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Style Direction 2018

Style Fan

Veteran

My post from 2017 is here. https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ction-2017

I have thought about my style journey over the last few years and I have had two epiphanies that I am going to add to the above. I am also adding a Personal Challenge.

Colour Palette
1/ I have attempted to add different colours to my wardrobe palette. I have bought teal and eggplant. I rarely if ever wear these pieces. The tags are still on an eggplant sweater I bought in Montreal 3 years ago.
Starting NOW I am going to stop doing this. I am going to stick to my colour palette of Olive Green (Sage Green), Chocolate Brown, Cognac (Cinamon, Tobacco, Rust,etc.), Denim and Cream (Warm White, Natural, Flax) with accents of Burnt Orange and Golden Yellow.

Fit and Silhouette
2/ Something I have realized recently is that a garment will never fit me even if I go up a size or down a size. I can try on a pair of jeans and feel frustrated because they feel awful on and I can not find the right size. On the other hand, there are garments that fit me perfectly. Size has nothing to do with this. I know some of the brands that work for me (Sandwich, Sarah Pacini, Fidelity Jeans, 7 for All Mankind if high rise, Three Dots T-Shirts). I know also what does not work for me (J Crew).
I am NOW going to look for high rise jeans and pants that have some movement to them. That seems to work better for me.

Personal Challenge
To find new ways of wearing existing clothing pieces instead of buying new pieces.
One idea that came to me as I was planning my travel capsule for Florida was "Reverse Utility Pretty". I don't usually take my swirly skirt with me to Florida because I don't have multiple ways to wear it. Then I thought why not think outside of the box? Why not wear the swirly skirt with a Utility Jacket, Jean Jacket (cami under both), T-shirt and Jean Shirt? There are 4 outfits for the swirly skirt. See pic of the swirly skirt.

Thanks for reading. Comments and feedback welcome.

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Toban

Veteran

I love the swirly skirt and the idea to pair it was denim and utility jackets. amazing epiphanies and a great start for your 2018 road map. I enjoy a tight color palette though I would like to expand mine a bit this year, but overall keeping my color palette tight has simplified both purchases and gett8ng ready in the morning. I’m with you on some things will never work no matter, especially certain brands that are cut for a different shape. I have strong thighs from cycling and they will never fit appropriately in some brands (without not fitting butt and waist areas). Next! Moving on to brands that do work.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can relate to your stated personal
challenge. This year I would like to shop less and get more wear out of what I have.

Also, a really excellent realization on how sometimes fit is NOT a matter of sizing up or down. Way too many garments and brands are simply cut too straight for my very not-straight body! I’ve been avoiding JCrew for the last year or so because it was always just a source of frustration, so I hear you 100%.

Also wise to stick with a proven color scheme when you know you just won’t bother with the other more experimental colors.

Aurore

Veteran

Your three points sound very wise and will definitely help me in my effort of becoming more rational with my wardrobe. Thank you very much!

Helena

Veteran

I like your insights! I can relate to the color one... I keep trying, but rarely wear things outside my tried and true palette. Especially love what you said about fit ... As women, we need to be kinder to our bodies and tougher on the clothes! So glad you found a fit that works for you

Staysfit

Veteran

Stylefan, I relate to your strongly defined color palette. I have also found that adding new colors to my closet has been hard for me, even if they seem like they fit in well with my palette. I naturally gravitate to my old favorites. I am starting to add new colors in the form of scarves and inexpensive accessories instead of larger, more expensive pieces. If I use them, than maybe I will branch out, or maybe I will be like you and find no desire to go further.

LaPed

Veteran

These are great insights -- I absolutely agree with you on accepting that certain items and brands just aren't the right fit, regardless of size. I've been through the same thing with J Crew -- their pants always look great on the models, but just don't fit me. I like a high rise and some ease/movement in my jeans and pants. Vintage is often my best option.

I LOVE the concept of "reverse utility pretty"! I have a silk midi skirt I have trouble styling; once it warms up I will definitely try it with both of my field jackets. Thank you for the idea.

I think when you have a really clearly defined colour palette and preferences, it can be hard to integrate new colours. Angie's strategy is to build smaller "complements" or capsules around new colours, but that can run counter to the "everything-goes-with-everything" model. Earth tones are such a signature for you, I think it's wise to embrace them. Feel free to send the eggplant sweater my way.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These are great insights. I agree absolutely that fit is not just a matter of size; it has to do with the shape of the fit model and some brands don't work. It's still worth trying a few years on in case they change the fit model (which sometimes happens) but like you, I avoid frustration by staying away from the stores where I'll be disappointed.

That skirt looks made to be worn with denim or a utility jacket. That's the most modern feeling way to wear it and you'll love that. It will get a ton of wear.

Anonymous

I really enjoyed reading your thoughts—you’ve kept your goals simple, which means “easy to remember”!

