https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:57:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300081 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:53:49 +0000 rachylou 2300081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I’m just going to steal your goals here Janet - ease and chill, put together but not precious. And yes my feet are unforgiving demanding things now, I’m actually thinking to purge my shoe collection - for *like* the first time ever. Lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300057 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:27:57 +0000 Dee 2300057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a great artistic sense of style in your wardrobe <b>Janet</b>, there’s always interesting elements to all of your outfits. Looks like you’ve added some really fab pieces to play with this year too and I love that you’re bossing your clothes around to suit you better.<br />Also, happy to hear those Sorel boots went the distance in Quebec City.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300047 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:39:10 +0000 Bijou 2300047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you have had an amazing year and your style journey (in the 8 years that I have been on the forum) has been inspirational. I was so thrilled when you bought your Bao Bao bag, it suits you so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300043 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:45:28 +0000 slim cat 2300043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've had a very successful year in shopping - less quantity more quality pieces - with new shapes and styles ( feeling jealous of your new cargo and parachute pants, and BB bag &nbsp;;) )! Your wardrobe have a perfect mix of modern, trendy, artistic and classic pieces that work beautifully for you.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300014 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 02:58:47 +0000 LJP 2300014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a fabulous wardrobe Janet, and certainly how how to shop for yourself. &nbsp;I like the idea of one really great bag making others obsolete or unnecessary. I feel this way when I wear my Fendi - which isn't as often as I used to. But really, who needs another bag when you have a classic designer piece &nbsp;?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300003 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:46:05 +0000 Janet 2300003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, yes, I feel that way about the past few years — sort of an aging spurt. My jawline, skin texture, stubborn extra pounds around the middle… Electing to let my hair grow out has sort of added to the effect, in my perception at least. There is a definite adjustment to seeing someone who increasingly looks like my mom and my sister (10 years my senior) in the mirror! I’m trying to be more gracious about accepting this new phase of life in all its adventures. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2300001 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:37:26 +0000 Jaime 2300001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very relatable post. Sometimes the various signs of aging seem to have a bit of a growth spurt - or at least that seems to be the case with me. I can honestly say that YLF has been and continues to be one of my biggest sources of support as this happens. I love your special picks, and like you, have found that a few bigger investments sometimes make a whole category elevate (for lack of a better word). Cheers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299987 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:47:57 +0000 kkards 2299987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I’m going to be 60 this summer, and everything, except the matchy matchy part of what you wrote here is what I’m feeling</p> <p><i>The shift is mostly me gravitating towards more ease and “chill” in my outfits. I don’t want to be sloppy or overly casual when I leave the house — it’s just not in my DNA — but comfort is more important than ever, and so is the notion of being put-together without being too precious about it. I’m feeling a little less matchy-matchy these days.<br /></i><br />As others have mentioned, i think you have a confidence about who you are, and what you want to present to the world. Your additions to your closet show this, and your attention to details and colors shows.<br />looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299948 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 20:39:11 +0000 Jonesy 2299948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great read--so much of it resonates with me personally--and I love seeing your MVPs! All stellar and so perfect for your style!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299942 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 20:24:08 +0000 Sal 2299942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your style and find it inspirational. Look forward to seeing how 23 pans out!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299923 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 19:10:02 +0000 Janet 2299923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, everyone! I’ve not been able to comment on all the year-end posts, but trust that I appreciate all the wisdom and analysis of this group, and I learn from you all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299914 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:46:00 +0000 Anonymous 2299914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big yay for bossing clothes around. I especially like the idea of removing drawstrings- the clutter drives me nuts! </p> <p>I definitely think of you as having a distinctive style- current but still authentic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299908 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:33:22 +0000 Angie 2299908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b>, you've been on this forum for 12 YEARS and look better than ever! Your small style refreshes and evolutions each year only add to your already absolutely KILLER style! I don't say that lightly :)</p> <p>I remember how SUBLIME those white Fisherman sandals were when you added them! LOVE how well whites and greys are working with your new hair.&nbsp;</p> <p>Extremely fun to see you in big pants :)</p> <p>Love that you are NOT letting your clothes boss you around!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>And high five! I don't track numbers and wears either. That I neither find fun nor helpful, personally. But fully respect and support that others do, of course! &nbsp;But I do keep strict inventory control on what I have, pass on, purchase and return. I know exactly how old an item is because I have a record of the purchase. I also stick to a budget, and have every item recorded in FINDS (minus wardrobe basics). Those tools are indispensable to me.