https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:55:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome/page/2#post-716251 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:45:00 +0000 Queen Mum 716251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, spending a year only allowing myself 12 purchases has really helped to get me out of the constant buying cycle I had found myself in, but now I think my biggest challenge is in making sure each purchase is "the one" without over-thinking/OCDing about it. There are a couple things that trip me up here.<br /> #1... holding out for a 10 without being unrealistic about it.<br /> #2... some trends take a while to grow on me, and by the time my eye has adjusted, there is a new trend on the horizon that I'm looking sideways at. I *want* to be able to embrace the newer trend sooner as to get more mileage out of it, rather than go with what is becoming so mainstream that everyone and their dog is sporting it. Does that make sense?</p> <p>I plan to continue my shopping "diet" (can you say 'three kids in college soon'?) through this next year with allowing myself 13 purchases in 2013. I noticed that I have 13 categories of clothing (summer dresses, winter dresses, bottoms, sleeveless tops, l/s tops, etc.... ) so that means that in 2013 I will add one item to each category. So goshdarnit, each item that gets added has to be a winner and be able to stick around for a few years. There will be no room for "oops, what was I thinking?!?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716238 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:27:39 +0000 Susie 716238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My struggle is still buying items rather than outfits. And probably just simply buying too much! I hate to admit how many pairs of black pants I have. </p> <p>I'm new here but I've been reading tons of Angie's blog items and lots of forum posts for the past month. I am inspired by how creative and stylish you are! I feel like I have plenty of clothes but no real knack for putting them together. </p> <p>In theory, I agree with 'less is more' and quality over quantity. But I don't seem to follow that practice when shopping. I do however regularly purge my closet of unworn items. </p> <p>I'm going to spend some time playing in my closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716229 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:55:42 +0000 Mo 716229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I see this thread got restarted yesterday with plenty more great input. We all have our struggles, to be sure. Thanks for sharing them, it's enlightening to see where everyone is.<br /> I still can't seem to make do with less. Already bought 2 items and 2 accessories for the month and the budget is used up - in the first week!<br /> Only 2 items a month is going to be a tricky thing at this rate. I hope to be working again by then, though, so the idle time spent shopping online will be drastically less and I will have my social life back (yay) to keep me occupied. I sure hope I can do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716174 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 07:23:16 +0000 anne 716174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest hurdle is navigating my way through my latest fashion resolutions, namely 12 in 12 and trying to buy ethical fashion. I'll do a thread on it soon - too much to say to list here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716150 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:59:01 +0000 lyn* 716150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to keep it as trim as I can - I'm starting to struggle with finding things to wear to work again, which is completely ridiculous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716147 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:50:20 +0000 velvetychocolate 716147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now my biggest challenge is upgrading my casual and/or 'smart casual' wardrobe. I have a weird life where I spend a lot of time in extremely casual settings, which is then interspersed with needing to be fairly dressy. To make matters a little bit more challenging, I've recently discovered that I just might bat for 'team dressy' as it were, and I never feel all that great in my casual wear. But then again, I haven't (yet) made the effort to make my casual/smart casual duds "as good as" some of my dressier outfits. </p> <p>Just got back from a trip, and I felt *so* much better because I felt much more put together, and my comfort level went up as a result. Weird how that works. I don't feel as comfortable in extremely casual clothes - but I suspect this might have something to do with how little attention I pay to this category, and yet, it's an important and fairly large part of my life. </p> <p>So that's the biggest wardrobe hurdle for me these days - upgrading my casual/smart casual wardrobe to make me feel better about myself during my work-at-home, cooking/cleaning and tending to others days. Even though I might not need to go out on these days, I have people stopping by, and I'd like to look and feel better in those instances. </p> <p>I might have to rearrange my life? Do all the cooking/cleaning in the morning and then change into something that I feel a bit more presentable in. Or just find better casual clothes so that I don't feel so bad. </p> <p>That said, I did just very recently pitch a whole bunch of knit tops - into the trash. That actually made me feel good. It was like saying, "good riddance" to these items that were actually having a kind of negative effect on my self-esteem. Seems silly, that some knit tops would make me feel bad, but it's true! </p> <p>I have no idea what I'm going to replace them with though. </p> <p>So there you have it - upgrading my casual/smart-casual capsule is the big wardrobe hurdle that I'm trying to overcome right now.</p> <p>Great question/post Mo! Thank you for asking </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716145 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:44:12 +0000 Clarissa 716145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I will ever have enough clothes! I just want more and more so I don't ever have to repeat an outfit. Its silly, but its true. A new outfit gives me something to look forward to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716135 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 04:04:34 +0000 Kirti 716135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine is focussing on the things I need and not what I want! I end up buying everything other than the boring old stuff I need, like a basic pair of jeans, basic black flats and then, I get frustrated with my wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716127 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 03:17:47 +0000 Thistle 716127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. Figuring out how to project the image I want with my clothes<br /> 2. Figuring out how to dress my post baby body to meet that image<br /> 3. I hate shopping and burn out easily on it. Making myself get out there and build a wardrobe even though it is hard and not something I enjoy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716095 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:49:49 +0000 April 716095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Making outfits out of what's already in my closet.