5 Things I Haven't Worn Much the Past Year... - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

5 Things I Haven't Worn Much the Past Year...

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm not ready to get rid of all of these things yet but I realized
there were several categories of things I have not worn the past year.
Do you have a similar list?

Sweatshirts - I do have a sweatshirt like tee with a v-neck that I
love, but the actual basic sweatshirt style is something I have not
reached for at all this year.

Leopard - I finally have come to terms with the fact that leopard for
me doesn't work with the exception of a belt or shoes. I have some sort
of negative association against it I think. Too "cougar" or something.
lol.

Bracelets - for a while I was all about bracelets, this past year I
think I've worn some only on a couple of occasions. Simple gold or rose
gold pendants are all I've really worn this year.

Large belts - I've been opting mostly for slimmer belts - not true
"skinny" belts but those that are like 1" wide instead of those that are
2 or more inches wide. And almost always reaching for a simple navy or
cognac belt as opposed to one that stands out more. I did wear my
platinum cut out fossil belt a fair amount but I think I got tired of it
too.

Utility Jacket - my favorite deep green utility jacket suddenly fell
out of favor. I feel like I need something softer in feel and with more
room under the arms to accommodate sleeves without bunching. I don't
know that I will fully embrace the trend for more body-con tops but
maybe once in a while when I do I will try them with the utility jacket.

View Info

The downtown field jacket

View Info

Top Pick

7

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

always trying

Veteran

I too have things I haven't worn much, but am going to keep them. I think I wore my red pumps once, and my velvet jacket once. Only thing I seem to not wear any more are scarves. Not sure why.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Great topic! Here are mine:

Heels - we moved offices and I now have a standing desk, which I use 100% of the workday. So no more "sitting shoes". I'll wear a 2" block heel on a boot or bootie once in a while, but mostly I go with flats.

Belts over dresses - again, mostly due to my office move. We no longer need pass cards to get into the office, which I used to attach to a belt.

What I call "shells" - sleeveless knit tops that I used to wear under blazers. I now prefer more of a sleeve on my layering pieces.

I'm curious to see how my rather large coat, hat, and scarf collection will fare with this new office - I no longer walk from the train and have underground parking.

Sal

Veteran

Interesting observations. Good to look back on too - is this a lasting pattern or just a phase.

I haven't worn my leather jackets much this year. And heels get less and less wear.

LaPed

Veteran

Great observations! I hear you on leopard. I like a very subtle animal print in unusual colours (like blue or pink) but the classic tawny ones just feel wrong on me.

I find wide belts hard to wear too, except with dresses, right at my waist. I think I'll always enjoy that look.

I noticed I've been a bit off utility jackets, too. Think it may be an oversaturation issue; I see so many people wearing them. I'll hang onto mine because, like you, I'm excited to add some more fitted knit tops, so structured casual toppers will play a big role in how I style those.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This is a good exercise. I actually have some in common with you!

For me:

- Belts. I just don't tuck my tops very often, and my pants are fitting different these days -- not as much gaping at the waist (that's a silver lining to the weight gain issue, I suppose).

- Sweatshirts -- for casual out-of-the-house wear. I guess fashion sweatshirts trended hard a few years ago, but all mine have gone to the ranch or are now loungewear.

- High heels for day/casual wear -- I'm not tolerating heels over 2" much anymore for any significant amount of walking unless there is a platform or lug sole.

- Bracelets -- I wear earrings every day, and rings, and a watch. Plus I wear eyeglasses much of the time. And sometimes wear a necklace or scarf. I just don't do bracelets much anymore. Sometimes in the summer I will, but for the most part, I think I can edit some of the bracelets out of my collection and just keep the absolute favorite ones.

- Cardigans -- I just finally gave up on trying to make them work for me. I have one long, blue chunky one that I enjoy (by Ugg), and that's enough. I'd much rather wear one of my jackets!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I cycle in and out of things also. If they are small, like jewelry, I keep them, as I usually cycle back in.

nemosmom

Veteran

I have a similar list as well, some I share with you. Here are mine:

- leopard: I can only wear it in a scarf or shoe or maybe a belt. With my red hair, I feel like Peg Bundy in leopard coats or pants....

- bracelets: I passed on all of my big cuffs and kept only a few that I love. One is beaded like the one you posted above, and the others are dainty or simple chain.

- trench coat: I have a love/hate relationship with my trench coat. I love how it can instantly pull a look together, but I can't help feeling like I'm wearing a large bath robe. I have a navy one and an olive one. I can't seem to get rid of either, yet I don't reach for them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great observations Tex, and rest assured - items fall out of favour with all of us. I was ALL over burgundy and olive last year - now, the ONLY olive item I reach for is my anorak which I love with all my heart BECAUSE of the cream faux fur that breaks up the olive, matches my hair, and looks luxe. I did wear my olive utility pants to death again - but those are Summer items.

As for burgundy, it took a back seat for shades blue, white and earthy browns. That's the way it goes

Not editing my burgundy capsule yet though. But am thinking about editing the olive.

Sam Edelman Faux Fur Collar A-Line Anorak

View Info

Top Pick

26

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ohh, just realized too that I haven't worn my trench coat in a long, long time. But I am not getting rid of it -- it's Burberry and my favorite color, so I'm keeping it and will wear it when weather and occasion allow, no matter how rare those times may be.

Gretchen

Veteran

For me, it's a change in style:

Less lounge wear: I'm getting rid of a lot of tank tops, yoga jackets and bulky cardigans.

Less structured workwear: I'm not wearing my work suits nearly as much as dresses, or business separates. Not ready to donate yet, but definitely not investing.

