https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:32:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216920 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:21:57 +0000 Helena 2216920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah that's an excellent point! Guaranteed no one is looking at me thinking I have much interest either, beyond looking neat and relatively up to date in the general sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216866 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 17:16:29 +0000 Suz 2216866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been such a lovely thread to read.&nbsp; Thanks for starting it, <b>Lisa</b>. I wish we could all meet up at a big YLF party in some non-masked future!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>SarahDB</b>, that was an interesting observation about our aspirational style not necessarily being visible in what we wear. I think I still fall into that category, too, a lot of the time. And <b>cjh</b> and <b>Sal </b>-- very good point about not really knowing some friends' fashion sense when we only really see them for outdoor activities. My few Victoria friends probably think I dress in hiking gear all the time. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216859 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:44:11 +0000 MsMary 2216859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread! Most of my closest friends are at least a bit fashion conscious, partly because some of them are YLFers! Funny story: I was at an outdoor party over the weekend and the hostess and I were almost twins in olive sleeveless jumpsuits with metallic sandals and fun necklaces! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216847 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:52:02 +0000 Karie 2216847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting to read the responses. Most of my friends are not into fashion. One who is dresses very colorful but not trendy at all. The other always wears nice clothes but often at least one size too big. Most of what I see when out and about is the same old thing - skinny/slim jeans, capris, hip length or slightly longer tops. As for me, most of the time I dress more for function (hiking, kayaking) but I still like to look nice. Since I hope to retire in June 2022, I am currently not buying anything dressy. Any chance to go out on the town, however, finds me reaching for my favorite trendy outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216841 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:26:58 +0000 texstyle 2216841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I'm looking for distraction thought I'd chime in (if you read Off Topic you'll know). Anyway, for the past couple of years I've been doing quite a lot of music - playing with other musicians, singing, writing, etc. and making mostly new music friends. Before this, most of my friends were quite a bit older as I live in a rural retirement area. This has really changed the way I dress. I don't have a need to dress for indoors/AC for the most part since nearly all the music things I've been doing are outside and it's warm or hot here much of the year. Any light jacket or long sleeved item has mostly been just sitting in the closet. </p> <p>Most friends I have now wear very comfortable, light weight clothing not really focused on fashion trends - but they seem to try to have a "style" which may just be considered "Texas country musician". Lots of white and shades of white or pale colors to keep cool. Lots of hats - cowboy hats, sun hats, fedoras, caps, etc. Often they have a sort of signature style - interesting graphic tees, vintage jeans with flares, etc. Women wear a range of what I call "bohemian" styles - loose flowing, sometimes slightly layered with a sleeveless top under a flowing light sheer shirt dress, a good amount of jewelry. I see a lot of women in maxi dresses at music events. A lot of the men seem to wear some jewelry too, silver, leather bracelet styles. Men wear button downs more than I used to think - many do wear t-shirts but if they are performing musicians they often try a bit harder to look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216839 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:14:53 +0000 Greenjeans 2216839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, they are a central fashion topic!&nbsp;</p> <p>How to dress in public after zooming all year came up for a bit as people started getting out and about more after vaccinations but that topic was short lived. &nbsp;I'm seeing a lotta people still living in comfy clothes and making do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216833 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:56:23 +0000 Anonymous 2216833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Masks are still a top of conversation here too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216832 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:38:16 +0000 Greenjeans 2216832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful discussion, thank you for starting it, Lisa P.&nbsp;</p> <p>While most of my friends are casual, I do have a few who are interested in fashion, color and fabric. Interestingly, and regrettably, I've seen less of these dear ones this past year as I've spent more time with immediate neighbors and colleagues.&nbsp;</p> <p>A central fashion topic across the board (even among friends who care less about fashion): masks, where to buy, how to wear, how they feel and fit. As recently as a few weeks ago I was wondering what to do with the handmade fabric masks we'd received as gifts and that I wore daily early in the pandemic. My memories of wearing these masks are touched with heartbreak and can-do spirit. Today I'm testing out a new triple-layer fabric mask (that is also fashionable!) recommended by a colleague as I commit to more in-person work at the same time impacts from the delta variant are rising.