https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:48:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2045573 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:36:54 +0000 ophelia 2045573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope you're having a GREAT time picking florals at NAS today! I even "unhid" the NAS threads to peek...no report yet. Hopefully you're still shopping. :)<br /> Quick thought I had last night--fuchsia may be more likely to show up in winter clothes than fall, which are sometimes warmer toned and more muted hued. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2045002 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 17:25:40 +0000 Anonymous 2045002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ophelia</b> -- Thank you so much for taking the time to guide me toward a more light-hearted, fun wardrobe. &nbsp;Adding colors to coordinate with my sea of black/navy <u>and</u> floral prints will be my first step forward. &nbsp;I had not thought to search through eBay for fuchsia if I can't find it currently in retail. &nbsp;What a brilliant idea. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am excited about this new phase of wardrobe building. &nbsp;Early 2019 was devoted to building a solid foundation. &nbsp;I can take that foundation and now freely add in color and floral prints! &nbsp;YAY ME!</p> <p>I get to shop NAS tomorrow too! &nbsp;Pretty excited. &nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes to all that commented on this thread. &nbsp;I found the conversation fascinating .... and once again I personally benefited from the combined strength and wisdom of the YLF Forum. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044987 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:40:01 +0000 Angie 2044987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>, FWIW, I didn’t use the word “push” in my post actually! You misread that, perhaps? I haven’t changed a thing in the post either - to clarify things if that helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044985 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:32:01 +0000 ophelia 2044985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, I'm waving at you as we pass. My wardrobe was much too light-hearted (unsure of fun) for my present needs. Of course our styles will be different, but maybe if I describe the elements of my clothes, you can find something adaptable.</p> <p> 1) Color. I think I remember you saying your wardrobe is a sea of black and navy? Light-hearted colors might be your version of pinks (fuchsia!), yellows, reds, greens, brights or even some pastels, all which can be worn with your neutrals! Find that fuchsia! (If you do pre-owned, you can search by color and size on ebay) </p> <p>2) Prints. Florals, gingham, polka dots, all read light-hearted to me. (I know not everyone is a print person. But my wardrobe has at times looked like a garden--leaving me with all prints and thus nothing to wear.) The green floral pencil skirt Angie featured today is an example of what I would find as light-hearted. </p> <p>3) Silhouette--perhaps more flow and/or swish? Kind of the opposite of a strongly tailored style. </p> <p>4) Details such as trimmings, lace, embroidery (can even be tonal for lower contrast). </p> <p>5) Sandals and pink polished toenails. :)</p> <p>Anyway, just some ideas from a formerly light-hearted person.<br /> I'm very excited for you, and I hope you keep us updated on your changes...or even if you decide things are fine as they are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044882 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:44:22 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2044882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, that’s wisdom that applies far beyond sartorial limits.<br /> I’m new enough to the idea of style as creativity that I don’t often apply ideas from other parts of life to it (yet). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044880 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:41:13 +0000 Janet 2044880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI, I learned a long time ago that approaching an externally-imposed limitation as a creative challenge makes me much happier than seeing it as an impossibility to be resented. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044878 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:28:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2044878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, those are great responses to external conditions—much more positive than many. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/3#post-2044875 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:25:48 +0000 Janet 2044875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI -- Ah, the world is ALWAYS changing. And regardless of where the "push" wording came from, it's an interesting concept to ponder. Of course we all have our preferences for how we would most like to "evolve" our style -- some people really don't want to challenge themselves with conscious efforts to steer their style into a new territory, and others do. There are times I feel less like pushing myself, and others when I'm more open. Just like anything else in life. It's not a judgment on people who feel either way. I do have to say I've always been glad I've pushed myself a little, even when I decide I started down a path I don't want to continue on -- at least I know and at least I tried.