Too Memorable? Orange red and white striped top - on the fence because it's bold. - YouLookFab Forum

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Too Memorable? Orange red and white striped top - on the fence because it's bold.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I know, I know, I should do a photo but I don't have time right now. I'm trying to decide to K/R this Free People red-orange and white striped top. My main concern is that it's too memorable. You know, the kind of top everyone recognizes right away so if I wear it very often it stands out as something you've worn often. And it's bold (for me) so I would have to be "in the mood" to wear it.

I always wonder about these type of items. My closet is in good shape but I still crave "fun" so I end up trying items like this - thinking it would be "great for vacation" and similar but sporadic uses. But is it worthwhile to buy it for one or two wearings?
I could wear it with denim or white - but still, just having options doesn't take away the above concern or mean that I actually *will* wear it.

My analytic side says to return it but my fun side says wear it once or twice and pass it on to someone else.

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30 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

My opinion- If it makes you happy- folks will remember your smile and confidence displayed from feeling great in it more than the shirt itself.
I vote go for it without regret.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I like it,Iwouldnt worry to much about other people remembering you in it,unless you plan to wear it every single day from now on .

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I would return it if you really think you won’t wear it more than once or twice.

However, who cares if people remember it? If you enjoy it and feel good in it, keep and wear regularly.

Sara L.

Veteran

It looks cool and breezy for a hot summer day.

I've learned that people remember what you wear less than you think. I don't think the shirt is so "out there" that people will really remember it. Also, do you see the same people every day? My casual (not work wear) style has a lot of repeat outfits since I generally see different people and have different activities (appointments, errands, etc).

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

efbgen, cardiff girl - great enabling :-).

Jenn - yes, that is the problem. I know myself well enough to know I'll only wear it a few times - probably over a couple of years! The cost isn't an issue, it's the wastefulness I'm concerned about. I have to admit to owning at least a few other tops that I've only worn maybe two or three times so far - so I don't want to make a habit of it. I just finished donating one of the last big boxes of clothing I had after several closet edits.

Anonymous

I think the days of women not wearing the same item on repeat are long gone (however bold). Today women have the freedom to wear what they like, when they like. I like this top for you. It would look fabulous with both the blue and the white jeans. I say "buy."

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sara - well, I actually do see mostly the same people every day. If I didn't, it would be an easier decision. I also rarely wear a super bright/bold combo - though I imagine most people won't really see it the same way as I do.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sterling - thank you for chiming in. It is sort of a "me" style being a little bit sporty, very soft, breezy. It helps that it goes with my favorite white sneaks.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What on earth is wrong with “too memorable”! Be memorable

Great look.

Bijou

Veteran

Be memorable and wear it lots! I think this top will be beautiful on you so I hope you keep it, but a stunning top like this needs to be worn. Your other purchases are great and this looks like a beautiful and fresh capsule for spring.

Anonymous

It does look very “you”. Also, wouldn’t it have a pretty long wearing season - with shorts in summer and with blue jeans and closed shoes in fall? If you wear twice with shorts, twice with jeans, throw in a vacation wear - that’s five times in a year. Multiply by at least two years, and that gets you to ten wears. Does that seem realistic to you?

Liesbeth

Veteran

I once did have that concern about a retro graphic cat print dress. But everytime I wore it (ok maybe not EVERY time) I got compliments... So have to agree with Angie that looking memorable could be good!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Ryce - wow, you know how my mind calculates I think! And you're right, if I only wear it 10 times total it would be absolutely fine and the cost per wear would even be okay since it was a bargain under $30 on sale.

Angie and everyone else - I think you've all convinced me to keep and wear! I don't know what's wrong with "memorable" to me Angie - I think it's just my introverted nature or something. I wear hot pink and don't think twice but it's a classic boat neck tee style and this has a lot more going on - voluminous, slits up the sides and front (I will tack closed) and the stripes. I do love how "sunny" and happy it looks.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It looks like a fantastic purchase for you and might turn out to be your wild card. Seriously.

Admittedly, I don't mind wearing brights (at least on top -- pants seem to be another matter) but I hesitated to buy a fuchsia jacket. Lo and behold, it became a workhorse! You just never know.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I think "memorable" and repeating wears are positives, not negatives. It looks like a great top, go for it!

