https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:51:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087632 Wed, 25 Dec 2019 06:23:14 +0000 Tina 2087632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given the fact that you have been unwell, I would wait at least 6 weeks before making any changes. My experience has been that when a person is sick, in pain (or both), our appetite diminishes and it seems to be no problem eating less plus it doesn’t result in hunger. This is very different from trying to cut back when you are healthy - very different. Once you regain your health the body will make its way back to a comfortable and manageable weight. I have been through this numerous times at various ages and the result has always been the same. I don’t normally struggle with fluctuations, it is only after major surgery that I have this because the anesthetic generally takes away my appetite for about 6 weeks.<br /> I can see what you mean about the pant fit but I would try and make do for just a bit longer for the reasons I stated above. Try and use welted tops and maybe some loose(r) sweaters for a couple of weeks and see how things go. I would be very frustrated too if I were you, especially after working so hard to find bottoms that suit you and that you really like.<br /> Keep us posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087627 Wed, 25 Dec 2019 05:44:58 +0000 Kathie 2087627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given that you’ve mentioned that your weight hasn’t been stable for longer than 6 months for quite a while, and that you have more lifestyle changes planned for 2020, I’d wait at least 6 months. Or, alter a couple things now, and the rest in 6+ months. Also, you might try moving excess fabric to the sides or back, when you wear a belt. The bunching might be less obvious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087617 Wed, 25 Dec 2019 02:25:04 +0000 Gaylene 2087617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don’t want to sound discouraging, but having a wardrobe of “perfectly fitting” items will always be an elusive goal. Our bodies aren’t static. Age, dietary changes, medications, exercise patterns, and fashion trends will always play havoc with fit; that’s why stylists and dressers are employed by celebrities and those in the public eye. The rest of us mere mortals usually settle for a “good enough” fit using styling tweaks, forgiving designs, and judicious pinning.</p> <p>The good news is that quality garments can be tweaked by a competent tailor to adjust sizing as our bodies change. If the fit of your pants bothers you, then find a good tailor who can take them in, but do so realizing another visit to let the pants out in a year or so might be required. A perfect fit in wardrobe which holds quality items means making friends with your tailor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087573 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 20:55:10 +0000 anchie 2087573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathie - I was thinking of taking them in, but don’t want to do it in haste. I have to wait and see what happens, question is how long? And this pants are just example, have the same issue with all my pants. 2 more examples in pictures. I think they all can be fixed, but is it too early to do that? I don’t want to regret it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087569 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 20:24:44 +0000 Kathie 2087569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn’t give up on them. When your weight/toning stabilize, you can have them taken in at the waist so that they hang correctly. Personally, I prefer a more fluid fit through the thigh on myself, so I think these look great, other than the waist. (I’ve had the waist taken in on skirts and pants, and am always so happy with the results.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087562 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 19:29:34 +0000 anchie 2087562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know it is difficult to show the pants fit in photos. I had to laugh that you liked pants more now, and had to do quick demonstration. They look fine in picture 1 when you don’t see where exactly they sit, except that I look long waisted with short legs I had to expose my midriff to show you the issue in pic 2. Pic 3 is where they supposed to sit. And pic 4 is with belt that I need to keep them from sliding down. But then they bunch. Maybe I am too picky, but I don’t like how they fit anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087554 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 18:45:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2087554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Based on DonnaF’s comment I went back and looked at the pictures of your pant fit again and I agree with her; I like the fit now better. Obviously it’s your body and you get to pick how you want your fits, but just to keep in mind that other people aren’t going to notice small changes as much as you will.</p> <p>The main thing that gets me is when an item is physically uncomfortable when my body has changed. Hidden elastic belts are one way I keep pants working through size fluctuations. I’m on mobile so I can’t add a find but I’ll try to find a link.<br /> Womens Invisible Belt Comfortable Elastic Adjustable No Show Web Belt for Women or Men by JASGOOD,Black,US Size 0-14 Inches <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D266WH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q0LaEbXK4MX3P" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D.....aEbXK4MX3P</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087268 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 16:20:43 +0000 Anonymous 2087268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lot of good advice here. Ditto about buying things more accommodating of weight changes, skirts, dresses, ponte. Especially at the smaller sizes, even a couple pounds makes a huge difference with trousers. It's also really easy, once your body is in weight loss mode, to lose too much. Never did figure out how to stop the process without rebounding... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087142 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:31 +0000 fathenry 2087142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure what I can add that hasn't already been said. I feel your pain with investing in pieces and having constant weight fluctuation. It feels like you are constantly cycling stuff in and out of your wardrobe.</p> <p>I have multiple sizes because many of my nicer pieces are too small. This fall I finally bought some pieces in my bigger size and I am happier not trying to squeeze into the small pants. When I was losing weight and could not find clothes to fit I wore a lot of knit dresses. They don't have to be tailored to fit your waist, bottom and hips. My uniform was tights, knit dresses, scarves and tall boots all winter. I could just throw them on and go. It was frustrating and limiting at times but it did work. I do have a high tolerance for repeating outfits through. Then when I gained weight back the dresses stretched and fit for a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087137 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 22:53:25 +0000 DonnaF 2087137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I like the fit of your plaid pants now more than when you bought them. But yes, I have found that trousers are more sensitive to weight/size fluctuations than any other garment unless they have stretch. Fitted dresses come in second. Skirts can sit higher or lower. And even stable weight shifts around. My own weight doesn’t fluctuate much, but you have made me realize that my purchases in the past five or seven years will accommodate weight changes. Except my bras; they warn me if my weight is up. Ouch! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087109 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 20:28:31 +0000 anchie 2087109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Toban - yes, I just proved to my self in my other thread that blazers don’t show fluctuations that easily. And I am also for some reason less tolerable to pants fit. I hate with passion drooping baggy crotch </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/3#post-2087107 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 20:17:31 +0000 Toban 2087107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, yes, I bought two sizes of the skirt. Just one blazer. I still had planned weight loss but needed something that fit me right for an event and couldn’t wait til I lost weight. When you’re at the cusp of sizes, buying the bottoms in two sizes when you’re matching a blazer can work to expand longevity of a matching suit. The blazer is often the more expensive item but I also find it more robust than bottoms to size fluctuations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087101 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 19:44:42 +0000 Carla 2087101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Toban - what a brilliant solution to prolong the wearability of the suit when weight is in flux! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087100 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 19:17:25 +0000 anchie 2087100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Toban - you bought both sizes? That is brilliant solution, but takes some confidence I always worry that I will jinx it if I do that. I did even make few mistakes this year when I went with bigger instead of smaller size, when in between because of that. Vey silly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087098 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 19:08:02 +0000 Toban 2087098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The struggle with suits and weight loss is challenging! When I was about 10 lbs from goal weight I found a great little navy skirt suit that would well for a work event that was coming up at the time. I needed something that worked right then. Fortunately it was in sale. After buying it, then doing some thinking, I went back two days later to get the skirt in a second, smaller size. I am so grateful I did that. The smaller size still fits me and the blazer is an open style that is robust to some size fluctuations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087086 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 18:49:17 +0000 anchie 2087086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura and FashiIntern - that is great idea, I just don’t want to act on it just yet. It may not be needed after the holidays </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087068 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 18:22:43 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2087068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is secondhand, either in person or online, an option? I know you’re not in NA so the options are less diverse, but check somewhere like eBay and see if you can buy your same exact pants a size or two down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087061 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 17:45:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2087061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if you can get those pants in a smaller size, perhaps at season end close-out prices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087031 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 14:55:39 +0000 anchie 2087031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules - comforting to hear about your experience. I also don’t feel like shopping. I am especially bummed about pants that I bought as part of suit. Blazers are still fine, but not as suits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2087001 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 13:50:56 +0000 Jules 2087001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s not annoying! I get the frustration and can relate even though I have the ‘opposite’ problem - a closet full of clothes that fit the last weight/size I decided to embrace and thought I could/would naturally maintain, which are now a size too small. At this point I’m just not interested in buying a lot of clothes in a size up, so I spend more on footwear and accessories and maintain a small wardrobe of basic pants and tops worn in uniform formulas depending on the season. And it turns out I’m quite happy like this (although running out of room in my shoe storage...).