https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 13:50:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1712588 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:04:56 +0000 Anonymous 1712588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha - that's when I add to my favorites Nishaa. </p> <p>I may try something counter intuitive. Shop more to buy less. Especially in person, I am pretty discerning. Sometimes I will go shopping with no intention to buy anything. It helps me get an idea about what's in the stores and helps me consider what would help with wardrobe cohesiveness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1712584 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:59:06 +0000 Nishaa 1712584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm getting super late. But I'm commenting just so that I don't lose this post in the forum. There's just too much wisdom in the post and comments.. Read initial few. I'll have to come back and take notes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1712161 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 18:24:11 +0000 Anonymous 1712161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maneera - I like the idea of incorporating something comfy with something less so. That may do a better job helping me determine if something can be salvaged. I've also been thinking about my favorite pieces and what makes them so. </p> <p>Jenanded - figuring out a common theme can be helpful on both winners and losers. I'll be happy if I can decrease the percentage of the fails. </p> <p>Texstyle - I've also done a mental list. It lets you know what really stands out. I live in a warm climate and don't have enough short sleeve tops I like. I can't believe how hard they are to acquire when I insist on loving what I get. </p> <p>Smittie - I like your system. I am picky about what I keep from online, but if I can return it easily, I take a lot of (usually unsuccessful) chances to see what might work. I will almost never be willing to pay shipping, and return shipping has gotten crazy as well. </p> <p>Sisi - I know there's lots of us who keep trying to figure it out. That's why I'm on this site. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1712006 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 15:26:43 +0000 Sisi 1712006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurked, this is a very intersting post&nbsp;! I have been in the same situation&nbsp;for years. You have already received a lot of helpful answers and there is nothing I can add.&nbsp;For me, tracking outfits, removing from the closet all the mediocre items and putting them aside, deciding to become more picky when buying - were all things that helped.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711989 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 14:59:09 +0000 Anonymous 1711989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another thing I wanted to mention, and this goes back to another thread you posted recently, is that I'm quite a bit pickier about what I'll buy online vs. In person. Online, I'll stick to all my buying criteria and only after a lot of hemming and hawing will I pull the trigger. Not so in person. For some reason, in person, all of my best laid plans are thrown out the window and I overlook a lot of issues. (Maybe this is 'emotional shopping'.)</p> <p>Maybe the best approach to wardrobe nirvana is a two tiered system of pickiness: 1. Purchase things online to get the exact things you need (item pickiness) and then 2. Try them in at home to get the fit you need ( fit pickiness).</p> <p>I think the above is probably the ideal way to be, but it doesn't work for me since shipping and returns are so costly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711954 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 14:29:43 +0000 texstyle 1711954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've done some pretty major closet editing over the past couple of years but it's still a work in progress.</p> <p>Something I was just trying to do was to create a list of items (tops first) I feel I reach for most often in my closet -- by memory, no looking. </p> <p>The goal is to figure out what I feel is memorable and what I feel most comfortable wearing (and why) and then try to determine how many other pieces I have that fall out of that category, but I can justify because they get worn once in a while and I do like the way they fit/look/feel. Then, what else am I still hanging onto and why? </p> <p>It was surprisingly difficult for me to list more than 15 summer tops (including casual tees!) that I really reach for again and again. I have some others I remembered, maybe 7-8 or so, but the 15 are definitely my favorites for color, fit and comfort. Some of the 15 I have duplicated (tees) but I'm not counting duplicates.</p> <p>So, if I removed all the other items I would have a true "what I wear" tops capsule for summer I suppose.</p> <p>Next up, bottoms, then fall/winter items, then shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711818 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 10:31:55 +0000 jenanded 1711818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recall writing down why the items were 'fails' for me and it really helped me see the patterns of why things didn't work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711776 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 06:26:53 +0000 Maneera 1711776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurked, I know exactly how you feel. And no - you aren't being picky at all. </p> <p>But it is true that not everything you try on in the dressing room will tell you it's "issues" immediately. For example - a pair of jeans that bags out...a cami that rides up, or a top that starts to fall off the shoulder during the day. All these "issues" are only revealed with wear, which is where the challenge lies. </p> <p>Let me tell you, you're not alone. This happens to ALL of us. My trying extra-hard to gauge quality &amp; fit &amp; durability of an item at time of purchase doesn't automatically mean it's