June Challenge Week 1 RECAP - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

June Challenge Week 1 RECAP

Anonymous

Part of my June Challenge is to amp up my casual-wear wardrobe. This has been the most challenging part of dressing for me for all time. I tend to wear those clothes that I wouldn't wan't to be seen in public wearing. So I made the decision that I am going to (1) give myself permission to wear my nicer clothes just to "hang out;" and (2) don't worry if those nicer clothes get dirty or stained. Wear them and enjoy them.

The reason I wear my old clothes is I always tell myself I might spill or I might be cleaning and I'll ruin them. Not this month.

I think it will feel strange at first, but I hope as the month progress, I'll get used to it and enjoy it.

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Anonymous

For June 2, I am duplicating yesterday's outfit. I am also washing my face, doing my hair, and putting on lipstick. Yay.

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.

With TorontoGirl's Help. This is the start of my June Challenge Capsule.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

jska222

Good for you!!! Everyone deserves to look their best at anytime. Good luck I hope you keep it up!

Anonymous

Thank you, jska222. You made me feel so much better.

June 3. Getting dressed today was really hard. I wanted to be professional, yet really comfortable. I wanted my clothes to feel a bit like a cocoon. I finally settled on what I feel is a fast fallback option (aka lazy). I am a little embarrassed because I don't seem to really be amping up my style. I did add a third piece though.

On a side note, the shoes Angie recommended arrived yesterday.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Franco Sarto Women's Holt Flat

View Info

Top Pick

6

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Sterling, what did you think of the shoes? Mine arrived yesterday too, and I'm not sure they're going to work for me :(. I found them short... my heel barely barely covers the back. And the shape of the toe box was pressing against my big toe. And this was in the larger of my two sizes! I have just ordered a half size up to see if that helps, but I fear they are then going to be too wide.

Anonymous

I didn't try them on yet. I walked by the box maybe a hundred times, but I never got around to taking them out of the box. I'll get back to you this evening.

Olivegreen

I relate to the wearing of good clothes while you are young and they are in style
It took me some real weeding out to where I had one outfit to paint in and the rest were not disreputable. I think the husband is appreciative. I know the Fed Ex guy is...

shedev

Veteran

Sterling, what would you rate the outfit?

Elizabeth P, sorry to hear about the shoes.

Gigi

Veteran

Sterling, this is a great challenge! I used to wear old clothes just to hang out too, but when I got more interested in fashion, I began wearing what I would call "smart casual" clothes to just hang out. It really has made a difference in how I feel about myself and how I view myself. I think you are right that as you do it more, it will feel more natural. Good luck to you.

As for the fear of ruining your clothes, I would invest in a couple of aprons. It's really easy if you get the hankering to clean the bathroom just to throw on an apron and go. It is also handy if you decide to eat spaghetti for supper--if you're like me, you'll drop it all over whatever it is you're wearing!

Anonymous

Shedev ... my challenge is not getting off to a stellar start. I am really happy with these new pants and am wearing them often, but they are a new style for me and it is taking some getting used to them. I am rating my outfits as in the "7" range. Still not there.

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

$248.00 $123.98

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

Anonymous

June 4: I am wearing white jeans today. I don't wear white jeans as confidently as Angie but I continue to practice. I am not dressed yet, but I will rate this outfit an "8." Again, I added a third piece.

I love the idea of adding a third piece. I hear so many people say that they are cold in an air conditioned environment. I rarely get cold and the third piece can sometimes be sweltering. But it is a personal goal to add a third piece to every work ensemble.

There is no bookending. The shoes are white and my hair is dark brown. I always thought we wanted our shoes to match our pants to lengthen the leg. When did that change?

I'll take a picture later today and evaluate my look.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

I am on vacation today, but keeping with the June Challenge I am wearing the Eileen Fisher pants and my favorite white tee shirt. I feel well dressed and very comfortable. Rating is still an "8" though.

I love these pants and I will not be returning them because they serve a very important function in my wardrobe. I am aware that the volume in the pant draws the focus directly to my hips. It is something I will get use to in time. My first step will be avoid volume over volume and to wear more fitted tops. I will also pay attention to where the top cuts across my body. I'll experiment with different lengths until I figure out which one is best.

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

$248.00 $123.98

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

Inge

(website)

I'm following along with interest, Sterling, so thanks so much for posting your thoughts on this challenge.
Those trousers are stunning, and I see they are fast becoming a wardrobe workhorse for you. I'm also holding thumbs the Holt flats will work out for you (Elizabeth, sorry to hear they are not working for you-( They will add outfit interest too.
Brilliant also that you are experimenting with different top silhouettes to go with the trousers.

About the third piece, it really comes in handy to feel more pulled together, I agree, but if a cardi, jacket or other topper are too warm for you in higher temps, then how about thinking of jewellery as your third piece instead? (unless you can't stand wearing jewellery in the heat either). A statement necklace, interesting bracelet and or watch, eye-catching earrings can go a long way in adding visual interest too.

