Closet reflections and goals for 2025 - YouLookFab Forum

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Closet reflections and goals for 2025

Runcarla

Veteran

At the end of 2023 I was putting colour and pattern back into my closet, and had reached a happy place. Wear numbers were looking good, I was feeling very settled with my practical, classic, and once again colourful closet - and had no urge to ‘change things up.’ My fashion goal for 2024 was to flex my styling chops by wearing all the clothes in different mix and match combinations, and acquiring new items at a modest rate.

I was thrown off track when the gradual weight loss I had been experiencing over the past 10 years ratcheted up early in the new year, and I learned I was experiencing sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass, strength, and function). I’m 64, have GI issues, and had stopped weight training in November 2023. (My bad.) Anyway, I had to replace clothes that no longer fit - all but one pair of (elastic waist) pants, my shorts, all of my bras, bathing suits, some of my tops, toppers, and coats.

2024 thus ended up being a big shopping year. I replaced basics, but tried to include some ‘trendy’ silouhettes along with all the classics I love so much. Classic dark wash 501 jeans, sure - but also high waisted wide leg jeans with a deep cuff. To stay within budget, I shopped second hand first and left no stone unturned with the local B&M shops. Of 36 new-to-me items, 7 were thrifted, 2 were bought online directly from the source, and the rest from B&M sources.

Through 2024 I curated a closet that works for my retired persons lifestyle and practical, classic, and colourful roots. There have been a few shifts - but they’re not seismic. I have very little white or cream (3 items total), have acquired a capsule of pale blue items, and I’ve grown my red capsule.

My mantra for the year is ‘Older and Bolder’. I plan on wearing the heck out of all the clothes I currently own, adding a few colourful or bold elements (gold footwear and bag?, leopard print?), and being braver with my style. Oh! I’m also going to resume weight training!

Below, my colour story, and a dozen outfits representative of what I wore over the past year,

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Bonnie

Helena

Veteran

Looking as fab as ever Carla! I LOVE older and bolder as a mantra!

If you feel like it, would love you to share your return to strength training as you. I have really struggled with this and like with most things have had to figure out my way of doing things. Its inspiring to hear others' journeys.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carla, your attitude and your approach are inspirational! In the face of a big setback, you got right down to work rebuilding your closet and didn't lose a step! Your classic and colourful outfits still retain your personal creative signature. I am sorry about the health challenges, and hope a return to weight training will prove helpful. It was very easy during the pandemic to let gym attendance go, and in fact, we had to, for a while. Good for you, for starting up again.

You have done some superb thrifting and also purchased some workhorse items that go the distance. I love that new bright top in #4, your checked coat (of course) and the way you combine your berets and scarves. Fave outfits here are 1, 8, and 12.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE "Older and Bolder" too, Carla

Soooooo nice to see red feature strongly in your 2025 palette. It makes your outfits pop...(and me smile), Queen Beret!

You thoughtfully added what you needed as your body changed, and prioritized wardrobe workhorses. Your style is more honed and pulled together than ever. WELL DONE!!!

I'm sorry you've struggled with GI issues. That can really put a damper on things, and my heart goes out to you Hoping you find solutions for a happy gut!

slim cat

Veteran

It'a a great results all together - style and shopping - for such a challenging year! Love your new pieces and new mantra ( might try to borrow it occasionally - I'm 59 this year )!

Irina

Veteran

Great goals, Carla! Best of luck!

SarahD8

Veteran

What a great mantra and I think gold shoes and leopard print will fit the brief nicely!

I'm sorry to hear about the health challenges, but I hope the GI issues get sorted out (you certainly have the cooking chops to manage whatever dietary shifts may be necessary) and that the return to strength training goes well.

Looking forward to seeing your 2025 looks! Although we manage our wardrobes quite differently, I always learn so much from your shopping decisions and styling approaches.

Dee

Veteran

I admire your disciplined and studied approach to your style even in the midst of dealing with your health concerns. Its always fun to see how you'll work your wardrobe into creating new combinations.
I'm looking forward to seeing 2025's "Older and Bolder" style.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your outfits have been outstanding this year and you have coped with all these changes and challenges marvelously. I will join you with older and bolder if I may !
I have upped my weight training this past year (at home) and it does wonders for my mental health (as well as physical I hope!).