gonna be comfy for all day wear. But....I do have a strategy. </p> <p>1) You were wearing an outfit where ALL 3 pieces ended up being uncomfortable. Unless you can afford to just get rid of all such mediocre clothes right away &amp; shop for new items, I recommend you try pairing something "fussy" with something "guaranteed to be comfy". For example - wear those jeans with a very nice &amp; comfy shirt that's a workhorse. Add a belt. Wear that top with a very comfy pair of jeans that work well for you, and with a tank instead of cami that doesn't ride up. Or try a cami with lacy straps underneath and wear at home to lounge in. I find cute tops that fall off the shoulder (unintentionally) rather alluring. Point being- if only 1 item in your outfit feels "fussy", sometimes that's not a deal breaker. But if at the end of the day you still hate the item of clothing despite pairing it with your comfy favs, donate it ASAP. </p> <p>2) Keep a mental note of all these items that are so-so. If you come across a replacement, buy it and then put the original problem child in the donate bag. </p> <p>3) Also make a mental note of what brands/cuts/styles you prefer. Stick to these when you go shopping to eliminate mediocre items. Also keep a mental note of what to look for in terms of comfort from your experience with these 'mediocres'. </p> <p>For example, I know from experience that I do best with mid-rise or high-rise jeans. No matter how well a pair of low-rise jeans fit me and how comfy they feel in the dressing room, I don't buy them anymore. I know I will find 'issues' with them later. Same for cap sleeves on top that have a higher neckline....they make the top bunch up unattractively over my bust as I move around when the sleeve pulls the whole top up. No matter how cute a top, I don't buy such sleeve anymore. And i have the same problem as you with camis. They ride up and I find that very annoying. My solution is to avoid camis all together. 99% of my summer wardrobe doesn't need one underneath. For the remaining 1%, I have started wearing a tank underneath. And I buy one size big....that makes it not ride up, somehow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711740 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 04:19:20 +0000 Anonymous 1711740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I've resisted tracking my outfits, but I'm sure it would be enlightening. </p> <p>Gaylene - I know the direction I will go in is to reduce my wardrobe size. It is nice that such a process led you to a greater wardrobe happiness. And your point of something needing to beat what you have is a good one. </p> <p>Smittie - I like the idea of good basics. I have a gray tee on my list and a white tank. I know what I'm looking for, and I refuse to get something I don't love. I'm not sure when finding tops became harder for me than finding bottoms, but that's mostly the case now. Guess we both have the same issue. </p> <p>Penny - I've reduced the color palette I wear, and I have enjoyed that very much. I'm not sure how long it would take me to track to figure out an ideal number, but I suspect that's more analytical than I will consistently stick to. I like to see the analysis others do though, as it gives me good food for thought. </p> <p>Sally - I understand sometimes wearing something you don't love. I think the goal can only be to bring in pieces that move you forward, when it fits with timing and budget. </p> <p>Dakotacheryl - I'm sure there are lots of us in the same boat. </p> <p>Donna - it makes sense to me that the proportions are what bring down a number, and not color. </p> <p>Barbara Diane - how rare for something to go up after the fact. That's great. I have try on sessions too. My DH just shakes his head. He doesn't get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711736 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 04:08:27 +0000 Barbara Diane 1711736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a top that I have worn 5 times, maybe more, and went back and forth on whether to keep it or not. Today first I tried my one tunic and a few dresses with cropped pants and heels a la Angie's post. Then I tried on the top and it looked great. </p> <p>It went to a 10 with heels and an 8 or 9 with flats. &nbsp;I'm so glad I still have it. It's one of my longer ones, sharkbite hem, more material than I usually like on top. I wore it today (without the heels. Not quite as fab, but it wasn't a heels kind of day). Turns out having the extra bit of skin showing made all the difference. I also tried it with my other top with more material, one I really like, and it looked even more fab this way.</p> <p>I also have a dress I love but my bra sometimes shows. Someone recently mentioned tacking something to keep it closed. I'm glad I've kept it now that I know how to fix it. I also have some cotton tanks that have shrunk after a lot of washing, but I am considering adding ruffled material to add the length back.</p> <p>I also put something I want to wear more or decide about in a more prominent part of my closet so I see it first. And/or have a try on session with different options.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, sometimes I keep comfy but a bit worn (doesn't look new anymore) clothes for cozy nights at home or long drive days.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711731 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 03:34:23 +0000 DonnaF 1711731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had the black crop VC pants below in a holding zone because the fit isn't a 10 on me and I think I didn't have the best footwear and other pieces to go with it.&nbsp; Lo and behold, I think it will work under dresses per Angie's formula!</p> <p>In my holding zone I also had an unusual Tildon cropped cardigan that creates a wide shoulder line and often the proportions seemed *off*.&nbsp; Then, I bought the pink Mom jeans, and what works best is that old '80s formula of big shoulders so the white shirt below (tucked) works really well, and since I get cold that Tildon cardigan is perfect.