Forgot to say. Wow Gaylene, very impressive!!!

Lynn, how exciting to finally feel you are at a place in life where you have the confidence and freedom to explore the looks you are so drawn to. Would love to see how that manifests for you!

CarolS, I just read your style statement on your profile page. Please post more often! Besides liking your style for its similarity to my own, I also appreciate how you are moderating this conversation, drawing out each person’s central themes.

Thank you, SF. Blushing a bit... I appreciate the encouragement and will try to contribute where I think I can.

I don't remember being interested in style at all prior to my teen years...and even then, it was more about getting a certain pair of shoes (I remember wanting these Reeboks with pink and blue leather woven into the toe box) or a great outfit for a dance or for the first day of school than it was about projecting a certain, cohesive style.

We moved around a lot when I was growing up, usually lived in cramped quarters, and travelled between my mom's and dad's houses (several states apart) twice a year, so that's probably where my preference for a small mix-and-match wardrobe developed. A lot of my youth was spent living out of suitcases.

In college, I discovered grunge. I dyed my hair green, got my first pair of Converse (they were purple plaid), and basically lived in ripped jeans and flannels, with the occasional tie-dye skirt to break things up.

I got my first pair of Doc Martens on a trip to England in the late 90s and wore them with overalls and baby tees (and sometimes dresses) right up through my pregnancy in 2000/2001.

From there, it was "whatever works for breast-feeding and chasing down a toddler" for a while, and then I lost a lot of weight and basically had to rebuild my wardrobe from scratch. By that point, I was in gear pretty much 24/7.

That coincided with my move to Seattle, and my discovery of YLF. I searched for "Seattle street style" and, at the time, Angie was posting lots of outfits and had a regular feature of "mom on the go" outfits, which was exactly what I was.

The past decade has seen me evolve from trying to find my style by mixing and matching new items I loved into my gear-heavy closet, to building a cohesive wardrobe, piece-by-piece, to being able to slowly upgrade to more sustainable, well-made clothing items.

Thanks for sharing, Jenn. I love that you've kept evolving and moving into your style.

My first fashion memory – even before kindergarten? A yellow dress I
really like and looked forward to wearing. Then a pair of grey and black patent shoes I saw in the store – I didn’t get them but another girl at school (first grade?) had them. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been an observer of what others wear, and sometimes envious. And then in fifth grade – white patent go-go boots – which I did get.

My parents were first generation Americans who grew up during the
Depression, now enjoying the middle-class boom of the 50’s and 60’s. Mom dressed us nicely, but the trendier stuff was an occasional treat.

Funny how shoes stand out as memories from earlier years. I also remember the coolest girls in sixth grade had Ganymede sandals (1960’s). We had to wear dresses, then we could wear pants on Fridays, then we could wear pants every day.

Junior high and high school memories are of the trends – 1920’s/30’s
influenced hi-waist cuffed trousers with novelty tops, bell bottoms, granny dresses, turning jeans into maxi skirts, madras shirts, embroidered jean jackets. A plaid shirt with gold threads and pearlized snaps. Craving the Kork Ease knock offs in Bakers Shoes window at the mall – and finally getting a pair. To be worn with rainbow sox, elephant bells, and a tee shirt with a sequin applique. Frye Campus boots for college!

Mostly middle class white suburban stuff. I watched Soul Train as the disco era dawned. Huk-A-Poo shirts anyone?

In college my eyes popped – the girls from New York and Long Island – groomed, in designer clothes. A new friend wore Ted Lapidus pumps with metal stiletto heels, and carried a silver Fiorucci tote. My summer job money was for books, supplies, and pocket money. Her summer job money was spent on a coyote chubby. A picture in Mademoiselle of Deborah Raffin on a rooftop with the night-time New York skyline
as a backdrop – wearing a blue Ralph Lauren turtleneck, a tweed skirt, and Frye boots.

Crazy combinations for the disco. Sitting with friends in the campus library looking through old bound Vogues.