Runcarla

Veteran

Thanks to everyone for the boost! The GI issue is unfortunately chronic and related to a condition called limited scleroderma - also known as CREST. I’ve dodged the bullet on the scarier aspects of the condition, but am affected by esophegeal dysmotility (also some very limited localized skin tightening, and Raynaud’s.) I’m working with a dietician and am getting my diet sorted. Energy levels are good and I’m in excellent spirits!

Unfortunately swimming and Tai Chi aren’t enough - so back to lifting weights it is!

@ Helena - will do! Later in Off Topic

@ Suz - you’ve identified some of my favourite pieces!

‘Older and Bolder’ is my way of saying I’m not afraid to get older, and I’m not afraid to be seen!

RachelNZ

Love your mantra

You can really see the benefits of having a consistent colourway when looking at the thumbnails of your outfits and they look great when you click in as well! Leopard print and gold would fit in wonderfully.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Adding red back in really does something positive, right? It increases the energy, even when you are facing health setbacks. I'm so impressed with your can-do approach and also so glad you have someone on the case to help you out with the challenges.

kkards

Veteran

I Love that your methodical approach leaves room for having fun with fashion and exploring new new things. The color story is cohesive and allows for a lot of creativity. Looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings

re the outfits, special love in my heart for pic #2, stripes! Sneakers!, & pic #5 denim jacket and pleated midi skirt a silhouette that speaks to my heart, and #12 pop of red & a beret, it’s what I imagine a chic French women would be wearing on a random Tuesday.

RobinF

Veteran

You are so in touch with your style and it shows in how everything works so well together and looks so polished and thoughtful. The colors are great for you. Another fan of "older and bolder" - love it!

Lisa

Veteran

You took a drastic shift and made the most of it, you've curated a thoughtful and purposeful wardrobe that fits your style and lifestyle perfectly. Bravo!

The mantra "older and bolder" is a great one and I look forward to seeing your outfits!

And *high five* to wear the heck out of your clothes. Having done a large overhaul of my own wardrobe in 2024, I'm ready to put all that effort shopping to work and enjoy my clothes in 2025.

Star

Veteran

You are a fab example of wearing the heck out of a smaller wardrobe, and looking darn good while doing it. Thanks for the ongoing inspiration.

Sal

Veteran

Late to this but I agree with Star. You are a great example of having fun with fashion in a stylish economical way. You are a very stylish person!

Sorry about the health issues - not much fun at all but pleased you have a strategy for 2025.

Suntiger

*raises a bottle of kombucha to older and bolder and wearing the heck out of your wardrobe*
Does your Y have Bodypump classes? They're weight training but in a group, and like other classes, tend to be mostly women. It's a bit more fun than just doing a bunch of reps on the machines.
Kettlebells are nice too, for something easily done at home.

Minaminu

Veteran

Love the new mantra! Nice to hear that you are bouncing back and planning to add weight training back to your fitness routine. It's interesting to hear that swimming is not enough for the muscle build up, I am very surprised to hear this. I like your classic palette and wonder if some costume jewellery could help create different looks and vibes, I imagine some silver or wooden/resin bangles could be an interesting addition!

Susan

First let me say I'm sorry you had been experiencing health issues, and I send you all my best for 2025. I too need to replace lots of essentials and want to get back into thrifting. Your mantra is GOLD! I particularly love your denim jacket/skirt combo, and both iterations of your black and white houndstooth jacket. You look elegant and so effortlessly chic.

Bonnie

Veteran

Love your new mantra and am thinking along the same lines. In my case, it's "If now now, when?". Your positive attitude will carry you through the changes you need to make to stay your best. I hope you find the perfect exercise regime, I've found that exercising with a group is a great motivator and fun, too. Our county has a roving expert who leads weekly classes and I enjoy going there for an hour a week supplemented by at home workouts based on what I learned. Love your outfits, too, my favorite is #13.