silhouette and basics sorted so that now you can focus on getting some of those special pieces that spark joy. Just don't do what I did initially and get super impractical wildcards - wildcards that work are the best workhorses of all. Another thing to add is that style evolves. My acceptance of that has helped make me look forward to seasonal refreshes and closet edits rather than seeing these as evidence of former mistakes. Style Fan on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955384 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:08:51 +0000 Style Fan 1955384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FashIntern, did you post about your red KS bag? Stagiaire Fash on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955364 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:39:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1955364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie and Style Fan, now you’re getting close to my dilemma with a certain red KS bag: would it (make me) elevate my look *too* much, such that it becomes a distraction? Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955358 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:15:50 +0000 Anonymous 1955358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a helpful post.  So much useful information.   Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955247 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 23:52:23 +0000 Anonymous 1955247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like what Suz said! Also there was something on here a long time ago about writing out the style descriptors that youre not (boho, preppy, bombshell, etc), and id add the colors, prints, contrasts that dont work for you. The 180 degree turns. Style Fan on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955235 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 23:20:03 +0000 Style Fan 1955235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Smittie.  I definitely stand out in the land of pine trees and bears.  Oh and Santa land. Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955220 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 22:00:17 +0000 Anonymous 1955220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to say: I think you DO need to stand out a little bit to have style that people admire. That’s something I’ve been working on and it’s paying off. Suz on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955212 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 21:31:12 +0000 Suz 1955212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I feel you've progressed in leaps and bounds in your style and made some superb purchases while here (and some smart returns, too.)  But I understand what you are saying. LaPed put it perfectly. Like the two of you, I have a classic style, and live a casual life, and have a strong practical streak, as well as a preppy streak...so it was difficult for me to move beyond jeans and a shirt, i.e. "no style" style. I felt this way very much after my first year or so on YLF. I had reached a style plateau or something and couldn't figure out how to get further.  I'm not sure I am any closer to that now but I'm more content to be on the journey, if that makes any sense. I seem to have less need to pin it all down and am happier to let it evolve as it will. To get to this point I did a few things. (Others have also suggested similar, above).  <ul> <li>Wild card purchases -- my first one was a jacket in an unexpected colour. The jacket was a classic piece; the colour was not my usual. Wild cards remain difficult for me to identify and buy but they usually work out really well and have a high happiness factor.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Classic essentials with a difference -- i.e. -- if you know this piece is the kind of thing you will wear again and again, pay for quality -- it does make an item feel better and you will love it more!! OR...look for essentials with some added special detailing, like a pullover with side buttons or buttoned cuffs or different type of seams, or some other distinctive, of-the-moment detail. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>You say you're not much for trends. But trends are often nothing but a classic item coming into special vogue (like trench coats or a shape of sunglasses or white shirts or sneakers or plaid, etc.) Pounce on the ones you genuinely love when they are trending. You'll automatically look more current just by being yourself! </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Invest in a more luxe bag. Cost per wear will be minimal if you truly love it and use it a lot and it adds a great deal to an outfit. Ditto, footwear. </li> </ul> Jane on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955193 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 20:06:11 +0000 Jane 1955193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much good advice here, but I am sorry to hear that you are feeling a bit adrift.  Chris, you helped me through the summer with your light blue / red / white combination. I really embraced those colours and felt very happy with them. The way you articulated your thoughts and then your WIW really inspired me. Thank you! This was the top that especially fulfils that colour combination for me, and a jacket, both thrifted (funny how you find things when you have the inspiration) which I wore with light blue jeans. I know this is off topic, but I did just want to say thank you  for your help. Style Fan on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut/page/2#post-1955189 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:54:10 +0000 Style Fan 1955189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I have felt in a fashion rut over the years.  I felt drawn to the flower child look but that is hard to pull off in my 50s and 60s.  I wanted something that was authentic, minimalistic and interesting.  