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Ask Angie: Time to update the fit of my clothes?

Helena

Veteran

Hi Angie and all,

I've been pondering the comment from Angie's post about jeans, and how a fresh silhouette can change a whole wardrobe. This will probably be a "duh" post for many, but bear with me, I'm a slow learner

It's got me thinking about my wardrobe and how to refresh it for spring. I usually think about adding pieces, refining color palettes, etc., but this year I am wondering if I need to re-build the foundation with some updates fits.

For example, most of my "go to" tops that are otherwise perfect for my style -- are quite fitted (not tight). I've stubbornly held to them a) out of stubbornness on the fit, and b) because they are still in good shape. So, I'll see a fluid-fitting striped sweater, think about buying it and then say no because I've got one already that's in perfectly good condition - but the one I have is a snugger and perhaps a bit dated in fit?

Is it FINALLY time for me to get with the program and move on to more fluid, looser fits (I'll keep my tailored blazers and white button up for sure though).

Similarly with jeans, I am looking at adding a flared crop to the mix of skinnies I have. (this I'm sold on already).

What do you think? Is this a good strategy to freshen up a classic wardrobe or am I just making an excuse to by ANOTHER striped top rather than moving on to bigger and better things Sorry, lots of questions, any random thoughts appreciated from Angie et al

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....attern-mix (one of the tops in question).

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

Anonymous

I found myself thinking about this about a year ago and have replaced some of those fitted tops with more fluid ones. I found that it's a good idea to think about the direction that you want to go with your style first. Do you really want a more fluid version of what you hsve or would something else that is different be better? Do you really want to continue with striped shirts or would you rather move to plaid or floral, for example.

Sal

Veteran

I think there are such a variety of silhouettes and fits out there right now, that to an extent anything goes. I like the top pictured and see this as a modern classic look.

However I think that these essentials do need to be renewed regularly - to my way of thinking if you like striped tops you probably have three in your wardrobe. If you change up the shape/fit of the jeans, sometimes the top fit then also has to change. It can be hard to just add ONE new addition seamlessly into a closet - it can be done, but not always.

My advice would be to slowly experiment - get a pair of the cropped jeans and get a couple of tops that look perfect with them at the time. You can try existing tops and see what you have that works- you are bound to have at least one. Look at your footwear -make sure the next purchase also goes with the jeans..then suddenly you have three new looks. See how it goes- if you love it then continue to experiment; if you don't then the spending is not too extravagant.

I love stripes too - and I see they will always be in my wardrobe. Sometimes they are fitted, sometimes boxy, sometimes loose.

I also don't tend to get rid of things - even if your striped top is not your favourite it would still be great in winter for layering or also for days when you want a change.

Good luck

Helena

Veteran

I do love my classic basics ... I want to add more contrast but I don't necessarily want a big change. I like my style, but I feel it's a bit dated and wonder if the fit is the thing. It seems fluid has taken over the mainstream so it seems to work with a classic look. I'll look at some of your WIWs and see how you've incorporated them in your style. Thx Joy!

Lucy

Veteran

Yes, like Sally I wonder if updating one thing - the jeans - might lead organically to new tops? When I moved from bootcuts to skinnies (many years ago now!), all my tops were wrong, and I needed the more fluid tops. I didn't go majorly into boyfriend jeans, but I found they worked better with semi fitted tops on me. So I suspect if you update the jeans, the rest might become clearer!
Also, nothing wrong with stripes in a few fits

Helena

Veteran

Sally great thoughts, thank you so much! I'll follow your advice. It's true, if I love stripes tops and wear them alot as I do (for example) it makes sense to keep them fresh. same for white t's etc. Thx!!

Helena

Veteran

Thank you Lucy, great point ... I've done skinnies with my fitted tops, maybe with the flares some of my tops might get a new lease on life OR I might decide on a different fit of top altogether. Thx!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, Helena. First, read these posts. And cropped straight leg jeans have become my new wardrobe essential:

http://youlookfab.com/2015/10/.....ual-style/

http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/.....ssentials/

You need to update your denim capsule, and redefine your wardrobe essentials.