But my fashion memories are also inextricably linked with self-image and
body “issues.” They weren’t “issues” back then though – you just got teased by classmates and teachers advised you lose to weight. Eeesh!!! Don’t want to harp on it – but it self-consciousness remains a definite undertone to everything I buy.

Summer jobs allowed me to buy more of my own clothes, though I never
went extremely in any direction. If anything Mom would have preferred more femininity in my style. My combinations were definitely oddball to her.

Moving to New York after college opened my eyes even more – street style of every kind, fabulous shops. Still didn’t fit in to any group, but had fun! Always a bit of envy and aspiration.

Marriage and moving to the West Coast in the 1990’s – a grown up. Still
continued to try different things. Still don’t know if I have a “style” (or any style?). Too many memories of purchases, desires, successes and failures!

Sloper, I can fully relate to the thread of self-consciousness running through one's choices. My mother has been perplexed by many of my choices over the years, too. Probably most of them!

You have some amazing items in finds, so I am guessing you do, indeed, have style. I didn't see any WIWs in your profile yet. Maybe you'll feel comfortable to share one of these days?

Sloper, your self-consciousness about your appearance and your love of fashion often come through in your comments. It’s also been good to hear about your PT sessions changing your body and how you feel about it. I hope you’re enjoying getting dressed!

I have many markers but will skip the ones from my adult life now, as no time here for that- but will rather try to remember my very early ones.
My childhood was lived in the era of Big Repression behind the Iron Curtain which divided Europe (and the world) so not much to speak about shopping for clothes with joy at that time, but in my (big) city of birth was a fabric(esp. regarding quality) -and tailor's- heaven, plus every household surely owned a Singer(sewing maschine) and the current OTTO/Quelle heavy magazines were borrowed between them and treated like gold!

We got them from relatives abroad (behind the curtain) who occassionally sent us also a box of their passed on better clothes-for all the family. I remember we kept it under our piano- and for me it was heaven on earth playing dreesing up and organising to my parents and my DBro my own fashion runways with me modelling the obviously never fitting adult clothes pinned and tied on my body in various ways - I just wonder now where I have seen such an event- as media was completely lacking this subject at that time...

Occasionally my DMother took out a piece from the box and made wonders out of it for somebody in the family-especially for me, as men's fashion was not to mess with, "it always shows if not fitting great on them" she said- so men in my family rather went to the tailor and got new--but for us, womens, it was much more easier and creative-and I (we) even enjoyed the DIY process.
I remember many lovely things she sew/adjusted for me from the pieces in the box (which always had the most happy prints and colors) even when a child of 5-6 yrs old and I was always dressed to the 10's.

I remember my parents as old fashioned classic dressers (born in early1930's) and did never wear jeans but when I was like 10 yrs old (so in 1977) my mother managed somehow to get some blue chambrais (so not true denim) fabric and sew me a denim suit of boot cut pants completely with a jean jacket (fake pokets and all) style jacket which even had a happy floral yoke on the soulders- so hippie I would say now!

Surelly, I had my first jeans older than y'all (13 yrs old -in 1980, I think) as jeans acted for the most harmful symbol of the capitalism's devil:-) and so, it was banned from retail and wear. Folks payed enormous amounts of money to get them on the black market(and I did the same when in college). But my first one was smuggled by my DBro who was allowed to travel abroad when a student.
When a teenager my girlfriens and I started sewing our own special trendy pieces- mini skirts, striped pants, geometric folded and embelished summer tops, beach and summer spaghetti ties dresses- do somebody remember "BURDA" magazines with sewing patterns? We did even sew our triangle with ties bikinis from mother's old stretchy turtlenecks...wow those were the times!

