Have your wardrobe holes led you to consider out-of-character things?

Mander

I'm sort-of in the market for some new shoes. I have several pairs of jeans that are pretty long and really only one pair of winter-appropriate shoes that have enough of a heel to keep them from dragging on the ground. I have an image in my head of what I want, but all of the shoes I have tried on in person have been either way too flat or just a little too high.

I've found myself looking at all kinds of shoes that I would never have considered before, and in fact many styles that I have openly mocked. High heel hiking boots? Converse with heels? The famous desert boot? High heel loafers? Ankle boots in general? All of these are styles that I would have run screaming from just a few months ago, but they are starting to appeal to me.

Has anyone else found themselves looking at really out-of-character stuff?

14 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

cheryl

Veteran

I have. I don't do ruffles or yellow, and I bought this cute little short sleeve top with ruffles in the center of the neckline, and it is a cool black and yellow print. So out of character for me, but i love the way it feels and my daughter made me black and yellow earrings to go with it

Enjoy trying on the new styles. You might just find something different that you love.

14 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'm in exactly the same boat as you. Need heels, need them to be hardwearing as hiking boots, need to look somewhat cute and be versatile, and fit my budget and coddle my fussy feet. Yep, I've been looking for a year and finally alternated between running shoes and boots much of the winter --- and it really isn't cold enough for that here!

As for wardrobe holes and orphans pushing you over the brink, please refer my two WIWs. First, two orphans in bright warm colours, in oddball lengths and uncertain shapes, that were NEVER supposed to stand together. Second, a not-my-best-colour tunic with officially-no-good colour pants. Because I *will* make do with the current contents of my closet until I'm good and confident about a style to fit my lifestyle. And since I'm not ready to shop yet, just you watch me push a lot of square pegs into round holes for a while! Ha!

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

Having wardrobe holes kind of makes me feel more willing to try styles that are different for me. The way I look at it, if my current style allows there to be gaps in my wardrobe then somet;hing clearly in my style still isn't working quite right so it is entirely natural to branch out and look at other things. Kind of liberting. If I had a perfectly filled wardrobe I would probably not even bother to try new things.

14 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Oh, Mander, I so understand you.

This sounds like a major case of what I call the itch if under the skin new style urge.

Clothes shapes and cuts are so different now than even just 5 yrs ago. It's only normal footwear has to be considered differently.

Shoes deceptively look like they are a place for creativity and trendiness without the commitment of changing your whole outfit. However, shapes have changed so much in the last few years that it is impossible to get only half the deal. You want something new, something fresh, and as you try to match your new buys with what you have in your closet, what would look like what you had before, you find you are not getting anywhere. You want the newness from new shoes but not from new shapes. Because the only choices left to you are too classic, too boring, you then turn to the alternative and start to consider these recent, strange looks. Am I wrong?

I say get yourself one of those new styles - keep in mind usefulness, your own comfort in it, what you will be doing with the pair, etc. - but go ahead. Try a totally new shape, and you will be amazed, I promise, to what it does to the rest of your wardrobe.

14 years ago

DragonflyJane

Active Member

Oh yeah! I totally voted a BIG no to puffer coats only to try one on, fall seriously in love with it & buy it. I'm UK size 16 so don't really want to be adding any more bulk but honestly, I've barely taken the thing off! I'd sleep in it if the hubster would let me!

The need for a low heeled show to wear with my wide-leg high-waist trousers that I made & hemmed at a really odd length brought me to the grey oxfords that I am also wearing constantly. I wouldn't even have given them a second glance a few months ago but I seriously love them too & have been wearing them with dresses & feeling very fab and fashionable (gasp).

Since becoming a ylf convert, I'm far more open to things that I wouldn't have previously said were "me". I'm having lots more fun too!

14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Oh yes! My black Frye lace-up boots! I kept looking and looking for a pair of flat riding boots but because of my narrow calves, none of the typical sleek or equestrian styles would work. I finally ended up with the Fryes because I could use the laces to cinch it up to my skinny calves. It was a very different look for me, kind of Doc-style tough biker chick. But it spun me in a whole new style direction and now I am having fun exploring my tough yet ladylike UWP style persona!

Definitely be open to trying new things! You may be surprised at what you like and how it changes your style for the better!

14 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Yes! Many times. I'll fall in love with a particular item x, bring it home, and realize that in order for item x to work *really well*, I also need to purchase item y (and sometimes item z). That's how my style grows!

14 years ago

Chippy Mia

Active Member

Yes. It's cold in the winter here and I used to pack my dresses and skirts away because of it. A few months back, dh innocently said that he misses seeing me in skirts and dresses. So what do I do? I went out and bought a pair of knee high stiletto boots. I already have flat riding boots but they more for casual wear then with nicer dresses.

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Yes, Docs! I have never considered them before, but I was really wanting some comfy, low-heeled rugged boots I could wear on casual days, and some patterned ones caught my eye. I never would have dreamed I would have some, but I do and I love them.

14 years ago

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