https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:51:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion/page/2#post-2265524 Tue, 31 May 2022 14:20:25 +0000 BlueJay 2265524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the article yet because I don't want it to influence my answer, although I have read some comments and get the gist. </p> <p>Irina has a point re: our "eye" changes to adjust to fashion over time. I like that and can think of many examples such as women wearing pants instead of dresses or skirts being "risky." Also, "protest fashion" comes to mind:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thecollector.com/how-social-movements-activism-influenced-fashion-history/">https://www.thecollector.com/h.....n-history/</a>&nbsp;for which some people were even jailed for taking sartorial risks. "Pushing the envelope" can make us, and others grow and change and I think that is a good thing.</p> <p>However, back to the more lighthearted, red carpet risks, I agree it's subjective to what is "risky." I like bright colours and I wear them regularly, but some think it's a "risky" choice, particularly in a sea of black, grey and navy, but I don't mind and even get compliments.</p> <p>As an aside, Rhianna's maternity clothing choices were very risky (or risqué), perhaps even shocking, yet so very interesting, wonderful and creative.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion/page/2#post-2265508 Tue, 31 May 2022 13:28:06 +0000 ChristelJ 2265508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Enjoying this thread so much, and people's personal definitions of risk. I am very safe dresser with an aversion to standing out too quickly. Even subtle changes can feel risky to some of us. So much of it is what one is used to. Wearing volume on volume is something I'm drawn to that feels risky to me right now, as opposed to balancing volume with something fitted each time. Even small experiments can be fun and feel creative. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2265488 Tue, 31 May 2022 11:28:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2265488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gave one example of “risky is in the eye of the beholder” in my first reply. Yesterday my son &amp; I found another one &amp; it made me laugh. Last summer, Sloper encouraged me to try a top with more volume with a certain pair of pants. I did; she said “more volume”. She really didn’t think that blouse was poofy at all. I put it on yesterday and my son said I was trying to look Edwardian with the puffy shoulders and mutton sleeves. He started talking in a ridiculous fake uppity/old-fashioned accent. Same top on (pretty much) the same body, interpreted two different ways. I tend to agree with him, wouldn’t wear that blouse if I wasn’t ready for attention. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2265137 Sun, 29 May 2022 02:10:28 +0000 Indigoprint 2265137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am not a risk taker. I do not want my clothes to draw attention to me. But I do like some fun things....Stompy boots, frayed jeans , flowing linen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2265097 Sun, 29 May 2022 00:34:53 +0000 Lana 2265097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I want to try something risky, I often try it out by buying it cheap on Poshmark for example, and if it works, I’ll get a replacement later that’s better quality and donate the first item. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes it bombs but regardless I haven’t risked too much money on something I’m not sure about.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264755 Fri, 27 May 2022 15:39:47 +0000 Angie 2264755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla</b>, fun to see the Cannes red carpet! I like all of the looks in an OTT way. It's a different bench mark - like the Met Ball. And to your point, fashion risks are 100% relative and in the eye of the beholder.</p> <p>Laughing @ <b>JenniNZ :)</b></p> <p>I'd wear an OTT look to that type of event because it's the dress code and all in good fun. I'd laugh the whole thing off!</p> <p>In terms of everyday style - I am a natural risk taker with colour mixing, and wearing lots of white. I'm also dressy, and stick to my guns about it. High fiving,&nbsp;<b>Bijou</b>! I don't think twice about these "risky" decisions because they are completely authentic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am a modest dresser. I generally do not take risks showing skin. I also don't enjoy wearing super fitted looks from top to toe. As hubs Greg says, "covering up is your thing".&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264744 Fri, 27 May 2022 14:29:21 +0000 Roberta 2264744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet has hit it - it might look risky (risqué?) to others but feel comfortable to you. I radically change my hair every year. I've shaved it, gone asymmetrical, been many different colors, et cetera. But that feels comfortable to me. I don't think i take a lot of risks with my wardrobe, although because I've had so much practice with color and pattern and style, it might look risky to other people. If you regularly hear the comment "Wow, I never would have tried that myself but it looks great", I guess you are taking some risks. </p> <p> I look at someone like Iris Apfel, and think to myself, now that is someone who is a regular risk taker. And risky for Des Plaines, Illinois is definitely ho-hum for Paris. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264729 Fri, 27 May 2022 11:53:45 +0000 approprio 2264729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh. I like them all. (Well, most of them. There are a couple where I feel the proportions are ‘off’ in a way that seems not quite intentional, and maybe I’d prefer Yseult’s dress in a bright colour rather than plain white, but that’s a quibble etc etc…)</p> <p>Anyway. I’m a natural experimenter, so I like a calculated risk. A ‘risk’ in my book is an uncomfortable shoe when I need to walk more than a few hundred yards. Or laundering where it says ‘dry clean only.’ For the rest, I’m always willing to try new things to know whether or not they will work. The risk, right there, is churn, as Brooklyn points out, but I think I know myself well enough by now to know when to commit myself, and when to walk away.&nbsp;It all comes back to the risks and rewards of living. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264725 Fri, 27 May 2022 11:45:41 +0000 Anonymous 2264725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't say I wear anything that risky, though definitely did more in the past. I'm definitely not full on classic, but am not trying to call attention to myself either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264715 Fri, 27 May 2022 10:17:19 +0000 Jenni NZ 2264715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t like any of those outfits, pretty much. So I think my answer is No. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264701 Fri, 27 May 2022 04:59:22 +0000 Brooklyn 2264701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I’m not exactly out there like in those red carpet looks, I always try to keep an open mind about fashion and trends. I enjoy experimenting and mixing classic with not so classic. If you wait until a happy consensus forms around a trend or look, you will end up being a classic dresser. I am willing to take some risks in pursuit of look that is more unique/interesting/novel/personal. The harder part is doing it in a way that doesn’t lead to waste/churn (as in trying a look, then deciding it’s not for you, or trying too many looks). I also find that with age that I worry more about looking a bit mad (eg when I pattern mix) or like mutton (eg when I wear figure skimming outfits) but I try to suppress those doubts. To me, posting WIW outfits here is taking a big risk with fashion. And I respect everyone who does it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264699 Fri, 27 May 2022 04:50:51 +0000 Carla 2264699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ cjh - the article, and the&nbsp;<i>very&nbsp;</i>unusual red carpet fashion was just the jumping off point for a thought exercise on my part! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I think I have been somewhat risk averse the past two years, and now I’m coming out of that mind set, and feeling ready to experiment. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264697 Fri, 27 May 2022 04:48:28 +0000 Jessikams 2264697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a huge believer in taking risks with self presentation. It’s an art form after all! Clothing, makeup, hair, nails…. All can add visual interest or even conceptual challenge to the world around you.</p> <p>I understand that many people don’t want to make the time or brain space to think about fashion—- that’s totally cool, it’s just not a priority for everybody. But nothing makes me sadder or more frustrated than folks who say “oh I could never pull off that hairstyle” or whatever. That kind of timidity is so limiting and to me it seems linked to low self esteem. I say don’t be afraid to take up some space in the world! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264690 Fri, 27 May 2022 03:53:51 +0000 Anonymous 2264690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably do it all the time but don’t care. &nbsp;I dress to please myself. &nbsp;As long as I feel attractive and confident, I don’t really care if I am looking stylish. &nbsp;It has been a leap of faith to wear something I have not worn before like a leather moto jacket or very shiny shoes but I take that leap of faith and it becomes normal over time until I think nothing of it. &nbsp;The eye adjusts. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264689 Fri, 27 May 2022 02:58:54 +0000 Jaime 2264689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, agree with Janet, risk is relative. I think I am relatively risk friendly - I let me hair go grey before it was mainstream where I live, my haircut is noteworthy, I wear a lot of unexpected (for my age and lifestyle) pieces. I will try an unflattering or strange looking piece at least once, even though I work part-time at a very public facing job with a very outspoken public (cough, cough). I would not wear a very body con or skin revealing outfit, and never did, but that is probably my main limitation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264681 Fri, 27 May 2022 02:03:05 +0000 Janet 2264681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Risk is in the eye of the beholder! LOL What’s risky for one person is tame for another. Risk to me means stepping out of your comfort zone. Risk of what? Of being looked at critically or someone laughing or thinking you look silly or wrong? Wearing something unflattering? Or something that doesn’t convey the message you really want to send to the world for a given occasion? </p> <p>That said, I’m willing to take certain risks. Certain bold patterns or cuts, occasionally. Bold rings. Distinctive pieces that have a bit of edge. But I’m a risk in moderation person. I don’t like pushing into “unflattering” territory — that’s a way in which I’m not willing to go far from my comfort zone. </p> <p>It’s hard to imagine wearing any of the outfits in that piece because I’m not those women — I don’t have their bodies or personalities or their lifestyles. I would look ridiculous in those outfits unless they were refashioned in some way. And of course I’m never going to be on the red carpet at Cannes. It’s way easier to take a big risk when everyone else around you is going bold too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264679 Fri, 27 May 2022 01:40:28 +0000 cjh 2264679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taking what some might consider a fashion risk is higher on my priority right now. Because I have purchased some wide leg crop jeans, and made some of my own shirts lately, and started wearing non-church clothes to church (wear what I don’t have to change out of when I get home, meaning no more black dress slacks and business casual tops), AND the phrase “if not now, when?” playing in my head, I’ve taken the risk of putting on those trendier (but resonating with my teenage 70s hippie wannabe, artist-creative-playful attitude) items and mixing different things more than I used to,&nbsp;</p> <p>I have not yet checked the link to see what you’re really talking about… the word risky engaged my thinking and made me respond. </p> <p>Edit: Oh, now I looked at the article. I will say, I would likely never take the risk to wear anything like those outfits shown, because I’ll never attend an event like that. Those do not fit my life. I feel I still want to fit my clothing to my life, even if I am a&nbsp;little quirkier, bolder or attention getting.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264675 Fri, 27 May 2022 00:45:41 +0000 slim cat 2264675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a risk taker - it would take certain effort to bring changes to my wardrobe ( sizes and fabrics that I need not wildly available ).&nbsp;<br />I enjoy seeing the fun outfits at Cannes but it might be a bit specific to that particular venue ( except Tilda and Noomi - always surprise ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264674 Fri, 27 May 2022 00:18:31 +0000 Bijou 2264674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy wearing bright colours or items that add fun or glamour to a look, so for me those are my risky items. Often it is a distinctive accessory, such as shoe or bag for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264673 Thu, 26 May 2022 23:38:08 +0000 Carla 2264673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ SF - ‘getting attention’….<i>right! &nbsp;</i>I guess I see taking a risk with fashion is about taking a chance at being&nbsp;<i>seen</i>. &nbsp;Not necessarily ‘look at me’ but maybe revealing a little bit about who and what a person is all&nbsp;about and how you interact with the world around you vs passing through incognito?</p> <p>@ Judy - very much agree, &nbsp;Especially about breaking the ‘old’ rules. &nbsp;I think that is some of what juxtaposition in outfit combinations is all about. &nbsp;Tilda’s outfit is very much about who and what she seems to be on the regular. &nbsp;I don’t know enough about the others to know if the looks are signature to their style, or ‘one of’. &nbsp;ie chasing the Instagram moment as @ RoseandJoan wrote. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>Interesting that two nouns provided under the definition of risk were: ‘possibility’ and ‘chance’… </p> <p> <div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264671 Thu, 26 May 2022 22:47:25 +0000 Sloper 2264671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, that as you say, taking risks is very relative.&nbsp; What celebs wear on the red carpet is one thing, what I wear to the mall is another ;-)</p> <p>Liking and relating to <b>ChewySpaghetti:<i></i></b><br /><i></p> <p>I feel like being a larger person, and a woman of a certain age makes me stand out somewhat, anyway....if I don't dress just like everyone else, anyway. I might as well wear what I want and have fun with it if I am going to stick out.<br /></i><b></p> <p></b>Loved Rossy de Palma!<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264668 Thu, 26 May 2022 21:41:15 +0000 Sal 2264668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's an interesting concept and hard to quantify - and my perceptions of risk could be quite different to others.