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for "pushing yourself to fit your style to external factors..." &nbsp;I'm thinking back to when I had to adapt my style for a job situation, and even that kind of push I saw as a (mostly) fun challenge. How do I wear something professional for X environment while still feeling true to myself? LisaP did that with having to wear black at her fitness center job. Forum members like MsMary do it with their colorful approaches to business attire. Perhaps it's because I have worked in creative fields for decades, but I *like* the challenge of working my creativity into some external parameters or limits: what are we trying to say or convey with this design or this outfit? Even though I resented the dress codes I endured at some jobs many, many years ago, I'm glad I had to learn how to navigate those and still express myself through style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044861 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 11:17:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2044861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You mean this whole thing is based on me misreading? I absolutely wrote the original comment on the blog in response to what (I thought) I read, and went back to see the original “push” when I first commented here. But it sure as hell isn't there now. **shrug**</p> <p>I have enough going on that I don’t need to inject change. The world around me is changing, as is my interaction with it. I may need to push myself to fit my style to external factors, like a job situation, but that’s about it. </p> <p>And I’m done here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044857 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 11:02:18 +0000 Anonymous 2044857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Isabel </b>helped me understand why I always forget to factor in the fun component. &nbsp;<b>Isabel</b> wrote:&nbsp;</p> <p><i>I’m sure there’ve been posts as good before but for me, this is gold. Years of clothes buying that was completely emotional were followed by years that were by necessity, practical only. Now that I have more freedom, I’ve been finding it hard to reintroduce lightheartedness in my wardrobe. I remember it kind of like driving with no brakes which can go bad fast haha.<br /></i><br />I <u>want</u> to reintroduce lightheartedness (and fun) into my wardrobe. &nbsp;I am at a loss as to how to go about doing just that. &nbsp;I view my wardrobe from a <u><i>practical</i></u>, <u><i>severely analytical</i></u> position. &nbsp;In order to (re)introduce lightheartedness (and fun), I need to change my mindset. &nbsp;</p> <p>Changing my mindset will <i><u>absolutely not come naturally to me</u></i>. I know this to be fact. I will need to make a conscious effort to make these changes happen. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>The rest of 2019 will be all about being less serious and introducing a fun component into my wardrobe. &nbsp;Thank you, <b>Isabel</b>, for helping me identify a huge deficient. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044831 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 08:34:42 +0000 Jaime 2044831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Molly Mac. If I don't give myself some challenges I will stagnate. Smaller and larger. But that is a matter of personality, some people may naturally step things up, for me it starts with a conscious decision. Specifically with fashion, it is a wonderful hobby and creative outlet for me and my tastes, self-perception, mood, and external circumstances all go into the mix. For others, clothing is less fun and more functional and an occasional push may be a good thing. I don't think those are the people of this forum particularly though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044796 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 03:23:01 +0000 Kathie 2044796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super interesting! </p> <p>Suz- thanks so much for clarifying. I re-read Angie’s blog post three times, and did not find the word “push” anywhere in her post. I did find “relax” and “evolve.” I’m glad I’m not alone.</p> <p>And Runcarla, you made me smile with “I will be wearing t-shirts with kittens and sequins sent by mother!” Brings back wonderful memories of shopping with my mom- which left me with a wardrobe suitable for someone at a different stage of life, in a completely different climate, for different activities.</p> <p>As for actually pushing myself, I see that as positive for my wardrobe. But, I don’t have negative connotations for the word in this case- this is pushing myself to be my best, not pushing off a cliff. For me, it’s the gentle nudges from a friend, SA, or now YLF, that give me confidence to try something new. My favorite example being one of the ever-popular long, linen blend Halogen cardigans, over slim-fitting ankle jeans, for a long over lean silhouette. I would never have tried it, if not for a fabulous SA. She put the outfit in my dressing room five years ago, and both pieces are still going strong, and I love the silhouette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044789 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 02:56:25 +0000 nuancedream 2044789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fabulous topic!&nbsp; For me, style evolution goes hand in hand with personal growth.&nbsp; My style has chnaged as my life and values have changed, as I am entering the latter part of my fifties.&nbsp; I've found myself moving away from more tailored business wear to a more relaxed, feminine and creative look, always with a little something FUN or unexpected thrown in for good measure.&nbsp; I try to spend some time each season examining whether my style is still relevant to my life and personality. The way I express my self&nbsp; and how I want to be perceived by others is key.