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Feeling strange about my wardrobe

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm wondering if I'm about to enter another style shift as I'm feeling a little "off" about my wardrobe. Three recent purchases (my tartan trousers, animal print skirt and my new burgundy skinnies) are what I want to reach for over and over again, and there are a few other items I feel that way about. And yet there are some new things in my closet that suddenly I'm feeling kind of "meh" about, despite being very pleased when I bought them not that long ago. I'm also no longer loving a number of last year's items.

I'm not sure if this is an emotional response to an awful lot of stress going on at work and at home, or if my tastes or style is changing.

So let me ask you…do you see a style shift taking place?

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Shannon you are one of the most stylish women around and if you are drawn to different things I think it is a combination of your shrinking shape - because style is a mix of clothes and you and you have changed a bit and just the normal evolution of things. And maybe stress. Do you have examples of what you don't like as much anymore?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm not loving my Express Editor wide legged trousers, my Wonder Woman tailored slouchy black trousers, even my new micro check black/white trousers, my two different colours of J Jill silk blouses, my large houndstooth cream/navy Gap sweater…there are others but I can't think of them right now.

In fact all of the above have been put into my holding zone.

catgirl

Veteran

I'm having major issues as well. I've decided to do a purge to see what I'm not wearing before I decide what I want to wear more. I'm finding myself reaching for certain items that are all about comfort but hard to make stylish (curse you, NYDJ ponte trousers that feel like sweatpants but make me feel frumpalicious!). I am ornery about it and not sure what to do.

I'm wondering if we who follow fashion more closely suffer from fast-fashion-it is and some kind of need to change things up all the time to feel good. And if so, what to do about it.

Neel

Veteran

Could be a style shift, but I am not sure in which direction you are moving! I suck at this. But I know this happened to me when I started reading YLF and hated everything in my wardrobe! I am starting to love my wardrobe now, and its still a huge learning curve. There are still items in there which I loved when I bought but now hate! Definitely a style change for me from old fashioned boho chic to modern chic.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, Shannon, I think it is what Shevia said. Here is my thought:

The J Jill blouses were always a large fit and may simply feel too big now that you are smaller. BUT -- have you tried them semi-tucked?

The slouchy trousers -- are they TOO slouchy now? Check them and the Editors for fit. If the fit is off, you won't feel fab. It may not be worth altering them or it may be -- hard to say.

Houndstooth sweater -- I remember loving that on you and you wore it to death in the spring, so if you're not loving it now, maybe you can consider it a fast fashion fling and let it go. Or shrink it a bit in the dryer?

I do think it is natural that some items will be more loved than others. I, for one, can be almost a serial monogamist. I tend to wear my latest purchases as often as i decently can, if given any occasion for it, and meanwhile, older things will languish to the point where I wonder if I should purge them. And then I'll introduce another new item and suddenly the one I was about to let go will look fresh and fun again.

This is less true of footwear, which seems to need to be pretty current. Example: I have only worn last year's DV booties about twice this fall. Luckily, I wore them about 150 times last year...

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Interesting that you mention two black and white patterns, but I am wondering if it is fit issue. I think you should find your current favorite WIW (or a few) and your current least favorite once favorite and post them together and let us analyze.

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon, this could certainly signify a style shift but I wonder if you just get bored quickly. From recall, the items you have mentioned have been worn and enjoyed very much by you. Maybe you are just 'over' them?? Also could it be your body changing having something to do with it?

Given they are all fab peices and not that old, I would definitley keen in the holding zone until you are sure.

I also agree with Una, in that those of us who acually keep up with the trends etc see new silhouettes, colours, shapes, etc and that can cause us to see what we currently have as little 'over'.

deb

Veteran

Shannon, it could also be the change in the seasons. Do you want to make change in your home décor now, also?

Anonymous

Hmmm, maybe a style shift, maybe shrinkage and maybe something else. If you can figure out why you're not loving each item, and pinpoint it, you might learn something from it. Or maybe you just need to send them on "clothing vacation" and bring them out in a month when you've come up for air from your current faves.

Congratulations on your weight loss, that's a good thing! I'm sorry if the stress at work is a contributing factor though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Deb and Shevia both make sense and what a great idea to post some WIWs for comparison so we can consider a shift?

Thing is, I actually think you DID experience a significant shift in the spring and did it seamlessly and pretty painlessly. Your style became a little more modern and sleek even while you maintained a bit of retro flair. So I'm not sure it's a style shift so much as perhaps dissatisfaction with particular items, either for some fit issue or simply out of boredom.

