YouLookFab Forum » Topic: things you never wear and why

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: things you never wear and why https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:31:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why/page/2#post-1031551 Tue, 17 Sep 2013 02:34:46 +0000 Anonymous 1031551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ - can't wear wool - won't wear fur or leather clothing (still using thrifted/vintage leather shoes and belts until they wear out) - won't wear peeptoe booties (loathe) - won't wear square/pointy toe shoes or especially boots - won't wear the current trend of platform stilletos - won't wear all black - won't be happy wearing all solid colors JG on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why/page/2#post-1030255 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 18:48:09 +0000 JG 1030255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ See Amiable's post. It's almost exactly what I would've written. dakotacheryl on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why/page/2#post-1030142 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:01:25 +0000 dakotacheryl 1030142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My list of "not for me" is just that. I can love them on other people, but hate them on me: ruffles most patterns costumey looks low waist pants short skirts or shorts heels over 3", or basically any shoe that's uncomfortable to walk in flats with no arch support turtlenecks (used to love them, no more...stupid hot flashes) anything with even a tiny bit of angora in the fabric...I itch just looking at it distressed jeans pastel colors Hey this list is shorter than I thought it would be  Vildy on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1030122 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 15:22:17 +0000 Vildy 1030122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cons and all athletic shoes, including those that look like mary janes ballet flats - no support, dislike the round toes most no logos leggings skin tight pants/jeans mini skirts shoes well under 3 inches no wedge shoes - Frankenstein feet plus do not flex themed, embellished sweatshirts, tops sweatshirts in general blousy bomber jackets that make me feel like I have to keep spinning around to prove that I'm not that burly all over I love the remark questioning why we want necklaces hanging from our necks. Sometimes an outfit needs something and I'm conflicted. But even a scarf appears to have a purpose. No utility jackets No denim jackets nothing worn ironically nothing to subvert the purpose of a garment: nothing to "take down" or "debombshell" or "dress up" No faded or worn looking items. While I like quilted leather or "leather" no faux chanel bags. I used to wear them when I was a girl in a semi-rural area. No one knew anything about Chanel but today that's not the case. I wouldn't wear a real Chanel, either, because I don't want people speculating about the cost of my clothing. no jeans for dressy wear or going out wear of any kind no snakeskin or snakeskin pattern in anything that is fitted. Floaty is fine. Otherwise I feel like a large python that's just eaten. Or that I'm trying to convince someone that I'm dangerous. nothing overwhelmingly military, like I just escaped from the Civil War reenactment no camouflage no motorcycle jackets no peasant blouses no empire waists unless completely without gathering no oversize boyfriend jackets no low or lower rise pants. I have a few and they're a considerable nuisance. almost no green, unless maybe a breen I'd better stop - even I am starting to wonder how I manage ever to get dressed Ingunn on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1030111 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 14:55:12 +0000 Ingunn 1030111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, so much we don't like on ourselves. It's good to know what works and not. This is a fun read! My list, not exhaustive: Low rise pants Mini skirts Short shorts of any kind High heels (above 2-3") (Very) distressed textiles Fur Unstructured unstructure I need some definition somewhere to avoid looking like a blob. That is all I can think of right now. Other things that I don't particularly like on me: Ruffles, belted cardigans, overly girly patterns, studs. I guess that means I'm not a girly girl, but not a tomboy either, but somewhere in the middle. Pretty average! Isabel on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1030088 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 14:25:56 +0000 Isabel 1030088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fascinating post, thank you ! No shoes over 2 inches unless at a wedding or a function where I will sit a lot. But i will kick the off for dancing ! The shoes, not the clothes.  No minis or shorts that are shorter than knee length  I have actually never felt comfortable in them...I just like a more conservative look for me.   No bikini, my gift to the World !  LOL No tights or leggings as pants, never. Again, my gift to the world and to my children.   No pastels, I don't look good in them .  Same with yellow and orange around the face. No more uncomfortable shoes. Thankfully, there are so many great looking comfort brands today ! I used to 'make' due with shoes if I loved them but they didn't fit well. NO MORE. No white sneakers.  I just don't like them on me. Maybe because my feet are big and it is llike highlighting them. I just started wearing sneakers a couple of years ago directly due to YLF.  I think that if they are worn deliberately, instead of a fall back comfort shoe, they can look great. I just got a pair of grey and white polka dot ones that I love. My mom, who is Portuguese and used to be very European in her style thoughts,  thought sneakers should only be used for gym at school.  