Some observations and conflicts about style in 2024 - YouLookFab Forum

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Some observations and conflicts about style in 2024

Sal

Veteran

A few things have been percolating in my mind recently...

1) Decluttering for simplicity versus Shiny and New.
I have been living out of a capsule for a month due to house renovations (with a different capsule for a vacation). I can now start to put some things back, but I like the simplicity of only having the true trusted pieces available. It's nice having the clear space. Yet I crave for new pieces at this time of the season. I am sitting on my hands until the end of August and not spending, but the conflict between this sleek capsule wardrobe and the shiny new pieces is real.

2) Socks.
This is not meant to offend - it is tongue in cheek.
I am Gen X and grew up with all sorts of socks. Crew socks, pom pom socks, slouchy socks, striped socks etc... Millenials (stereotypes ahead) are known for their love of a no show sock with a sneaker, and Gen Z are known for their love of the crew sock. I have been adopting the Millenial approach for the past few years - white sneakers with a midi dress. But I have been influenced by Gen Z and can see no show socks as a bit odd. But as a Gen X to wear crew socks with sneakers and a dress feels a bit young and it is less flattering. What do I do? Is it the end of dresses and sneakers for me? (I happily wear crew socks with shorts and leggings and pants)

3) Lack of choice- not being the target market
I am a bit over all the neutrals..... The mainstream retailers are slowly dropping their spring collections. So much white and cream, lots of chocolate and black. Pale blue. Lots of knit dresses and linen....Kind of a quiet luxury look - monochrome mostly. I wear all these colours (except pale blue) but I was hoping to see some red and turquoise or just some variety.....Maybe a cost of living crisis makes everything very safe. Or maybe I have hit the age when I am not the target market any more?

Does anyone else have these internal style conflicts - or different ones?

General

29 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have the first conflict for sure! Certainly since only having bought 2 items this year. The first was the exact replacement Skechers and the second a replacement olive green cardigan for the 2014 olive green jumper. I started to hanker after something pretty and pink and thought a third item this year would be very justified! Alas, what I found and tried on with great hope was way too big. (Screenshot below).
I have donated some items this year and so my number of items has dropped to 146.
I don’t have the sock conflict as I don’t feel right in that look. My white sneakers with a tiny white floral pattern are occasionally worn without socks. They can be machine washed.

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pirouette

I have always loved shopping and getting new stuff. But lately I seem to be just buying similar or exact replacements for things that have worn out. I haven’t seen anything I really love in the shops or online for ages. I know you can look good at any age but for me at 62 I am finding it difficult.

April

Veteran

Good morning, all!

Here is my two cents, which seems to have become 20 cents. I definitely share the conflict of "new vs. minimal tried and true." Also the one of "not the target audience" but for that one, I shop secondhand.

Much of YLF knows I currently have a small apartment 2 miles from our house (long story) and therefore have only a few select items there, with the rest in my closet at the house. I should say that I am spoiled rotten: my "closet" at the main house is a dressing room with windows and five separate closed-storage closets inside.

At the apartment, I have a highly curated assortment of clothing and shoes, quite visible in the open-storage walk-in. We bought this place in the fall, so I mainly had cold-weather clothes here. For a long time - 6 months? - it was a relief to have only the same few items at hand. Then it started to get tedious. It seemed that wherever I was, the special things I wanted to wear were at the other place.

I am dealing with this by having rational conversations with my son (27-yo Brooklynite in a creative job who gets exposed to every kind of look under the sun.) He says that if

a.) you have the storage space AND
b.) variety makes you happy but you don't have so many clothes you don't know what you own and certainly can't wear it all

then there's no reason to go minimal just for the sake of simplicity. Joy in wardrobe matters too.

And there you have it.

Suntiger

#1 is the main conflict of most areas of my life On one hand, I want simplicity and minimalism, on the other, I crave change. Fashion, beauty, fitness, food, and hobbies I constantly go back and forth between minimizing and adding. My small house (about 900 sq ft) and minimal storage makes me keep things in check!

