June Challenge Week 1 - YouLookFab Forum

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June Challenge Week 1

Anonymous

I want to do a personal clothing challenge in June. I invite anyone that is interested to join me. I suggest that each of us define our own personal challenge based on individual style goals. Depending on your challenge, you can decide how you want to post your accomplishments. You are welcome to post on this thread. I'll start a new thread every week.

My personal challenge for June is to define 10 outfits for work using clothing I currently own. I will define an additional 4 outfits for casual wear. All of the outfits must make me feel absolutely fabulous. The type of outfit that you wouldn't mind running into an old boyfriend while wearing.

I would like to use as much of my existing wardrobe as possible. This is to a challenge focusing on minimalism. If certain items don't get worn, then I would to identify them and figure why they are not being pulled out more. It could be that my style is changing. If that is the case, I have to decide whether those pieces should remain in my wardrobe or not. Wardrobe holes might become apparent during the challenge. If so, I want to identify them and put them on a list to purchase in July.

Here is what I learned at the start of the June Challenge. My work wardrobe is in really good shape. I easily defined 10 outfits. In fact, stopping at 10 outfits was disappointing. There were so many more that that I wanted to pull out and define for summer wear.

I did not have really high hopes of defining even 4 outfits for casual wear that are at least an "8." I defined two outfits that make me quite happy. Both of the outfits are based on the same pair of white jeans with either a black or grey tee shirt. The jeans fit me really well and are a step up from what I normally wear so I am quite happy.

My goal is to document what I wear each day in June. I will rate each outfit in terms appropriateness, comfort, style, and overall, happiness.

Below is a sampling of my June Challenge Database (Not yet completed)

Bottom Eileen Fisher Slim Ponte Pants

Bottom Gap Inverted Pleat Skirt

Bottom Gap True Straight Heathered Grey

Bottom Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt

Bottom Old Navy Diva Skinny Jeans (Straight)

Bottom Eileen Fisher Silk Crepe Pleat Trousers (Midnight)

Top Halogen® Tie Neck Sleeveless Top

Top Ann Taylor Camisole w/Lace Border

Top J Jill Studio Perfect Tank Top

Top Nordstrom Split neck multimedia casual top

Top Madewell Linen Miracle Tee Shirt in Grey

Top Joe Fresh V-neck tee shirt

Top Gap short sleeve crew neck tee shirt

Topper Bobeau Long Open Front Vest

Topper JJill Light and Soft Silk Cardigan

Topper Talbots three-quarter sleeve cardigan w/floral detail

Shoes Crocs Unisex Modi Flip Flop

Thanks for reading this far.

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

From Amiable:

I love a good challenge, and am actually getting in to my summer wardrobe weather-wise. So I think I'll join in. I like Carter's challenge, and will copy it by challenging myself to:
1- photo every outfit (and post them)
2- rate the outfits and items
3- purge what doesn't work (probably by selling them)
4- make capsules of the items worth keeping. I've never tried this, and like the idea.
I'm travelling the first 4 days of June, so it'll be a true challenge to even get through #1. But we are moving sometime soon, and my space for clothes will be smaller, so I have a similar motivation to carter to downsize.

Anonymous

From Carter:

I'm definitely in, but I'm still trying to articulate the challenge part/steps of what I hope to accomplish. Perhaps you guys have some thoughts to help me nail this down.
Some background. At the end of Summer 2016, we will become empty nesters, so we'll be doing a huge downsizing. The house will go on the market sometime next Spring, so at that point, I will want only my hot weather things that I am definitely keeping to be in my closet. All cold weather items that are definitive keepers will be packed. All non-keepers will be long since purged.
So, my goals for the Summer are to determine the keepers and purge the rest. At the same time, I am regularly tracking my daily WIWs and finding the information extremely helpful. Given that, I don't want to do something that will artificially skew my tracking.
So here's what I'm thinking as the first steps for June. Would love some feedback/thoughts.
1. record every WIW
2. rate every WIW, with a goal of at least 20 9s or 10s
3. continue to rate each item (1-5) and note which are to be purged at the end of Summer
4. Compile and photo the entire capsule (all in one photo) of the "best of" items for the month. I did this near the end of the 30x30 challenge, and it was hugely eye-opening.
I'm thinking that if I do basically the same thing each month through the end of hot weather, I should be very clear about what stays and what goes. Thoughts?

Anonymous

From Laura:

Anyone else decide what they are going to do? I like the idea of wearing everything in your closet (/in a category/weather appropriate) once before starting again - kind of a wardrobe whip-around. If I tried it it would probably take me more than a month, although maybe not if I just included the hot weather items which are pretty thin on the ground this year since I gained a bit of weight back since last summer.
I had thought that I might do a 30x30, but only for weekdays - that would end up as more of a 22x22, I guess...