Serious clothes were rather done at the tailors-and I remember my cream graduation skirt suit done after a true Chanel pattern, my prom dress form a black dot tulle and a satin blush underdress done by the best seamstress in the city -and I did sew my own half fingered short to wrists black tulle gloves for it to match and make a true statement!:-))
It was beautifull for the venue but I also remember myself reporpousing DM's 20 yrs old reunion teal green&black two sided, fine jaquard on a chantung (I have never met this gorgeous fabric again in my life!!) party sheat and jacket to a mini shift (and bolero) for the in between home parties. I remember strolling on the streets in my matching green kitten heels at night from one party to the other with my peers- and you guess I also wore my black tulle gloves there, too- nobody else had the kind-stiil have them somewhere!:-))

I will stop now, as my eyes got teary just thinking back on this one. I was around 12-13 when needed winter boots on my suddenly grown to adult size feet so DM send us to the "mall" with my DFather to buy one whichever we can find. All dark brown and blacks stompy but not in a fashionable way or heeled for grown ups boots- we didn't like any and was very sad... Then my Father tipped the salesperson to bring out something more fashionable for a teenager---and I got my first mustard(!!) cross between a stompy and riding boots, leather and embroidery on sides....which I wore to death for years to come-and was one of a kind there and then!

Lyn67, well shut my mouth! I never knew where you were from. You’ve just revived my guilt at never getting that pair of Levi’s for my friend in Weimar, even though the wall came down a month after I promised her I would. And you’ve reminded me of how wonderfully creative people were. I recall when the obvious Stasi IM tried to pick me up—“what’s that you’re wearing in your hair? [an intricately painted wooden barrette] Did you make that?” I told him “no, I’m American. We don’t make things; we buy them”. He about fell over, lol.

Lyn67 your memories moved me immensely, thanks for sharing.

I have always loved clothes. Stand out items that I would still love today include when I was 11 years old and no longer wanted elasticated jeans and wanted jeans with a button and fly my eldest brother (by 13 yrs) was tasked to take me shopping for a pair. I came home with the most amazing Gap 'stovies' (skinnies without stretch). They had a cognac leather insert under the back waist band and around the openings in the rear pockets (all Gap jeans had closed pockets with eyelet openings - not sure if eyelet is the correct word). This was 1977 and these jeans were super hip, others were mostly still in flares and wide legs. I still love a great pair of jeans today. Same Brother got elected to take me shoe shopping at the same age when I told my mother I hated the slip-on boat-style shoes she had bought me. I got a fabulous pair of mules/clogs, very ala 1977 with a bit of platform heel. The 'real' navy Swedish clogs followed soon after. Then the first pair of 'heeled' sandals a year later, red canvas wedges - so pretty. Maybe I sound spoiled but actually my family was quite low on cash and my Mom generously spent her savings she had made from the weekly grocery budget on me from time to time. Still love clogs and wedges to this day. Also an amazing denim shirt dress stands out for me in 1977. Light blue canvas Converse high-tops in 1979 stand out for me. I was the first girl in my school to get a pair, only the boys were wearing black ones until then. Then I found a light blue baker boy cap to match. It was my signature look at 13

My teens/early 20's in the 80's were a riot of color!
In the 90's my divorce co-incided with the grunge era and my entire closet was black for at least 3 years, which suited where I was psychologically. Not that I was depressed but I read somewhere once that wearing all black all the time often co-incides with carving a new path for yourself. Almost like a blank canvas.

In my 30's and 40's totally focused on growing and running my business. Not too much thought to a particular style and fell into the trap of buying clothes I liked, not ones that necessarily suited me or worked together.
50 years and retired, my yearning to find MY style led me to YLF and I have learned so much here! I am more and more confident with my choices every day.

I talk a lot about dresses and skirts fitting me best; but in truth, I've always loved them.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. My mother made me a prairie dress (with pinafore and sunbonnet) which I wore as Laura Ingalls for multiple Halloweens, and quite a few times otherwise.

When I in early elementary years, I distinctly remember walking into a fabric store with my mother and grandmother. I saw a pink calico print on a table and went OOOH... They made me a beautiful dress out of that. I still have it, and the matching doll dress. I wore it until I literally grew out of it. There's something about the leg freedom of a full skirt, as well as the pretty factor.