Not too much to ask for!!!  I was not a classic dresser but I think I am evolving in that direction.  For me, some inspiration really helps.  I found this in a few bloggers whose style met my requirements.  They might be in their late 20s or early 30s but that doesn't matter.  Style Bee described her style as Jane Birkin meets Diane Keaton.  A woman after my heart.  See pictures.  I am working on how to put this together in my wardrobe. I also like Efbgen's ideas. Greenjeans on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955178 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:28:21 +0000 Greenjeans 1955178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, would you care to say more about what you mean by "never feel like myself in dresses?"  What doesn't feel like you?   Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955173 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:17:39 +0000 Anonymous 1955173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I like LISA P 's response.  </div><div>I too am a classic,  though now that I am retired it seems like a classic with a nod to casual/sporty. Shocker. </div><div>Yes- sometimes it seems like classic style can be boring or "too polished" especially when you see people with dramatic edge or boho flair posting on the YLF site.  For my first few months on the site I started to do a lot of questioning and soul searching.  Finally decided I can enjoy what others are doing and still be comfortable with me. </div><div>I think the fact that you have figured out how to dress for your body type puts you far ahead of most women in the world so YAY!</div><div>I think classic people can run into the same issues that people who are big on minimalism or capsule dressing experience.  Day in and day out can start looking a bit "stale" .  </div><div>What I did to combat this is:</div><div>1- I stepped up my accessories (I know that was mentioned) but scarves, purses and jewelry can go a long way.</div><div>2- I started looking at you tube fashion videos to follow bloggers- both young and old- who identified themselves as either classic or minimal/capsule dressers- to see what they were doing. Some are better than others. There is one in US and 2 in Europe that I now follow faithfully- they are old enough to be my daughter &/or granddaughter but because they a classic &/or minimalists they have great fresh ideas and combos that are not over top or scary for this over sixty classic.Because they are younger they also have a more limited budget which is great for this retiree;-) </div><div>3-The 2 pieces of advice they gave that stuck were - when you are feeling in a rut: </div><div>a) reorganize your closet/dresser in a different way because it can help you see your items in a different light  (sounds crazy but it works- it just breaks the log jam in your head) and</div><div>b) take time to play with your things- take each item in your closet and see how many different ways you can style it. Get crazy, go wild and unexpected- you are in the privacy of your own home. Keep a log/or pics of each old and new combination (include accessories) and try to wear each combo at least twice and critic it on scales of comfort zone/ freshness, ease, relatable etc (pick your criteria). This has forced me to put more thought into my classic/basic pieces and does not allow me to "coast" or "idle" or "become lazy" or "slack off".</div><div>Since doing this, I have shown up for lunch dates with friends or family and someone always comments that they can not put their finger on it...but something has me looking younger (sometimes they think its the hair, make up but then they all land on my wardrobe)- they think something is new but they have seen it 100 times before.  LOL- it's the same clothes- just a better spin!</div><div>Hope it helps </div> celia on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955168 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 18:50:39 +0000 celia 1955168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have good advice already but I just wanted to say I feel where you  come from, and might be feeling that a little bit with my work wardrobe. I too am a short, curvy, pear shaped woman and classic cuts are just so easy to wear.However they kind of feel boring after a bit, but most of the times that is just what it is, a feel, because you do not looking boring. You are at an awesome stage where you know what suits you, what you like and are ready to try new things. I am looking forward to see the new paths you will take. Chris987 on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955160 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 18:25:39 +0000 Chris987 1955160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thanks Fashintern! Suntiger sounds like you've got your own style figured out well and yet also try new things...great place to be! Greenjeans, thanks for the complements To be perfectly honest I never feel like myself in dresses unless it's a bit of an "event" although that does not have to be a big event. I'm not quite sure why because others seem to like them on me. Maybe I'll figure it out some day. Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955112 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:14:09 +0000 Anonymous 1955112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do try on things to be sure though as sometimes you dont know :) I think people see others wearing trendy things and want to emulate, or try to pass in a certain environment where maybe they feel they dont fit in. A new job or around certain friends, etc. "If i wear this i will be seen as (professional, richer, younger, fill in blank)" but if it's not right i think you look more out of place, not to mention being physically and mentally uncomfortable. Plus you're just wasting money! Theres so many sartorial choices we have that at and given time something will be right for us and all our life roles Stagiaire Fash on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955095 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:48:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1955095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger, I so agree with you when you say “Im ok with seeing a trend, or someone wearing something great, and saying it doesn't mesh with my style/coloring/body type/climate/life.