Fashion and the times: Part 1 - YouLookFab Forum

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Fashion and the times: Part 1

Patience

Veteran

It seems like lately there have been a sprinkling of comments that members here have come across an attitude that if the economy is going down, then the level of personal style goes down accordingly. Maybe in slower economic times we need to shop more in our closet and at discount and consignment stores, but I don't think that means we need to lower the bar. However, I do find it disturbing that the attitude is out there that you can "overdress" for the times. What are your thoughts on this issue? Are you coming across this? How to combat the attitude?

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Antje

Veteran

Interesting topic. I actually read some comment on YLF last week (don't remember the thread) where the poster wondered whether she could go sparkly for a holiday party, given the times. That floored me. If you have a sparkly top, why would you keep it in your closet?
"The times" do affect me personally in that I spend less money on non-essential "stuff" like clothing and eating out than before and put more money into savings in case I'll be out of work next year for longer than I'd like (I plan to leave my job, which obviously is very risky timing.) I still shop, though, just more at consignment stores and places at Target and H&M. The other way the economy affects me is that I try to be more sensitive than ever in talking about money and what it can buy, trying to avoid any case of "flaunting" something I bought that a lot of other people can't afford. So I do think I'm more quiet about shopping trips and recent purchases when talking to friends or colleagues (not necessarily on this forum, though, since after all that's a lot of what we talk about).
What I don't do is change the way I dress given the things I already have in my closet (nor do I really change my style with the cheaper items I purchase; it just takes more patience and creativity to work with thrift store items). I don't know why I'd want to "lower the bar" in the sense of dressing down with what I have. Would be interesting to hear some other perspectives on this, I'm definitely curious.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I don't think you should "underdress" in times of economic distress. I personally have plenty of nice things to wear even if I can't spend another cent. Ana challenged me awhile back to shop my own closet, and that has been keeping me plenty busy these past few weeks.
My mom was very poor when we were growing up (single mom with three young kids, working graveyard in the shipyard and still struggling to make ends meet) but she always looked her very best (in donated or thrifted items). I remember on particularly bad days she would wear a hat (it was the 80's after all!) to feel better.
I *do* understand why someone might have this attitude, though. I think these things are all-encompassing. If finances are bad I feel mopey, and when I feel mopey I don't feel like dressing fabulous. And then I usually dig into the ice cream to boot.

ChristineB

Our part of the country isn't hit really hard by the economic slowdown, however dh & I have had a personal economic slowdown in the last year or so. However, I've been trying to step up my style in all the frugal ways I can (sewing my own clothes, thrifting, altering items I already own) because dressing better makes me FEEL better. Not having enough money is stressful. Definitely. But if looking your best helps you deal with the stress better, why not go for it? Especially if you're not spending yourself into a worse position. I'm tempted to say that during economic distress we should make MORE of an effort in our projected image, to help counteract all the negativity out there.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting thread, Patience. Part of me thinks this whole economic slowdown is greatly based on emotions. People have completely stopped spending and it's almost as irrational a reaction as spending too much (as people did in the recent past). Yes, cut back your spending to live within your means, I agree with that. And apparently there were many people living beyond their means in terms of housing particularly, and that needed to correct itself. But some of the rest of the downturn seems to me to be driven by emotions (fear in particular!). Am I crazy to think this way?

When it comes to dressing, I agree with everyone here that we should take even better care of ourselves during stressful times, and that should show in how we dress too.

shana

Veteran

Though I am not really shopping for anything new, the economic slowdown has not affected how I dress - after all, I dress for myself and how it makes me feel, not for others. Dressing nicely definitely has an impact on my mood and dressing my best makes me feel good, despite what is going in my life. Sometimes I feel a little shallow worrying about the preponderance of crew necks vs v-necks in my closet when there are more & more people losing their jobs, without health insurance etc. I volunteer at a soup kitchen and it is very depressing how many more people are joining the ranks of the poor right now. It's a reality check for sure.

There is definitely a somber mood in the country and maybe it is reflected in the way people are dressing. Perhaps more people are dressing down because so they are out of work?

