Gray hair closet edit - YouLookFab Forum

The process is going very slowly. For the last 2-3 years I've been working on figuring out the colors I want for my natural hair.

I have too many clothes. I buy too much on sale, especially BR. Then I feel guilty because I was raised by Depression Era parents and don't want to waste time, resources, or money.

I have too much gray in my closet--mostly from my fake blonde years. I like gray jeans, but have too many gray tops etc.

Hair has changed, so has body. Officially lost another 1/3" but weight the same--where has it gone to? my middle.

I bought this wool/alpaca EF jacket on sale in Oct 2013 and have worn it a lot. It pills a lot, but is cozy.

Here's me in 2013 and now in same EF. Forget the unwashed hair and no makeup. Now tell me, Is it time to let it go to someone who might appreciate it more?

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5 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Is it cozy enough to keep for around the house wear? I don’t know your climate, but in mine I like having a warm cardigan or hoodie to take on and off throughout my day.
I think it still looks fine, but maybe you’re over it and deserve something new for going out

JAileen

Hmmm, I didn’t have any grey in my wardrobe at all until I went grey. I like the jacket a lot. I think the color looks good on you with your hair color. It does look a little snug through the middle, though. I’m going through this, too.

Joy

Like JAileen. I really did not embrace grey until my hair turned. It may partly be due to the amount of items offered in grey the last few years. It is softer than black ot even navy. I have noticed that I now go more for the pale greys than charcoal. Your hair will continue to get lighter. You may find yourself likening grey more in a year or so when it is more white or silver. I like the jacket on you very much, especially worn open.
What I edited out were jewel tones, especially deep reds, but they were too blue. Same with dark greens and even some navy and dark brown.
Clear midtones are better as my darker colors now. I also got rid of "heathered" colors that seemed muddy.

Jaime

(website)

I like lighter pearl greys best on me now. This jacket has some white, which I think looks good with your hair. I like it open and would keep it if you would wear it indoors like that, but I think you are ready for something new.

taylor

I like it open . But if it doesn’t suit you ,your style or make you feel good anymore let it go to someone who might love it ...it looks to have some life left in it !

Cee

You look cooler than an iceberg in a deep freezer on the moon.

rachylou

Ok, so I think you should let the jacket go. In the original pics, it looks very polished. Now, I can’t say why, it looks more like a fleece. It looks to me like it’s gotten shorter. It doesn’t look bad or like it’s worn out... but somehow it looks more casual to me. That’s why I say let it go, because I think it’s maybe not serving the purpose it was bought for anymore...

Staysfit

I think it’s starting to look less polished and maybe worn out. The herringbone pattern is less distinct. I would let it go.

texstyle

I'd probably let it go and get something new and more in line with what you love now. You could wear the color and maybe lighten it up with a white or other color top under it instead of black, but since you are wondering enough to post, I think it says you may be unsure enough to move on from it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

If fits fine open, but you have to feel good in it. If not, pass it on.

MsMaven

Thanks--I've been indecisive about this one. Yes, I'd only feel comfortable with it open, but I think Rachy's observation sums it up for me.

It's also associated with a difficult period in my life, and looking back at the photos, it just isn't me anymore.

Into the donate bag.

I'll have a lot more later on color changes, but I'm about to go off on a quick vacation where I plan to do a lot of people watching and have fun.

Gaylene

I totally empathize with the “whoa, what has happened to my waist?” reaction which accompanies the changes in skin tone and hair color as we grow (always gracefully, of course! ) into our new personas as “older” women.

I’ve begun to realize now, more than ever, I NEED clothes which can support my transition into a lively “senior-female” stage. I can’t afford, psychologically and emotionally, to let my closet become a museum of past glories. If my waist has broadened and my butt has pancaked, any piece of clothing which ignores these realities cannot function in my wardrobe. I now have a standing rule that, no matter how costly or formerly beloved, any item which doesn’t make me smile when I see it on me is ready for a new home. Lord knows, aging is hard enough on women without having our clothes mock us.

Do you like what you see in the mirror? Does wearing that jacket make you feel eager to get out the door and on with your day? To me, those are the real “fit” questions which need to be answered as you assess that 5-year-old jacket.

Gaylene, wise words. I've sworn never to become a "little old lady," but hanging on to clothes from the past won't help that. Museum of past glories! Yep. A couple of years ago I let go of formal dresses from the 80s and 90s, and dresses I wore to weddings. I have photos of me wearing them.

To I've also added an old cashmere cardi--love the color but it's had it--and a dark gray cashmere top I never like that I bought because it was on sale. Now I'm working on a leather jacket many year old, the shoulders fit, but I'd have to wear a corset to zip it up.

If I clear out past glories I will be able to go shopping for now! Without guilt!

unfrumped

Good decisions!
I liked some aspects of the jacket, so I can see why you bought it in the first place, but think now it just isn’t a good fit and is too smooshy looking.
You will have closet and mental space now for something better to come along.

These are all good lessons for me , too.

celia

I think we all have Museums of past Glories from different stages of our life and it is both scary and liberating when we let items from those stages (good or bad) go.
I think you will remember fondly of wearing that jacket in your blond phase and will find something that honors your grey phase.

Anonymous

Oh wow. This is a powerful post. IF I hadn't made all my October editing decisions, I certainly would have based on these comments. Thank you.

Barbara Diane

Associated with bad memories-glad it’s gone. Otherwise I liked it open. I still wear my jewel tones with my gray hair. But I only like certain grays with it.

shreyapatil

Active Member

That looks really comfy and cozy !!! the color look good too .. keep it ..

4 years ago

Runcarla

This is an old thread (9 months).

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