&nbsp; I am doing other endeavors in my life that push me out of my comfort zone. It is also essential that I not fall into a style comfort zone, i.e, a rut. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044776 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:56:52 +0000 DonnaF 2044776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So in terms of fashion/style, are we talking about intentional evolution? vs. laissez-faire change? (I do think push is necessary when it comes to anti-oppression/anti-racism work, however.)</p> <p>For me, I need intention or at the very least paying attention. Pre-YLF, I had NO CLUE. I think I wore a lot of black pants and black shoes. I just wanted to blend in and be inconspicuous as I was an older mom and didn't want to embarrass my daughter. And before that in the '80s, I was all about Dress for Success. Somewhere along the line I got the message that you had to make the choice to either be smart or look good and that they were incompatible. Sigh.</p> <p>Trends? I want to know so that I can buy the ones I like while they are available. (Says the one who still has her straight leg Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and mid-rise bootcuts from who knows when.) I don't want to be the deer in the headlights. But thanks to YLF, I have kick flares which work very well on my calves in start contrast the narrower crops which get caught. But I at least tried them.</p> <p>I am doing better at buying for my real life and my real climate so that is a type of evolution but not really a style evolution. And I don't know anyone around me who dresses as I do. But I don't care.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044774 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:54:21 +0000 Anonymous 2044774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla "be the change..", so nice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044725 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:29:23 +0000 bj1111 2044725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ya know...”push” is exactly the active verb that I need to employ to keep my style current. My comfort zone is so well trodden that getting me out of this rut takes a lot of kinetic energy. A BIG OLE PUSH. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044720 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:21:08 +0000 Anonymous 2044720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You and me both, Lisa. &nbsp;It's very tiresome and thank you for calling it out here. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044713 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:12:14 +0000 kkards 2044713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>great read....<br />interesting...i don't see pushing as a negative, i see it more as Runclara defined it..."be the change"....<br />i also think the some people are just "pushers" and some people are just &nbsp;"take it as it comes"...i think its a natural part of our personalaities... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044712 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:12:08 +0000 Anonymous 2044712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't say push is the right word for me either, as far as style. It's different to me than wanting to run farther, or climb the climbing wall or such. That's more of a testing of my body to see what it's capable of.<br /> Style shifts are more organic to me. I don't need outside or my own feeling of force to try new things. Happy little magpie goes into a shop... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044708 Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:06:51 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2044708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great and thoughtful articulation on this topic, <b>Sterling</b>.</p> <p>I love the creativity of fashion, and the challenge of making sure I'm projecting the image I wish to project. It's not a push, but a constant and enjoyable process.</p> <p>And I'm at a loss to understand why <b>Fashintern</b>&nbsp;picks at the other Lisa (<b>LisaP</b>) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044685 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 23:07:08 +0000 Anonymous 2044685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always thought we were kindred fashion spirits, <b>Sal</b>! &nbsp;:).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044680 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:54:03 +0000 Sal 2044680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling - I loved what you wrote about your evolving style and why you do it.</p> <p>I have skimmed through others responses and mostly relate to Xtabay here - I love thinking about fashion and style, I like something new or the thrill of a new outfit (just yesterday I wore a look I loved that made me feel happy)....</p> <p>Also I am 49.... I want to wear what I love now and not what I loved ten or twenty year ago.&nbsp; At 29 I was living in Melbourne, no children working in a corporate office job.&nbsp; At 39 I had a preschool son and was working and studying with very little time to shop......&nbsp; At 49 I am self employed and with teenage sons.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is the push by myself (currently to wear a bit less black which is comfortable and easy and practical) and the pull by current trends, styles that I love...