And if a third piece just isn't an option, tops and footwear with interesting details can make a look feel more pulled together and "dressed" too. E.g. tops with high-low hemline, asymmetrical detailing, an unusual colour, fun or bold pattern, zipper detailing, colour blocking, textural interest (nubby texture, open-weave sweater, ...). Patterned, animal print, colour blocked footwear, a sandal in a bright colour, patent or metallic shoes to add some sheen etcetera. An interesting belt can amp up the style factor too.

Anonymous

Week 1 did not get off to a stellar start.

I did define the outfits that were expected to form the backbone of the Challenge, but I didn't choose to wear them. I felt a bit lazy and out of sorts. There just wasn't a strong urge to put forth much effort.

I confirmed that I am frequently comfortable wearing the same thing over and over again. Hence, my success during Laura's 30 x 30 challenge earlier this year.

I resorted to a tee shirt five out of the six documented days. This is fine since it is summer, but it doesn't amp up my style quotient. I usually rate these outfits anywhere from a "6" to an "8."

I did add a third piece twice. Those were the days I felt best about my outfit. In fact, my favorite outfits during the work week were on 6/3 and 6/4. I attribute this to the third piece.

A totally unexpected favorite was 6/6. It was not one of my defined work or casual outfits. I just couldn't decide what to wear and reached for this particular top. I am glad I did because it was my favorite outfit of all six shown.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

shedev

Veteran

I really liked the light tee with slouchy pants, both days.

I had two outfits that were personal 10s for me, and 1 was a 9. I spent 1 day in lounge wear. I spent some time thinking about what I'd rather be wearing for the ones I wasn't happy with. It has already opened up some holes for me.

Joy

Veteran

It looks like you learned lots from your first week of the challenge even if you didn't feel like some of them worked. There was a time when I felt a complete failure at casual wear. Angie's smart casual and Mom on the Go ensembles and capsules have been the perfect fix. My fall-back has been dark denim bottoms with a dressier top. I like easy care buttondowns and knit tops that aren't tees or tees that are not cotton knit, like silk or linen, and with diagonal sleeves. You are doing great!

Sal

Veteran

There are some great looks here Sterling. I agree the third piece lifts those outfits but of course sometimes a simple tee is what you feel like wearing. Your tees fit you well so they do look good.

You are learning more about yourself anyway, as am I!!

Jeweled

Veteran

Sterling, thank you for posting about this! I'm following along with interest because I've recently told myself it's OK to wear new clothes when I'm just hanging around the house - I don't have to wait to wear them in public. I work at home, so if I don't wear my new stuff at home, I won't have as many opportunities to wear it. Also, I just don't feel good about myself if I spend the day in schlumpy old clothes.

This is my roadblock: When I was growing up, it was strongly instilled in me that anything new or special should be saved "for good" - for rare special occasions, not for everyday.

I've had to confront some deep-seated guilt about breaking that rule, so I've been baby-stepping into it.

I started by wearing the new items that cost the least. I'm still in that zone, but plan to work my way up gradually. I've been overcoming the same issue as you, Sterling, "what if this new item gets dirty or stained?"

I decided to keep an older (but still nice) t-shirt and pants handy that I can quickly change into if I'll be doing something like cleaning that might damage my clothes. As soon as I'm finished with the cleaning or whatever, I return to wearing the newer outfit I was wearing. I like Gigi's idea of aprons, too.

Also, I'm wearing earrings every day, and sometimes a necklace also. That makes me feel pulled-together too.

Anyway, I'm cheering you on, Sterling! Thank you.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Sterling --

A (guilty) laugh of recognition from me regarding wearing stuff you wouldn't wear in public around the house. I've tried to change but keep relapsing -- and I don't think I've ever looked as pulled together as you when trying!

So wishing you luck instilling this new habit....

I too really like the new pants with the T on 6/1 and 6/5. I like the fitted + slightly slouchy silhouette.

And the first capri outfit looks perfect for casual wear.

I was wondering what might make a good 3rd piece in general given your thoughts/leanings I see you have an open vest thing-y on your capsule list. Please break that out and report back, ha!

carter

Veteran

So sorry to have been so absent this week. My husband had shoulder surgery on Tuesday, and I've been on call ever since. Finally got him back to work this morning and trying to catch up. I have been very good about recording my outfits and ranking the ones I like. I did have a couple days this week that just felt so blah, I neither photographed nor ranked (I did record them though!). Counting today (because it's my favorite so far), I've had 3 10s and 2 9s so far this month. I should clarify that my 9s and 10s are not ranked from a stylish perspective but rather based on how I feel in them.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

You look fabulous, Carter.

Joy

Veteran

About jewelry as a third piece. I like casual necklaces and often use a stone medallion or shell on a leather "chain" or lightweight beads like strung Zulu grass. One of my favorites is a simple strand of coffee beans. It is light weight. Casual bracelets of wood or small beads or the braided friendship bracelet style, worn loosely so you don't feel them are a favorite too.

viva

Veteran

Sterling, I love reading/hearing about your challenges dressing for just "hanging out." I can relate to a day where "putting on lipstick" is a major fashion accomplishment. When I work from home (frequently) there are days when I really have to fight the urge to stay in my pajamas. Good for you for pushing through.