Style Goals - You have Guilted me! (long with lots of pics) - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Style Goals - You have Guilted me! (long with lots of pics)

karen13

Veteran

OK, it is time. I have resisted but you all have inspired me. Style Goals, incoming! It is time to get serious, and you only get out what you put in. I even replaced my avatar.

Figure out my Style Descriptors. They seem to help a lot of YLFers. I feel all over the map. I like classic looks, but love subtle bling, a bit of minimal maximalism and a touch of whimsy. I probably need to acknowledge my boho but not frilly side. And I have really liked a few darker florals of late, pretty much everything Brooklyn wears. Style Descriptors will help me figure out what I have that meets the need and what I need to work for my very casual (not fantasy) mountain town life.
Focus on Fit, Fit, Fit!! To quote kkards in StyleFan’s 2018 Goals thread "there is a difference between it fits and it's the right fit.” And I need to let go some of my old assumptions about what does and doesn't suit me.
Find a good tailor and use them. I can do a lot with my sewing skills, but not everything, and I tend to overthink and research, while the item just sits unused.
Ruthlessly purge the things I hang on to "just in case." I have plenty of closet space, but it is visual and emotional clutter. My mistakes mock me, and no one needs that.
Stop trying to make certain silhouettes work (I’m looking at you skinny and slim jeans - I hereby accept that I do not like to emphasis my calves). Enjoy them on others.
Identify what works and find brands that fit, and even then, be MUCH MORE patient. As a petite, I struggle with B&M shopping, but the inconsistency in sizes even with the same style and size and brand make online shopping so frustrating. I ordered 4 pairs of Levis to find the one that fit. Three were the "same" size and length. Arrrrrggh! (But I did persevere! Yay me).
Upgrade my shoes for spring and summer. After years of back orthopedic-looking shoes, I have recently found several comfortable, attractive boots that fit my wide forefoot. I love them. I dread spring/summer when the palette and styles lighten. But I will find good things and not settle.
Find a spring/summer palette of lighter colors that I am drawn to as much as I have been to burgundy and navy. It has really helped me feel more put together to have a tighter color palette.

These aren’t as well thought out and cohesive as the ones I’ve seen posted, but if I keep over-analyzing, I will never do this. I welcome thoughts and ideas, and need help on descriptors. Here are a few outfits (about half I haven’t posted) that have made me happy in the past months to remind you of where my style is now. Thanks for all the inspiration.

This post has 12 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from cindysmith

Mainelady

Veteran

You have identified great goals to help you find the fashion that best works for you. I like your casual mountain lifestyle outfits. My favorite individual pieces are your black and white mountain sweater, the fun and fab solar system scarf and the gray jacket. Have you tried the scarf with outfits #3 and #5? The sleeveless cowl neck tops in #3 and 9 are stunning on you. I think they make casual look elegant. Have you paired them with that great gray jacket? A slim silhouette looks wonderful on you. I look forward to seeing more of your outfits.

kkards

Veteran

Wow...these goals are well thought out --- i generally can't concentrate on more than 3 goals at a time! (i think its a work thing, we never have more than 3- 4 goals, but i'm not really sure why)....
and i'm impressed, it took me about 4.5 years to even start thinking about the difference between it fits and it's the right fit, and about 5 to start to really ingrain it in my daily dressing and shopping.

LaPed

Veteran

These are great goals, and well-articulated! I agree with Mainelady that you look *great* in the sleeveless cowl-necks (3 and 9), and I love #2, with the ombre cardi and gingham -- very artful combo, with the burgundy trousers. Floaty dress in #12 is gorgeous, and looks like a good starting point for figuring out spring/summer palette.

As far as summer shoes go, I'm with you -- boot shopping is much easier! One thing I discovered from a lot of summer shoe try-ons last year: ankle-straps on a sandal can mimic the proportions of an ankle boot and feel very easy to style (to me at least!). I ended up with one pair, from El Naturalista, that I really love wearing. Also, you might want to consider "summer boots" -- booties in perforated leather, or with side cut-outs, etc. With your hair, bookending with a lighter shoe in cognac, taupe, tan, blush, metallic should be easy.

Re: pants -- you look great in a bootcut and a straight leg, and it seems like there are more full-length flares and bootcuts hitting retail than I've seen in a long time. I bet you'd also look great in kick flares or cropped wide legs.

