https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 09:13:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-895289 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:16:22 +0000 rachylou 895289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not, mind you, that it was a big failure. I did go out looking for a spring coat and came back with one I really like... but it is my signature weirdness. I mean, who knows what I missed?<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-895286 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:13:17 +0000 rachylou 895286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I appreciate all this good advice here, ladies. I'll have to make a list: Fix my filters, go with goals, go with a plan, warm up and fuel up to hit the ground running. I don't know much about how personal shoppers work, but after this weekend, I wonder if one could help...<br /><br />You know, I suppose I've always had this problem and I haven't been <i>un</i>aware of it... It's just rearing its head again. I am repeating myself, but I'm now down to only one non-work day&nbsp; a week, and I've been working my free day a lot too, <i>and </i>I have to cram everything else into that day. So shopping frequently is pretty out. Shopping all day is also out.<br /><br />Then too I'm starting to feel the pinch. My fave boutique in town closed shop. Basically I have an H&amp;M, Ross, Marshalls, and DB shoe warehouse I can check out some evenings. BR, J. Crew - and I have to add Express these days - these are all near that H&amp;M, but I strike out at these stores most of the time when it comes to fit. <br /><br />And because my town (and the surrounding ones) keep a pretty tight rein on what stores go in, it's a big drive to any mall or shopping district. Browsing trips followed by buying trips in the same season are officially, totally out. It's a one shot deal. <br /><br />I could only do half this outlet mall as it was and I feel the sting of regret. Not going back any time soon and I wasn't doing a good job of it anyways.<br /><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-895083 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:48:59 +0000 Carla 895083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I got interested in fashion again &nbsp;a few years back, shopping overwhelmed me. &nbsp;I started watching What Not to Wear and then started shopping with a specific list of what I thought might work for me. &nbsp;Almost immediately I found that I developed the 'filter' Rae describes. &nbsp;The filter gets refined the more I learn about fashion and fit. &nbsp;( Recent example...recognizing that skirts with zipper fronts accent tums - filter out!)<br /><br />Like DayVies, I make time to shop, and prepare for it by wearing good underwear, clothes that are easy to change in and out of. &nbsp;Like Celia, I shop my favourite stores often enough that I learn the inventory, and can pick up when there is new stuff.<br /><br />You also have to be prepared to walk away and return home empty handed, without feeling down or disappointed. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-895073 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:23:06 +0000 Krista 895073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally understand what you are saying - there are times that I have come home with items and, once the fog and delirium has cleared, I think to myself - what did I buy that for?<br /><br />I am finding lately, though, that this is not happening as much. &nbsp;I think I've found stores overwhelming in the past&nbsp;because of the cycle I go through - bright colors, loud music, overbearing SA's, pick a load of items, try them on, nothing fits, leave in frustration - repeat cycle at the next store. &nbsp;Since joining YLF, I've realized that part of my struggle with clothing was not knowing that I have legitimate fit challenges for my body. &nbsp;I've referred to it on other threads, but I've basically determined that I can't wear anything other than petite sizes in tops and regular sizes in pants but they <b>must</b> have a low-rise (and I mean looooooow). &nbsp;Thus, I am now much more focused. &nbsp;If I need a top, I check out the three stores in my area that sell petite-size tops (Cleo, The Bay, Laura Petites). &nbsp;If I need pants, I now start with the stores&nbsp;that sell pants that fit my low-rise needs (Gap, Old Navy, Laura Petites). &nbsp;If I can't find what I'm looking for in those places, I do what Lyn does - put on some comfy shoes, have a good meal, drink some water, go to the bathroom and hit the mall.... at a non-busy time, of course! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-894892 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:10:24 +0000 Adelfa 894892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm extremely easily overwhelmed when I shop. I run out of steam soon, I get cranky, and if I'm in a really chaotic or crowded environment I can even have an anxiety reaction. I have noticed that some people have the ability to scan a lot of stuff and extract meaningful information from the activity. &nbsp;I don't think I do that--I look at one thing at a time and it's exhausting! I don't think this is going to change, either.<br /><br />I love a small boutique environment but these are not available to me where I live. I only used a personal shopper once, at Nordies (also not available to me where I live), but it was great! She hung up five outfits in my dressing room and I was able to say things like, "Take those three away and bring me more pants cut like these."