“. Seeing people trying to incorporate something they know doesn’t work well for them—a color, a cut, whatever—absolutely mystifies me. Why do that? Is it just the thrill of a challenge? Greenjeans on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955083 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:14:47 +0000 Greenjeans 1955083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How do you feel about the dresses you've tried over the last year?  To my eye, they've looked lovely on you, feminine and elegant ranging from casual to more dressy with a slight vintage/preppy vibe that fits in with where you live and is also quite special.   Anonymous on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955082 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:14:27 +0000 Anonymous 1955082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with all, but also you have to dress for you first! I like to be bold and creative and dressy, but its authentic and lifelong to me. Im ok with seeing a trend, or someone wearing something great, and saying it doesn't mesh with my style/coloring/body type/climate/life. When things come around that feel right to me, i add them-sometimes long term, sometimes temporarily. I say for each activity of life, figure out how you want to represent. If its separate distinct capsules, so be it. Stagiaire Fash on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955076 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:57:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1955076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My examples on here were just that—examples to get you thinking. But you hit on the real thing in your post about the white shirt—menswear! Chris987 on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1955059 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:37:16 +0000 Chris987 1955059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the kind words SaraD8! I do manage to create some good outfits but I feel very inconsistent about it. (I don't show some of the lesser ones). I do have a huge scarf collection and also wear a lot of simple jewelry (except in hot summer) but that is certainly an area I could look into. Liz, great idea, of course I should post some photos and pinterest ideas! I will do that. Hah fashintern, so true...it's got to be authentic, not point in trying to pretend to like something I do not. When it comes to bright colors I sometimes like it, sometimes not. Sometimes traditional patterns are good, sometimes I want something more modern. Statement socks? Not for me. Love looking at them, not wearing them. lisap - wise words about staying true to one's self. I too do not believe constant change is necessary or even a good thing, at least not for me in the world of fashion. La P you totally nailed it with the moniker "Stodgy New Englander" It's perfect when going to visit a neighbor in 2 feet of snow on a cold winter night, but other times not so perfect!  You seem to do a great job of keeping it modern which I suspect you do with a lot of online ordering. Great ideas to look at color combinations, footwear, jewelry, as ways to modernize a classic silhouette. And yes I did do that moniker exercise  a while ago but I should probably redo it, great suggestion! Janet, thanks for the wise words. Your experiences with blogs early on sound very familiar! I think I'll join you in that "fickle" club of loving a print for a while, then not so much. Maybe it's not so much "fickle" as a form of creativity. I too am often a contrarian with fashion, especially with colors, where I always seem to want something that's not "in this year". And yes that thing about sometimes feeling bold and sometimes not really resonates with me. Again perhaps it's a form of creativity. And yes the one little tweak is a GREAT idea and probably the best way to go to learn what would work for me. Gretchen, the scarf ideas is great. And yes I could definitely try something a little different on a day when I'm not around my usual crowd. That's a great idea too. Angie, if not for that pesky little commute I would be there to shop with you in a heartbeat! Maybe I should just plan a trip anyway. In the meantime, I love the idea of sticking with colors I like and trying a slight difference in silhouette or a wildcard. And yes I'll definitely put together two outfits. I know what one will be already  Aha! "you have to wear your outfit, and no one else". SO OBVIOUS, SO TRUE!! I need to write down my signature looks. I already know that jeans and booties are involved. Great suggestions and I'll definitely go read those postings again. Bonnie, yes Angie would be my first pick too. Cardiff Girl, I was already thinking about the grooming/hair stuff as an easy way to try something different, great ideas! Thanks RobinF. I love looking at your finds for inspiration...you and I have somewhat similar body types and like similar things. Cindysmith...yes I mentioned Iris A but honestly I find her looks to be way too much color and detail, like visual clutter although in a pleasant way. Not something I ever want to wear but fun to look at and authentically her all the way. But you are right that adding accessories can be an easy and inexpensive way to try new things, and there are plenty of places to find inexpensive choices. Rachylou interesting comment about dye. One more thing that is less interesting in less expensive clothing. I do wear burgundy and agree that it can be a great addition to a generally neutral wardrobe. Turquoise somehow does not appeal to me (although the stone itself does in small doses) but light blue and tan I do love. Laurie, duh, why didn't I think of that  :-). Great idea, I'll do that! Jussie, yes shoes are an obvious way to change the look of an outift. I have to go through so many pairs to get ones that fit right and are comfy that I get a little worn out but I need to (as Angie would suggest) make a pot of tea and get moving! I've tried Zara and will continue to do so but their clothes rarely fit me so I only do it occasionally. You are right that they have a lot of different styles and nothing is too pricey.   