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Q: How to go on SYC without your style "stagnating"?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I feel that I have been happy enough with my wardrobe to do SYC for many months now, and I was thinking of the major thing that is keeping me from doing it - my fear that my style evolution will stall and all of a sudden everything will become uber frump-tastic! This is, of course, an irrational fear, because there's no way how you can go to frumptastic that fast - but I feel it is something I need to keep a finger on.

Do any of you wonderful SYC ladies have an experience or wisdom they can share? Should I adopt one-in-one-out? Or SYB?

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from lyn*

rute

Veteran

I have done and I feel that when SYC we have to be inventive, you will not stagnate, that's for sure! You will discover new combinations, new outfits, it's fun!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I think a time period of SYC can be very helpful and really causes you to remix things in new ways and learn what is working, what is not and may help identify a hole. It is an itneresting adventure and I highly recommend it...The thing is that nothing is set in stone and if you can't take it, there really is no harm, no foul, no backlash... all that you control, so being kind to yourself is key...

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I've been in SYC -> SYN (Needs) for over a year now and I actually feel I have more clarity about my style direction than before.

For me, when new things keep coming in, I tend to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. But when faced with 'limited' choices, it's actually good creative exercise and you can really get in tune with why you like or not certain thing.

Gabrielle

Hello Lyn:
I am very lucky because I live in a four-season climate. That means every three to four months, my closets turn over and everything feels "new" again. I have different signature pieces and styles for each of the seasons.

I live by the one in, one out principle. It "tames" closet and makes for a much more wearable wardrobe. I also find that having a limited wardrobe forces me to become more thoughtful and creative. I actually love it when I find new ways to mix and match.

You could never be frumpy. Never.

ironkurtin

Veteran

You don't have to keep buying to stay stylish. Style is about combining your elements. So no worries.

cheryl

Veteran

Your closet is full of gorgeous things so I don't feel you would have any trouble with SYC. That being said if you tend to get bored SYB might be a better way to go or even just allow yourself a small accessory each month while on SYC to keep things feeling updated.

bj1111

Veteran

Lyn*, great question. Great how you immediately identified it as an irrational belief (hey, it's you professional training!). You have great style. Syc can help you hone it more by identifying evolving holes in your wardrobe as you go along--like ornella.

I've been on an extended orphans challenge now so in the process i lost my shopping "need". I browse as much as ever, but i don't pull the trigger. I know i am going to regret some nonpurchases, but i just.don't.want.to.buy.

Question, what motivates your syc?

unfrumped

Veteran

I always try to remind myself, it doesn't have to be either-or, all or none. You combine SYC with intermittent purchases. Of course I believe a lot of people find an accrued benefit from a more prolonged SYC because some of the revelations occur over time if no new items are added.

The one-in, one-out approach (also does not have to be rigid) is good system because it causes one to say, why do I need this new thing unless there are items I no longer like to wear? So you are replacing an item (for any reason) and not just expanding.

My sense is you might enjoy slowing the pace of new purchases but not setting a complete no-buy limit. That means you can respond to changing life and career needs but try not to buy too many items in one style or silhouette in one season because you may need to change things up.

The SYC approach can also be a more intensive " wardrobe review" where you try to identify a "core" style and some of your best wardrobe essentials, including color palette, that have proved to work well for you over a longer period ( a year or so or you keep coming back to certain basic types) and think in terms of seasonal updates for those pieces with fresh items. This "core" would change, too, over time but not as fast.

Thistle

Veteran

I have not yet done SYC as I feel as if I have just started my style journey. In a four season climate, it takes time to find your way as you are constantly evolving for the changing temperature. I think you are also in this boat.

I had planned to SYC for the summer months and have found it impossible. My summer clothes from last year do not fit my style, and many were not acceptable to me now in terms of condition as well. I regulalry try to skip buying for summer as it is such a short season here, and then I end up with too many pieces that I make do with rather than love.

Perhaps before you go to SYC, why not try something less intense like 12/12. Limit yourself to one purchase a month and see how that goes. I think even a 12/12 budget really forces you to focus on your core style but still allows you to add a piece each month.

You have a fantastic wardrobe, and I know you could do SYC without a hint of frump!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

SYC also allows for swaps- either virtually or in person. Don't forget those, along with updates to hair/make up and new combo's can help keep you feeling fresh.

T-Rex

Veteran

OK, I've gleaned that SYC is "shop your closet", and I see someone else spelled out that SYN is "shop your needs". What is SYB? Shop your budget? Something else?

I agree that going with SYC for a while will force you to be inventive, and to put together pieces that you normally wouldn't try. Which could be fun, actually. Don't forget that you can also upscale or repurpose certain items if you get tired of them. Sometimes you need sewing skills to do this, but not always. And finally, SYC doesn't have to last forever.

Anonymous

TRex, SYB is Shop Your Budget.
Lyn, it seems like each season brings some way to change things up a little. Pattern mixing and rolling jeans and capris are examples of updating while SYC. Last summer I pulled out bracelets and added a few inexpensive new ones to update with an arm party. Maybe wearing scarves as belts will come back in style. You may be surprised at new ways you find to wear what you have.