I'm firmly on team "bare legs = sandals" so socks aren't generally a conflict. Sneakers + skirts and dresses are a firm no. But I do wear no show socks for exercize. Taller socks still look odd to me, plus they cause weird tan lines. I figure people always think I'm in my 30s, and I don't need to try to pass as Gen Z!

Not being the target market speaks to me too. Not so much in style, cause I'm comfortable not buying things that don't suit me, but life in general. Occasionally I just feel totally out of touch, though looking back, even when I was much younger that happened too. Sometimes my interests allign with whats popular, and sometimes not. Style wise, when retail doesn't have what I want (like now with long skirts), I'll check consignment or Etsy.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’ve noticed the rise of neutrals here. I wonder if it’s more about the economy than target markets. I think retailers play it safe with colour when sales are slow. And it also aligns with the 90s trend. I remember the 90s as being very neutral after the bright 80s.

No 1 is always an issue for me! The past few weeks my DH and I have been literally building a new wardrobe for me, plus re-organising our (my) clothing storage. It brings home to me that I have a lot of stuff. But most of it I love. It’s a constant balancing act.

RobinF

Veteran

I definitely struggle with the simplicity vs. new issue. I like neutrals but get bored and need some change. Plus I like to follow what is trending and it can be fun to add a bit of that. I don't have a ton of storage but still wouldn't want to have much more than I do.

I am totally out with socks - I wear ankle socks with sneakers and don't care if they show. It is what works for me. Lower and they creep down, higher looks odd on my legs. I don't generally wear with dresses but occasionally with shorts and most often with crops and pants.

I hadn't noticed about the neutrals in stores but I have noticed that is true with home decor - maybe a link?

cat2

Veteran

When I was constantly working in the City, we had a condo there and I moved all our grey and black pieces there. I was totally fine with it. My husband immediately broke down and asked if he could have a color! But my pieces still had prints, texture, and low key shine. I can’t imagine surviving with some of the capsule wardrobes I have seen suggested, of all muted solid colors stripped of ornamentation. I had outfits like that in the 90s and just never felt happy in them. So I just skip all the capsule stuff when it is suggested, stick to a budget, make sure I buy the things I dread shopping for like pants, try to buy good quality pieces that will last, and enjoy the variety.

I also skip most of the content about which generation wears what, or what is aging. I have been around long enough to see trends are totally arbitrary, and that over time everything gets the suddenly in and then suddenly out treatment and if you try to keep up you will drive yourself mad. I have learned to just tuck stuff away when it doesn’t feel fresh and pull it back out again. I am well armed for fashion spinning a wheel and picking from Boho, Western and Preppy, and just ignore it when it picks Minimal, 70s or Gothic.

Dee

Veteran

Interesting topic Sal, and I agree the struggle can be real.

Simplicity vs new- I’ve been struggling with that all my life. I keep trying to hone in on a more simpler way of dealing with my wardrobe so I can concern myself with other things in life but since I also crave variety, I’m easily tempted by the latest shiny thing. Occasionally I buy what turns into a true valuable workhorse but that only leads me to wanting to find the next holy grail for my wardrobe. Often these new additions aren’t what I had hoped for and so the quest continues. Ugh!!

Generational sock styles, kind of funny, I hardly wear socks in summer, just sandals mostly, I’m not sure what other boomers are doing with their socks, but for me, they’re basically a fall/winter item mostly worn under long pants.

I’m rarely the target market anymore, I just do my best to shop for quality classic basics and pick and choose among the various trends that I think might work best for me. Some years are better than others.

Lisa

Veteran

1) Simplicity vs shiny and new for me, comes down to what the person's preference is when dressing. Some people like to repeat a favorite outfit, or outfit combination, often. Others prefer lots of variety and don't like to repeat at all. I think it's a personal preference what someone is naturally attracted to. I also think it's worth mentioning that while shiny and new is often attributed to buying new things, shiny and new can also mean, just a new outfit combination. For myself, while I like new things, I also enjoy when I mix up a tried and true outfit combination into something new, that still uses my favorite pieces which gives me the new vibe without spending any money.

