Learning from 2022 and planning for 2023 - YouLookFab Forum

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Learning from 2022 and planning for 2023

Irina

Veteran

2022 was one of the most difficult years of my life. Unfortunately, some serious concerns will follow us into the new year as well but I hope for the best.

This has been a year of extremes - when lows were hitting the bottom and highs were soaring.

I met some of my goals, amended others and failed more than once.

I finally came to appreciate athletic clothes and found my way to wear it. It became a part of my wardrobe and using it reflects the lifestyle changes that happened in 2022. So, it is true to who I am ATM.

My biggest failure is overbuying, something that I aimed to curb in 2022. My number of new clothes exceeded 24, the goal I had for the year.

I can find lots of excuses for that but no matter. I love fashion, love clothes but I also would love to experience it without any guilt attached. Having too much, trying to wear it all precludes me from identifying workhorses in my wardrobe.

Overbuying is my only problem when it comes to fashion. I don’t experience frustration when most colors in retail don’t speak to me or when I can’t find something specific. Despite having issues with limited offerings of petite sizes or my fussy feet, I don’t despair. There is still such an abundance of everything that there is always, always something else available. I like too many things! But I have to learn to love them from the distance. I can not possess everything I like & can afford & looks great on me (I think) & I don’t own & etc

So, work needs to be done here. This is my main goal for 2023.

Another one is what I should be considering. My wardrobe has been assembled in more practical than fun way, so it is essentials heavy. For the second year, I want to look for items with personalities. One might call them statements but I would prefer them to be subtle yet interesting. I don’t think I have an eye to spot such items right away, so it remains a challenge. There are also budget constraints or rather my own comfort level in $$ spent on an individual piece.
I have a small list of garments on my shopping list, mostly as reminder to be ready to replace some much loved but old pieces before they give up. I don’t have any statements on my list, I can’t predict those.

As I look into the future, in 2023 , I want to be hopeful on so many levels. Fashion is a tiny fraction of it, yet it is something I can more or less control. I want to continue experience joy it brings even if feels shallow at times.

Thank you for reading my ramblings! All opinions expressed will be greatly appreciated.

Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Irina, your last paragraph. is so poignant. I'm sorry it has been a tough year for you, and glad it has also included some happier moments, both emotionally and on a fashion front. Your trip for instance -- all that gorgeous fuchsia!

You always look fantastic! You incorporated sneakers and Athleisure into your daily style like a true pro. It's very interesting that you feel if you buy too much, you can't identify workhorses. I guess I'm less analytical, more of an emotional shopper and dresser, because even when I overbuy, the true winners shine out -- probably because I don't force myself to wear the other stuff. I decide it was a mistake, try to identify why, and move on, or, if it does not feel like a mistake, I simply wait a while, because I've learned that for me, certain items take a while to come into their own. At the same time, I identify with your sense that a surfeit really is too much, it is overwhelming, and a "just-right" sized wardrobe (which will differ for each of us) is much, much more fun to play in! I'm also in a process of whittling out some chaff and recommitting to a slightly tighter closet.

I also tend to buy essentials and miss out on the fun pieces. It's a long term habit. I agree that often it is the design details that make a piece more interesting and enjoyable and that often translates to higher cost for individual items. Then, if I don't wear them, I feel more guilt about that....

I always feel inspired by your crisp, modern, and interesting style! Brava!

Minaminu

Veteran

Sorry to hear 2022 has been a very difficult year for you. When I see your outfits, you always look polished, refined and modern so you did an amazing job this year, considering all challenges!

Essentials are core pieces that make statement pieces go a long way, I wouldn't worry too much about overbuying them as they are key for any sound outfit.

I wish you lots of success for your 2023 plans!

Joy

Veteran

Congratulations on doing the work. You will be successful because of it. I am sorry it has been a tough year and hope your closet brings some joy this coming year. I also buy too much, especially classic stuff.

Your goal of adding 24 new pieces or 2 a month sounds very doable and I plan to aim for that in the new year. As Suz says, your style is inspiring.

Anonymous

Hopefully 2023 is a calmer year for you! There's definitely such a thing as too many essentials, but I like the idea of subtle statements!

slim cat

Veteran

Sorry for 2022 being a tough year - hope the next one is better and more gentle for you! You always look great - polished, sophisticated, modern and self assured ( if I may to put it this way ).
Your newfound stylish gear pieces look amazing on you!

Runcarla

Veteran

Funny how 2022 was tough on so many of us, and maybe even tougher than 2021 or 2020? I think, in our defence, many of us made ‘safe’ fashion decisions - replacing basics and choosing classic pieces and taking fewer risks with our style.

I really appreciate the elegant modern slant of your outfits. They exude calmness as well as a certain luxe, whilst also being relatable. Your hair style and light touch with cosmetics is harmonious and consistent with your vibe. Carry on!

LJP

Veteran

I too am sorry to hear that 2022 was challenging . I hope you have the support and resources you need to get through it . I’m an over buyer too , and your comments about how we don’t have to buy every fabulous/perfect thing we see really hit home . I love your style and it’s always inspirational for me . Keep on being stylish and chic !

CarolS

Veteran

Here’s to better things in 2023, Irina! Like Lisa, I always find your style inspirational, and a bit enviable. I look forward to seeing how your style evolves in the year ahead.

