https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:24:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws/page/2#post-865460 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 19:21:11 +0000 Greek Goddess 865460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually prefer the last look with the hoodie as the clothes fit you well. The colour is good near to your face as opposed to the burgundy top which seems to rob your complexion of colour.</p> <p>Number one look I feel makes you look older than you need to ...you have an amazing figure and this dress does nothing to flatter you at all. It might look a bit better with a wide belt on your waist and a different coloured under garment and shortened but that is an awful lot of trouble to go to make it look better.</p> <p>I feel the blazer would look better with a plain coloured blouse in a bright colour that suits your complexion.</p> <p>It just looks to me like you could use a hair thinning cut to make your hair look wonderful. YOu have such thick , glossy hair, it just needs taming and I don't think applying heat would help if its anything like mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws/page/2#post-865454 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:59:26 +0000 Angie 865454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You crack me up, Rachy. </p> <p>And I fixed my typos - sorry :(</p> <p>Trust me your hair looks terrific! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws/page/2#post-865444 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:46:07 +0000 rachylou 865444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good questions, Ornella. My answers...</p> <p><em>- Are you dressed suitably for the job you do?</em> --&gt; Yes<br /> <em>- Is it within the dress code of your workplace?</em> --&gt; Yes<br /> <em>- Do you feel happy and comfortable with your outfits?</em> --&gt;Yes<br /> <em>- Do you ultimately feel YOU in what you wear?</em> --&gt;Yes</p> <p><em>If the answer to these is sound YES, especially the last one, the biggest issue is resolved. Do you want to fit in with sleek, plastcky environment, and why? Would you feel better if you blended in, and why?... </em> &lt;-- The thing is, I love my outfits on my home territory. I think my outfits these days are really me because I am really on my home territory again - where I was born and raised. Because I do indeed have this thing, and I'm afraid it really is because I've got a family of architects, about design. Design to the last drop. I've got this impulse, not to blend in, but to be one with the gestalt. Maybe I should treat it as the devil whispering in my ear, because the lord knows, a lot of design is "the emperor's new clothes." Ugly and uncomfortable. If the brain weren't distracted, the eyes would see things as they really are. For example, a concrete block is not a comfy sofa...</p> <p>To be quite honest, it's why the revolutionaries always go after the intellectuals. My preppy training also fights my RATE instincts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws/page/2#post-865433 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:35:04 +0000 rachylou 865433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ja, Angie. You are right. The socks have to go. I have to do a purge of the sock drawer. I will re-think the wrap dress, if you think #1 is ok. I think I was the same weight when I got the dress... all my clothes seem to expand over time. Not get stretched out, just expand. I really am battling frizz, but I do only see it in the bathroom mirror under the florescents. I look a lot better to myself in the elevator mirrors, lol! Actually 4&amp;5 look better in those mirrors too. I think the Target blazer could use replacing though. The material is very casual and the construction is on the baggy side. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws/page/2#post-865289 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:01:43 +0000 Angie 865289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The longer locks look stellar, Rachy! You don't look like you are battling with frizz at all :)</p> <p>I adore #4 and #5. A great benchmark for your style. Structured yet relaxed. Throw is crazy pants or skirt from time to time and this is a great look for you. </p> <p>I think you do "Granny Chic" really well too (don't mean to be disrespectful to Grannys but the term is much used in fashion). So #1 is a winner to my eye. </p> <p>The last outfit could do with a non-hoodie topper, and I'd leave off the socks in #2. I know you get cold so how about some fun knee-highs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865197 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 08:03:08 +0000 rachylou 865197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire - Right? The plaid jacket would look good with jeans! </p> <p>And Janet... I can see you in a bustle, lol.</p> <p>And Diana, you get major points for saying "brutalist" (ohmigosh, I AM turning architect; I should not know what that even means!).</p> <p>Moira - question. My frizz is at the top of my head. Can I flat iron the hair on the top of my head? (I'm a hair ignant).</p> <p>Beth Ann - I saw myself and thought *Audrey*. Beautiful woman, but that didn't make me happy. Mary Tyler Moore, and I'd have been happier... ;&gt;</p> <p>Ok. Una, Suz, Claire, Rae, Aida, everybody... I'm thinking the dress has got to go and the pants need replacing and rocker booties. The pants will be hard. I'm on an eternal quest for good pants. I have booties but they're not rocker booties. I think I need rocker booties.</p> <p>Btw, so interesting to hear about everybody's buildings. Firecracker, you don't really work in a strip mall do you? This I cannot imagine. I can only imagine donut shops that close at 7:30 a.m. in strip malls... I can lend you my hoodie... ;&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865191 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:48:43 +0000 Ornella 865191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RachyLou, this is an interesing question and I don't have time to read all answers to see where the discussion is going, I have to bake bday cake for my boy :-), but here is my first reaction.</p> <p>- Are you dressed suitably for the job you do?<br /> - Is it within the dress code of your workplace?<br /> - Do you feel happy and comfortable with your outfits?