https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:04:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind/page/2#post-2214618 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 22:05:41 +0000 Sally 2214618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to say the one I don't need but Angie made a great point and need is relative.&nbsp; I am like others who leave it behind due to fabric quality, too hard to incorporate in my wardrobe and not fitting properly.&nbsp; I also leave things behind that are out of my comfort zone. Someone else might say it looks good and its something I like, but I think I will feel uncomfortable wearing in public.&nbsp; I like my clothes to be forgettable so if I think I'm going to be self aware of the outfit, I'll leave it behind.&nbsp; Probably why I have too many jeans and not enough fancy stuff.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind/page/2#post-2214594 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 16:31:45 +0000 bj1111 2214594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the opposite problem of “making things work” so I need to listen to my intuition that one thing that is minimally annoying now will prevent me from wearing it later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind/page/2#post-2214441 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 22:03:05 +0000 Irina 2214441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Gaylene</b>, your last sentence resonates with me so much! I call myself “an intuitive dresser who doesn’t trust intuition “ I trust my logic more.<br />Maybe I should trust my instincts more.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind/page/2#post-2214428 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 21:11:48 +0000 Gaylene 2214428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What would make me leave the item behind?— I don’t <i>love</i> it.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I guess my response is similar to Angie’s—for me, the perfect item comes with something that touches my soul. It could be the shape and color, the wittiness of the design, the associations that are aroused within me—or simply the pleasure I feel every time I see the item. All those qualities you list are definitely important, but, ultimately, my best wardrobe decisions have always been made quite easily because it’s my instincts and feelings which make me certain I’m on the right track. The item just seems RIGHT for me. It’s when my head starts trying to come up with reasons that I get off track…</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214377 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:02:44 +0000 Angie 2214377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina,</b> to answer your question about NEED and EMOTION.</p> <p>It depends how you determine <i>need.</i> If you enjoy fashion and dressing, then your "needs" are greater than of those who don't. You only live once. If not now - when? :)</p> <p>Personally, I am a very emotional person, but my discipline and the need for balance tempers the emotion.&nbsp; So I ask myself - how much do I love this item? I let my heart guide my head, and ultimately follow my feelings. Hence Organized Emotional Shopping.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214356 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 17:18:31 +0000 nuancedream 2214356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have walked away from many "perfect" items simply because, like Bijou, I already have a similar item that meets the need. Those items tend to be statement pieces or hero pieces. I have to mightily resist my tendency to be attracted to pieces that don't always work well with what's already in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214343 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 16:18:13 +0000 JAileen 2214343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why I would leave something behind:<br />1. It’s a duplicate of something I already have.<br />2. The fabric content is bad - all polyester. for example - it’s not perfect after all.<br />3. &nbsp;Care is wrong - dry clean only, for example - it’s not perfect after all.<br />4. &nbsp;Price is too high - it’s not perfect after all.<br />5. &nbsp;It doesn’t fit in my very casual life - it’s not perfect after all.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214335 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 14:51:39 +0000 Bijou 2214335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The main reason is because I don't need it - I already have something (or more than one) that meets that need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214280 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:02:50 +0000 Jaime 2214280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabric content and re-sale value are my main filters. I am never quite sure about something until I try it on at home, so I need to know I can re-coup my investment (most of my shopping is thrift so non-returnable). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214263 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:59:22 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2214263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabric content or care are the big ones that cause me to leave things </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214209 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 01:25:04 +0000 Irina 2214209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Certainly, food for thought. I’m going to re-read this thread again and use some of your questions to make a decision about a couple of new and returnable sweaters I consider.<br />Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214166 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 23:18:27 +0000 Brooklyn 2214166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to rule something out that works in terms of fit, flattery and price because of fabric content (this happens often), comfort, duplication (unless I want to stock on something in preparation for the inevitable drought years eg teal), low quality, suspect provenance, low utility. </p> <p>For non-essentials, I’m aiming to reduce wardrobe churn, so what I ask myself is:<br /> * how unique is it? Is it a thing of beauty that I love and that I’m unlikely to find again.<br /> * how timeless/trend proof is it? Is it a very “now” look or can I potentially enjoy it for years to come? Are there aspects to the garment that are likely to date it or make me tire of it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214164 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 23:16:48 +0000 Anonymous 2214164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's generally not needing it/low PUPY value/priority. Or if at the higher end "is this worth the _# of hours I had to work for it?"<br /> Fabric content too- does it itch (ahem pretty alpaca sweater) or how much care does it need? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214160 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 23:08:52 +0000 DonnaF 2214160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Jonesy, I rarely shop at bricks’n’mortar stores. I have a few sweaters on order from NAS with mysterious fabrication elements so if all else works I will have to research them. I will not buy DCO items; same goes for acrylic and heavily acrylic items.</p> <p>I have a few, uh well more than a few pairs of NAS/sale footwear arriving within the next week. I have feet that are hard to fit comfortably plus I have a major case of FOMO. Technically, I really don’t NEED any of them at this very instant, so the question will be how much use would I get from any pair that actually fits and particularly whether it will improve the look of an outfit over another pair of footwear I already own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214142 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:15:17 +0000 Sal 2214142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Either just no real need or duplication or sometimes uncertainty. If I am unsure to me this is a reason to wait 24 hours and reconsider. Mostly I move on, a few times I have gone back and purchased (usually I phone up) and once I think I missed out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214141 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:08:58 +0000 Sloper 2214141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Probably if it's a duplication I'd get strict with myself and talk myself out of it. Maybe. ;-)</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214123 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 19:50:18 +0000 Anonymous 2214123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The SAs attitude kept me from getting a sweater. &nbsp;She said, &nbsp;“you can’t afford this sweater.” &nbsp;I was shocked. &nbsp;Most of the questions you ask yourself would be those I would ask. &nbsp;If I already have something similar, I might ask if this piece would be an upgrade that should be made. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214096 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:51:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m pleased with myself for leaving a dress behind today. It was half cotton, half silk. A fully-lined gentle shift, loosely fitting in a way people on YLF would cheer about. It was cream-colored with a large sort of wispy/conceptual orchid in a shade of brown I don’t usually see that might work for me on its own, and could certainly be combined with a couple lilac/berry things in my closet.<br /> It was several sizes too big, so bringing it down to size would require someone who understood how it was intended to flow. Seeing as the place selling it was advertising that they do alterations, I thought they could figure it out. The killer was that the original price was 50€. The fact that it was marked down to 19 didn’t bother me; that happens towards the end of the season. But if it started that low, I assume the silk and cotton came from the cheapest sort available, with no attention to environmental effects, health and safety of workers, or anything else. I have so many things to wear already; I couldn’t see getting good vibes when I put the dress on.</p> <p>I’m surprised at comments about leaving behind a “perfect” item because of fabric or other comfort issues. To me, those imperfections are huge strikes against a thing and would not lead to that wistful walking-away-from-a-good-thing feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214087 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:55:17 +0000 cat2 2214087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it’s not readily visually distinguishable from what I already have. For example, I always have a few crisp white cotton poplin tops, but won’t bring home another if I already have one in a similar cut. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214085 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:46:13 +0000 Jonesy 2214085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's weird: Since I almost never shop at a real store (I am buying almost exclusively online now), I don't have this experience! I am very picky about what I keep, though, based on all of the usual criteria (fit, quality, uniqueness, fills a gap, beauty, etc.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214064 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:38:43 +0000 nemosmom 2214064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy wins! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214060 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:23:17 +0000 Helena 2214060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg Rachy ... totally there on the snob comment lol! A salesperson was dismissive of my sister in an Esprit once, in high school, and I didn't start shopping there again until I was in my early 30s lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214056 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:10:57 +0000 Anonymous 2214056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Out snobbed = rachylou for the comment of the day . </p> <p>I’ve left many a perfect piece behind from simply not needing it . Or it being too similar to something I already have . Agreeing with the comment already posted re having to buy something else to make it work . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214054 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:09:58 +0000 slim cat 2214054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found a dress recently that was pretty, perfect fabrication, nice shape and color, good price. I left it behind for the two reasons : <br />- the soft belt was shifting all the time and needed some kind of magic trick to stay in right place ;<br />- dresses are rarely worn in my wardrobe since I prefer separates - strong chance I won't reach for it more that ones or twice.&nbsp;<br />The fussiness of the belt was probably the deciding factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214052 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:07:27 +0000 Irina 2214052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, I find that I ask similar questions but hesitant when it comes to Need and Emotions. When it comes to need, I’m at the point that there is no serious need, I have enough clothes to survive a number of years without shopping. Probably, with only one exception - shoes, I’m hard on them and need to replace often.<br />So, would emotions outweigh the need if all other requirements are met?<div><br /></div><div>Am I going too deep? :)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214050 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:01:54 +0000 rachylou 2214050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Weird chemical smells definitely. But tbh, the only truly perfect thing I ever left behind was because of a ridiculous sales person… I will not be out-snobbed, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214048 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:53:37 +0000 Angie 2214048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina</b>, you are full of fab questions and musings!</p> <p>I tackle questions about these points:</p> <ul> <li><b></b>Colour</li> <li>Fabric<b></b></li> <li>Quality</li> <li>Fit</li> <li>Sustainability</li> <li>Need</li> <li>Emotion</li> <li>Does it work with what I have?</li> </ul> <p>Is it worth the price, and is it within my budget? </p> <p>New items need to earn their place in my wardrobe. Some items get more drilled than others - like shoes.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214033 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:31:04 +0000 nemosmom 2214033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>oooh this is a great question!&nbsp; Nodding along with others, I will add a couple:&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Do I have to buy another piece to make this work, or will it seamlessly slip into my existing wardrobe?&nbsp; <br /></div><div>And, if I buy this today, how soon can I wear it?&nbsp; If I am looking out TOO far ahead, or if I need a specific reason to wear it, I might pause...&nbsp; <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214032 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:29:19 +0000 LaPed 2214032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The tactile factor/fabric content is a big one for me as well. Fussy care requirements too. I pretty much don't buy animal fiber knits at retail these days because I'm not willing to roll the dice on pilling; I stick to thrift store sweaters that have already been put through their paces.&nbsp; Weird chemical smells are a turn-off too. I've returned a few items over the past year that refused to air out.</p> <p>I'm trying to get better about picking out small design details that will bother me in the long run: too small or oddly placed pockets, finicky zippers, poorly attached buttons, loose knits that look like they will snag easily, necklines that are just too wide or just too tight...&nbsp;</p> <p>I definitely don't <i>need</i> any more clothes for my current lifestyle. Barring a move or a job change, I'll be able to get on fine for years with what I have. If I buy something, it needs to have a clearly defined purpose or be something that I love unequivocally. If it meets both criteria, all the better!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/that-perfect-piece-you-leave-behind#post-2214025 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:13:25 +0000 Preppy Pear 2214025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm…what you and what Helena said, if I already have enough of that item, unless it’s a big improvement on what I already have. I have a big FOMO that I’m working on, though! </p> <p>Oh, I thought of something- return policy. If I can’t return it after trying it on at home away from store lighting and mirrors, it’s a no-go. </p>