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299906 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:26:50 +0000 CarolS 2299906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Simplify!" Yeah!!! I like your low-pressure, organic plan for the year ahead, Janet, and can't wait to see how the next leg of your style journey evolves.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299900 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:11:23 +0000 Jenn 2299900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress is as amazing (as is your dress from your holiday trip). Your winning purchases all have a slouchy-cool vibe that I think is the new version of the more tailored-rocker edge you've worn previously. I also love the idea of finding your signatures and just rolling with them.</p> <p>White/cream is hard for me too. I feel like it gets dingy so quickly, especially more delicate pieces like blouses or camis.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299896 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:44:49 +0000 Suz 2299896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, that dress and summer top are both fabulous. I need summer items like this as well. (And don't have enough in the closet!) And what a great purchase that Bao Bao bag was for you!&nbsp;</p> <p>Love your new workhorse pants, too. Taking notes on that. What is the brand of parachute pants you ultimately went with?&nbsp;</p> <p>Yay for the Sorel hikers getting you through the slush!&nbsp;</p> <p>You had a great and fashionable year and this is an excellent set of reflections. You know what works for you so well, and over the years have evolved your style so naturally, staying true to your best colours (when possible....oh, how I'm going to cheer with you when we see some more jewel tones!) and experimenting with shapes and proportions to keep things current.&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone a few years further along the aging path, I will say that for me, embracing the changes (to the extent possible) has been helpful. Your decision to let the grey come in seems to go along with the increased relaxation. It's genuine and authentic, and that authenticity brings a different glow than the glow of youth but one that is equally beautiful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299895 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:42:32 +0000 Cardiff girl 2299895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautifully put Janet,l found myself nodding along with a lot of what you &nbsp;said.You already have great style and apply an artists eye to your wardrobe Prehaps getting older is helping you to feel more confident in your choices?Whatever,you wear it well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299894 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:35:20 +0000 Roberta 2299894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo SarahD8's comment on self-confidence and self knowledge as a benefit of aging. One of the many things I'm grateful for as I head into my mid-60s, is that I am not limited to what women of that age were wearing 25 years ago. </p> <p>An example: the equivalent of the orthopedic shoe for us is the combat boot! Supportive, grippy, easy to care for. I did not see that coming in my teens.</p> <p>Years ago I read an essay by an Irish novelist, who commented that the women of her mother's generation were doomed to wearing all black the minute they turned 60. They were an "Irish widow", and that was that. I am really grateful that I can wear as many colors as I like, or all black, and no one thinks twice about it. And when I say grateful, I mean I am grateful to the women who came before me and alongside of me who made the choice to rebel against those norms! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299891 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:17:26 +0000 SarahD8 2299891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great recap! You have a very strong wardrobe, and I can see it getting only stronger as you hone it with your discerning artist's eye and that self-confidence/knowledge that is one of the benefits of aging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299885 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:08:08 +0000 Minaminu 2299885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember that&nbsp;</p> <p>Zero + Maria Cornejo dress, it was a fab find!&nbsp;</p> <p>Good on you for being more selective on the colours and what you want to keep. Black is unfortunately ubiquitous, personally I find it very draining and much prefer charcoal or navy.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you have a great eye for modern pieces and like how you combine your artistic vibe with some edginess and still keep it age appropriate. It must be quite time consuming to find the right pieces, but it works!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299876 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:28:20 +0000 Ginger 2299876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black IS so easy! It doesn't love me but like you said, it's everywhere in both basics and in interesting things. I really like the idea of grays for you, too. Your coloring is very like my mother's and I love how both of you know what colors work for you and have figured out how to adjust over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299866 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:07:17 +0000 Janet 2299866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Ginger! Yeah, once in a while I’ll try to import custom Finds since lately fewer of my purchases are from the big retailers.</p> <p>Black is so easy! It’s so tempting to default to it when 1) color trends are otherwise not favoring me (the era of blush, tan, yellow…), 2) the most interesting cuts and styles tend to come in neutrals, and that usually means black, and 3) it goes with everything! Nonetheless I’m trying to find a bit more charcoal, soft black, or grey, and even some white. Light dove grey can be nice for me too. I know I’ll never completely give up black, but it’s not as great near my face as it used to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299863 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:56:19 +0000 Ginger 2299863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a lot like you, in not tracking wears or purchases, and I'm certainly worse at not adding Finds. (Most of what I buy is from places that don't have Finds enabled and I'm lazy about adding custom ones.) But I'm feeling the urge to reflect as well.