She just always believed in wearing shoes. I think that affected me...until YLF ! Large prints or whimsical ones. I find them too conspicuous on me.  No jumpsuits. My torso is just too long.  When my mom sewed and made them to fit, it wasn't bad.  I try to avoid low rise pants. Too much of a tummy right now.  Nova on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1030070 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 13:56:22 +0000 Nova 1030070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ High heels Short shorts Very low necklines Skinny pants/jeans (tried them and felt like a stuffed sausage) Orange, yellow, or tans near my face Susie on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1030046 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 12:39:51 +0000 Susie 1030046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Things that aren't my style: Pastels Floral prints Ruffles, bows, lace, puffy sleeves Whimsical prints Pattern mixing Preppy Boho Body con fits Oxford shirts Ballet flats Empire waists Fussy and/or uncomfortable clothes Marley on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029909 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 03:49:51 +0000 Marley 1029909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow!  I'm surprised at the length of your list!  I honestly cannot think of very many items that I would be able to say that I absolutely would not ever wear.  Mini skirts, short-shorts, and shoes with heels higher than 2" are all I can think of just off the top of my head.  I don't really look all that great in turtlenecks and boatneck tops - but I'm pretty sure that I'd wear them if I found one that looked right on me!  I think that you and I live in the same geographic area - but, I see a lot of people around here over the age of 20 who wear Cons and Vans - including me.  :-)  Same thing with booties and skirts/dresses.  Oh, I just thought of something else that I probably would never wear - anything in the earth-tone color family near my face - makes me look sick - absolutely sick!  But that has nothing to do with age or style - it just has to do with my skin/eye/hair coloring - which I think is different than a fashion choice - KWIM?  (Also, no cropped tops without a longer layer underneath.) froggiebecky on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029905 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 03:43:02 +0000 froggiebecky 1029905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's my list of "Absolutely not, thankyouverymuch":  Puffy sleeves/short sleeve with elastic at the base: they don't flatter my arm (too bad, I like peasant tops!) Strapless anything: I'm not aerodynamic enough for that.  Skinny jeans and leggings: I feel like a sausage in them.  Empire waist (gathered under the bust)--I, too, would be in the "look pregnant" camp on this one.  Unwalkable shoes: I'm open to heel height, platforms, etc. But I don't have a car, and don't really like carrying around spare shoes. My shoes need to be able to log a mile at a time, preferably more.  Boxy things: I am not box-shaped, and do not wish to look it.  Echo on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029904 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 03:40:22 +0000 Echo 1029904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Empire waists, flared pants (or even most boot cuts), peep-toe boots (an oxymoron to me), low-rise anything, drop-waist dresses, most overly girly-girl looks. It should be noted that I don't like these items for or on myself; I definitely see that others can look fabulous in them. amiable on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029863 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 02:28:47 +0000 amiable 1029863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I actually started a list of what is *not* my style, after reading a post of Angie's in the archives.  I'm not: romantic girly glam slovenly preppy cutesy costumey prim precious goth bombshell Due to this, I've eliminated ruffles, and I'm pretty sure I also don't like lace. Most ditsy prints are out, and I'm mostly away from florals too.  I don't go for pastels hardly ever.  My feet don't tolerate a high heel.  I don't like puffy sleeves.  I realized this fall that turtlenecks aren't flattering on me, so I'm intending to replace mine with scoop necks (and add a scarf for warmth when I need to) I haven't worn graphic tees for years, but I'm starting to want to again. Thanks for a fun thread - it's good to remind myself of these things! Gaylene on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029749 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:13:05 +0000 Gaylene 1029749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ruffles, puff sleeves, and dainty flower prints: I am so not a "girly" girl. Shoes with more than a 2" heel: I wrecked my knees wearing 3-4" heels when I was young and foolish. Ballerina shoes: I really don't like the shuffling gait that most people seem to adopt when wearing them. And they just aren't comfortable on my feet. Necklaces: Never could figure out the appeal of hanging stuff from my neck. Huge Designer Handbags: I like my bags simple, functional, and on the smallish side. And don't get me started on all that hardware, tassels, and embellishments. Hectic Print Mixing: Too much going on for my taste; I  guess I get confused too easily ;) Otherwise, I'd be reluctant to put anything on my "Never" list; I learned my lesson by dismissing slouchy pants a year ago, only to eat my words this spring when I actually gave it a go using Angie's guidelines. Turns out I'm a big fan of the look; I lived in my slouchy pants all spring and summer! Mander on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029726 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 23:40:25 +0000 Mander 1029726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Let's see, I'm sure there's more but here's what comes to mind: <ul> <li>turtlenecks and mock necks (shudder)</li> <li>ultra-flat shoes (might as well go barefoot!)