</p> <p>I have always felt disappointed when YLFers go on "SYC" because it seems so grim and dark (no exciting new purchases! no packages on the porch!), but I am beginning to understand that it can also be a way to force oneself to do the work of making good combinations. And therefore, can be very freeing.</p> <p>That is my goal for this fall: to work with what I have without getting distracted by stuff I could buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716089 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:36:56 +0000 Traci 716089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shoes are my current hurdle. For many years I wore only flats. Then I discovered the flattery of heels. Now I'm trying to find enough shoes that feel good and look good that I'm not having to constantly compromise an outfit because I need to use my feet that day. I have far too many conditional shoes. It's hard to fix because heels are so darned cute and low heels are so darned blocky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-716039 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:06:28 +0000 Caro in Oz 716039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Finding the perfect items - I live in a smallish town &amp; there isn't a lot of variety here &amp; most quality items are too conservative for my taste.<br /> In the past I've bought items when I answered yes to 2 or three of these questions.<br /> 1. It fits well<br /> 2. The colour is what I want<br /> 3. It will play with things I already have.<br /> 4. The thought of wearing it makes me happy.<br /> I'm becoming much more selective now &amp; wait till I find items that I can answer yes to all of these questions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713112 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:00:19 +0000 Jaime 713112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wearing the clothes I have. I get into a rut and wear the same things over and over again instead of branching out. I have to say Angie's new rule about wearing your clothes really gave me a good push in that direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713075 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:36:47 +0000 Beth 713075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, my biggest hurdles are purchasing in a more calculated way and remixing the clothes I do have. I find my participation on YLF decreases when my purchasing decreases. I tend to post pictures of new *items* rather than new *combinations* of items already in my closet.</p> <p>I think it's due in part to wardrobe holes I need to fill (rather than buying whatever catches my eye) as well as my innate lack of creativity.</p> <p>It's a big challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713071 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:32:28 +0000 qfbrenda 713071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest issue is slowing down my purchases. I had to buy a lot in the last year since I was building from scratch. But I'm past that point now. I don't need to keep buying more and more! And because I was buying so much at once, I sometimes cut corners and bought things that won't last a long time. I want to upgrade slowly as I replace things. Improvement by attrition is what I'm calling it. ;)</p> <p>I do wear my clothes so that isn't an issue. I love variety so I work hard to make sure I wear everything at least occasionally. But I need to slow down, buy less, and buy better as I go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713061 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:22:57 +0000 pastrygirl 713061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Volume, budget, the high... all of it! Which is why I started my blog this summer. Things had spiraled out of control. For the fall, I was trying to get only 5 pieces, but I've already surpassed that. I'm going to return several items but still can't bring it down to keeping "just" 5. I did manage to donate a lot of clothing that I thought I wanted to keep. I decided I needed to do it, to really get my wardrobe down to a manageable size and keep only the best. It was hard! I'm still adding to that pile after much hesitation.</p> <p>Sometimes I wonder if I can "live with" only two pairs of jeans plus my skirts. That thought is so freeing! Yet I can't seem to actually do it... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713059 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:21:35 +0000 Anonymous 713059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have several too:</p> <p>Working with the clothes I have, which are many..but I cant seem to put them together in the style I want</p> <p>Identifying my style</p> <p>Dressing nicely for my work at home days ( you would not want to see the casual junk I work in anywhere outside of my home, I look like a bum, a bad habit)</p> <p>Splurging on things I really, really like. Instead I buy more junk and end up pitching it </p> <p>I have a lot to work on too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713045 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:15:46 +0000 Suz 713045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question - and great insights, Malina. I love your new avatar, too. </p> <p>I have a bunch of challenges. I'm not sure how they rank in priority. </p> <p>1. FINDING the items that could form the backbone of my wardrobe in the colours/ quality I want. </p> <p>2. BUYING other stuff, second best, because I can't find number 1. </p> <p>3. Then buying more stuff (at thrift or consignment) because I don't want to pay a lot to go with the "almost perfect" stuff already in the closet. </p> <p>4. Trying to shift my style direction while doing same...</p> <p>5. Trying to reconcile my actual lifestyle with my purchases. </p> <p>Phew. That is a lot of challenges. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713038 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:09:52 +0000 nancylee 713038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slowing the pace of purchases and actually wearing the clothes I own is my biggest challenge. I love the hunt..but if I never stop to wear the clothes it's just mindless accumulation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713037 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:07:06 +0000 Charmian 713037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My challenge: I don't like my old style, but I'm not sure in which direction my new style ought to go. And being blessed with a good job, supportive husband, and a credit card, it's really easy to just run out and buy a bunch of beautiful items. Realistically, I need to stop window shopping and do some actual <em>reflecting</em>. I put myself on SYB to facilitate this, but instead of encouraging more introspection it's merely reducing the shopping (which is still better than nothing).</p> <p>To your own challenge: a few weeks ago, I submitted a blog to the Thursday "Lovely Links" series, which contains several well-researched posts about closet downsizing (and barriers to it). <a href="http://emptyemptor.com/?p=2202">Here's the originally-linked article</a>, but I didn't have a chance to post <a href="http://emptyemptor.com/?p=1697">another article about wardrobe culling</a> which you may find cerebrally interesting. If not, there's always <a href="http://majahuse.com/the-perfect-wardrobe-then-what/">this cathartic one</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713010 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:16:26 +0000 annagybe 713010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now it's trying to revamp my style, without heels. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713009 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:14:57 +0000 ironkurtin 713009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you, Mo. Only I spend on my items. I would truly like to love less, if only as a disciplinary exercise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713008 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:13:40 +0000 Freckles 713008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not regretting decisions.</p> <p>Six months or so ago I found a fabulous really long tunic cashmere turtleneck and did not buy it. I was not getting anymore turtles and definately not black. At the time I said, oh I'm going to regret this.</p> <p>Well come to now and yes I'm looking for a really long wool turtle sweater...</p> <p>I heeded all the advice about wear this instead and that instead and and and. But you know what, I FREEZE. I do not want to keep my scarf on during chalk talks or in the arena because once I go back outside well I freeze, I need the double layer.</p> <p>So plan...wise choices I won't regret. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-713006 Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:12:36 +0000 deb 713006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have realized that my style is slowly moving towards the casual side and I do not need any more office/professional/bankerish clothes. I love these so it is difficult to not gravitate toward them when shopping. What I should be doing is upping my casual wardrobe into a style that is me. Jeans and tee's were fine when I only wore them on off hours when the kids were little. But this has grown into my daily wardrobe as I work from home so much now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712968 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:01:18 +0000 rae 712968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you! Being content with what I have is the big thing. I need to be strict about only getting shoes I can walk in, for example, so that I don't need a pair for short walks, another for sitting, another for long walks, and on and on. Also realizing that I don't need to OWN everything that looks great on me and is a good deal because the closet can't house it all... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712965 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:57:09 +0000 Anonymous 712965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Budget. I am really acquiring this champagne taste that I cannot afford at all. It's about very few and quite selective purchases lately. I'll rather have much less quantity, I really want quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712962 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:53:19 +0000 Isabel 712962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it is being a little more daring and going for fewer, more interesting pieces. I finally took a step today...a HUGE one for me. I will post and talk about that. </p> <p>The weird thing for me with a dress I just bought and a pair of boots, is that the minute I tried the outfit on, I felt so much like myself........the attraction and comfort were instant. I think that I have been afraid of what I really loved. The truth is that once I tried on the boots, I wanted to get rid of most of the others that I have. </p> <p>The second big issue for me is learning to dress with my tastes for the life I have. Not the life that I used to have.</p> <p>Mo, I think that you have some great insight. Some people really crave variety. There is nothing wrong with that. I also think that this strategy is going to work well for you and once you start feeling really good about it, you will stop craving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712961 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:50:29 +0000 Mo 712961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah Jyoti, yes having room, but barely, is something to watch! I'm trying really hard to keep with 1 in 1 out.<br /> Alicat - MiniMo says thanks! I took more stuff to consignment just this afternoon. I'm lucky, in that they take almost anything here, but unlucky in that meaning thrifting isn't so grand around these parts lol. I hear you on waiting for fall weather. I don't expect it for another month at least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712960 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:46:21 +0000 Anonymous 712960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your new avatar, Malina!</p> <p>Biggest hurdle, hmmm. . . waiting for the weather to cool down so I can wear fall stuff! Also, I need to get off my hiney and list some stuff I no longer wear on eBay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-big-wardrobe-hurdle-you-are-trying-to-overcome#post-712959 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:45:15 +0000 Jyoti 712959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Similar to you! I am currently having a hard time containing the volume of my closet. It's kind of OK, but a little bit squishy and I definitely should not add anymore. xD</p> <p>The issue is there's nothing I want to cull! I'm perfectly happy with all my items (mostly; I've got a bag of purged stuff) at the moment. </p>