Gaylene

Veteran

I think there are two separate questions here. The first is can I be stylish without regularly buying new items for my wardrobe, and, second, how do I have fun with fashion using just the clothes that I own right now.

Honestly, some of the most stylish women I know are the ones who buy infrequently and with great care. Angie pops immediately to mind as a good example. I also know a great many women who spend large sums on "refreshing" their wardrobes each season whose sense of style seems much more hit and miss. So I definitely think being stylish is not about constantly buying new items to hang in one's closet.

As for the boredom issue, I think "frumpiness", and a lack of interest in one's appearance, usually stem from more complicated issues than just not having a new top in one's closet. In my opinion, having an enviable personal style is more about wearing items with wit, imagination, and confidence than constantly chasing the latest trend.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies, for your thoughtfulness!

@ Rute - New combinations sounds really fun, and by the math, there should be tons and tons of combinations!

@ Tracey - I haven't been able to stick to it, so I wanted to give it a whirl!

@ Ornella - I think I don't have that "atunement" sense - and it's one of the things I would like to work on.

@ Gabrielle - One in and one out seems like it is working quite well for you; I have tried to adopt this before, but then I can't remember why but it became quite impossible - oh yes, sales. Oh drat those sales.

@ IK - Yay

@ Cheryl - I feel sometimes the things in my closet don't get worn enough, you know?

@ Bj1111 - Well, finances is definitely one of the reason, although I'm not bad off in any way, I'd like to start building up more aggressive savings, especially since my examinations are quite expensive to write (two coming up are $2100 each and $1095)... also, I feel that my pretty things get to languish in a closet, and the reason why I saved them from eBay is to give them a better life. I feel slightly sad when they say, "Only worn once!" GAH! WILL WEAR MORE THAN THAT!

@ Unfrumped, I think you are right - it's hard to meet a moving target (how I'm supposed to dress for work) sometimes - I have no idea, some mornings what to wear, which is absolutely crazy. I need to sort my stuff again.

@ Thistle - now there's an idea. I probably buy a new thing every week (which is 52 x 52! HAHAHA) so probably cutting down is a good idea. :p

@ Chewyspaghetti - I may have to stick to online swapping though, my buddies here are not my size. My very stylish friend is about two sizes smaller than me which makes me >:( because she prunes her closet a lot too!

@ T-Rex - Don't worry, it won't last forever, that's for sure! I also have a sewing machine and I'm getting more adventurous with it! Super fun!

@ Joy - last time I had to wear a scarf as a belt, the long ends of the scarf moved between my legs when I was walking and it looked like a loincloth! What trauma!

@ Gaylene - You are so insightful - there are definitely two questions here :p Thanks for your replies - I will need to find women who do not constantly buy as my inspirations!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

For me, the mini challenges I set for myself made it more interesting. Remember last year I had a 'wear all my shoes' month and 'use all my accessories' month, 'wear all my skirts' month, etc. This not only alleviated boredom, but forced me to actually try and wear all of what I did have. The result was two-fold: I found out that some things I didn't really wear or use that I thought in my head I did, and I also rediscovered how to wear something in a new way sometimes.
I have discovered through my few bouts with SYC that I can't last more than 3 months, and that I'm much happier with a limited number of items or budget to work within. I found for me, the magic number is 1 to 2 items a month. I think I could do that indefinitely and stay totally contented.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Oooh, that's an awesome suggestion Mo - I don't think I've ever worn ALL my skirts before!! Or all my dresses. Oh my goodness. Wearing all my dresses once would take at least a month. HAHAHA. This is probably bad. :p

It would be interesting to see if I would WANT to wear them all. Good thoughts!

shedev

Veteran

Lyn, you have an awesome wardrobe so there's no way you'd look frumpy. I'm not on SYC, but after a full year of heavy wardrobe building, I'm on a shopping slowdown so that I can enjoy what I have. If I see something that really fits my style I'll pounce.

Molly L-R

Echoing what shedev said, I'm on a shopping slowdown too. Not that I have a huge wardrobe, probably less than 60 items, but I feel like I've been shopping constantly for the last year. Now is the time to slow down and evaluate what I've accumulated.

harmonica

Veteran

I'd love to see you on a challenge or two You have a gorgeous outfit and I would be delighted to see how inventive you'll be

Charmian

Veteran

I'm exactly in Molly L-R's situation: I feel my shopping has naturally slowed down as I've honed in on my style and figure flattery priorities (also my wardrobe is similarly-sized).

Challenges have been my key to staying excited by my wardrobe. The dress challenge was one, but you could even go off-forum for ideas (eg, a week of pinterest outfits or randomly choose 5 items and wear them over 4 days).

It's great that you realize it's an irrational fear brought about by privation. That's the biggest step

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I do have about 60 pieces in my closet as well. I am trying SO hard to keep it under 75 - and I feel I dont' get enough enjoyment out of the things I have, and I love to wear them. Whenever I get frustrated, I just want to go online and shop - which probably isn't the best solution for my frustrations (especially not clothing related ones!)

Going to try to do something else whenever I feel like punching a wall.