What Have You Learned? - YouLookFab Forum

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What Have You Learned?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I thought that it would be fun for the older members of the forum to share some of the pieces of information that have really helped them along on their style journey. This might be useful to people just starting their journey (or even farther into it).

What information do you come back to again and again that ups your style quotient?

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from Becky

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm sure that I will think of a ton more, but one thing that Angie helped me learn is that to get that edgy look that I like (hello- former punk here!) I need to wear some black. Since black doesn't look that great next to my face, it can be pants/skirt or in accessories, but black adds an edge like nothing else.

Maya

Veteran

I'm not sure if you mean older as in age or older as in when we began posting, but I'm responding anyway!

The biggest lesson I have learned by far is to never say never. Give everything a good, honest try before saying "not for me." That means trying on lots of variations on the same thing. There are certain things that I don't bother with because I just have other things I'd rather pursue, or because I flat-out don't like the look...but I never reject something on the basis that it "won't work" for my age/body type/size/etc. I break the rules CONSTANTLY. There are so many "rules" that it's impossible not to break several at a time with each outfit!

Kyle

Veteran

Hmmm.
The importance of fit.
Dressing for your body.
Being willing to try something new.
The value of confidence, which goes hand in hand with accepting your body. Acceptance doesn't come easy for a perfectionist, but YLF has helped.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bravo, Khris! Edge really suits your look and personality.

Maya, I'm proud of you for never saying never. Not even to belts and button downs :0)

Kyle, I think your point about the value of confidence is spot on. More and more I feel that it's almost the most important thing about one's style quotient. You will totally pull off a look if you actaully think you can.

For me, it's pushing the fashion envelope. People expect me to strike a balance between staying true to my style and being the first to try a new a trend. I thrive on that pressure!

marianna

Veteran

Some of the gems I have learned:

- Plus size women can wear skinny jeans
- A fitted jacket adds so much polish to an outfit
- Pearls can look young and hip
- Wearing flats/low heels is a-okay! I don't have to wear heels if I don't want to
- I can wear pencil skirts
- Textured hose are lovely
- Moto jackets are fab
- Starting a fashion blog is fun!

Other things I have taken to heart but yet to put into action:

- A bra fitting is very important (I'll get one eventually...)
- I can wear dresses.... (yet I have severe dress phobia)

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Maya-I meant older to the forum, not in age.( As in people who have had a chance to absorb and implement ideas from Angie.)

- casual can still look polished and pulled together
That is a big one for me. If I am dressed, I am never embarrassed to run into anyone or get thrown into any situation.

chellebrate

Thanks, Khris and all who respond. This is valuable to a beginner like myself.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Khris I hope you don't mind me responding as I'm technically still a noobie but my most important lesson learned is that it's okay to step outside the environmental norm. I'm at the dressier end of MOTG, it's my style and it's okay!

Louise

Veteran

In the 15 months i've been here I have learnt:
# 1 that I can wear skinny jeans, it's just a case of pairing it with the right top.
# 2 that i look better in dresses and skirts than trousers (big shift as i have spent the last 15 years in trousers!!)
# 3 My waist is one of my biggest assets (again big shift as i spent the previous 15 years hiding it to make my hips look smaller)
# 4 My natural style is actually quite edgy i just need the confidence to wear the things i like
# 5 Never say never- try everything at least once
# 6 accessories maketh the outfit x

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much for these tips - I really appreciate your insight.

I hope one day I can be able to pass on similar words of wisdom!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

1. Dresses (or frocks, as Angie likes to say :)) are the bomb-diggity, and far more versatile than we think. Also, they are cheaper than pants and a top combined, and last longer in your closet when you are losing weight.

2. Dress to your body shape but don't be constricted by the "rules". There are too many other factors that come into play.

3. Good shoes are worth the cost, not only because the quality is better but because they are kinder to your feet. (Fussy or not!)

