YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What I don't need

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What I don't need https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 21:43:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php kerlyn on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need/page/2#post-1556939 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:15:59 +0000 kerlyn 1556939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you Janet.  I'm really trying to resist a pair of flares right now.  I know I'll have trouble with finding the right length, and I'll have to hem them .  Then, I'll probably only be able to wear them with one pair of shoes!  So, I'm subbing in the bootcut jeans I do have and hoping I can achieve that similar leg-lengthening effect.  I also find I'm drawn to cozy, soft ponchos, but I just have a feeling I wouldn't get a lot of wear out of them.  So, for now, I resist! Janet on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need/page/2#post-1556815 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:01:45 +0000 Janet 1556815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi all! I'm glad my comments resonated with so many of you. I am a little embarrassed to admit how much energy I started to put into the idea of culottes, only to be pulled back into sanity by remembering how tough I find it to even style and wear my skirts. No, I won't do the high-waisted styles either, and that trend can't pass fast enough for my liking -- talk about a style that does absolutely nothing for my body! However, I am enjoying that flares are now resurging in popularity -- I never stopped loving them, and that's how I will enjoy having some variety in bottoms. Thanks for all the great thoughts and additional ideas and support! texstyle on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need/page/2#post-1556787 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:43:35 +0000 texstyle 1556787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's a great place to be Janet - and I too, am not on the hunt for the culottes or flared jeans, or high waisted jeans because for me they just wouldn't get much wear. I'm really trying to pay attention the the details of some of the newer trends - looking carefully at colors, cuts, accessories, hair and other cues - and see what I can do to refine what I already own (and love) wearing. I also culled my closet again just yesterday and felt happy seeing it being much more streamlined than in years past. When I browse or see items that I think I *might* like to have, I remind myself of the questions of "when and where will I wear this item?" and do I already own something similar that I already wear (or don't wear). This often stops me from making a purchase that I don't really truly want. In fact, it usually reminds me to pull something out that I have not been wearing and give it some love. Lisa on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need/page/2#post-1556754 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:56:34 +0000 Lisa 1556754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is wonderful news.  I think when one stops chasing trends and like what they have, it's the sign of a well crafted and functional wardrobe for one's tastes and lifestyle.  Bravo! Laurie on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556707 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 12:41:37 +0000 Laurie 1556707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I only have 3 things to reply - 1) It's always hard to admit when interesting styles just don't work on our bodies, and thank goodness for YLF and the sisterhood to reinforce what does work, and help us avoid shopping mistakes. 2) culottes are not for me/my shape either; in fact I'm really suffering the whole '70's retro thing; bad memories.   3) Hear you on the weird bike tan! Glad we're moving to cooler temps and longer lengths on clothes. CocoLion on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556620 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 06:29:28 +0000 CocoLion 1556620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate.  I got two pairs of culottes Summer 2014.  I found them on sale (including a pair from Acne) and had a hunch that this was the early start of trend so a good buy.  Well, I was right on that but what does it matter because I have worn each pair just once!!  They are too dressy for my lifestyle.  Another thing is that last year, they were shown in a more modernist way with oversized tops.  Now they're being shown in a more late 70s way which appeals to me less. (As much as I loved "American Hustle.") As for flares,  I am wondering if I want to go through the whole flare thing again.  It is SO MUCH WORK getting the PPL on short me.  And often they don't look flared anymore, they look bootcut because 4" have been chopped off.  Now if someone will make a great pair in a 31-32" inseam I might go for it again.  All of the ones that appeal to me (I've lusted after a pair from Frame) have a 34-36" inseam. I think it's important to remember that we can still be stylish without following every trend.  As long as we follow some trends or at a minimum, wear modern cuts of classic clothes, we will look stylish. Sal on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556606 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 04:44:05 +0000 Sal 1556606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is awesome Janet!!  Great to be able to wear what you have, replace when needed and buy the occasional wildcard/stunner to liven things up.  You have some fab pieces already, very current but also very you! I too do a fair bit of perusing online, checking things out, but fortunately for me I find it much harder to say no in person than online.  It is a bit of a time waster when I should be using the time to read other things. Jaime on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556595 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 04:07:50 +0000 Jaime 1556595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Although I rather like culottes for me, despite not being the most figure flattering look, there are plenty of trends that I have rejected, the latest being lace up shoes (too fussy for already messy me), and this despite my loving a good shoe trend. I enjoy experimenting for fun, but in the end I wear what I like on myself and don't wear what I don't.  