YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 22:49:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gigi on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822269 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 22:20:10 +0000 Gigi 1822269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's tough when you know what you're looking for (lightweight cropped pants) but you don't see anything in the stores that you like. It is frustrating! That is one reason I am an online shopper--I often don't see what I want in-store. You mentioned buying too many t-shirts because you don't find bottoms that you like. I too have to fight the temptation to buy more of the same when I can't find what I want. My closet used to be really bottom heavy, because I am much easier to fit on bottom than on top. I really had to focus before I went to the mall, and tell myself I was there to buy tops, not bottoms. Before long, I would be distracted by a pretty bottom, but I was able to get myself back on task and leave it on the rack. Knowing why I was getting distracted (bottoms being easier to fit) helped me stay focused, and I was able to leave without buying more bottoms that I didn't need. fathenry on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822264 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 22:04:58 +0000 fathenry 1822264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks very much Sterling. I'm only 5'6" but they might work. I have a short straight waist so they may not be comfortable though. I will have to check out the rise on it. I really appreciate the info it, sorry they didn't work out for you! Sal on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822249 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:41:24 +0000 Sal 1822249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Seems like week 3 is the truth telling week for us all. I too struggled. In very hot weather I prefer shorts - or knee length leggings. I definitely like a tank or singlet rather then short sleeves on these days if exercising. For smart casual or work I do think crops work well. For me sandals and a looser top also help. I don't require s large number of high summer pieces but I definitely like to have one or two dresses, two sleeveless tops, lightweight long sleeve tops and airy sandals. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822237 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 20:40:18 +0000 Anonymous 1822237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for asking, Fathenry.  The pants are really pretty.  The fabric is light weight and soft, yet will still hold it's shape.   I ordered them in my regular size in both regular and in long length.  Both pairs fit well when standing up.  They got tight in the waist when I sat down.  This might be because I am not used to a higher waist and it felt like it would cut into me during the work day.    Despite the fact that I returned both pairs, I did so sadly.  As I said, they are really pretty.  The colors are soft and muted, perfect for summer weather.   I highly recommend that you try them.  I would also recommend that you order your regular size.  I don't know your height, but I am 5'10" and the regular seemed more attractive to me than the long.   fathenry on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822213 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 19:16:02 +0000 fathenry 1822213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling, l love the stripe gap pants you picked out. It would be great if you could share how they fit and how you end up styling them. I'm considering ordering a pair too. Do you have any advice on how the gap sizing runs? The capsule sounds intense but sounds like you are figuring out wardrobe gaps and repeats. I recently did a mini capsule for warm weather work wear because I was forced to by packing for a 10 day business trip with multiple flights and a mix of business formal, business casual, sightseeing and airplane clothes all fitting in an international carry on. It is so much easier with a consitent climate. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822159 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 17:06:18 +0000 Anonymous 1822159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hot weather alternatives to tee shirts...try to find silk, linen or silk/linen blend woven tops in a tee shirt style. They get me though the hottest days. If you are ok with sleeveless, that style is even better. I have also bought some very open knit or lace pieces that can be popped over a simple tank on a hot day and should have included one in my 30x30. Knits turned out to be too warm in spite of being a very loose, big holed fabric. I find woven nylon also cool and it takes the washer and even dryer, does not fade, and keeps its shape, but is not easy to find. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822154 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 16:43:11 +0000 Anonymous 1822154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's hard to find comfortable clothing for the heat. Honestly, that's when I start to default to dresses, but I know they are not your thing. I have those Athleta pants in both capri and full length. NOT a fashion statement, but I love them, wear them all of the time for lounging, dog walking, they are my long car ride pants, too. Funny, I never thought to work out in them - duh! I did remove the elastic in the capris. It's so interesting to read your observations about was is and isn't working for you. The rigor of your process is impressive, and you're encouraging me to be more discriminating as well. Thanks! Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822148 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 16:19:30 +0000 Anonymous 1822148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, shorts in the gym are prone to exposure, although sporty shorts often have a little set of tight underwear built in, which is nice. That's still not enough coverage for me though. I like to have everything locked and contained. Carpi-length leggings are my favourites. As well, I don't like having my skin touch the vinyl seats. It's all clean, but it squeeky and feels a little funny. Yes, you need to figure out a type of summer top that is not t-shirts. That will be a bit difficult. Maybe some sort of silk blouse that's not too fussy. That said, I am enjoying my nicer-quality navy cotton crew neck t-shirts at work, but I only wear them with nicer trousers and nicer shoes. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822136 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 15:36:53 +0000 Anonymous 1822136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SO.  Just got back from the gym.  I was informed that one of the gym air conditioners had not been operational all of last week.  Yes.  I was hot and dying, but I attributed it to me being way out of shape.  Now I know the cause.  This also explains how and why it was never an issue in past years.  This knowledge is a relief.  However, had I known at the time, I would have been livid.   It is odd, but I have never worked out in shorts.  Well, not since college, when shorts were part of the uniform.  In my mind, they are prone to exposure.  Whether this is true of not, I can't say.  It is just what I imagine.  For as long a I can remember, I have worked out in either cropped or full length leggings.  Finally, my lack of deep summer clothing items is a true reflection of several factors.  First, it took me a long to accept the fact that I needed to buy summer clothes.  I was always shopping for winter clothes because they fit my imaginary lifestyle.  It was only in the last couple of years that I actually accepted a winter landscape is not my reality.  I had to start shifting shopping strategies and that takes times.  Second, now that I made the mental adjustment, I have to learn how to shop for summer clothes.  A lot of what I see in the stores I just do not like.  I end up buying tee shirts.  Lots and tee shirts.  Few bottoms.  That was clear this past week.   Emily K on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822133 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 15:27:32 +0000 Emily K 1822133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can see that the challenge is very different (and a lot tougher) for those who live in a more extreme climate!  Don't beat yourself up about needing the additional lighter pants!  I hope you can find some that suit you.  (I've been shopping and trying on sooooo many wide-legged linen pants with no winners so far.  So, I have only heavy-weight pants and it feels a little hot, some days--wardrobe hole for me also.)  It sounds like this year was a good test-drive of the seasonal shop idea and you'll head into next year with a different, itemized list of needs.   More seasonal shops seems reasonable, too, as the seasonal merchandise will be very different.     Carla on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822127 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 15:03:23 +0000 Carla 1822127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll speculate that after this year's long, cool, spring - 'real' summer took you by surprise. You are not alone! Usually a mini shop for a late winter Caribean vacation provides me with a summer wardrobe refresh, and thoughts of warm weather to come. This year we didn't do that trip, so I didn't think ahead to summer at all! Also, like Joy, I am getting used to the climate in a new area of the country. When I lived 'up north' 2 pairs of shorts were enough! I've been taking a week off work every 6 weeks or so to play at retirement, and see a definite wardrobe hole. Since I am a shorts wearer I can see needing to expand that part of my wardrobe. Really, I need a high summer capsule with shorts, loose fitting non-t-shirt tops, and sundresses. I hope those light blue and white striped crops work for you. They look so fresh! anne on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822120 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 14:22:26 +0000 anne 1822120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to suggest shorts for summer workouts too. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822101 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 13:26:17 +0000 Anonymous 1822101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are very important lessons. I am still learning about the climate in my new area of the country and, with climate changes, it seems to be becoming noticeably warmer and drier. It is still low humidity compared to what I am used to but yesterday felt higher than usual. Yesterday it was in the 50% with temperatures in the high 80'sF, but where we used to live was near 100 F with 100% humidity. It makes a big difference. I think you are wise to do a 4 season shopping. It is hard for me to shop early in the season because I forget how incredibly hot and cold it can get and the prime shopping times with new merchandise are in the more mild times of the year. I second Suz on light weight