YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Challenge is Part of the Fun

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Challenge is Part of the Fun https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:10:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Marlene on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun/page/2#post-1570564 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:27:17 +0000 Marlene 1570564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi!   And to follow-up on my comment about trends from Angie's first post on this thread.  I think that Angie is right....sometimes the experimentation is fun.  Sometimes its fun to push your own boundaries and see if something new will work for you!  But then sometimes it becomes work and forced. I don't want to spend my day fussing and adjusting with my clothes.  (arms cold/torso hot, wind blowing up my poncho, water dribbling into my peep toes!) And I certainly do NOT want to have to buy all new under-pinnings and other garments just to make a trend work.   Its always a joy when you try something shiny and new and VIOLA!  it melds perfectly with your current closet. Its good to challenge yourself and stretch. That I agree with.  And I do like experimenting and seeing if something new can work.  But if it doesn't hit that sweet spot of new and melding, it may require too much work to make it work.  At that point, its no longer fun. Ginger on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun/page/2#post-1570497 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:26:07 +0000 Ginger 1570497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such good questions and responses! The last few months is the first time I've consciously tried a style refresh. Along the way, I've had a few narrow escapes from trying too hard to make a trend work for me. In the past, I've always SYC quite a bit, and tended to buy things when I discovered "holes" while putting outfits together. Ironically, that's made me somewhat an impulse buyer: I have an awesome outfit waiting in the wings! Fill that hole right now! So what unfrumped said about being intentional and getting the foundation in good shape first really resonated. For me, footwear was the single most important item; my closet is full of 1940s and 1940s-inspired shoes that work with my clothes, but are hard to style in more fashion-forward ways. Pointy toes and ankle straps were my first big step. Then oxfords, calf-high flat boots, and white sneakers followed. And in the last two weeks I've finally added booties. I'm also working on upgrading my basic leggings/stretchy pants capsule, since I spent so much time in it last winter. The discussion on making short tunics/long shirts work has been extremely helpful. I also noticed that I'm feeling drawn to trends a year or more after Angie first identifies them. Like Chelsea booties.  I was somewhat appalled to see how old her post was when I looked it up!  And the whole trend for booties with skirts and dresses, which was such a weird look two years ago, and I'm finally really wanting to try. The responses here encourage me that being a late adopter is just fine. And good thing, too, because I finally found my booties. I love them, I'm wearing them now for the first time, with a dress no less, and I'm thrilled. Style Fan on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun/page/2#post-1570465 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:44:35 +0000 Style Fan 1570465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great wisdom from Angie and the other forum members.  I didn't agree with the blogger about the trends.  I don't find ponchos hard to style.  I have a crossbody handbag and a clutch that work fine with my poncho.  Not a big deal.  I find a poncho is a great thing for certain days and it suits my style.  I also find culottes easy to style.  I have worn them on and off since high school.  No big deal. I have always loved fashion and clothes.  I love design and colour in general.  For me it is a hobby and it is fun. Sveta on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun/page/2#post-1570438 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:20:26 +0000 Sveta 1570438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it very much depends on a personality. For some people a challenge is a stress and for others it is a requirement of life - and I am not talking just fashion here. As we have different personalities it makes sense that we have different view of a new trend challenge. As for myself I am trying to keep an open mind before discarding the new thing. I have learned the lesson the first year when I joined YLF and it was about skinies.. Sure ihave seen b them before but it was so ingrained in my brain that they will never work for curvy me that I did not even try. Of course street examples how skinnies were worn by not very skinny women just confirmed my opinion about this trend. But the Angie and YLF came along and she convinced me to try, that it iis HOW you style the trend which matters - and she was right. Now skinnies are an infegral part of my style and it does nor take a lot of effort to style them ehen you already discovered what works for you. I am not trying to make any trend work for me but I have fun diung this for trends which peak my interest. Oh, and I want to defend culottes and sleeveless jackets from that articles: both of them were extremely wearable for me last winter and actually were style savers from the umiforn of skinnies tucked into boots. And it did not take much effort to get the styling work for me at all! I would like to encourage you to keep an open mind and at least try our the trends which are speaking for you. The worst thing we do in our life is when we engage in the negative thinking instead of trying: "oh, it will never work for me!" You may be surprised when you try! And yes, I am taking not only about fashion here :-) Sorry for the novel - I am sitting in the airpott and have nothing better to do :-) And yes Suz, we need to find the sleeveless tnecks for both of us! mrseccentric on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun/page/2#post-1570151 