YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would you purge an item of clothing that ...

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would you purge an item of clothing that ... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:36:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gigi on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1098251 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:32:40 +0000 Gigi 1098251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't purge items simply because they're unflattering. I have a maxi skirt that is a size too big (maybe two sizes!), but it is so comfortable and warm (of a heavier fabric) that I don't purge it. And it is of a timeless, classic cut, so it's low key. I don't care if I look like a frump in it. On days when I feel like wearing it, I wear it! (I tried to have it altered, but the drawstring waist construction makes that too difficult.) As for the jacket in your pic, I too would like to see what happens to the hip width issue if you wear a shorter top. I'm still learning about proportions...it's tricky business! I suppose another thing I might do in the situation like this (where I notice something doesn't fit me well and it's past the return time) is to call the store to see if I can get store credit if I haven't worn the item yet. Neel on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1098176 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 03:57:08 +0000 Neel 1098176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for your insight ladies. I might post a few WIW with this jacket soon. Glad some of you hang on to things that are not that flattering. I tend to do this the most with shoes. My less trendy shoes still stay and get lot of love because they are soooo comfy! And good morning ladies! unfrumped on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097828 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 22:23:41 +0000 unfrumped 1097828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what other said--I'm just looking at the photo as I would an "outfit critique" question, and I'd just say that's a fab jacket on you, but it would go best with some other tops. I don't think it's reaching its potential! Caro in Oz on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097768 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:14:59 +0000 Caro in Oz 1097768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The jacket looks great on you & I think a different top under it may feel better ) I buy & wear things that aren't conventionally flattering too - comfort & a look are often more important to me than figure flattery. viva on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097644 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:16:03 +0000 viva 1097644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I actually love that jacket in that picture! LOVE it. But if I know what you mean, sometimes something you love has a little something about it that doesn't always feel the most flattering in one particular way. I do tend to hold onto these things if, as you said, there are a lot of other "goods" outweighing that one "bad."  In this case, that jacket has a whole lotta good from where I sit. Usually, an item like this for me will eventually start to drive me crazy and I will pass it on, but not until I have used up every last bit of good.  Refugee on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097630 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:01:32 +0000 Refugee 1097630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Feeling fab is a more important factor to me.  Regardless if it is conventionally flattering, if I feel good wearing it, it's a keeper.  AJ on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097583 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:18:47 +0000 AJ 1097583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When stuck between figure flattery or emotional ties to an outfit, I keep it if it makes me happy despite it being unflattering for my shape. Plus there are usually ways to offset the unflattering bit. For example with your jacket, a less bulky and lower contrast blouse plus statement necklace/earrings would draw attention away from the hip area. catgirl on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097574 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:07:56 +0000 catgirl 1097574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Rae said  - the jacket is fab, you just need a different underlayer! rae on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097573 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:07:05 +0000 rae 1097573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Rachy thinking the sweater is hitting at a wide spot on your bod. The jacket looks amazing to me... rachylou on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097570 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:03:44 +0000 rachylou 1097570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's... the sweater that makes you look wider. *Ahem.* The jacket really is a great one that looks good on you. If your style is more body con, tho... I agree that giving it away would be right... but you also then might consider purging the sweater... MsMary on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097569 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 18:02:12 +0000 MsMary 1097569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Conversely, if I love it and feel fab in it, it stays!  For example recently I posted a keep or return about a new jacket that was kind of too big and the consensus was "return."  I kept it and love it even if it isn't the most conventionally flattering thing in the world!  Neel on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097567 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:58:16 +0000 Neel 1097567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I actually like the jacket! My decision to not purge actually comes from a lot of other goods about the jacket. It fits well, its light weight, It has jersey ribbed sleeves which means they are more comfy and stay scrunched without much effort. So I actually reach for it many times though it is not one of my best flattering jackets! It does make me feel a tad wide in the region I wouldn't want any more width! But I somehow still like it! Hence was a bit intrigued if others also love certain items of clothing so much that they refuse to purge even if it was not that flattering. Suz on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097511 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:17:53 +0000 Suz 1097511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Maryk said. You look great, but if you don't feel great ....say goodbye!  MsMary on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097502 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:08:17 +0000 MsMary 1097502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I purge anything I don't feel fab in.  