Anonymous

As Angie said. Who wants to be ordinary ? Go for it! I love that top.

Colette

Veteran

I didn't even know 'too memorable' was a thing. Go for it! I really like that top and bet you'll have fun wearing it.

The Cat

Veteran

I find it interesting that you crave "fun". Perhaps you should listen to your inner voice.

Earlier in my life I have sometimes kind of forced myself into a very classic and straight style. But the fun has been lacking. With time, I have realized that I NEED a little playfulness. Interestingly, when wearing items that are not strict classic but very "me", I often get compliments, perhaps because then my outfit is a reflection of my personality and I look "authentic".

If you happen to look good in orange and love the colour, by all means buy that top, and don't be afraid to wear it repeatedly. Of course, you risk to receive some compliments, but that's a risk that's worth to take.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I say it is a keeper maybe for spring summer Or until it shreds lol. Now what is memorable is that many people don't remember what we wear. They remember that we look good, pulled together, professional sloppy etc etc. They rarely remember the clothing we wear and unless we are in the same company with friends and family everyday then they won't remember either. We are the ones who do. Tell your analytical mind to let go and have some fun with this breezy piece.

Helena

Veteran

I say go for it! I am all about the neutrals and low-key looks, but why not have something fun in the mix - even if it's not your most-worn piece? I think Ledonna is right too - people aren't nearly as interested in what we wear and how often we wear it as we think ... and IF someone did happen to notice, then I would just own it and say, 'yes, it's a favorite!'.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Suz - wild card may be what this will be :-).

Elizabeth, lisap, Ledonna, Colette - I say "memorable" mostly because I do see the same people day in and day out for the most part. But you are right, not a big deal if they see it a few times.

The Cat, torontogirl- yes, I think I tend to go for safe in my color choices and even styles for the most part. A couple of fun items is a must in anyone's closet though.

Thank you fall for your thoughts and encouragement. It's just a simple top but still it's nice to feel like you're making a sound decision.

anchie

Veteran

Nothing wrong with fun and memorable. Go for it and you may be surprised how often you end up wearing it.

delurked

Veteran

It is a bright color, but it’s not really a crazy top. So my thoughts are 1) it will pair nicely with what you already own 2) if you wear it, the one likely to remember it most is you, and 3) you can be an introvert and wear whatever clothing you prefer, as most people don’t comment on others clothing.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

delurked - I agree, I think me finding it memorable is probably more likely

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I am not sure. I think I partly don't wear my "zebra dress" ( posted on Katerina's oldies but goodies thread) much because I feel that about it, it stands out a lot. And yet I wear my bright cobalt boots all the time and am happy to be remembered for those. Some psychological hang-up going on?
Also, I'm with Jenn. If you really would hardly wear it I wouldn't buy. It's often said on this forum that "someone else will get a chance to love it " etc etc but in the US that is so not true! Have you seen the mountains of clothing that get shipped to third world countries from what is donated to Goodwill?! Even in my small country it seems we ship to some islands in the Pacific like the Solomon Islands. If we buy and hardly wear I feel we are adding to a problem. Even so, sometimes, I am guilty of it. Trying hard to buy when I KNOW I will wear. #30 wears.

Sal

Veteran

I agree that it is a great top, and I think it is a useful style for your climate. I don't think it will date either.
But you have to be comfortable in it and wearing it:)

Dianna

Veteran

As Angie said, be memorable. It is a fun top, but it also looks like it is very practical for your everyday life. You might be surprised that you reach for it more than a few times.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I had an item that I was drawn to but I wasn’ t sure whether it was at the edge of my comfort zone or outside it. I stopped and imagined what I was going to wear with it and where I was going to wear it and how I would feel in it. With that set I purchased it. And I enjoy wearing it. I see you have the outfit possibilities so just imagine wearing it and go from there.
I would set a target date to wear it by and if you don’t choose to wear it then return it. And feel free to wear it often.

Mainelady

Veteran

I agree with what Angie said. Be memorable. That top might become one of your favorites,.

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