https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:40:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122713 Sat, 23 May 2020 01:23:56 +0000 Christina F. 2122713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG - I waver in the black pants for reasons stated in my last comment, they’re going into storage for now, though. I do have dressy occasions in “normal” life, and I may want them, whenever that comes back. I did pass on a blazer that was kind of preppy in way I don’t do much any more - schoolboy style. It is a bit tight on the arms, which made the choice easy. I have a nice quality navy blazer I’m keeping for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122669 Sat, 23 May 2020 00:36:51 +0000 Helena 2122669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Terrific goals; I especially love your "make it cute" one - because why not, and for ourselves if no one else!</p> <p>I will be the outlier on the plain business clothes - IF they fit and are flattering and are still up to date and you have room for them - I might consider tucking them away. Those are the kind of pieces that I have tended to over-edit and then re-buy. So keeping them may keep you from a future purchase that will net you a similarly rarely-worn item. Because they are basic they usually date more slowly and can do 'in a pinch' for an unexpected meeting, funeral, or other random occasion that you may not want to shop for.</p> <p>That said - it's not like you won't find another pair of black pants if you want them, so follow your gut! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122664 Sat, 23 May 2020 00:29:20 +0000 Christina F. 2122664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i><b>Lisa</b>, I read somewhere that we should all add “during a global pandemic” when we berate ourselves for our recent failures. For example, “I didn’t stick to my diet... during a global pandemic.” It really helps me be more kind to myself!&nbsp;<br /><div><b></b><br /></div><div><b>La Ped,&nbsp;</b>yes, I think there has been a sea change in our thinking about what we “should” have in our closets. I prefer Angie’s DYOT, and it’s more current. That said, the black pants went in a donation bag but I just thought about how I have stared to prefer black pants for really dressy occasions. So I may save them for those, rather than work. This assumes really dressy occasions will come back, of course. The black pencil skirt is stretchy and comfy so it stays for now.</p> <p><b>Slim cat -&nbsp;</b>I’m all about unrestrictive right now! You have good advice here.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>nemosmom -&nbsp;</b>I do still like blazers since most cans be dressed down for jeans. Not at home of course (my current home is onto warm in both winter and summer). But I’ll wear them again I assume. I did pass on one in a classic schoolboy style that was a little tight in the arms. As for poly - I agree! I can hack it in cooler weather as it’s easy to care for, but it’s a strict no go for our humid summers.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rachylou-&nbsp;</b>I’m intrigued and kind of horrified to know you have to dress up for your doctors! Lawyers I can understand....&nbsp;<br /><b></b><br /><b>Angie, Jenni, and Suz -&nbsp;</b>my husband is the best. He did notice that I had a dress on today, actually.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Angie -&nbsp;</b>if I had to interview. I’d probably choose a colorful blouse and my black wider trousers, which are fab. A colorful top helped get me my current job. Anyway, for a non-profit job, things aren’t super formal even at interviews.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sal&nbsp;</b>- bad weather is the best use for skinny jeans. Definite reason to keep some!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suntiger -&nbsp;</b>Pencil skirts kind of emphasize my tummy a bit much. I am working out, and actually sticking to it (I use my old commute time) so maybe I’ll put it in holding. &nbsp;I love the pattern but I’m just not feeling constricting bottoms right now. I wouldn’t wear it at home anyway so maybe now is not the best time to judge.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122650 Fri, 22 May 2020 23:32:45 +0000 Anonymous 2122650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Poor little neglected accessories (mine too)! Oh well -KIR!<br /> Yes to all the new purchases being 8 and higher. I wouldn't cull that nice Boden skirt though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122581 Fri, 22 May 2020 21:01:05 +0000 Sal 2122581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your revamped goals and agree with you re the business wear....&nbsp; run through scenarios you might need smart clothes for in the next six months to a year and if you can't foresee needing this you could pass on to Dress for Success or similar.</p> <p>I have liked your WIW with wider silhouettes on the bottom and it does make tops easier (IMO).&nbsp; I do have a couple of slim fit jeans but only one pair of skinnies left which I am keeping for a specific reason (wearing with rain boots on the rugby sideline - which may not even happen this year). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122580 Fri, 22 May 2020 20:57:12 +0000 Suz 2122580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pass on those business clothes. They might be the perfect thing for someone else. Meanwhile, you don't need them.