2) Socks, I adore socks in all forms, I'm no help here. I base socks on the activities I am doing.

3) I haven't seen the neutrals issue in spring clothes but my area is starting to bring in fall clothing. However, I personally stay away from spring collections. They are typically not my favorite colors or patterns (I'm not big on pastels or lots of floral prints) which are common in spring clothing and typically a spring sweater isn't warm enough for me either. To combat the issue with spring, I try to have a portion of my fall wardrobe be neutrals that work well with spring weather. Temperature wise, my fall clothes work well for repeat use in the spring, the fall clothes often have the heavier materials that keep me warm when spring is wet and cold weather. I do buy fall colored/themed clothes, but just not all of it, so I have that versatility for springtime use. Generally I pull all the white and blues from fall into my spring wardrobe.

Cate

Responding to first issue, my compromise is to wear a small selection of clothing on repeat for several months and then replace those items almost entirely. Exceptions are outerwear, dressy items, shoes, and sweaters. Maybe too extreme for many but works for me as my lifestyle is mostly casual.

Socks, I never really got into invisible socks. Mid calf crew socks are more sock than I need with sneakers and can make legs look chunky. I wear mini crews.

Last item, agree about cost of living skewing the market towards safe but overly traditional styles seem like they might be offensive to many

Irina

Veteran

I don’t have problem #3 and it leads to having problem #1
I see so many nice things that would work beautifully for me but… I already have lots of clothes and with possibility of early retirement, where I’m going to wear it? I love my wardrobe but I also find thrilling adding new pieces. Also, it annoys me when my closets get too crowded. I don’t have a solution to it. Maybe fashion will soon change again and I won’t find neutrals, linen and minimal pieces in retail.

Sorry, nothing to add on the socks trends, prefer no socks during summers.

Star

Veteran

Interesting topic!
#1 is a thing for me too. I want a smaller wardrobe but always come up with a reason to add something (nearly always 2nd hand). Example; we have had the longest and hottest summer ever. I can only tolerate sleeveless, loose dresses in natural fibres. To add to this my current shape is larger than a lot of my wardrobe. Of the 19(!) dresses I own 3 fit the current needs. I was tempted to go and search for more in thrift this week. However the summer heat should be over by the end of August, maybe the other 2 in my closet that meet the requirements will fit more comfortably next summer, and the BIGGIE - I do WANT a smaller and simpler wardrobe. I have managed to meet my '1 in, 2 out' self-set system this year, and it probably is a good thing to wear the heck out of items, otherwise they never wear out (which is good in a way but makes for an ever expanding wardrobe for those of us who don't purge easily). So the brakes are on for this summer. Actually I think I need only 5 dresses that meet the described requirements to get me through high summer. That is my long term goal.
As for socks, I am not that interested wearing generational trends. I don't have kids to remind that something is not trendy, so maybe that helps ;).
I thrift nearly all of my pieces so retail colours don't affect me too much.

Roberta

Veteran

I could never be a wardrobe minimalist, not only because I love variety, but because if I buy something, it means I love it and I want to wear it for a long time. It has always seemed to me that a very small wardrobe means you wear those things out much faster. Having always struggled to find replacements for things I love, I really don't want to do it much more often.

As to socks, I distinctly remember a comic moment with my then teenage son where he asked for some low-cut socks, and I stared at him saying, "but those are girls' socks!" He just gave me the LOOK, and we moved on. I love socks of all heights and have way too many of them, and did a big purge this year.

Beige: I've loved West Elm for years, and bought many beautiful, colorful dishes and glasses and pillows there. Last year I went in for a visit and it was a Sea of Beige. So sad.