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 17:37:43 +0000 mrseccentric 1570151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smart words from our Fearless Leader and many smart observations from forum members as well. As in so many areas of life, the key is to know thyself. Some people love the challenge and find it a joyful diversion from life's other stresses and strains....while others find dressing stressful in and of itself. For them having one more thing to worry about is Not Fun At All! Figuring out on which end of the spectrum you fall makes life much more enjoyable. And FUN! skylurker on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1570150 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 16:57:33 +0000 skylurker 1570150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, it's helpful. It always takes me by surprise when - in capsule or "style goals" posts - you ask what trends we plan to incorporate this season? I never plan to incorporate trends. I end up trying and buying them anyway. Which make me feel brainwashed and bossed around. I don't think trendy people are fashion victims - they're engaged and passionate about fashion and they know what they're doing - it's people like me - who end up buying the notorious cerulean sweater without knowing why - that are fashion victims. sarah on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1570130 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 15:10:01 +0000 sarah 1570130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I think this is one of the best bits of wisdom you've ever posted. thank you. Sal on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1570033 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 01:46:27 +0000 Sal 1570033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember trying too hard in the past (some of the past being not all that distant).  And now I can identify a few trends that are too hard for me to make work for my climate/lifestyle/budget and shape!! Cropped pants I will try hard to make work. Cropped tops I suspect I will leave to others. Jaime on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1570011 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 00:59:14 +0000 Jaime 1570011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me fashion is a super fun hobby, but following trends (or not) is something I do for my personal amusement as very few people I see on a regular basis are tuned into fashion at all. I can imagine it would be more stressful if I felt external pressure to look a certain way. Caro in Oz on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569977 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 23:03:11 +0000 Caro in Oz 1569977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great advice (as always) Angie. To me the challenge of incorporating a new trend into my wardrobe is part of the fun of it all. Like Denise it's my casual lifestyle & climate that rule out a lot of trends. Carole on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569964 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:18:21 +0000 Carole 1569964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a good reminder, Angie. For someone that is not much of a trend seeker (love of classic pieces and workhorses), it does take a little more work and willingness to go outside comfort zones. Picking and choosing wisely the trends to try is great advice...after all, it can get a Little boring wearing FFBO's 24-7! Janet on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569960 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:07:37 +0000 Janet 1569960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good reminder. In the past I have been guilty of chasing trends a bit too much, trying to make them work to the point where I lose sight of the larger picture: my style, my body, and my life, and how a trend might work within that context. I enjoy a little bit of a challenge, stylewise, but once trying a trend means purchasing additional pieces to make it work, or waiting for a rare occasion-appropriate day to brave a new look, I often realize I'm chasing my tail. Up to that point, though, I can find it very fun! Once it becomes some sort of task or chore to try to make something work with my body or my existing wardrobe, the joy is lost. So I agree that there are degrees of challenge -- I'll save bigger challenges for my creative work pursuits, and keep my style challenges on a smaller scale. :-)  catgirl on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569950 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 21:35:47 +0000 catgirl 1569950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes. I don't need any more stress or frustration in my life these days, least of all from my closet. I've stuck with trying the culottes but I'm not sure that's going to work, and every one of the other trends listed is just not sensible for me. Except for ponchos which I've always loved and worn. It's only fun till it's not fun! Beth Ann on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569944 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 20:49:30 +0000 Beth Ann 1569944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wanted to add that my current fashion challenge is honing a greater sense of personal style, and fitting the trends into that mindset.   This is proving difficult, probably because it's related to the reinvention that is underway in other areas of my life.  That's OK.  I'll just go slow and enjoy the ride! Beth Ann on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569943 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 20:47:37 +0000 Beth Ann 1569943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm doing a lot of "life re-engineering" at the moment, and it may be good, but it's still hard.  When I'm feeling a bit distracted, or my mind has dissolved to stew, spending a few moments in my closet putting together new silhouettes, or searching for a perfect pair of booties online for a price my budget will allow, is a form of creative play that is relaxing and rewarding.  