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216717 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:57:06 +0000 Style Fan 2216717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fascinating question.&nbsp; Most of my close friends live at least 3 hours away.&nbsp; The people I see here do not seem to be interested in fashion.&nbsp; That could be because we get together for activities like hiking and yoga.&nbsp; Out on the street, people are dressed very casually.&nbsp; My friends wear slim-cut jeans, boyfriend jeans or army pants with a tee shirt or boho-type blouse.&nbsp; Footwear is usually Birks or sneakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />When I go to Hamilton, I tend to dress up more.&nbsp; I wear more make-up, wear more jewellery, bring out the nicer sweaters and jeans.&nbsp; My friends there are the same.&nbsp; I haven't been there for over two years, so I don't know what they are wearing now.&nbsp; I saw a picture on the weekend of a woman I know wearing a pair of straight-leg jeans (Frame), navy blazer, fashion sneakers and tee.&nbsp; Her outfit looked very polished.&nbsp; Everything fitted perfectly.&nbsp; That really makes a difference.<br />Not very many of my friends are interested in fashion.&nbsp; My sisters are, but they live far away. Mr. SF has a good eye, but he is not always willing to go shopping with me. YLF fills that void. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216703 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:13:25 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2216703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My New Hampshire female friends mostly lean into the tunic and capris look for summer, on the athletic side. In the summer I tend to either wear shorts or dresses. Like most of you, I get the comments about how I'm "dressed up". My best friend here is an artist, and while she's not into fashion, per se, she has a wonderful eye for fit and color combinations that suit her. I have another friend nearby in Massachusetts, and she never used to pay attention to her self-presentation at all, until she became a real estate agent, and now she has been leaning into patterned dresses all the time.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216577 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:11:16 +0000 DonnaF 2216577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like most of us here have few if any friends interested in fashion or trends. But it seems that many of us have friends who have a particular style that we can articulate. To me that signals that they know who they are and are happy in their skin. All good, right?</p> <p>For example, one friend is tall and slender with extremely long legs. For as long as I’ve known her she has worn cropped pants and tunics or midi length dresses and skirts, all in mostly jewel tones. She knows how to dress her body. Her wife is close in height but with much different proportions. Her style is classic and tailored and a bit like a school principal—because that is what she was, lol. And another person I know looks like an ad for Athleta/Title Nine/REI. </p> <p>All of these things will help when we finally see each other IRL while maybe wearing masks and sporting COVID hair. The clothing style will signal, Yes it is the person I think it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216553 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:50:56 +0000 N 2216553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a SAHM who rarely dresses up anymore since we've had no where to go...but I am going to look forward to wearing more dressier pieces when things start to open up a little more. That said I can never swap comfort for fashion so i'm enjoying more comfortable looking things being in fashion. I don't think I can wear pointy high heels again...the flatforms or slight heeled platforms look comfortable. I'm enjoying the look of the baggier jeans too. </p> <p>SarahD8, I'm another one where my execution does not fit with my ideas. I can style many things in my head and online using mood boards or pintrest. I never manage to get all the pieces though and even if I do, I don't suppose I have too many occasions to wear stuff right now...I definitely do need to dress up more though, i'm always the scruffier looking one at school events (Mums dress up so much, I was shocked when I first moved here). I just don't know how they keep themselves looking pristine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216545 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:33:15 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2216545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet- I'm with you. I'm enjoying having something to dress for, and I hope more people join me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216539 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:13:25 +0000 rachylou 2216539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s very true Sarah. You can’t discern interest or the nature of the interest by what people wear necessarily. Anybody seeing anyone from the bakery would be all ‘there goes another one wearing their gym clothes on the street - and left their shower cap on to boot!’ We wear the bouffant hair nets. You have to wait for the once a year company party to see what people really think about fashion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216527 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:58:27 +0000 Anonymous 2216527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - your curiosity about the ongoing prevalence of athleisure vs a move toward dressing up again is interesting . I know the media is full of articles about this - vis a vis the return to working in an office , but that’s a diff situation , isn’t it ? </p> <p>My entire lifestyle has changed so much in the last 12 months that going back to dressing up every day simply isn’t going to happen . But for events and going out for dinner and drinks ? You bet I’m getting my good stuff out ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216526 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:46:15 +0000 SarahD8 2216526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been such an interesting thread to read. I appreciated especially what <b>Greyscale</b> said early on about being interested in fashion/style but not existing in "feminine culture." That really resonated for me, a good articulation of something that I have long felt (and felt similarly ambivalent about).</p> <p>I don't have a very wide circle of people that I see regularly, even pre-pandemic. I did have one friend who I would talk about fashion with but we have very different styles and we've drifted apart. I can't think of anyone in my regular social circle who has a very distinctive personal style -- whether that's trendy, preppy, classic/polished, or quirky. But I'm reluctant to draw conclusions as to whether people are interested in style or not. I am not sure that anyone who has a regular acquaintance with me would think that I am particularly interested in clothes. My execution often doesn't really match my interest/intentions, and given the demands of everyday life I suspect that's true for a lot of people.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216509 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 17:26:41 +0000 April 2216509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating question.&nbsp; </p> <p>One of my closest friends (age 59) is quite conventional in that she wears heels with dresses, sneakers with jeans, etc.&nbsp; Not much of a fashion risk-taker.&nbsp; </p> <p>The other is 70 and dresses to accentuate her voluptuosity: clingy knits, plunging necklines, always in heels, you get the picture.&nbsp; Do I have any friends who dress like me (a little street, a little RATE, mixed with a little girly or traditionally flattering)?&nbsp; I think the answer is no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216495 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 16:16:20 +0000 Janet 2216495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to read all the responses! </p> <p>Last night I had a gallery reception (I was one of three artists presenting), and I didn’t know what to expect in terms of attendance. One of my friends emailed me yesterday that she had planned to attend but in light of resurging covid cases she decided to stay home. I totally respect that. Turned out that we had a good attendance — not too quiet but also not overflowing. A steady stream of people coming and going for almost four hours (that’s a long reception — I was hungry and tired of being on my feet by the time a couple of my friends I haven’t seen in a decade showed up at 7:50 when we were starting to shut things down). </p> <p>But anyway, my point is actually observing what my peers wore, as this was the first unmasked reception since Feb 2020.</p> <p>Dresses and sandals were the predominant look: knit midi sleeveless dress with flatforms, cotton boho sundresses with flat gladiator sandals and flip flops, a cute Title Nine go-everywhere dress with sandals, a fitted bodycon midi with high platform sandals… One woman was wearing black crop pants and a long sleeve blouse and I felt for her as it was rather warm. It was 90ish degrees at 4pm, and the gallery doors were left open, so it was warm in there the whole time (I really hope there are not photos of me looking sweaty and unkempt because I started to feel that way). </p> <p>It will be interesting to see if fall/winter brings much of a change to what my friends are wearing compared to last year or the year before. It seems everything has become more casual, but I’m not interested in continuing to make my wardrobe more casual — I want to step it back up again. I wonder how many other people are feeling that way, as opposed to wanting to wear athleisure everywhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216473 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:18:51 +0000 Anonymous 2216473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This certainly has been fun to read - and to see how "the same" many of our lives really are. &nbsp;I'm lucky to have a bigger circle of friends that I see &nbsp;(well, saw) regularly - probably because I have lived in this city my entire life - but really, most women tend to dress for their lives and their environment . &nbsp;Trends, fashion etc - not the focus of their day-to-day. Not mine either at this point in life (as I sit here in 3 year old denim shorts and the same faded camo printed t I wore after work yesterday too - lol) .</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/3#post-2216458 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:46:09 +0000 Preppy Pear 2216458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This lovely thread is giving me all the feels - I want to call all my friends up now! It also sounds like many of us don’t have many fashion-minded friends and it makes me feel like I’m not the only one “going it alone” in RL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216454 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:36:24 +0000 Mainelady 2216454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my friends and family like to look nice, but are not that into fashion. They know what works for them and stick pretty much to their own formula. DTwin, DD and DDIL love fashion and we have a lot of fun talking about all things fashion and sending each other inspiration photos. None of us have shopped together since preCovid.<br />&nbsp;With Covid, clothing in the workplace became more casual for everyone and unless I caught a glimpse of a friend in the hall or in a Google Meet, I had no idea what people wore last year.