YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The outliers…

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The outliers… https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:28:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315974 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:38:05 +0000 Suz 2315974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn, I can totally see what you are saying with your style. That is interesting and makes so much sense. You also skew modern classic but in a slightly different way. Fascinating!  Sal, thank you! Sweet compliment. I am a very good student. :)  Suntiger, it's a great thought, right? Carla is onto something... Anonymous on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315944 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:37:36 +0000 Anonymous 2315944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your outliers! They're still classic in shape, so they can easily make outfits with the rest of your wardrobe. I need to think of the "departures in only one direction" idea with my outliers/potential purchases! lyn67 on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315939 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:24:40 +0000 lyn67 2315939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very good assessments on the equilibrum between the ying/yand, think we have discussed these on older threads, too-but always delights me to see how somebody is really feeling about theirs or how others see this from exterior.  Contrary to Carla, I lived in skirts(ying) for 2,5 decades or more, but they have to be a yang color or pattern the most-so for ex. NO FLORALS or bright colors(for work in an office-except deep summer) and NO heels for yeaars now(!)  rather loafers(yang) -in spring- and black sheers(yin). Also wear a structured 3rd piece or outerwear (coats, blazers, vests) that are more yang most of the time but insert yin in their colors and cut (for ex tailoring, or a pastel thread in between the bl&w houndstooth on my today's BF blazer).  Loved your own analysis, Carla, Suz and others -learned a lot from this, again. Thank you!:-) Sal on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315907 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 05:08:00 +0000 Sal 2315907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - you write so so well and could be Angie’s assistant in styling! I agree with your assessment of Carla’s style. Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315900 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 03:30:45 +0000 Suz 2315900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, Rachy. I'm not sure if your quirky milkmaid outfits qualify as dark and spooky either, but point taken!  Carla, I'd say the floral turtleneck and hoodie have yin elements but are yang styles, so in themselves they incorporate enough of the yang to make them work seamlessly in. your closet and feel good to you.  The lace top is feminine because lace, yes, and bare skin -- but also, a little bit yang because it is navy (traditionally male) For comparison, imagine the same top in pink and consider how often you would wear it. Also it is retro -- like the slingbacks. Also very clean lined. I suspect your easiest way to incorporate feminine elements is if they are retro and/or very clean lined. (This is true for me, too, by the way.) Your style is more "natural" in Kibbe terms while I am more gamine so I can (and need to) go quirkier or more "flamboyant" as he calls it (i.e. I probably need more statements in my closet than you do). But there are marked similarities. Not just in the sense that we both skew "modern classic" but more specifically, a kind of modern classic that emphasizes menswear inspired clothing.  To do yin really well and comfortably, if you stick to clean lines and a bit of a retro flair, you will be more likely to succeed and feel great in the item. Even the floral dress fits this idea. Very clean.  Ditto for trendy items -- those that are clean lined (like the pleather pants) are more likely to feel like "you" to you, I'm guessing.  rachylou on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315895 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 03:02:04 +0000 rachylou 2315895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m a little surprised the mandarin collar shirt doesn’t get more wears. It’s outstanding on you, as are the others, except the gloves. I had the same thought re complements and the gloves. But I also find pink a tricky colour. I’m very picky about my pinks: they have to be hot pink or very very pale. No easter pinks; no Barbie pinks; nothing verging on fuchsia. It’s not so much about looks but feel. I’m this way with yellow. I like to look at it, but like Lisa, I’m rarely happy wearing it. (I don’t feel dark and spooky enough ) Sal on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315892 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 02:22:31 +0000 Sal 2315892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks - that all makes sense. The more I thought about it the more I wasn't sure if it related to my closet - I used to have shadow styles of bombshell and boho but not so much anymore.   