When to stop when trends flatter? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

When to stop when trends flatter?

Column

Veteran

After a scorching desert of flattering fashion trends for my proportions and style somewhere between 2005-2015, I've been enjoying a virtual paradise of offerings (high waists, cropped welted tops/sweaters, strong shoulders and voluminous sleeves, midi/midaxis, warm earth tones) ever since--especially in the last few years. I have taken liberal advantage of all.

My closet is in the best shape its been in since pre-pregnancy.

So now: When do I stop, especially since so much of my look is still currently on sale? I see trends starting to shift. While sleeves are still big, mid-rises are starting to return (I know--others need those, too)! But I don't want to shop out of fear. I have "scooped up" all I need for now and the quality of the items are relatively long-lasting. Does it make sense to keep going, or should I live for the moment knowing that I will probably want (and maybe need) to tweak emerging trends to stay current? I don't want to relinquish my proportion-flattering priorities for my long-waisted, short-legged, hour glass/pear body, but I also don't want to look dated down the road (think Pee-wee Herman in low-rise days)?

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Jenava

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You can probably guess my reply: buy for now, but hold for the long run. Like you, I am relieved that higher waists on bottoms and tops are here. My old faves can come out to play! But I agree with you that we might not want to wear them when they’re crazy out of sync with what’s current, so I wouldn’t buy extra.

Your post is a nudge to me that I want to get a couple “cropped” (ie waist-length) tops before they go *poof* and everything’s back over the butt again.

Helena

Veteran

Hmm, this is obviously very individual since there are so many different, valid 'wardrobe management' strategies! If it was me, I might stock up on some of my *essentials* that are on trend, but probably be light-handed with the statements.

nemosmom

Veteran

This is a great question! I agree with Helena. Essentials that come around in a flattering fit (not to mention color) can be useful no matter what is trending.

Where do you typically add trendy pieces? Or, what pieces ‘date’ for you faster than others? I would avoid going wild in those categories.

unfrumped

Veteran

I struggle with this also. Higher waists, pleats, also full length pants. Or pants that work with the shoes I can wear and are not seasonally confused. Anyway, the exact items don’t matter , but your concept.
I keep coming back to something Gaylene said years ago- about not going too “ deep”. As in, having too many dukes or near dupes. Staying more agile to add or evolve, while still choosing to wear what styles are working for you now.
When I was working in a professional environment, I justified buying probably too many work clothes, since I was ok with repeating but couldn’t resist having more- pants, skirts, sweaters jackets.
Now retired + pandemic I need much less, no matter what styles I might pursue. So paying more attention to how i am not able to wear everything I might want to have.
Also, I’m much more aware how the seemingly same style starts to look different somehow, either subtle changes in body shape, or less obvious things like fabric or length or drape or who knows what. Or that I will just want something new.
So just saying, a goal for me is to have a leaner wardrobe but not really buy styles I’m not ready to wear yet ( not the same as trying some out, in store for example, to see what’s new and what appeals, maybe a quality upgrade, or a more perfect fit) , but leaving some breathing room- in closet space, budget, items in rotation- it will feel exciting and “ deserving” to get something new, rather than feeling bloated or guilty, but still be content enough with current wardrobe that I can do SYC, enjoy that I’ve made some good purchases that are working well.

rachylou

Veteran

If you are really truly in a good place, I think I’d stop. There *is* such a thing as too much. HOWEVER, I must say, the realisation that high waists may be waning makes me want to go get, very specifically, some trousers before it’s too late … !

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Same as @rachylou - I've been stocking up on high-rise trousers whilst the going is good, but wish I could find more that are available in a dark chocolate brown. Especially dress slacks!

I'd advise you to realistically assess your day-to-day life, social calendar & closet space when it comes to deciding how much to keep. No high-waisted, poofy maxi skirts if you don't go to black tie events, no more high-rise jeans if you spend most of your life in slacks & sweatpants - that sorta thing.

e.g. I've been buying cropped cardigans in my key colours (whilst I can easily find them at retail) - just need one more in chocolate (again!) then I'll be done. I haven't let go of all my longer cardigans yet though, just for some wiggle room.

kkards

Veteran

As Helena says wardrobe management is such an individual and personal thing. But I think your post has a couple of clues to how/what you might do. The way you worded “I don’t want to shop out of fear” and “I don’t want to look dated down the road’, say to me that you might want to take a step back. I’d probably still add what works for me, but I’d be looking for 10s and the occasional 9. Make what you add now really special (which does not necessarily mean statements). Fit, silhouette, fabric and color should all be exactly what you love.

