YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Dreaded NTW Syndrome

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Dreaded NTW Syndrome https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:20:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Christina F. on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome/page/2#post-1888785 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:01:05 +0000 Christina F. 1888785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have this problem sometimes, but I think for a different reason than others have mentioned. My apartment is tiny, so there's no way for me to store everything so I can see it. Therefore, I can't see what I have. Using Finds here has helped, along with keeping notes of outfits I want to wear in the near future, and track which things are worn and not worn. texstyle on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome/page/2#post-1888781 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:50:34 +0000 texstyle 1888781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree the time of year and just one's overall mood can create NTW even when there is plenty. Just the other day I was agonizing over what to wear with Adirondack style boots because I didn't want my feet to be cold and I needed to get out and do some shopping. I ended up going the full "Portland" route wearing cuffed jeans, flannel plaid over a tee and a puffer vest - I was not the most fashionable but at least it was intentional. Anonymous on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome/page/2#post-1888780 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:48:37 +0000 Anonymous 1888780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL at Suz's snow boots comment and a reminder to plan outfits from the bottom up. I've pulled out the "Cold Spring" wardrobe items, hoping to breathe some new life into outfits, but some of those pieces no longer appeal. Yesterday I wore a camel skirt and pink and felt terribly frumpy. The lighter colors were supposed to be fresh compared with black and burgundy. The question is whether to try again with these pieces or donate. Elizabeth P on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome/page/2#post-1888779 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:36:44 +0000 Elizabeth P 1888779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to blame it on the weather as well.  You get an outfit all picked out, then the weather is wrong for it, and you have to reassess, and there's no time for that....  sigh... This year is a bit different for me, as I'm trying to do this 30x30(x2), in order to evaluate my "deep winter" clothes.  Except... we're not having deep winter.  It's 9 degrees, and we have NO SNOW!  So I don't want to be wearing my cozy, heavy clothes.  I can wear wide leg pants, and non-winter boots... so I don't know what to do!  The outfits I have planned seem off because I have a rare winter opportunity to wear non-winter clothes.  I could wear white jeans!!  But they aren't part of my capsule.... First world problem. krishnidoux on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome/page/2#post-1888778 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:17:55 +0000 krishnidoux 1888778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of very good solutions are popping up! lyn67 on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888772 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 13:12:31 +0000 lyn67 1888772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, it happens, to all of us! And is really depressing. That's why I am always on the hunt for  the same essentials but with a curent twist (like having 3x grey knit dresses at the moment) but feeling fab everytime I dress  them.  cindysmith on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888767 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:37:54 +0000 cindysmith 1888767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ugh, for me it's the weather. It's cold, and a bit icy, and I'm just sick and tired of having to wear all the clothes at once. All. Of. Them. I feel like the staypuft marshmallow man. And since I'm basically wearing everything at once, I look at my closet and realize that "I can't wear that, I just wore it two days ago" (even though 2 days ago it was in the middle of several other layers and therefore not visible) krishnidoux on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888757 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:18:08 +0000 krishnidoux 1888757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sisi same here. There is, for sure, some of me in this. I wonder if my body changes that much from day to day. One afternoon I will love myself in a particular item. The next morning: I hate how it looks! Or just feel it's "off". Also often it is a question of mismatch, despite my upstream efforts in that sense: a sleeve that is just a bit too batwing won't fit through a blazer's sleevehole - or will fit, but uncomfortably; suddenly none of my 24+ belts will do for a particular bottom; or, like unfrumped said, it's the weather that day... Sisi on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888746 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:09:42 +0000 Sisi 1888746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have what I call "difficult starts". There is the occasional morning when nothing-nothing-nothing looks and feels good. Even an outfit that a few days ago felt ok. After thinking and rethinking I came to the conclusion that it is just me - some days I just get out of the bed with the "left foot" as we say in Italian. At a certain point I just decided to accept myself and the hell with it. I will feel blah all day, ok. But you are doing very well - you found some tricks that work! P.S. I have not read all the comments yet, but I think that Kkards, Lisa p and Suz are definitely onto something. tulle