Carla on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315891 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 01:58:51 +0000 Carla 2315891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ Sal - Suz has correctly identified the red items in my closet as statement items but not outliers.  The silver foil T-shirt is an outlier (and almost got edited!) but it is also occasion wear, so I didn’t mention it.  The T-shirt is my style, but sparkle makes it a statement or somewhat foreign to my closet, and thus sometimes.a challenge to wear - though not necessarily a challenge to style!   <div>The floral turtleneck, floral hoodie, and lace tank top might be non outlier items that might fit the definition of yin?  All three are older items and definite workhorses!</div> Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315890 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 01:08:58 +0000 Suz 2315890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good question, Sal!  I'd say Carla does have statements that are not outliers. Her red accessories, for instance. Her lilac Cons. Her long dramatic winter coat. But her wardrobe is very essentials heavy and also quite "yang" dominant.. I'm not sure she has pieces that are yin that are not outliers. Maybe her sparkly top?  Sal on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315880 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:42:39 +0000 Sal 2315880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been thinking whether they are outliers too - or just the statements?  Do you have other statements that are not outliers?  Or pieces that are more yin that you don't consider an outlier? kkards on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315826 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:17:32 +0000 kkards 2315826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting conversation and concept. Need to think about this more, but my first thoughts….these outliers aren’t really outliers, or a shadow style persona, but are in fact the style person that you’ve always wanted to be. A classic easy dressier with flair and a forward looking focus. Jonesy on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315823 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:12:52 +0000 Jonesy 2315823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting read; I love it when threads get super-analytical like this one :). I have lots of statements in my wardrobe, but not too many outliers that I can think of. Well I *have* just bought a few purple things, which is unusual for me, but they are in silhouettes and materials I favor, and the purple is a muddy deep eggplant, so they fit into my existing palette. Olive Green on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315794 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:08:32 +0000 Olive Green 2315794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a good topic. I have a couple of very pretty, floaty, somewhat sheer, v neck, etc, conventionally flattering tops that I pull out when impersonating a certain kind of person…to look appropriate in a certain kind of setting. It’s armour, no question.  They are outliers because they are essentially costumes, rather than clothes? And I do like them but they are not yang enough for me to wear regularly in the life I have now.  Good distinction to make. Runcarla, those sling backs are fantastic. And would fill a hole….going off to look. Yin it is!  Sal on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315776 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:16:52 +0000 Sal 2315776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that they are classic silhouettes but different colours and patterns. Lavender, yellow, floral and green leather. If the green leather pants were a moto style they might be too different. I think having one great pair of pleated trousers and wearing them often is fabulous. If they are not essential then you may ever only need one pair. The floral dress to me evokes summer and vacation - it’s pretty and I see it as casual. My style is a bit more eclectic but the finds are pieces I struggle a bit more with. The blue blouse is quite embroidered and more boho than I usually wear. The skirt is a bit more preppy - and the silk tunic is more understated elegance than I usually wear (but I aspire to that). Jaime on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315760 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:12:17 +0000 Jaime 2315760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like Suz's assessment of the yin side of your outliers. I would also suggest that the winners are departures in only one dimension (color, texture or silhouette - not all at once). Your green faux leather pants are standout winners to me!  As for me, I do have lots of statements, but do need some reliable, quieter pieces to ground them. When you see me in a strapless mini dress and stilettos you will know I have found my outliers (and lost my mind). Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315745 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:49:29 +0000 Suz 2315745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, yes, okay, I see that, Carla.  The new pale silvery green is definitely an outlier and I guess -- style makes it a no-brainer, colour is new. Tartan skirt, exactly what you said. So here are some others that are outliers, perhaps...I honestly don't have many. Even my statement items are pretty expected. The pleated skirt is a bit warmer toned than my usual. The bag, ditto. The snow queen coat is just over the top yin though in my colours, but I almost never wear it.  