How to tell if you will like or love something & a K/R - YouLookFab Forum

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How to tell if you will like or love something & a K/R

Anonymous

I have been thinking about the fact that I bring home too many items that I like fine, but don't love. In the dressing room, I think I set myself up. As in, I really wish I had a white shirt. This looks pretty good. And maybe I listen to the salesperson giving feedback - hint, it always looks good to them. Then I get home with an item in the closet that I don't necessarily reach for right away. That should be a clue.

The white tunic seemed interesting to me because I liked the asymmetric lines. It's got two layers in the front, so it is more opaque than most white tops. The back only has one though, so it's a bit more sheer than I would like. Also, this is pretty much winter wear for me. Not sure I'd want to wear this in the summer.

As a K/R, I'm leaning toward return. But when I needed a white shirt last time, I had nothing to wear.

This weekend I wore an outfit I loved. I felt so good in it, and I wish I had more outfits in my closet that had that feeling. I think to get there I have to keep passing on the just good enough pieces

Adding a WIW too.

Shopping

41 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Sisi

Veteran

For what it's worth, I like you in that interesting tunic. But I know too well the situation: a wardrobe full of "acceptable" pieces and very few things that you really love. "Passing the just good enough pieces" seems a good strategy, but it can be dangerous: since when I decided to do so, shopping has become a very frustrating experience, my wardrobe has holes that are never filled .... but maybe you will have better luck!

Anonymous

Ack. Sisi - that frustration is my experience too. I do like the top, else I wouldn't have brought it home. It's a little different than most of what I have. I'm just not sure why I haven't already worn it. That's also why I can't quit online shopping even though my return rate is high. I just can't find what I'm looking for without resorting to online.

lyn67

Veteran

That's the reason I will never have a minimal wardrobe! One white shirt will not do for all seasons and events! YLF in this one, so, if you like it for the season, keep! Better not expect one clothing item to tick all the boxes. If you will love the look of a white shirt, You'll have to buy others for summer, then one more fitted, one with short sleeves, maybe another one in cream ...and so on:-).

Anonymous

Could you size down in the tunic? It looks too big in the shoulders and the sleeves are too long. I think if the fit were better it would be a keeper.

Bennett

Veteran

Is there such a thing as too many white tops? In my world, no! And that IS a really nice look on you........

I know I'm not making any insightful observations here - I am stuck in the same buying mindset you describe. It is a cycle that I may need professional help to break free of! ; )

Ledonna N.

Veteran

To me it is pretty simple. I reach for it time and time again. Some things I just like to look at on other people.

It is how I feel in something. Take for instance your 2nd fit ask the W questions.

Why did it make you feel good?
What were the emotions behind it?
When was the last time you felt good in a white top?
What did it look like?

If I walk away without buying it would I be okay. Take some time to walk away and if you still miss the item go back and purchase it.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I like the white tunic (and I love your second outfit!). For me, If I don't live something than I usually don't buy it. I don't want a closet full of items that I like.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I really like that white top, but I understand your hesitation -- I wouldn't like the back being sheer either. I am getting better about walking away from those "almost" pieces that I like but have some niggling detail that makes them difficult to work with.

I really like your sweater in your WIW -- who made it?

Jules

Veteran

Is this the white top you need when you "need" a white top? Did you try it in the same outfit that was crying out for a white top? I don't know your life or style at all, but this strikes me as just a bit romantic/boho and not necessarily office wear. I also agree that it's probably too big.

JAileen

Veteran

If I buy something and want to wear it right away, it's a pretty good bet it'll be a success, assuming I still love it at the end of the day.

I have a couple of tops that turned out to be too sheer. I've tried camisoles underneath but they kind of ride up or cling. I'm not sure what to do. The other day I returned a lace top that definitely needed an underlayer, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to find a layer that cover my bra strap. It was really pretty but seemed like it would be too much trouble.

Anonymous

Seems like this is a statement piece, not a basic, so I would lean toward "return" since a statement piece should definitely be something you LOVE!
I find I am preferring on-line shopping these days, too. Often I like something fine in the dressing room, but less once I get it home. With on-line shopping I can wear the piece for a few minutes, or an hour or two - to see if it is comfortable when sitting, if it wrinkles too much, etc. I'm sure I have quite the reputation at the UPS store, since I show up with return boxes a few times a week.
Of course you love the sweater outfit in picture 3 - it is terrific!

AviaMariah

Veteran

I think the white top is ok - it looks a little big on you. But the WIW outfit is WOW. I love that! So I say walk away and keep looking.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I say walk away from the white top - something is just not quite right about it - maybe too fussy being white and delicate material and sheer in back, etc. The second outfit is spot on YOU from what I've seen in your WIWs. It is simple, slightly sporty, fun and fits well.

cindysmith

Veteran

I've had to learn to stop it with the "it'll do" garments, because they never do. I always wind up tossing them and spending more money (lather rinse repeat) until I find the one. I've got less mad money to buy clothes with these days, so I'm having to force myself to really buy the pieces that make my heart sing. I have enough basic-ish pieces to work with, no I want the statements that I"ll love.

Love you in that blue!

Anonymous

Lyn67 - you make a good point about not every item needs to fit every occasion. I'm not a minimalist, nor do I aspire to it, but I have more in and out than I'd like. It's wasteful of my time and money.

