https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:57:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572564 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:47:40 +0000 molly221 1572564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what will it take the place of in my closet? And do I love the original thing more. I keep looking at metallic oxfords/brogues for spring but I have a pair of creamy heeled oxfords that I love and were expensive. I don't want to wear them less.</p> <p>Also the easy factor. Is it on the short side so I have to yank it down all the time? Will I have to fiddle with my bra straps? </p> <p>Good post </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572562 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:46:30 +0000 Liz 1572562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The usual basics (color, fabric, fit, can I make outfits, etc.) but then these:</p> <p>* Does this move my style forward?&nbsp;<br />* Do I already own this? (not this exact item, but this item category (e.g., black a-line skirt, printed 3/4 sleeve blouse). If so, don't buy more. Just wear what I have.&nbsp;<br />* Work to be content with what I have and not be ruled by my desires for "new." &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572520 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:41:15 +0000 Deborah 1572520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it black!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Just kidding... kind of:) &nbsp;Colour palette is probably my main point for elimination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572517 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:24:04 +0000 rute 1572517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me:<br />- will this fit into my lifestyle?<br />- Quality of the fabric. Does it wrinkle a lot?<br />-will it look good with pieces I already have or will I have to buy something else to make it work?<br />- will this color work with my wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572484 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 08:42:52 +0000 Jaime 1572484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could I resell or return it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572463 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 06:36:22 +0000 anne 1572463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Colour. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/3#post-1572448 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 05:03:13 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1572448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could I make it? Would I make it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572439 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 04:32:00 +0000 Marley 1572439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Color is always first for me. &nbsp;I stand at the entrance of the store and just scan it with my eyes. &nbsp;If I don't see any of "my" colors on the racks from the front of the store, I turn around and walk out. &nbsp;If I do see some clothes in "my" colors I continue on into the store, but only look at those specific clothes. &nbsp;</p> <p>After color - it has to be something that makes me smile - and then I think about things like: how it would work with the current pieces in my wardrobe, do I already own an item that serves the same purpose; does it help evolve my style, etc. etc. &nbsp;Mind you, I don't really consciously think about these things, but they are definite factors that influence whether or not I rule it out - or in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572427 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 04:00:06 +0000 Carole 1572427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread, Una! Thank you! I need to take notes from all the wisdom distributed here, and keep a checklist handy.!</p> <p>I have mental notes of all the highlights but then it goes out the window on a whim...is it my age?</p> <p>Color..is it flattering and does it fit into my wardrobe palette and capsules?<br /> Can I wear it with more than two different pieces?<br /> Is it a duplication of something similar already in my closet?<br /> Does it fit in with the reality of my life?<br /> Is it comfortable?<br /> Does it require extra or high maintenance?<br /> Do I need it or just want to have it...usually this one is negotiable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572395 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 02:26:19 +0000 Penny 1572395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed on color, style, fabric, care, comfort, and anticipated frequency of wear. Also - perhaps tied to your criterion of whether you love it - I used to buy a lot of things online that looked like they almost or maybe were right, but I suspected I'd likely return, and sure enough, I always did. So if your instinct is that anything is or might not be quite right, even if should check all the boxes on paper you can't quite put your finger on why you're hesitating, that could be a reason to hold out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572383 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:58:39 +0000 Anonymous 1572383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've read all the responses and I agree with you, Una, that the collective wisdom is mensa level<br /> I guess the one thing I'll add to the conversation is that my priorities differ in the summer vs. Winter. For summer, it's about experimenting and having fun with silhouettes. I think "is this different enough from everything else?" Basically lisap's question. In winter, for some reason the fun isn't there, and it's more about looking put together. I guess I feel more serious in the winter. So the question becomes, "Is this item polished enough?". