Tons of clothes, but still feel like I have holes - YouLookFab Forum

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Tons of clothes, but still feel like I have holes

Tricia

Veteran

I've done a lot of purging over the last few months and added quite a few new things, but although I have a big list of combinations to try I feel like something isn't quite right. I think it's because almost all my tops and dresses have short sleeves, so I wear cardigans over things almost all the time. I LOVE cardigans, but you can only have so many cardigans - so even though I swap out the tops underneath them a lot, I still feel like I'm wearing the same few cardigans over and over.

I don't want to buy things indiscriminately...but I feel like I need some longer-sleeved tops and maybe some longer-sleeved dresses. I know I'm good on skirts and pants. What kinds of things might you look for, for maximum versatility?

I also realized that a HUGE percentage of my wardrobe is black or gray. I need colors. And I really want to try buying more vintage, but I don't have a lot of time to scour for things in person and I'm nervous about buying vintage online because you have to have your measurements perfect, and they don't accept returns.

A couple of things I like:

1. Red bow blouse from modcloth

2. Ink blue vintage bow blouse from etsy - don't know if a big-busted girl can wear a neck this high?

3. vintage navy dress - I'd have to shorten

4. vintage plaid top from etsy...I keep looking at this and I don't know why. I think it would go with my camel pencil skirt or a denim skirt, but..I dont know.

anything have potential? Anyone have tips for buying vintage online? Anyone tired of my rambling? Sorry.

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Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

catgirl

Veteran

Tricia, this post is so on target for me. I'm all about black and grey, and I have random colorful things that don't fit in anywhere, as well as a huge wardrobe hole that I can't quite figure out with tops. I have started wearing dresses a lot more, though - even though I only have a few, I find them easy to just throw on instead of having to coordinate a top and skirt.

Will be following along here...

Queen Mum

Veteran

I too feel that my collection of long sleeves is severely lacking. I find it hard to find long sleeves. Even with winter dresses, many of them are sleeveless or short sleeved. This is a constant source of annoyance for me actually.

crwilson

Veteran

I feel the exact same way, and I have the same dilemmas about buying vintage clothes online. I really love that blue bow blouse, but it seems like it would be hard to wear. The red one, on the other hand, has potential. I really like it a lot, and one can return things to modcloth, no?

And, I don't understand why so few dresses have real long sleeves....

Kristine

Veteran

Me too! I'm starting to freeze because I'm wearing tank tops and short sleeve shirts under jackets and cardigans. I think I really need some long sleeve blouses and woven tops. I love that red bow blouse, but I guess I'd pass if you can't return it. You never know with vintage. Is there a store in your area you could try?

Tricia

Veteran

Actually the red one is from Modcloth, so not vintage and therefore returnable.

There are a few vintage stores and some thift stores around here, but especially with thrift stores, I think you need a lot of time to pick through the junk to find the good stuff, and with the two little kids at home I don't have that kind of time. (Though I did take my 4.5-year-old with me to a vintage store the other day and she wanted me to try on all the floofy 1950s prom dresses.)

MsMaven

Veteran

I'm always on the lookout for long-sleeved dresses and I can tell you there are very few. There are a few 3/4 sleeves around now. Back in the 80s and 90s I had lots of long sleeved dresses--and then they all disappeared. Are manufacturers saving money by using less fabric? We have tops, shirts and jackets with long sleeves--why not a dress?

Linda Grant at The Thoughtful Dresser has written posts lamenting the lack of these dresses. If I'm going to wear a nice dress I do not want to put a sweater or jacket over it.

End of gripe.

AJ

Veteran

What about layering under a dress with the Express turtleneck that Angie has in the store?

Lisa

Veteran

I can't advise on vintage purchasing but understand the lack of variety issue. For me, expanding blazers helped me vary up my layering options nicely. I'm also on the hunt for long sleeve tops to layer under think weight cardigans and blazers. This has been a challenge, most layering tops are tanks or short sleeves and I need some warmth. Dresses, the only long sleeve dresses I ever see are sweater dresses.

Tricia

Veteran

AJ, unfortunately I'm too busty for turtlenecks.

Aida

Veteran

Tricia if you buy your vintage from Etsy, I think the majority of sellers would be happy to work with you to make sure the measurements of items are good for you. Though it does require knowing a bit about materials etc, it would certainly save you time compared to thrifting yourself (as you said, it can take a LOT of time).

I have problems with color as well, I have to force myself to wear color most times when I wear it. I started by getting some colorful cardigans, and am now working on colorful tops. I like thin sweaters as a layering type piece for colder days; I treat them like I would any short sleeve top. Long sleeve tees are also good for layering underneath if you want something more casual.

Amy

Tricia - you have basically described my wardrobe dilemma. Lots of bottoms, but I never seem to have enough suitable tops to feel like there's a variety. Although I'm not looking for long sleeves, because I live in a tropical climate. I'm looking for suitable tops that look smart casual that you can wear a nursing bra underneath. So many tops in the shops here can only be worn with a strapless bra.