</li> <li>heels over 3" (and even that is pushing it for me)</li> <li>platform heels (especially the weird blocks that were everywhere last year)</li> <li>most pastels and earth tones</li> <li>open-toed boots and cuffed sandals (they seem inherently confused to me)</li> <li>truly skinny jeans (make me look like a walking carrot)</li> <li>crop tops of any sort (no. just no.)</li> </ul> Oh, and I have an irrational aversion to pink. Carla on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029653 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 22:07:17 +0000 Carla 1029653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Would like to stay flexible, but.... - no skirts with zipper flys (tummy) -no low rise anything (tummy) -not a fan of faded, distressed, or ripped jeans (I'm a dark wash kind of girl) -padded bras (just a personal feel thing) - shoulder pads (I've got my own, thank you very much! Taking them out of garments sometimes makes the garment fit better, and gives me the arm length I need!) Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029638 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:51:38 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1029638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've learned to never say never but I agree about heels, anything above 2" I just don't wear enough anymore to make it worth having many of them around. All of my skirts and dresses are to near the knee, if not at it, which can be tricky to find when somewhat tall, but again, short skirts just aren't going to get worn. Same thing for tops and dresses that require special bras, or have to be worn with a camisole, unless they are formal wear for special occasions only. Stuff that isn't flattering on me, the short list: crewneck tops, I need an open neckline of some sort; anything that's loose through the midsection, makes me look boxy and heavier than I am; empire waist stuff that hits too high; orange, beige, and bright white near my face, and to be honest black too, but sometimes I cheat; most ruffles and bows, and cutesy prints. Stuff I don't particularly like, personally: loafers with high vamps (I don't know why), cabbage rose prints, those knit tops where they've intentionally made the print 'skip' portions of the underlying fabric, exposed bra straps on anything but very casual wear, whiskering on the thighs of jeans, any clothes that don't stay put and have to be adjusted all the time. MsMary on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029614 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:32:51 +0000 MsMary 1029614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My "don't wear" list is super short.  Really the only thing I can think of that I'm not willing to even try is flat shoes.  I tried flat oxfords when they first became popular, and they just weren't "me."  I need a bit of a heel -- even my ballerina "flats" have a 1/2-inch wedge.  (Although I will wear flat sandals -- go figure!) Lyn D. on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029608 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:29:52 +0000 Lyn D. 1029608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ High heels- I don't need the extra height and I like to walk. Frills and ruffles. Shoulder pads. Neck bling- too fussy for me. Suz' age-related list plus- Nothing above the knee without hose. Swimming Costumes- I don't enjoy swimming. rachylou on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029584 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:08:00 +0000 rachylou 1029584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good question. I stopped wearing real denim aeons ago. It's so stiff. It gives me stomach aches. Actually, there are a lot of stiff things that I've given up on. Another one is oxford shirts - I don't have the body for them. I also don't wear shorts. They always feel hot and clingy to me. I have been keeping an eye out for silky baggy shorts, but to be honest, I sorta think might as well put on a skirt at that point. I'm turning away from true ballet flats and above the knee skirts. They feel too sweet and girlish on me. Ruffles, bows, puff sleeves, and little '50s type cardigans/twin sets have gone this way too. I'm sure I'll think of more. Anonymous on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029564 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 20:37:22 +0000 Anonymous 1029564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tops/coats with the 'in/fashionable' name splashed across the chest. I like to be individual and not wear what everyone else is wearing. Suz on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029561 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 20:35:52 +0000 Suz 1029561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Never say never is my motto. Most of my "won't wears" have to do with weather and lifestyle anyway. So if I moved somewhere else or had different roles, I might feel differently.  Some that wouldn't change:  <ul> <li>Don't do heels over 3 inches. Preferably 2.5 or below. But also....</li> <li>Don't do flats. A teeny baby wedge can work for short periods, but genuine flats? No. NOTHING is worse for my feet. </li> <li>Don't wear yellow near my face. Or orange. Or beige. </li> <li>Don't wear "seasonally confused" looks -- e.g. sandals in winter with a coat. </li> </ul> In terms of what I will or won't wear as a result of aging and body changes... <ul> <li>I avoid low necklines, whether they are scoop or V necks. </li> </ul> That is honestly about it. I'll wear pretty much anything else I want. I never did wear short skirts or super body con looks, so not wearing them is not a change.  