&nbsp; </p> <p>I used to think orphans occurred due to color or pattern, but now I get that an item may be a *7* because the proportions tried don't really work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711715 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 02:41:05 +0000 Sal 1711715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do a mix of the following with these items, and I do have them!!</p> <p>1) Try and wear them to make them work, sometimes this inspires me, other times it confirms that they are not going to be worn.<br />2) Put to a holding zone for a season. &nbsp;I have had some come back but it is probably only 25%.<br />3) Just accept my lot and wear them anyway. &nbsp;I don't have the budget to replace them all at once, and I often have four of five 7/10 items that I just wear. &nbsp;Currently two black fitted sweaters (both a fraction short), one black pencil skirt (not wild on the fit), a cream structured tee (neckline too crew) and blue jeans (sag as the day goes on). &nbsp;</p> <p>I get cross with myself when I make a mistake, but it does still happen. &nbsp;Shapes change, spills happen, wear can be unpredictable, and sometimes lifestyles/tastes evolve.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down/page/2#post-1711671 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 01:26:27 +0000 Penny 1711671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely agree with Gaylene. Since I reduced my wardrobe to pieces and a palette I love - and started tracking number of items per category, in addition to the one-in-one-out rule - I've made a lot fewer purchasing mistakes because the bar is pretty high. And moving out those items that you aren't sure about to a holding zone for now will probably have a similar effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711657 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 00:58:51 +0000 Anonymous 1711657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...another suggestion is to focus on getting great basics and essentials. This is something I still fail to do and I think it's because it's a bit boring to shop for these things. But ultimately, having a backdrop of great basics and essentials probably raises your baseline level happiness with your wardrobe to the point where you can deal with a few fails on statement and wildcard pieces.</p> <p>Writing this, I think I need to determine what my essentials even ARE because I'm never happy with any of my tops, and it might be because I look better in dresses or tunics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711631 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 00:32:34 +0000 Roxanna 1711631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This *is* a great thread. I may try @AviaMariah 's strategy of a big holding zone this year, and maybe even Gaylene 's strategy later on - it's so inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711619 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 00:05:53 +0000 dakotacheryl 1711619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread!</p> <p>Gaylene just wrote my thoughts so beautifully!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711599 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 23:14:16 +0000 Gaylene 1711599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you hit the nail squarely on the head when you said "It's tough to give up on X..." I'm the same way and that's why "holding zones" didn't work for me. My "holding zone" all too easily morphed into the "forgotten zone" --a place where the stuff I didn't want to wear was out of sight and out of mind.</p> <p>In my case, what broke the cycle of buying 7s and below was my need to drastically downsize my wardrobe when we moved from a large house to a small condo. I downsized by giving myself set numbers for different categories-- X number of tops, X number of bottoms, X number of shoes and so on right down to socks and undies. Then I dragged out every item in that category and picked my favourites until I reached that set number. What was left in the pile heaped on the bed astonished and appalled me--and made me feel more than a little ashamed of all the money I had spent. I realized I really didn't want any of those items when I had my favourites, but it wasn't easy dealing with the guilt of coming face-to-face with my appalling shopping habits. </p> <p>There was a bright side, though, because my downsized wardrobe made it easy to see what worked for my lifestyle and what I liked. Getting dressed in the mornings was fun because I liked everything and items seemed to magically work together. I was pleasantly surprised to find I did have a cohesive style and palette; it had just been hidden under a deluge of so-so stuff.</p> <p>Even better, since my pared down wardrobe fit nicely into my small condo closet, I was determined to practice one-in, one-out. Since I now really liked everything in my closet, the bar became pretty high for something to make it into my pared down wardrobe. It didn't make sense to replace a diamond with a cubic zirconia--even if everyone was going crazy about that cubic zirconia. </p> <p>My downsizing was admittedly drastic, but the process has made me dubious about (1) pushing my mistakes into a holding zone where I don't have to think about them, and (2) being stubborn about hanging on to any item which doesn't deliver on its promise. It also made me realize, for me, variety isn't related to wardrobe size as much as it is to wardrobe cohesion and happiness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711593 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 22:49:01 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1711593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with AviaMariah - if it's a fail for logistical reasons, like it falls off my shoulder or the waist bags out crazily, I put it in the donate bag right away (although I do wash first, if necessarily, with a safety pin in the tag so I don't forget when I'm putting the clean clothes away). </p> <p>You can't get everything perfect at point of purchase - some problems don't show up until later. And it's always a