&nbsp;<div>&nbsp; I am now retired and we have still been pretty limited with social mixing. Most friends have joined us at the lake and casual rules the day. &nbsp; The kids have all been in swim wear and draped with towels. Adults have been wearing denim or chino shorts, easy fitting shirts, sundresses, rash guards with swim shorts or bathing suit bottoms. Sandals, crocs and garden sneakers have been prevalent. Jewelry has been minimal. Sun hats and visors have been very popular.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp; I might still be the most “dressed” of the people we see. No matter where I am I need to include some accessories and happiness factors.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216419 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:32:15 +0000 Aquamarine 2216419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating topic, Lisa. Like <b>cjh</b>, my friends and acquaintances dress for the event so that’s the context of how I see fashion around me. Lately, of course, we’ve all been pretty casual…lots of workout gear because we meet for walks or outdoor exercise and catch up that way. I would say no one is super edgy or fashion-forward. One hasn’t updated her wardrobe in years, but she has maintained the same weight for years so that’s her excuse for not needing new clothes, ever. Another is New England preppy and classic to the nth degree, and truly would not look out of place in the JFK era. Generally, most are well-dressed and appropriate for the occasion, but not slavishly following the newest trends…but maybe that’s a function of our ages (50s/60s) and where we live (suburbia).&nbsp;So in my circle, I’d say the most fashion forward person i know is my 20 year-old-niece (with the requisite Instagram account) who is aiming for a career in fashion in some capacity.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I came here after losing a lot of weight some 10 years ago, trying to figure out how to dress myself again, but I stayed because no one else I knew was really interested in talking about fashion.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216413 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:47:02 +0000 JamC 2216413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems like YLF is where many of us get our fashion fix!<br /> My friends are all retired and are not interested in fashion but do dress nicely. I would describe their wardrobes as predictable, classic, conservative, maybe preppy (also describes mine with the added adjectives colorful and patterned). So happy I found YLF so many years ago! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216388 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 08:31:36 +0000 Jaime 2216388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun discussion! The friend I see the most is actually very stylish. She has an amazing eye and great sense of proportion. We share a love of shoes (Serbian originally but has lived many places as a diplomat). I have another friend I see regularly and she is interested in clothes and likes to go second hand shopping, and always looks smashing but not trendy and does not follow fashion as a hobby (Israeli, professor), a third friend does dress with care but I would also not call trendy or a fashion person (Israeli, psychologist). I have another friend that I totally turned onto second hand shopping. She is very stylish, highly aware of labels and first introduced me to local brands (American, retired). Then there is my sister (American, occupational therapist), who is my best friend (outside of my immediate family). She is the least interested in fashion person I know and all of her non-legging, non-tee wardrobe comes directly from me in regular shipments . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216387 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 08:26:06 +0000 Cardiff girl 2216387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is a reason l am on YLF.Being interested in your appearance can be viewed as being &nbsp;alittle bit &nbsp;“unbritish” in certain quarters here,Vanity is still frowned upon and things like fillers etc are viewed with adegree of suspicion in a way that l am guessing doesn’t happen in the states?However there has been a cultural shift in recent years with things like love island where amongst the young ,who ironically don’t need things things,appearance has become very important.<br />I am middle aged so amongst my friends l would say most people aren’t paticularly into fashion .so it’s a hobby lkeep quiet about unless l am asked .l am very eclectic in my hobbies so don’t feel embarrassed about being interested in fashion at my age but l don’t want to inflict it on people who aren’t interested..My mother has always been interested in clothes and naturally my teenage daughter is as well. Although my husband is fairly clueless about female fashion he is interested to a degree and appreciative which is nice so l don’t feel that l am totally alone in this.<br />Most of &nbsp;my friends dress functionally ie to keep warm/cool and dry and to be able to do there activities comfortably and to look appropriate for their day so it’s jeans,tops and coats. I have one friend who is more into clothes and l always look forward to seeing what she is wearing.She is also 10 years older than me so this gives me hope for the future! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216382 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 06:49:56 +0000 Sally 2216382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my friends are not interested in clothes at all.&nbsp; I'm not interested in fashion but have interests in capsule wardrobes, certain styles etc.&nbsp; I would go as far as to say most of my friends don't even think about it any further than noticing a nice colour or something.&nbsp; They tend to wear uniforms of sorts....like black pants and top or yoga/walking clothes.