<br /> - Do you ultimately feel YOU in what you wear?</p> <p>If the answer to these is sound YES, especially the last one, the biggest issue is resolved. Do you want to fit in with sleek, plastcky environment, and why? Would you feel better if you blended in, and why?...</p> <p>I hope this gives some food for thought, I'll try to be back on the thread to catch up with other comments.</p> <p>No advice for the frizzy hair.</p> <p>I love your outfits, I think you look pulled together and professional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865185 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:33:31 +0000 CocoLion 865185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sigh. I wish I could open the thumb-snails. My internet connection is so hayseed.</p> <p>But from what I can see, you look good (I did open the wrap dress and really liked it). And I don't see frizz, I see full, thick hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865183 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:23:15 +0000 Diana 865183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just had to log in to tell you that 4/5 is probably my favorite outfit of yours ever. The pattern mix and the lines are just incredible.</p> <p>Also, I work in a building that basically looks like a brutalist parking structure. So No Thank You. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865180 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:33:55 +0000 goldenpig 865180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are being way too hard on yourself. Love 4/5 and 2 as well. I think all of these look office appropriate except for the hoodie, which feels more like weekend wear/loungewear to me. I love your wavy hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865169 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:17:55 +0000 rae 865169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loooove 4-5 AND your RATE hair. Whatever you do, definitely rock the hair... J. Crew has made it okay to do frizz a the office. I wish my hair would do that! </p> <p>Also, you don't have rocker booties? Hm, maybe a couple new items would be a nice refresh, even though you are happy with your wardrobe on the whole. I like Aida's idea for a pants update. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865153 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:03:48 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 865153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, 4/5 is my favorite outfit here. Looks like the definition of RATE. I love your hair in these photos as well. I agree with a lot of the others that your style seems to suit you and the office environment, even though you may not look as polished as the building or as haphazard about style as your coworkers. I am smiling at your observations about fitting in with the architecture. I really never considered that idea, and perhaps that's a good thing, as I work in a strip mall (shopping center)--pretty much the antithesis of chic surroundings! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865086 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:12:36 +0000 moira 865086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Beth Ann.</p> <p>I have a 30 year old leather jacket that is just like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865081 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:07:21 +0000 Beth Ann 865081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Moira: RATE = Rough Around the Edges. Think messy, scuffed up, but really cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865068 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:56:23 +0000 moira 865068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Someone PLEASE tell me what RATE means.</p> <p>As far as your frizz, rachylou. get yourself a flat iron. I have silver hair and it is texturally very different from when it was brown. I have spent ages trying to manage it. I bought a little (travel size) flat iron at a beauty supply store for like, $25 and I just use it a little at the side and ends and it looks sleek and polished. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-865061 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:49:30 +0000 Suz 865061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I love 4/5 and think it is stellar, for any kind of building. </p> <p>But I think I hear what you are saying. This is taking sensitivity to the environmental norm in a whole new direction. But not wildly off course, in my view. After all, the other day, Zap was talking about her need to dress for the weather, not in terms of keeping herself warm, cool, dry etc. but wanting her clothes to REFLECT the weather. Same sort of thing you are referring to. </p> <p>I often get this feeling. Not just in shiny office buildings, but other places, too. </p> <p>In the end, though, 4/5 is so *you* and so great that I would say, just go with more of that more often! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864996 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:12:12 +0000 Janet 864996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I'm laughing at the idea of "matching" the building I work in -- my studio is in a 100-year-old clock tower! (see pics, not great shots, just iPhone snaps but you get the idea -- #2 is looking at the back of one of the clock hands!) I would have to go pretty steampunk, which could be fun, but not really my thing. I do have a pair of earrings made from old watch faces. </p> <p>I think you look great - 4/5 is my favorite, and I think the dress in #1 looks pretty good too. I understand the feeling though, like I'm not quite hitting the mark I'm aiming for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864984 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:05:22 +0000 catgirl 864984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>4/5 is enviably fab to me! I'm okay with the hoodie too, heh. Not sure on the dress, and the pants in 2 just look a little short. But your way with words is K2K always! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864982 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:05:02 +0000 Thistle 864982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The building I work in is a patchwork from we keep adding onto. It was started in the 1940s and there are so many additions the floor plan is weird. No, I have NO desire to match the building. :)</p> <p>You, however, look great above. I really like 4&amp;5. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864971 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:59:38 +0000 Beth Ann 864971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou: 4/5 is stellar --- and it seems to have elements of your unique style. I'd love to see the hoodie outfit with cool cons or booties at home. I'd love to see you play with #3 a little. I see what you mean about it not being quite you --- it reminds me, in a good way, or early Mary Tyler Moore or Audrey Hepburn. Change the colors, add a hint of edge, keep the silhouette and you'd have something amazing. #1 and #2 are both a pretty good day for most of us!</p> <p>I hear you about soul-killing office buildings. I'm a musician, but I suffered as a temp for a few years. I felt I was being swallowed every morning. Now I work in an institutional beige 6 by 8 studio with no adornments, florescent overhead lighting and no window. Hard to make music in that room! Since I share the studio with other faculty, I can't really change it. No wonder I care so much about what I wear! I use it to inject some creative energy into my environment! </p> <p>Love to see you post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864895 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:18:23 +0000 Nicole D 864895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 4 and 5, and agree you are too hard on yourself. I never thought about how my setting can cramp my style. Will now be more observant on that score. One thing I hate about work clothes is the name tag. Can really wreck the line of one's outfit.</p> <p>And, I would just like to have a mini rant about true wrap dresses - they are a pain. Faux wraps fit me so much better, I have given up on the quest for the perfect wrap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864885 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:14:08 +0000 Aida 864885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>4/5 looks great to me! Not sold on the dress in #1, would need to see more options with that one as it kind of confuses me for you. I think you need to replace the pants in #2 with a slouchy pleated pair that has tapered hems. Instant pant update, and the hip volume will be intentional #3 just needs different footwear to lessen the sweetness as you mentioned, punkier booties would do the trick. Or something more hipster could work too, like some skimmer oxfords. This time of year seems to throw everyone for a loop! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864879 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:09:25 +0000 bj1111 864879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you are hilarious! i think some programmers may feel the same about their clothing matching philosophically with their code. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864870 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:04:01 +0000 rachylou 864870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny enough, the dress norm is what I'm wearing today (*I give up!*). Casual with one element of polish, like the high heels.</p> <p>Sitting here pondering -- so embarrassing to admit this -- I think I may just have become an honorary architect, because I actually do not feel visually integrated with the building and <em>it bothers me</em>. I saw a cartoon poking fun of this. My cousins are bad influences! (Architects the lot of 'em)</p> <p>But maybe, Jayne, you have a point about the way to deal with this. To go a little more RATE. I really like Caro's and Tina's suggestions of adding the RATE with how I wear the clothes. Start with a blazer, pattern mix...</p> <p>Ok. So really. No one else wants to match their building? Lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864748 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:54:26 +0000 cciele 864748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, are you trying to change how you dress to fit your environment? Or do you just feel off in the outfits you've posted?</p> <p>I, like others, think your outfits are fine for the building! Even the hoodie on casual Friday My favorite is 4/5 -- something about the proportions and pattern mixing, it all works, along with your RATE hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864735 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:45:18 +0000 Anonymous 864735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, you have an amazing slender figure! You look great in those skinny jeans in the last picture. I'd love to see those with the plaid jacket. Love the flats. IKWYM about the other pants "giving" you saddlebags, because they are gone in the last picture, lol. I think you just don't have the right body type to fill out the wrap dress, but as the others have said you are being way too hard on yourself. I actually love your hair! Very RATE in the perfect way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864728 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:41:12 +0000 Tina.b 864728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have an innate sense of style and your outfits come together in a really cohesive way. I particularly love #2 &amp; 4. I think you can totally mix into a marble and chrome type complex. It's all good. I say go as RATE as your style dictates then throw a fab blazer on top... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864725 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:37:19 +0000 Caro in Oz 864725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think #4/5 is a great look - apart from the fit issues how do you feel about this look being your uniform?</p> <p>What about starting with a great fitting jacket &amp; add the rate with how you wear your clothes - push up your sleeves, pattern mix &amp; add some amazing booties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864719 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:31:31 +0000 MsMary 864719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me, too. I think 4/5 is awesome! Also 1 and 2. You are being WAY too hard on yourself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-v-setting-unsuccessful-wiws#post-864715 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:27:44 +0000 annagybe 864715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like #4-#5. </p>