New here & trying to figure out my style... - YouLookFab Forum

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New here & trying to figure out my style...

paperlust

I randomly came across this forum while trying to decide on buying Dress Your Truth, and I think this will be a much more helpful resource! I'm so excited to dig into old posts for info, but I just wanted to introduce myself first

I have been going through a major style shift the last few years since having my daughter. I just turned 30 last year, and just don't feel as polished and put together as I thought I would be at this age. I want to look like a grown-up... but a stylish one

I am just about ready to sell off most of my closet and start over. I am tired of buying things and then hating those pieces within a few months. I'm not even sure if I want to keep my current hairstyle! Let's just say, getting ready in the mornings is becoming more and more of a chore.

I've already read through some old posts that I've come across, but please post your favorite articles that might help me in the right direction! I feel like I could use all the help I can get!

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Sally

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome, paperlust! You'll find great support and inspiration here.

Have you read the blog archives? I would suggest starting there. You can search by date, by category or subject, and you can browse ensemble suggestions. Here's a post (with links to others) that might help you set some style goals.

Angie always suggests starting any style overhaul with:

Fittings for undergarments, esp. bra
Analyse your hair style/ colour and make a change if desired
New specs (if you wear)

paperlust

Hi Suz! Thanks for the welcome!

I've read some of the older blog posts, but I will start with the style goals that you linked to. Those other suggestions are great too!

Anonymous

I'm on my IPad and can't seem to link, but pay attention to your climate and lifestyle. Both these are very important. I am moving and am trying to wait before shopping much even for refreshers, because I suspect that my major climate will be changing from long hot summer to the cooler transitional time between seasons when one actually can wear long sleeves and jackets. While both are 4-seasons, this would make a big difference in my wardrobe. Same with level of dressy/casual.

paperlust

That is a good point. I work indoors at a desk (and my office is really cold), so I often dress is layers or bring a sweater to wear. But, there are days when I am photographing that I am outdoors and very active. I'm thinking I need to buy a few key pieces just for those times...

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Welcome to the Forums I thing you will find your way with all of the YLF family. Its so good to virtually see a new face. Don't just dump your wardrobe at once. Assess what you need and then ask on the forum. Enjoy your stay and don't feel like you need to rush or cannot make mistakes.

Chris987

Veteran

Welcome! You are in the right place for your style journey, you will get lots of support and ideas here. As someone who has been changing her style rather dramatically since January I can say there is a huge community of very helpful supportive people here. Take it one step at a time, and try to allow a little budget for mistakes. Take some risks. One of the best things I did was some "retail research" where you go try on things that are totally outside your normal choices, take selfies in the fitting room, and post them here with your thoughts and ask for feedback. You can do this without spending a dime (except for the gas to drive to the store) and get a good start on figuring out what you like and do not like.

All the other suggestions given so far are great too...

paperlust

I love the idea of "retail research"! I think that's a great place to start for me, especially since I prefer my clothes to fit a bit differently than I used to... Thanks everybody for the kind words and suggestions!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome Paperlust, and I look forward to hearing all about your style journey. You might find this post a helpful starting point:

http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/.....e-renewal/

paperlust

Thanks Angie! That post was very helpful and it's got a ton of info that's already got my gears turning. Loving this community!

rachylou

Veteran

Welcome! My first big lesson here from YLF was to account for my time spent doing various things in percentages and maintain my closet to match. Like I may go to the opera, but that's 1% of my time. 40% is walking the dog. So I should have 40x more dog walking clothes, not the reverse. My wardrobe happiness has skyrocketed a thousand fold since doing that... Lol. You'd have thought that'd be obvious.

Kimberly

I started really defining my style around thirty. When I had kids I no longer wanted to dress like a teenager, but I didn't want to look frumpy either! It's taken a few years, but I've figured out what works with my post-child body, my age, my lifestyle, and my personality. Good luck with everything. I'm new to YLF, too.

Dee

Veteran

Hi and welcome! I'm also in my thirties and have found the forum incredibly helpful for looking more put together and age appropriate. Even for my casual life. I recommend picking up a handful of jeans and sweaters or jackets that you feel great in, one good bag, and then go from there as you figure out what you like.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Welcome to the fun! You'll find loads of wonderful information in Angie's blog posts, and a great community of women from around the world in the Forum.

Chelle

Member

Excellent question! Thanks for asking -- as I am a newbie here, too!!!

Sally

Veteran

Welcome. I found lots of great advice. Don't throw all your clothes out. Get one or two new things and start replacing what you don't want/suit anymore. I've had to get new clothes recently when I lost weight and found assessing what I needed first as useful...also try on heaps . Don't just buy..be picky.
Rachylou what great advice to work in percentages.