&nbsp;<br /><br />I have just accepted that there are a lot of stores that I'm not going to be able to shop at. Not only is it not worth it to be unhappy, but I actually don't have the processing skills to make it worthwhile! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird/page/2#post-894875 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:37:52 +0000 catgirl 894875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to add, when shopping IRL I don't have this problem.&nbsp; Like Rae, I tend to hone right in on what I love, perhaps to my detriment as it leads to multiple black blazers, camo prints, and studded items.&nbsp; I have a fairly strong set of filters in my head when the items are in front of me, and can sort without distraction.&nbsp; It's the internet shopping that does me in... clickety click click! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894796 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:22:18 +0000 amiable 894796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I'm with you.&nbsp; I find internet shopping even worse to be honest - so many things all over the internet!&nbsp; What's the best price? What's the best place to buy from? Do they allow returns?&nbsp; Am I really willing to buy something without trying it on?&nbsp; <br /><br />Sometimes it does feel hopeless.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; :)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894744 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:56:32 +0000 Anonymous 894744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've found what I've learned from Angie extremely helpful. &nbsp;First I try to shop for something specific, ignoring anything in the wrong color, neckline, length, shape, etc. for my style goals and body. &nbsp;That eliminates much from consideration. &nbsp;<br />It also helps to know some of&nbsp;your ideal measurements such as inseam, rise, etc. and carry a little tape measure to measure garments for fit before trying on.<br />once upon a time I would be so overwhelmed that when I saw something I liked on a mannequin, I bought the whole outfit as styled. &nbsp;<br />Using a personal shopper such as at Nordstroms might be another idea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894735 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:37:46 +0000 cciele 894735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In department stores, like Nordstrom, I stick to the departments that I know work for me and ignore the rest. Or I shop at boutiques stocking clothes that match my aesthetic -- a well-curated collection is a beautiful thing to see! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894583 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:51:43 +0000 Anonymous 894583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Are you usually shopping for something specific when you go out Rachylou? I might look for the elusive perfectly tailored sheath dress or dressy trousers in a place like that because they are the hardest things for me to fit. I would decide what colors I wanted and then shop with blinders on towards everything else.&nbsp;<br /><br />I used to impulse buy all of the interesting statement pieces, but then I wound up with too much craziness in my wardrobe and no basic things to wear them with. I'm used to shopping outlets with great&nbsp;masses of the unwashed. I feel more stress when I'm in a regular mall, getting&nbsp;accosted by the perfume ladies and cell phone guys in the kiosks. There seems to be so much more visual noise in retail malls as well. Give me trash to dig through, because the gems seems to show up better against the dank darkness of plastic crates more easily than the glittering retail displays.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894534 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:03:15 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 894534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow--interesting thread. I think this is why I prefer to shop at just a few places. I do almost all of my shopping at Nordstrom and a couple of local boutiques. I rely a lot on sales people who know my style.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894500 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:15:26 +0000 RoseandJoan 894500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think this is one area where shopping frequently helps, being familiar with the stock and layout helps a lot.<br /><br />Having a rough idea of what you need also helps to eliminate the excess.<br /><br />Thirdly, taking frequent breaks to calm the senses and reassess really works for me. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894492 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:46:48 +0000 CocoLion 894492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe you have ADHD Rachylou? :-)<br /><br />I generally don't have this problem. &nbsp;But I do struggle the most with discount places like TJ Maxx or Marshalls where things are poorly organized, I have to have a lot of stamina to filter through racks of cr*p. &nbsp;I do like looking through stores like this for purses though, which are merchandised face front or just 3-4 deep, not like clothing racks which you have to wave your hand through repeatedly. &nbsp;(My niece is a TV commercial&nbsp;stylist and she gets a tendonitis RSI from doing this while shopping for jobs -- sometimes I wonder if this contributes to Angie's sore arm, when combined with a lot of time at a computer.)