&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044670 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:24:02 +0000 Anonymous 2044670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it's less about wanting to evolve than getting that wonderful endorphin rush that comes with acquiring something new, whether it's new-new, or new-to-me. &nbsp;I confess, I'm addicted to fashion, and have been my whole life. &nbsp;Quitting the fashion hunt? &nbsp;Unthinkable! &nbsp;Somehow this process, along with honing my shopping skills on YLF, has resulted in a better version of me. &nbsp;Is that evolution or just improvement? &nbsp;(No pushing was involved in my case, just lots of research and shopping; but that was fun for me.). There's that word again: FUN!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044668 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:20:21 +0000 Janet 2044668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“A little discomfort can yield great rewards.” Well said, Jenn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044664 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:15:20 +0000 Anonymous 2044664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure I was asking any question at all ? &nbsp;And no, I'm not going to start another thread on this subject - Sterling is handling this all just fine.....I'm just here for the popcorn. &nbsp;Me and my friends. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044659 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:08:46 +0000 Jenn 2044659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because staying in my comfort zone makes me miss out on wonderful things. I take new silhouettes into the dressing room for the same reasons I try new restaurants, explore new neighborhoods, talk to new people, and read different genres. Those things are all uncomfortable for me, but my life is richer for having done them. It doesn’t always work out, but trying can surprise you.</p> <p>(Going back and reading some responses now, I’m on board with what <b>Janet</b> says. A little discomfort can yield great rewards.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044658 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:05:32 +0000 Barbara Diane 2044658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla</b>, Thanks for the definitions. Which one we imagine when we hear or read the word makes a big difference. I just realized that when I hear the word push, I imagine being pushed (against my desire), not choosing to move forward. Or uncomfortably pushing myself. Lots for me to think about.</p> <p>With clothing, I think there is the idea to try new things but not lose myself in the process. I own a hard to describe bottom, sort of a flowy pair of cropped pants with extra material that wraps around to the front on both sides. I only tried this on after repeatedly (for a year or two) seeing skirted leggings and other non-traditional bottoms here. It is certainly something I would not have owned previously. On the other hand, I have a pretty good idea of what looks good on me. In spite of that, I hopefully tried on a lot of not my usual style clothing in a new to me store recently, but purchased nothing, as the clothing was not as flattering as what I normally wear.</p> <p>I think I pushed myself when I came out of my way too long mommy dressing coma. It was not necessarily natural at the time, but I changed what I wore and added jewelry, etc. On the other hand, no matter how in fashionable ankle pants are, and as much as I like the look of them in winter, and the winters here are not that cold, I could not adjust to having cold air entering my pants leg. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044653 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:37:19 +0000 Irina 2044653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my style mostly evolves due to some factors like boredom, seeing new appealing style ideas and such. But I do understand what it means to “push you style”. For me it means to pay attention to areas that I overlook. I’m a casual person and I tend to dress casually, my first question when trying a new top/coat/jacket - can I wear it with jeans? Yet, I recognize that I need to have a number of updated classic, dressy items in my wardrobe to be prepared for any occasion. I have to remind myself to keep my wardrobe balanced and to be on lookout for classic items. Because it doesn’t come naturally to me, I feel like I have to push myself. Results are mixed. I wore classic coats, one black and one in camel with everything and absolutely loved it. I wore a navy pant suit only for interviews and got rid of it after less than two years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044647 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:22:18 +0000 Carla 2044647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here we go again with semantics! Definitions of the word range from 'exerting force' to 'move forward'. It's all a matter of vigour! </p> <p>Well, I prefer to 'be the change' (with apologies to M. Gandhi) because the only things that will 'just happen' to my style is that my clothes will get older and more worn out or I wil be wearing t-shirts with kittens and sequins sent by mother! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-push-your-style-to-evolve/page/2#post-2044641 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:06:24 +0000 Suz 2044641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern</b>...I'm confused! I thought it was <b>you </b>who used the word "push" originally, not <b>Angie</b>? Unless I mis-read or read too quickly.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, I heard her (in the blog) &nbsp;talk about <b>evolving</b> her style, in a relaxed and intuitive way. She looks for something different to prevent boredom and to set her direction for the season ahead.&nbsp;</p> <p>To me, that process sounds more like what <b>Janet </b>talks about -- an internal drive. Not a push. That's why I quibbled about that word. For me, at least, there is no feeling of push.&nbsp; </p>