Who's Tweaking Their Style for 2014? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Inspiration

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Who's Tweaking Their Style for 2014?

karymk

Veteran

Is anyone having "epiphanies" about their style? Who is hankering for a change-up or even a little "tune-up"? Will you go more out on a limb, or will you retreat?

I am thinking of softening my style as I turn 50, adding in more knits, more neutrals, less crazy pattern mixing, a little sportier and more suited to my natural habitat. Colors more suited to my own coloring. More elegant? I feel kinda cool as a Natural Classic. Maybe a little Lauren Hutton in there. More boho in the summertime.

If it doesn't work out and I want to get crazy and "Twisted Classic" again, I can always go back that way.

It's just fashion, right?

41 replies

Latest reply was from Catnip

Gigi

Veteran

I'm going to try to wear things that I wouldn't normally wear, to give them a test drive, so to speak. I want to try some fluid fits (I normally wear tailored) and also some edgier pieces.

It sounds like you will be having fun with fashion in 2014!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hand goes up!

I want to add a bit of "disciplined avant guard" to my modern classic Urban Prince. How I'm going to do that remains to be seen. Draping is not so great for me.

I love the direction you're going. Elegant like the soft neutrals you've been sporting. But please hang onto your fun plaids and distressed gold booties.

merwoman

Veteran

I'm feeling a similar tweak coming on - more subdued neutrals (well maybe the occasional neon), more refinement and less RATE, less pattern mixing. Change is good!

deb

Veteran

Me, me, me! Looking back on my NoRepeatNovember pictures and the discussions that followed I feel I need a change for my 'at home' wardrobe.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Sounds fun! I want to go more rock n roll with my purchases, despite having very pedestrian surroundings. I am also wanting to streamline the cuts and designs and hopefully upgrade some things to better suit a closer to 45 than 40 body

Jewell

Veteran

I, too, like the direction you're going in for 2014. I'm looking forward to seeing how you achieve the softer more elegant style you're after.

All I know is that I want to add more flair to my way of dressing. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what that means, though.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I will be working on refining the style I've been discovering these last three years since finding YLF. I want to get more disciplined about my acquisitions and closet editing.

Suz, I wonder what it is about draping that is so problematic. I know it's tough for me because my body has nary a straight line, and draping seems to work so well on straighter, narrower shapes than mine. I'm borderline pear-ish, so drapiness tends to get hung up on my hips. But it seems like draping should work so well on you!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Oh yes! For the last year, I feel like I've been circling the airport --- close to my destination, but not there yet. I'm ready to go in for a landing and hone in on my personal or signature style. Less sporty, less "off-the-rack", more simple refinement, with a bit of drama -- even in casual looks.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Me, too!

I am moving to a new department, so I want to better reflect the vibe of the clothes I will be selling (Vince, Joie, Parker, Helmut Lang). So I will probably cut down on color some more and focus on my love of draping, asymmetry, denim, etc. Jewelry and accessories will be pared down, while the importance of great shoes will probably become an issue during sandal weather.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I think it's that I am TOO straight as well as being rather slight and small in frame. I mean, I do have shoulders...and I do have curves (especially on the bottom half) but my overall line (including my facial structure) is straight and angular. So asymmetry works really well...but I get lost in a lot of draping. I can wear it in minimal amounts if it is cut quite close to the body. But often there are low necklines associated with draping that cause problems for me as well.

ETA: Sorry for the threadjack!

jenanded

Veteran

Oh yes... I intend to get transitional lenses and wear specs full time. While the statement pair I am considering are still to come I am going softer on the hair and have a new bright lipstick... Clothes: planning on owning my 50s and getting some more statement pieces to add to classic modern... I am thinking with a 40s retro feel aka long statement jackets, man style jackets etc... looking forward to seeing everyone's emergent styles in 2-14. Xx

Anonymous

I think just participating here is helping me to tweak my style by forcing me to articulate my wardrobe preferences and issues and wants somewhere other than my own head. Along those lines, I want to be a little more purposeful about finding clothes that really resonate with me rather than just repeatedly buying the best options among whatever's on sale in petites at Loft or Nordstrom whenever I happen to be looking.

carter

Veteran

Definitely more work to do in 2014. Still missing quite a few answers, but I know I want less of the "sameness" I have now. More textures, more neutrals, different cuts that still give me the silhouette I want. Still classic. Still conservative for work. Lower heel heights to save my back. Summer will be my biggest challenge. I'm running so hot these days, so somehow I need to accomodate my tendency to overheat and still be appropriately dressed for work. My typical summer uniform is either a linen or cotton button-front shirt and ankle pants or capris. I desperately need some work there. Skirts are a bit tough because they show too much leg when I have a client in the car, and who knows what they show when I'm climbing pull down stairs to check out an attic. I'll be looking to YLF for suggestions. I'd also like to make better use of my accessories and maybe find some new ones. I tend to use the same handbags and wear the same necklaces/bracelets over and over. That's all I know for now...I'm sure there will be plenty more to come!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I will never stop tweaking! That might even work as a new year's resolution. I am trying to buy less, but possibly more expensive, things for myself.

always trying

Veteran

Maybe a little edgier, especially shoes. Also doing some "fine tuning', things like hem lengths for everything. A compliment I got at one of the Christmas parties I attended was that I looked elegant. Last time I had a compliment like that was when I was maid of honor at my sisters wedding, and that was a long time ago. I have been trying to analyze just what it was to be "elegant'. Not sure, but maybe was just being more pulled together. But, on the other hand I think it had something to do with the way I felt about what I was wearing too.

