https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:12:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2335150 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:49:46 +0000 lyn67 2335150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i>Loved reading and am late to this but I just chimmed in to validate your feelings ref. a chunky sandal. I love some, black sole, with tan uppers, or tan all over but NOT the BRIGHT WHITEs!! The "big white chunky feet are a little weird for me", too!!:-((<i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334802 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:13:51 +0000 Suz 2334802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b>, this sounds like incredible progress with your goals and a great analysis of what went wrong with the few items that were misses. Your shopping restraint is admirable and a really good way to set yourself up for future success.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the mistakes, as <b>Brooklyn</b> says -- whenever we experiment with a new-to-us style, there is a risk. It's part of evolving our style, and if we have two or three errors of that kind a year, no big deal. You can pass along the items with a clear conscience.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also -- FWIW, I also didn't end up wearing the linen shirt BF type shirt I bought, or not more than a couple of times. It was either too cool for it, or too warm, and I wanted sleeveless! I did wear an older linen shirt with a pattern -- that one shows the wrinkles less. But I don't consider the lilac shirt a "failure." It's classic enough that there's a good chance it will see wear next year.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also experience the itch to change what I wear as the light begins to shift. For me, the feeling is stronger in spring, but it happens in fall, too -- just not quite as early, in my case. Then again, we are in the midst of a huge heat wave here so I am not getting out of my summer stuff today!&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway -- I love your outfit for transition from summer to fall -- great jacket for you! The whole ensemble feels right to me and very you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334787 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:57:18 +0000 Barbara Diane 2334787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming more restrained in your purchasing and clearer on what works for you. And mistakes do happen but as you’ve learned they also bring clarity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334741 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:42:41 +0000 RobinF 2334741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great outfit! It sounds like you are really figuring things out this year and that can only be good for moving forward. I feel you on the sandals. I have made mistakes like that - I like the item in theory but on me it doesn't work as well. Of course I don't realize that until wearing it a few times and then I can't return it. I have some fun chunky boots that I love, but I feel ridiculous in them. I have discovered I like chunky boots but not TOO chunky - haha.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334726 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:11:18 +0000 Bijou 2334726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your outfit, gorgeous for late summer transitioning into Autumn. Mistakes happen, the important thing is to learn and not make them again although with footwear, there are no guarantees no matter how vigilant you are.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334721 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:26:29 +0000 Brooklyn 2334721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done on your thoughtful approach to Summer. I made a similar mistake with shoes this year. But I think if you experiment with a new to you style, sometimes it’s going to be a mistake. But if you don’t experiment, you don’t evolve your style. You’ve just got try to learn from it so hopefully you don’t repeat the same mistake.</p> <p>Great outfit! I love that golden green colour of the jacket and grab it when I can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334677 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:36:46 +0000 Anonymous 2334677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That jacket is the perfect color on you! I'm so proud of your thoughtful shopping and wardrobe edit You've become much more realistic about what you really need now, and the sorts of things that give value. Good to learn about the chunky shoes. Next time you're tempted by similar you can just tell yourself "tried that, not for me" and picture them getting donated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334674 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:19:29 +0000 Roberta 2334674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel you on the sunk cost. It's like an itchy tag on the back of your neck. I eyeballed those Sorels all summer but didn't pull the trigger, and you have convinced me I was correct.</p> <p>The jacket is great, and I never would have thought it was too big. It looks just the right amount of loose/slouchy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334659 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:34:23 +0000 LJP 2334659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate -you're right about the comfort of the Sorels. They are a dream, and I love the added height they give me. &nbsp;Maybe in black they would have been more practical, but big white chunky feet are a little weird for me &nbsp;They make me feel like my feet are a foot long, which is fine if you have the body type and height for it, but despite what I look like in my photos here, I'm not a very big person and it is just, well, weird. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334657 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:30:05 +0000 LJP 2334657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly and Janet - I've got a few years on you both, and a different lifestyle . &nbsp;I simply do not need nor can I wear a lot of clothes. &nbsp;I go to work (where I wear a uniform ) &nbsp;come home, eat, read, go to bed and repeat for 5 days. Weekends I'm trying to maintain some level of fitness so am on my bike or on foot for a lot of it. I happily wear the same outdoor stuff over and over again.I can't decide if it's the worst lifestyle, or the best - lol. &nbsp;But it is great for curbing spending, and for keeping my justification for a larger wardrobe in check . &nbsp;I have different financial goals right now, and different commitments, and spending money on stuff is lowest on the totem pole it's ever been. And frankly, I'm relieved. I no longer think about stuff I want and wish I had, and shopping /browsing for pleasure? &nbsp;Only once in a blue moon &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334643 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 19:52:14 +0000 Kate 2334643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's always useful to analyze why purchases didn't work out, and you did a great job with those two pieces. I think Irina is right about the width of stripes. The Banana Republic top is adorable, and I was tempted when I saw it on Suz, but realized the size of those stripes wouldn't do for me. I prefer a thinner stripe, when I wear stripes at all. I've certainly made my share of mistakes!&nbsp;</p> <p>I do have the Sorel sandals, but in a much higher, split sole. I'm sorry they didn't work for you, but understand why. They do work well really well for me, with the exaggerated looks I sometimes wear. Comfort-wise, they are a dream.</p> <p>I quite like your outfit; the colors are lovely and suit you very well. Lucky you to be approaching fall; we're stuck with summer here at least through September, and probably into October. It's 94 today, and I'm in an orange sundress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334642 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 19:47:20 +0000 Sal 2334642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done Lisa - and looking good too! You seem to be aiming for a quieter style - more subtle. I think volume and pattern and colour can fit in with this but not as easily. </p> <p>I have made mistakes too this year - the green tank I just don’t think is flattering on me - too short. The lilac tee is fine but it’s quite transparent - it’s a layering piece or a hiking top. The pants were too short and have been sold and the sweater scratched and is the donation pile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334640 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 19:36:43 +0000 LJP 2334640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanne - you’re dead right . I have a similar body shape and short and big is not a great combo . Sometimes you don’t see it until it’s too late . </p> <p>Ms.Liz - ooh , a session with Red Leopard ! That will be fantastic - I really admire their business . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334633 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 19:01:30 +0000 Roxanna 2334633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE oversized things that somehow look structured and architectural! However, I (finally!) realized that these sorts of tops work on long torsos. On Me, with my curvy top, short waist and curvy bottom, they look VERY different - I tend to look squashed and dumpy. Also, these tops are almost always shown in side profile (like the BR shirt above) which is the shape I’m attracted to, but they never look good on me head on. I’ve learned to stay away from shirts shown in side profile for this reason (not saying the BR shirt doesn’t work for you - just sharing my own learnings.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334629 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 18:34:30 +0000 Ms. Liz 2334629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed your comments about the "light" this time of year. &nbsp;It is so true and even more so once it is September.</p> <p>I think you have a great style and you articulate what you might "struggle" with so well. &nbsp;I too bought that BR top in blue. &nbsp;I waited and waited until it was on sale and then purchased - so happy that I got it a discount - and then - well I struggle with it being so short - I worry that if I raise my arms my midriff shows - yada, yada, yada - it goes on.... I sometimes enjoy "the hunt" - getting things on sale without thinking about the purchase. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have been thinking more and more about my style lately - as in "what is my style?" &nbsp;I have to stop hunting for things on sale and purchase what works for me (once I articulate my style) and sparks joy. &nbsp;I have been watching Allison Bornstein's videos on the "three words" to help hone in on my style. &nbsp;Angie's style points help tremendously as well. &nbsp;I have also taken a giant leap and booked a session with Red Leopard in London when I travel next month. &nbsp;Their services are expensive &nbsp;however I have decided that I want to know my colour season so I can start with a framework while I narrow down my style. I have so many pandemic purchases that are so wrong for me. &nbsp;I am aiming for a cohesive wardrobe, more thoughtful shopping (less sale shopping) and less wardrobe orphans (I have a few ...)</p> <p>One day I will be brave enough to post a WIW photo! &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334609 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:50:08 +0000 Angie 2334609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP, </b>loving how focused you are this year! And how much you're learning......and restraining Steps in the right direction as you build a wardrobe you are truly happy with.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for shopping mistakes - we all make them! I've made a couple with uncomfy shoes this year. Delayed disasters as<b> unfrumped </b>cleverly calls them. <i>What can you do? </i>I personally learn best the hard way it seems!</p> <p>Love the pretty pearl bracelet and how they match the shoes! Splendid to find perfect tanks at an affordable price. KILLER jeans, and the jacket colour is fabulous on you! Like a sour olive? Effectively crisped with the white, and lovely with your red hair. Please carry on.