Beth Ann on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556590 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 03:57:32 +0000 Beth Ann 1556590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've really found a personal style that works for your real life, Janet!  Now, it just refreshing and replacing here and there.  I think it's relatively easy to update one's look with a small number of newer items, and there are some seasons when what's available syncs better with one's overall wardrobe. Being satisfied is a good thing.  Don't hesitate to post repeats when you want to, and feel free to enjoy items like culottes on others without owning them yourself! Echo on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556550 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 03:01:28 +0000 Echo 1556550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am very lucky this season because a lot of the trends aren't speaking to me. I am still stuck in the asymmetrical looks and angled hemlines on tops and dresses, so perhaps I am just behind the times. But culottes and any sort of boot cut or flares just don't work for me. I have some of the shortest legs in comparison to overall height, so getting the proportions right would be more effort than it is worth to me. Besides, my perennial fall obsession is coats, and I am hunting for a new one. abc on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556543 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 02:46:43 +0000 abc 1556543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I relate, Janet. I do need some things right now and I am feeling bored bc I haven't really shopped much in a long while. But what I need and what I wanna buy are two different things. I am really wanting to try the MM Lefleur bento box but it's not what I need. So hard to be responsible. I loved that you thought through the culottes and decided no based on rational thinking instead of just emotion and chasing the next new thing. Jjsloane on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556495 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:54:32 +0000 Jjsloane 1556495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Goodness this speaks volumes for me. I am online now thinking I must order something and yet I know deep down if I don't I'll survive, I'll still have clothes to wear and my wallet will be a little happier. Culottes in particular are not my thing, but my weakness of a "sale" item is similar and I know if I wait there will be another one.  Firecracker (Sharan) on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556491 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:50:18 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1556491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ambergreen, I do still have those jeans, even though they don't get much wear. They are just cool enough I want to hang on to them. Elizabeth P on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556483 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:40:26 +0000 Elizabeth P 1556483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you Janet!  I think you've reached an awesome place.  I think chasing a trend just for the sake never works... it either looks off on you, or you don't feel good in it, and it becomes an orphan.  But if the trend works for you, body shape wise, colour wise, energy wise, and it appeals... why not?  You know yourself well enough to know what is worth pursuing and what isn't. I have to admit at times lately I've found myself feeling almost sick of shopping.  I just want to get the holes filled, and be done with it.  Well that's not having fun!  So I definitely know I'm ready to stop spending and start wearing.  I know I'll cruise websites, but with any luck for inspiration on how to wear what I have, rather than to start spinning off in another direction.  Ha, famous last words... Dee on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556455 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 23:29:55 +0000 Dee 1556455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I think it's great that you can identify what works for you and what doesn't. It's easy to get caught up by what's in stores and media and even here with new trends. That is something I'm struggling with, as I like fashion and shopping as entertainment as much as for functional purposes, so it's easy to feel like I'm lacking something. And equally easy to find *something* I like when I do shop. I've been trying to step back and stay focused on my own style, and you've reminded me of the importance of that, so thanks! Caro in Oz on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556450 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 23:19:47 +0000 Caro in Oz 1556450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing Janet. I went through a similar process with flared pants/jeans. I love the look of them - they look fresh & new BUT I walk on the beach everyday & prefer lowish heels. So for me they would not get the wear I want to get from my clothes.  Agreeing with griffin 100% too. I try to pick the from the trends that work for me & enjoy watching others wear the rest :) Thistle on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556440 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 23:02:42 +0000 Thistle 1556440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't say that same thing, as I bought a pair of culottes and wore the heck out of them all summer long :). But, they were dressy and for work, so they worked for me. I am not buying a pair for the fall/winter because, well, I live in Wisconsin. I do hear you on buying for yourself, your climate, your figure, and your lifestyle. Which is why I gave away everything dry clean a while ago. I am still trying to figure things out in my post baby body. While I was never thin, it is a very different body now with new challenges. I just gave away FIVE coats because I am no longer keeping things that fit before I had my daughters but don't fit now. I have one coat I still love and adore and am going to see the cost of getting it altered. But yeah, it's been a hard road. The only fashion site infrequent is YLF, so there's that. And I did just by DD1 a whole slew of new clothes because if I didn't, she wouldn't have any fall clothes. But yeah, recreational shopping is tough. I have been funneling shopping into buying birthday presents for the girls and redoing DD1s room from a nursery to a pre-schooler room. Angie on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556421 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 22:40:49 +0000 Angie 1556421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't this a great place to be, Janet. 