&nbsp; I am not particularly avante garde in my style (not at all).&nbsp; Things I do that others might see as more risky<br />- bold colours or patterns<br />- something that is not in fashion (for example I wore looser jeans often when everyone else was in skinnies) or something more fashion forward (my pleated brown high waist trousers feel this way)<br />- showing some cleavage or bra strap on occasions</p> <p>But I don't think anyone would see me as especially risky in my clothing...</p> <p>People/celebrities I see this way are - Lady Gaga, Harry Styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264666 Thu, 26 May 2022 21:18:14 +0000 judy 2264666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to take risks with clothes. (In fact, now that I think about it, I have friends who live life in a much more risk taker way than I do, but are quite conservative dressers.&nbsp; Hmmm...)&nbsp; There are so many ways to do it...in color or texture or proportion....challenging some of those "rules" that those of us of a certain age grew up with...remember when your coat was supposed to be the same length as your dress (?!) for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Lately for me, it plays out with proportion the most, like layering, or wearing somewhat oversize items.&nbsp; It's so fun to give ourselves permission to play and be creative.&nbsp; After all, what's the worst that can happen?&nbsp; Glad I don't have to be scrutinized on a red carpet! :)&nbsp; I find no one but me actually cares what I wear these days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>That white dress on Tilda Swinton!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264665 Thu, 26 May 2022 21:03:16 +0000 Irina 2264665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t even know what kind of risks I might be tempted to take. Wearing something unusual and attention grabbing? I don’t have occasions where I could potentially wear something experimental. Wearing something that I like but it is outside of my comfort zone? Nothing really comes to mind. I wore an oversized summer dress last year and thought I’m pushing an envelope. But I’ve looked at the photos recently and the dress looks ok, I’m used to the look now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264664 Thu, 26 May 2022 20:59:17 +0000 RoseandJoan 2264664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry, I couldn't get past the word "pantaboots", for some reason I find it so irrationality enraging! </p> <p>Calming down...some of these looks feel very in keeping with the actors style (Tilda Swinton, Noomi Rapace), whereas others look as though they are chasing an Instagram moment.</p> <p>I don't mind standing out or wearing something different but I would hate to wear something that may be laughed at or sneered at, so I guess I am not as free in my choices as I would like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264658 Thu, 26 May 2022 19:42:21 +0000 Carla 2264658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tilda Swinton’s dress is kind of Cos-like, but then the fish-tail bottom harkens back to old Hollywood. &nbsp;I think it’s kind of brilliant. &nbsp; And, I actually&nbsp;<i>really&nbsp;</i>like Yseult’s white coat dress. &nbsp;It’s like daytime armour. &nbsp;If I could find a knit top with a turtleneck or high scoop neck that had quilting or low profile ‘cones’ I’d be interested! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264656 Thu, 26 May 2022 19:23:16 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2264656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I do take risks...I'm not very interested in conventional fashion (and by that I am referring to haute cutoir and luxury brands). I feel like being a larger person, and a woman of a certain age makes me stand out somewhat, anyway....if I don't dress just like everyone else, anyway. I might as well wear what I want and have fun with it if I am going to stick out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264655 Thu, 26 May 2022 19:22:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2264655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RL, is risqué risky? I don’t think so anymore, at least not on a red carpet, probably even less so at Cannes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264653 Thu, 26 May 2022 19:14:21 +0000 rachylou 2264653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rather a wide variety of risk there in the article! Most of the risks were oddity as opposed to risqué, to my mind. Which is perhaps a sign of the times. I like risks that are about fun, joie de vivre </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-risks-with-fashion#post-2264651 Thu, 26 May 2022 18:51:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2264651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, yeah, getting attention on the red carpet at Cannes requires being a little out there somehow. </p> <p>I don’t think I take risks with what I wear, but I think other people think I do. It goes the other way too—some things feel as “unrisky” as can be to some people but make me feel I’m on a tightrope. Your Bretagne stripes are one example. </p>