</p> <p>It's interesting to me that you're wanting to move away from buying as much black. Black has always been a significant part of your wardrobe. There's certainly a lot more white and cream available in general that in years past, so I expect you'll find some great items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/turning-of-the-year-musings#post-2299848 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:52:36 +0000 Janet 2299848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m not a huge numbers person so no counts of purchases or anything like that. But seeing so many year-end posts has me reflecting a little bit, when I have some mental bandwidth (a little sparse at the moment, with lots of other things going on). </p> <p>Last year I think I bought fewer items, and mostly was wiser with my purchases. I returned a lot, even stuff I thought was a keeper at first or things that got positive forum feedback. I just have a lot in my wardrobe, and if I don’t cut the tags and wear when weather allows, it’s usually a sign that the item won’t get the love it deserves. I want to continue to reduce closet clutter. At the same time I want to edit mindfully. All a balancing act. </p> <p>Stylewise, nothing drastic, but there’s a subtle shift happening. This year I will turn 58. No getting around the fact that I’m pushing 60 and look it. This doesn’t really affect my style choices because I already don’t gravitate to young, terribly trendy, bare or bodycon styles, but it’s something I’m grappling with in the realm of appearance. I try to take care of myself — body, skin, hair, etc — but there’s only so much one can do. It’s a privilege to age — I’ve had friends who never got that privilege, so I’m trying to embrace the wrinkles and age spots. </p> <p>The shift is mostly me gravitating towards more ease and “chill” in my outfits. I don’t want to be sloppy or overly casual when I leave the house — it’s just not in my DNA — but comfort is more important than ever, and so is the notion of being put-together without being too precious about it. I’m feeling a little less matchy-matchy these days. </p> <p>I’m continuing to stay interested in what the trends are, and to continue tweaking what I wear to stay current. But I am more concerned with evolving my own style. Some things remain constant — my preference for certain silhouettes, my prevailing color palette, etc. I am trying to not add much more black, and am instead attempting to add a bit more white/cream. Not always easy for me, since I seem to be spill- and stain-prone, but I’m trying!</p> <p>My footwear collection is smaller than it’s been in a long time. My husband has more space for shoes in the closet! Haha! But again, comfort is king, and my feet are not as forgiving as they used to be. I’ve also edited out a lot of bags from my collection, and may get rid of more. The Bao Bao has kind of become my “one bag to rule them all” to my surprise. I still use others but the BB has set the bar high for any other bag purchases. It’s a signature style piece — I get compliments on it all the time, and it just feels like me. I want to continue to hone my other wardrobe categories that way — finding the styles that feel and look great, and making them signatures so I don’t feel like I’m 1) flailing around and scattered when I go to get dressed, with too many or too few options, and 2) dressing as someone I’m not, whether it be too conservative or too trendy. </p> <p>I’m also reaffirming my dedication to bossing my clothes around. I’ve gotten a new lease on life for some tops by simply having them shortened (too many old tops that I still love are too tunic-y for newer pant silhouettes). Adding shoulder pads to jackets, taking out redundant drawstrings or sleeve loops, etc. Getting waists taken in and hems altered when needed… all of these things help me use and enjoy my existing wardrobe pieces rather than tossing them for small shortcomings. </p> <p>What I’m not buying this year: more dressy items and occasion wear. I have enough and not enough occasions to wear it all. Smack my hand if I try to buy anything else dressy. </p> <p>A few MVP purchases of the year:</p> <p>- New purchases of less than a month ago but already earning their keep, the Sanctuary cargo pants and the parachute pants (Find is Zara, but the actual ones I kept are another brand with slightly less volume all around and a more fitted waist and hip). I like the parachute pants so much I got them in grey and olive. I wore the olive ones yesterday and my husband said “I love those pants on you, you look so cute!” The black slim cargos have a similar easy vibe and like the parachute pants, are easy to layer over a Heattech layer for cold weather. These are terrific alternatives to jeans for me — still casual and comfortable but with a bit of updated style and a degree of chill. </p> <p>- A couple of roomy jackets. Slightly oversized and with an interesting detail or texture — one black and subtly coated for a little shiny interest, and a back strap detail, the other cream corduroy with a distressed hem. Updated and a bit trendy but also really useful for layering and they feel like me. They help dress down something a little dressy like a nice blouse, which helps me use those dressier items in a way that doesn’t feel so precious.</p> <p>- Easy but interesting summer top in washable silk, sleeveless but with a great pattern. Works layered or alone. This kind of top gets me through the summer, my least favorite dressing season. </p> <p>- Zero + Maria Cornejo dress. I don’t care what I paid for this dress, it was worth it. Breezy, flattering, enough of the right kind of coverage… I would duplicate in another pattern or solid if they make one that works for me. This is my ideal casual summer dressing and set a new bar for dresses for me. </p> <p>- Nili Lotan jeans. I balked at the price but I love them and have worn them a lot already. The leg is just wide enough but not too wide, the fit in the waist and hip is great (had to get the waist taken in but now perfect).</p> <p>- Fisherman platform sandals and Sorel sandals. Updated summer footwear is important for me because my summer dressing tends to be rather timeless and not trendy. These shoes were so useful! Comfortable and on-trend. I hope they are still current this year because I don’t want to let them go. </p> <p>- Sorel hikers. Seriously warm and dry and comfortable but also kind of sporty-cute. They even got me through a 2.5-hour walking tour in Quebec City in 15 degree weather through snow and slush and salt, and came out of it all looking like new. </p> <p>For 2023, my intentions are to continue buying more wisely (and less frequently), remixing things I love, wearing and enjoying my clothes. I want to continue to balance refined and relaxed with a bit of edge and personality. I want to gently nudge my color palette a little to include the occasional venture into colors I love that perhaps aren’t my most flattering — just a smidge here and there. I also want to continue to slowly, gently, shrink my wardrobe a bit — to edit out things that are just ok, and to give my items more breathing room. Simplify!</p> <p>Whew! That’s a lot of text. Sorry for the novella. Just getting it all out there. Happy new year! </p>