You used to own a bomber from Zara with embroidery, satiny finish. That was an outlier that worked. Again -- masculine stye, feminine details. That actually got you onto some other lilac items, and added a new colour to your closet.  LJP on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315741 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:23:49 +0000 LJP 2315741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Suz’s assessment re the feminine / yin aspect . And I have a pair of yellow leather gloves that I experience that same feeling while wearing . They match things I own and wear at the same time , but I always feel aware of them and not in a good way . I think in my case it’s the brightness of them that is counter to my usual look . Outliers indeed . I have a few red items that are outliers in a better way : I am surprised by how much I like the colour on me , but still don’t wear these things with any regularity . Maybe it’s the brightness again though . Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315739 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:06:45 +0000 Suz 2315739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, now that is interesting, Irina! So you are saying, for a certain kind of dresser at least, most statement items would be outliers. Fascinating.  Meanwhile, I can think of some for whom an essential or core wardrobe item might be an outlier of sorts -- i.e. some people love a wardrobe composed mostly of statements! (Mind you, that can make it hard to create outfits.)  Carla on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315738 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:05:40 +0000 Carla 2315738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much, Suz!  You’ve identified something I didn’t understand, but now that you’ve pointed it out, I see what you mean with the identification of yin/pretty.  Making notes, because definitely want more of that in my closet - though not overboard (thanks Irina!) <div> </div><div>Oh, I think outliers ‘belong’, but they make you think, or ask questions.  For you, it might be a flirt with an unusual colour (the new pale green linen skirt and jacket) or, fabric (the tulle skirt - but the plaid places it in your wheelhouse), or the (this is an oldie) Sgt Pepper jacket?  They are experiments, and there is something different enough about them to make them interesting and you excited about having them in your closet and using them in an outfit.  </div> Irina on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315737 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:00:59 +0000 Irina 2315737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As you know, I have a same Uniqlo shirt and it fits the main category of my early summer wardrobe, I wear pants or jeans and a button down shirt. Kind of a uniform, I guess. <div>For years I mostly bought essentials and this is the second year when I do my best to inject some interest. That means buying outliers like my Marimekko or orange pieces. What I’m learning is that while these pieces are fun, I don’t want to add too many and end up with a wardrobe full of statements. </div> Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315732 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:28:25 +0000 Suz 2315732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA -- ok, so this goes back to the uniform dressing topic, but I looked through my wardrobe and nothing in it feels like an outlier. Either I'm stuck in a style rut or my style is super eclectic or ... or I don't know what! Everything feels like it "belongs."  Suz on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315731 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:25:39 +0000 Suz 2315731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are definitely not orphans. Orphans are things you don't wear! With the possible exceptions of the Uniglo top, the pink gloves, and the brand new shoes, I have seen you wear these items multiple times on the forum.  These pieces are all quite classic (again, with the possible exception of the shirt) so they don't present styling challenges. They also don't seem to suggest a shadow style persona, at least not to my mind. They're just a little trendier or perhaps -- in a few cases -- a bit more yin than your usual. I'm thinking of the dress, the floral shirt, the feminine shoe, the pink gloves. I suspect, like me, you like to add a bit of "pretty" but you have to do it carefully because it can easily tip you into the feeling of being costumed. That's what the gloves do, a little bit. Meanwhile, the items like the coat and the button up incorporate enough juxtaposition to make them feel less "not you" -- masculine cut, feminine colour.  The dress and shoes are the most purely yin or feminine. But the dress has an ease that screams "summer" and it is not demanding or pushy in its femininity. And the shoes are modern retro. I think they should work.  