100% satisfied with your style. Everything else is gravy. Rock on and enjoy the ride.  Anonymous on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556362 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 20:32:15 +0000 Anonymous 1556362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have enough time to shop a lot, and I also don't like shopping online at all, and I think I'd need to do that to stay on the pulse of trends. What I love is to do is go into a favorite store, find an outfit or two, and buy that. I also like boutique shopping, because I love that the quality is a bit better, the service is considerably better, and the idea of giving that local business money makes me happy. And both those experiences don't really involve chasing fashion trend. I can trust that I'm just fashionable enough. I think there's something to be said for ignoring trends completely and just buying things that are physically available yo you. Anonymous on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556360 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 20:31:30 +0000 Anonymous 1556360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Janet, I absolutely identify with having a closet full of perfectly good clothes while continuing to browse. In my case it's not so much on-trend items (I've never been particularly current and the sole pair of culottes I have were an accident that I'd never have realized was a happy one if not for YLF). My struggle right now is colour schemes: I'm suddenly looking at the darker saturated colours that have been lifetime mainstays of my wardrobe and having a very negative visceral reaction. I'm still trying to figure out why, but I just DO NOT want to put them on my body, they feel so darkly oppressive. So my own surfing has been for stone, camel, and winter white anchor basics, even though I have no need to replace my black, charcoal, dark brown, and navy. It sounds like you have succeeded so well in thinking past the hurdles, and I'm thanking you for inspiring me to do the same. Hopefully if I sit tight, I'll get over my bias as the weather gets cooler. I'm in a mental place where I want my wardrobe planning to be easier, not cluttered up with trying to incorporate new colour schemes. Elly on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556333 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:51:34 +0000 Elly 1556333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like to think I'm good at this, but it is a struggle. I do shop every season and try to find pieces that are both current and fit my personal style (which is harder in some seasons than others). I avoided cropped pants for a long time because it didn't make sense in my climate considering my shoe needs. Culottes seem too feminine for me. I do wear bootcut jeans and trousers, but I have 3 pair and will wait to see how much they are worn before buying a 4th pair or replacing a pair. I struggle the most with keeping tops flattering and making sure they are right for my personal style while not skewing too feminine, too dressy, or too casual-- but then again, I do need a little ladylike for the SO. The struggle is real, Janet. LOL Suzanne (ambergreen) on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556326 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:38:00 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1556326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, but Sharan...I hope you still have those amazing seamed flares? Those beat so many of the newer versions for style! Firecracker (Sharan) on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556314 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 17:48:31 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1556314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, thanks for sharing these wise thoughts. I had a similar thought about flares recently. I was thinking about Angie's ensemble of <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2015/09/11/ensemble-flares-bows-blazer/" rel="nofollow">Flares, Bows & Blazer</a>, and I realized I had just gotten rid of all my bootcut trousers with which I might have approximated this look. I thought about how outdated my skinny, lantern, and straight legs look in comparison to the fresh look of the flares. Should I look for some flared trousers to wear to work? My answer surprised me: No. They are so impractical for the weather here. I hardly wear my bootcut jeans, though I love how they look on me. I'm glad I have them for the occasional dry day, but no need to add more pants that require clear skies to my Seattle wardrobe. I will content myself with admiring the flared trends on others. No doubt, I'll need to repeat this decision to myself many times, to keep from jumping on the bandwagon of an impractical-for-me trend. unfrumped on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556303 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 17:28:14 +0000 unfrumped 1556303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post, Janet! Re: culottes, I'm almost the opposite in terms of how they work for me, because I can wear high-waisted and pleated styles, but what's very similar is, I have one pair  and I don't really need any more to get the fun out of this trend.  I still  have not "used up" all the looks I can get from this pair. I might stray if I found the perfect wintry material and wore them with tights and boots as I would a skirt--the gaucho thing.  I do less well with footwear for the nude-leg culotte, in general--it's more of an ordeal to get the leg-look right. My aha is about the skinnier or tapered ankle pants as a summer look, or a seasonally confused look. Many are too tapered and  do not work well on me due to pear proportions even though I like to wear the types of flats that are often shown in stylings. In addition I am plagued by "calf hang-up syndrome", even unexpectedly,  and also they may not be warm enough in air-conditioning for me. So it is kind of a relief to know not to go there much, if at all but to look for straights, bootcuts, pleats and mostly full-length pants ( for work--I have more options for casual, rolled looks) in whatever more modern iterations I can find. gryffin on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556300 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 17:21:48 +0000 gryffin 1556300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head.  