I do think some of us get bored more easily than others. I have certainly learned that I get bored more easily than I had imagined! I ended up buying what I think is a lot of stuff this year, and I love it, and it works pretty well together and with my older stuff, but I still often feel (already, even about the new things): Not. That. AGAIN!!!! So evidently I need more "new" than I used to believe. Or maybe I need to get a life so I don't obsess about it so much.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I am going to echo Deb - with the holidays approaching, everything is bright and jewel-hued and shimmery. Plus there has been a lot of talk about Spring 2014 and the lighter colors. Maybe it is the change in season? I always have a sort of mental shift from a back-to-school mindset (dark fabrics, plaids, rugged, tweedy, heavy) to more glimmery, softer, jewel-inspired palettes and textures.

It may also be the stress, and the struggle for a style that underlines and supports the woman who is dealing with the stress. I am a big believer in dressing to make people react in a specific way to me, in specific conditions - and I really feel it works.

I need to go back through your recent WIW's to answer your question about seeing a shift. Usually I just see a radiant, happy woman who is very pleased with her lovely appearance.

Gigi

Veteran

I seem to be going through the same kind of thing. I started really following YLF some months ago, and I started buying lots of clothes after years of not buying much of anything (maybe three pieces of clothing a year). I started out fairly sure of the style direction I wanted to go in, and I bought several pieces in that style. And my daily mood went through the roof...for a while. Then my style changed. So I bought what I felt would be appropriate for my new style sense, and I felt great again. Then I changed once more! Now I am on about my third or fourth style incarnation. My hope is that what we're both experiencing is the emergence of different styles, or even different parts of our personalities that need expressing through clothes. So I don't know that the old favorites are never going to be wanted again. I think maybe there is just another facet of our personality that needs to express itself, and once it has done that, we may find that our old favorites are exactly what we need.

I used to wear a lot of long skirts, most of which made me look frumpy. This summer, I decided I would wear miniskirts and short shorts instead. I couldn't get enough of them, and I did not miss my long skirts one whit (despite the fact that the ones I had for summer were my least frumpy and had a wonderful movement to them that I've enjoyed in the past). When cooler weather rolled around at the start of fall, I went crazy wearing jeans and pants, which I hadn't worn for years. Again, I couldn't get enough. Then one day a couple of weeks ago I woke up and went to get dressed and just didn't have that desire to smash myself into a pair of pants. And I thought...hmmm...one of those long, frumpy skirts in the wardrobe is just what I need! So I am back to loving the long, frumpy skirts, despite the fact that it is two sizes too big (and can't be altered, bless my tailor's heart).

So...the point of my long-winded post is that this might just be another *facet* of your style emerging, not a style that will push everything else out. The extra expense on clothes required to outfit ourselves for another style is a downside, but it's also like finding a new part of your personality that you didn't know existed.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Wow - there is a LOT of wisdom in these responses!

Una - I think there is some boredom in the mix here. I know when I see new items in stores I'm drawn to them like a moth to a flame and always feel the need to have something new. I'm working on that because it's not entirely healthy.

Suz - I actually brought the mauve J Jill blouse out of perge-atory today thinking it might work with the new dark burgundy skinnies with a semi tuck but haven't gotten around to trying it out. I think the slouchy trousers and the houndstooth sweater I'm just sick to death of - I wore them a ton last year.

Deb - interesting you mention decorating because I actually mentioned to hubby today that I would like to paint the living room and dining room a completely different colour….hmmmm…

La Belle - I find your comments regarding stress and dressing a certain way intriguing. My job has become ridiculously stressful in the last month and will be this way for a few more months yet and I believe it has been affecting me more than I care to admit.

I think you ladies have hit upon my issues and it isn't really a style shift but more related to fit. I have become much more cognizant and particular of how my clothing fits and if it "isn't just so", I don't feel good about wearing it. I also think a few things I'm either just sick of 'cause I wore them so much or I need to find a new way to wear that item to make it feel fresh again.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I tend to follow your threads more than others' even though I don't always comment. I actually have seen a slight shift in your choices and your preferences that is evident in the narrative that you provide with your WIW. In the past, you placed a stronger emphasis on style and you seem to be shifting a bit more towards figure flattery as a priority. I suspect if may be the result of your weight loss. I think we all have a tendency to want to relish our successes and what better way to highlight a new figure than with more emphasis on it.

Just my thoughts. I could be way out to lunch with my armchair psychology.