I only stopped wearing dresses (outside of church) at older ages because they weren't very available, and I grew older and got too shy to ask for my mother to make them. By the time I was in junior high and high school, the only dresses were boring non-swirly things, or super short that were uncomfortable on someone my height. (I do not look back on 90s fashion with affection.) Swirly, pretty dresses were horribly, embarrassingly out of style. So I wore jeans, preferably shorts (Leg freedom!), but also long ones. The fit got ever more challenging as I grew into my figure and my height. It wasn't all a dismal wasteland, though; my high school graduation dress was blue, made from the Ever After pattern.

Finally I gained some confidence in my later college years and found what worked. The campus uniform was not for me (sorority t-shirts and low-rise bootcuts or spandex gauchos, and ON flipflops with everything), but I ended up with a flared denim skirt that I actually felt good in. Darted cotton blouses paired really well with this style, and sandals (not flipflops). I also found that ebay had a very wide selection of vintage clothing, so I started finding less crazy-obvious pieces and incorporating them. That was the real start of my grown-up style.

Now, I'm off to take a walk around the neighborhood in my flared periwinkle linen dress, hat, and espadrilles!

One change in style happened to me 20+ years ago when I moved to Canada. All my life I was expected to dress feminine and wear dresses. When I came, I brought very small wardrobe but in it I had 6 dresses and only 2 pairs of pants and one jeans. All my dresses were custom made for me. In my first year, I bought 2 more dresses, struggled to find right fit in my preferred midi length. I gave up on dresses soon after, I like pants better anyway and there was no one to criticize me anymore
I donated old dresses, they were too dressy for my new lifestyle. I wore jeans almost exclusively for a couple of years before I started my office job. In the following years, I occasionally bought a casual, summer dress and a few evening dresses. Recently, I started to wear shirt dresses over pants or jeans. Never say never but I honestly don’t expect my attitude towards dresses to change any time soon.

StagFash and Carol - thanks for the kind words!!

So sorry I haven't responded earlier -- between work and taking my parents to an appointment it has been a busy day!

To every one of you who has taken the time to share your story and your experience, thank you and WOW. You are all so eloquent in your telling, so insightful about yourselves and your experiences, and so generous to share your memories. Thank you.

Irina - I'm happy you get to make your own decisions about your relationship with dresses now -- being bound by the expectations of others is no fun!

Nemosmom - I love the concept of "homing from work"! How cool that you wanted to dress like dad! As you learned early on, fitting in can be over-rated!

Ginger -- I love that you loved LHOP so much and that the dresses resonated so strongly with you. I bet that little dress was and still is adorable. I'm sure it's a delight to see you strolling down the street in your lovely periwinkle dress!

Star -- I love the clarity of your memory around specific items. It's amazing how seemingly small things imprint on our hearts and minds. What a fascinating concept that wearing all black can indicate a period of reinvention. That really resonates with me right now!

Lynn67 - What an amazing journey. We complain a bit today about restrictions brought about by the pandemic, but we have no idea what real restriction is. Your mother's creativity is an inspiring reminder of what we can do even in dark circumstances. I can almost see your beautiful graduation gown -- not only beautiful but so rich with meaning. And I was near tears myself as you talked about your father taking extra measures to find boots better suited to a young girl. Again, thank you so much for sharing your experience.

You not only look fab, but you ARE fab!

Such a great thread—what a good question to get to know people on a fashion site! I’m learning new things about other members, for example that nemosmom was a dancer (totally fits!) or that Jenn had a lot of gear (whaaaaat?)

Several people have connected pieces they remember to their styles now. I tossed off a couple outfits earlier without thinking, but without overthinking I’d say they sure seem to be connected to now. The cowgirl outfit was a skirt and vest with long leather fringe and fancy stitching, plus a pair of cowboy boots with stitching too. The gauchos were like a skirt, but one I could climb a tree in. I also remember a chambray shirt with a lot of embroidery on it. And I mentioned my bell bottom jeans.
Leg freedom (great phrase, Ginger!), boots + skirt, clothes I can climb trees in, “boho” details, a little extra flare here & there all sound like my style now. I’d never thought of it that way before. Lots of blue & the gauchos were cream, colors that still figure heavily for me today, and the color on the bottom in them and those cotton pants in high school (that’s where the berries were hiding!). We weren’t permitted to wear jeans, and I don’t think I really missed them. Wearing more dresses than required—all of this sounds like me now.