I read somewhere that the economic slowdown has effected designers as well and that we are seeing many repeats of styles and not as much innovation. Trends might stick around a little longer as people have less disposable income to keep buying, buying, buying like they have done in the past. Retailers are obviously not placing as many huge orders and trying to dispose of inventory as best as they can.

Alecia

Veteran

I think as a society we are moving away from ostentation (if just briefly). There is an article on that in this week's Newsweek. So perhaps the logo craze will cool a bit. That's ok by me because I always thought it was kind of gauche.

Despite the economic times, I will still seek to look my best. As others have mentioned, I may have to use different strategies than I did before - shopping my closet, thrifting, clothing swaps, etc. Dressing schlumpy is just self-defeating because it will make me feel schlumpy. And that's the last thing I need now.

Julia

Such an interesting question!

I remember that people dressed really casual at work during dotcom time but dressed up afterwards, because appearance became more important when job market became more compatitive.

I understand the trend of shopping in one's closet or lower-end stores but I can never understand compromising one's style standard in difficult times. It could be an excuse to be lazy IMO.

Anonymous

Interesting thread. Along these lines is a comment I got yesterday. I was teaching and dressed in BR dark skinny jeans and a silk AT wrap blouse (both from thrift or consignment) with cami and low heels. I received lots of compliments (thanks Angie), but one mother said she didn't feel it was right to shop at resale shops now if you could afford new because you should leave things for those who really need to thrift.
I've felt I am going more "green" by doing resale besides not spending much on things that may not fit next month. I donate back to the thrift stores regularly and their sponoring organization benefits from the sales they make to me. Also much of what I buy may need special treatment for upkeep...dry cleaning or handwashing..not just into the washer and dryer. For those really poor, they probably aren't looking that kind of item. Am I off base? Should thrift stores be for those who really need them?

Patience

Veteran

What a comment, Joy! No, I do not think thrift stores should only be for those who really need it. In fact I think that statement is just plain wrong. I'm glad to know you are looking great while going green and being thrifty.

Thanks for all of the responses, ladies. Also, I did make a 2nd thread for a discussion on how the industry will respond to the downturn:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=1

Antje

Veteran

Oh Joy, what a silly comment. I hope you don't take it to heart. It really doesn't make any sense. At times of this, more people are selling their clothese to thrift stores and more people are shopping at thrift stores. So the overall cycle of thrifting is healthily intact. You're doing a great thing by buying pre-worn clothes, and please don't let random comments distract you.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Joy, that was a silly comment indeed! Most thrift stores are crammed with clothing, and most shops take the proceeds from sales to help others in need. Also, thrift shops are designed to provide jobs for those who really need them.
I figure by shopping a thrift stores, I'm "donating" to a good organization who helps people find jobs and put food on the table. I also donate my gently used clothing to keep the cycle going.

Anonymous

It seems to me that I've seen pictures of people during the great depression of the 30's standing in lines in their best clothes. Do any of you recall seeing pictures like that? It was as if looking their best was a way of hanging on to their dignity during such hard times.

Tanya

Veteran

Joy, I also think that was an incredibly silly comment. Others have already given great arguments.

In general, the whole economy thing is making me shop significantly less, and I'll be very careful with my purchases in the future ( that's one of my NY fashion-related resolutions) - I am giving myself a smallish monthly budget and strictly sticking to it. But, I don't think I'll try to dress any different from before, if anything, I'll try to shop more in my own closet and try to be more creative in mixing things up.

Anonymous

Thank you all for your thoughts on shopping at thrift and consignment stores. I agree that they usually have lots and lots of clothing available and that the money they make goes for good causes. I have to admit that it's encouraged me to try new styles in quality brands that I probably would not have tried at full price.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

This is very interesting. Yesterday we found out that someone hacked into our PayPal and wiped us clean of all of our money.
My first thought this morning was to shop my closet and put together something fabulous. Even though we will eventually regain our funds, it made me think about this topic and how I might respond when things get tight.
I feel like I say "I need" far too much. "I need such and such boots for such and such dress" etc, and I realized this morning how many beautiful things I already own. Sure, I'd love to buy the boots, but I think it's important for me to realize every once in awhile how truly blessed I am with the things I have. I don't *need* anything else to be fabulous. It's been almost fun to challenge myself to create new outfits with what I currently have.
When we hit the next pot hole in the road, I will know I am fully equipped to keep my fabulousness afloat.

