https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:04:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1641672 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 20:19:00 +0000 catgirl 1641672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for bumping, LP! I am nodding along with many of these answers. Also realizing that when I see an item and think of a particular Fabber, it's those very details that trigger the association. So they matter not only to us but to those who see and learn our signatures! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1641654 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 19:24:36 +0000 LaPed 1641654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bumping this back up while I mull (or agonize) over details. So here's a case study in details: </p> <p>I'm in the market for some breezy long sleeve tops and pants, things that are light enough to wear well into summer and still provide full sun protection. I've got options carted at both Uniqlo and J Crew, and will probably just end up placing parallel orders and cross my fingers that *something* fits. I'm really hoping that the J Crew items work, because the details are more appealing to me, but I know from past experience that I have better luck with the cuts and sizing at Uniqlo. I just don't find the Uniqlo versions to be nearly as exciting as the J Crew options, and here's why:</p> <p><b>Saturation</b> -- I really like my colors to be pretty saturated. Deep, rich, vibrant. Even though both of the pants below are dusty green, I think the J Crew green is much more appealing, has a little more oomph. (However, I'm often pleasantly surprised by Uniqlo colors in person vs in photos, so we shall see.) And of course, that gingham shirt is just eye-poppingly awesome. I like it, although my rational brain knows that I would also make good use of the solid blush top from Uniqlo -- it would be a direct replacement for a similar pink linen shirt I got rid of last year.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Pockets</b> -- I like that the J Crew top has one. It gives it a bit of asymmetry, and a bit more of a menswear vibe, which always appeals to me. I like the tomboyish vibe of the patch pockets on the J Crew pants. And I often find slash pockets, like the ones on the Uniqlo pants, to be unflattering, especially in lighter weight fabrics where they can disrupt how the pants fall.<br />&nbsp;<br /><b>(No) Drawstrings</b> -- I am pretty much always anti-drawstring, on both pants and jackets. I find them fussy, and I don't find the cinched waist look to be particularly flattering on me. On the Uniqlo pants, I worry that the drawstring might be pushing these too close to pajama territory for me (I know, I know, it's a trend, but it's not my cuppa).</p> <p><b>Stitching, piping, and other contrasting elements</b> -- I love any element that brings a little pop or contrast. Piped pants and jackets, contrast stitching, jackets with bright fun linings, selvedge denim, etc. I will admit that one of my greatest weaknesses is the signature red stitching on Uniqlo's IDLF line. I'm such a sucker. :)</p> <p>So anyway, those are some of my make-or-break details. However, for me, I think they are not truly make-or-break. The real bottom line is always fabrication and fit. I can love the design elements, but if the garment feels cheaply made, or made for someone else's body, I'd rather just let it go than end up in a love-hate relationship.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640888 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:15:36 +0000 Ledonna N. 1640888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a details, sometimes gaudy sometime subtle.&nbsp; I love things that invite you to look at twice or keep finding something new.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640762 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 13:35:25 +0000 Helena 1640762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post - I think those RATE details are what make your style so interesting and fashionable! For me, it's polished hair and makeup, classic accessories like crystal stud earrings, a tailored or just- fluid fit, and contrast if things are falling flat. Once I have those details in place, I feel good, whether I'm in gear or something dressy, and without them I feel off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640680 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 07:19:05 +0000 rachylou 1640680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have thought of two things maybe: a very narrow, even tight shoulder fit and a high scooped neck. Not that this is all that I'd want to wear, but I really quite like these two things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640662 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 03:44:28 +0000 catgirl 1640662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia, I know, right? But fussy is good for people like me who aren't picky enough!</p> <p>Brooklyn, I love ombré and bold prints too. My problem is when I see one detail and forget the rest (like buying a floofy blouse just because its ombré). On the other hand remembering to include some of "my" details is a good way to transition to new styles... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640653 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 03:19:18 +0000 Brooklyn 1640653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The details I like are very similar to the details you like Una! Love assymetry and a bit of fringing or fraying in particular. Other details I like are:<br /> Ombre. Everything Ombre in my wardrobe a fave. For some reason Ombre is much more "me" than say stripes (which I often buy but never love as much).