https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:13:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes/page/2#post-1904996 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:13:07 +0000 Suz 1904996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joyce</b>, that distinction makes sense to me -- that's how I see it, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes/page/2#post-1904986 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:59:39 +0000 Joyce B 1904986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of it as a power suit or outfit rather than as an armour as the latter would make me think defensively and the former makes me feel strong and up to the challenge. A power suit is a way to present your best when the situation calls for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes/page/2#post-1904873 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:58:25 +0000 anne 1904873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On point, this except from British comedy the IT Crowd</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGCGZqwaSc" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGCGZqwaSc</a></p> <p>which came up in my FB yesterday!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes/page/2#post-1904871 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:49:16 +0000 Suz 1904871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think of clothes as armour, but I do identify with what UmmLila says...a great blazer will give me an instant jolt of confidence no matter what the occasion. And navy and red are my "power" colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>In general, though, I tend to relate to my clothes more as a means of expression than as means of protection.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904856 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 23:33:10 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1904856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I'm going into battle I always need a blazer. Navy and red are my armor colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904847 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 22:46:01 +0000 The Cat 1904847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have often felt that a blazer or similar type of jacket gives me some security and authority. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904842 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 22:04:22 +0000 Anonymous 1904842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Team "secure making clothes" all the way.</p> <p>The last bad wardrobe habit I dropped was choosing anything other than the secure making when dressing for unusual events. When I get distracted by how I think I should look, rather than dressing who I am, I inevitably go off the rails.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904828 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:00:30 +0000 Gigi 1904828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, "armor" and "secure-making clothes" are the same thing: both make me feel safe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would view most of my wardrobe as being "secure-making clothes." Most of what I have, I bought because it makes me feel more like me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904617 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:14:58 +0000 cindysmith 1904617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe is my armor in that I will wear something that sort of outwardly reflects my inner state. </p> <p>If I'm feeling insecure or like I want to be left alone, I will wear something harder, more rough around the edges or even dystopian and pair it with boots. I aim for a really rough vibe in the hopes that people will stay away.</p> <p>If I'm feeling leisurely, I'll wear something softer, more draped, with a softer or more delicate shoe. It kind of helps me feel apart from all the dirt involved in my rural lifestyle.</p> <p>If I have to deal with a government agency, or have any more formal occasions, I'll wear something more structured and polished. It helps mask any insecurities I feel inside, more like I BELONG (if that makes sense). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904602 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:54:08 +0000 Liesbeth 1904602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>t’s interesting how there are easily as many people who don’t connect to these ideas at all, as those who do. I wanted to reply to everyone but it’s gotten too crowded lol. So I’m just gonna chime in here and there:</p> <p>Clothes for the sake of clothes, as art, etc.: this approach doesn’t really work for me, my more experimental silhouettes only feel right on days when I am feeling super confident and those are rare right now. Motherhood has made me more fragile, and I’ve accepted that, but I currently need clothes to also be a bit of a security blanket and to do some of the talking for me (like communicate to my boss and coworkers<br /> that I’m still capable and ambitious even if temporarily sleep-deprived and working a bit less!).</p> <p>Terms like middle of the road, fall back outfits, formulas etc. may be useful practically and from day to day, but I feel they don’t do justice to the power of individual items to cushion you emotionally. A favorite shirt, soft from wear, a pair of shoes that have molded to the shape of your feet perfectly and that give you just that bit of extra height … I feel that most of my recent purchases don’t even have the potential to become these kind of wardrobe staples. Reading YLF I think I should focus on<br /> defining my current essentials and then try to make those items (when making new purchases) ‘secure making clothes’.</p> <p>I AM a guarded person and have experienced many times in life how people’s perception of me did not stroke at all with reality, so I put a lot of thought (maybe too much) into my image and how clothes can work with or against me. The book by Levene has taught me to look inward though, and to try and translate my existing personal assets (instead of<br /> my aspirations) into my sartorial choices. So yes, Gryffin, I’m enjoying it,<br /> and thanks for introducing me to it! </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904550 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 09:09:36 +0000 Style Fan 1904550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am probably more in the camp of Smittie, Angie and La Ped.