Anonymous

From Lisap:

I like this too - and like Janet, if I were doing it, I'd tweak it to try to use all the tops (for example ) in my closet and force myself to try to make an outfit out of them. I'm kind of scared to do it though as I suspect it would result in a massive culling of clothes that don't work or don't fit anymore. I'm not in a great place with my summer clothes this year as very little of it fits anymore, and I haven't replaced ANYTHING. I'm quite stuck right now . I certainly don't have 10 different work outfits though without repeating bottoms over and over again. Ugh, sorry, I'm descending into feeling-sorry-for-myself territory .
This really is all about putting more thought into dressing, isn't it? I will be following along with great interest, and now have to go back and read the older 30-30 challenge posts which I must have missed.

Mellllls

Veteran

what a neat idea--i would maybe do this but it would have to be in july for me because of my travel schedule.

carter

Veteran

Thanks for doing the copy/paste, Sterling! Couldn't manage it from my tablet. Amiable just post hers on the other thread as well, in case you haven't seen it yet.

ETA...nevermind, you are way ahead of me as usual!

Anonymous

From TorontoGirl:

Hi Sterling, this sounds like a great challenge! Looking forward to seeing your outfit choices and hearing how it all goes!
I love a good challenge, so here will be mine for June:
Wear only my 'deep' color palette which I've just gotten an analysis for and see how it feels for me.
Stick to my classics list for purchasing and wearing: (http://www.matchbookmag.com/ch.....closet.pdf). I know these don't work for many people, but for me, with sensible interpretation, they are perfect. Adding city shorts, jeans shorts, and a maxi dress to the list.
Inspired by Sterling, do my hair every day. I've observed that 1/2 the time when "my outfit isn't working" it's actually my scruffy ponytail that's doing me in. This will be the hardest part, even though 'doing my hair' is really just a quick blowdry.

Anonymous

I tried to capture everyone's earlier post that expressed some interest in the June Challenge. Remember this is not a commitment cast in stone. It is a personal challenge to yourself to grow on the style front. Anything goes. We are here to support you in achieving your own personal goals.

If I did not include you on this post, I was uncertain as to whether you wanted to be included. I certainly did not mean to overlook or omit anyone. Please add your own post (if I missed anyone).

Anonymous

Mellllis. Consider joining us in July. My personal challenge might be different, but I will still be doing something. Take care.

Anonymous

From RunCarla:

I'm in, Sterling. My closet is minimalist, but I'm pretty sure that I can put together 10 different outfits for work. I'm going to allow myself 5 weekend outfits because I have a few days off this month, and also because our weather has been quite changeable - 30degC (Hot and humid) one day, and 8degC (cold and rainy) the next.

Anonymous

From KiwiGal:

I am going to take five bottoms and five toppers and wear them three different ways in the month. I will have the choice of footwear and tops.
My goal is to mix things up a bit. With a kitchen renovation I am likely to spend more time in painting clothes this month and I want to have a little flexibility for some evening and sporting events that we are attending.
I will photograph the looks and share at the end of the month.
My pieces are
Toppers- red leather jacket, black boyfriend jacket, khaki parka. Blue merino tunic, kimono
Bottoms: black skinnies, black pencil skirt, grey A line skirt, straight jeans, patterned harems.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I had hoped to join this challenge but every time I think about defining things it makes me anxious. I think I will spend June analyzing what I do wear with your fabulousness test in mind (ie feeling great running into an old boyfriend or crush). Right now I have a number of new items and older items that fit again, so I don't yet know what even works together! Perhaps by July I will be challenge ready... But I will be cheering you all from the sidelines in June!

Staysfit

Veteran

So, I didn't see this before I posted, but my June challenge is to not spend any more money on clothes. I went on my last shopping spree today. I have finished a one year cycle of transitioning my closet completely. I have reduced it's overall contents by more than 2/3. My plan it to track wears and try to figure out how much repetition I feel comfortable with. I think I like variety, but it's not clear how much? I am only going to replace items that wear out or get used up. For example my running sneakers, or my perfume and cosmetics.

My goal carries through July and mid August also. I may decide to do some minor updates for the fall. I have learned a few things about my style that I didn't know last August when I started my first purchases, so I may want to make a few shifts. Very few though.

I am not sure about specific defining of outfits. I have never been that organized. I have a system for tracking wears. It's easy and I have learned how to use it. I was hoping to spend less time and mental energy involved in my wardrobe so I can free up space for something else. Not sure yet what that will be?

Sharon

Veteran

I really like this idea, and have put together a plan for 2 weeks of outfits, 8 work and 6 casual. I haven't counted how many items I am using from my wardrobe, but I want to develop a set of outfits that are all 10's for me and that I am happy to repeat for the rest of winter. I will attempt to photograph and describe each outfit at the end of the week.

Anonymous

Great goal. Staysfit.

Sharon. I am shooting for all "10s" as well. I mentioned "8s" because I worried I might never achieve the elusive "10." You have inspired me try harder.

So reading posts from other women, my new June Challenge is NOT to limit myself in any way. I want to create work/casual outfits that make me feel fabulous.

