https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:37:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348562 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:59:57 +0000 Angie 2348562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your excitement and plan, <b>Cardiff Girl</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>Quite right to evolve your wardrobe and style after such significant life&nbsp; changes. Makes perfect sense! Hanging onto items that no longer serve you well saps energy, offsets delight, and takes up valuable storage space - which is wasteful in another way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Keep listening to your feelings, and follow your instincts. I have to run, but will be back :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348276 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:32:37 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much SarahD8 for your warm support,l very much appreciate it,glad that you can identify with some of the things l am talking about<br />Jaime,yes knowing is one thing experiencing it is quite another l agree but onwards and upwards and thank you for your kind wishes.<br />Sal,thank you,yes clothing is a good distraction isn’t it and one of the things we do have some control over.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348266 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 04:04:39 +0000 Sal 2348266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing. I admire your positive attitude - it’s hard at times when living with someone who is more or less of a hoarder than you.</p> <p>For me my 50s have had challenges but I find clothing a source of comfort and relaxation. I can get it wrong and it does not matter - unlike some other things in my life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348261 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 02:05:20 +0000 Jaime 2348261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes as much as we "know" about these big transitions before hand, experiencing them is always another thing. To say nothing of the surprises. It sounds like you are in a good place and have come to understand what it is you need and want. Very inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348257 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:24:22 +0000 SarahD8 2348257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great recap, Cardiff Girl. I am sorry to hear about the health issues but I must say I am excited for your wardrobe overhaul, because you sound so energized about it!</p> <p>I am kind of in an expansive phase myself (more on that shortly) but I VERY much identify with your focus on stylish comfort and also your mantra of patience. Me too!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348219 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 14:54:53 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Olive green.l think you might be right about men’s clothing.l also think that fit is abit easier for men on the whole. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348214 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 12:26:04 +0000 Olive Green 2348214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is a guy thing. Maybe because their clothes are more forgiving, made of heftier materials, and their fashions don’t change with the breeze? But the caterwailing after throwing out the shorts that are more hole than fabric is amusing. However, I found that getting rid of the clothes that are uncomfortable on ANY level is an ongoing process, and you sound like you have it in hand, frankly. So enjoyed hearing about our shared experiences made visible.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348200 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:07:33 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena,thank you for your continuing support,it means a lot.<br />Bijou,yes l agree.A lot of fuss is made about turning forty but it’s definitely the fifties that l feel are the most challenging years so far.I think your attitude of embrace rather than fight is &nbsp;the most positive way to go forward.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348199 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 08:02:12 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz,yes l understand what you mean about those infrequent events where we might just keep clothes “in case”.l think it’s fine to have a few options that we don’t wear often for those events,it’s when the just in case clothes haven’t been worn for many years or start taking over the wardrobe ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348197 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 05:37:37 +0000 Bijou 2348197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardiff Girl, this resonated so much with me…. I have found my 50’s to be the decade of change, whereas comparatively I breezed through my 40’s. The YLF forum has helped me hone my style to work for my current lifestyle but it is a work in progress. If someone had told me 5 years ago that sneakers would be favourite shoes for me, I would not have believed them. For the most part I feel refreshed by the winds of change and want to embrace most of the changes rather than fight them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348195 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:53:47 +0000 Helena 2348195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CG I always love your posts but this might be my favourite. I love hearing your musings on navigating transition, you've found a wonderful balance between being identical, finding optimism but also honoring 'all the feelings' about changing life stage. I'm just a few years behind you and will do my best to emulate your example! Can't wait to see what this leg of your style journey brings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348185 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:10:45 +0000 Suz 2348185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>Cardiff Girl</b> -- that