YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:16:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2382048 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:50:50 +0000 SarahD8 2382048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Heh, most of my thrifting takes place online...so I guess I am part of the problem. I've also been a longtime thrifter (lifelong, albeit off and on). Still some gems to be had, I think! Ket on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2382019 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:44:34 +0000 Ket 2382019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was heavily thrift shopping and I found a gold star item, I purchased with wild abandoned. I knew it likely wouldn't be there again. Sometimes Poshmark has it available, but not always--and I thrifted long before resale had became a thing. (I'll spare you on my bemoaning thoughts about resale and how it's affected thrifting.) I've found some of my most beloved clothes in that past when thrifting. I was ever glad I snapped it up, even if it was out of season. Always a few duds or back-closet dust collectors, but the majority were wins. :D  SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381994 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:42:14 +0000 SarahD8 2381994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JenniNZ, exactly -- restaurants are expensive, we like the food we make at home, and our kid is old enough now that we could go out anytime...but we don't!  Thanks Sal! I do feel that I learned a lot from the challenge. Seize the secondhand day -- indeed. Joy I'm glad you found some ideas that were helpful to you! Anonymous on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381886 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:54:18 +0000 Anonymous 2381886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will have to try some of Sarah’s suggestions. I am very slim with no curves . My best parts are legs that are slim all the way up. Short dresses looked good on me. Maybe I should wear them now although I’m in my 70’s. Maybe I will try short ones in winter with tights or some of the suggestions Sarah made. Or others , l am open to ideas. Sal on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381883 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:45:20 +0000 Sal 2381883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks like the challenge met your goals and helped define what you like, what you don't , what works, what does not etc...  And maybe more importantly how to combine the pieces all into outfits you want to wear. Yes I think by shopping mostly second hand it is inevitable that you will have a larger wardrobe - you have to seize the moments.  I think that's okay too. Jenni NZ on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381882 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:34:48 +0000 Jenni NZ 2381882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That’s quite funny about the date night shoes. I’m sorry that the date nights are not happening any more though. We’re not really having any either, very very occasional. I kind of miss them, but one of the last ones we had was such a fail- we can cook much better at home and the cost felt ridiculous when we haven’t been eating out much. They also failed to offer us a second drink when he had had beer and I had had only water. I wouldn’t have minded being offered a glass of wine later in the meal! Water it was. Then our 3 adult children have all left home anyway so kind of every night could be a date night?! ( Not that it is). SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381876 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:28:12 +0000 SarahD8 2381876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jenni! I think we both like to hold on to clothing for a relatively long time. Helps if things can move in and out of favor. At least, that’s what seems to work for me. I do still mostly shop secondhand. As for being more deliberate about purchases — that may be a way to describe it. I think I’ve talked before about how one of the pitfalls of online secondhand is that pretty much anything can pop up at any moment — how do you know what to prioritize? The basic that’s wearing out, the HEWI for winter when it’s the middle of summer, the unexpected but dynamite piece for the current season? Or, you know, nothing at all? I think that after doing this last challenge I feel that I have at once a more high-level view of my wardrobe and needs — I see how pants work with shoes work with outerwear to create the look that I’m after — and a narrower one — if an item doesn’t really move forward the Urban Snow Queen aesthetic (or whatever seasonal persona) then I don’t really need it. This has definitely led to some surprising choices that I don’t think I would have made before. Time will tell if they’re good ones. I will answer your question about “clicking” similarly. I am really excited about this seasonal persona idea and feel it’s really going to help me level up my style. But I’ve thought the same about other schemes in the past. So for now I’ll reserve judgement and try to exercise some intellectual humility! As for date night shoes — well, the pandemic happened so we stopped going out on regular date nights, and have never really started again! Problem solved, I guess?!?? Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful queries! Jenni NZ on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381831 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:34:10 +0000 Jenni NZ 2381831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s a good wrap-up. Might make you a bit more deliberate in your shopping, even given the constraints of mostly second-hand/thrift shopping, if that is still your main source? I also can get tired of some items but if I still like them and there is no other problem, then trying other things for a while often brings me around to them again, especially the next year. I’m looking forward to your possible new personas and how you go forward. I read some of your old posts and hope that all this work is helping your wardrobe to “click” better. And wondering how you got on with “date night shoes” in the end as well! SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381826 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:02:18 +0000 SarahD8 2381826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaime yes! I do have a new spring persona. Hoping to get a post up and share some ideas later this coming week! Jaime on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381822 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:38:30 +0000 Jaime 2381822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nicely done - what stands out to me is how you managed to create a signature look while also carefully evaluating what you like to wear, how you like things to fit and what works and doesn't work in your wardrobe. Do you have a new persona in mind for Spring? SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381814 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:04:31 +0000 SarahD8 2381814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all for commenting! Suz and Star, yep, I'm definitely on the lookout for that burgundy bag. And the velvet pants! Lisa you get it! The chances are very high that I'll be thrilled to pull out those big cozy sweaters next winter. The realization that I do tend to like things year over year is helping me feel a bit more confident about shopping in the "off season."  Angie, yes to outerwear and bags, and good call on expanding my stable of tunic sweaters. I actually have a new one that I recently acquired and haven't debuted yet. Point taken on the silhouettes -- maybe it's "Volume over what passes by my very skewed standards for volume." Those tunic + straights outfits do FEEL very different to me than tunic + skinnies. cat2 you are singing my tune, most of my jewelry comes from Etsy! Thanks Ket! Fun to have inspired a bit of nostalgia for you! Ket on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381767 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:28:54 +0000 Ket 2381767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You nailed your aesthetics! Nicely done I love all you discovered. I agree with others prioritize outerwear, bags, and more sweaters -- for versatility and joy!!!<div> My favorite outfits are 5, 6, and 7. I think I'm especially partial to 7 because it reminds me of my hipster days, when I wore floaty tunics, leggings, and cardigans. It's nostalgic for me. But really, all your outfits are fab! Can't wait to see what you find! xo</div> cat2 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381762 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:03:28 +0000 cat2 2381762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love a good challenge. Etsy for the jewelry? I have found some great vintage pieces there. Angie on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381760 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:09:04 +0000 Angie 2381760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Suz and Star said :)  WELL DONE!  SarahD8, You nailed it with the 3 aesthetics that are very YOU and signature!! I think this needs tweaking: <ul> <li>“Volume on volume” = straight-leg pants + tunic sweater + ankle boots</li> </ul> It's Volume over Lean. Your straight pants have some ease, but are not voluminous. Still lean.  Outerwear and bags are the shopping items to prioritize! And always fun to get new accessories. I vote stay on the look out for tunic sweaters too! You wear them a lot because of our PNW weather - and since you are sick of wearing your favourite ones - always good to have back up.  Lisa on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381755 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:52:51 +0000 Lisa 2381755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a really nice summary and analysis. I was also nodding my head when I read "tire easily of items when I’ve worn them frequently in a short period" as this is exactly why my previous attempts to have a small, minimal sized wardrobe failed. I will repeat wear an item frequently for a week or two, but then I crave something else. When I expanded the size of my wardrobe, my happiness factor went up (and my shopping went down) because I had the right size and variety of wardrobe to make me happy (even if it is a larger size wardrobe than a smaller sized one). Star (Lise) on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381742 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:14:46 +0000 Star (Lise) 2381742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great summary and analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your challenge. A lot of our winter style crosses over. Another vote for a burgundy bag for winter. Suz on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381740 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 04:05:13 +0000 Suz 2381740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great challenge and terrific analysis, Sarah. You made some excellent discoveries about your style preferences and needs in this season, uncovered some holes, and got rid of items that were no longer working for you. That's an achievement.  