https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:46:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2413166 Sun, 17 May 2026 15:26:29 +0000 Janet 2413166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“ The dress belongs to a version of me I no longer want to visually reinforce or emotionally remember.”</p> <p>Right??? I need to print that out and pin it up in front of me when I edit my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2413165 Sun, 17 May 2026 15:25:05 +0000 bj1111 2413165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reread your post and I find this so resonant.</p> <p>“ The dress belongs to a version of me I no longer want to visually reinforce or emotionally remember.”</p> <p>Grappling with this with my whole closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2413152 Sun, 17 May 2026 02:15:23 +0000 jasmine 2413152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous! Those colors suit you so well and you look elegant, confident and energized. I like it both belted and unbelted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2413089 Sat, 16 May 2026 04:11:23 +0000 Debbie 2413089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look amazing in that kaftan. I like it without the belt. Love your sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2413009 Fri, 15 May 2026 11:53:09 +0000 kkards 2413009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the surprise items-the thing you weren’t expecting but turn out to be exactly what you need! And on the flip side-if something is no longer making you feel fab, for whatever reason-that’s ok too. Let it go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412978 Fri, 15 May 2026 01:09:40 +0000 Carol 2412978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, great kaftan, not only for the pattern, but because it looks just as good unfurled as belted. Good find! Chain&nbsp; belts, by the way, are creative and plenty at Chicos.com, and often on sale. I got this flower one on a great sale.</p> <p>The second part of what you say sounds like the KonMari philosophy, which I love, but most people hate. If you only keep what brings you joy, you will find you get rid of a lot of stuff with bad memories. But it is affirming, and people learn something about themselves.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412973 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:30:42 +0000 Karie 2412973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it both ways, with a preference for the unbelted version. You look fantastic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412939 Thu, 14 May 2026 12:37:13 +0000 LJP 2412939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the caftan - especially unbelted . Or maybe with a lighter belt - the dark is a bit distracting from the pattern. &nbsp;Sandals are great too - guess it depends on this being a sitting-down event vs a standing up situation . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412934 Thu, 14 May 2026 07:32:09 +0000 Sisi 2412934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fabulous! Caftans are made for you. I like it&nbsp; unbelted and belted. I agree with <b>Angie</b> about the type of belt. I like it with the strappy sandals but I think that also the flat ones would look good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412933 Thu, 14 May 2026 06:35:58 +0000 lyn67 2412933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate with having visceral emotional reactions when wearing some so called "compromised" Items/outfits from the past. I say, you did great putting those in your holding zone.<br />Feb new things for the shower. I love the kaftan sans that belt (think it looks a bit harsh in the outfit) but you can always wear a denim jacket to reign in the volume and show out your waist, if so inclined. Or, you can try another thinner &amp;fluid (not a structured) belt say a pleated rope in brown or a linen color? (You can alo DIY pleat it youself from whatever strings you can buy to match the colors of the dress).<br />Wow, great cage sandals and the earings, as well!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412885 Wed, 13 May 2026 20:38:44 +0000 Lisa 2412885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This caftan is amazing on you, an excellent choice. I prefer the unbelted option because it really lets the drapey-ness shine.&nbsp;</p> <p>And great analysis of love vs like for wardrobe items. As a mood based dresser myself I was nodding along with your insights. Thanks for sharing!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412835 Wed, 13 May 2026 11:25:59 +0000 Janet 2412835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, I’m always a bit drawn to caftans but worry that with my grey hair and middle-aged shape I’ll just look *blah* in them. But you absolutely rock this look! </p> <p>I love the cage sandals with it, and I also prefer the unbelted version, but I think it’s great either way. Definitely a style for you to explore further!</p> <p>I absolutely get the feeling of not wanting to wear clothes that carry negative associations. Even certain colors! I say let those bad vibes go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412827 Wed, 13 May 2026 10:09:59 +0000 Jenni NZ 2412827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks gorgeous on you. Otherwise…what Suz said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412819 Wed, 13 May 2026 05:07:24 +0000 Star (Lise) 2412819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally fabulous. I love it with or without a belt. This dress has so much personality and it absolutely suits you. These colours are gorgeous. What are the others? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412807 Wed, 13 May 2026 02:56:02 +0000 Sal 2412807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The kaftan looks stunning on you!&nbsp; I love it.</p> <p>I do understand the connotations with an outfit - I was wearing a pair of culottes the day my Mum died and I was happy to get rid of them.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412804 Wed, 13 May 2026 02:40:19 +0000 slim cat 2412804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your kaftan - amazing with sandals and works both ways ( trying different belts is good idea )! Gorgeous colors and beautiful flow - YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412803 Wed, 13 May 2026 02:39:58 +0000 Cookie 2412803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, so dramatic and great with your height. You look fab! I actually like it unbelted, but with the right belt that would also look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412798 Wed, 13 May 2026 02:07:52 +0000 Aquamarine 2412798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not too much for a baby shower…you are bringing JOY in such a wowza dress! I like it belted, and I think the cage sandals are fine.</p> <p>Totally understand the clothing connection to good/bad times. I’d listen to your feelings and donate/sell.