Dottie

I could have written this post myself! After nearly a year of not buying clothes for obvious reasons, I've been buying warm, earth toned sweaters and skinny flares like they're going out of style (no pun intended) I feel that many of these items are classic timeless styles that I can always make work in my daily life. And if they are flattering colors, they are always welcome. After all, I've worn bootcuts and flares even during the skinny jean days (which I feel don't suit me as well). I can modernize them by wearing them with the sneaker trend.

I try not to go overboard because I like to evaluate the upcoming trends and work a version of them (that suits me) into my wardrobe. And after all, how many items of clothing do we really need? But sometimes the newer trends just don't work or I'm not a fan (cropped pants, chunky boots, cooler colors) and then I have my colors/silhouettes to fall back on.

Joyce B

Veteran

Same here with the pants, it may be good to stash up. I see what you say about being a bit off when the current trend ceases but I will try building with what is there now. Pants with high waist and a looser fit are fab and comfortable for me.

Column

Veteran

Thanks everyone; this is so helpful! Different ways of thinking about a problem do indeed offer amenable solutions!

@SF, @rachy, @Joyce: I don't mean to overstate the case: I do see plenty of high-rise bottoms and corresponding shorter tops available; they may even still be dominant (I can see Angie popping in here with a spring trend report). But I also see mid-rise making its way back into the mix, which I read as a harbinger of the future.

@kkards, @Helena: Agreed. If I love something that is perfect and I would wear often or regardless (statement occasion dressing), that seems a reason to splurge.

@Dottie; @nemosmom; @unfrumped: Your styles are lovely! Yes, a "fall back" wardrobe is essential!

@Zaeobi: What IS it with the HEWI of dark brown dress trousers? I've been on the hunt for years. I do have fall backs, but not what I'm really looking for--unless $600 or more. Then there are some options.

Sal

Veteran

I remember those years…. Lots of skinnies, ballet flats or platform heels, waterfall cardigans and tunics. In black or grey….

I think it’s a judgement call - I would lean on the replacing as needed rather than in advance. It’s just hard to predict ahead. Whilst I think anything goes now- I think retailers and labels are playing it a bit safer right now- there is a lot of the same look wherever I go into stores. So I agree - we are on the cusp of trends moving.

There are a couple of looks that I like and still happily wear- but won’t be adding any more of. Wide crops, puffed sleeves bring two. I may change my mind but right now if I need more pants I will probably choose a different shape.

SarahD8

Veteran

Here is my advice as someone who has never stopped wearing "low" rises: do some careful thinking to try to separate your aesthetic preferences from your body fit/proportion needs. I would also think about how far outside the norm your body proportions are, and what types of garments are hardest to fit for you. Then focus your "stocking up" on the types of garments where you're most obligated to current trends, if that makes sense. (Sorry, my inner ecologist is coming out here, but it's like: are you an obligate high-rise wearer, or a facultative high-rise wearer?)

I would duplicate your very most basic items in whichever category you are focusing on, but maybe not triplicate or whatever. The most basic items in a silhouette are likely to disappear slowest, and may persist even if styles flip. For example, I've been able to find low-rise skinny jeans at Old Navy -- but they only come in dark wash and medium wash. Any more interesting color/pattern means the secondhand market.

With that in mind, I'll be the spanner and say that if you're confident that you will continue to wear a silhouette/cut because it's what works for your body shape/proportions, I wouldn't shy away from purchasing an "extra" statement or two.

Basically look at your wardrobe category and how many items you have for it to feel comfortable -- then maybe add some percentage, IDK, 20%? If your wardrobe is moderately sized (more if it's minimalist, less if it's already generous). Honestly I don't think clothes wear out nearly as fast as we think they do, and even if style preferences don't change bodies sometimes do, and then trends come around again...

Style Fan

Veteran

I have been thinking about this as well. I prefer high rise, straight-legged jeans, earth tones, fluid but not too fluid tops and more minimalistic styles. I am tempted to buy extras, but I wonder if I will regret it.