Runcarla

Veteran

#1 It’s still hot summer here, and that almost makes it hard to think about style and dressing, let alone put much effort into styling what I wear! I’ve been trying to find a ‘recipe’ that works and that lasts more than one summer! Summer is hard on clothes. Clothes get washed more and exposed to brighter sun, and possibly more ‘abuse’ from a different set of activities - than cold weather items. I’m not feeling the lure of shopping for a new season…yet.

#2 I’m team barefoot in sneakers, though thick cotton sockets are a must with gym/running shoes. I toss my sneakers in the wash a couple times a year - and that takes care of that! I have no problem wearing them (sock-less) with skirts or dresses. It’s almost impossible to keep up with the sneaker of the moment, so I’ve decided to just wear what works for me and call it ‘personal style’! I would like to get a pair of thinner bright coloured socks (red, yellow?) to wear with loafers and shorter jeans, but haven’t sourced any yet. The trend will probably be over by the time I secure the right socks!

#3 Agree! I’ve been looking for a great print that either uses my core colours or pushes me in a new direction - but I’m not seeing much at retail that appeals. I’m also so appalled by the poor quality of what’s in the stores that I’m finding it easy to keep my wallet closed!

JAileen

Veteran

I know I’m definitely not the target market, and haven’t been for some time. But for me, this translates to too short hemlines on skirts and dresses, and too low necklines, and too fitted silhouettes. I’m fine with others wearing whatever they want, but those are just not for me. This is why I have resorted to Eileen Fisher dresses. Some say they have a museum docent aesthetic. For me, they are shapeless and timeless. In other words, perfect.

Re socks: The NYTimes had an amusing article about generational sock wearing.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/0.....article_co

For me, if I were wearing fashion sneakers, I would wear no show socks. If I were wearing hiking shoes, I would wear my crew height hiking socks. I wear these socks all winter for warmth, and they work with my clogs, too. If I were hiking, and wearing shorts, I would fold the socks down a bit.

I have too much stuff, no question about that. And I still buy more things. I must need variety. I should do something about that need rather than buy more things.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Socks! Also a GenX - er here. I decided to embrace crew socks, err with attempt too. One, my shoe size is US 10-11, so more often than not the no shows slip down my heel, Two, I think I have enough height to pull it off.
Due to Current circumstances in my life I wear scrubs, compression sock, and clogs for oh 70% of the time. Like wearing jeans is a novelty. I miss my clothes and shoes. So I need to downsize the closet significantly. And try and figure out what works, what I truly need. And perhaps more difficult for me, rewearing outfits often.
Sorry, didn’t mean to be such a downer

I did recent got the Athleta jacket that was an Angie pick, in the oyster color (or whatever it was called). June 17th, blog post. On iPad using phone hotspot.so having trouble linking, etc

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting thoughts, Sal (and all!)

I'm not a wardrobe minimalist (or any kind of minimalist, really). But I'm not a maximalist, either. And while I'm concerned about the fashion industry's impact on the planet, I know that over the course of my lifetime (which included decades of almost no shopping for clothing) I've hardly been a major contributor to the problem, at least by North American standards. Which isn't saying much, I know. I guess I just want to acknowledge that now, at this point in my life, if I am purchasing mindfully (as I know. you are, Sal!) and wearing all the clothes I buy (and wearing a lot of them out -- as I know you also do) and deriving great pleasure from building. and maintaining my wardrobe and creating outfits, then I think I am doing just fine.

In place of minimalism, I'm big on organization and clever storage. I like keeping a neat closet and like following the one-in-one-out guideline when shopping/ bringing things home.

I am 100% with you on the boredom with pale neutrals. Along with earth tones, that's been what is on offer in these parts ever since the pandemic. And I like a bit of colour! I don't know if this indicates I'm not the target audience or if it is simply retailers hedging their bets.

As for socks, ugh. They are among my least favourite items of clothing, though I do enjoy a whimsical sock in winter, for the look, I mean. . I wear no show socks with sneakers and oxfords when weather allows. I also wear crew and knee socks but only in cold weather. I don't like crew or knee socks with shorts or dresses on me but I love the look on the kids. I don't care if my sock wearing preference gives away my age. I figure my grey hair gives it away anyway.