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334608 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:45:57 +0000 LJP 2334608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy , as humorous as your comment is, there's something &nbsp;there that's very true! &nbsp;Exaggerated styles, in footwear, in blouses, in pants, whatever it is, are not inherently relaxing and easy. &nbsp;And that's these two pieces in a nutshell: &nbsp;too complicated and too much to be "chill". &nbsp;</p> <p>And thank you all for the comments on the linen jacket! &nbsp;It's actually about 2 sizes too big - I procrastinated in buying it because it wasn't a need and it was a little spendy , so when I finally decided to pull the trigger my size was gone. I actually don't mind it oversized as it lends that air of casualness and ease I like. &nbsp;And it's the perfect example of quality linen vs the cheaper stuff: &nbsp;it has been tossed on the bed after wearing, (at one point one of the cats was laying on it - lol) , etc and it isn't soggy and wrinkly looking. Absolutely NOT precious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334594 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:51:18 +0000 Vildy 2334594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>for me, the problem with exaggerated styles is you can feel you have to keep striking a pose in them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334592 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:40:09 +0000 Dee 2334592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the cut and colour of this linen jacket on you. I like that the neckline of this jacket has no collar and works well with your tank's neckline. That's always an area of concern for me with toppers. The jacket also balances well with your cropped jeans. </p> <p>I'm not good with exaggerated styles either. I become too self conscious wearing them. </p> <p>Well done keeping the shopping in check, hard to win them all though but lessons are learned from these errors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334586 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:58:51 +0000 ChristelJ 2334586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful outfit colors on you. That is one gorgeous jacket, I love the cropped jeans, and the sandals add a nice gleam, in my view. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334582 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:49:13 +0000 Vildy 2334582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, that BR striped shirt looks like a lightweight summer topper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334577 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:29:22 +0000 Janet 2334577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Asking along with Kelly for a little of your shopping restraint! I’ve had a run this summer. Time to take a break. I also need some of that closet edit mojo. I had a small burst of that energy the other day and put a couple of tops and a dress that I’m not feeling anymore in the donate pile, and I know I should probably do more. </p> <p>Your outfit looks great and very you! Fab jacket color and style and now that I’m back home, I’m sorely missing the whole notion of a jacket in summer (94 degrees and humid yesterday — we escaped to the theater to see Oppenheimer after I got home from my studio). </p> <p>I love how analytical and focused you are being with your wardrobe and style lately. I love that BR shirt for you and don’t see it as any more oversized than, say, the jacket you’re wearing here, but I understand it feels different in a jacket than a shirt. I am trying to get more emotionally comfortable with a more oversized shirt like that myself, without defaulting to tying it at the waist or semi-tucking it. Not always easy. </p> <p>I got the lower profile Sorel sandals in black and white, and wore them happily in Europe, but they need better padding on the front strap to prevent rubbing — the pads I put in shifted and failed after hours of walking. I ordered some moleskin to try. I think those shoes are really cool-looking and I’m bummed they didn’t work for you. Do you think the bright white combined with the chunky silhouette has made them a fail? Would a different color like the tan work better with your latest color palette? Or are you just happier with a less prominent shoe? </p> <p>Nonetheless, you are looking great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334571 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 08:43:14 +0000 pirouette 2334571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the linen jacket the colour is perfect on you.I understand your feelings about the sandals. I bought chunky sandals from All Saints and never wore them. I am very small and big chunky sandals look great on some people but I look awful in them. I actually keep a journal and write lists of fashion mistakes I make, I re read them every so often and it helps avoid repeating mistakes&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334544 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 04:02:59 +0000 kellygirl 2334544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab linen jacket! That's my kind of topper - although not my color, I don't think. The palette looks like late summer to me with the green and gold. It's so pretty! &nbsp;Seems like the perfect outfit before the transition to fall.&nbsp;<br />Glad that you are hanging on to the BR blouse. I think it's worth trying next summer - maybe your feelings about it will change. As for the sandals, they seem like they would work well with shorts for summer activities. I'd be inclined to keep if they're comfortable for walking instead of trying to incorporate them into your work capsule...</p> <p>I'm admiring your shopping restraint. Can you send some over to me please?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334538 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 03:46:29 +0000 LJP 2334538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla - the shirt over tank look is not for me , even though it’s a logical option here . I’ve never liked it for myself . Appreciate the thought though ! </p> <p>Irina - someone on the forum likened wide vertical stripes to a circus tent and now that’s all I see . But you’re right , I prefer a narrower stripe when I wear one at all . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334533 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 02:54:52 +0000 Irina 2334533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the linen jacket, very much your style in cut and color.&nbsp;<div>I realized some time ago that I can’t do wider stripes, only the thin ones, maybe be it’s your case, too.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334532 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 02:46:19 +0000 Carol 2334532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great point about exaggerated silhouettes. Those types of shoes would not look good on me. You really need to be 100% in if you're going to be wearing shoulderpads, harem pants, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334528 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 02:26:55 +0000 Carla 2334528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the brown and white striped BR top, and you could wear it with those jeans. &nbsp;Also, try it as a topper worn over a white tank top. &nbsp;I think you gravitate towards oversized looks when you see them in editorial, but you struggle to style them IRL. &nbsp;</p> <p>We are still experiencing HOT and humid days with temps in the high 20’s and ‘feels like’ low 30’s. &nbsp;I’m going to milk summer for all its worth. &nbsp;I’m in shorts and loose tops, and linen on repeat!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334515 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 01:14:50 +0000 Jaime 2334515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you have learned a lot about where you want to be with your style, and even your mistakes can be reframed as lessons learned. Your outfit look great to me - I don't really see the country club vibe with the shoes, but what do I know about country clubs? The linen jacket looks particularly good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-wrap-up-and-wiw-81223#post-2334511 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 00:56:40 +0000 LJP 2334511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know it's only mid-August, but <b>I'm done with summer</b> . June was really hot, July not great, and August has been all over the place.   I'm <b>ready for a switch of colours and fabrics,</b> and looking forward to seeing what I can do with my existing fall wardrobe (it's all packed away and a major edit will be in order as I did for my spring /summer collection) . I'm itching to do <b>some home decor change-ups too </b>- but I'm sitting on my hands for another 2 weeks .</p> <p>I live in a <b>true 4 season climate, </b>and by this time of year, the <b>light is already changing</b> and getting lower and softer.  I went out today for some typical Saturday stuff , wearing what ended up feeling wrong for this time of year (see pics below)  ....in other words, a little out of sync with the light. White and gold and espadrille-type sandals all say summer, and this felt a little late now.  Funny how this happens so abruptly !  </p> <p>Thinking about my spring and summer wardrobe, there were really only <b>two major "fails"</b> in terms of purchases:  the <b>striped BR shirt</b>, and the <b>chunky Sorel sandals</b>.  I was open to<b> replacing two of my olive </b><b>summer dresses</b> (one was now a bit too big and the other too short) <b>with one new one</b>, but never did find one that met my criteria.  I ended up being a little short in statement-y /"going out " summer tops .  I will look for one or two for next summer . I also could have used a pair of <b>lightweight pants in a colour</b>  other than my white jeans.  I <b>wasn't sold</b> on the <b>whole linen set idea</b> and linen pants in general - I have two pair of black ones that are great and that I wear to work , but I'm not crazy about linen pants in wheat/flax-y tones . Maybe I'll find a cotton olive green or rust for next summer . Speaking of linen - I <b>never did</b> <b>wear my two linen boyfriend shirts</b> (one in black and one in white).  I couldn't settle on styling that I felt good in so they sat in my closet unworn all summer.  </p> <p><b>Back to the purchasing fails</b>:</p> <p>1. <b>the striped BR shirt</b> : it wasn't inexpensive, and that's the part that irks me.  Every single time I put it on , I took it off again. I think it was a <b>combination of colour</b> (too soft a brown and wide vertical stripes just don't please my eye) <b>and style</b> (a lot of collar and cuff that felt too much to wear even around the house. I won't part with it this year, and will see what I think of it next summer but I don't have high hopes for it. </p> <p>2.<b> Sorel sandals: </b> I know a few of you have these, but I think you all have the lower profile version. Mine are <b>quite exaggerated </b>and are a different style .   Anyways, another sunk cost that irks me. I persevered through the summer, wearing them to work maybe 5-6 times, but I just can't with them. I <b>don't have an eye for exaggerated silhouettes in anything</b>, shoes included, and this is just too much for me.  I felt uber-aware of them all the time, despite their comfort, and mildly embarrassed to be wearing them.  I have to be careful going forward into fall and winter that any new shoes/boots aren't too chunky and exaggerated. It just doesn't work on me and isn't a look I aspire to.  <b>Note: oversize is not the same as exaggerated - in my mind .</b></p> <p>Lessons learned, but at a cost.  </p> <p><b>To wrap up : I was pleased with my restrained consumption,</b> and <b>pleased with how much I wore my trusty basics</b> (denim shorts, linen short sleeved woven t's, elevated basic t's) without thinking I needed more or different.  I didn't miss having so many pair of sandals and sneakers - was fine with what I had.  </p> <p>Today's outfit:</p> <p>linen jacket (a new  "forever piece" I hope) - WhiteStuff UK<br /> ribbed tank - H&amp;M - I have a stack of these in white and black - fit is perfect<br /> jeans  - Tribal<br /> sandals - Sam Edelman - don't love these anymore as they feel too country-club for the look I aspire to but they are uber comfortable and still in good shape after 5 years <br /> bag - Matt &amp; Nat </p> <p>Thanks for reading and I appreciate all thoughts and comments ! </p>