https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:11:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2397490 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:47:33 +0000 judy 2397490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little late to this thread.&nbsp; Yes, I've always gone my own way with clothes.&nbsp; I do dress for myself.&nbsp; But when I read your question "who do you REALLY dress for?", it came to me that I also dress for an imaginary person, or audience, that will look and say, yeah, I like her vibe, or artistry.&nbsp; As much as we cook for ourselves, and taste the food til we get the flavor just right, it's also about the other people who eat it and say, this is SO good!&nbsp; Sharing joy!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2397230 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:04:40 +0000 LJP 2397230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou - " using fashion to find my tribe" is an excellent way to put it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2397208 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:06:16 +0000 Bijou 2397208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dressing well makes me feel good, now and also from an early age. I wonder if that is because dressing well was important to both my mother and grandmother, that from a young impressionable age, I was conditioned to think this?</p> <p>In my teens, how I dressed was very much linked to my interests and became a way to identify my tribe. I formed life-long friends at school and university and as much as we all thought we were being very 'individual' it was comical at how we looked like we were members of different bands!</p> <p>Joining the workforce, I used clothing to signify that I was professional yet also interested in fashion. I found it a great way to bond with other women in my profession.</p> <p>I find other women who are interested in fashion vibrant and fun, so to a certain extent, I still use fashion to find my tribe. DH's interest in Japanese fashion has opened up a whole new fashion frontier for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2397179 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:57:04 +0000 Ket 2397179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress for myself. I have loved fashion since I was age 4. I changed my clothes 7-8 times a day. My mother patiently picked up little clothing piles from all over my bedroom floor. I once dreamed of being a fashion designer even. </p> <p>I dress so I’m not invisible and to stir up a bit of self confidence. I can come across as quite intimidating—to my utter surprise. (Been told this by a few brave girlfriends.) I was morbidly obese in my teens and that was painful. So I’m conscious of how I appear especially the last few years. </p> <p>I also dress for my husband. He graduated from a prestigious art college. He’s in IT but he’s a Renaissance Man. His taste is excellent and while we don’t always love the same things (he can’t understand why I love gigantic eyeglass frames lol), I very much value his opinion and his enjoyment of me. </p> <p>I dress a bit for my son in that I want him to know what it means for a woman to be respectful and tasteful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2397148 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:24:06 +0000 The Cat 2397148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress for my audience, my God, and myself--in respect and with joy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396867 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:44:58 +0000 Star (Lise) 2396867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lyn67&nbsp;</b>I get what you are saying - me too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396865 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:22:23 +0000 lyn67 2396865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My body, IYKWIM. I used to dress for working in an office and project some authority&nbsp; but nowadays I am all about dressing my body the most comfortable while trying to look more slender than I am:-).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396859 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:47:53 +0000 Janet 2396859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress to express myself, but I do dress with a mind to being aware of my surroundings and the occasion. I am in the phase of life of invisibility and don’t want to play into that, but I also don’t want to be too flamboyant. I enjoy compliments and I enjoy it when my husband thinks I look nice. </p> <p>Great question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396850 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:15:13 +0000 Style Fan 2396850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress for myself.&nbsp; When I was working, I would consider my environment, but now I am free to express myself through my clothes without concern.&nbsp; I love clothes and fashion.&nbsp; One of my creative outlets is planning outfits.&nbsp; I do have others.<br />Mr. SF has a creative eye, and he offers great feedback.&nbsp; I don't have many friends who are into fashion.&nbsp; I am thankful for YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396826 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:07:51 +0000 Sal 2396826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to feel authentic in my clothes and I don’t like to dress like what I might see as a cliche. I have never wanted to wear exactly the same jeans as my friends or sisters or even the same hair cut. </p> <p>In saying that I do dress for my environment - at conferences like where I have been this week I have worn what I see as slightly cool business casual looks and in other settings i would wear my navy suit. I have also dressed in clothes to blend in at different times.</p> <p>On a work day in the office or at home, or when heading out with friends I dress for me. Which might mean a floral dress one day and baggy pants and sneakers the next. I have a couple of friends who like fashion and I often wear something I think they would enjoy when with them. DH does sometimes notice and other times not at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for/page/2#post-2396817 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:11:38 +0000 aloha emily 2396817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like I’m in the minority on this one. I dress to elicit the responses I want from others- especially my employees, clients and potential new clients. I’m a small business owner and entrepreneur, I dress to look professional, welcoming and on top of my game. Even at soccer games and school pickup lines, I dress to be perceived as the powerhouse I am. </p> <p>My look does reflect my personal style- I’m a boss lady in bright colors and bold prints- and it serves me by helping me build my business and achieve my professional goals. </p> <p>A lot of my clients are international and have a dressier standard for clothes. The more I dress up to make a good impression with them, the more I like to dress up. Enclothed cognition is real and the energy burst of being sartorially pulled together is too!