Carol, this was a comprehensive and enjoyable read! I love this: "don't let perfect be the enemy of good". That's been a churn factor for me. I find something that's good enough, and then I find something that is 'better' to whatever not-quite-defined idea I have in my head. Always wanting 'perfect', rather than being happy with 'pretty darn good', and coming back to control. I feel like there are many of us on these forums that have played variations on this theme!

I'm finding a lot to unpack here, LOL. Lots of good food for thought! I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year, and I really look forward to see how your wardrobe goals unfold in 2022!

Thanks, Lisa -- In theory a shag should work, but I am a bit gun shy.

I had a shag maybe three years ago and couldn't grow it out fast enough. I felt it made me look like one of my co-workers who I would not describe as current or stylish -- and it made me feel dumpy instead of hip. I don't really trust my current hair dresser to do anything that involves bangs or precision shaping. She's the salon owner and as far as I can tell the salon is pretty highly rates (fwiw) -- but I've never had bangs butchered as badly as they have been at that place. (Of course, I also had the same stylist for about 30 years and am not adjusting well to the idea of trusting anyone else!!!)

Thanks so much, Mary Beth -- I very much hope this mantra helps to minimize my own churn factor and keep me focused on the big picture!! Happy New Year to you, too!!

Ah, I understand - one of the things I miss about the UK is autumn *weather* but not winter *dressing* for this precise reason, lol. And it still doesn't even reach -30 there!

In this case, maybe focus on the silhouettes you'd like to convey for your finished looks (I.e. indoors/ WFH?) I'm thinking of experimenting with sewing on ankle 'straps' to some of my wider leg trousers to cinch them at the leg for cycling/ rain (like these gold 'clamps' shown in this Tom Ford photo): https://media.vogue.co.uk/phot.....0Ford.jpeg

Like Irina, I find merino wool base layers work best for warmth - Ice Breaker make good merino socks. I sometimes use silk too, but is harder to find. Good luck though - I know it's tough to even want to hop in the shower let alone get dressed when it's that cold!

PS - I literally just got a shag cut (& wavy fringe) if that can help sway you any? lol

So much to learn from this post, thanx for sharing! My problem is I try to not "let perfect be the enemy of good" but then... still not pleased 100%...and the hunt starts again...

Oh, and loved the concept of avoiding adding anything that’s likely to be “office only”. Instead of thinking “oh, I could buy this for work” I want to try to shift my thinking to “oh, I’d like to have this and, as a bonus, it would also be appropriate for the office.”

That's a beautiful cut, Zaeobi! You have such beautiful hair. I'm still thinking about where I want to go with hair. But seeing a great cut like this always makes it tempting!

Thanks It just needed some winter TLC...

One of the advantages of long hair is that you can go longer between appointments, but it can start to look a bit shapeless after a while. So readding a face-framing fringe & layers has helped to make my looks more 'intentional' now, if that makes sense - whenever I start to feel 'heavy' or 'blah' in all my clothes, shaped hair can help to reintroduce the trendy element (since I generally favourite traditional silhouettes in my clothing, I like to balance that out with my hair & accessories).

Good luck - I know how daunting it can be to get a new cut (I went ear length on the forum 4 years back!) but do share once you decide on what to do with your hair

I have a hair appointment coming up at the end of the month, so I'll know before too long!