on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888724 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 06:12:38 +0000 tulle 1888724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funny about the snowboots, Suz, and so true. Luckily, it seems that everyone who lives in my area makes a silent pact to ignore each other from the waist down during this trying time of year. Jaime on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888702 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 04:08:25 +0000 Jaime 1888702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree with Janet that it is psychological and with everyone about the weather, time of the year, lack of light etc, bringing us back to our mood. A whiff of lavender or lemon sometimes helps me. Gigi on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888688 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 02:34:57 +0000 Gigi 1888688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I have NTW syndrome and it won't go away, it's usually because I'm undergoing a style change. If this is the case, I browse around on the Internet for a while to get inspired to see what style I might be attracted to next, and I start deciding what pieces I need to buy. krishnidoux on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888656 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:59:25 +0000 krishnidoux 1888656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooooh Staysfit I can relate! Staysfit on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888652 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:29:38 +0000 Staysfit 1888652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Time for a vacation, then everything will look fresh again.......my next best solution is to clean out the closet because I always find something I don’t expect. Some item I have neglected that inspires an outfit, or even an accessory of some sort. The truth is that when I have NTW syndrome something else is bothering me or taking place in my life to cause stress. When I can get that sorted, my closet and clothes feel good again. unfrumped on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888641 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 23:38:32 +0000 unfrumped 1888641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do think there can be an element of too MUCH choice for me, so I have to guard against trying to fill a hole that’s not there, unless I can determine that it’s time to cull several things or decide on a style shift. Always remembering seasonal and temperature issues. Style Fan on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888636 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 23:21:30 +0000 Style Fan 1888636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This time of year is very difficult for northern hemisphere types.  When I stayed at home and didn't flee south I focused on keeping warm.  Mainelady on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888620 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:21:22 +0000 Mainelady 1888620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know the syndrome. I do think the weather and length of winter play a part. State of mind does, too. Some days it is hard to be inspired and easy to fall back to old favorites, but even old favorites lose their appeal at times. When I am indecisive I sometimes think I have NTW, when the truth is more likely that I have too many options and just can’t commit to an outfit. Then I get fretting about time and my decision making efforts get harder. Sigh. Anonymous on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888616 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:09:36 +0000 Anonymous 1888616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, the dreaded February/March wardrobe blues. It is the time when I did deep looking for things that are warm but have had little or no wear. Then I discover why...ill fitting, scratchy, unflattering, etc. I am wearing one of those outfits today. It seemed good in my mind but feels dowdy and fussy. Sterlings 30-30 challenge helped me find combinations in my closet that I liked and now go back to constantly. The Cat on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888609 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 21:55:28 +0000 The Cat 1888609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think I ever say: "Nothing to wear." And if I did, that would hardly be true, as I know that I usually have several possibilities. Not because my wardrobe is enormous (it isn't), but because I choose clothes and accessories which go well together, are versatile and can be styled in various ways, It helps to identify which essentials you need, check before each new season that you have them (and replace them if needed), and to have some statement items. Every night, before I go to bed, I plan my outfit for the next day. I love playing around with my items, and I seldom wear the exact same outfit twice. I often pick 3 items I would like to wear, and then I have fun by creating the rest of the outfit. The 3 key items will be in 2 or 3 different main colours (prints may be included): 1 or 2 non-neutrals and 1 or 2 neutrals. If possible, I will repeat these colours in the rest of the outfit. If not possible, I will just add other suitable neutrals. For tomorrow, I just chose these 3 key items: black blazer, torquoise braided belt and pink button-front shirt. Then I decided that the rest of the outfit will consist of: black velvet skirt with subtle pink&purple&blue&grey vertical stripes, black opaques, black loafers, torquoise scarf and torquoise glasses. jussie on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888561 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:09:14 +0000 jussie 1888561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don’t be hard on yourself. Winter sucks. Also, I think we ylfers have high outfit standards so it’s difficult when we gotta just wear winter boots and snow coats because that just pains us. Also perhaps some of us have a tendency to over-analyze things, including our clothes. Having done try-Ons and taking photos in advance is helping me at the moment, although there are days where I’m still not happy lol oh dear... Sal on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888560 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:09:11 +0000 Sal 1888560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know the feeling - and it is a horrible sinking feeling and I end up feeling dissatisfied usually. It happens to us all I suspect - and is often about the weather, or boredom, or maybe the end of the season.  