<br /> Texture. I really love things that have a bit of texture. That's why I tend to go for knits over wovens.<br /> Graphic prints. I tend to tire of prints unless they are bold and graphic. I especially like black and white graphic prints and geometric prints. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640649 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 02:58:27 +0000 Jaime 1640649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At first I didn't know if I had any defined guidelines but reading through this thread made me realize:<br />I don't like most metal detail on lower end items (Zara I am looking at you.) The gold is too gold and looks cheap and when they are crooked they are very obvious. Exceptions abound of course.<br />Generally I don't like a lot of hardware.<br />I don't like to wear distressed jeans, although I love unfinished hems and would buy fringe hems if I could afford them.<br />I generally won't wear short sleeves that fall in the middle of the upper arm, but will wear sleeveless.<br />I like pointy or square toes better than round.<br />I don't like too much toe showing (but will make accommodation for 90+ degree summers).<br />I am sure I could go on and on. Who knew I was so fussy?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640564 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:35:28 +0000 AviaMariah 1640564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmmm...interesting question to ponder. &nbsp;I really haven't thought about this which I probably should. &nbsp;I guess I have thought of these details more as a "weakness" in the past. &nbsp;Like when I see them I can't resist. &nbsp;The things that come to mind are top-stitching, embroidery, and high quality, soft fabric that drapes well. &nbsp;I'll have to think about this some more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640543 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 21:58:27 +0000 CocoLion 1640543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good topic with interesting comments. &nbsp;I tend to have two style personas. &nbsp;Sleek and modern, where embellishments don't blend well. &nbsp;And softer casual looks, a sort of California Boho lite look. &nbsp;For the latter, I like "organic" details like distressing, woven jewelry, frayed tees etc. &nbsp;I also do the classic look but never quite feel myself. &nbsp;I most often succumb to classic when it comes to evening wear, where I want a nice respectful dress but don't want to spend a whole lot because I don't get much wear from these pieces.</p> <p>Anyway some design details that don't work for me, regardless of style persona, are these:</p> <p>- Drop shoulder seams. &nbsp;I still have things with this cut but more and more, find they make my rounded shoulders even rounder.<br />- High necklines. &nbsp;I need more open cuts to lengthen me from the neck up. &nbsp;Boat necks work because they can square out my shoulders. &nbsp;And turtlenecks can work if they are paired with a v neck sweater or jacket.<br />- Nodding with Ginger's comment about sleeveless cuts and the armhole gaping. &nbsp;I see a gradual decline in the giant armhole we've been seeing for the past 5 years, but not enough full coverage armholes are out there for my taste just yet.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640515 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 21:23:47 +0000 Roxanna 1640515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting question to ponder! A lot of the details I love tie in to my style descriptor of Luxe :<br /> - sheen (on good quality silk or leather; it gets me every time)<br /> - impeccable cut or drape<br /> - tailored seaming<br /> - embroidery (but not in a prissy way)<br /> - ribbing and texturing detail on knits<br /> - details repeated through the garment (eg scalloped hems and necklines)</p> <p>Makes me realize how important texture is to me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640499 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 21:02:35 +0000 shedev 1640499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Miss you too, Una. I'll start a post about what I've been up to.&nbsp;I'm mostly off hardware with one exception. The buckles are not shiny though. I have a pretty high tolerance for distressing at the moment. I get a lot of teasing from Hedev for buying things he thinks look like rags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640482 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:45:29 +0000 Mochi 1640482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Janet. I grew up in the punk era so I have a secret thing for zippers and buckles. I also like cool stitching, interesting pockets, leather trim, and neat little vents, cuts (like a notched collar), etc. However, over-the-top details like sequins turn me off (for myself, anyway).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640477 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:33:52 +0000 Anonymous 1640477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The devil's in the details, true;<br />The perfect dress, the stellar shoe<br />Can such elusive items be<br />If details don't suit us to a T.