View Info

Toban

Veteran

This is a fantastic set of style goals. I think it's especially powerful with your addition of WIWs that have made you happy. Your choices in necklines (soft cowl, v-neck) and bootcut and straight pants legs are especially elongating, which for many petites (including myself!) is a fashion priority. I found that I liked the capri/cropped pants on you best when you wore a similar color shoe rather than contrast (due to my personal preference of appearing taller, that may not be a goal for you).

I also bemoan the very limited selection of petite options in B&M stores. I end up going into the stores (e.g. Ann Taylor, WHBM, JJill), trying a variety of what they have available in petites to get an idea of sizing and how an online picture translates to real life, then go online and order from the much broader selection on line. It does mean that I really have to plan ahead if there's a specific event I need something for.

I think goal #3 is one that I need to add to my list, especially for HEWI that may be difficult to find with a perfect fit off the shelf.

Windchime

Veteran

You've clearly put a lot of thought and analysis into these goals! I'm struggling a bit to come up with style descriptors for myself, so I really understand that goal of yours.

Maybe you can choose your least favorite item and donate it, as a practice in letting go. You'll probably feel better when it's gone.

I am also struck by how fab you look in the sleeveless cowlnecks, and I love your solar system scarf.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have to say how much I like # 7, 9 (those pants are great!), and 12.

Great set of goals, and I share 2 and 4 with you.

Aurore

Veteran

I LOVE your buttonned black trousers! I think they fit you well, and have a nice balance between elegance, casual and originality. That ombré cardigan is great too, as well as the ski sweater!
In my opinion, you really have original, distinctive items without looking "too much" since you balance them with more understated ones (I hope it makes sense, since as a non-native English speaker I'm struggling with the wording).

SarahD8

Veteran

Great set of goals. I really identify with 2 and 3, and share your shopping frustrations as a fellow petite.

As others have mentioned, those draped/cowl neck blouses really jumped out at me as being SUPER flattering on you.

Looking at your photos, the style descriptor that comes to my mind is “Detailed Minimalism.” You seem to choose simple, streamlined silhouettes and there is not a lot of visible layering (that’s the minimalism), but you use color, pattern, and one or two standout accessories to create interest (that’s the detail). That last pic with the long dress is a perfect example— the dress is such a simple, classic cut, and the silver accessories are pretty understated, but the pattern is really unexpected and makes the whole look stand out.

The Cat

Veteran

Congratulations with identifying your style goals! And generally, it really seems that the items you have shown here fit you great.

I, too, love your trousers with the buttons-they are both fun and casually elegant.

You have a beautiful face and look so optimistic and cheerful that I find myself smiling to your pictures. I read in your profile that your hair is strawberry blonde and your eyes green. How wonderful and interesting! Compared to the majority of the earth's population, these personal colours are very rare. So why not highlight your unique beauty AND your positive radiance by wearing happy colours which repeat or enhance your personal colours--in particular around your face? Colours like grey, dark blue, black and blue red may not be your best choices for items near your face, unless mixed with your best colours. I suggest more tops, toppers, scarves and jewellery with golden undertones--yellow greens, pea green, aquas, golden yellow, light orange, terracotta, rust, camel and cinnamon.

Sara L.

Veteran

This is a great set of outfits. I think your goals are very well articulated and seem do-able. I can't help with style descriptors - I've never been able to come up with them for myself. Also, I feel like my style is different in the winter and the summer. Winter is sleeker, summer is more boho. So you might want to keep that in mind when you are working on your summer wardrobe.

Beth Ann

Veteran

So nice to see you, Karen! I found the forum most helpful once they had seen me in multiple outfits --- seeing a series of photos helps to get a sense of overall style and wardrobe.

Kudos for focusing a a select palette of colors, and a few distinct silhouettes that work and are pleasing to you! I really like the proportions created with the tucked jeans and jacket in #7, and the lovely blend of flow and structure in #3 and #9 (Angie always says that skin creates structure -- and I love that neckline on you). The subtle details --- pinstripes, buttons down the side --- show your attention to detail at add a bit of interest -- brava! I also love the touch of fun in the planet scarf and the print in your sweater in #1!

As for spring/summer -- what about trying some more of the light turquoise you're wearing in your maxi dress (love the grown-up floral)? Also, I found white jeans to be really versatile. Incorporating them into your outfits in early spring -- and I mean wearing white with your burgundy and navy -- brightened my outfits immediately, even before I discovered chambray as a neutral, and orchid/turquoise and raspberry for summer colors.