Peri

Veteran

I'm loving this discussion! So much to relate to and so well said I feel like I don't have anything to add, but at the same time I want to join it. So there we go, another observation and conflict! I'll keep it short, maybe 10 cents. (Haha April!)

1) I think minimalism is a trend like everything else...we can embrace it or ignore it. But one thing I've noticed is that it often comes loaded with judgement and guilt, that being minimal has virtue attached to it. Anti consumption, better for the planet, on and on. Embrace it or you aren't as "good" as you should be. I say embrace it to the point it works for you and minimize any feelings that stopping at that point isn't good enough.

2) Socks...so funny! Life proof that trends don't matter: my BFF's Millenial daughter was a difficult teenager, constantly criticizing her mother for being out of style. Well, now she is in the generation that is being criticized. Round and round we go.

3) I'm not sure I've ever been the target market, but I agree that I'm really not now. I don't see much I like in the stores and often am just hunting for replacements of the same old things. I guess that's how I'm embracing minimalism...I'm buying a minimal amount!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am 100% nodding along with Suz's thoughts.

Much enjoyed your musings, Sal! Thanks for sharing them. Since you and I were born in the same year - 1970 - I had a chuckle at your sock thoughts, of which the '80s examples took me down memory lane! I'm adding leg warmers and shuffle socks

To answer your question, if you're done wearing sneakers with any type of sock with dresses - opt for another shoe! I haven't worn sneakers with my dresses at all this year, actually. Wasn't in the mood! Instead I chose pretty and refined flats and loafers. Please pander to your style mood!

Personally, I don't wear socks out of the house at all. EVER! I am barefoot in shoes when it's mild, warm and hot (maybe 3 months of the year). And wear knee-highs the rest of the year. They keep me warm, comfy, and STAY UP! I can't prevent socks from slipping off no matter what I do. Can't stand it. When I am in my loungewear at home, I do wear socks with my slippers..

As far as wardrobe size goes - as a way of striking a balance (for your thoughts in #1) - it's as simple as the points in this post:

https://youlookfab.com/2024/06.....robe-size/

The right wardrobe size for you: large enough to service your wants and needs. Small enough to store, organize, manage, and afford.

As for the abundance of neutrals - and earth tones - it's a fashion cycle thing. As Brooklyn correctly mentioned, the '90s are trending big time, and it was a VERY neutral and somewhat earthy era.

It will change! Colours ARE coming through - but they are harder to find.

ETA: I think that with everyone, sometimes you're the target market and sometimes you're not. I believe it all evens out in the end.

Joy

Veteran

#3 is mine. As I get smaller, lack of choice increases. Small sizes just do not come in a variety of colors. Mostly they are dull nuetrals. Today I went to the mall to Chicos that carries small sizes and had to order my second choice of pants. All the things that fit were sold out. I could get black or navy but have plenty of that. The red I wanted looked like dark pink and was sold out. This was for fall. And I was early. There will be nothing left by fall, I hope that the green that I ordered will blend with something that fits in my closet. My silver flats had lots of admiration but they are over 10 years old and falling a part. I have looked to replace booties and come up with nothing. I would love some red flats. No choices in eye glasses or high boots or underwear either unless you want black. Forgive the rant enjoy what you have while you can. I realize that my age puts me in an unpopular group of a target of anyone.

LaPed

Veteran

Well your post definitely resonates with me Sal! I've noticed a lot of the same things.

The sock thing is so funny to me. I definitely prefer crew socks because it's so hard to find no-shows that stay up and don't slip down around the foot. It's nice to have permission to wear them again. But gosh do I dislike the tan lines I get with taller socks.

In all honesty, I haven't reached for dresses much this spring/summer. Mostly shorts or loose/wide pants instead. And when I do don a dress or skirt, it's with sandals, so I've managed to circumvent the sock struggle.