In thinking about the holes you identified, I encourage the active search for a burgundy bag. And make sure it is capacious enough for your needs, too. I use my burgundy bag in all kinds of situations -- 3 seasons a year. (I don't use it much in summer). Given our similar colour palettes, I think it would be a workhorse and would add a bit of a kick to outdoor outfits (as your teal bag does) while coordinating a bit more easily at times.  I hope you spy those velvet pants soon. Maybe at the end of the season people will be unloading items that no longer fit or suit their needs.  SarahD8 on "Wear all the clothes challenge wrap-up" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-all-the-clothes-challenge-wrap-up#post-2381737 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 03:41:00 +0000 SarahD8 2381737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for your comments on my Urban Snow Queen/wear all the clothes challenge. Here is a wrap-up of the challenge and some of what I learned before I shift gears for spring. I think overall, my Urban Snow Queen persona involves 3 aesthetic “modes” or aspects: <ul> <li>Nordic Noir (gritty, dark neutrals, denim, stompy boots)</li> <li>Folkloric (braids, amber jewelry, patterned knits, dark florals, embroidery, silk jacquard)</li> <li>Offbeat Equestrian (long over lean silhouette, riding boots, big cardigans)</li> </ul> Individual outfits can feature either one main mode, or a combination. Equally satisfying. But at least some outfits should juxtapose multiple aesthetics. Some days I want to just wear something simple and other days I want to pull out all the stops. And that’s ok! Outfit formulas: <ul> <li>“Jeans and a sweater” = relaxed skinny, straight-leg, or cropped straight pants + hip-length, semi-fluid fit pullover.</li> <li>“Long over lean” = leggings (or very skinny jeans) + tunic sweater</li> <li>“Long over lean and layered” = leggings/skinnies + tunic shirt + cardi</li> <li>“Volume on volume” = straight-leg pants + tunic sweater + ankle boots</li> </ul> Mind you, I’m open to other outfit formulas – these just seem to be what my current collection of clothes is good at. Wardrobe holes that emerged from the challenge: <ul> <li>A couple pairs of velvet trousers or relaxed skinnies in my current size.</li> <li>I’d love to up my jewelry game a bit: more substantial abalone, amber earrings; baroque pearl pendant/earrings; choker-length necklace</li> <li>bags: light metallic, burgundy</li> <li>outerwear: something relatively dark in color, warm, but not gear.</li> </ul> One of the goals of the challenge was to assess how well individual items in my wardrobe are working – fit, fussiness, overall contribution to style goals. Here’s how the capsule ended up for those who are interested in the deep analysis – feel free to skip this part and just look at the pics at the end (collecting a few of my favorite looks from the challenge): First, the workhorses that I turned to over and over again: <ul> <li>Black relaxed skinny cords, Black ponte leggings, Charcoal raw-hem straight jeans, Medium wash straight jeans, Medium wash skinny jeans, Liberty-print leggings*, Gray oversized cowl tunic sweater**, Plum cowl neck tunic sweater**, Black/white/gray Nordic mock neck pullover, Polar bear tee, Black/white Nordic long open cardi, Black tall boots, Black patent stompy boots, Cognac riding boots, Burgundy patent ankle boots</li> </ul> *You wouldn’t imagine such a bonkers item would be a workhorse, but they were surprisingly versatile and featured in several of my favorite outfits **Honestly, I’m feeling a bit sick of these two at the moment. I notice that I tire easily of items when I’ve worn them frequently in a short period, but like them again after a rest. More support for my “generous number of items + buy and hold” strategy. Second, a group of items that strike me as important to the aesthetic but more limited in terms of styling or practicality: <ul> <li>Ivory velvet skinny jeans, Light wash skinny jeans, Burgundy cords, Black/blue/white Nordic pullover, Aqua cowl neck pullover, Black burnout velvet top, Rose jacquard Asian vest, Pale lavender pintuck tunic, Ice blue pintuck tunic, Burgundy cable midi cardi, Charcoal reindeer cardi, Ivory/pastel fair isle cardi, White stompy boots, Blue patent ankle boots</li> </ul> Some unexciting essentials/neutral glue: <ul> <li>Black skirt leggings, Charcoal skinny jeans, Black open big cardi, Black portrait collar sweater, Black henley long-sleeve tee, White pintuck tunic</li> </ul> More mostly-neutrals that are occasionally useful. Good fit and I like them but don’t want to wear these styles super frequently at the moment: <ul> <li>Black midi cardi, Black snow boots, Black ankle boots, Gray pull-on skinny jeans, Black cable cardi, Teal velvet skinny jeans, Black cashmere knit pencil skirt, Black silk jersey tunic, Gray silk tunic, Light gray cable cardi, Camel cable cardi</li> </ul> On the fence: Burgundy cashmere turtleneck, Burgundy silk-cotton shirt, Black patent tassel loafers Removed from active wardrobe: Charcoal velvet trousers (fit), Light gray raw-hem straight jeans (fit), Lavender velvet skinny jeans (fit), Medium gray long cardi (over it), Gray/multi Swedish cardi (sentimental), Black scoop neck layering sweater (fit) Thanks for looking & reading! As always, grateful for any comments.