&nbsp; Aesthetics matter a lot to me.&nbsp; I love art and I love design.&nbsp; I am a very visual person.&nbsp; I also like to be comfortable.&nbsp; If I am not feeling great I reach for very comfy clothes (unless I have an important meeting and need to wear a suit).&nbsp; I like to look good and I like to have interesting clothes.&nbsp; Armor isn't my aim when I get dressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904469 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:14:22 +0000 unfrumped 1904469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of it more as tried and true and happy/ best— NOT boring, but not experimenting. Whereas to grow or change, I have to sometimes try wearing something I might be a little unsure of and might re- evaluate at day’s end, so might wear that on certain days or certain places, occasions that feel less important. If might turn out great and roll to category #1– rinse and repeat!<br /> Then part of my style goal is to have most of my clothes fit the first category and not be a hot mess of experiments ( this would be more of how I’m hearing smittie’s comments) , but to still be moving forward. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904464 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:02:42 +0000 LaPed 1904464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another who doesn't really connect with the idea of clothes-as-armour. I'm not a very combative person, I guess. Not a "guarded" person either; I (apparently) tend to present as very open/engaging/engaged with the world. </p> <p>Also, I don't expect my clothes to make me feel confident or strong, but to express my inherent confidence and strength. An extension of self, rather than a modifier of self. I do like looking appropriate -- neither under-dressed or over-dressed. Otherwise, it is hard for me to stop thinking about what I'm wearing, and I always strive for outfits that become imperceptible (to me) once they're on. If clothes are fussy or stressful in any way, out they go. Like Angie and Smittie, aesthetics matter a lot to me, always have -- but I've never been one to privilege aesthetics over comfort/wearability.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904456 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:46:49 +0000 Angie 1904456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think of my outfit as armour either. I was nodding along with <b>Smittie </b>and<b> Ginger. </b>I&nbsp;<b></b>have an incredible appreciation for the visual and for art. <i>We are walking works of art. </i>When we put together our look, we are creating a work of art - daily. And expressing our sartorial choices in &nbsp;the best ways that we can.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also very emotional. The feeling an outfit gives me is important too. I feel happier when I wear certain colours and silhouettes. I feel attractive when I do my hair and make-up, and wear outfits that are pleasing to my eye. This increases my confidence level and boosts my ego - which is a good thing. It creates feelings of satisfaction and calm, which make me a better person to myself and to others.&nbsp;</p> <p>Practically, we also wear an outfit to stay warm, cool, comfortable and modest.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904431 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:11:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 1904431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dressed for cozy and staying home this morning and then realized I needed to leave the house so I added a sweater to dress up my outfit. I felt perfectly appropriate but not my best. I aspire to a wardrobe where I love each item but being clothed is a necessity. But my wardrobe is trending up. </p> <p>I have a dilemma. I love my cozy clothes but don’t think they project the best version of me.</p> <p>I don’t usually need armor but I add a blazer and maybe a skirt or dressier trousers when I need to dress for “important’ people. But I don’t necessarily feel like me, so I need to come up with a better option. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904375 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 21:28:12 +0000 Ledonna N. 1904375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clothing used to be my armor seriously.&nbsp; I think it started when I joined the Army at 18.&nbsp; It made me feel proud and powerful.&nbsp; When I left the Army at 29 I was lost in many ways and felt adrift.&nbsp; I found a uniform sort to speak for work but felt vulnerable in regular clothing because I did not know who I was outside of the army or it's clothing.&nbsp; It was my life.&nbsp; then I was adrift for a long time.&nbsp; I accidentally stumbled upon YLF years ago as a lurker and finally began to blossom style and clothing wise.&nbsp; My&nbsp; style evolved with my personality.&nbsp; Clothing was still my armor.&nbsp; Now at 43 with a toddler. I don't know when it happened but it was this past year.&nbsp; I evolved to where I don't need my clothing to speak or justify who I am.&nbsp; I feel empowered just by breathing existing living my life for my daughter and myself.&nbsp; I feel like I am my own armor.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904368 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 21:14:10 +0000 Jessikams 1904368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting concept. If I understand right, you’re talking about clothes that almost “do the work for you” and project/protect your personality when you are too tired or distracted to do it yourself. I’m not sure if I have clothes that do this. But I would say that my tattoos and my funky haircut do this—they sorta indicate my personality without me having to bother to “turn it on” if you know what I mean. I like this, because I’m a huge introvert and I really do have to purposely turn “on” if I want to engage with others. It’s a big effort and it’s nice to be able to fallback on my supporting acts sometimes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904359 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 20:38:24 +0000 Janet 1904359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never think of my clothes in terms of "armor" or "secure making." One makes me think of chainmail and the other of the soft clothes I wear when I'm sick. I'm an emotional dresser, and I choose things that make me feel like myself in my best possible way, but I don't ascribe that much power to them when it comes to my emotional state, which may seem weird, considering how much of a "mood" dresser I am.