</p> <p>The end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640461 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:06:33 +0000 Anonymous 1640461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, I never really analysed in that way, thinking just of details. I need to think a bit more about it, but a couple that come to mind are round or asymmetric necklines, no gathered skirt waists, I like&nbsp;zipper details, no OTT amounts of gold hardware, a polished look...</p> <p>Will ponder some more..</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640451 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:57:49 +0000 catgirl 1640451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shedev, I've missed you!&nbsp; How are you feeling about hardwear (zippers and other bells and whistles) these days?&nbsp; More than one such detail feels a bit OTT to me now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640446 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:55:25 +0000 shedev 1640446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything on Una's list, plus light drape, light fabric and moody colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640399 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:00:14 +0000 DizzyLizzy 1640399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Rachylou said - such an insightful post. I need to analyse what my make or break details are - I suspect they play a bigger part in happiness factor than I ever realised. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640393 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:53:15 +0000 Elizabeth P 1640393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>And today, I'm wearing a long asymmetric hem cardi over an asymmetric hem top and the competing hemlines make me happy.</i></p> <i><br /> </i> <p><i>Finishing details that always get me include studs, distressing, raw<br /> or fringed edges, thumbholes, scrunch, and asymmetry. I need to learn<br /> to actively seek out these types of details. I also need to recognize<br /> details that don't work for me and bypass them</i></p> <p></p> <p>Oh, I can SO relate to this!&nbsp; Funny, I don't consider myself RATE, I definitely sway towards polished, yet I am drawn to many of these same details.&nbsp; Perhaps in a different way?&nbsp; I absolutely love competing hemlines created by asymmetrical tops.&nbsp; And like you, I need to actively seek out the details I feel best in, and pause if none of them are present on a particular garment.&nbsp; Sometimes something fills a hole, but those details sometimes make the difference from "fine" to "love".</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640366 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:16:24 +0000 columbine(erin) 1640366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Ginger on gored or pleated skirts vs gathered ones. I try on gathered dresses and skirts but have purged the ones I own and will probably not buy anymore. On my petite height and shape, a full gathered skirt or dress either looks too cute and childlike or un flatteringly wide. I loved the Ann Taylor lace skirt but sent it back because it was so full and enormous and bossing me around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640365 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:15:59 +0000 deb 1640365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, the details, maybe that is why I am not loving lace up shoes. As I mentioned on a previous thread, oxfords and lace up tennis shoes are just sitting. I think the visual&nbsp;lines of the laces are just too much for me now. I need to ponder this question some more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640362 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:08:05 +0000 Sal 1640362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Details I am drawn to-<br /> - back interest ( key holes, pleats,)<br /> - hem interest ( essentially Not straight across)<br /> - open neck line ( vee, low scoop, boat, halter)</p> <p>I do agree , there are some details that make or break a look for me. I am getting better at spotting them too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640355 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:59:08 +0000 rachylou 1640355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very insightful. I need to think about this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640339 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:36:05 +0000 rabbit 1640339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>One too many buckles or pockets or stitching details and it totally turns me off these days, even though I might have loved it a few years ago. For me, the lessening of those extra details is about sophistication. Cleaner lines but still carefully chosen details.<br /> </i></p> <p>This is me, and it frustrates me that buying at lower price points often means more of these extraneous (and distracting to my eye) bells and whistles, extra buckles and studs, bits of metal on blouses and prominently displayed brand names on bags. &nbsp;I reject a lot of options because of small 'extras'.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's so much easier &nbsp;for me to mix and match items if it's a cleaner, crisper, modern look, though like Angie says it's as much about my style preferences as anything else.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can appreciate well designed distressing and scrunch on those with a more RATE look for sure, and can see how it can take an item out of 'too classic' territory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640338 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:35:10 +0000 Ginger 1640338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Details really make the difference, don't they? Let me think...