Catty - I actually had to size up to fit across my chest - but mostly so it wasn't too small over my biceps. That's a common problem I have with woven tops.

Thanks Bennett. I've been really gravitating more toward white. My closet pieces are pretty dark in color right now.

Ledonna - your comment about liking to look at things on other people really gets me thinking. Sometimes it's enough to enjoy it on someone else without trying to recreate it for yourself. Your questions give good food for thought too.

Anonymous

Chewyspaghetti - I am sometimes low in restraint. :). But I usually rectify with a return after trying on at home. It would be easier to let it go mentally before purchase.

Janet - the sweater is Eddie Bauer (tall). It was two or three years ago. I don't like having to wear a cami underneath, although I know a lot of people wear them nearly daily. It's too hot and fussy more me to add an extra layer.

Jules - I'm having a sugar eye lately toward boho, which is pretty new for me. I would not have ever described myself as a romantic dresser. The dress code for the white top was literally a request for everyone to wear white.

JAileen - I think you are wise to return the top if you didn't think it would work out.

Anonymous

Ryce - I like your advice of needing to love statement pieces. That makes a lot of sense. And yes, I did love my WIW. It felt very me. We are helping keep jobs at UPS et al.

AviaMariah - as I mentioned above, I did size up. Not really for this piece, but for the right piece, I may need to do that and tailor to get the right fit throughout.

Thank you Texstyle - I really felt good in my sweater and jeans. It was simple but put together. That's the feeling I usually go for.

Cynthiawalkersmith - I also have less money for shopping. So I do want to find the right things for the money I do allot.

Anonymous

Have you tried finding something with raglan sleeves? That might fix the issue with the shoulders being too big.

I have the same issue--or at least a similar one--where a Small fits my torso better but an XS fits my shoulders and arms better.

I really like the white top on you. Looks great with your jeans and boots.

Anonymous

I empathize with your title question and often have the same problem. You might ask yourself if you will still be looking for a white shirt if you keep this one. If it satisfies, keep. If you think that you will still be looking at white shirts, return. You have realized that this does not fill the need.

rachylou

Veteran

No, not the white top. Not you.

I've been working on not buying things because they're cool, useful, etc. Working on requiring them to fit with my plan, stay on message...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The white blouse has potential - but you need a size down.

You love the outfit in #3 because it's a lot more structured. Makes for a flattering silhouette. The colours are flattering against your complexion too. Easy assessment.

Pat_P

My rule of thumb when shopping (unless it's for very basic things-and sometimes even then) is that I have to love what I'm trying on enough that I would be willing to get rid of something else to make room for it. I don't always actually do so - but I have to love it enough to be willing to!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm in agreement with Angie. (About both outfits). But it sounds as if you can't size down on the tunic or the fit will be off elsewhere. And as others have said, if there is no love, it doesn't make sense to keep.

It is sometimes hard to tell in advance, though. Sometimes it takes just the right combination of elements in an outfit for you to start feeling the love for a particular piece.

Anonymous

Smittie - I love raglan sleeves. I agree they are good for my shape.

Joy - your question about whether it meets the need is a good one.

Rachylou - a very concise opinion. I do think working hard to make something fit Is a mistake.

Angie - I tried on the top again. Smaller size absolutely won't work for my biceps. I do like structure (if it's not binding) and color. That would always be my ideal.

Pat - makes sense to think of the incoming item as needing to be better than what's already in the closet.

Suz - Angie is easy to agree with

I've decided I don't like enough to keep. I agree there are good things about the top, but ultimately it's not good enough due to the sheerness in back.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Did you try the smaller size, delurked? I see LOTS of room around those biceps! It might not be width of the sleeve that you are sensitive to around your biceps - it's the lack of stretch fabrication, which makes you feel constricted - especially when the armholes of inset sleeves on wovens are cut too deep.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Delurked --

Good call to return -- I think you'll find something that has that same vibe but fits well on the shoulder. [You can have the sleeves taken in, which I find helps me from feeling shapeless, but the shoulder line isn't a simple fix.]

The pieces that are 95% there are so much harder to send back!

LaPed

Veteran

That EB sweater is awesome! That's my favorite kind of outfit too: simple with just enough structure, and perfect colors. Nothing new to add, but I struggle with voluminous garments too, especially the unstructured ones. I think returning the top is a good call. Lots of white shirts in the world.

Anonymous

Angie - I will check in the smaller size, but think it was on clearance and not sure if they have it. I am very (overly) sensitive to the feeling of being constricted. I just can't stand that feeling, and it does skew me to larger sizing and knits in general.

Vix - you're right. The very good and very bad are easy decisions. The almost rights are harder to let go of.

LP - I like the long over lean on others, and that was my original intent with the white top. But in more tunic style tops, I feel like if it doesn't skim my sides, it often makes me just look bigger overall. Hence why the EB sweater is a fave. It skims but isn't too tight. Long over lean probably accentuates my IT shoulders though. Maybe I will enjoy it more on others.

Penny

Veteran

Definitely know how you feel! Every time I hesitate - assessing angle after angle in the fitting room or leaving an item in my cart online - it's probably not right, whereas when it's love and I don't need to ponder, it almost always works out. But I still have to talk myself out of proceeding with some items that seem to check all the boxes of something I want or need . . .

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