In the gear world (I've been in gear for a solid month+) the trend is definitely toward wild colors -- 90s inspired! Bold, jewel-toned, neon, color blocked, and boxy with cinched cuffs/waists. I'm seeing lots of parachute pants and old-school windpants, longer/looser running shorts, boxy cropped fleeces and tees, funky printed button-down shirts, maximal running shoes, etc. Fewer boring black tights/bike shorts than in previous years!

I haven't seen much of anything *new* to buy this season -- most of it feels like a repeat of the last few summers. Still a lot of cottagecore/romantic, which was never my look but feels completely played out to me now. Tons of chunky flatform sandals -- love the look, but unwearable for my barefoot self. Crop tops and big pants -- the 90s retro look seems to be fully mainstream now; I was more excited about it when it was still on the fringes! I may jump on the long baggy short trend this year, if I can find a pair I like on sale before the season ends.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

What an enjoyable thread! Thank you for posting Sal and for responding everyone :).
So as for me, wardrobe size - huge and unapologetic. Yes, over 90% is second hand but still huge. It is a source of creativity, fun, and distraction and well worth it to me.
Socks. This issue really amuses me. I am not much of a sneaker wearer and cannot stand no show socks, which slip down my feet, so I am smiling from the sidelines. My Gen Z kids definitely wear crew socks though.
Retail never really spoke to me, but the zeitgeist does sort of infiltrate. So I still love bright pink but got a bit overexposed during Barbie pink year. Am appreciating Brat green right now.

DonnaF

Veteran

1) I was a minimalist for nearly 60 years. No more, and now my closets are exploding, no doubt because I feel I must cut back when I 100% retire at the end of this year. But with so much variety I find it much easier to get dressed as I grow more sensitive to variations in temperature. My weight/size doesn’t fluctuate a whole lot, so in the past two weeks I wore two sheath dresses (remember those?) that I bought over a dozen years ago.

2) Socks: My feet have Raynaud’s Syndrome. Exposed ankles via no show or no socks mean the temperature needs to be in the 80s. I own many pairs of socks both colored and patterned. Since my feet run so cold and my sandals don’t get worn unless we get a heat wave or travel, I am considering wearing socks with sandals. I tried it earlier this week, (well, bright blue tights under sandals), but it was only in the 70s so I got cold.

3) I am never the target market, but I DO like neutrals as long as they are charcoal gray or black’n’white, lol. Dresses can be difficult, but as mentioned above I probably have enough to last me for the rest of my life.

Helena

Veteran

Sal, I always love these sort of posts as well as your thoughts on all things style and fashion! Here is my two cents.

1) Decluttering for simplicity versus Shiny and New.
I have struggled with this, and the more I let that struggle go, the more I find I'm hitting the right balance between the two. I think a simple wardrobe can absolutely include a few wild cards and fun purchases - in fact, it is the perfect foundation for those. And FWIW I think you do a great job balancing practical more basic pieces, with pieces that show your personality and style!

2) Socks.
The intergenerational battle makes me chuckle. I am Gen X and I LOVE hearing with Gen Z thinks ... not that I will always agree, but young people are pretty awesome and have fresh, creative and interesting takes on things! And sometimes they are going to cringe at what their elders are wearing, which is also as it should be. As with politics, culture, so with socks

As to the socks, I wear both no shows and crew socks, depending on my outfit and what is clean. I've even worn socks with Birkenstocks (just to run to the mailbox, or other quick items) because it can be quite practical.

Agree with Angie that maybe you're over sneakers with dresses *for now*. I also agree (and I hope I don't offend anyone) that some of the stuff that looks adorable on Gen Zs looks frumpy on me and I am fine with it; I'll either give it a pass or just roll with the frump, but either way I'm happy to accept this situation. There's an irony to a young person wearing a "dad look" that makes it work, and it's just not ironic on someone the same age as their dad

I think back to my Mom; she was totally fine to let certain things fall by the wayside because they were 'for the young' ... She wasn't putting herself down - I think in her perception, she'd grown beyond certain things, so to speak. Perhaps you are feeling that way too re: the socks? But the pro-age narrative (which, overall, YAY) can sometimes make it feel like we should be totally comfortable wearing what a 25 year old would wear under all circumstances - which is oddly disempowering in a way. Anyways that's all a bit rambling but hope it makes some sense.