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think for most people I know clothes are a practical thing you need to dress your body and stay warm.&nbsp; In saying that, I have two very close friends who are beautifully dressed and immaculate.&nbsp; One is very plus size and has to buy her clothes from specialist stores...she looks stunning with her choice of colours and nails and hair done.&nbsp; The other is very aware of what suits and has a definite style. I definitely enjoy dressing up when I meet up with them.&nbsp; &nbsp;I also have a lady who helps me in my job...she is a support worker at school and Afghani.&nbsp; She has the most amazing style with matching headscarves and stunning coats.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216359 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:18:20 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2216359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating question and discussion. Most of my close friends are very interested in fashion and style; it's one of the things we have in common and chat about. Two of my closest friends locally are women I met through sewing; one was standing in line next to me at a garment-sewing event and introduced herself, asking, "Do you follow You Look Fab? Are you Firecracker?" Another friend here owned a clothing boutique until recently, though I met her through swimming. My best friend, an Army buddy from years ago, lives across the country from me, and is somewhat less focused on style than I am, yet often likes to talk with me about clothes and we always enjoy shopping together. She calls me her fashion consultant, but she has a terrific sense of style. She is probably the most stylishly dressed person in her workplace. I often shop and talk style with one of my sisters-in-law, and with her daughter, who is heading off to college this fall. It always makes me smile to get a "nice 'fit!" from my niece, who is a creative, on-trend thrift-shopping fashionista. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216336 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 03:04:04 +0000 Brooklyn 2216336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 2 closest friends are interested in fashion but not as much as I am. They indulge me. I know their preferences and I “shop” for them regularly (by sending them links to items I think will work for them or pulling out items for them when we shop B&amp;M). They have bought a few of my recommendations over the years, which is fun.</p> <p>For dinner or drinks they might wear a knee length or longer fluid fit or semi fitted dress with heeled ankle boots and leather jacket. Black or black based pattern. Summer, a dress again, but with heeled sandals and no jacket. They like strappy and sleeveless summer styles and heels much more than I do. They rarely wear pants. Not a lot of colour either. </p> <p>For weekend casual (like coffee or a walk), athleisure reigns supreme. I rarely see anyone I know even wearing jeans, the athleisure trend is so dominant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216333 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 03:00:52 +0000 Ana 2216333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sloper</b> that's great! I'm glad you said something to her about how nice her outfit was!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-your-friends-wear/page/2#post-2216322 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 02:00:12 +0000 cjh 2216322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion, and thanks to Lisap for the topic. I live near a Midwest USA university town, with the population of all ages. I don’t have many confidante-type friends of long standing. Most conversations with them are about current family and community happenings. Any fashion concern is only about where to shop now, as B&amp;M is disappearing here. I do have some interesting fashion discussions with my daughters and I like to shop with them when they can get away from their kids.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>My friends run the gamut from the retired professional, classy and expensive Talbots devotee, to basic retiree or mom in jogger pants or jeans and knit tops or tees. No one seems concerned about being a fashion star. But many tend to fall into group dress, as I probably do, too. For example, I see my running friends when wearing running gear or at dinner afterwards, in hoodies and warm up pants. My painting group friends and classmates wear plain old outfits in case of -paint! My church friends show up in dressy slacks and department store blouses or sweaters.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As many observe around them, in my community I see mainly what I describe as conventional style appropriate for the event. Basic jeans, tops, whatever outerwear is required for the weather serves for grocery shopping and errands. An outdoor concert downtown or on campus might bring out a few boho tops, sundresses &nbsp;and tie dye skirts. An art gallery reception brings out a range from black sheath dresses to&nbsp;crazy hippie garb.</p> <p>Today we went to a college football scrimmage and booster hog roast. The girl students wore a lot of tight crop tank tops and high waisted super short denim shorts or long leggings (it was hot out!), and both guys and girls all seemed to have brand new sparkling white athletics shoes for back-to-school. Older people and parent-agers wore lots of team color tops and caps, shorts and casual shoes or sandals. What else would anyone choose for the day?</p> <p>So my conclusion is that in many ways the setting is the main inspiration for what to wear, and that&nbsp;most folks are pretty ordinary in how they dress, either because of lack of interest, lack of resources including clothing retail sources, or lack of practical knowledge that leggings make you fry in the August&nbsp;sun.</div> </p>