Your colour palette is very tight, and I understand this, as I could almost buy only blue all the time. I think your colours reflect where you live and your cottagey environment.

Yes, jeans are cut differently and you can’t let that get you down, or make you think you need to lose weight if you’re a curvy person. Important to remember that when jean shopping!

Joy

Veteran

You have done well at identifying what works for you and ways to use what you have. I will borrow your utility pretty model to get more casual wear out of my skirts. I also stay away from stores where nothing fits but have the opposite problem. I need the narrow fit, especially on top, as my body is not curvy and will not fill out tops cut too wide, arm holes set too low, too much fabric in the hip area. Isn't it wonderful that brands vary in their cuts?

Mainelady

Veteran

You have carefully reviewed what works and doesn’t work for you. Moving forward, your goals should save you lots of time. I love your Reverse Utility Pretty ideas! I think I might want to try that with a couple of skirts. Speaking of skirts....your swirly skirt is beautiful!

kkards

Veteran

thank you so much for writing this....i could have (should have) written everything you wrote here!
~Colour Palette--i've added olive in the past couple of years..but i learned to add a new color slowly and not to push it....not to jump on "the" color of the season/year...
Fit and Silhouette--biggest lesson i've had here, there is a difference between it fits and its the right fit....need to remind myself to step away for things that fit but aren't the right fit....
Personal Challenge To find new ways of wearing existing clothing pieces instead of buying new pieces. and i'm adopting this one as one my personal goals....

The Cat

Veteran

Wise thoughts. And you look really great in that outfit. I love how how your sandals match your skirt. A swingy printed skirt is a very versatile item and can be styled in plenty of ways, from casual to dressy.

SarahD8

Veteran

Fantastic post! You are set up well for the year with a tight set of specific, actionable goals.

I, too, relate so much to your finding that certain brands are just not cut for your body. I find this such a tough balance to strike. On the one hand, “leave no retail stone unturned.” On the other hand, turning some retail stones leads reliably to frustration!

And I LOVE your “reverse utility pretty” formula! For me, I often wear more modern silhouettes on the bottom and something vintage inspired on top (e.g., skinny jeans with an Aran-knit sweater). Maybe deliberately bringing a “modern” element to the top half of my oufit would help me feel less staid/costumey in skirt outfits. Thank you for giving me something new to try!

Runcarla

Veteran

What a great set of goals, Stylefan. I get the fit issue you raise. I so love the JCrew looks, but can never find a Crew garment that works on my body. On the other hand just about anything by Ralph Lauren works, and there is my fave Jean cut from MWWH!

I am interested in how your swirly skirt works out for Florida. I'm doing some wardrobe planning for summer and you have given me the idea that a skirt or two might be a good alternative to all shorts for high summer non-work outfits. The style of your skirt is perfect for warm weather.

karen13

Veteran

Excellent analysis. I particularly feel the fit and palette comments. I have basically replaced my entire wardrobe over the past 18 months due to weight/size change and I didn't really have a plan. So it doesn't always work. I have tightened my palette for Fall/Winter shopping to lots of navy and burgundy and as a result I have had an easier time this season. I think I need to find analogue colors for Spring/Summer (which in my mountain time is really June - October.

Love kkards' comment about the difference between it fits and it fits right! I may write that on my closet wall! I'm still learning about what silhouettes make me feel fab with my new shape. I bought some high-rise flares recently and I think I like them, even though I am short waisted and petite. But I need to be patient and make sure before I go all in. Thanks for giving concise guidance that may help steer my path. I guess I really need to sit down and make some style goals.

cindysmith

Veteran

Sticking to a fairly tight color palette has been oddly freeing for me. Hypothetically, everything in my closet goes with everything else in my closet. Theoretically, color-wise that's true but some garments don't "feel" right with others. I think that's about fit & proportion. Admitting that I just won't wear the bright colorful things I like to look at? Freed up a lot of closet space, and money to spend on things I would wear.

Style Fan

Veteran

What a wise and thoughtful group the YLF forum members are! Thank you for the great feedback.
Toban, I am so with you on moving on to brands that work. I realized that I am rounder than J. Crew models.
Janet, you have such a great wardrobe. I am excited to see what you do with what you have. Lots of possibilities there. It was very freeing for me to realize it was about straightness and curves when trying on jeans one day.
Aurore, I am glad my post was helpful to you. I love your avatar.
TG, you are so right about needing to be kinder to our bodies.
Staysfit, I like your ideas for adding new colours through accessories. I am going to look for that when I am buying scarves.
Suz, yes you are right that I can revisit brands. Now that I realized I can wear a Utility Jacket with the skirt I wonder why I didn't think of it sooner.
Smittie, you are right that my colour palette works for my area. I hadn't thought of that. It is very cottagey.
Yes, Joy, it is a good thing that clothes are cut differently! There are so many body types.
Mainelady, having goals does save time. Angie is right! My packing is so much easier. Mr. Style Fan picked out the skirt.
Kkards, fit and silhouette are big lessons for me too. They are the ones that I struggle with the most. Fits and fits right are excellent points. I need to remember that!
The Cat, Thank you! The skirt can be very versatile. I hope it turns out that way in Florida.
Sarah, I need to be open to more retail options but I get frustrated when nothing fits. I think that is why I stick to certain stores. I can depend on them.
Carla, you have such luck at Marks. I wish their jeans worked for me. I will report back about the skirt.
Karen, fit and fits right are good points. I am going to keep that in mind.