<br /><br />I am more and more liking on-line shopping, also I am more disciplined on-line, at B&amp;M stores I get seduced by the environment and sheer quantities.<br /><br />And as for outlet complexes, I am not a big fan. &nbsp;While some of the merchandise might be from a past season, some of it is also directly made for that channel at lower quality. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894484 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:13:23 +0000 ironkurtin 894484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shop by brand.&nbsp; Sometimes I discover a new one, but since I am very fussy about fabrics it helps to know who uses what I like.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894447 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:18:53 +0000 lyn* 894447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always stop to eat to strategize and plot out a plan to take over the store ... uh, I mean, shop wisely, before I hit up a big mall. And besides I'd have a full stomach so I'm less likely to be in a hurry!<br /><br />And go to the bathroom too! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894380 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:21:28 +0000 Tanya 894380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to be able to do pretty well in big department stores/discount stores types, but I always had the kind of filtering going on that Rae describes. &nbsp;It also helps that usually there aren't that many sizes 0/2 there to begin with.<br />But lately I find more and more that browsing for longer than 2 h causes headaches &nbsp;so I have switched to chain stores, such as BR, and online. &nbsp;Online has always been my favorite. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894370 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:03:40 +0000 annaj 894370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I understand what you are saying. I take a different approach, as I HATE filtering through racks of rubbish!!<br /><br />I like to find a smaller "boutique" type&nbsp;store that I really like "over all" and then try things on and get an idea of the look that I like on me. I then buy a few key pieces from that store and add basics from cheaper chain stores and department stores. It's often difficult to buy a great pair of cheap jeans (they don't fit me) so I will pay more for those, but a white tee is a white tee where ever you go, so I buy cheaper versions.&nbsp;<br /><br />That really fits in with what others have said about knowing what to shop for, but I always try on lots in order to decide what I am looking for first.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894310 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:13:42 +0000 Diana 894310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, so I love stores full of crazy jumbled racks full of treasures...<i><b>But</b></i><b></b> I hate when they are full of&nbsp;<i>people.</i>. That's when I get overwhelmed. &nbsp;I like when it's just me, a couple of other shoppers, and one or two unobtrusive SAs. &nbsp;I know this is not always possible but have you tried going at less busy times. &nbsp;Avoid weekend afternoons, try mornings (preferably on weekdays) instead. &nbsp;Much easier to focus when you don't have to push through people, listen to their loud conversations, smell their too-strong perfume... Plus no waiting in line once you find your treasure!<div><br /></div><div>Or you could shop online, where it's always quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wow, I sound kind of cranky and antisocial... I don't do well with crowds.</div> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894307 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:08:32 +0000 Mochi 894307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I could have written this post as well, at least in terms of overwhelm. (I don't feel like I dress "weird"...but this could explain why I have so few clothes.)<br /><br />One thing that helps me in a minute way is my very strong feelings about color and pattern--I will skip right over those items because it's so obvious.<br /><br />Other than that, I'm of no help. Like Day Vies, I have a hard time with messiness (because it reflects a state of mind I'm probably already bringing to the store) but I have shopped many times in bargain situations where that's the reality.&nbsp;<br /><br />I guess, now that I think of it, joining YLF has enabled me to embrace internet shopping, and that's how I got my start. It's so great (especially with a website with great filters, like Nordstroms). And I have the options to return things in-store much, if not most, of the time. Oh, did I tell you my bit of weirdness about hating to box things up and send them back by mail? Don't ask why; I have no idea.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894292 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:18:40 +0000 anne 894292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel overwhelmed too. Good tips in this thread.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894283 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:46:14 +0000 Ingunn 894283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know what you mean! It IS overwhelming. For me, it helps to determine in advance what to look for: A dress, or a blazer etc. Or, I could be looking for a particular color to add to my wardrobe.