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572373 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:19:58 +0000 Carla 1572373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I'm drawn to an item (usually because of colour) I flip to the tags. If the fabric content makes me queasy, and laundering will be a challenge, i might not even try it on.</p> <p>If the garment gets to the 'try on' stage, I ask...is it a 10? Does it work with what I have? Dora's it fill a need? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572368 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:12:26 +0000 catgirl 1572368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For sure - and then some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572366 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:10:12 +0000 Aida 1572366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're right Una! I did go through a loooong phase where I <i>was</i> limiting the cuts I was looking at actually. Button-up shirts, v-neck sweaters, skinnies, pumps. Then realized I kept buying the same things and purposely branched out (which was tough at first).</p> <p>Are you getting an idea of what your own criteria could be? </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572365 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:09:12 +0000 catgirl 1572365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and the level of collective wisdom here is through the roof. I will compile a checklist for each person to modify for themselves! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572363 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:08:18 +0000 catgirl 1572363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, I think that kind of instinct/reflex is both intuitive and honed by precise thinking. When I first started climbing I had to work laboriously at each type of knot. Now I could tie them in my sleep and can tell at a glance if something is off. But I still check myself because redundancy is so important. That's how you are with your wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572359 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 00:51:17 +0000 Aida 1572359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm a little tough to say. I mostly intuit actually, and all factors are weighed against each other so sometimes I'm willing to compromise in one area if another isn't you know? Example I recently bought a blouse made of poly, which I generally avoid, because the feel of the fabric, the pattern, and the cut were <i>perfect</i>. I would have been very bummed to NOT have the blouse in my wardrobe; I know the poly won't bother me, since it's those "almost but not quite perfect otherwise" items made of poly that get me!</p> <p>So. Fit, drape, and fabric <i>feel </i>are non-negotiable. Color/pattern... well I wear lots of kinds but I know what I like so I stick to my personal rainbow (and it really is ). Fabric <i>content </i>is important but not necessarily a dealbreaker (see above). Same with price, especially as I am rarely able to find really good stuff on sale. Washing instructions aren't a deterrent. Alterations <i>are </i>sometimes a deterrent because I know I'm generally too lazy to do anything that's not super simple like hemming. There aren't certain <i>cuts</i> that I bypass simply because; in fact I make sure I try new things as well as things I think may not work because you never know when they might! Example below: a denim shirt in a swingy retro cut that I thought wouldn't work AT ALL turned out suuuuper cute and I couldn't bear to leave it behind -- I mainly tried it because the fabric is diviiiiiine and I loved the feel of it. It's probably my wildcard purchase of the season.</p> <p>The only question I really ask myself beyond all of the above (which, as I said, I just intuit), is whether an item progresses my current style goals. And not just that, I also ask whether they are <i>hindering</i> my style goals. I have found that keeping my style goals well defined is far more useful than having a list of elimination rules for potential items while out shopping. I just feel too restricted that way, and miss out on some cool pieces. That said I <i>do</i> keep a shopping list to guide me or else I'm just attracted to all the pretty things.</p> <p>(There were many comments about waiting on items in the case of online ordering. I generally cannot do that. If my size is available and I am very interested in it, I have to order immediately. I would much rather try the item, find I don't like it and return, than bemoan not being able to try because my size sold out quickly.</p> <p>And there is one place where fabrication is non-negotiable: true hot-weather or active-casual wear. In those cases I really do need natural fibers. Which I try to prioritize in general, really. But like I said above, I am willing to make exceptions in some cases.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572343 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 00:20:17 +0000 Karie 1572343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fabrication and construction.