YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Uneven Purchasing Habits

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Uneven Purchasing Habits https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 04:15:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1860200 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:24:16 +0000 Anonymous 1860200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same fit issues that Stayfit mentions...an IT/rectangle. But I am also short waisted and find that most tops would fit much better if I could pull them up about 2 inches at the top. Petites can fit better but can also be too short. I suppose a long petite is my best fit, if there was such a size. Breasts can get lost when trying to fit wide shoulders. Roxanna on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859986 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 21:04:02 +0000 Roxanna 1859986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I so admire your analytical nature and your methodical wardrobe process - clearly it is invaluable when identifying issues like this and resolving them. I know intuitively that I buy tops more because they are easier to buy for my body. My waist to hip ratio is sometimes problematic (I'm a pear) and when I gain weight, I gain it in the lower half, so I resist buying pants. But then using stylebook I've noticed that I've worn my favourite jeans more than anything else in my wardrobe, so clearly I need to wear the pants and skirts I have more! kkards on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859947 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:10:58 +0000 kkards 1859947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ hmmmmm....i wonder if part of the problem is lumping so much all together under the label "tops"...that seems very board and overarching....i'm assuming when you say "bottoms" you are really just referring to pants, not all things you could wear on the bottom (ie pants, not skirts or jeans)....maybe you need to think about "tops" in smaller groups...Tees, sweaters, blouses, shirts etc.... Rambling Ann on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859946 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:09:00 +0000 Rambling Ann 1859946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of my tops are deliberately boring but chosen to fit into the overall uniform under a jacket or sweater, or with a specific necklace. So fit, neckline and color are important. If I find one with an interesting detail (like piping around the neckline), I will pass if it doesn't meet the other criteria first. If my "uniform" were pants+interesting top, this would be a fail, but with pants+top+interesting warm thing, it works. Maybe defining the silhouettes you want will help? Suz on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859931 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 15:34:42 +0000 Suz 1859931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like the advice to experiment with a few alternative essential styles. You might broaden that to include a simple pattern or two. Most of your tops are solids and this can work well but can get boring if you are not also able to add a third piece like a printed scarf or jacket. Perhaps the tops are lacking in dynamism. (Even though I know you have some in gorgeous colours.) I sympathize with the desire to keep to solids on top. For someone who is harder to fit on bottom than on top, I am weirdly allergic to a lot of pattern on the top -- I don't know why, but I tire of patterns quickly and feel they are "too much" at times. And yet they're especially useful in bringing added energy and interest to an outfit in a climate where layering is difficult. This is why, for me, stripes were a real YLF revelation. They are simple, geometric, classic, and can be mixed with other patterns. (It turns out I have a high affinity for pattern mixing, who knew?) But your pattern may not be stripes -- it could be dots or checks or some other simple pattern.  Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859900 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 12:42:06 +0000 Anonymous 1859900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal posted this from another thread:  And my essentials- what they are, and if my black tee gets passed on, I can't necessarily replace it with a red tee. Which is what I used to do. This might explain why duplication is not always successful for me.  If I needed that black tee shirt, a duplicate in red or pink will not meet my needs.  I'm not sure I realized that until just this moment.   Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859899 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 12:40:16 +0000 Anonymous 1859899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ From the responses, I realize I am not whining.  I am hard to fit.   Thank you so much for posting, Staysfit.  You described so perfectly my fit issues.  Although I am not an IT, I am a rectangle with a broad, square shoulder line.  My arms are long.  Fit has always been an issue for me and for some reason it intimidates me.  I  have spent my entire life settling just to have something to wear.   Classically Casual -- For some reason, pants have always been easy for me to fit.  I do 95 percent of my shopping online.  I am not above buying two sizes.  Because of my wide feet, I have to buy shoes on line as well because stores do not stock the shoes I like in wide width.  Online shopping has made shoes shopping easier for me.   