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894254 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:24:09 +0000 Liz A. 894254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Nadya. &nbsp;I shop in these kind of stores a lot and there is just no way to look at everything. &nbsp;I scan until something pops out at me. &nbsp;Usually it's pattern, color, or fabric quality. &nbsp;I don't mind missing things here or there because it allows me to stay sane. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894249 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:06:32 +0000 Scarlet 894249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wouldn't even try to shop at a store like that because it does just confuse me unless I am looking for something very specific and can just automatically&nbsp;discount most of what is before me. I like to shop well organized stores, possibly with helpful sales staff, and not when there are too many people. <br /><br />On a side note about lighting,&nbsp;I was back in the U.S. recently in a few chain stores and found the lighting really hard to deal with. Everything seemed really bright and unnatural and loud. I couldn't really think. So Lantana, it may be the lighting has changed, not you. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894195 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:06:08 +0000 catgirl 894195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, this is how I am too but with entire internet at my disposal! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894144 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:15:34 +0000 deb 894144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hate racks and avoid them at all costs. I think that is why I like online shopping so much. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894123 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:56:41 +0000 celia 894123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am with you. Usually I prefer to shop in stores that I can visit often, see he items, go back home and think about it and then come back and buy. Not a big fan of going trough the racks or visiting different stores . Might do it if I have a precise item that I want, say a pink shirt, because that way everything else will just blur &nbsp;and my tunnel vision will not make me feel overwhelmed.<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894119 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:50:50 +0000 Suz 894119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have this problem, too. Living inside my own head so much of the time, I find stores discombobulating. And big discount stores or department stores are the worst.&nbsp;<br /><br />I really like what Rae said -- putting a sort of filter on. Knowing what you are after so the rest falls away like dross.&nbsp;<br /><br />But that takes a lot of pre-thought and planning. That's what Angie's blog and the forum are so good for.&nbsp;<br /><br />I also like the idea of limiting oneself to a colour palette or a particular type of desired article....and then if the perfect "something else" happens to pop into your hands, it is okay...it's just that you're not so lost in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894117 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:50:19 +0000 Day Vies 894117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go when it's quiet and no one is in the store. I will leave a store where the music is too loud or annoying. I don't shop when I am running late, multi-tasking or hungry. I don't shop in stores where the sales people don't "recover" the floor -- meaning that clothing is properly&nbsp;organized by size and&nbsp;color. Clothing is also&nbsp;retrieved from fitting rooms and sizes are replenished&nbsp;on a regular basis. I do tend to gravitate toward pretty colors, interesting cuts and prints. <br /><br />I spend a lot of time on clearance racks because you don't know what gem you will find -- but if it looks messy (clothes strewn all over the floor, hangers jutting out in all directions etc.)&nbsp;and picked over, you couldn't pay me to sift through the racks.&nbsp;<br /><br />I am most efficient when I am searching for a specific item. <br /><br />I am least efficient when I visit a store where I haven't been for a while and I've got money and time to burn.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894063 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:38:01 +0000 bj1111 894063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Omg...i could have written the post title. &nbsp;<br /><br />I seem to be having a crisis of sartorial faith, coupled with all the&nbsp;earlier talk of self modulating to fit the dress culture. &nbsp;Is it contagious? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-dress-so-weird#post-894059 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:34:22 +0000 Jjsloane 894059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same problem (and I shop ALOT). I was quite overwhelmed at Century 21 last weekend because it was sorted by Designer (many of which I was unfamiliar with) rather than by clothing type. I think this is why I stick mostly to online shopping (love the sort by color, size, price...) and only a few B&amp;M stores like the Rack which I know the organization of and having a list of items in mind is always easier.&nbsp;