is helpful, yes. I think it is time for me to begin paring back (ironically, after a big purchase year!). I need less variety than I imagine *if* I have the right pieces to make workable outfits for my different roles. I think one factor that has confused me or perhaps kept my wardrobe larger is that I need to have some outfits on hand for. unexpected roles and the way I used to deal with those is to have sufficient variety -- whereas I think perhaps now I could afford to pare back if I could envision just the right outfit for a particular role/ occasion in advance. Hmmm. Like <b>Carla</b>, I'm pretty good at doing this for my most typical roles and like you and her, I swap out different versions of the top or bottom to create different looks...but for such events as appearances, I want something different but only just a little different. Hard to explain it. I want to be comfortable and recognizably "me" but a bit elevated.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348179 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 22:03:38 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Runcarla,l value your input . l feel we have similar lifestyles and l admire how you have gradually developed your post work wardrobe over the last few years .l always look forward to your posts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348176 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:42:35 +0000 Carla 2348176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I’ve got 8+ years on you, but your story sounds familiar. &nbsp;Age 57 was a landmark year for me - a wake-up call vis a vis my health and well-being, as well as a time to reassess who I was and my roles and place in the world after leaving child rearing and the world of work behind. &nbsp;There is personal work to be done around aging and the big changes in life that seem to come all at the same time. &nbsp;It’s valid (in my opinion) that we tinker with our wardrobe and appearance as a part of defining who and what we are, or will be, going forward into this new stage of life.</div><div><br /></div>I agree that having a few gold star ‘outfits’ with great vibes is a sound strategy. &nbsp;This year I figured out 4 gold star ‘outfits’ that have become my uniform. &nbsp;#1 a travel outfit, #2 a daily OTG outfit for cool weather, #3 a daily OTG outfit for hot weather, and #4 a somewhat dressy (skirt based) outfit for ‘occasions’. &nbsp;&nbsp;I swap out different colours of identical or nearly identical items to change out the look, but the silouhette is the same across the outfits.</p> <p>You have a good list of goals, and I totally agree with ‘team wear’ for new items!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348172 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:47:34 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Pirouette.l do so agree with all that you say and will also try and buy less but better next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348171 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:44:52 +0000 pirouette 2348171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed your post. I also have had a lot of changes retirement and reaching 61. One thing I have in common with you is avoiding the sales unless it’s something I have had my eye on for ages. I haven’t bought anything in the sales this year for the first time as nothing appealed to me. Going forward I want to buy quality over quantity for 2024.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348170 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:41:35 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee,thank you,must be a man thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348169 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:41:01 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz,thank you.Yes l have found that l was buying individual pieces then having a wardrobe full of things that l would have to buy more things to wear them with so l have found that playing around with outfit combinations has been invaluable in helping me identify all sorts of things.For example identifying my most worn pieces and then making outfits including them showed &nbsp;me what my “uniforms “tend to be but also how by swapping a few pieces l could extend the outfit combinations based on the same basic formula but using different already owned pieces.<br />When considering a new purchase l can add it into the already existing outfit combos and see how it works or doesn’t.It also helps to identify any gaps or new purchases that would open up my existing wardrobe a bit more.ln fact l never buy anything new now before running it through a virtual wardrobe building session on my app.lf l can only make one outfit or it doesn’t go with anything else l don’t buy it.Of course virtual outfits don’t always look the same when you try them on but it’s a good place to start l find.l also keep a visual record of all my favourite outfits which helps inform me as well.By thinking in terms of outfits it also ensures that l have considered outerwear,footwear and any acessories that l think will work as part of the overall look not just an after thought.<br />It has really helped to isolate out the “orphans “ in my wardrobe and then l can decide if l get rid or commit to buying other things to making them work.<br />l hope this helps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348167 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:24:52 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww,thanks Jenni.Yes it’s interesting where the “hoarding”comes from isn’t it.My husbands parents were actually better off than mine and he’s had more material things than l had growing up but he admits himself he can’t let things go.We recently managed to get rid of a few recipe books but he’s straight away gone and bought more ,the books he’s bought have even got some recipes in that we already have in other books but he seems to need to surround himself with stuff whereas l have reached an age where l want to let it go!we just need separate houses really! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348166 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:21:19 +0000 Dee 2348166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I so get secretly moving items on, my husband loves to hang on to stuff for way too long as well.&nbsp;<br />Lots of changes in life can be unsettling. I’m with you on comfort being a top priority now and definitely no more body con either. Three word descriptors are challenging, particularly when you want to evolve your wardrobe. However, it looks &nbsp;like you’ve identified some useful strategies to help get you where you want to go.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348165 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 19:20:23 +0000 Suz 2348165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an excellent summary of where you are now with your style! Your goals sound reasonable and grounded in your recognitions of who you are now and your current needs. Your shopping also sounds extremely moderate considering the big change you have experienced both in your body and your life.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Jenni</b>, I'm interested in your DH's resistance. Some of it might be based on reluctance to "waste" what he sees as "perfectly good" stuff that you have spent money on, I guess. Maybe some of it is sentimental -- him loving to see you in a particular outfit/ item and not wanting to lose that version of you -- even though you are more than delighted to see that version of you go. I suppose there can be many factors at play.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm interested in the idea of thinking in terms of outfits vs. items. If you find time, can you say more about that? <b>Angie</b> has spoken of some clients finding this a valuable strategy at times. I am wondering if it is particularly useful for those who want to maintain a compact closet. As I think of my own evolving needs, I notice that I reach for the same outfits again and again within a given season. I've been wanting to think about that some more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348164 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:49:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2348164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fantastic essay! I’m most interested in your husband’s resistance to your getting rid of things. My husband and myself have a similar issue and I’m not quite sure where it comes from. Upbringing? Parents being poorer than we now are?<br /> I totally sympathise with not wanting to have things taking up space that you’re not wearing. So yay for you slowly getting rid of them I say. And good luck on it all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-the-wardrobe#post-2348161 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:10:01 +0000 Cardiff girl 2348161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear friends it has been a real pleasure to read all of your end of year reviews.It is pleasing to see how many of you are feeling content with your purchasing this last year and the state of your own wardrobes.lt has also been lovely to see how the more longstanding contributors‘style has evolved since l have been looking.All have gone from strength to strength showing the value,l think,of being able to share fashion thoughts,photos etc in a safe space with like minded individuals.<br />As for my own wardrobe,2023 has been rather a definitive year for me in wardrobe terms .For the first time in 21 years l am contemplating a significant wardrobe upheaval.This is due to tangible things I.e getting older and less tangible things,emotions etc.<br />l went into the pandemic fit and well with a child at home.Now my DD lives away,l have health issues ,been through the big M and DH is retired.l have never really felt big birthdays in the way that others describe but turning 55 for me in combination with the above really made me feel that l am entering a different chapter of my life.<br />l cannot tolerate ANY discomfort in clothes,things l have had for years no longer fit comfortably and this is a big NO theses days.l also no longer want to outline my body in tight or body con clothes or show a lot if skin.l don’t want to wear things l wore in my thirties,l am a different person now.My husband can’t cope with me letting anything go so l am smuggling stuff out of the house as well as selling pieces on the web.<br />Surprisingly,for me,l haven’t particularly felt the urge to shop a lot.Don’t get me wrong,l have purchased 19 items this year so not a no shop year.l have been pleased with everything l have bought and worn it almost straight away.<br />l am fed up having things hanging in the wardrobe that l don’t wear and l actually need very little these days.l am also embracing the value of outfit planning and thinking in terms of outfit building rather than individual items and l think this has paid off.<br />l have stopped shopping the sales(!)the only exception is for a long stalked piece.<br />l still struggle to articulate three words and a style descriptor.l kind of know what l like but not really how to decribe it succinctly.l have been through all my Pinterest boards and pulled out common themes -this has been really useful.l also find Alyssa Beltempo’s approach to taking the vibe of an outfit as inspiration rather than the individual pieces very helpful.<br />So as this is becoming an Essay-to sum up</p> <p>1- no sales shopping<br />2-Prioritize stylish comfort<br />3-Lifestyle-obvious!</p> <div>4-focus on outfits not individual pieces<br />5-Patience,don’t be afraid not to buy things.l have enough to wait for the perfect piece<br />6-if you can wear it straight away that’s a very good sign<br />7-look forward.This can be exciting </p> <p>So my wardrobe wish for 2024 is a more compact wardrobe in which all pieces are used and bring me,if not joy,satisfaction.It’s taking me a while but that’s ok,l am enjoying the journey.<br />If you made it this far,well done you!And a Very Happy New Year to you all.</p> <p> </div></p>