</b> I bought a few weird feeling poly blouses a few years back - why I bought them I don't know, I thought I needed blouses I guess - and then I hardly ever wore them. I hated the weird feel to the polyester. After that I told myself "never again." If I don't like the fabric,<i><b> keep looking!</b></i> I also turn all garments inside out and look at the seams. They must be finished with no loose threads.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Fit.</b> If I can alter it to fit, great, if it can't be altered/I don't want to alter it (too much work), it stays in the store. The fit has to be/be able to be a "10" or it stays in the store.</p> <p><b>Cost.</b> When I pick up an item and look it over, I decide in my mind what I will pay for it if it fits. It it costs more than that, I put it back.</p> <p><b>How will I wear it?</b> I don't much care if I won't get a lot of wear out of something - if I love it, I'll buy it anyway - but I must have at least one or two things to wear it with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572324 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 23:41:22 +0000 Style Fan 1572324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question.&nbsp; The first thing I look at is colour.&nbsp; I will only buy something that is in my colour palette.&nbsp; And I am very picky on that one.&nbsp; I don't care if my colour palette is not "in".&nbsp; Nothing else comes home with me.<br />I ask myself (as others have mentioned) how am I going to wear this piece.&nbsp; I need to know that.<br />I have to like how it fits me or I have to be sure I can have a tailor fix it.<br />It has to be comfortable.&nbsp; <br />I have to love it.&nbsp; Or it is a basic item that helps a loved item get worn more.<br />I also have some ideas of ways I want to dress.&nbsp; It has to fit into this plan.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572266 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:19:52 +0000 Jenn 1572266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Deb. Color + fabrication knocks off the first 80-90% of items, especially for tops. Easier to go on from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572263 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:12:34 +0000 MsMaven 1572263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First if fabric: I've put many an item back on the rack if the fabric doesn't drape well, feel good to touch, or is too think or stiff. I check labels for fabric content--I've never done well with acrylic and try not to buy it.</p> <p>Lately I'm asking myself: Is it because it's on sale or a great bargain? If I don't need it I'm wasting my money.</p> <p>Now I also try to remember to ask myself: Is this for a fantasy life? Or for the life I lead? That red lace dress is beautiful, and on sale, but I already have unworn dresses and I don't have an occasion for it. I struggle with this one. My mind's eye thinks I am decades young, and pounds thinner and fitter, and that I go to many cocktail parties and formal events. I don't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572204 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:40:27 +0000 carter 1572204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun question! I haven't read the other responses yet, but here are mine:</p> <p>1. No wool at all...I'm allergic. It's amazing how much money this one little rule can save me this time of year;-)</p> <p>2. Nothing DCO, other than super dressy items.</p> <p>3. If it needs to be ironed, it had better be worth it.</p> <p>4. Nothing itchy (even slightly).</p> <p>5. Nothing that restricts movement. If I can't bend over to pick up the dog without my shoulders/arms feeling restrained by fabric or my pants sliding down, it will not go home with me.</p> <p>6. I am trying to be more color-selective, but it's hard. I love pretty colors, but I only like wearing a few of them. Have to keep asking myself whether this is a color that belongs in my wardrobe or in a vase on the kitchen table.</p> <p>7. I have a thing for shoes. My current approach is to buy a bunch to try at home, put on a bunch of outfits I like to wear, then see which shoe (including ones I already own) is my first choice for each outfit. If a new contender is regularly first choice, it gets to stay.</p> <p>I'm sure there are others. I've gotten quite quirky/picky in my old age;-) Off to read the other replies!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572201 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:27:26 +0000 approprio 1572201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once a garment has satisfied me on design, fit, quality, price and provenance, I have one rule that has saved me from numerous mistakes.</p> <p>Off the top of my head, can I think of three sure fire ways to style it? There and then, in the shop, without having to think too hard? If the answer is yes, I know I'll find more and it will probably come home with me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572178 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:39:33 +0000 jenanded 1572178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question. These come into play for me:<br /> colour on me<br /> colour with wardrobe<br /> feel and quality of fabric<br /> care of fabric aka no drycleaning<br /> fit on me<br /> fit with wardrobe<br /> fit with lifestyle<br /> comfort and no fuss<br /> comfort to feel right for occassion<br /> fun to hang out and do what I am doing<br /> fun to have in my wardrobe for playing around fashion wise even if they are 'basics' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572168 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:18:13 +0000 unfrumped 1572168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about what rule am I "gonna" use?