</p> <p>Also I like compliments- giving and receiving them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396812 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:00:07 +0000 Dee 2396812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I dress for my own amusement. Its one of my favourite creative outlets. However. I can feel a bit stymied in some ways, due to how casual most people dress these days and the fact that I'm not one who likes to stand out either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396789 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:10:55 +0000 Carol 2396789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress primarily for self-defense, and I bet a lot of other people do, too! On a good day I take time and dress for myself, that is my highest calling of fashion. I will also dress for the male gaze when I am single.</p> <p>But I do think a lot of people dress for self-defense, although they don't think that. And by that I mean, they try to dress appropriately for each environment (work, party, etc.), at the appropriate age, and hopefully at a respectable income/quality level. People who follow these social codes well tend to do well, while people who don't may not be taken seriously, or even put down!</p> <p>If you have ever been ignored by the bartender at a trendy bar, while they serve every hip face except you, you know what I mean!&nbsp;</p> <p>Matching social codes is still an issue for me, but I pay it much more respect than I used to.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396770 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:46:52 +0000 Kate 2396770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Men notoriously do not understand a pin in clothes. <br /></i><br />That's hilarious, Sisi! Thanks for the laugh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396769 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:33:16 +0000 MsMary 2396769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Sisi -- for myself first, and then for those I encounter out and about. Also I enjoy it when my husband enjoys what I'm wearing, which is most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396747 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:02:44 +0000 RobinF 2396747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, great question. For myself and what I enjoy number 1, but I admit I also don't like to stand out too much so there is that, and I love what Sisi said about dressing for her audience - same (except I prefer not to be stared at :)). I am conscious of where I will be and what I am saying about myself with what I am wearing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396746 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:13:38 +0000 Sisi 2396746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First for myself, and then for what I call my "audience": people at the train station, at the workplace, supermarket, people on the street .... I like an admiration stare. Mostly it comes from women. Men notoriously do not understand a pin in clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396744 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:43:09 +0000 Staysfit 2396744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The way I dress depends on the context. &nbsp;At work,I blend dressing for the context/role with dressing for myself. &nbsp;I am mindful of a need to present myself professionally enough without overdoing it so as to appear intimidating. &nbsp;I am also mindful that the other professionals in the building often wear much more casual attire than would be suitable for my role, and a need to adopt a style at work that somehow gracefully spans the difference between the attire a physician might wear in a traditional clinic setting vs what the professionals wear in a stand alone special education setting when surrounded with children that have many unpredictable behaviors. &nbsp;I also supervise residents/fellows at the medical university and they also need to dress in a traditionally professional manner so I try to keep my attire neat enough to work in that setting as well. &nbsp;It’s been tough and a big reason for my early use of this forum. &nbsp;When I am not at work, I definitely dress for myself. &nbsp;Over time, I do think I have been able to hone my personal preferences well enough that the choices I make for work feel very much like pieces I might otherwise pick for everyday. &nbsp;It’s been a long journey to get to this point! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396740 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:10:39 +0000 Helena 2396740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great question ... I don't even know quite how to answer really. I like to look nice and presentable, to fit in (within reason), and for my own psychological comfort. I don't dress for admiration but if I'm honest I do dress for approval and acceptance, at least to an extent. Although I admire and appreciate creative dressers and those who approach fashion as an art, that's not me I've come to learn. So I'm not sure if that's me dressing for others or for myself, perhaps a bit of both! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396737 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:29:53 +0000 Sloper 2396737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me, myself and I!! &nbsp;Like fellow Fabbers, it is my creative outlet. &nbsp;Also I love the visual and tactile input from my clothes.<div><br /></div><div>With due regard to situational/cultural norms and being respectful.