Approprio -- You have taught me to consider this a long slow process of discovery.  Experiment with a few alternative essential styles.  Don't panic and buy multiples, but adapt gradually by adding a few of each style. Remember this is a work in progress.  You have literally just defined my 2018 shopping strategy.  I'll view these more as essentials and accept the fact that other pieces in my ensembles will always the star.   Style Fan -- Duplication does work.  But in my case, I seemed to be duplicating in a panicked frenzy.  I would be completely at ease with this if there was a rhyme or a reason.   Aida  -- Tops should be an easy way to add interest to a wardrobe.  I am going to make buying tops a priority in 2018.  I say this despite having bought an abundance of tops in 2017.  I want to really hone in on what types of types suit me.  I want to learn to recognize good fit.   Staysfit on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859892 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 10:48:59 +0000 Staysfit 1859892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I have found tops much more difficult to fit than bottoms. You may or may not recall that at one point I did a jeans inventory, and I had more than 20 pairs! I have moved many of them on to new owners. My point being that I can relate. My tops have been difficult. I think there are several reasons. One is proportion. I have broad shoulders compared to my hips, so technically I am an IT, but I am narrow overall and my waist is not super defined making my primary shape Rectangular. To get a shirt that fits my shoulders, it is often baggy everywhere else. I have the same fit issue with jackets only amplified because of my long swimmers arms and the need for sleeves. I have particular difficulty with shirts that button in the front. I think this is why I prefer knits. They slide over my broader shoulders and then mould to my narrower torso. I also prefer a crew or narrow shallow oval neckline. Finding something that works in your climate that would be work appropriate is hard. I have mostly given upon sleeves and jackets, and have taken up using long and short cardigans instead. When I find a jacket that works I wear it as long as possible and treat it like a precious delicate newborn infant! I have found some substantial tees that are very nice quality. I stumbled upon them accidentally. I purchased some tees for my picky autistic son. He has sensory issues and only wears soft items. Men’s tees are thicker, and hold up better than women’s. They can be tailored to fit also. They hold their shape. I’m not sure if you can find any that will work for you, but everyone who reads this now knows my secret. Classically Casual on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859837 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 01:53:29 +0000 Classically Casual 1859837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find these days it’s too much energy and time expended to drive to a mall or other large B&M area, vs. shopping online. There are so many other things I’d rather be doing. I have great success buying tops, sweaters, coats and gear online. I’ve forbidden myself from buying shoes online as that almost never works, unless I’m duplicating. As far as pants go, I’d no sooner buy them online as buy a swimsuit online. So, not many winter pants residing in my closet! Sooner or later I’ll need to bite the bullet and do real shopping. Style Fan on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859832 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 01:36:01 +0000 Style Fan 1859832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was working I wore a blazer or denim jacket almost every day.  My top was a very basic t-shirt.  I find t-shirts easy to fit.  Forget button-ups.  T-shirts are also comfy. I duplicate tops all the time.  I have numerous 3 Dots t-shirts.  I have 2 dark brown Marks t-shirts.  If something fits me more is better. approprio on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859824 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 01:09:03 +0000 approprio 1859824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've always struggled with tops as well. In my case it's a combination of body shape and shopping habits and it's why I ended up with so many blazers and concert shirts. It was a successful formula, but I did it to death.  I'm still wearing that combination, but not as much as before. I've identified a few alternative essential styles, such as Breton stripe shirts,  turtle neck jerseys, cashmere tees, button downs, fine gauge knits etc. and gradually added a few of each. This is a work in progress while I figure out what works.  For me, confidence in fit has always been an issue. I don't wear detail on my top half very well, and it's hard to get excited about yet another plain top. Then again, these things have a way of coming into their own when you've had them for a while. I wouldn't necessarily have called any of these items a "best buy" but when I can't find an essential I know I'll be inconvenienced.  I absolutely recommend having a bra fitting if you haven't been properly measured in a while. Can make a world of difference.  Aida on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859814 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 00:24:15 +0000 Aida 1859814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Are bottoms easier to fit for you? That could be part of it, too. It's also possible that you are wanting to add a little more pizzazz to the wardrobe you've patiently, and smartly, cultivated and tops are often an easy way to do this. Plus, it seems like there are so many interesting tops out there right now! Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859807 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:43:09 +0000 Anonymous 1859807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RunCarla -- If I could wear any top in the world 24, 7.  It would be a round neck or crew neck with any length sleeve.  It is the fabric that matters to me.  I have to feel like I am wearing the softest fabric on the face of the Earth and it has to maintain its shape (some soft fabrics loose their shape by the end of the day).   I would be thrilled if that was the shape that made up my entire wardrobe.  BUT I have to go into public and I feel I am expected to dress a certain way.  It is those expectations that seem to get me to second guess myself.  So I buy different styles and different colors of top.   Do you think you will wear button downs when you are retired?  I feel like I am whining.  I don't mean to be.  My wardrobe is in better shape and more cohesive than any other time in my life.  I wish I could tell you about my pre-YLF days.  You would fall of the chair laughing.  Over the course of these past few years I have made significant progress.  It is just obvious to me that I have more progress yet to make.   Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859805 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:33:49 +0000 Anonymous 1859805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie --I need to correct something.  I am not dissatisfied.  I have a whole lot of really nice bland tops.   I just noticed that I buy pants and am usually successful and happy.  I buy tops and am neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.  Those Banana Republic sweaters are a star in my wardrobe (soft, perfect color, good weight).  Just never got labelled a "best buy."  No reason I can think of.  They wash great too.  They are flattering and meet my needs.   LaP -- My underpinnings could probably use some attention.  Over the course of the past year, I started wearing what I call bra tops.  SO comfortable, but not really flattering.   And finding interesting, standalone tops is challenging.  Perhaps that is my main complaint today.  I really gave it my all in 2017 and came home with some really solid items, but none of them are exciting.  They are basic in good colors like navy, black, white, and fuchsia.  Good basic pieces that form the foundation of my wardrobe.  I guess my pants are the real star of the show.   And like Joy I really worry about proportions so when I find something I think works, I buy multiples.  That means even if I am wearing a different top each day, they literally all look very much a like.  I am not kidding.  I really do buy two and three of the same top.  Sometimes in different colors.  Sometimes in the same color.   Texstyle -- You are ALWAYS helping.  Sometimes you say exactly the right things I need to hear to help me along the path.  I understand exactly what you mean about buying the same shirt in two colors and always reaching for one of the two.  I do the same thing (only I don't have fit as an explanation).   Excellent questions, Delurked.  I will give them some consideration over the weekend and try to answer them.   Lisa -- You have a long winter!  We can work on our respective problems together!   In conclusion.  When I was reviewing my 2017 purchases, every category (except tops) looked well thought out, well planned, and made sense in the scheme of my life.  Then I got to "tops" and it was like there was a mini-explosion.  No precision.  No cohesion.  No plan.  No nothing.   The abundance of black and white and navy showed that I lacked a plan.  When in doubt, buy black or white.  I obviously did.   Carla on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859804 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:25:31 +0000 Carla 1859804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would wear a round neck 3/4 length t-shirt variation every day, but I’m challenging myself to wear my button downs as much as possible before I exit the labour market. Photos don’t lie, and the button downs suit - but I much prefer the hug of a knit. I think I’m as likely to buy a top as a bottom, but I do own more tops. Buttoms are harder since ppl is elusive with my inseam. texstyle on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859799 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:36:44 +0000 texstyle 1859799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I have as much trouble with bottoms as I do tops, so you're ahead of me there. Ha!  I am way too mood based when it comes to choosing which top to buy or to wear. I should know by now that if I don't immediately feel like I want to wear it, I should pass, but I still want to force myself to branch out or whatever. And then another issue is that this time of year I put on a jacket and it doesn't look or feel right with the top I'm wearing (because I didn't think about the jacket to wear with it), but I really want to wear "that" jacket. And so it goes. I've gotten so used to not wearing jackets most of the year that I forget I need good tops that work under them. I don't like bunching sleeves, etc.  