SarahTheWhite. You and I have essentially the same challenge for June. I am just one tiny step ahead of you. Good luck coordinating your wardrobe.

Melaine

(website)

oh I really want to participate. I am sure my challenge should relate to at least photos of WIW and being more deliberate about style and accessories. I can't believe it's June! Today I am packing up the kids for a few days at the lake so I will give this some thought and chime in soon.

Anonymous

Glad you can join us, Melanie.

Anonymous

June 1: Todays outfit is on the work-casual side of things because I have multiple meetings that I have to sit through and comfort was foremost in my mind when I got dressed this morning.

Bottom: Eileen Fisher Silk Crepe Pleat Trousers (Midnight)

Top: Apartment 9 fitted white tee shirt (not sheer in the least)
Shoes: Clark 2" heeled sandals
Belt: Black with silver buckle
Jewelry: Sterling silver bracelet cuff and pearl earrings.

The accessories are black and I am fine with mixing the black with the midnight blue. I wasn't sure I would like it, but it is fine.

I am really happy with this outfit. It is comfortable and appropriate for sitting all day. I rate it an "8." I might have elevated the rating if I had added a topper of some sort.

Finally, I think I need a more fitted top to complement the fullness of the trousers.

Eileen Fisher Silk Crepe Pleat Trousers (Regular & Petite) (Online Only)

$248.00 $123.98

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viva

Veteran

Sterling, I did not see the original post so I am responding here. Thanks for doing this. I've been absent for a while and looking to plug back in -- this challenge will help. I'm in.

I'm stealing from Carter and Amiable.

Like Carter, we are on the very brink of empty nest. DH the elder moves to NYC on Wednesday, and DH the younger is pretty much on her own already. We have decided to list our house for sale in August. So the summer is all about downsizing stuff, purging, and preparing for sale. I'm trying not to buy anything, really, including clothing. (However, I am in need of some sandals, so I am leaving myself that opening.)

A variation on Amiable's strategy is doable for me. For the month of June, I will:

1- photo every outfit
2 - post one WIW a week, including (at least) the best and the worst
3 - purge what doesn't work (after asking for styling advice)
4 - refrain from new clothing purchases

I'm excited about this. Thank you!

Susie

Veteran

I have been tracking what I wear for over 2 years now. And I usually have 10 outfits (or more) hanging together in my closet, ready to go. I am quick to purge things that aren't working for me. Overall, my wardrobe and my closet are in good shape.

However...I've done a lot of shopping this year. So my challenge for myself is to wear all the new items in my closet. Counting everything that I have purchased since January, I probably have a dozen pieces that I have not yet worn. That's pretty bad, isn't it?

Today I am wearing 2 new items- red leather pumps and a black kimono style jacket- so I am off to a good start.

Anonymous

Welcome Viva and Susie.

Joy

Veteran

I am joining you with a challenge to myself to shop my closet for new ways to wear what I have while trying to decide what should be edited out and/or updated. I hope to post my outfits for your help. Today's is on a separate thread and involves all pieces at least 2 years old but never worn together. Inspiration was Angie's orange capsule for her older client. Lesson... Try some new color combinations.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ge-capsule
Thank you for getting me thinking about how I needed to challenge myself.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to try to participate, but June is super busy for me. The challenge will definitely have something to do with the fact that I just did a complete closet overhaul (today I took 10 bags of clothing and shoes for donation). I will have to think on this and re-visit.

Anonymous

Welcome Joy. I so look forward to seeing your amazing ensembles. I am certain I will learn a lot.

Hi Karie. Jump in whenever time permits.

Anonymous

June 2:

Working offsite today so the outfit can be more casual. While doing the 30 x 30, I discovered that I could literally wear my grey ponte pants three or four times a week. I will pair the grey ponte pants with a white tee shirt. This is going to be one of my "casual" outfits." It is event appropriate and extremely comfortable.

Eileen Fisher Slim Ponte Pants (Regular & Petite)

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Meredith

I'll join this challenge, too. I like Susie's idea of putting outfits together ahead of time. My challenge for the month is to spend more time planning outfits in advanced, track everything I wear, and to feel ex-boyfriend-ready every day.

Anonymous

Welcome Meredith N. It is ALWAYS worthwhile to feel exboyfriend ready. I did not achieve this goal today. I am wearing lounge pants/white gap tee shirt. And although I ran a comb through my hair, I haven't done much else. If an exboyfriend came the door, I would hide in the bedroom closet. This is what I consider a "fail."

Meredith

Your reply made me laugh, Sterling. Be proud! Don't hide in a closet. Rock that lounge pants look.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I figured out what I'm going to do! I thought of several complicated approaches but decided to keep it simple with everything else going on in my life right now. I'm just going to keep track of what I wear everyday, and then at the end of the month calculate how many unique items I wore. I was wondering all through the 30x30 what a reasonable number for me was, when I wasn't artificially limiting my choices, so this will get me another data point, and in a month where the weather can be all over the place, too.

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