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396734 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:58:59 +0000 Bonnie 2396734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. Me, 2. DH, 3. Others. I like what you said, "It's how I entertain myself in a workplace of casual homogeneity." That's true for me but I would replace the word workplace with community. I'm lucky because I have a co-conspirator in DH who applauds my efforts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396732 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:21:47 +0000 Jaime 2396732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question and it was very enjoyable reading the replies. I would also say I dress for myself. Myself is complicated of course . Regarding comments, I try to take them as intended but am extremely comfortable giving an icy gaze when I do not appreciate the intentions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396729 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:55:10 +0000 DonnaF 2396729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress for myself. Who else would approve of all my Crocs? Dressing on trend is not one of my priorities, and I can’t think of anyone in my community who dresses like me. Which is okay. But apparently I am a source of entertainment as I have heard from a number of folks that they check out my outfit each Sunday to see what I am wearing.</p> <p>OTOH: When as part of our Ministerial Search Committee we were to visit neighboring churches to hear guest ministers preach, we were supposed to be in cognito. I had the black pants and sensible shoes but no TNF or other fleece jacket. Oh, well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396723 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:40:47 +0000 Angie 2396723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of interesting and astute replies!&nbsp;</p> <p>Many comments resonated with me :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you <b>LJP</b>, I dress mostly for myself - because it's a passion, and a very un-stressful and fun part of life! I milk it. Much of life and the world lets me down, but my style is constant joy. I am 100% in control of my style, and I love that too! I'm a control-freak. I dress to indicate knowledge, interest and enjoyment in fashion and style - that it can be practical, pulled together, and polished and isn't frivolous - &nbsp;and to communicate that to everyone who sees me - not just women. After all, this is also my line of work. I practice what I preach.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hubs Greg has a very keen interest in fashion and style, design, and the arts. He is a software engineer and product design leader, yet a complete Renaissance Man. I value his opinions. I absolutely dress for him too, and it gives me great pleasure. Good thing we are 99.9% aligned with what we like each other to wear. Makes things very easy!&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Irina,</b> fashion and style entertains me! Yet it is not my only creative outlet.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>JAileen</b>, as always, you make me laugh!</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, love what you wrote!&nbsp;</p> <p>As for receiving compliments, I always say "thank you" to the person who gives them. And leave it at that.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396720 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 21:29:41 +0000 Joyce 2396720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Myself and the weather. Before YLF I was afraid to step out of the box. Now, it is liberating to be an independent, fashionable person. Like others, the odd compliment from a stranger goes a long way to validating this decision but is not sought. Sometimes you just need a boost and who better to choose? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396719 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:58:05 +0000 texstyle 2396719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I dress for myself first and foremost but I do consider what the outside world might see. That mostly means I don't want to come off as being a sloppy "I don't care" kind of person fashion-wise, but if others want to do that, I don't really mind. Since I have often done little bits of performing - presentations, classrooms and now music - I do think about the audience and their enjoyment in terms of what I choose to wear. Approachable, but strong and safe is probably my goal. I wear simple things.&nbsp; A nice good fitting shape retaining tee, good shoes and good jeans or other bottoms with a quality belt and bag and I'm set for 95% of my life. Those things are all surprising a challenge to find I must admit. Quality seems to be a big aim for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396714 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:24:37 +0000 Lisa 2396714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me!</p> <p>I'm a mood based dresser so what I wear changes every day based on my mood.</p> <p>There are times when I dress for a specific situation (ie I'm not going to wear loungewear to a business meeting or a wedding) but when it's not event based dressing, I dress for myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396712 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:20:41 +0000 Kate 2396712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Myself. I always have, even when people commented on it, with, shall we say, a lack of approval. Thankfully, my parents, though they sometimes would raise eyebrows, or my mother would put her hands on her hips, and say, 'Really?' with a smile, let me wear what pretty much what I wanted, with decency being the bottom line—and that line often challenged as an older teenager.</p> <p>I've courted the male gaze when it tickled me to do so, and completely ignored it whenever I chose to (most, and now all of, the time).</p> <p>I've always loved fabric and clothes, and looked on clothes as one of the few art forms I could actively participate it. And now gardening as well. Interesting that both pursuits rely heavily on achieving whatever the goal is with line, proportion, changing shapes, and color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396711 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:14:41 +0000 SW Ann 2396711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree! But this was a really new environment for me, and it was so different, I succumbed (for about a year) to conformance.&nbsp; I got depressed.&nbsp; REALLY! When I examined my feelings and why, I understood I am just not a "fit in" person&nbsp; when I am not true to myself.&nbsp; Authenticity wins!!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-do-you-really-dress-for#post-2396709 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:06:53 +0000 LJP 2396709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SW Ann: I know what you mean about fitting in . I actually don't want to look like other women, and almost go out of my way to avoid the uniform of the 60+ women I see . &nbsp;And I don't see anything wrong with that !&nbsp; </p>