2018 Style Goals - YouLookFab Forum

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2018 Style Goals

Toban

Veteran

[Link added to blog post.]

I debated on whether to develop a separate style goal list, given that there is overlap with my style building philosophy during my weight loss transition (see post: https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ransitions). But between that post and my 30x30 posts, some distinct overarching goals emerged that I wanted to put in one place.

Overarching need: My entire wardrobe will need to be rebuilt this year due to weight changes, so for the most part I am starting from scratch this year. I am the strongest and fittest I've ever been in my life (Yay!) and I want to celebrate that.

1. Assess my wardrobe needs on a macro- (year long) and micro- (season-specific) as it pertains to level of formality/casualness of my outfit needs. For example, my eye is drawn to pretty dresses that I have no need for, but work and casual dresses are much needed and should be my priority for 80% of the year (not leaning towards dresses in below freezing temperatures). Similarly, in the past I've leaned towards a business corporate look, but this level of formality is rarely needed in my work life.

2. Build a versatile business casual travel capsule that can suit spring/summer/fall, with only season-specific changes. I have work travel this year that includes Asia, France, and North America where I will need to project authority, be approachable, and dig in to long days of science and committee work. This will end up being the core of my entire wardrobe, with additions that may extend the base color palette. (See https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....fessionals, as an example of my goal.)

3. Build season-specific casual capsules to reflect the more smart casual needs that I've recently recognized in my life. This includes finding a summer-specific 'uniform' alternative to jeans, which are too hot in our summers here.

4. Patience and don't duplicate (yet). My body is still changing, so I need to take the transition and rebuild stages really slow.

5. Try new silhouettes and stores. More options are available to me and my body shape is different. I want to experiment by trying new stores/brands and clothes with shapes that I previously ruled out. I previously thought I was an hourglass, but with weight loss it appears that my primary body shape is inverted triangle, with a secondary shape of hourglass with slight waist definition. The rules for inverted triangle are definitely working well for me. I will continue to get inspiration here on YLF.

6. Limit shoe buying. I have a great shoe collection that I've built up over the past 2-3 years. Given my need to focus on clothing purchases, only purchase if a clear gap has been identified, such as a navy low heeled shoe suitable for my work travel.

7. Identify my style descriptors. I've been struggling with this. In the Kibbe system, I am likely a soft natural and I've been loving asymmetry and Scandinavian style (with color rather than neutrals).

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Aurore

Veteran

I'm impressed by how clear and pragmatic your goals are! So much that I can't find anything better to say.

Anonymous

It seems like your body is a moving (or changing!) target. I think you’re doing a great job staying focussed and only buying what you need to feel good without over-indulging (which would be a waste of money at this point).

It’ll be a lot of fun to see what other stores are Friendly to your shape. Looking beyond the regular stores keeps your style senses fresh and open to new possibilities.

I will join you in trying to find a casual dress or two for summer. I must be careful of looking too corporate, which doesn’t suit me OR my environment, but corporate dresses seem to be the ones most available.

Katerina

Veteran

You have carefully thought through your goals and prepared an excellent strategy for 2018. It is really inspiring.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*APPLAUSE*

CONGRATULATIONS, and be proud of your new body. I'm thrilled you are celebrating it.

Clear, focused, and quite adventurous style goals. Rebuilding a wardrobe from scratch takes time, resources, and a bit of luck. May I suggest building very small capsules to tide you over as you continue to see your body change.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

It is not a surprise that you work in a scientific field because your attitude toward yourself is a wonderful mix of practical, concrete and thoughtful. As you move from transitioning to recognizing your new shape and look, you style will probably evolve and your descriptors emerge.

kkards

Veteran

Fabulous. well thought out and planned out. love how you included not what you want to do, but why. also love how the current goals clearly have a path foward towards the next steps.

Helena

Veteran

What a great list; I love your slow and steady philosophy. Looking forward to seeing your wardrobe as it evolves!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Your careful and methodical approach is going to pay off for you. Congratulations on your ongoing weight loss! ENJOY the new clothes and also the planning for future options. You deserve it.

Anonymous

Great goals!! I enjoy reading them.

cindysmith

Veteran

Oh, I'm with you on the shoe thing. I have so many shoes, because it's so much easier than clothes shopping (most of my shopping has been the internet). I wish you luck with your endeavors!