<br /> I’d suggest you go buy maybe 2 pairs of inexpensive, neutral tailored pants that fit very well for now, since that seems to be your main frustration. Wear them multiple times a week and switch up your toppers and accessories. You might find that just a month or two of trying to eat a bit more, over the holidays and winter months when many people naturally gain a bit, helps you get back in your fabulous wardrobe of choice. Your style is fairly classic as well, so your pieces should have good longevity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086995 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 11:43:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2086995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I appreciate your post &amp; the honest body talk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086994 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 11:14:34 +0000 anchie 2086994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really hope that I am not annoying you all and that I don’t sound like bragging. It is not my intention at all. Maybe someone find my experience inspirational for setting new year goals. Well, not my whole experience, but good parts And learn from my mistakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086993 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 11:06:14 +0000 anchie 2086993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My progress according to my favorite belt I used all holes expect first two. Last one was made yesterday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086992 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:57:57 +0000 anchie 2086992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have jeans and few pairs of pants that I can wear with belts. I need new belts though, I keep punching new holes in my belts, but they are getting too long now. Unfortunately can’t wear the belt that came with new Boden pants - not easy to punch a hole in that one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086989 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:08:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2086989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have things to wear right now? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086984 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 08:22:08 +0000 anchie 2086984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I have been thinking a lot about what you and others recommended and I think I finally understand source of my frustration. My fall winter wardrobe is very simple and template based. I only wear mix and match sets of blazers, booties, layering sweaters and tailored pants. Switch pants for jeans and you get my weekend look. I always need at least 5 pairs of pants to make this work - 2 dark neutrals (both navy and black), 1 light neutral ( light gray, camel or tan - this is the most difficult to find and get right), 1 color ( red or burgundy usually) and 1 pattern (plaid most likely). But because I rely on tailored pants so much I get frustrated easily and have to keep buying them. When I was in transition, I was shopping deep sales or fast fashion, but last few months I was buying best quality I could afford and most of it full price because it was beginning of season. I honestly thought that this will not be another disposable capsule.<br /> In spring and summer I wear less pants, and more skirts and dresses and it was so much easier to accommodate changes. Lesson here is that I need to rethink my fall/winter dressing formula. It would probably require some preparations first - for example I don’t have any knee high boots at the moment. And I am not sure that one pair would be enough, I have variety of booties that I coordinate with my outfits. I am also not sure that all my blazers would work with skirts and dresses. And to be honest I find shopping for dresses very difficult - don’t see many that I like, that are long enough, with nice neckline, sleeves, and not 100% polyester. Maybe I should forget about dresses - and just concentrate on skirts? But that still leaves me with footwear dilemma.<br /> One thing is sure - I don’t want to rush this time, I want to get it right. I don’t need wardrobe in yet another size that can end up being temporary. I am off work next 2 weeks, so getting dressed will be easier and I will see where my size is going. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086952 Sat, 21 Dec 2019 22:48:10 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2086952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was it Claire that used to post about her fabulous but hardcore capsule approach? She used to get an entire season's set of clothes, a pretty small group from what I recall, secondhand and then wear only those 10-15 pieces until they wore out or the season changed. Something like that might work for you, just get a week's worth of items and wear them like crazy.</p> <p>I agree that tailored pants are the hardest to make work through size and shape changes. Try dresses, knit skirts, anything with stretch and/or an elastic waist, or jeans since they are easier to style with a belt.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086940 Sat, 21 Dec 2019 21:18:30 +0000 anchie 2086940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FashIntern - I have to think about it some more. Maybe if I get itch to buy something, I can concentrate on things that are not size dependent, like shoes, scarves, bags etc. But usually when I change size I first look for essentials- I can’t get dressed without good fitting neutral pants.<br /> I am 169cm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086939 Sat, 21 Dec 2019 21:10:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2086939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you sure French 5 is out of reach? That almost sounds to me like a solution, as many of those talking about it are planning for their 5 items to be “extras”, stand-out pieces. Fitted dresses and pants probably aren’t a good idea for now, but a gorgeous scarf, a cape or poncho, a wrap dress or skirt could certainly all work to zazz up basics at any size, until you are ready to start investing in basics and essentials.<br /> Btw, would you mind saying how tall you are? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-frustration/page/2#post-2086938 Sat, 21 Dec 2019 21:07:04 +0000 anchie 2086938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Cardiff girl and FashIntern - second picture is actually before adding Pilates. Was not really toned </p>