4. I have a pink complexion. I did not know that!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I have learned SO much, and not just about how to dress! But, regarding dressing:

Dress to your strengths. Learn what looks good on you by experimenting, and then go forward with confidence. The trick? At the same time, you need to stay open to new things and not get in a rut.

For example: My hourglass/pear figure is hard to fit in jeans, and they've never looked great on me. Since high school I have struggled with why everyone looked so cute in jeans except me and it gave me a huge complex. Enter Angie and dresses. Now I know there's something I can wear every day and look fabulous. So I play to that. That said, today I will be wearing jeans, the best fit I can find, with a casual boyfriend jacket that builds up my shoulders and makes me look much better than just jeans and a t-shirt.

This is a great thread!

JennyK (NC)

Experimenting with color has been one of my big revelations. I have always loved bright, bold colors, but I had very strict rules for myself about bag and shoes matching, never ever mixing black with brown or gold and silver, etc.

Now I'm just going crazy. I don't know if my color combos always work, but now I'm wililng to just give them a try.

I'm also remixing items in my closet like I never have before. I'm combining items I'd never have thought to combine before.

Seeing pictures of myself in everything has been enormously helpful. I love having a catalog of ideas at my fingertips.

And finally, PPL! I'd been conscious of it before, in the sense that I didn't want to be one of those ladies sporting black "comfy" loafers, ankle-length black pants and white socks. Argh! I had not really thought about having different length pants for flats and heels though. I also didn't realize that premium denim comes already hemmed at a really good length for tall me!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

What I have learned:
1. Being true to what feels right regardless of trends, all trends are not for me.
2. I can be an artist in everything I do- including making fashion choices.
3. How to be current and remain true to my style and budget.
4. Being patient and not buying something just because it is a must have for someone else. (Nothing is urgent-) I remember Angie's advice on that .
5. Trying styles I might not have considered.
6. Looking for quality items that will be signature pieces.
7. Knowing what is a signature piece is for me.
8. Using feedback from forum members to see how an outfit is communicating but not being a slave to others opinions.
9. Confidence- huge lesson for fashion and life!
10. Knowing how much happier and more fun to be around I am when I take the time to dress creatively.

shana

Veteran

I agree with all that's been said - taking photos of my outfits has taught me so much! I also want to add : leave no retail stone unturned! I used to always stick with the same few stores but thanks to ylf, I have discovered a whole new world of possibilities.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Wow, there's just so much I could say.
1. I definitely have learned to stay true to ME. When I first joined I swung to one extreme, and then to the opposite, and now the pendulum is right where I want it. Time and time again when I question a new look, I'm told to be true to ME and I love that.
2. Fit, fit, fit. Just because something was on sale, is a designer label, or is in a fabulous color doesn't mean it's right FOR ME.
3. And on that note, just because something doesn't work on me doesn't mean I'M the problem. This was a huge hurdle to get over. My body image has changed drastically since YLF.
4. It doesn't hurt to try. I was one of those who would discount something on the rack and not even bother trying new things. I've learned that style takes time and effort - but the payoff is so rewarding.
5. Don't over look accessories! In my earliest photos you will see me posing in solid pants and a solid top, most likely. No accessories, prints, or textures.
6. I look good in skirts and dresses. This was a revelation for sure. Taking photos has proved that, and even if I don't always post my outfits, I like to take photos so I can critique my look more effectively.

I love that I'm still learning and growing here on YLF, too.

Kyle

Veteran

Sarah:

This statement is BRILLIANT. Thank you.

Just because something doesn't work on me doesn't mean I'M the problem. This was a huge hurdle to get over. My body image has changed drastically since YLF.

Becky

Veteran

I feel I've come a *long* way, even though I still have a long way to go. Some thoughts:

1. Fab specs as my most important accessory.
2. PPL principle.
3. Importance of fit and flattery over any other factor.
4. Outfits are not complete without accessories.
5. The right hairstyle adds punch to whatever I wear.
6. Current, well-kept shoes and purses take any outfit up a notch.

I could go on and on . . .