On those mornings when I can I pull out a FFBO (Fast fall back option) - that has gained my own and maybe forum approval and I know works.  It may no longer be exciting but it is easy. Wear your best lipstick. And in the evening or weekend reflect about gaps you may have...for a long time my handbag was letting me down, and also my winter coat was letting me down...  Sometimes it is not that simple but maybe one piece will provide the pizzazz you need. My winters are not comparable in coldness or difficulty with wearing clothes aside from snowboots - but they can be wet and dreary - and I have found a small injection of new fun things in the last 6 weeks or month of winter is a lift.  I don't get sick of them even if I wear them once or twice a week, and they just add that fun.   rachylou on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888551 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 19:26:14 +0000 rachylou 1888551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is true about February. The fog is always deepest in February. Suz on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888543 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:55:47 +0000 Suz 1888543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's it, exactly. What looks "not too bad" with snow boots? That is always the main question at this time of year.... madeline on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888541 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:50:04 +0000 madeline 1888541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I decided to wear one of my bright floral cardigans yesterday and that helped. Feel your pain - freezing rain here today. Cardiff girl on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888522 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:21:14 +0000 Cardiff girl 1888522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep,it’s the weather s fault again!Roll on the spring(it’s been snowing again here today). unfrumped on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888519 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:15:11 +0000 unfrumped 1888519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same thing intermittently. A few patterns I've noticed: -- if I had a vaguely planned outfit but the weather changed-- maybe had planned suede shie but it's pouring rain, or I hadn't paid attention to a major temp change. ( I do have some rubber ankle boots I got on purpose to be acceptable to walk in the door wearing, so should remember because can carry suede, or any, shoes in tote bag). So that seems to be able to throw me off. -- I get a bug to wear a certain item and the somehow can't get set on the other oart ( top or bottom). It seems this might either be an item I've not done enough outfit creation with and need to know 1-2 FFBO's for every item. -- I have a large enough wardrobe tfat even if I wear the same combination outfit, I wouldn't have to repeat for more than 2 weeks, yet somehow I cant " see" which outfit might be in rotation. -- " moods " that defy explanation. I think sometimes u should organize my closet mite by " mood" or some similar concept rather than Item type! Cee on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888492 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:14:03 +0000 Cee 1888492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just reach in, grab one item ( shirt, skivvy or sweater ) and then quickly decide what match with it. krishnidoux on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888487 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:05:44 +0000 krishnidoux 1888487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, this is a great tip. Thank you for your perspective, so helpful. Yes, yes, yes, I am with you 100% about the falling back on the same combos easy to wear with snow boots (read: not too depressing with snow boots). Nicer stuff can look so sad with "gear", and this time of the year, gear is forced upon us, I feel.  Suz on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888474 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 16:24:34 +0000 Suz 1888474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think kKards and LisaP have a point. Time. of. Year. Weather. More snow.... These 2 months are the roughest fashion months we have in the northern hemisphere, especially for us in our climate.  For me, the trouble begins with the footwear. When the only footwear I can wear is snowboots, it all goes downhill from that. There are only certain outfits I can put together in that circumstance. So even though in theory there are other combinations, I fall back (when I can) on the same dull options and feel bored, annoyed, and guilty about the unworn things.  But I also have forgotten the life-changing wisdom of trying-on and photographing. It does help. I need to do it again more often. Knowing what works in advance saves many a morning scramble.  Anonymous on "The Dreaded NTW Syndrome" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-dreaded-ntw-syndrome#post-1888467 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 16:15:03 +0000 Anonymous 1888467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree. February and March are the worst.  Hang on.