3) Lack of choice- not being the target market
I agree that the cost of living crisis is influencing fashion, as was the case in the 90s with the recession (and of course the 90s being back fashion-wise makes a difference too). I've been surprised that red hasn't been more available in particular. I love a neutral as you know, but a little more choice would be good, I agree. Interested to see what fall/spring (depending on hemisphere) brings ... hopefully some of your happy colours Sal!

Sorry that was a bit long, but very thought-provoking questions!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Back to think about this some more. You raise the best questions Sally! Rather like Carla who also brings up interesting questions.
I realised I didn’t answer part 3. I think I may have accepted that I am not the target market for some time now? I have been on YLF over 7 years and probably all that time ( so since age 55) I have not thought I was. I do rather embarrassingly remember when I was probably in my 30s (because I lived in this area from age 28) complaining that quite a few of the local clothes shops were “old ladies’ shops”. They seemed for a more mature audience, there were a lot of older women around here along with the younger families. Once the local small mall opened in 1995 there were more stores and slowly over time that mall has become more of a fashion centre. So I have still felt I have lots of choice although much of it is not directed at or suitable for me, so I am extremely picky.

Bijou

Veteran

Yes to #1 being a very real issue for me too and enjoying your observations on style and shopping.

My biggest conflict is between what I would like to wear vs what actually works for my lifestyle. My transition to working from home, which for a lifestyle perspective has been brilliant but dressing up for the office was one area where I could indulge in wearing the more formal clothes that I like rather than being perpetually casual.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all for your comments and wisdom! I think there is for many of us a tension between simplicity and variety. Part of it is my storage is not extensive here although I have made some tweaks and reclaimed space in my office which will mean I split my wardrobe and makeup over two locations rather than four. It’s still a work in progress.

Socks - it was tongue in cheek - no one thinks I am millennial or Gen Z whatever socks I wear and I am proud to be 54. I love sneakers so it will be interesting heading into spring how I wear them - I may do some experimentation for the forum. I also find no snow socks annoying but I have hot feet that get sweaty and without socks sneakers are not good - neither comfortable nor appealing to wear.

Colours - I think having my colour analysis reminded me that clear colours are my best - and when I wear them o feel good and get compliments. I do like some softer colours like caramel and soft warm pinks and some neutrals like soft white, navy, black too - but there is a sea of them. I am quite keen to try charcoal again but thats nowhere to be seen at the moment.

Sorry about the delayed response and group response- I have been up and down this week with an upset tummy plus getting back to work……

Sally

Veteran

I haven’t been on here much as it’s all been a bit of a crazy year. I changed my job so I’ve been working two part time jobs this year and I recently got back from a month long stay in Bali where I was doing yoga 6 days a week.
This is the longest I’ve been away for years and I have come back and looked at my wardrobe and wondered why so many clothes? I lived out of half a suitcase for a month( most of my suitcase was taken up with my yoga mat). So I am definitely wanting to pair down to simplicity but all the shiny new things do tempt me. I guess the difference is I have to work here and it’s colder but I’m definitely going the way of capsules.
I love sneakers with dresses/skirts and sometimes go sockless. It appeals to me more aesthetically. That’s probably all I’ll wear in the coming summer.
I definitely feel I’m not the target market but because I mostly thrift shop that doesn’t worry me. I’m more of a neutral person anyway. Interesting topic. Made me feel like posting again.

Sal

Veteran

Welcome back Sally - a month of yoga in Bali sounds amazing!!

Finding the sweet spot in terms of wardrobe size is a matter of trial and error. I am probably not far off my ideal size but the composition is changing a bit.