</p> <p>Details that don't work:<br />Gathered skirts. Never again. It cuts out a lot of options.<br />Sleeveless almost anything. Not terrible, but a narrow shoulder line heightens the hip width, and visually creates a triangle. Also high likelihood of armhole gaping.<br />Three-quarter sleeves. They look lovely, but I'm never comfortable in them.<br />Mandarin collars. They're not tall enough to look right on my neck, and manage to narrow by shoulder line to boot.<br />Wedges. I have a high arch and the clearance under my foot is uncomfortable and unsightly.<br />Wide-leg trousers. A staple of the retro look, but my hips are visually very wide and the extra material is not flattering.</p> <p>Details that do work:<br />Gored (including full circle) and pleated skirts; they work brilliantly.<br />Petticoats. Small ruffled ones kick out the hem of a skirt for a subtle flare to offset the hipline.<br />Shirt collars. I don't wear buttondowns, but I love a shirt collar on a dress.<br />Easter egg colors. Not just pastels; saturated and cheerful colors.<br />Hats! As long as I can wear them at an angle.<br />Clean lines. I love color and soft knits, but I really like having a clean outline for them to play in. I rarely wear ruffles, and don't like too much hardware on bags or footwear.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640336 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:30:34 +0000 catgirl 1640336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, agree!&nbsp; I am less into the really hard edge (zippers AND studs AND rips)&nbsp;and more into the subtler versions of RATE and UWP.&nbsp; </p> <p>Lisa, you didn't even need to post - you and I share a brain. :)</p> <p>Angie, you have the skills to make the difficult look easy!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640333 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:22:19 +0000 Anonymous 1640333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have much the same eye as you , Una, and details that contribute to a slightly beaten-up look really appeal to me. As do types of buttons, a &nbsp;contrasting or otherwise highlighted zipper, buckles, a contrast lining in a blazer, etc. &nbsp;Nothing too smooth or rounded or middle-of-the road for me. Not sure why - sometimes when I think about why I'm drawn to these things, I wonder if it's because I'm afraid to try to look "normal or traditionally pretty " for fear of failing and being rejected. It's easier to stay outside of convention for some reason. Oh oh, I need another cup of coffee- this is getting weird :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640323 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:00:42 +0000 Angie 1640323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes sense, Una. And I encouraged that purge from the word go, so CONTINUE. (But box the stuff you love but doesn't fit at the moment).&nbsp;</p> <p>I am pedantic about Fit, Fabric, Polish and Structure - those are extremely important details for my own style. I will absolutely split hairs about the lengths, widths and drape of things. That's what makes an outfit look extra chic and sophisticated to my eye.&nbsp;</p> <p>My style moniker is <b>Urban Pretty</b> - so I'm always seeking out stuff that is Modern, Crisp, Soft, Dressy and Retro. Unlike you and Janet, I'm not into RATE, Tough and Hard Edge - but of course, appreciate it on you. Suits you to a tee. I'm also far less into Tomboy than I used to be despite the fact that it is a slam-dunk fit for my body type and very easy for me to pull off. I don't like things too easy!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640322 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:00:39 +0000 Janet 1640322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely. Those two skirts are nearly identical in terms of cut and fit, but the wash and the hem treatment make all the difference. </p> <p>I think I have maybe one ruffled top in my closet, and it reads boho enough that it works for me. All other ruffles are pretty much out for me. </p> <p>I love hardware and some detailing that "toughs up" an item, but just a little bit! One too many buckles or pockets or stitching details and it totally turns me off these days, even though I might have loved it a few years ago. For me, the lessening of those extra details is about sophistication. Cleaner lines but still carefully chosen details. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-devil-really-is-in-the-details#post-1640318 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:53:36 +0000 catgirl 1640318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet's skirt post plus my outfit this morning (which I will post, inspired by Deborah!) got me thinking about the details that make or break an item for me.&nbsp; The distressing and raw hem of Janet's skirt made such a difference!&nbsp; And today, I'm wearing a long&nbsp;asymmetric hem cardi over an asymmetric hem top and the competing hemlines make me happy.</p> <p>Finishing details that always get me include studs, distressing, raw or fringed edges, thumbholes, scrunch, and asymmetry.&nbsp; I need to learn to actively seek out&nbsp;these types of details.&nbsp; I also need to recognize details that don't work for me and bypass them.&nbsp; In doing some purging, I found a ruffled top I've hung onto that makes zero sense in my closet!</p> <p>Over to you - what are your make or break details?</p>