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412796 Wed, 13 May 2026 02:05:50 +0000 Angie 2412796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KILLER kaftan! LOVE it unbelted! I vote follow the thrill,<b> Ket </b>:) - listen to your feelings.</p> <p>I'm with<b> bj1111</b>. Needs another type of belt if you'd like to wear it belted too - one that is a lot more subtle - like a soft gold chain belt, or narrow leather gold belt.&nbsp;</p> <p>Glad your outfit is sorted! Feel free to add gold shoes too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412786 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:10:59 +0000 Suz 2412786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a great kaftan! I love it both ways on you. I slightly prefer unbelted for the reason <b>Jaime</b> gives, but I like it with the caged sandals most in the belted version and might agree with you that the flat sandal will work better with the unbelted version. And I hope you find a belt that works for it -- it's really great to have the option!</p> <p>I understand about negative associations attached to some clothes...best to move them on in that case!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412780 Tue, 12 May 2026 23:39:04 +0000 Jaime 2412780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look good both ways, but for me the big impact of a kaftan comes from its free beltless nature. I do get how certain clothes now carry unpleasant associations and think you are right to put them away for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412779 Tue, 12 May 2026 23:39:03 +0000 Indigoprint 2412779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A kaftan has been a HEWI for me. I made one, but it does not seem quite right. For me I would not belt as I like the cool flowy-ness the style embraces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412778 Tue, 12 May 2026 23:38:05 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2412778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Kapow is right! Wowza--the caftan is amazing on you. I love it belted with the cage sandals and your new earrings. Unbelted looks fantastic, too. To me, it doesn't seem too much for a baby shower, but I think you'll have a good feel for what you'll be comfortable in for the occasion. The flat sandals would work nicely, too. And I like the idea of trying a low-slung belt.&nbsp;</div><div>The maxi dress is pretty and has potential, too.</div><div>I found your explanation of your unease with some of your clothes really interesting. I can relate, as I've found some clothes in the past have held memories I didn't want to revisit--or at least not simply by getting dressed!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412770 Tue, 12 May 2026 21:35:55 +0000 Ket 2412770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>bj1111</b>, Oh thank you! I actually really love it worn without a belt just as much as the belt. Usually I prefer more waist emphasis. Anyway, I was wondering about a low-slung chain belt with this. Will have to take a peek around for one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412766 Tue, 12 May 2026 20:47:46 +0000 bj1111 2412766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly I love it both ways and the belt at the high waist is perfect</p> <p>Have you thought about a chain belt low slung? I’ve purchased three chunky necklaces and strung them together for a belt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wib-a-kaftan-and-musings-on-my-style-journey#post-2412762 Tue, 12 May 2026 20:38:07 +0000 Ket 2412762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last week<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-skirt-and-baby-shower-outfit"> I asked for help</a> with baby shower outfits.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>Thank you again for helping me!</u><div><br /></div><div>And... I ended up buying something new to try. :S</div><div><br /></div><div>Kapow! It's a kaftan!</p> <p>Ran across it on sale for $16. It's a rayon challis, so drapey and COOL. Perfect for humid, hot weather in June. It is not high end, let's be clear. The edges are all serged instead of being hemmed. But I love it. It's breezy, comfortable, sensual, and easy to wear. I want to buy 2-3 more.&nbsp;</p> <p>The colors are almond milk and burnt sienna, all swirled together. Not sure yet which shoe I'll pair it with. I tried it with pair of cage wedges for photos. Worried the cage wedges will look a little too ultra for a baby shower?? Might scale down to my pair of flat, strappy sandals.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Still trying to decide if I like it best with or without belt. </b>If I wear it belted, it needs a gold or brown belt. So... Maybe a gold chain belt or an obi style leather belt.&nbsp;</div><div><br />Wearing new earrings purchased a month or two ago (photos 3-4), I think they will pair nicely with the kaftan. Rich, elegant, yet subdued. Normally, I would style the kaftan in head-to-toe boho: huge gold bib necklace, stacks of bangles, and flashy boho earrings. But that just feels too over-the-top for a baby shower.&nbsp;</p> <p>I ordered a dress to try too: a floral surplice neck dress, maxi length (photo 5). I love both dresses. Might wear the kaftan just to travel in and wear the floral to the baby shower.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>This brings me to why I am choosing to buy new.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>The navy dress was purchased a summer or two ago. I loved&nbsp;it, don't get me wrong. It's a wonderful dress! Excellent quality&nbsp;fabric and great cut. &nbsp;And... trying it on this week, the dress instantly reminded me of how I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;last summer, when I was &nbsp;still healing from mold exposure.&nbsp;</p> <p>The dress belongs to a version of me I no longer want to visually reinforce or emotionally&nbsp;remember.</p> <p>In fact, I went through all of my summer clothing a couple days ago. All but one pair of pants makes me feel and remember the tail-end of my health journey last summer. Just... how lost I still felt at the time. It's almost like my body was physically, viscerally responding to wearing the dress.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've put said clothes in a holding zone for now. But thinking I will likely donate or resell them.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>This experience has also helped me learn the differences between love vs like.&nbsp;The navy dress wasn't a LOVE. It was a like. It fit me. It was boho. It was very nice quality. I felt pretty in it while allowing also hiding in it. (Does that makes sense?) I feel I settled even though I never admitted I was settling. The kaftan thrills me in a way the navy dress doesn't -- even though they're both in the boho zone.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting to learn some more on the style journey!</p> <p>Thank you for listening to me process.&nbsp;</p> <p>xo</div> </p>