Finally, while they're more classic than trendy at the moment, I think a subtle metallic spring shoe would be fun in your wardrobe. Bronze, pewter and rose gold are my favorites. My sandal finds are a bit old, but I've posted a couple updated sneaks and a neutral oxford below. The rose gold slip ons are in my closet, and still at DSW. I have a slightly wide, high volume foot, and find them very comfy with a memory foam base. They do "scuff" a bit, but after a while they look vintagey and cool that way.

Ecco 'Soft 7' Sneaker

View Info

Top Pick

14

Naturalizer Leal Oxford

View Info

Top Pick

1

Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip-On Sneaker

View Info

Top Pick

2

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

An excellent set of manageable goals. WELL DONE.

You look sensational in pics #3 to #11.

Anonymous

Your goals are so well stated!! Well thought out. Very concise.

I personally have never been successful at finding or using style descriptors. I have tried in the past. Nothing resonated with me until Angie said "Cozy Comfort." THAT did resonate.

Goals 2,3,4 and 6 are exactly where I am in life. Perseverance is an admirable trait. YAY YOU.

JAileen

Veteran

Good goals. Yes, get away from orthopedic shoes. When I found YLF, I had been wearing Dansko clogs almost exclusively. My shoes have improved a lot.

Your outfits are great. I love the ski sweater and the planet scarf, but especially your grey jacket. What a great buy, that was.

As for B&M shopping, I don’t do any. I do send a lot of stuff back.

The Cat

Veteran

How about "Fun Casual Chic"?

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

OMG! Everything you wrote resonates with me--especially #6. I enjoy the variety of items and sizes that I find on-line, but figuring out brand sizing is a mystery. I'm still quite shy about making returns, so this is a big pitfall for me and I'm afraid the I've kept too much that is "almost right". And, #4- "...My mistakes mock me, and no one needs that." So true!

rachylou

Veteran

I must say, I like your visuals! I don’t know where I’ve been, but several I'd not seen before. Good goals! And also, I must say, I do find style descriptors very helpful - I look forward to yours!

karen13

Veteran

OK - it is already worth the effort - you are all giving me much helpful info and many ideas. Thank you all for the constructive feedback!!

Mainelady, La Ped, Windchime, Toban, SarahD8 and all the drape neck lovers - me too!! The red is at least 15 years old and too big, and a tiny bit pilled, but I haven't been able to toss it. I can’t find this in petites in colors. So I just sewed the navy crushed velvet one by tracing the pattern from the red. It turned out pretty well and was easy, so I will do it again, but maybe spring for an actual pattern. I also made the green and blue velvet raglan from tracing (I bought the crushed velvet to make a scarf for DD’s amazing AP Calculus teacher and the fabric store cut double the amounts I needed so I thought, what the heck?) it was a bit more complex and not quite as successful from a fit perspective, but I'm probs the only one who will be examining it. Upshot is, I will make more of these, and in a sleeved version too.

The planet scarf was an Angie top pick that I almost didn’t get because it is so large (as shown in #4). But I adore it, so yesterday I cut it into two (1/3 and 2/3 width) . I think I will wear it more now, and yes it would look great with the green/blue raglan, Mainelady, thanks for the suggestion!

kkards, Toban, Janet, Angie, Sterling, Jaileen, Emily K. - I think we all have some similar goals. I went through a lot of the YLFers goal/status posts to kick off and found so many things that resonate. It is too many, and this is after I trimmed it. I have a lot of sub goals that I am writing down and hanging in my closet. But looking taller is definitely one of mine, so I will work on the shoe color/cropped thing, v-necks and bootcuts.

La Ped, The Cat, and Beth Ann - you raise great palette points. I love the jewel tones and can't force myself to wear pastels - I feel so washed out. And I'm indeterminate on metallic tones - my hair goes with gold but my eyes and skin like the silver. My California winter climate is coldish and snowy but typically very sunny (we get 1-4 foot snow dumps followed by a week of sun), so I don't find the darker tones oppressive.

But I definitely need to find lighter but maybe more saturated colors to replace them for summer. Raspberry, turquoise, aqua, teal are all contenders. And I did find some cinnamon I liked in the fall, so maybe earthtones aren’t out of the question; thanks for pushing me a bit. I'm actively searching for thick fabric, fuller leg, white jeans now! As Angie told me recently, spring is too late to find them.