Fellow over buyer here trying to learn the lesson that I don’t have to own everything that fits or looks reasonably good on me!

unfrumped

Veteran

Also hoping for a better year for you.
I think you have done well to identify some of the “ corrections “ you think are right for your wardrobe and style journey in the coming year.

I too have allowed myself to add things that perhaps are quite good, but unnecessary enough that the result is trouble storing conveniently and/ or not having enough occasions for wear. I have somehow still felt I had to buy something if it was there, looked good.
Not to mention outright mistakes by cutting tags too hastily. Working on that.

Irina

Veteran

Thank you all for many kind words and wishes.

I hope we all have a better next year!

RobinF

Veteran

I always love your outfits, so chic. I know what you mean about enjoying fashion but without guilt. For me, if I make a fashion mistake I have a hard time letting go, because of the guilt associated with it. I am trying to be better about that, both not making mistakes and letting them go. It happens, I know it does, but I hate "wasting" the money.

Sorry this has been a rough year for you, I have had those myself and know playing with fashion can feel shallow but also be a fun outlet.

Bijou

Veteran

Irina, sorry to hear that 2022 has been a challenging year. I see fashion as one of my hobbies, so the fact that I may spend more of my time or money on it, is no worse than my friend who loves his motorbikes…. So much of what you have written resonates with me, although as someone with a statement heavy wardrobe, I need to focus on making sure my essentials are updated and limit my statement purchases. I love your perspective on not needing to find a specific item as there is an abundance of great fashion and my actual needs are generally limited to simple updates of gear and underwear that has worn out.

You have amazing style and it is always a pleasure to see your WIW posts. I am excited to see what fabulous items you find in 2023.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Irina I hope things go better for you in 2023. Your style is fabulous and focusing on finding those interesting pieces should bring enjoyment and dare I say escape. The hunt can be as enjoyable as the acquisition. Best wishes for the new year!

Irina

Veteran

Bijou, you are so right about “actual needs”!

rachylou

Veteran

Cheers to a better 2023!

I think this was a year for over buying as things have opened up and yet are still all over the place…

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Here's to 2023 being better for you than 2022

I know your style is more minimalist, but could one or two well-planned accessories help you to get the 'subtle interest' you're looking whilst still wearing your well loved basics & fitting essentials)?

Nothing flashy (like jewellery), but I was thinking more like a subtly impressive watch or structured hat? It could help to elevate things without being Too Much TM (the trademark of us maximalists, lol).

Feel free to ignore me if you don't like the idea! Just suggesting it in case you feel it would help you push the envelope without leaving your minimalist comfort zone

Irina

Veteran

Zaeobi, thanks for your suggestions. A hat would be nice but near impossible for find something interesting for my child size head. Unless I shop at kids’ stores
I used to wear a watch but now can’t find a model I would like. My DH proposed an Apple watch, so I probably will get that. But considering Apple products are minimalistic don’t know if it would make any difference. My another 2023 goal is to enhance my jewelry collection.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Interesting that you’re going for subtle ways to add interest—almost sounds like my “lurking quirk”. I would not have expected that intersection.

On the hats, why not browse through Target or H&M’s kids departments?

RL, good point about overbuying/people despairing over the diversity available this year!

Irina

Veteran

Stag F, honestly, I was joking about kids departments. There is nothing cute about my style and will never be Perhaps, it a thought for a new thread - “I don’t aspire to look cute or sexy (whatever that means) or tall (why there are always suggestions how petite women should dress to look tall?) or….. (insert you own )

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

An overabundance of cute doesn’t seem to be the issue here. More like how does one distinguish between the many rib knit hats. https://www2.hm.com/en_us/sear.....ge-size=80

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Lol I have the opposite problem - a big old noggin at a 23" circumference (especially when I need space for my hair too), despite my cusp petite height! I've found success with specifically 'large' styles on Etsy, so maybe searching for something like "XXcm fedora" could work for you too? Otherwise one of those hat resizers that you stick inside the inner band area?

Hmm the watch may be trickier - an Apple watch does seem like the right aesthetic, but maybe with a 'subtly interesting' band instead (like a glossy finish, rather than the usual matte black)?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Your last paragraph REALLY RESONATES. Thank you.

Irina, you have your style - and shopping! - honed and always look KILLER fab and polished. It's that simple! Please carry on, and rock on. Love seeing you add skirts and dresses! You soldiered and marveled through your foot injury and had an extra stylish year!

I'm sorry you had a tough 2022, and are carrying challenges into the new year - as I suspect many of us are, unfortunately. There is lots to worry about. It's why I never make fashion and style the stressful part of my life. It's the easy part that I can control, and am always happy and satisfied with. It's always fun, joyful, and relaxing, and never gets me down.

I LOVE the positive and hopeful tone in your post, and am happy to hear you enjoyed soaring highs in 2022 too

Irina

Veteran

Angie and all, thank you for your support and kindness. It is easy to be optimistic on this first day of a brand new year. I have to remind myself not to get too carried away and keep fashion as light and positive hobby or even passion.

lyn67

Veteran

I can so relate-I too feel serious concerns will follow me into the new year as well ...but i cannot do other than hope for the best, too. I have a strong faith that new doors will open when actually stepping on a new way...Take care, stay healthly and keep your sharp minimal style-which many of us admire here!:-)

Jonesy

Veteran

I am very late here, but I wanted to say I'm sorry that you have had to deal with so much stress and difficulty over the past year! I hope 2023 offers some respite and you can find some perfect subtle yet interesting statement pieces to add to your already-fabulous wardrobe.