I happen to think that jacket looks great on you, but if you don't FEEL fab in it, then I think it should go! Emily on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097435 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:06:00 +0000 Emily 1097435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had an art teacher who said something to the effect that beginner students try to be very precise and accurate, then once they are comfortable with that they let themselves be more creative and allow their work to be more their impression of the subject than a copy.  Personally, I experienced the same journey style-wise.  A couple of years ago I was very picky and felt uncomfortable in any style that wasn't textbook flattering.  Now I find that it just isn't as important as trying something new that makes me smile! So my answer to when to purge an item that is simply that if it makes you happy you should keep it and wear it.  If it makes you self conscious, and if every time you put it on you think "ugh" and toss it back in the closet, then sure, purge.  If you hesitate to purge, consider posting a pic on YLF, because I bet it is not nearly as unflattering as you think!  We really are our own worse critics. I think the jacket is a very modern, flattering shape - it effectively reigns in the volume of the top, fits your shoulders well, and makes your waist look itty bitty.  Looks good!   Thistle on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097405 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:43:54 +0000 Thistle 1097405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thinkt he jacket is flattering, but you deserve to feel fab in your clothes. If you don't, it doesn't deserve a spot in your closet. Period. Life it too short to not love what you are in. Janet on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097398 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:37:25 +0000 Janet 1097398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I know "wide" in that area of the body quite well from firsthand experience, and I don't think you look wide. However, I am sensitive to lines across the hip and thigh, so I understand. I think in this case it's not the jacket so much as the length and straight hem of the bright solid top that is drawing the eye to that line. Try some other tops before you judge the jacket! Kim on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097388 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:33:06 +0000 Kim 1097388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes.  If it highlights a "problem area" (that only exists in my head,usually!) I return it.  Life's too short for me not to feel fab in my own clothing and to have to work hard to make something " just work". Neel on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097375 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:20:54 +0000 Neel 1097375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Liz! Its not just you! I feel the same way about the jacket! But I am not purging it since a little wide is something I am not very bothered about considering I am currently skinny! But I have many more clothes like a few fit and flares with elasticated waist that makes me look like a box definitely not flattering. So figure flattery is surely not my priority as it seems! Hestonian on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097371 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:19:26 +0000 Hestonian 1097371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like the jacket, and, as others have mentioned, think that switching out the sweater might help alleviate your feelings of being wider than you actually are. ClaraT on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097368 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:15:25 +0000 ClaraT 1097368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First *yes* if I think something is unflattering I purge it. Many fewer mistakes since I started visiting YLF (photos really are helpful). Second, try that jacket with a dark (even black) top. I like the cut a lot but agree that low contrast is likely a better choice if you feel you look wide with the long red top. Liz A. on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097366 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:13:56 +0000 Liz A. 1097366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Neel, I'm sorry.  I know I made that comment originally.  Actually, I don't think it's the jacket that's the problem, but rather the combo with the blousy top.  I think it will look just fine with a sleeker top.  No worries at all! ETA: To answer your question, yes!  If an item made me feel bad about myself, I would purge it.  But no need to act hastily in this case :) rute on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097354 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:05:04 +0000 rute 1097354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't agree, the cut of the jacket is perfect! I have lots of unflattering things I love! Very big and cozy wool sweaters.  Transcona Shannon on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097347 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:53:24 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1097347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I happen to think this jacket looks fabulous on you Neel. It is a cut away style that nips in at the waist and then skims over the hips. I don't see any "wideness" at all. I will confess to actually NOT purging everything that is unflattering. In fact, I have at times deliberately purchased items that are NOT conventionally flattering (like baggy BF jeans). I think there are different types and degrees of figure flattery and it boils down to personal choice.  gryffin on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097344 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:51:39 +0000 gryffin 1097344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Neel - I think the shape of the jacket gives you a nice waist.  Have you tried it with a different top (shorter) and dark lower contrast pants.  I didn't notice till you mentioned and my first thought was that I liked this on.  I think you can make this work.  But more important how do you feel in the jacket.  I have a bunch of oversized things that I adore and they are not conventionally flattering.  So I am in the if you love it make it work group!! Tanya on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097341 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:50:35 +0000 Tanya 1097341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, well, I do not think that the jacket makes you look wider at all.  I do not think you could like wide if you tried. Having said that, is something was very unflattering I would get rid of it.  I just don't think that is the case here. Neel on "Would you purge an item of clothing that ..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-purge-an-item-of-clothing-that#post-1097338 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:46:20 +0000 Neel 1097338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ .... makes you look wider or shorter or *add undesired factor*?  Like in the attached pic I look wider than I actually am.  The cut of the jacket is such and I didn't really notice it until much later (past the return time). So what do you do when you are faced with something like this?  I am not *very* bothered by it for now, but wonder what you fabbers think.