Sara L. You totally nailed one of my issues - I too prefer sleek in the winter and and more boho and feminine in the summer. I was wondering why I haven’t been feeling the more boho tops right now, after buying several.

SarahD8, Beth Ann, The Cat and Aurore - Thank you! You are describing what I want to project - Details, Minimal, Casual, Fun, Distinctive but Balanced (Aurore, you write beautifully in English) are all pointing me in the right direction. I love true Maximal on others, but my version is very pared down. This helps so much.

Jaileen and Emily K. - I have learned a lot from the forum (and you Jaileen) about ordering and returning, but I still need to do it more. I sent back all the LOFT cords I recently posted, even though I felt very environmentally unsound. But if I keep them and let just them mock me, it is perhaps even more environmentally unsound. I’m telling myself the money retailers are saving by not carrying my sizes and shapes in B&M, and the free shipping/returns is their business decision. But I did feel secretly better paying the LOFT $8 for return shipping than returning them in person 45 minutes away.

La Ped and Beth Ann- Thanks for the shoe style and color suggestions - if you recommend them I know they have a good chance of being comfortable for me and stylish. And perfed boots would work well much of the summer/fall for me. Metallics are a great casual idea - I only have them in dress shoes now.

Rachy - thanks for the boost! A number of those outfits I never posted, so you weren’t missing things. Is there a burgundy/navy party wig?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Forgot to add how CUTE you look wth your hair slicked back in #7, karen13, and how you were made to wear bootcuts, flares, and sleeveless tops. Your new specs - although not shown here - are Killer too.

karen13

Veteran

Thanks Angie! I really like that hairstyle too and I wish I could remember how I managed to make my hair do that! It must have been the length it was at that moment in time, because I haven't replicated it well.

And I would never have found my beloved burgundy spec with your and YLF's help. I should take some photos with them - I wear them a lot of the time now.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I know that you are sensitive about how your calves look in pants and I think looks #6,8,and 11 are especially flattering.

karen13

Veteran

Thank you Emily! In looking at those photos, I think if the leg is loose enough down to below my calf, I am OK with it. My ankles seem average. (But the white boyfriends in #8 are two + sizes larger than usual and I cut down the hips waist and thigh to my size, but left the lower leg unchanged.) Maybe I will try kick flares this spring, as La Ped suggested.

Sal

Veteran

Great goals Karen. You have s really good base of pieces here that work brilliantly on you. I think you are picking shapes that really work on you- simple but modern.

Re colours- it is hard for me to see on the phone but mid tones I think would work. I am not drawn to pastels either but I love sea greens and jades, the right raspberries and winey reds, and warm greens.

And hooray for more jean choices for those of us with muscular calves!!

jussie

Veteran

Hi, that sea green maxi dress is a beautiful colour on you. The planet scarf and cowl necks are awesome too. I think your style definitely has some "playful" to it sweater/solar system scarf etc.
Have you ever tried Modcloth? They have a lot of fun elements in their clothing.

jussie

Veteran

Also the statement tassel earrings work really well with your haircut and uncluttered look.

RobinF

Veteran

Those are great goals! I can relate to them all, especially the pain of being a petite. I like to feel a fabric in person and try it on so prefer B&M but it is hard to find petites. Thank goodness I can hem my own pants! I think my favorite of your outfits is #7 with the jean jacket, casual but put together.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

3,4,7 and 9 stand out for me. Your goals are very smart!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

#3 is killer gorgeous on you -- wow! You have such a pretty smile.

I'm nodding along with LaPed and Beth Ann re footwear. Sneakers (with inserts, maybe) and ankle straps can be easier to wear. A block heel will also help. It will be interesting to see what the spring/ summer offerings are and do come back here with questions because we can all offer experience/ help!

Re colours -- have you identified your key neutrals?

karen13

Veteran

jussie - I just went to Modcloth for the first time and I'm not sure that my wallet will thank you. Very playful indeed and that is something I want. I focused on the bottoms because I am trying not to buy non-petite tops for a while - they just don't usually work, but I can do misses pants. Do they run true to size?

RobinF and shevia - Thank you! I have not worn that grey jacket much, and I need to more.

Suz - I have no grasp of key neutrals. I have a lot of navy and denim, but that is it. A few black pants, some grey knit pants (mostly athlesiure), and very little else that is neutral. I will have to investigate. Hmmm.

12