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I do definitely have outfits and items that help me feel my best -- more confident or more attractive. But then, I am self-employed and an artist, so I don't exactly need the "power suit" feeling.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904355 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 20:32:52 +0000 amiable 1904355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, perfect blue jeans are secure-making.&nbsp; I feel good in them, I know I look good in them, and I wear them almost all the time because of that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904347 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 20:10:10 +0000 rachylou 1904347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I’d wear white top, black bottoms, no nonsense black shoes. Probably my ultimate power/security outfit would be (note, not a suit) white short sleeve sweater twinset, black slacks, and lace-up heeled oxfords (note, I no longer have such an outfit in my wardrobe). 100% plain solid weave. </p> <p>Lol. I’d dress like a nun. Clear and severe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904341 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:44:41 +0000 Anonymous 1904341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gryffin for mentioning your thread- My head hurt and I thought my brain was going to explode just trying to figure out what post that was connected to.&nbsp; Apparently the brain cells are exiting at a fast pace...LOL.<br />I don't think of it as armor as much as I have a formula (or signature look) that is a "go to" when I am not fully sure of the situation I am facing. <br />The formula- outfit- is middle of the road so that I can be prepared for a situation where most folks are dressed up yet it can fit in well if I show up and the majority in attendance are dressed down.&nbsp; I have been known to have a different scarf and or piece of jewelry in my purse so that I can "change it up" quickly in one trip to the wash room.&nbsp; It might be a little thing but it can make a big difference in emotional comfort or in my self confidence in a situation with people I do not know.&nbsp; <br />I have no problem being the "best dressed" in the room (casual or otherwise) so long as I am NOT OVER dressed for the occasion (that happened once and I was uncomfortable with the stares all night as well as annoyed at the person who advised me of the dress code - started out as a dress up party when I was one of the first invitees but somehow got changed to an informal picnic type function- as later invitees wanted casual..... she never mentioned the change-aarrgghh)....talk about unresolved issues Aquamarine-lol ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904310 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 18:13:28 +0000 Helena 1904310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting. I find the idea of clothing as 'armour' hard to relate to, because this makes me feel like I'd be going into battle, with the people around me the potential 'enemy'. This is not something I experience these days, although back in my corporate days, I definitely felt the need for armour at times, which probably would have taken the form of a black suit and white button up.</p> <p>I DO relate to the idea of secure-making clothing though. It reminds me of something Angie said on a thread of mine some time ago, basically to the effect of, if I was really questioning myself in my clothes, then I probably hadn't quite hit on my true style yet (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the idea). For example, if I am in a room full of trendy-clothed people wearing my classic, simple pieces, I feel completely at ease with that ... because those clothes are authentically 'me' and so I feel quite secure in them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyways, that's what these makes me think of ... fwiw! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904270 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:55:40 +0000 Jules 1904270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely feel that a good outfit, combined with minimal makeup and hairstyle, function as armour for me. Armour is even the exact word I would use. Most recently, when I had to meet a new boss for the first time while under quite a bit of work duress. The armour allows me to walk into a situation with the certain minimum confidence of looking like I have it together, especially when I actually don’t. The next time I spoke to my boss it was to tell him I would be taking a stress leave. He had no idea when we met, which was a necessary front for me to get through that day long initial team meeting without breaking down. Preparing myself physically was a large part of how I prepared mentally. Facing myself in the mirror and all that.<br /> I’m someone who didn’t always pay a lot of attention to good grooming though. I can see that if you already do that by default, it might not resonate as ‘armour’. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904263 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:25:41 +0000 gryffin 1904263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well this is a fascinating discussion.&nbsp; Thank you for starting it Liesbeth!&nbsp; I mentioned Malcolm Levene's book on my restorative niche thread.&nbsp; I hope you enjoy it.&nbsp; Armor does resonate with me in that a great outfit makes me feel invincible.&nbsp; I feel so totally comfortable I can actually forget what I am wearing, I could meet anyone, do anything, go anywhere and feel great.&nbsp; It's clothing that makes me feel like me.&nbsp; So yes, I love a great suit.&nbsp; Yes, I wear my suit out and to social events.&nbsp; At work I wear a blazer every single day.&nbsp; I absolutely feel best in a blazer even for casual wear, whether over a tunic and leggings, dress, dress pants, or jeans.&nbsp; I do have these great booties by EF the coax.