Patience

Veteran

Oh Sarah, I'm sorry to hear about that, but glad to know you will get your money back. Something like that is just stressful. I know what you mean about "needing" versus "wanting." I try to keep that in perspective and be thankful for what I have.

Tanya

Veteran

I am so so sorry to hear that Sarah, I hope that it will get resolved soon.

I am the same when it comes to 'need' vs 'want'. I really don't need anything, but I do want a lot of things. However i do have a lot already, for which I am thankful. So I am drastically cutting down on my shopping and will try to wear what I have more, and remix in new ways.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, that is just awful. I hope you get your money back promptly. What a yucky thing to go through!

Regarding what you & Patience said about "need" and "want," I have learned from YLF that the addition of one key item can make a huge difference in the number of outfits you can put together. So you don't "need" a lot, especially if you carefully select the key items that make everything work. For example, my new Docs have opened up a whole world in terms of styles I can wear, most of which were already in my closet (i.e. the kilt). Plus, my Docs have better traction in the snow than my Uggs -- love them on a practical level too!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Good point, Tanya. This is one thing I love about YLF. I see what everyone else wears and am inspired to try new things within my current wardrobe.
That's great that your Docs serve multiple functions, laura. I think they look great.

Anonymous

Sarah I hope the Pay Pal issue is resolved easily and quickly. Is this a wide spread thing? Scary.

Lena

Sarah, I'm sorry about your paypal account. I really hope there's protection of some sort and you can get your money back. [crossing fingers for you]

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Sarah that sucks about PayPal - so someone found out your password?? So glad you'll be getting you $$$ back though. And you're completely correct about "needing" versus "wanting". It is so easy to get caught up in things we desire and forget about all the good we have surrounding us!

judy

Veteran

I haven't personally run into anyone advocating not dressing up due to down economic times...if I did I'd probably steal that line from the Grinch and say "hey, style doesn't come from a store" (ok, he said: "Christmas doesn't come from a store" !)
It's hard to separate out habits that are coming with age (as in more experience) or "the times" ..such as a trend I've noticed for me toward more neutrals color-wise (with accesorized color) and practicality. I have reached a point in the last few months where I feel "I have enough jeans" or "enough" flats. You can only wear one pair at a time, afterall. And I don't need every color or every texture. Just a few really good ones and I have those.

But for example, I didn't have some hiking/snow boots and so I bought some of those and also a down jacket...sensible but oh so stylish. I spent perhaps the same amount of money, but feel I made better and wiser decisions and that is probably based on the economy.

Joy, I hope you were able to change that woman's mind that you were in fact, giving, not "taking"!

Sarah, hope paypal gets resolved easily and quickly for you! I wonder how it happened and what we can all learn to be more secure in our online shopping? Just the other day I went online to a couple of sites and deleted some of my stored billing info, not sure why, just a feeling.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all your kind words. Somebody got ahold of our info through a vendor (what we suspect, anyway) and used our account to purchase (a lot of) items. Fortunately, PayPal held the transactions on suspicion of fraud.
We WILL get the money back, it's just a matter of time. I think living without for only a few days makes me realize how much I do have and how I could stand to be more thankful.
I think it's always wise to make sensible purchases. I have made much wiser decisions since joining YLF. If something isn't killer or a "10" it isn't worth the cost, even if it's free. I think this is important for me regardless of the state of the economy. And I have Angie, YLF, and the rest of you wonderful people to thank!

Nicole

Veteran

Wow Sarah, what a scary situation. Glad it's being resolved. I never really used Pay Pal, so I had no idea that was even possible.

To your OP, I have not noticed any down dressing, but where I live, most people dress down anyway, regardless of the economy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sarah! How DREADFUL. That must leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. I hope you get refunded asap. AWFUL. But I love your attitude.

On that note, the state of the economy at the moment should not have an impact on your style – other than that you should continue to strive to look your best within your means and lifestyle. This does wonders for your psyche and for the people around you. To me, it’s as simple as that. I can’t help but think that there is no need to complicate matters by over thinking things. Does that make sense?