Where to start?

crwilson

I've been a long-time lurker, and I'm coming out of lurkdom because I really want to commit to figuring out my personal style and buying clothes that are appropriate. But, I am overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. I've done a closet clean-out, and I hardly have anything left, and I don't know how to get started on a new wardrobe. I'd love to hear from those of you who have gone from almost nothing to a full wardrobe of wearable clothes that you love.

A couple of my specific concerns:

1) Should I buy basics first and then build, or buy clothes that I really love but might not be wearable for more than a season? I typically try the second approach, but I then find myself with lots of random items that don't go together and don't even reflect me but just reflect a whim. I have lots of clothes, shoes, and jewelry that have gotten worn once or twice that I am later too embarrassed to wear. I would like to have a clear plan in place before I buy new clothes because I feel like I'm just wasting money when I wear something once or twice...or not at all.

2) Outfits or separates? I have a horrible time putting together interesting outfits, so I'm drawn to buying things that are put together online or in stores, but then I feel like I can only wear the shirt with the particular skirt that I bought it with...

3) Lifestyle - I'm a college professor (in the arts and humanities - definitely a dress-down profession), but I look really young for my age. For work, I tend to dress up most of the time because otherwise I look like I'm a student. Even when I'm wearing a full suit, I sometimes get asked if I'm a student. In any case, I'm more concerned about my casual wardrobe - non-teaching clothes are especially lacking in my closet.

4) Style - I would like to be trendy, modern, urban...but I'm just not. I'm drawn to classic, feminine shapes (no ruffles, but figure flattering shapes), but I tend toward looking boring and safe. I'd like to look more artistic and less like a conservative person on her way to brunch, since that really doesn't reflect my personality. Most of all, I have discovered that the clothes I wear again and again are the ones that are comfortable and easy. For me this means skirts and dresses in knits and cottons. (I'm an hourglass and have a hard time with fit sometimes, and I hate pants, shorts, and capris. I would love to never have to wear another pair of jeans ever.). But I don't want to be boring; nor do I want to stand out too much.

I'd love any and all advice!

17 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

Kari

Veteran

CRWilson, hello and welcome! I'm not sure which is the best option for building up your wardrobe from scratch, but if it were me (due to budget needs) I'd probably try to first identify which items are most important to replace first (do you live a casual lifestyle outside the classroom but got rid of all of your jeans? Do you dress professionally at work and now only have casual tops left?) This strategy helps me feel like I have more of a plan so I'm not impulse shopping, but it's taken me years to learn.

A couple weeks ago Angie blogged about how when budgets are tight, she encourages still going for trendy items "that will make you smile." http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....are-tight/
I don't think she means impulse buying items that you won't use often, though. In the last year I've tried to buy trendy and fun items that adds something new to my style, but still work well enough with my personality/body shape/aesthetic that I'll get a lot of wear out of them. I recently bought a couple of moto jackets because I really wanted to incorporate them into my wardrobe, and though they are a trendy piece this season, I don't think they are likely to be a passing fad that I can't wear next year.

You sound an awful lot like me in your comments about style - I'm also a curvy hourglass and have trouble finding pieces that are flattering AND interesting. I love classic shapes and know that I can always fall back on pencil skirts if I'm in a bind, but sometimes I feel like I'm doomed to never be able to incorporate current trends into my wardrobe. I'm trying to fill this void by incorporating more prints and accessories into my look so I don't feel like I'm wearing the same old solid, form-fitting clothes every day. And sometimes I just ignore the rules and wear a ruffly blouse or skinny jeans even if they aren't the recommended best look for my body type.

There are a couple of threads running right know where a lot of YLF-ers are pondering the question of individual style. Maybe you can add your two cents?
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=26
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=22

Anyway, sorry that my response is so long, but I wish you luck with your wardrobe makeover!

17 years ago

Louise

Veteran

1) I'd go with basics- make sure they can be mixed and matched with what you've got left.

2) I'd say seperates as long as you keep in mind what you've already got so it works.

4) Don't try to be what you're not because you'll never feel happy/ comfortable. Stick with clothes that you feel comfortable with perhaps try a new colour to inject a bit of style. Bags, shoes and jewellery are always cheap ways to inject a bit of trendy style.

Finally choosing items you love is a good way to ensure you wear them again x

17 years ago

April

Veteran

Welcome, CRWilson -- I was also a long-time lurker who recently started posting. As you know if you've been reading for a while, people on this forum are generous and full of good advice.