crops. There is something about having a bit of leg bared that is cooling. I also understand about some jeans being too heavy for summer. I have some of those and pack them away for the season but they feel great in colder weather. Suz on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822080 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 12:30:43 +0000 Suz 1822080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds as if you are making important discoveries. I'm fascinated by the fact that you didn't know you needed lighter weight trousers and workout pants! I suppose this can only have come about because you live in a climate where it's so hot, you also need air conditioning. And so  there is a portion of summer that is bearable in your regular clothing -- until, well, it's not. (This is a guess, and I don't mean to put words in your mouth or thoughts in your head...just trying to puzzle it out myself.)  It would be sort of similar to winter and deep winter here. I mean, obviously, we need (and have!) heat on in the house for the entire winter! But at some point in winter, the wool coats don't cut it any more and I need a puffer. Or the jeans are not warm enough without an base layer of long underwear. It must be a similar phenomenon.  I would definitely look into lightweight crop trousers for work for high summer. With your height, you will wear them really well. They are much cooler and make for easy outfits once you have the footwear and top situation sorted (which might require a bit more shopping).  For the workouts, why not shorts? And/or look especially for those that are advertised as summer weight. I tend to wear shorts for workouts and runs in high summer even here (where it is nowhere near as hot).  Nomad on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822071 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 12:00:07 +0000 Nomad 1822071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are all valuable lessons; I've been surprised and impressed by how much wisdom is coming out of this challenge. Those Athleta pants look great... I'm tempted to grab a pair for myself. My favorite workout clothes are all Athleta; I've been wearing their shorts lately, and I also like their shorter leggings ("knicker" length is just a little below the knee, and some of their leggings have subtle mesh panels for ventilation) for when it's hot out. Anonymous on "Week 3 of the 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/week-3-of-the-30-x-30-challenge#post-1822067 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 11:41:16 +0000 Anonymous 1822067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It occurred to me that I had not posted this week.  This week has been busy and exhausting.  Although I successfully dressed using my 30 items, it is abundantly clear that some items are no longer suitable given the change in temperatures/humidity.   During my last post, I indicated that I would focus on not repeating during the week.  That absolutely did not happen.  If anything, I resorted to increased repeats.  It was hot and humid.  Although I included three work slacks and four casual slacks, two of the casual bottoms (Old Navy Full Length White Jeans and Gap Khakis) were too heavy and I didn't want to wear them. That left me with only two bottoms for casual.  So there were a lot of repeats.  Mentally, I just gave up and wore the same thing (different tee shirt) every single day.   Elizabeth P suggested that I switch out the heavy casual bottoms for other better suited bottoms.  Much to my chagrin, I discovered I didn't  own any bottoms to make the switch.   The two workout leggings (Nike and Capezio) that I included in my capsule are all wrong for deep summer workouts. They are hot. They don't breath. They are uncomfortably hot even in the air conditioning of the gym.  I can feel the sweat forming and being trapped against my skin.  I can't wait to get them off at the end of the work out. I made a note that I need lighter weight, more airy garments for my deep summer workouts.  I am wondering if in previous years, I just skipped workouts because it was too hot for me (otherwise this would not have been new news).   The most important lesson learned this past week is that I do not have a "deep" closet.  When the weather turned hot and humid, I was forced to wear a very small subset of my 30 items.  Substitutions were not an option because I didn't own the items I needed in the first place.  I didn't even realize that this was a problem until this very week.   I bought two pairs of additional pants.  They arrived yesterday.  I hope both of them work for me.  If so, they will replace the Old Navy Full Length Jeans and Gap Khakis.  I looked around me at the gym yesterday.  Every single woman was wearing leggings.  They had to have been feeling the same exact thing I was.  Perhaps we just wear the leggings and change out of them as soon as possible?  I am going to continue to think about this gap.  I was wondering if something like the Athleta pants wouldn't work better?   Shopping is continuing.  But the important thing is I am shopping for identified gaps that make my wardrobe very much less workable.  Continued shopping in no way negates the success of my first Seasonal Shop.  It just highlights the fact that Seasonal Shops must be done in the context of climate and life style.  The 30 x 30 challenge highlighted this in laser sharp resolution.  My newest plan is to do four-ish Seasonal Shops per year. This takes a lot of pressure off me and should make the system more enjoyable.