Anonymous

Yes, Shannon. I am feeling that way about fit now too! It's both a blessing and a curse to finally understand what good fit is.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Oh I don't think you're out to lunch at all Dianthus. In fact, you're pretty darned astute!

I don't know if it's so much about wanting to highlight my changing shape but more about not wanting to hide my shape as much, you know? It's true that some time back I had made a comment on someone's thread that figure flattery wasn't always a priority for me. But it is becoming more important to me as time goes on. You've given me some food for thought!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Nothing to add to the collective wisdom just wanted to say you are looking great TS

karymk

Veteran

As long as you don't want to swap out your family members, I think you're okay.

Seriously Shannon, I go hot and cold on things too, with no apparent rhyme or reason. Some expensive things burn out bright while the cheapos could satisfy me for years. One day I am 100% sure I'm OTT Chanel Girl, and the next I'm the Simple Chic Chick.

When I get too full at the banquet of fashion I just gotta pull out for awhile and refocus my life. Maybe there's something eating you too, like the stress you mentioned. It's worth taking a look at.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think if your focus is better fit and being more picky about how things fit, this could be a good thing.

It sounds like you are holding yourself to a higher standard.

Petite Marj

Shannon, my thoughts line up with Dianthus and Claire. As a fellow Canuck, I have followed your posts perhaps more closely than others. I have noticed a number of concerns that you have shared over the past several months, some of which were stressful indeed. I think for many of us, stress can translate into a weight loss. With this change in weight, perhaps there has been in internal celebration going on. Body-con outfits are coming to the fore while the more relaxed fits are slipping back into the shadows. Any kind of change can take some getting used to, so that too might be part of what you are feeling.

Ariadne

Veteran

I'm feeling the same way at the moment.

It sounds like some items have worn out their welcome, which I'd say is a GOOD thing! Sometimes when that happens to me, playing around with new outfit options works; other times, it doesn't and it goes in the consign/donate pile.

I loved that houndstooth sweater on you but if you're over it, you're over it. Is it a petite? If it's regular length, I'd buy it off you. All I want to wear right now is jeans or trousers and a pullover. Simple to the max.

I dress differently when I'm under stress. Absolutely.

Lantana

Veteran

Sending you hugs to add to all the kind and wise responses. I have somehow missed the majority of your posts recently but every time I do catch one I think how brimming with style and vitality you are.

rute

Veteran

I don't see that in your photso yet, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening!
My style is always changing

Emily

Veteran

Shannon, I've noticed that your recent looks/purchases are more of the moment and less retro/classic than previous. You have a great eye for fit and texture. Keep having fun with your look and posting inspirational WIWs, please!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

karymk - so far hubby and DS are keepers - lol!

lyn* - I do think I'm going for better quality and fit these days, even with my Sears items.

Petite Marj - it's true that any change can throw us for a bit, isn't it? Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased with my weight loss progress but it is still change.

Ariadne - unfortunately the houndstooth sweater is a petite.

Rute - maybe that's the same with me...always changing.

Emily - you have seen what I've been wondering! I do feel less of a pull towards my retro side these days.

Thanks for the observations ladies - it's all very helpful.

Astrid

Veteran

I agree with Emily, the most obvious change is that the 'retro' vibe isn't as present as in older outfits. But I love your new outfits! My style is also changing a bit at the moment, seems to be the time of year.

Lisa

Veteran

I think we all get meh items in our closets. Sometimes the thrill of the purchase is a greater lure than the item itself. Or sometimes one's preference at the time of purchase is different than when it's time to actually sport the item. I purchased quite a few items from NAS this year and some of them I wore regularly immediately after purchasing. Some items I still haven't worn but plan to in a month or two when it gets a little colder. And a couple of items I've already donated! I didn't even own them for 3 months! I liked them, wore them and realized they were not for me so I moved them onto a better home.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The changing seasons usually makes us fluster a wee bit - to Deb's point - as does the onset of all the sparkle in stores at this time of year.

We are all mood dressers and reach for things that satisfy our different moods. Don't worry about it, Shannon. If this is a style shift - run with it and see where it takes you. If it's just a stage, embrace the looks what makes you feel fab at the moment and leave it at that. You have killer style no matter what.

I really like what Shevia said too.

rachylou

Veteran

Like Suz, I think you also had a bit of a style shift earlier this year. (I feel you've become sleeker, more of a power dresser.) And I totally believe what Angie says - every season I swear I have to regroup.