some things I learned from YLF

Not trying to be comprehensive here, but I just wanted to note a couple of Aha! moments of my own and say a general round of thanks.

Pre-YLF I never understood how to wear cropped jackets OR what kind of a jacket doesn't look frumpy over a dress. Never put the two and two together. This would lead to situations where I would want to wear one of my many nice dresses, and then I would try everything in my closet over it, sigh in exasperation, and then look for a pants outfit (naturally all done in a desperate hurry). I think this has kept me from my true frock-girl tendencies until now.

I really appreciate having you, Angie, and your site and this community as a resource for these things.

Another big issue for me is that often skirts and dresses are too long and hit in an awkward place below my knee. Pre-YLF I just ran with it (preferably in heels). I realize now that I need to go on a big round of skirt/dress hemming. I would like to thank Taylor in particular for explaining how she tailors her clothes so that I understand how to fix some of my beautiful but too long skirts that I was just going to go around looking stumpy in.

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Only wearing volume on 1 half, that's why I always felt frumpy in wide leg trousers and baggy top.
Dresses and skirts cover far more sins than trousers.
Belting makes my waist look so tiny that no one notices my hips.
Cropped cardis with pants and top are a no no (for me) but look stunning over a dress...........
I could go on all morning!!! x

April

Oh, my. Where to begin? Everything mentioned above, plus:

1. Perfect Pants Length!!!

2. The importance of tailoring, even for a small change, even for things like jean jackets.

3. Knee-high boots aren't supposed to have a gigantic gap at the calf.

4. The concept of "sizing up" and "sizing down" to improve fit -- always thought your size was your size and that was that.

5. How to wear leggings.

6. The most flattering length for shorter pants, and in general to avoid the ubiquitous and leg-shortening "capri" length.

7. All the fuss about accessories is justified.

8. The distinction between knits and wovens.

9. Tops that work with pants won't necessarily work with skirts, and that you have to pay attention the the length of the top.

10. The idea that leisure time *can* be spent in something other than uninteresting jeans and tees. Who knew?

Lynne

Major 'so THAT's why" moment: Angie's article on the right top length to wear with jeans ie they're a bit longer than the length that looks good with skirts. So simple.....but I would never have worked it out myself! Thanks, Angie!

Sveta

(website)

I can relate completely to all of the above. However the most important influence of Angie and YLF was to gain courage and desire to venture into styles I have never considered before. The biggest change I notice when I shop now is I do not say to myself "not my style" just from looking at the item any more.
One of my favorite Angie's tips is how to wear volume on top - with sleek bottom and raised hemline. I would never considered a waistless dress before in a hundred years and now I love them - but they should be above the knee to work. Thanks, Angie!

Queen Mum

Isn't it amazing the things that make so much sense to us now we were completely unaware of pre-YLF.
One of my biggest learnings was the concept of not wearing volume with volume.

Adding one: the expression "and Bob's your uncle."

Mae

Active Member

I am still new at this, but here goes...
1. Don't fear the scarf.
2. Don't fear the statement necklace.
3. Steer clear of the trousers that are too short for your long legs.
4. Dresses can be casual.
5. A little extra time thinking about it can make an outfit go from eh to wow.
6. Handbags are our friends.
7. Patterned tights and fishnets are not going to make you look like a call girl if worn properly.
8. The importance of thinking about texture, shine, fit, color, accessories, ....
9. Dress your body shape.
10. You can wear a belt up at your natural waist.
11. You can wear a belt over a cardigan AND not button the cardigan.
12. You can wear a belt with a coat! (And not the belt that CAME with the coat.)
13. Style helps improve confidence. On the flip side, trying something new can feel risky and undermine said confidence... which leads us to....
14. The importance of having a supportive network of like-minded women who can boost one's style confidence, give ideas, and honestly confirm when something is not working.
15. Reach for Killer as often as possible.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Wow. Can I shed a tear? Told you I was mushy.

Thanks for sharing your aha moments with us, ladies.That's KILLER. Sometimes the smallest wardrobe change can make the biggest difference - like wearing pants at the right length. Know that it is a pleasure to share my knowledge with you.

And don't think that I don't have aha moments myself! When the new trends come out - I have to figure out how to make them wearable for different body types. Sometimes it's easy peasy, while at other times I scratch my head.

Scarlet -Rosie, now you REALLY need to get a few cheeky cropped jackets to wear over dresses

Scarlet

It's nice to hear that people who post such beautiful outfits also had to figure some of these things out. When I saw the recent photos of YLF gatherings I was so impressed how all the YLFers looked so out-of-the-ordinary stylish.

Angie, I know! but I haven't found one yet...

So off to Diesel with voucher in hand you go :0)

Kristine

-The power of white pants. They're so easy and always seem to look chic. Some of my darker tops would look too heavy for summer, but with white pants suddenly they look right. I never owned a pair before and now I'll never be without them!

-Khakis and corduroys aren't (generally) flattering. A few rearview photos were evidence enough to put them on the thrift store pile.

-Pants and skirts need tops of different lengths. Shorter tops work better for skirts and longer tops for pants. It was something I never thought about, but it creates balanced proportion.

Lisa

There's a lot I have learned and much more to go.
#1-PPL
#2-Tops are not universal length for dresses and trousers.
#3-You CAN and often should replace the self belt.
#4-Jackets as a cardi alternative. I always thought they were for outerwear or suits only.
#5-Pairing denim with denim is ok.
#6-What my body type is and (starting) to dress for my body type.

lynne

1. Tops for pants and tops for skirts are not the same length. Huge aha
2. Leggings aren't just for 14 year olds.

Oh I forgot one more I have to add. Wearing woven tops. I did not own a single blouse prior to reading YLF. Now I am slowly converting my wardrobe to more wovens and less knits. I find they are more expensive but I am expecting they will last longer thereby justifying the cost.

RoseandJoan

Angie's philosophy about style having to be fun has been the most important lesson. Yes the rules about body shape, colours and fit are of course fab but without the 'passion for fashion' they are just words.

RoseandJoan, that is a good one too. When I start getting stressed out about these things, it helps to remember that fashion is for fun.

I have got to figure out this top lengths thing everyone is talking about. That must have surfaced before I found YLF.

Debbie

Some of the things I 've learned:

1. If you dress the body you have not the one you thought you wanted you are happier.

2. An apple can wear a belt with some thought.

3. The belt came with the item. That doesn't man you are tied to it for life.

4. Confidence in the way you look will shine through.

Scarlet, see here: http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/.....and-pants/

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