Outfit creation and exercise are a kind of "cross-training" for the creative work I do in my musical life, and the stakes are much lower, so I don't fear failure.  If it weren't for fashion, I'd be baking....... a whole lot. CocoLion on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569936 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 20:14:31 +0000 CocoLion 1569936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me it's not about the work-arounds needed to pull off a trend.  I agree Angie that's the fun part -- figuring out how to make it work on my body type, combining the trend with my existing wardrobe, and shopping for new pieces to complete the look. For me the barrier to trends is whether or not it's lifestyle and weather appropriate.  So while the blogger feels ponchos are a pain, they work beautifully for my lifestyle and climate.   But, the sleeveless jacket is too dressy for my needs, so it's a pass.  And I'm with Suz.  The sleeveless bulky turtleneck, totally impractical, but I want one too! Greyscale on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569928 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 19:31:10 +0000 Greyscale 1569928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great points. I have a lot of fun trying to take new trends and figure out how they could be adapted for my look - it's part of the fun I get out of having fairly tight constraints on what I wear. And the constraint itself (all black) is a fun game too. Of course, not all trends appeal to me, but one of the great things about YLF is the chance to see what trends people are making work for themselves. It gives me a lot of inspiration. rachylou on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569918 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 18:20:45 +0000 rachylou 1569918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Because I have such trendy tendencies, I've created a lot of one-off outfits in my life... I'd forget what I was about with them. Test driving trends on the cheap can be helpful and also mindfully considering them in light of one's own style... as opposed to just how good you can make yourself look... Carla on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569917 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 18:16:48 +0000 Carla 1569917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having joined in fashion fun late in life, I do like playing with the occaisional trend. Angie, you sum it up perfectly...'the challenge is part of the fun'. I don't mind a fashion challenge that makes me think or work out a problem. After your outfit post with the orange-red crop top, I was inspired to try the trend with an olive cropped short sleeved sweater and a string coloured cable knit. My short waist meant no major midriff baring, and the proportions were pleasing to my eye. Cooler weather now, but the tops are in rotation - over a neutral tank (tucked in) of over a longer shirt untucked. Stylish and classic clothing are always attractive, but a touch of trendiness helps elevate a look and signals a certain 'engagement' with the world. As an older fashionista, I appreciate the guidance and examples provided by Angie and the early adopting YLFabbers. Maneera on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569909 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 17:09:38 +0000 Maneera 1569909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wanted to add - trying new trends feels rewarding ONLY when you know that trend works for you on a LOT OF LEVELS. My love for fashion has played a huge huge role in my life. I don't know how to really explain it, but I'll try....People notice me more now because of the way I dress.....but it's ME they actually see....not my clothes, because they aren't louder than my actual personality. Does that make any sense to you? But the minute I try a trend that feels like it's too much effort, I feel like ME-the person - disappears behind the clothes...even if what I'm wearing flatters my body very much. Maneera on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569906 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 16:42:48 +0000 Maneera 1569906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great advice, Angie. For me, the biggest challenge is to find the perfect balance between What Works For My Body AND What Appeals To My Aesthetic Sense. I'm conservative; I'm the first person to admit that I'm not bold with fashion. But I do love it very much. It's given me so so much more confidence, as I have evolved a sense of style that makes me look and feel good For me, I want to try trends that fit well with my personality as well as my body. That's the conservative part of the story - my everlasting love for figure flattery. But since I joined YLF, I have learnt of ways to let the rules relax a bit....to lean towards a more casual style that is a better match for my real lifestyle...and many trends have just 'fit' in without me trying hard. The fact that classic, feminine and retro styles are back in trend surely help ALOT! I've fallen in love with many old silhouettes styled in new & fresh ways, and I'm much more open to trying new silhouettes too. What I mean to say is this - fashion SHOULD be fun. Not everything will always work for you. But whatever does, will sure brighten up your life and liven up your wardrobe for that season. Cheers to having fun with fashion! Peri on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569905 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 16:42:32 +0000 Peri 1569905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's good advice for me because I do get overwhelmed quite easily and don't really enjoy the challenge! So I will take it as a reminder to do only what I want, not to feel anything is a "have to". unfrumped on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569904 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 16:29:34 +0000 unfrumped 1569904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So true! The take-home message for me turned out to be to first be able to separate "tried and true" (and good, too--that is key) from new (outfit, silhouette, "hard to wear item")--I had to be more intentional