Joy

Veteran

My list starts like yours with sweatshirts and leopard. I have kept a couple of dressier mixed media sweatshirts and like leopard but suspect it is a lack of brown supporting acts that keeps leopard languishing in the closet.
I have also not been wearing pencil skirts and button down shirts.

Sal

Veteran

I was thinking about this yesterday while ironing a blue blouse. I bought the blouse in December and then only wore it twice all summer. I have worn it twice already this spring and am loving it.....

Why did I not wear it last year?

I added it too late - it is more of a spring top really great on cooler days. Last summer was especially hot.... And while I intended to wear this with my flared jeans in reality I didn't like the combination. However I do like it very much with white jeans and tan sandals - which I now have. I plan to wear the blouse as much as I can through to Christmas when the weather is appropriate.

Your utility jacket may be like this - I imagine it will be really nice with slimmer fitting tops. And sweatshirts are always useful for lounging or holidays in my opinion - so I think you will find a use.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Fun to read your experiences - sorry I stepped out right after I posted this and didn't get back until today. I did manage to take a big bag to the donation bin over the weekend (nothing in my list above though, just items I had fully decided were no longer working for me - fit issues, etc.) So many people have experienced flooding out here that it makes you re-evaluate how much you "need" versus want. We drove around over the weekend and saw entire streets where everyone's belongings were out front due to being flooded. :-(.

Style Fan

Veteran

Interesting post. I have two utility jackets and I have never worn them. I am not sure why. I will keep them but it does seem strange to me because I wanted one for so long. Now I have two.
I have a few pieces that don't get worn but I hang keep them because I know I will bring them out again. I am like that.
How devastating to have all your belongings destroyed by flooding. That happened to a few people here one year. The river rose in the spring. We are on high ground so are safe. It does bring the community together.

Anonymous

Mine is anything blue right now. I like teal and turquoise, but most of my ink blue things i just don't want to wear (and tried/failed to dye black). All warm colors, purples, dark greens, and even black are so much better on me. Blue just seems to skew the whole outfit too cool for me, no matter what its paired with.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting! Some of these were almost signature items for you for a while. The bracelets in particular. But things do fall in and out of favour.

I am not sure what I’d put on my own list. For sure my leather jacket. I still like it but don’t reach for it.

Helena

Veteran

This is an interesting exercise! Heels are on my list too, and cardigans, although I do keep one around for the odd times it's truly functional. Pants that aren't jeans are rarely if ever worn, and I never wear skirts.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I should add low rise jeans to the list. I had at least a few pair of those and have been swapping them for more of a mid-rise. I typically can't wear high rise - just too much material on me and it puckers up when I sit.

DonnaF

Veteran

Sleeveless items as well as those with very short sleeves: It was a cool summer, and I didn’t travel to any place hot.

Jeans skirts: One is a little short and another is a bit long. Skirts take a bit of figuring if one also wants to wear a topper.

Slacks, meaning non-jeans pants: I don’t tend to wear them because they are not as comfy as jeans.

I feel like I could list more categories but I must be wearing SOMETHING, right?

Cee

Veteran

Hmm... Can't say there's anything in my wardrobe that I don't use...

Bijou

Veteran

For me it is definitely pants (that are not jeans) and shorts.

I have edited down to only 2 trousers and 3 shorts. I love playsuits in summer and will always wear those over shorts. I only wear shorts when doing housework or messy jobs like washing my car (shorts and t-shirts are worn then), but otherwise these are items I am so happy to get off and back into my regular clothing. I won't even wear shorts as lounge wear.

The Cat

Veteran

● Button-front shirts
● Pumps
● Bikinis
● Bras in non-nude colours
● Nail polish in non-neutral colours

Runcarla

Veteran

Years ago (4 or 5) I found a white Jean jacket I wore it ALL THE TIME! - until this year. TWICE! It went out with this month's closet edit.

I'm struggling with button downs, but keeping 3 in my closet for now.

Trench coats. But that is a weather thing. We had a short spring, a long hot summer, and have jumped into single digit Celsius (just above freezing). I had spring/fall weight coats out for 2 weeks and put them back into basement storage today.

shiny

Veteran

Leopard will always have a place in my closet, but in small doses only. A belt or small clutch and shoes. I do have an H&M leopard fur coat I got last year on an impulse Have yet to wear it because it feels so over the top. Now that look is super on trend. I am holding on to it to see if I might wear it over formal dresses for our "creative formal" events this fall/winter. If not, out it goes.

I too have the Jcrew field coat and I think it's the gold snaps that throw me. Fits well, gorgeous green, love the pockets... but a bit too blingy. It replaced a utility jacket that did not have any hardware. I do love olive as it works with my eyes. I have an olive satin bomber and an olive hooded anorak that get way more play.

I gave up bracelets ages ago. My wrists are small, so it's hard to find them. I am OFF statement necklaces lately. Much prefer delicate dainty necklaces and that is such a change for me. I'm sure I'll cycle back again in the future so I have saved my statement and chunky necklaces, I am just not wearing them. I am not feeling jewelry in general these days.

Also haven't been wearing as many scarves but that'll change soon as it's getting colder.

Last season I didn't wear tall boots all that often. I can't say I'm "off" them as they certainly have their place in our weather. Definitely off heels these days, though not completely off. There's a time and a place for them.

I've been major OFF dresses for a good year now. Again someday I'll probably cycle back, but for now I'm off. I own only one skirt. I think I'm off skirts permanently.

Have not been wearing cardigans that much either, though I have hung on to a few favorites.

I'm OFF large handbags and totes, shoulder bags, satchels. Totally into small cross-bodies, and clutches. Clutches are back-friendly. I like the ones that also have a wrist strap.