Gigi - love your comments about multiple personas, most of us do have more than one. Your style evolution is pretty informative. One piece at a time...I found a pair of leopard loafers about a year ago that fit well but I found them too bold...maybe worth a revisit now. Your ways of organizing pinterest boards are really great...I will definitely look into that. I can see that a category called "more dramatic outfits" could be more enlightening than "burgundy capsule for fall". Thanks  for the ideas! Gigi - great ideas. I have a variety of different activities in my life and have given some thought to what sort of style work best for each, but a review would be a good idea. Interesting comment that perhaps Iris A has well toned muscles because oaf wearing all that bling - or maybe a sore back and neck :-)  cjh on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1954464 Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:25:46 +0000 cjh 1954464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting discussion! I’m not sure I have any real advice, just a bit of description on what I’ve done to figure out a retirement wardrobe that works with my lifestyle. One, I pick fits and use colors that I like and am comfortable in, more than going by whether or not “this is in style.” Two, I try not to be afraid to repeat wearing favorites, wear the good stuff, and resist duplication if that splits wears. Three, I’ve developed a uniform that feels like me. Currently that means sleeveless top, shorts and Birkenstocks or Converse. Moving into fall: crop or skinny jeans, short sleeve tee, cardigan, Converse-sometimes with fun socks. When I do the uniform every day, it’s really me. My accessories aren’t as over the top as Iris (but I could possibly leave lifting weights out of my workouts if they were), but I like unique earrings from art fairs, colorful bracelets like tagua nuts or unique beads, and quirky necklaces like marcasite frog or stone pendants. An unexpected color combo or juxtaposition can make me happy and I hope that makes me look more fun and interesting. Good luck and lots of fun on the style journey! Gigi on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1954228 Sat, 08 Sep 2018 07:27:56 +0000 Gigi 1954228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of great advice above. I used to be a very classic dresser. I now have a few different style personas, and it took quite a while for them to grow organically. Two of the three personas are quite classic in inspiration, though IMO they are much different from the type of classic outfits that I used to wear. Mainly, the cuts are different. So you can still keep a very classic style but change it up by choosing slightly different cuts (flowy, silky button-down instead of crisp button-down, for example; ankle pants instead of full-length). I started changing my style up by buying just a piece here and there that was outside my comfort zone. My first wild card was a pair of leopard booties. I was very attracted to them, although my mind said, "That's not your usual style." I bought them anyway and loved them! So after that I made sure to buy isolated pieces here and there that appealed to me. Over time, a new style began to grow. So one suggestion would be to buy a few pieces of clothing or accessories that are outside your usual style but that you are strongly attracted to. The other thing that might help you is to go through your pinned inspiration pics and organize them in specific ways. I didn't have luck with inspiration pics until I found a blog post (I think on Into MInd) about how to make a mood board. The blogger recommended looking for inspiration pics in several categories: single color; silhouette; pattern; texture; overall mood; complete outfit; single item; item combinations; color combinations. The whole outfit doesn't have to please you; you just focus on one particular aspect of it. By focusing on only one category at a time, you can pinpoint what exactly it is in each pinned photo that you are attracted to. As I go through this process, I start to see patterns emerge, and then I can go shopping looking for things that made a strong appearance on my mood board. Chris987 on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1954166 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 23:44:38 +0000 Chris987 1954166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for all the very thoughtful replies, I’ll read them carefully and reply over the weekend. jussie on "Stuck in a rut" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stuck-in-a-rut#post-1954140 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 22:15:38 +0000 jussie 1954140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm well I know this is probably something you already know but..... funky shoes are a really simple way to totally change the look of an outfit. Also I am not sure if you wear glasses but glasses frames can make a big difference too. When I want something a little more trendy I tend to shop at Zara because it’s pretty cheap and fashion-y, so it allows me to take a bit more of a gamble with a different look without spending too much. Also a simple idea could be carrying a tote bag with some funny/ironic saying on it, or a tee with something intriguing written on it. Best of luck with it.