We are always receiving a mixed message.  Ideally we pick silhouettes and looks that call to us and make us feel great.  OTOH, we are told we need to be up to date and modern...ie do you have the latest iteration.  I think for me the big goal is to see what is trending and filter it through the lens of "do I love it for me."  As usual, some yes, some no.  Bootcuts trending - hey great I never gave my bootcuts and cowboy boots up.  Fitted knitwear back - great my black cashmere crew neck is back in, no worries.  But if it's not calling to me I do try and resist the lure.  In the same way, if something calls to me, but is negatively received on the forum or fashion community, I kind of shrug and do what I want.  I think you can enjoy fashion and seeing what is current and maintain your own brand/style but it requires a certain amount of detachment which can be difficult to maintain.  But that's a huge goal for me personally.  So big applause from me on your awesome discipline!! MsMaven on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556269 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:54:32 +0000 MsMaven 1556269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, we do get bombarded with messages to buy more to keep up with the latest trends. I've lived through many style cycles and there are some I don't want to relive, such as the 70s. I wore some of those clothes the first time around when the styles were new and exciting to me. I did buy a modern version of the sort of "peasant" tunic, in polyester no less, and realized that was a mistake every time I put it on and then took it off for something more my current style.  It is liberating to come to realize I don't have to buy culottes, boho tunics, fringed jackets, or wide leg pants. I like your analysis--I still rely too much on my gut reaction to what I see in photos or on the store rack to decide what to buy. Instead of spending so much time reading other people's analyses of their wardrobes, I might just spend some time and effort on my own. Suz on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556259 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:41:22 +0000 Suz 1556259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great realization, Janet!  For me, I confess the hunt for culottes (or some sort of cropped pant with a different shape) remains -- I want a pair to wear with knee high boots to give me more winter variety. But they have to be the right ones, in the right fabrication. Most I've seen are simply no use.  Having said that -- I really like the way you used your personal list of shopping mistakes to determine what you don't need this fall. I need to do something similar. I'm coming to the end of the "restless experimentation" phase of the style journey and moving towards refining the style, and maybe even reducing the size of the wardrobe, having built it up from essentially nothing. I'd like to maintain moderate numbers and make room for some trends without embracing them all. Now to consider what I don't need this autumn. One thing for sure: no full length bootcut or flared trousers. Because I won't wear them.  Staysfit on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556258 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:29:55 +0000 Staysfit 1556258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I'm in the same place as you with both culottes and flare leg pants. I'm planning to pass on both trends. They are not for me, and I will not miss them in my closet!! Janet on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556248 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:10:44 +0000 Janet 1556248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a hijack at all, Lisa! I am really glad you shared that. So similar to how I've been thinking and feeling. High five! Anonymous on "What I don't need" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-dont-need#post-1556245 Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:02:32 +0000 Anonymous 1556245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You took the words right out of my mouth. In fact, i was considering a post of my own on this very subject.  I won't hijack your thread to ramble on about my own recent shopping experiences but here it is using cropped black flared or wide legged pants as an example (similar to your culotte example) :  A new cut, a new fit,a  new look, will update my fall wardrobe , up the style ante blah blah blah. I really would love a pair. Shopped every store in our huge mall the other day - and I mean pretty much every store. Nothing anywhere. SA at Club Monaco suggested I was a year too late, because they were "everywhere last year!"  Yes, I could hunt them down on-line, but as you said, it turns into some sort of quest that is lost in proper perspective.  I also realized that only the fast fashion types of stores are carrying these new trendy pieces like culottes, bow blouses, flared jeans, etc .  It may be just my conservative midwestern city that doesn't have stores I want to shop in  selling a lot of trend-driven pieces but I began to realize I was acting like a fashion victim out there hunting for the newest thing to complete my life.  Flared jeans were another example. They are just starting to be in stores here, but the more i look at them, the more I realize I'm going to look like an idiot in them. I'm not tall enough nor slim enough (or any combination of those two things - lol) to make it worth while. And then they require a whole new set of tops - which I don't want at this point. Why do this? Later that day, I put on the first pair of jeans for the season - Gap Girlfriends, rolled, with chunky high heels and a print boyfriend shirt, and felt like a million bucks.  Didnt' need the newest trendiest jeans to make my closet any better. LIBERATING INDEED. So there .   Sorry - I see I did end up writing a novel and hijacking this thread - lol.