The pink gloves look like they might be a warmer, salmony pink. If so, that might be part of the issue with them? But also, you don't have the right complements for them, probably. In your winter outfits, you like to coordinate your hat, scarf, footwear, bag, gloves. You may also like gloves that tie into your coat -- not sure about that. Much the way many people like dark footwear with dark pants? Anyway -- I'm betting if these were red, burgundy, or maybe even green, they would get more wear.  I would most definitely wear that dress casually in the summer. I wouldn't wear it while slinging soil or digging in the garden or hiking the trails, but I'd wear it out shopping or doing errands. Since it's reversible, I might save one side for dates and one for regular wear. :)  Carla on "The outliers…" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-outliers%e2%80%a6#post-2315710 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:01:17 +0000 Carla 2315710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz’s thread on formula dressing <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formula-dressing">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....a-dressing</a> got me thinking about the outliers in my closet.  My style is practical, classic, elevated casual.  My formula is mostly V-neck T’s, crew neck sweaters, or button downs, cropped straight bottoms, and a boxy jacket or puffer third piece in neutrals (black, navy, white/cream or beige) and a little colour.  Except for the colour, everything’s pretty basic/classic.  Then… …I experiment.  Sometimes it’s a trend-of-the-moment.  Sometimes a wildcard.  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it doesn’t.  Because my collection is small, I can quickly identify outliers (see Finds below) and I’ve decided to do a quick assessment - and ask for your thoughts. <div> </div><div>#1 lavender trench: an odd colour choice, but seems to work with just about everything!  The style is classic, but the colour is the outlier.  Love ! #2 Dark pink gloves.  They don’t quite bookend or match any of my red or merlot pieces, and seem too bright with neutral outerwear.  I actually feel self conscious when I wear them, though I don’t usually feel that way when wearing colour.  They get a few wears each winter - but don’t make me happy :-( #3 green pleather pants.  Most trend driven item in my closet!  Ordered as a lemming-style impulse when Angie got her orange faux leather bottoms, and reviewed the pleather trend.<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/12/03/outfit-formula-leather-pants/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/12.....her-pants/</a> Best. Wildcard. Ever.  24(!) wears in 16 months.  Success! #4 multicoloured reversible dress (thrifted).  I don’t know what it is about this piece, but I’m wildly in love with it, and can’t wait for warmer weather to get it into rotation.  5 wears (date nights), but would it work as a casual throw on piece on a hot day?   </div><div> </div><div>#5 Uniqlo +J collaboration poplin mandarin collar tuxedo high/low button down.  The closest thing to an orphan in my closet!  (8 wears) I’ve figured (with the help of you-all <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw%e2%80%a6tackling-some-challenges">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....challenges</a>) that this is a seasonal niche garment and will just be one of those things that gets worn a half dozen times each year.  It’s also a little ‘avant guard’ for my style, but timeless enough that it shouldn’t date.  Colour glows IRL.  Keep - but not a wild success! #6 orange ditsy paisley batiste button down.  Pattern and colour make it an outlier, but traditional button down styling is in my wheelhouse.  Thrifted late 2022 and worn 7 times!  Sheer/lightweight - so definitely a hot weather item.  Especially fun with pleather pants, but works with blue and white denim too.  Makes me want more orange in my closet!  Success! #7 yellow leather sling backs are a new wildcard.  First dressy shoe purchased since retirement 5 years ago!  Picked up with the idea that I will wear them to a wedding and garden reception in May (I don’t have a dress yet!)  and with navy and black combos afterwards.  Nod to slingback trend and crazy colour.  Jury’s out on these outliers… :-D #8 pleated, wide leg, full length trousers.  The oldest outlier in my closet (from fall 2019) picked up after a year long search and many try-ons.  33 wears since I started counting in 2020.  Super comfortable, easy to style, and they add an element of currency to an outfit combination by ticking the ‘trendy’ box.  Still, I only have one pair of pants in this silouhette.  Partly because these ones set a high bar that hasn’t been matched by any ones I’ve tried since, and partly because they are dressier and less practical for my regular daily activities - so occasion specific.  Success! </div><div> I think this may be my longest post, ever!  Thanks for reading - if you’re still here  Any thoughts, comments, on my outliers?  Can you identify a shadow style persona trying to emerge, or see a thread I should pursue to evolve my style?</div><div> </div><div>If you tend to uniform or formula dressing - or adhere to a narrow personal style - do you have any outliers in your closet?  What can you learn from them?   </div><div>ETA:  some folks might call these items closet orphans, but I like to think of them as outliers: ‘a thing differing from all others of a particular set’ with the potential of a wildcard to influence growth.</div>