Sorry I have no useful advice on how to find long-sleeved shirts and dresses.

tarzy

Veteran

I really relate as well. Unfortunately, I don't have any real solutions, other to say that I think sorting out a wardrobe/personal style does take a lot of work!

Do you feel limited because you're buying essentially the same cardigan? I would think you could find a great variety of sweaters - different styles (cropped/v-neck/boyfriend/cascading) & colors, as well as incorporate other layering items like blazers. Or is it that you're just bored with the whole concept of top/sweater?

JewelryGirl

I buy a LOT of vintage - 99% thrifted, rarely on-line. It's taken me quite awhile to get to my ideal state wardrobe but since my last closet re-org I FINALLY feel like I'm pretty much there!!! Here's what's worked for me...

If you do on-line - I agree measurements & knowing material are 110% the key. The only drawbacks still are --- will that vintage leather smell or discolor if you try to freshen up. Are the armholes really long & wide from the '80's era - things like that you might not notice by viewing on-line but would definitely know by trying on. I'm not saying it can't be done. If you have pockets of time & are selective & know what you're looking for you can do it.

If you do brick & mortar thrift ---- ahhhh my true love! Jen is doing a great series for far on this on Thursday's --- here's her first one: http://myedit.blogspot.com/201.....ation.html For me, I find someplace that's close to your normal commute. Then, frequent it often even if only for 15-30 minutes. Take one day & just focus on the dresses, the next time you go tops, etc. Grab anything that catches your eye & looks remotely close. Don't bother so much with sizes (http://myedit.blogspot.com/201.....-wars.html) try them all things will surprise you. Like I said, take one section at a time --- just saw Jen's post for today: http://myedit.blogspot.com/201.....-easy.html

Then, BE SELECTIVE ---- just because it's a thrift store don't go with the "I don't deny myself anything" concept there - you'll end up with a lot of CRAP. If you take it one step at a time --- there are GOLD mines to be found. I still LUV me some JCrew & Banana, but thrifting --- It's my favorite shopping!

Maya

Veteran

I am SO with you and all the gals who can relate! It took me an eternity to get dressed this morning because nothing I had was suitable for the cold. I came home and immediately started shopping for sweaters, but something just seemed so...wrong. I feel like I have so many clothes, so why am I buying more?!

However, I don't actually have that many cardigans. I think I have only 3. I am on team jacket, yet I don't wear a lot of my jackets anymore. So I guess I need to purge, but I'm always reluctant to purge until I get replacements first. Sigh. I wish there were more long sleeved tops and interesting sweaters around. I feel like everything this season is geared towards people in milder climates. The rest of us are just destined to freeze...

Steffie

I too struggle with a lack of long sleeve tops! I think the lack of long sleeve tops has derailed me quite a bit the last two cold seasons.

Part of my wardrobe excess has come from me buying cardis and jackets to wear over summer/fall tops and dresses to make them winter appropriate. What happens is that I end up with a bunch of layering pieces and outfits that I don't ever really wear because I don't really LIKE layering very much. (Absolutely adorable on others but I just can't be bothered.)

I'm making a concerted effort now to create winter outfits that are comprised of a single long sleeved top and pants, or a long-sleeved dress that can stand alone. Some people may find this limiting but I think it will help streamline my wardrobe and free me from feeling like I have to layer everything all the time.

I think you just have to know your style really well and be realistic with yourself about what you will and won't wear.

It's late and I'm pooped, so I'm not sure this has made any sense at all.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Interestingly, all my purchases today were long sleeved tops. I'll admit, it's not a particularly exciting way to spend your wardrobe dollars but I think it's what I needed to stretch what I already have further.

JewelryGirl

I've been living like this (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ganization) with my closet for a few weeks now & I have to say it has solved the "Tons of clothes, but still feel like I have holes" problem for me. I know what I need & I'm also recognizing very quickly when I start pulling in a new color (mustard/golds for me right now) into my very basic core workhorse section as I'm reaching for it all the time. It's been very fun as I'm looking at things from a very different & fresh perspective now & it's very easy for me to pull outfits together.

My closet organization was key for me to see tons of clothes that I wasn't wearing & why! Just thought it might help...

Isabel

Veteran

It is funny you all say that about long sleeves. When the Boston area fabbers got together and we were at the mall, I asked, " Have I just really not gotten out or is it unusual that everything seems to be sleeveless or short sleeves for winter compared to past years ?"

I don't really feel that I have any holes. I have a rather small wardrobe but I am very happy with it. I do have a tremendous amount of accessories, maybe that is why I don't bore easily. I also love layering, so that keeps it interesting for me. I am also very blessed and lucky that I have been able ( over the years ) to buy some wonderful cashmere sweaters. They are lightweight but incredibly warm, so they are great for cold weather but I didn't roast at job sites or on the train.

I practically lived in black for 25 years. My husband kept saying that it actually made him "sad" ! After I got on YLF, I bought a bunch of beautiful Vera Bradley silk scarves and started wearing them. Now I have a couple of beautiful color bags, too. I have some print tops, mostly muted colors. I also love to wear color though accessories. Maybe you all could consider that ?