</p> <p>I have been woeful at doing one in/one out, and it's partly hoping some fit issues would resolve, or that I ought to still like some items, but that is so clearly what I should be doing. By rule I mean,&nbsp;stricter than hoping that there will be &nbsp;overall zero sum--I actually keep an in and out notebook list and yay, a lot of months the outs outnumber the ins--but that can still end up with girl math over time. <br />I mean, asking, what item are you willing to give up to get this, and why?</p> <p>My latest editing and system of creating a week's worth of outfits (doing that okay, not perfectly) shows that since I've got plenty to wear, the main issue is to keep finding those "meh" items and&nbsp; also&nbsp;be willing to&nbsp;see&nbsp;new items as "moving on"&nbsp;in style changes, or a fit need, but not as a more-things-to-wear need, &nbsp;and so they ought to <u>replace</u> something.&nbsp;But not to be churning--so if I can't think of anything I actually want to <u>stop</u> wearing for good, it's pretty likely I don't need the new thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572159 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:09:59 +0000 kerlyn 1572159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because I love scoring a great bargain, cost is definitely an important one for me. &nbsp;Comfort has also become non--negotiable. &nbsp;And ease of care...it has to be machine-washable. &nbsp;Flat dry is OK, but no dry-cleaning for me!</p> <p>As I've figured out my preferred color palette, I can walk right by pastels and bright jewel tones. &nbsp;Though I love them on others, they don't do me any favors. &nbsp;I'm drawn right to the earthy, autumnal colors and neutrals.</p> <p>And like a few of the ladies mentioned, it can't require work-arounds to form an outfit. &nbsp;This is something I've only learned rather recently, and I can't say I haven't made mistakes. &nbsp;But I do think I'm thinking through the purchase a little better.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572158 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:58:47 +0000 Sadie 1572158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep track of past mistakes (and why they were mistakes) and then try to see if this one has anything in common (I often ask myself "is this like something I have consigned or given away in the past")- surprisingly often the answer is yes! (I have a frightening habit of buying the same mistakes over and over...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572157 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:54:30 +0000 deb 1572157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Color first then fabric content. Polyester is always ruled out for tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572156 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:49:29 +0000 gryffin 1572156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - super question and one I've been giving lots of thought.<br />1. Color - agree with everyone. &nbsp;Black, charcoal, denim, hints of pearl gray and white for me. &nbsp;The end.<br />2. Style moniker - I find this incredibly useful in mentally defining exactly who I am and how I want to express myself. &nbsp;I am a "P-POD" - professional princess of darkness. &nbsp;You'd be amazed how helpful I find asking myself "Is that what a P-POD" wears?<br />3. Style goals - is it classic, elegant,timeless, understated and unique?<br />4. Do I love it? &nbsp;Do I never want to take it off? &nbsp;Would I like to sleep in it (Madewell Perfect leather moto jacket-love you)? &nbsp;Will my soul wither and die at the thought of boxing it back up? &nbsp;(That cleans out the close but not quite group)<br />5. Comfort/fit - whether tailored or oversized it has to be just right or able to be made perfect easily (hems)<br />6. Quality - whether a gap tank or valentino shoes - it has to be excellent in its class<br />7. Does it make me feel fabulous when I wear it?&nbsp;<br />8. Duplication - if I need it to make my style work then I need to have back up pairs for the forseeable future if I can afford it. &nbsp;I have a closet just for back up pairs of workhorses. &nbsp;If I have found the best iteration of a look I don't want to have to worry about rationing pieces, I'd rather have a replacement ready.<br />9. &nbsp;Buy what you really, really love even if you have to save for it. &nbsp;When I buy something I really adore, I'm happy. &nbsp;Definitely buy less but buy better works for me. &nbsp;<br />Sorry so long, but that's the latest iteration of the process. &nbsp;Hope that helps!! ;-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-rule-most-helps-you-eliminate-possible-purchases/page/2#post-1572152 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:27:52 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1572152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just in the past week or so, the reasons I have not bought something have been:<br />I have something like it already&nbsp;<br />I don't love the fabrication<br />It will require alterations and it's not such a big need that I want to bother with that<br />Not special enough in design&nbsp;<br />Color not quite right (although I don't have a very limited color palette, sometimes the shade of an item is just not appealing to me).<br />Too fussy (poncho with no fastener, I know will drive me crazy trying to keep it closed). </p>