And then I've gotten older and don't like clinging and don't feel right all tucked in (never loved that feeling actually). So what I *want* and what I see available are two pretty different things. And I like to have fun new things to wear. If that weren't part of the equation I could just wear the same six or so tops that work well under most jackets for the whole season. I did invest in 2 warm vests so I could enjoy some of my tops that don't feel good under a jacket (that's you soft flannel sort of A-line shaped button down). I've gotten better at not buying two different colors of the same top because I know that I will lean towards the favorite every single time.  I did this again UGH recently with this one in my Finds. I love the soft tan heather version, and both fit well under jackets, but the blue just doesn't really do it for me. It's not just the color (it looks pretty good with tan twill jeans, black or white), but it actually fits slightly different for whatever reason, and that bugs me. Maybe I should send it back.  I'm not helping here. Unless you don't have any vest type jackets and that is keeping you from enjoying some of your tops ;-). LaPed on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859798 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:35:36 +0000 LaPed 1859798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I seem to recall you having a fraught relationship with your bras at one point? Am I imagining that? I'm wondering if struggling to find the right underpinnings factors into difficulty finding the right tops. Also, I definitely struggle more with tops in a hot-weather summer-dominant climate. I find it much easier when I can rely on layers or a topper to add interest and regulate temperature; finding standalone tops is really hard. Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859797 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:17:53 +0000 Anonymous 1859797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is interesting. Like you, I have more confidence and success when buying bottoms as long as I stick to what I know works. Right now I am picky about waists, not wanting really low ones. Tops can often be too wide and length gives me worries about proportions. I am most likely to be sized out of tops when the brand runs big. Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859788 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:44:54 +0000 Anonymous 1859788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmmm. I’m sorry that you’re dissatisfied with your tops. That can’t be a great feeling. I think generally tops are the things people notice, at least in an office environment, so good on you to try and figure out what’s going on. Was it the silk blend BR elbow length tops that weren’t satisfying? Do you think it is feel or shape? Drape? Crispness? Colour? delurked on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859780 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:26:02 +0000 delurked 1859780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A couple questions - do you consider the top the star of the show, and the bottoms the supporting act? Or vice versa? Or prefer not to have a standout at all? When you feel dissatisfied with the tops, what are some of the reasons? Conversely, when satisfied with the bottoms, why? Fabric, non wrinkling, color, etc? In your favorite three tops, why are they your favorites specifically? How do your favorites look different from your recent buys? Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859778 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:23:32 +0000 Anonymous 1859778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting. I would have the opposite experience:  more confidence in buying tops (but zero precision - I'll take anything that fits and meets my style criteria) , and zero confidence in bottoms .  I have no bottoms for winter other than jeans , leggings and one pair of navy pants.  But you're right - self knowledge is everything.  I also like the term "best buy".   Anonymous on "Uneven Purchasing Habits" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uneven-purchasing-habits#post-1859766 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:01:16 +0000 Anonymous 1859766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was reviewing my budget in advance of Christmas gift buying/trip planning.   Naturally, I reviewed my clothing expenses for 2017.  I wanted to see if seasonal buys were more costly, less costly, or about even with historic data.  My clothing expenses in 2107 were less than in 2016.  I don't think I bought less, I think I bought better.   But something jumped out at me.   I have great confidence when buying bottoms.  Even though I boldly tried new silhouettes and new colors, all of my pant purchases were deemed successes.  I had one "impulse buy" that worked out for me.  I had six "best buys."  Other Forum Members might use the term "workhorses" in place of "best buy."   Tops are a completely different issue for me.  I lack confidence when buying tops.  I bought a lot of tops (not one single top earned the title of "best buy").  Furthermore, when I thought or hoped that a particular top would be a success I duplicated multiple times.   There doesn't seem to be a coherent thread running through my top purchases.  It has the "feel" of a mad dash toward an undefined finish line.  Try this!  No, maybe that!  What about this one!  I'll take two! I obviously get dressed everyday, but there is no precision in my tops category.   So I plan on addressing this odd discrepancy.  It seems clear to me that it all comes down to self knowledge and self confidence.