I see lots of skinnies in the stores. I never wore them, but they are available for those that do. It takes a long time for the retailers to change, and some never do. I will probably be able to find clothes in the future, just not as quickly.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I suppose it depends how quickly you go through your clothes.If you are someone who puts heavy wear on things you might want back up but bear in mind you can only wear so many items at once .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Speaking as someone who is ready for the high-rise trend to release its death-grip on the retail world, I have to say that even though they’ve been the prevailing style for the last five years, somehow I’ve managed to shop and dress during that time. I’ve managed to find bootcuts even when skinnies dominated, for instance. So I wouldn’t get carried away buying things while they’re trending unless it’s a super signature or basic item for you, and you already feel like you’re having laundry bottlenecks or lacking options. I do however believe on stocking up a little bit on a beloved color if it doesn’t come around often.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m in a similar position. I would stock up on items that are more classic/essential for your style and that wear out quickly. For me, t-shirts wear out quickly because of endless summer here and lots of washing. I would avoid going too deep into something that’s a trend in terms of silhouette, unless you are confident that silhouette is a signature element of your style.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My 2 cents:

I would stock up while there is a large assortment of your colours and silhouettes, and budget permitting! Milk your signature style and personal figure flattering proportions.

I watch the trends VERY closely. It's my job We are heading into a fashion era where ALL RISE LENGTHS will be on trend. First time ever! Low rises are coming through too. Sooo you shan't look dated in any rise length at any time.

Also, although trends are there, they are becoming less and less important, and harder to define. Almost anything goes these days, and that's the point. A big nod to sustainability, DYOT, and longevity! A trend is over when YOU say it's over. If you can wear a wardrobe item, any item, in a way that makes you feel confident, good, empowered, happy, and attractive — please carry on!

Anonymous

This is a great question. I am I the desert and finding nothing in retail right now. I wish I had hung on to several things when they could be found. Especially buy your colors.a few extra than you need, or plan to shop second hand. The stuff that is popular now will be hitting the thrift shops soon. Read over Angie’s response again.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like Angie's response. DYOT.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am going to say the thing that I am obviously going to say: all those high rises will be available second hand. These days it is quite possible to find even specific brands and cuts second hand online in nearly new condition. Nonetheless, if you have found, for example, the perfect jeans I would consider duplicating. On the other hand, if "a brown sweater" is an essential but not a specific brand and style I would wait.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I know - it's so frustrating that 'earth tones' are technically in but not dark chocolate brown, for some reason! So yes, may be better luck secondhand...

kkards

Veteran

Zaeobi…not sure about other places, but in the US I’m starting to see more and more chocolate brown pieces.

Column

Veteran

@Sal, @Sarah, @Style Fan, @Cardiff girl, @Brooklyn, @Joy: Thanks for the solidarity; it helps! Joy: I feel 'ya (as the young folk say). Fashion deserts last too long!

@Jaime: You are the thrifting queen--and I have looked! I did pick up a seasonless wool, flat front, side-zip, wide leg trouser in lighter-than-milk-chocolate brown from the Carlisle Collection, a brand I have held on to from my past as my own "I'd thrift this" keepers. But I'm really looking for winter-weight and washable if possible. Vince has a few wool flannel on sale now, high rise with pleated fronts in brown solid or plaid--but now they are "final sale," and I don't know what size I wear in the brand. No-go.

@Janet, @ Angie: Janet, I have watched you dress under less-than-ideal conditions these recent seasons and marveled at your self-awareness and creativity. I'll just note that for me, it's a whole lot easier to be self-aware and creative when the retail market makes what works for me! Angie, same with DYOT--better when my thing pops up in multiple searches! But I'm glad to know retail will cater to more than fewer than us for the near future. Looking forward to your spring trend report!

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

@kkards send them all my way then - please & thank you! Lol jk

I've been slowly accumulating the right pieces thanks to Seasalt Cornwall's 'Bitter Cocoa', but they sadly don't have any smarter trousers in that colour. Glad you found some @Column but 'lighter than milk chocolate brown' is still too light for me! But I guess you've half answered your own question there, that dark brown should still be available secondhand! And it won't yet be old enough to be 'vintage', so it'll likely be cheaper to thrift it instead!

DonnaF

Veteran

Another consideration: Does your weight/size fluctuate? I thought mine didn’t or at least hadn’t in maybe a couple of decades. But then during the pandemic I gained four or five pounds, my bras and some jeans got unbearably tight, I upped the exercise I had stopped, lost that weight and then another dozen or so. Oops! So those loose high waisted jeans I purposely sized up on are now too big. I will set them aside for the next two to five years since most weight loss only lasts that long. I figure I will gain weight if I ever have bunion, knee, or hip surgery.

Btw, I seem to be stocking up on lace footwear (oxfords and combat boots) because they seem to work better for my feet than clogs (of which I have many, many pairs).

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Personally, I think the concern that you won't have anything to wear in the future is probably not realistic. I'd stop when you are happy now, and let tomorrow's worries be tomorrow's worries. (-:

I don't like the idea of holding on to things for the future. I've done that in the past and found in the end it's more wasteful of time, space, and energy than anything else.