I would second the suggestion to start with basics, and also to try new looks with accessories. I used to turn a mental blind eye whenever I saw someone giving advice about accessories, because I literally owned almost none. I didn't have a single necklace except a strand of pearls that I never wore, no scarves, no belts, etc. I have been amazed at how true it is that accessories can completely change an outfit.

And since accessories can be had pretty inexpensively, you can try things out without making a major investment, as you begin to build on your wardrobe. If you try a $12 scarf in an out-of-your-comfort-zone color or print and you find that you hate it, it feels less appalling than finding out the same thing about a $75 blouse.

I made myself a list of basics a couple of months ago and promised myself I would not even think about "statement" pieces until I had those basics. I found the list the other day and was pleased to see that I'd found everything on it but one item. It takes effort, but you have already done what for many people is the very hardest part, which is being ruthless in your closet. Good start!

Are you comfortable posting a photo so we can cheer you along in your progress?

17 years ago

Anonymous

Welcome! I've recently had to replace my entire wardrobe because of weight loss. That's what brought me to this site. I'd advise you to go back and read though Angie's blog posts. Here is one to get you started: http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/.....ssentials/
It's a good starting place.
I needed so many things that I used the body type advice, current trends mentioned and even brands frequently mentioned on the forum to first shop thrift stores and consignment shops, especially as my size was still changing and to try looks I wasn't sure about. Now I'm ready to only buy what I love and looks great and not settle. I started with the best fitting jeans in dark denim I could find, denim skirt, black pencil skirt, black skinny pants and quality buttondown shirts, but those worked for my body, age and style.
Everyone needs great jeans. Start there. Before buying, read about perfect pant lengths, lengths for tops with pants, and best fit for your body type from Angie's posts.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

So many of us are going through this process!

I am trying something. I don't know if this will really work, but I decided to pick a "fashion role model." For me, I decided on Diane Keaton. I like her old Annie Hall persona, but updated, and not quite so wacky. What I like is her sense of drama. There is a side of me that loves a little bit of drama in my clothes - but just a touch. And I don't really express this enough. A while ago Angie had suggested that I think about "eclectic" for my style, and I think she may even have mentioned Diane Keaton. And since I'm 51, I wanted to pick someone who's not a skinny teenager.

I try to keep this "fashion role model" in mind when I shop. I think "Could this be a Diane Keaton outfit? What would add that little touch of drama that I like?" It's very much a process, and I'm still working at it. I can't say I've been totally successful so far, but it has helped me think about what I like and why, and what I want to look like, and what I should buy.It helps me focus on clothes that are not too dull, a problem I have had for many years. It's helping push me out of my comfort zone a tiny bit. I'm a work in progress!

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Like you, I am a skirts and dresses girl, and that's just fine! If I were you I'd build on that by looking for casual dresses and skirts (making absolutely sure that you are buying a top to go with the skirt!), some practical and cute shoes for summer, and then have fun choosing scarves, necklaces, etc. to make things interesting with a little pop of color.

17 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

Welcome! I think you've gotten great advice so far. My only addition, keep us posted on your travails and successes. It will help keep you motivated and give you a shot of support when your spirits are flagging.

17 years ago

crwilson

Veteran

Thank you for all the feedback so far. It's funny, April, that you mentioned accessories because I have a few pairs of earrings, and those were gifts. I almost never believe people when they say that accessories can change a whole outfit.

But, today, following the advice I've gotten here so far, I've been experimenting with putting together "looks" on shopstyle.com. One of the things that I tried was a denim skirt and a basic white shirt (both things that I need) with four different sets of accessories. It was so much fun! And, I realized that accessories can really change a boring look.

I'd love feedback - especially regarding the kind of style personality you would get from these outfits. Here's a link - I've made four looks so far, and I'm not completely happy with any of them. Anyway, here's the link:

http://www.shopstyle.com/page/.....fts=xtineW

Also, I will post pictures of me, but first I have to get a full-length mirror. Where's the best place to put pictures?

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

You've made a really good start here! Experimenting on shopstyle is a great idea. Next step: post photos so you can learn your body type, and you'll be sure to buy the right items.

I am not sure what you mean, the best place to post? Starting a new thread asking your body type would probably be best (if that's what you mean!).

17 years ago

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