&nbsp; If anyone saw "Strictly Ballroom" they are similar to the boots they wore for paso doble.&nbsp; Oh man, I could climb mountains in those boots, conquer kingdoms - so uber comfy, edgy, stylish.&nbsp; When I need the power of awesome footwear it's the coax booties.&nbsp; To me armor is a synonym for confidence and I can't feel confident if I am not comfortable both physically and emotionally.&nbsp; Once I decided "okay" was not good enough in clothing and that I had to love every piece and it had to love me, my wardrobe became my happy place.&nbsp;So yes a great outfit is my armor for feeling great and taking on the world.&nbsp; It makes the good better, and the bad no quite as bad, when you feel great in what you have on.&nbsp; That's my two cents FWIW.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904244 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:29:14 +0000 Ginger 1904244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I get a lot of what&nbsp;<b>smittie&nbsp;</b>is saying. This concept of armor or secure clothing doesn't really resonate. Clothes that feel like me tend to be FFBO's -Favorite Fall Back Outfits - which is a different concept.&nbsp; Or turn it around: If armor/secure making clothes are clothes that feel like "me," what if everything I wear feels like me? Does that make it all armor?</p> <p>Or, maybe some people can isolate one thing in particular because they can wear it all the time (like Robin's boots). But what's "armor" is highly subjective depending not only on the person but on the situation. A sharp suit is the typical example I've seen in these discussions, but surely that's only applicable in formal/serious business type situations. A sharp suit at my place of business would attract attention because it would signal something unusual and serious.&nbsp; A sharp suit literally anywhere else in my life would be extremely out of place.</p> <p>Or another example: I feel very me, very relaxed and comfortable, in short denim shorts and a tee shirt. No matter how tired or stressed I am, it's a lift to put that on. But it would definitely not be armor in the wrong weather or the wrong environment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904235 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:13:15 +0000 Liesbeth 1904235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RobinF: it’s great that one pair of boots, bought on a whim no less, can have that effect!</p> <p>Aquamarine: don’t we all - if you feel confident in most of your clothes I say well done.</p> <p>rachylou: what would you wear then if you don’t want to invite attention but still feel good?&nbsp;</p> <p>smittie: I know that when I’m feeling&nbsp;vulnerable for whatever reason, personal or professional, this can easily be&nbsp;exacerbated by my outfit, even if it's an outfit that suits me fine on other days. And I know that I used to have outfits that I was&nbsp;completely satisfied with – I felt at home in them and knew they were&nbsp;appropriate; the kind of outfit you can put on and then forget about. Not so&nbsp;much these days. I have thought about how to change that, and it may be just by&nbsp;applying the ‘rules’ that you state: look for pleasing proportions and color&nbsp;combinations and situational-appropriateness. That last part being quite&nbsp;challenging in an office environment where there is hardly any dress code,&nbsp;written or even implied. Also I would add: with special attention to fabric and&nbsp;fit (how else will I be comfortable).</p> <p>Bijou: exactly, and I see how a good suit would work for many people in this way.&nbsp;</p> <p>lisaP: those sound nice; I suspect black is important to many people in that respect</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904233 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:11:47 +0000 Anonymous 1904233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure. &nbsp;I have a few special &nbsp;things that I can put on and know that they look good and I don't have to worry about fussing and pulling and adjusting and wondering if I look ok. &nbsp;And I mean more than the rest of my clothes do on any given day. These pieces cross over from dressy-casual to professional and even cross seasons. &nbsp;If I feel really unsure about my hair, my weight , whatever it is, these clothes mitigate those frustrations. ( &nbsp;Black leather moto , black silk EF layered and assymetric long tank, &nbsp; 2 black Smythe linen blazers. &nbsp;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904230 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:06:48 +0000 Anonymous 1904230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to think about this and organize my thoughts before replying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904196 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 13:23:33 +0000 Bijou 1904196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in a corporate environment and see the value in a sharp tailored suit for certain occasions. It is not really armour, but just a uniform to wear when I want to be taken seriously as a professional. I once had to appear in Court as an expert witness and wore this "uniform". It helped me not to have to really think about what I was wearing or whether my appearance was distracting or taking away my credibility.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/you-armor-secure-making-clothes#post-1904189 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 13:09:05 +0000 Anonymous 1904189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are all kinds of paradigms and ways of thinking about clothing.<br /> “Clothing as armour”, “clothing as secure making clothing” don’t resonate with me at all.</p> <p>The one and only way clothes service me is to make me Look good. And looking good makes me feel good. What looks good? It is a combination of pleasing proportions, pleasing colour combinations, some novelty (something that I just bought), and situational-appropriateness (blending in just enough).</p> <p>Things that don’t feel “me”, that don’t feel “secure”, are ones that fail in colour, proportion, novelty or blending in enough.</p> <p>I really, really don’t understand why people need “armour” in their clothes. I can understand creating armour around yourself (hiding your personality a bit) but in clothes? I don’t get it. People I think must ascribe a lot more meaning to clothes than I do. </p>