Lynn

Veteran

Such clear and concise goals. I am so excited for you. What a wonderful reason to have to build a new wardrobe. Lots of kudos to you on the weight loss and how you have approached it. Very very inspiring.

As you know I also am rebuilding my wardrobe but for a different reason- retirement and totally different wardrobe needs. When I think about building my wardrobe on a macro level it feels overwhelming. So I am going to focus on the micro level building season by season throughout this year.

I also want to address travel needs. I love to travel and travel frequently to various climates and environments. UmLila brought it to my attention that I should also try to build some core wardrobes for these needs.

I look forward to seeing how your wardrobe evolves!

karen13

Veteran

Your approach thus far to your wardrobe has been so disciplined, it is no surprise that your goals are so clear and focused. I think you will avoid many of the pitfalls I encountered replacing everything over the past two years.

#4 on duplicates really speaks to me. I find a piece I like and immediately feel that I have to buy another in a different color because it is "soooo good" and "I might never find it again". Then the new piece never gets the love the first one did, or I find the first one wasn't as perfect as I thought. I was about to duplicate a pair of pants last week, but resolved to wear the 1st pair in a few different situations over a few weeks before I do.

#5 is key! I am starting to question some long held beliefs about things that don't work for me - like, are my shoulders really as broad as I think? or, I can't wear high waists, or red (or gasp, pastels). When I find time I want to try on some new colors and shapes and get the kind but honest and firm feedback the forum is so good at.

Sal

Veteran

Nice goals Toban.
3 and 4 resonate with me in particular.

I rarely duplicate - I find the "Power of one" to be quite liberating. There are occasional items that I vary this for (I have five black tanks/tees/short sleeve blouses for example but they are all different and range from 8 years old to new this year).

I also think of small capsules - this summer I am working off
- summer casual
- summer work
- exercise gear
- summer going out

There is substantial cross over but for work I really only need four-five different outfits for example which consists of two pairs pants, one dress, four tops and two pairs of shoes.

Joy

Veteran

What great well thought out goals! Some thoughts as I read them:
Travel. Start with footwear. For myself I seek out light weight comfortable shoes, especially those that are weatherproof. Light weight because I only travel with a carry on and regular-sized backpack with handbag inside. At over 70 years old neither DH nor I can lug much weight around. At Nordsrtom Rack I have been lucky to find very light weight flats by Aquatilia and Blondo that are classic enough not to date quickly and are waterproof.
Summer alternatives for jeans (or shorts): it is amazing how much cooler one feels baring some ankle. I like cropped pants in light weight fabrics for summer when jeans are too hot, especially utility pants and culottes.
Don't forget skirts, even denim ones. My denim pencil skirt gets worn most in the hot months. It is cool and heavy enough not to see through.
Remember that denim comes in different weights. Jeans sold in spring/early summer is often lighter weight, so less warm, than that sold in the fall.
If your summers are long, device them into a couple of seasons. I was happiest with 6 seasons or more: deep winter, cold spring, hot spring/early summer, mid summer, late summer/hot fall, holiday ( cold fall/early winter). Many pieces, especially neutrals, can be part of more than one season.
Enjoy building you wardrobe. Be very patient. My biggest problem after losing weight was that everything I tried on looked good ...better than before. I had to stop shopping with friends for that reason. I also got into a bad habit of shopping and buying too much. It has been a habit that is now hard to break.

Toban

Veteran

Thanks so much, everyone! You are all so uplifting and helpful. Lots of great advice, namely to keep the capsules small right now and take it slow and patiently. I will definitely follow that advice.

Toban

Veteran

Wow, Joy, you've given me lots of potential solutions to my issues. I'm fascinated by the idea of 6 seasons. It makes a lot of sense for the DC area. Our hot season is long, but the evenings do vary in needs across the warm season. I am also a fan of denim skirts. I wore one a lot last year, and will be hopeful of a replacement. I run warm, so even light weight denim pants are too warm for me. I think ankle pants with flats or sandals, as well as skirts and dresses will be my go-tos from May through September.

Joy

Veteran

So glad this was helpful. As a student I spent summers working in DC. I remember how hot and humid it was. Yes, jeans would be too hot. Do you have linen pants?