Aida

Veteran

TG I wouldn't say that "fitted" is necessarily dated, there are truly all kinds of fits available and current right now. It can be tricky to make blanket decisions on "dated" particularly for classic pieces; there are usually small details that contribute to that feeling. As Sally mentioned, going out and trying some of those new-to-you fits is a great idea. You can get an idea of what you're comfortable with, and what you're not. Updating denim, if you wear it often, is a great quick way to update your look. You could also try updating a few, but not all, of your more fitted classic pieces (e.g. striped shirts) so that you've got options in more than one fit.

And all else fails, if you have questions or concerns about a particular garment we can always get you sorted if you post photos

LaPed

Veteran

That outfit you posted last year will look *amazing* with a new pair of cropped jeans.

Stripes are a neutral for you; it's good to have all shapes and sizes. Make new friends, but keep the old, as the song goes.

Helena

Veteran

Angie, thank you!!!! That is fantastic advice and I must have missed the jeans one so that was fantastically helpful. I did the wardrobe essential exercise but think I can pare it down even more. Next step - new jeans! One pair to start, slow and steady

Aida and LePed, thx for the wisdom and encouragement! Much, much appreciated.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think you need to figure out why you feel you look dated. The striped shirt jeans combination is classic and you look lovely. If anything I would suggest higher waisted jeans if you want to look more current or trendy. But you look terrific in those jeans - the suggestion is only if you would find it fun to update to a more trendy style.

Anonymous

Yes, I would go for it!
A drapey striped sweater is totally different from a fitted one. To me, they're different animals. I'm sure it will add some variety and freshen things up a lot.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I do know that when it comes to tops, over the past year I started going for size medium. That does look more current to me. I still wear fitted tees, but I am liking a little slouch too. I definitely segue into different silhouettes as the years go by. Straight trousers are totally in the past now.

Gigi

Veteran

I say, go ahead and buy a few pieces and see how you feel in them. Sometimes there's no way to know but to try. I know that I added some drapey tops to my wardrobe this fall and loved them (I had all fitted tops before that). I just bought some cropped flares, which is a totally new silhouette for me, and can't make up my mind how I feel about them...which I think is a good thing. I think that wearing a new silhouette really gets the creative juices flowing.

jenanded

Veteran

I think i need to do something about this myself after reading these sage comments. Need to think about where to start as a tall plus without too many b &m options.

Summer

Veteran

This tends to creep up on you, doesn't it? At least it does with me. I usually have to wait for a trend to become a little more mainstream before I get into it: I have to feel the need for it, if you see what I mean.
Over the past year or so I've been buying more fluid fit tops and slimmer (not skinny) jeans. That's just what I feel happiest with at the moment, no matter what the really fashion-forward are doing. Like you, I still have quite a few fitted tops, which I pair with my remaining boot-cuts and wide-leg trousers.
Go with what seems to be calling to you, and proceed slowly, as others have mentioned.
Good luck with the update.

gryffin

Veteran

TG- I think fitted tops will always be crucial since they work best for layering, especially blazers. OTOH, fluid pieces can give you a nice wardrobe refresh without getting too far outside your comfort zone. One of my favorite pieces is the EF merino boxy top split hem sweater. It's not too oversized. The split hem allows me to faux tuck the front and wear easily under a blazer and it's the perfect length to wear out. Length, amount of volume and split hem can really help versatility. Great new jeans sound like a super idea to swap things up and often require different tops. I think the key point, is the details of fit in this item will be key to versatility and flattery!! Good luck!!

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Aziraphale

Veteran

You've got excellent advice here already. I'll just chiming in because I kind of had the same thing happen -- that is, I shifted from fitted tops to more fluid ones -- and I found the process actually happened organically. A couple of years ago, I bought one fluid top as an experiment, in a colour I already wear a lot (heather grey). I loved it. It felt different and fresh. And success with one item makes me attracted to similar ones. I now have a wardrobe that features quite a lot of fluid tops!

I didn't get rid of all my fitted tops at once, though. I found that I just slowly stopped wearing them, not because I disliked them, but because I felt better in other things. Every once in a while I'd go through the closet and I'd get rid of a couple of more fitted tops that hadn't been worn in ages. I haven't pitched all of them; like you, I've kept fitted button-front shirts and tailored blazers, and I find it useful to keep the odd snug black tee shirt.

So in your wardrobe, stripes seem like a staple, which makes them the perfect thing to buy when you're planning to experiment with a fluid fit. You might find that over time you might end up falling out of love with your fitted striped tops, or maybe not. But there's no need to rush into getting rid of them!