Style Fan

Veteran

La Ped, vintage is a great way to go. I have wondered about vintage Levis. And I will keep you in mind for the eggplant pieces!
Cindy, exactly! I have a small wardrobe and I like everything to work together (as much as possible). It is very freeing.

Sal

Veteran

I always admire your cohesive and stylish wardrobe Style Fan and I support your goals. And I think autumnal colours are around at the moment which means you should be able to find them.

And yes fit/cut is important. I have come to a few conclusions about fit with local brands too.

Anonymous

Yes to the fit-not-being-all-about-size epiphany. So true . It's hard to accept that some brands like JCrew , BR, and CM don't fit properly (bottoms don't work for me much at all now) when they put out such great looks . It's finding the right versions of those that is our challenge.

I always love your colour palette because it's not seen on everyone out there, and suits you so well.

Windchime

Veteran

Wow, your swirly skirt and sandals were made to be worn together! Fun! "Reverse Utility Pretty" sounds like a practical moniker as you choose outfits for your Florida trip.

For myself, it's helpful to have very specific goals such as your "high rise jeans or pants that have some movement to them." Then it's much easier to hone in on real possibilities from the hundreds of available things out there.

Julie

I totally relate to the color palette idea. I tried red and bright white this year, and just couldn't get into it.

On the other hand, I realized that I like wearing some some colors only in certain seasons- dark green in winter, not spring; burgundy in fall but not winter. Confining some colors to seasonal capsules has somehow made life easier. I packed away my burgundy jeans and no longer feel guilty about not wearing them this winter- they're for fall!

Style Fan

Veteran

Sal, I am having an easier time finding clothing in colours I like except for chocolate brown. I might start shopping up a storm. Thank you for saying my wardrobe looks stylish. I feel a bit behind the times these days since I retired.
Lisa, J Crew, etc are not my friends in terms of their pants. It is very frustrating.
Windchime, I was pretty excited when I saw those sandals. I was wearing the skirt at the time. Reverse Utility Pretty might be a good moniker for my packing. I will keep that in mind.
Julie, I get the idea that certain colours work in certain seasons.

Runcarla

Veteran

Had to post in response to your 'feeling behind the times' comment. I think you dress in a very current mode. Your outfits are authentic to who you are, with a consistent image, yet you still manage to stay on top of trends. I particularly love all the interesting posts around your fashionable high waisted rust coloured cropped trousers, your great hair, and being true to your beautiful colour palette.

I am reading that fashion is becoming more and more individualistic and less trend driven. When you post outfit pics they look like they could be street style pics. The mags are currently featuring a lot of bohemian looks, and when I look at them I think 'Stylefan does it better,'.

Style Fan

Veteran

Carla, how thoughtful of you to say that. You seem like a very insightful and perceptive person. Your comment really means a lot to me.

Chris987

Veteran

Great suggestions. I think I'm like you in terms of color and I like what you said about it. My exact colors have a lot of overlap with yours and I really don't feel inspired to add new colors. I'll take a page from your book and stop fighting it.

I am also totally with you on finding brands/styles that work especially for pants...sizing up/down usually does not work for me either. It can be very frustrating when the styles and fabrics you like seem only available in brands that don't fit, which happens to me a lot, but it's worth being patient and finding what works.

And I agree with what others have said - your style and color palette are lovely, modern, and so "you".

Style Fan

Veteran

Thank you Chris. We have a lot in common in terms of our style. We like the same colours and we wear similar clothes. Being patient and picky also one of my style goals. Placeholders never work for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*APPLAUSE*

You are wonderful, Style Fan. Queen Earth Tones gets which looks make her happy. That's what it's all about.

Katerina

Veteran

Great goals, Style Fan! I really relate to what you write about fit and silhouette. I have a few favourite brands which work well with my body type and I have learned how their sizes work. I buy most of my clothes from the same brands over and over. The same goes for shoes. It makes online shopping a lot easier too.
Your colour palette is lovely and suits you perfectly, so why not sticking to it. It is a very wise goal.
Love your swirl skirt and your pretty utility ideas!

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