&nbsp;</p> <p>And Mr. C. is lovely. I am still smiling about his xmas gift to you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Plus, he's right. You *are* cute no matter what.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122572 Fri, 22 May 2020 20:40:59 +0000 Jenni NZ 2122572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is great and so thoughtful, Christina. Your husband sounds lovely. I agree that it’s not necessarily enough though if husbands think that about us. They get so used to us that they may not have an accurate eye? All the same I do appreciate it when mine sometimes brings out a “ That looks nice!” Most of the time he is too distracted with his own thoughts I think.<br /> I agree about the “business wear”. The older we get too the more we need to be taken seriously for our accomplishments rather than some “business” look. I do not own any actual blazers. They are just not me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122527 Fri, 22 May 2020 17:12:00 +0000 Angie 2122527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Please post these on the blog post when you have a moment).</p> <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>You've successfully tweaked your style goals, and are going like a Boeing! It's just like you to get it right, <b>Christina.</b> Well done,<i> and</i> in the middle of such NYC stress. I'm very impressed :)</p> <p><i>"My husband thinks I am cute no matter what, and doesn't notice many specifics about what I wear" -&nbsp;</i>BLESS YOUR HUBS!&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes to passing on the plain business clothes. If you were interviewing soon - you would probably pick other items from your wardrobe to wear, right?&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122525 Fri, 22 May 2020 17:10:02 +0000 rachylou 2122525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Man, I have a closet full of suits and blouses that have very little purpose in my life. That became true long before our current situation. But darn they were hard to collect. They’ll have to be pried from my hands with a crowbar. However, I have started wearing my office ‘separates pants’ at the bakery. Once they are destroyed with bleach, I have hopes that I may let those go. I personally tho do like black bottoms for seeing my doctors and lawyer... My lawyer is really my friend and we get together to cook. But there’s just something about him that makes me think plain black pants and a very plain cheap twin set is the way to go, lol ;)</p> <p>My doctors... well, they’re all just snobs. I’m lucky that way. To get treated decent, got to be professional but not competitive. Don’t make me start on my dermatologist. Hahaha. I wore a face mask to see her BEFORE the pandemic to make her stick to the business at hand. Lol. The only pleasant one is the podiatrist who talks to me about bread baking. Oh hahaha! I love my medical team </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122505 Fri, 22 May 2020 15:56:55 +0000 nemosmom 2122505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I enjoyed reading over your goals revisit and thoughts about how you got to where you are. I share the same thought on business-type clothes. Even though I've WFH for at least 8 years now, I still hold on to dress pants and suity-feeling blazers for "just in case". I think if the day were to come where I needed to do something businessy, I likely wouldn't even reach for those pieces anyway... You've given me something to think about...&nbsp; </p> <p>I was nodding along with most of your new goals - I purged my summer-weight polyester pieces last year; after spending 3 months mad and sweaty, I have been paying more attention to fabric. I also share your thoughts on wanting to be "comfy but cute". I struggle there. Still....&nbsp; Have you given thought to what that looks like for you?<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122500 Fri, 22 May 2020 15:41:01 +0000 slim cat 2122500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good analysis - agree with so many points of it! "Less complicated" seems to be the norm now ( less make up, jewelry and movement restricting pieces ). <br />About the work clothes - I kept the pants because of the preference to the mid-to-low rise ( but no slim or skinny pants ) and one blazer ( BR in light wool ). I think only the best fitting pieces that you find comfortable and classic/modern should stay.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122482 Fri, 22 May 2020 14:22:41 +0000 LaPed 2122482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely identify with this: "On a related note,<b>&nbsp;I am wondering if I should cull most plain business-type clothes</b>, since I don't dress like that even in the office." </p> <p>I cannot for the life of me figure out why having slim-leg black ankle pants felt so important a few years ago. I haven't reached for mine in ages (even prior to the pandemic) and the ones I have feel super low-rise now. I don't *think* I'll regret passing them on? Anyway, it's all in a holding zone for now because thrift and consignment isn't an option. I haven't really landed anywhere; I'm just in the same boat as you. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122480 Fri, 22 May 2020 14:18:49 +0000 Anonymous 2122480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good morning ! &nbsp;I like your reminder to not beat yourself up. I could take a large helping of that myself. &nbsp;It's especially important in times of unpredicated stress and uncertainty. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I can relate to your thoughts on your formal business clothes collection . &nbsp;I'm also hanging on to a too-large collection of blazers and pants that I thought I should have "just in case" . Just in case what? I interview for a CEO job somewhere? &nbsp; And you're right, we don't dress that way anymore . &nbsp;I like the way you dress, and you've nailed down the looks that flatter and suit your personality . &nbsp;Pencil skirts and slim black pants might be pieces you can move out of your closet.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-goals-for-2020-covid-edition-long#post-2122476 Fri, 22 May 2020 14:08:31 +0000 Christina F. 2122476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Looking back on my goals, it all seems a bit laughable now because there was a focused on being more polished. Even though I still dress for WFH each day, I'm not so interested in being polished. Today, I just learned I will be home AT LEAST through Labor Day (and I suspect longer, especially if I've given a choice). Good thing I ordered a new desk chair, since the old one wouldn't adjust anymore and I needed it to...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the old goals for 2020 with brief comments:</div><div><br /> <div><b>I should strive for each wardrobe item to be at least an 8 out of 10, if possible</b>. Yes, I've kept this in mind when buying. Not sure I hit the mark every time but it's been my guiding principle. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wear my accessories more, especially jewelry.</b> NOPE. Accessorizing has fallen by the wayside, except for my new collection of headbands, which I am using to wrangle my COVID hair for vcons. Removing this goal.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>I'd like to wear makeup mo</b>re. NOPE. Not bothering with this, not even for vcons. Removing this goal too.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Continue to judiciously add non-skinny bottoms</b><br /> - Yes, and in fact I now want to edit most of my skinny bottoms out, though I have held off on eradicating them completely since I still have some tops that are better with them. I have had success adding wider bottoms and a few other non-skinnies, and I will continue because I am not about constricting clothes right now.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Don't beat myself up</b> - This was about my preferences for maximalism and shopping, but I feel it applies more broadly now and so I will keep it in. I think I have been good about it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>New Goals</u></b></div><div><b>Comfort is key, but make it cute&nbsp; </b>- The comfort half speaks for itself, but I still want to look cute because I like to. I have learned lately that I definitely dress for myself, since I'm still putting clothes on at home. I show them to you all, of course, but after the fact.&nbsp; My husband thinks I am cute no matter what, and doesn't notice many specifics about what I wear. <br /></div><div><br /></div></p> <p><b>Focus on fabric </b>- I have been doing this already, but I want to focus on natural fibers where possible, especially for our humid summers. I just had two viscose items shrink, even after cold laundering and air drying. I will try to avoid adding more and whatever remaining ones I have will be hand washed or sent to the dry cleaner. Rayon seems to take to the cold machine wash okay. It's bad enough that I feel I have to air dry most of my summer garments already, which is hard in the space I have available. Hand washing or dry cleaning a bunch of garments on top of that is beyond the pale, for me. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Focus on getting those items that aren't 8's or higher out of my wardrobe</b>&nbsp; - I plan to move this year (who knows when though?). I will have more space for clothes undoubtedly, as space is the reason we are moving. We want our forever home and own too much stuff (not just clothes - books and games and cooking implements). However, it's a good chance to bring only the best stuff along with me. I have a clothing donation bin in the basement so I can continue to cull, even now. <b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>On a related note,<b> I am wondering if I should cull most plain business-type clothes</b>, since I don't dress like that even in the office. This includes dressy skinny black pants and a plain black pencil skirt, but since the items fit well and are in great shape I have been reluctant to part with them even though they're not my current preferred silhouette. Given how my org has been so great during the pandemic, and the fact that jobs are scarce anyway, I don't see me interviewing for another job any time soon! There's always that voice in the back of my head saying that women are supposed to hold on to a business-appropriate capsule, but I also see that advice as outdated and not applicable to my life. Anyway, I have non-skinny black trousers I will keep and can wear in a more formal setting. Aside from the business black items, this category also includes a Boden pencil skirt (see finds) in a beautiful pattern. Honestly pencil skirts aren't the most comfortable items on me anyway and certainly not something I'd wear at home right now. So pretty, though I know some of you have wrestled with similar questions - where have you all landed?<br /></div></p>