balancing act between buying stuff that you know will work for you, and ending up with a really stale-feeling, dull wardrobe where you never take any risks or make changes. </p> <p>It might help to figure out how many clothes you really want/need - calculate how often you like to repeat outfits, how often you do laundry, how variable your weather is within a season, and then figure out how much is 'enough' for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711590 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 22:44:39 +0000 Anonymous 1711590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AviaMariah - I've decided fussy is going to be an automatic deal breaker, and that I'll immediately move it on so I don't have to wear it again after I forget. I also have items that have been loved in past, but for whatever reason, I'm kind of over. It's harder to get rid of those. I can't believe how much time I've spent trying to get those dumb jeans to work. Silly. The other pair I got I said a quick yes to, and haven't thought about it again. Guess that's a clue to myself I should pick up on. Let me know how yours work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711581 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 22:25:43 +0000 AviaMariah 1711581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you're being too picky at all. I can't stand clothing I have to fuss with. &nbsp;I think you should be able to put it on and then forget about it. &nbsp;So those tops would have to go in my world. &nbsp;(And the Dre jeans - are you still decided whether to keep them? I ordered those and just received them today so haven't tried them on. ) &nbsp;That being said - I have noticed that I've worn about 1/4 of my spring/summer wardrobe this year. &nbsp;The problem is that I have a lot of stuff that have been wardrobe favorites in the past that I'm not wearing anymore. &nbsp;So I keep thinking I'll want to wear them again. &nbsp;I'm thinking about having a huge holding zone and only keeping a couple capsules in my closet to try to determine where my comfort level is for wardrobe size. &nbsp;Sorry for the rambling - but this has been something on my mind also. &nbsp;:)</p> <p></p> <p>ETA: I've found that I have to get rid of something the moment I take it off (if it's been bugging me while I wear it). &nbsp;Otherwise, it will go back into the closet and it will look cute on the hanger, or I'll like the color etc., etc. and I forget why I didn't like it until I wear it again. &nbsp;Sometimes I don't even wash something before it goes in the donate bag (ew<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www..."><a href="http://www.." rel="nofollow">http://www..</a>.</a>) so I don't forget.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711572 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:59:50 +0000 Anonymous 1711572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy - yes, there are limitations to the process. It sounds like for you the too big should be permanently gone. </p> <p>Unfrumped - I agree with a lot here. Not all things can be 10s. Sometimes things can work with one outfit, but not another. </p> <p>Kkards - yes, the physically fussy is different than other issues. It usually is a deal breaker. </p> <p>Texstyle - I was debating taking in the waist on the Dre's or getting a smaller size. I actually have a smaller size coming tomorrow in the denim. But I'm not sure I want to bother on the burgundy. Maybe I will just keep an eye out for another brand. I really love the color and could see them working with my wardrobe easily. I also like the idea of finding your favorite style and color and repeat. </p> <p>Suz - interestingly, there are very few items in my closet that don't feel like me or that are tough to style, but this lace top is one of them. Kind of boxy and a little cropped on me.</p> <p>Roxanna - I think using the YLF wisdom to help decide can be a great idea. I will have to do that too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711568 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:47:53 +0000 Anonymous 1711568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Linda - I agree with the fact it should be an immediate yes. It is the immediate yes that turns into no that I'm not sure what to do with either. </p> <p>Ledonna - I think tailoring could save some things. I'll have to consider which ones. </p> <p>Liz - I will try to go through soon to move things out. It would probably make it a lot easier in the morning. </p> <p>Peri -you have a good point about former 10s moving down the scale. Maybe analyzing why they've moved will be helpful. I'm pretty good at getting rid of things, so this doesn't need to be a long time project. </p> <p>Chris987 - I like the idea of considering several items together to see if there is an overall conclusion to reach that could help change what comes in the door. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711565 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:41:21 +0000 Anonymous 1711565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to post and run there.</p> <p>Elizabeth - I like the idea of thinking strategically. </p> <p>Beth Ann - I agree with the curse of the 7s. Because I definitely get rid of the lower numbers. But it's not always easy to justify getting rid of the pretty goods. I do like the idea of remixing. And I think that physically fussy or uncomfortable must be moved on due to comfort. </p> <p>Carter - it's tough for me to give up on those jeans, cause they look so cute. But if I stick with the premise of returning or passing on the physically uncomfortable, it should make it easier. Plus, I want to be able to wear jeans several times before washing, and if they get as wrinkly as yours, I'd have to wash every time. (Some people are bothered by not washing every time, but not me). </p> <p>Cerinda - I like the thought of taking notes. I'm laughing at imagining myself hanging out in the dressing room that long. </p> <p>Angie , KL - I've had a holding zone in the past. Sometimes they've gone out the door, sometimes they make their way back in. </p> <p>Greenjeans - I am getting to the point where the smaller, but workable sounds good to me too. </p> <p>JAileen - I'm pretty good about moving clothes along. I just don't want to be in the position where things are constantly going in and out. That's a lot of unproductive time, plus expensive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711551 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:25:05 +0000 Roxanna 1711551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>delurked -&nbsp;</b>I could have written this post (and would have, had you not!) AS you can see from my WIW today, I am doing exactly what you said - wearing things I haven't worn, putting pics up here for input, and then seeing how I feel in them all day. Today's WIW was the perfect example. I haven't worn that skirt in years, but I still love it nad have felt good in it all day. &nbsp;YLF community showed me that it was a styling problem and I need to pair it with a different top.</p> <p>I love Angie's solution of holding zone too and I will be trying that. I have far too many 7's, as well as things that are perfectly good, which were once my style but are simply not anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711541 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:19:54 +0000 Suz 1711541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Kkards. Distinguish between the items you dislike due to physiological factors (too loose, too fussy, stretch out, too snug, always twist, can't layer) from those that don't feel like "you" or don't match your style aspirations. I think it's easiest to get rid of the former or get them altered (if you like them in theory and alterations are possible). Make notes about the problems or somehow keep track, and avoid buying that type of neckline, that cut of pant, etc. in future.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also try to keep mental track of the characteristics of the outfits I <b>LOVE</b> and always feel great in. That's important to know, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then you're left with the "not me" or "can't really style it" &nbsp;items -- those you can put in the holding zone and reconsider over time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711533 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:11:56 +0000 texstyle 1711533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have another size of the burgundy Dres headed my way as the first pair<br /> seemed too roomy. Now I'm guessing both pairs may end up going back.<br /> UGH!</p> <p>I use a holding zone too, and sometimes an item comes back to the closet, but not usually. That said, I still wish I could spot some of the quirks of things before I've worn them - most retailers don't take things back once worn and I don't always buy from Nordies (though they are so generous in their return policy, maybe I should). Then there is the hanging on to items because we need/want a particular color to work with other things and can't seem to find a replacement. But if we have a few of these, and a few 7's and a few quirky things....it leads to frustration getting dressed all over again.</p> <p>Many times I resort back to my tried and true when I feel this way. I buy a couple of my favorite tees in my favorite colors that I know will last long enough to justify their price. And I wear the heck out of them.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711532 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 21:08:46 +0000 kkards 1711532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So imo 1st you need to separate the physical fussy from the psychologically fussy. Can the physical be altered? It's easy to take in the waist or add a snap in a button down, if needed. Otherwise, it goes. But, try to see if there is a reoccurring theme-- i.e. You get rid of a boatneck or all 3/4 sleeve etc<br /> If its psychological, i.e. This doesn't feel like me, or this is too fashion foward for me... Then that's worth a holding zone. And a post....Imo YLF is great at helping us figure how to make the "not quite me" items work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711525 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:52:17 +0000 Kristin L 1711525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Angie's holding zone as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711521 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:43:44 +0000 unfrumped 1711521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie is spot on about the holding zone.<br /> And you may also be learning what are deal- breakers vs. normal compromises ( I think the idea that every item can be a " 10" all the time is unrealistic).<br /> Some issues are outfit- specific. I may have a top that works only tucked but not untucked. If I love the color and fabric and If tucking might still be an<br /> option it could go holding zone. If it's tight or itchy then I should toss it.<br /> If your jeans can be taken up in the waist that might be an option. Of if they FEEL a little off but aren't falllinv off and you can wear a flowy top over, you might use them as a place- holder item or put in holding zone to see if you can do without. But if it turns out they just are a poor fit, toss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-to-pare-down#post-1711509 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:19:56 +0000 minimalist 1711509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, Holding Zone. Right now, my holding zone is huge. So many excellent pieces became unwearably, unalterably baggy. I should follow what Liz suggested, by putting it further out of sight. So far I find myself reaching into it, because What Else to Where? and regretting it every time. Like the white jeans (both pairs!) that as Peri said used to be 10s. Washing in hot water and drying on hot only gave false hope: still sacklike, even unkempt-looking. </p> <p>You're not being too picky! But it's a process, and most of us face limitations (whether time, geography, money, energy, inspiration, or something else) on how vigorously we can engage in that process. </p>