I've had big style shifts-many times! Changes in body and workplaces, adding new interests, as well as trends tend to spark changes every few years.

Lynn67 - Burda magazine - vivid memories. I was not a good seamstress myself but got couple items done for me from that magazine that I wore a lot. Singer was used as well by me and my father - it belonged to my grandmother.
My first jeans were from "Rabochaya Odegda" Russian sorta take on jeans - unisex probably and really ugly ( was probably 15 years old ). The next jeans were acid wash from I don't know where - I was 23.
It was 1989 and Perestroyka was happening in USSR. Unisex for sure and my future husband wore the same style as well .

SF - Thanks for following and contributing to this thread with such enthusiasm! It does sound like that sense of exuberance and sense of flair have been a constant for you! It really is interesting to look back and think about the threads in our style 'tapestry'. Your cream gauchos sound amazing!

Suntiger -- Yay for evolving as life throws changes our way!

slim cat - thank you for sharing that! It's so easy for those of us who grew up in relative freedom to forget that not everyone has shared the same experience. It speaks volumes about the human spirit to see the ways people found to work outside the system to express their style.

Slim cat, I remember my first jeans - I was 16 and my mother paid close to her 2 weeks salary to buy a pair of Lee navy blue corduroy jeans for me from a black market. It was not just expensive but illegal!

What a beautiful thread Carol - I have loved reading these poignant memories with a special shout out to Lyn67 and Star for their eloquent words.

How do we recapture that magic that clothing had when we were young?

CarolS, I echo Sal's kind and concise words. Thank you for starting the thread and for thoughtfully responding with intention and heart. I too enjoyed the stories and was moved by poignant memories.

Thank you, Sal and Angie. I'm so thrilled that this struck a chord -- I couldn't have imagined how amazing people's journeys would be. Thank you, Angie for creating a space where people feel safe to share such intimate memories.

early years through age 15I was doing the best I could with a cousin’s hand me downs and items hand made by a grandmother with the best of intentions.

In college I had a few very old things from
highschool and before and a much older aunt’s professional clothes from her brown period. I was made fun of by fellow students and professors. All the brown was the worst. I “ blended in with the blackboard.” And looked like “a little brown mouse.” I gladly wore things found for me in a defunct drama costume closet including a warm beaver skin coat which I wore student teaching and which attracted every horny dog in the area. I was constantly embarrassed by my clothes and was ill prepared to buy my own once I had a job. The priority was that it not “blend in with the blackboard”. It was the 60’s. I actually bought and wore paper dresses.

Joy, you mean like this? https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/paper-dresses I’ve never heard of them before. You were hip, baby!

I also remembered an event when i was about 30. My flatmate and I had a heap of magazines and we decided to make a style file for each other. We went through and selected outfits and hair styles that we thought defined the other really well. She came up with some ideas that I hadn't thought about. I also saw the benefits of getting feedback from someone else. This flatmate who was an art teacher introduced me to the idea of a visual diary as something to keep as I was too lazy to keep a written diary. I still keep one and sometimes clothes inspirations are put in there. The thing is I don't buy magazines as much so I have thought of finding an online diary which I can still keep private. Does anyone else do this? Maybe another discussion.

Sally -- so true that others are able to see us so much more objectively than we see ourselves. I suppose Finds or a Pinterest board (you can create private boards there) might be one option for a visual diary. Great concept.

Well, Joy you don't blend into the blackboard anymore! (Professors, no less, taunting a student. That is AWFUL, and I'm sorry you went through that.)

I'd say that today you shine as you deserve to. I love your beautiful colours and pattern mixes even more after hearing your story.