about understanding the dependable things and getting those in good shape--easy to find in closet, enough variety for the season--make sure the foundation is strong--before I could be just as intentional about what is new and might need some experimenting, fixing, tweaking. Then, I had to be more selective than I had been at first--I realized that to get a good result witn a new style, I would need some time and effort, even though might not be much it would be more,  and if I tried too much, it wouldn't be fun any more. And a final thing is more reminders to SYC for some of these changes, since SYC is automatically a form of "outfit creation' and at the same time can overlap with edit and review, whereas shopping might not result in any of those. Anonymous on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569902 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 16:16:56 +0000 Anonymous 1569902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Being a slave to trends is exhausting, expensive, and just no fun at all.  The trends are fun to watch, but for me it's best to pick and choose very judiciously so I don't end up looking like a fashion victim.  So, good advice, Angie! Elly on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569898 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:52:02 +0000 Elly 1569898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to come into clothes very slowly-- this is my 4th season looking for cognac shoes, I found ponte pants after 3 seasons, etc. You can't do things that slowly with trendy items (even in today's fashion world). I often stick to trends that are "easy" for me because of that (bootcut jeans and pants, higher shaft booties-- add a belt and soft blouse or striped tee and I'm done). I'm hoping more brick and mortar options will speed me up a bit, because I have a long list of trendy items I'd like to try. kkards on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569897 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:46:16 +0000 kkards 1569897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i love that we are at a time and a place where each of us can pick and choose which trends we want to try and/or how much of a challenge we are filling to take. personally, i find everyday challenging, as i'm constantly trying to negotiate business casual.  Anonymous on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569894 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:38:55 +0000 Anonymous 1569894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As soon as it becomes a challenge to dip into a new trend, the fun is lost on me.  I experienced this in vivid detail this fall while trying to put together the cropped kick flare pant/jean with higher shaft bootie look. It started taking over my headspace and time to a degree I didnt' like, and the longer I searched for these mythic pieces, the more frustrated I got.   As long as I can find the trendier pieces ""organically" (i.e. without hunting and searching obsessively) , I am far more successful with creating a grouping that works.  It's those pieces I find accidentally or unexpectedly and buy for myself that garner the most comment, compliments, and more importantly....wear and use in my wardrobe.  All of a sudden I'll have amassed a few pieces in a new colour that look terrific together, and I haven't really noticed or tried too hard. That's the fun part for me.   I have to admit I've never quite understood the concept of fashion as a hobby unless we're talking about designing and sewing.  I love clothes and fashion more than the average woman, but I have never considered it "fun"  necessarily, or a hobby. Lots of food for thought here.   Suz on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569891 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:30:44 +0000 Suz 1569891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great reminder, Angie. And, what Aida said in her second paragraph. What a relief that many trends have a bit of staying power these days, so we have time to figure them out.  I think it's especially fun and worthwhile to experiment with trends that suit lifestyle, body type, weather. I am so eager to try the cropped jeans/ higher shaft bootie trend, for instance, even though I know it will be tricky for me due to body type (shorter legs). I will aim for a column of colour if I can (or similar tones, anyway). I haven't yet been able to shop in person and try things on so it will be a while before I figure this one out, but I don't see it as a drain or a pain -- I look forward to the opportunity to try a silhouette that could offer me much needed winter variety. Those don't come around very often!! :) I still have not found *my* culottes, either -- and haven't ruled those out.  And those sleeveless turtlenecks that are supposed to be so tricky? I want one. Stephanie on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569888 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:26:14 +0000 Stephanie 1569888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is such good advice! Fashion is ever changing and keeping up can be exhausting. It's much more fun to find a classic style that works for you and then pick and choose trends as you go to keep things feeling fresh and current. I need to get better at branching out and trying more trends - sometimes I feel stuck in my skinny pants + flowy blouse or skirt + blouse comfort zone. Aida on "The Challenge is Part of the Fun" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-challenge-is-part-of-the-fun#post-1569884 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:17:13 +0000 Aida 1569884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aw thanks Angie <3 I do love trying new trends! Working on being pickier about what to let in to represent those trends, though I know that sometimes I've just got to play with what I find if a particular trend hasn't manifested at retail. Knowing when to hold out and when to just go can be challenging, too! EDIT: I'm grateful that trends are sticking around so much longer now. So we can actually spend time seeking out our perfect items and still enjoy the trends once we do.