Joy, one, I'm not that young. I'm 41. I don't think age has huge amount to do with this question. I think it's more a reflection of personality. I was just genuinely curious how others thought.

Anna... this is such an interesting thread. Thanks for starting it. I have been popping in and out all day to see what everyone is sharing on this subject. I will have to agree with you that one's shopping style may have more to do with one's personality than one's age. I am 55 now, but my shopping "persona" is still very similar to what it was in my '20's. I am very much an emotional dresser and shopper. Making set lists of wardrobe needs goes against the grain for me, although I greatly admire this discipline in others. My body has changed over the years as have my fashion priorities and basic clothing needs, but I still shop mostly based on what "grabs" me at the time. I am a bit more practical in my selections, but the driving force is still the same.

Anna, I could really do with a heavy dose of your "close enough."

I'm not sure where to start, though.

Footwear, for example. I'm so demanding of potential new everyday shoes, I've been wearing hideously-worn-looking steel-toed Sanita clogs EVERY DAY.

Physical issues are a huge factor right now. These clogs are the only shoes I've found that I can wear on hard surfaces for more than a few minutes without my lower back seizing up.

My first YLF-inspired style challenge is to replace these clogs. For indoor lounge-and-cooking-wear at bf's, hardwood-on-concrete floors, I settled for Mephisto Helens. I miss the clogs' support, and don't love the sandals' style, but the look is less repulsive than the clogs were. My pedicures get air time, and the black cat on black floors welcomes my increased sensitivity to my feet's immediate surroundings.

For outdoor use, I can't make the support compromise, so I guess it'll be clog-boots, all black. Where to find them?

I'm already compromising on looks, workmanship, and ethical sourcing. And still, shopping for this essential item, both on-line and B&M, is all frustration and no joy.

milehighstyle - Banana changed the pocket placement on some of their Martin fits, and the Jacksons, which I prefer seem to be becoming an endangered species...when I can find them. The pockets made "hip wings" which aren't cute at all!

At Ann Taylor, the Tropical Wool signature fit pants are fitting a full size smaller (and slimmer in the hips) than the pairs I bought in 2012 and 2011. I'm curvy, but surprisingly can't get into the curvy fits. I'd chalk it up to weight gain, except my old ones still fit perfect. It makes no sense that in the same size and cut, I could no longer even pull the pants past mid thigh! I was having one of those "waaa, when did I get soooo fat!" moments until I tried the ones at home.

Amy - Have you tried any of the dressier Dansko shoes? They look better than the traditional clog, which still keeping the clog base. I've seen some Mary Janes and some that would look nice with dress pants. But, I can't lie, as clunky as Danskos are, and as wrong as I feel they are, some days, you just need easy shoes and warm socks! I want these for winter...

Sometimes very specific...sometimes not at all. When very specific, I often turn to the internet, like others have mentioned above. Recently, I was able to find some lambskin opera gloves at Amazon, which I had failed to find anywhere else. Now, I'll be able to wear my faux fur wrap with the 3/4 sleeves this winter and be warm & cozy.

On the other hand, I wasn't intending to buy anything the last time we got together, but fell in love with those red suede pumps and they had to come home with me.

Then there are items that are in the middle somewhere. When shopping for pants, I have settled for "OK," but end up regretting my purchase.

Hmm, I wonder if specificity correlates with how badly or not you need an item?

I am another person who does both. If it's a matter of a need, like my packable, breathable, layer-able, water-resistant, lightweight trench... I am very specific. Because I know I'll be uncomfortable if all those boxes aren't checked.

I am also very particular about dream items, though not specific per se. I'll know perfection when I see it.

But I also love to browse, graze, and fall in love on sight.

I have become picky, to the point that most of my shopping is for planned purchases ie I make a list. Fit and fabrication are both equally important - I'm not a fan of manmade fibres, and I think it was the predominance and availability of cheap (and often not so cheap) fast fashion that was the catalyst for change. I really dislike clothing that looks shabby after a couple of wears.

I started using a list so that I could identify and fill holes in my wardrobe, and it has worked well for me. There's still plenty of wriggle room for unplanned purchases though....it's just that these days they still have to fill my number one criteria - fit and fabrication.

Mo said,

• Hmm, I wonder if specificity correlates with how badly or not you need an item?
  

It definitely correlates with my willingness to settle

My specificity largely involves fit and flattery and comfort (e.g in case of coats: pockets, hoods, warmth), not so much exact cuts and colours. Style- and colour-wise, I usually have an "acceptable range", if the item fits the other requirements.

I go shopping with something specific in mind and invariably buy something else instead that I hadn't thought of but saw and loved and declare myself happy, e.g. I think I need dark blue skinny jeans and buy the most crazy distressed pair instead. I am very spontaneous.

What an interesting read. I actually don't know how to categorize myself. It has been topsy turvy since starting YLF and I feel I am in transition. But I am also more and more reflective and less impulsive than I used to be. Anna, do you reflect over your purchases/wardrobe? Is there a correlation? I haven't been around long enough to see if you started one way and transitioned to another?

I'm also not at all specific. I have no expectation of "Perfect." I really need things to fit my torso because I am short. Everything else can be adjusted, tailored, rolled or styled. I will pay extra if something is really great or if I am obsessed/fixated on something, but I don't usually have such specific rules for the exact fit that I want.