JulieJohn on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029499 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 19:14:29 +0000 JulieJohn 1029499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, fun thread! Jeans with holes - just not my style Shoulder pads - they make me look neckless, kinda like a linebacker High Heels - I like comfort, full stop. Pale pastels - they make me look washed out Dramatic dark jewel tones - ditto Neckties - hubs can't stand this look (alas) Day Vies on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029485 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 18:45:17 +0000 Day Vies 1029485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with DonnaF. Never say never. I am open to having my mind changed. Usually if I don't wear an item or a color it's because I just don't like it and probably never will: Most peep-toe booties look odd to me so I won't wear them. Pepto-Bismol pink looks horrible on me, so I don't wear it. Jeans with holes are not my thing, I bat for team polished. I've never liked extreme platforms on heels -- I always thought the overall effect was rather trashy. I am so glad refined footwear has returned. I don't wear vests but not because I don't like them it's because I can't find one that fits. without looking boxy. cheryle (Dianthus) on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029468 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 18:19:08 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1029468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was trying to think of things I won't or can't wear and came up with a few. I occasionally wear heels if I'm going to an event (last was a grad dinner) but rarely these days. I rarely wear anything that is doesn't drape that is boxy.  I have a fairly big waist/hip difference and it makes me look big.  The empire tops (princess for JennyK) is also not a good look for me. Peep toe booties.  I know they were extremely trendy but it doesn't make sense to me with our climate.  It is either too hot for booties or too cold for peep toes for about 350 days of the year here. Warm green tops.  I love blue/green but can't carry off warm greens. I am sure there are a lot more but that is all I can think of at the moment. JennyK (NC) on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029460 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 18:11:46 +0000 JennyK (NC) 1029460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ princess shirts - I think that's what they're called. The ones with elastic just under the bust, and then flowy. With my hourglass figure and (very) large bosom, they make me look 8 months pregnant, no joke.  ankle strap shoes. I like my legs from the knees down and I have slim ankles and feet, but those shoes still make me feel like I look stumpy. neon. Did that in the 80's. Never again. boxy anything. Boxy does nothing good for my figure at all. low-rise anything. No one needs to see that (on me). DonnaF on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029456 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 18:02:20 +0000 DonnaF 1029456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YLF has taught me never to say *never*.  However, due to arthritis and future foot surgery that will fuse my joint, I will never wear heels above 2".  Actually, the podiatrist said 2"; I think for my particular foot it's 1.75" or 1 7/8".  I've never worn anything as high as 3" in my life, but even 2.5" would give me a lot more options.  :( I've gotten over my aversion to going sleeveless, but I run cold so it isn't much of an issue anyway! I go fitted and tailored but never skin tight. OTOH, even when I was young I never did body con. Anonymous on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029453 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 17:59:47 +0000 Anonymous 1029453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Low waisted Jeans because my flat butt makes them forever ride down. Ruffles and frills ... just not my style. Heels higher than 2.5-3" as I wobble all over the place. Stilletoe or very very thin heels as I would fall over! Button-down shirts... I can't stand the feel of crisp unforgiving fabric and a stiff collar around my neck. Plus I wouldn't feel feminine enough. Peri on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029452 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 17:59:18 +0000 Peri 1029452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Skinny...anything. I hate to feel squeezed. shaz on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029426 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 17:29:15 +0000 shaz 1029426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Skirts as i dont have the curves to fill them out end up looking like a lamp in a shade. Leggings no one needs to see my knobbly knees  Baggy jeans make me look like a man  Patterns make me look pregnant  heals alas my knee can't take them any more carrie on "things you never wear and why" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/things-you-never-wear-and-why#post-1029411 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 17:15:46 +0000 carrie 1029411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MsMaven...we share many of the same don'ts-yuck ruffles make me look like one of those bedside lamps from a little girls room in the 50-60's. Ruffles swallow my neck and make my bust look enormous! Peasant tops...poor choice for my apple body AND wore them back in the 70s-nuff said. We go our separate ways on white shirts, loafer and there is nothing more wonderful than a fabulous well-tailored suit. Here is a list of my things that I never wear Sleeveless out in public jersey or knit pants high-wedge booties...I think they look like an accident waiting to happen AND they make my legs look really fat! round-toe or square toe shoes-ick! Midi dresses or skirts-never wore them in the 70's and don't wear them now. There is probably more but I am trying not to be soo restrictive...work in progress.