Just thinking this is a topic for another discussion on here --AND some photos -as how to achieve the "elegant " look.

Deborah

Veteran

Great thread! Kary I like the sound of where you are going and I think it will work. I say keep a little crazy in your wardrobe tho and you do look great in colour and pattern so maybe something for those days when you may need to change it up a bit:)

My goal is to continue refining my style. I really feel most "me" and comfortable in styling that is a classic or chic Avant Garde. I love Suz's term "disciplined Avant Garde". The Rick Owens and Complex Geometries dark aesthetic is so attractive to me. I only want to add things to my wardrobe that are without compromise and "exactly" what I want.

LovetoStyleAlexVA

I don't know if this is TMI, but for some reason my thighs have gotten larger this year so I don't look as great in skinny jeans like I used to. I think I am going to start wearing more skirts.

Fruitful

Veteran

I think I'm going to lean more towards a very vaguely (probably only noticeable to me) 70s aesthetic. I've been wearing my hair loose a lot more lately and it just feels right to wear that with boots and a flippy dress. I've also lost a little weight and my proportions are more off in a bombshell pencil skirt look now (kind of bony up top but hippy on the bottom).

Oh yeah, and I'm going to wear my hair down a lot more. For a couple of years I wore it in protective styles because I wanted it to grow, but I've got pretty good length now and I can see it looks better on me out (or in a loose updo).

So my hair will be leading the way in some of my style choices

I will keep my eye out for a great new pair of specs that hopefully flatter me more (but I like what I have).

I am leaning further and further away from "cute" (I think I'll return the coral red bowling bag I just bought). I'm cute enough already. Seriously. I'm on the short side of average, I have a delicate-ish upper body, curls automatically soften the look, the clothes I wear are girly and slightly left of centre, and my features just have an innocence to them that belies any mood (unless I give people the death stare). I'm the person who has to cross the street to escape charity paid "volunteers" because I give off an overly approachable vibe. So yeah, I'm fine if people think I'm cute but I also want them to see capable, streamlined and self-contained.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

I think I shall continue to experiment with what feels the most me. I will be starting a new job in January, a bit more of a corporate vibe, so I will be upping the smarter work wear part of my wardrobe. I also want to spend more on individual items I love instead of shying away from the higher price tags - quality over quantity.

Niefern

I think I do not have a very defined style. I think I have improved they way I dress over the past year or so, but I have not made any radical changes and I do not think I will make them this coming year. The one 'discovery' -sort of- I have done is that I really like Victorian-style clothing (I did not know those styles were called Victorian), but how practical is that?

jayne

Veteran

Thanks for asking. I am continuing my "preppy with edge" summer look and the "rocker girl lost in IT world" winter looks. I think the fall winter wardrobe is nailed down so the next hurdle is summer, i.e dresses. I intend to explore dresses that give me the right edgy yet preppy feel yet still cover my bottom and thighs when I sit down.

The other area is the casual, meet the gals for lunch, shopping capsule. I have finally gotten over the hurdle of using work items for casual which means I have a good start on some outfits. But they need some tweeking. So I need to figure out and find those additional items, probably tshirt and accessories, that will make them comfortable for me to wear in freetime. Comfort meaning mentally comfortable sporting work clothes in a casual setting.

next year seems very focused, I hope I stick to it.

kkards

Veteran

very nebulous, but i want to continue to evolve and keep moving forward. i have a definite uniform (see no repeat november posts), but i want to make sure that i keep the elements modern and current.
another goal is to spend less, but spend better.
third, i'd like to slowly bring color back into my wardrobe.
and finally, i'd like to make sure that i have one or two things that are "not me", but that i'm comfortable wearing. if that makes sense.

Meli

(website)

My goal is to purge out all the crap, replace what needs replacing, spend less and more carefully on items I need and are versatile. No more special occasion items this new year!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I feel I did really well in setting up a streamlined fall/winter/cold-weather wardrobe and style this year. I am still working through the curating/purging process, though! I want to do the same for spring/summer/warm-weather looks in 2014. I have been working on my warmer weather Pinterest board the last few days, and planning. It still kind of feels all over the place - but I think there is a definite Greek/Italian/Mediterranean vibe in where I want to go, once it gets very hot. I don't have any purchases planned, other than a couple of pairs of shorts.

Emily

Veteran

Meeee! I kind of already started, but I'll be looking to go a bit more minimal/current/edgy. Plus, like many, I hope to purge more and purchase less!

Lisa

Veteran

I plan to continue on my current path which is moving away from cardigans to more pullovers and blazers as my topper of choice. And I'm continuing to keep an eye out for warm weather footwear I can sport with a sock and NOT be tempted by all the open toed shoes that pop up in stores because they never work for me.

Gracie

Veteran

I will keep playing with my goal of adding more varyiety to my silhouette. My "uniform" has been tucked button downs with skinnies or Demi boot slacks. I've already made progress having recently purchased several looser-fitting tops. I also want to develop a keener eye for proportions, specially what length/silhouette/weight of tops look best with what length/silhouette/weight toppers. I want to wear my dresses and skirts more often. My two holiday wear purchases have subtle sparkle so I can wear them to casual outings at other times. My two sequined tops and skirt get worn once a year only, not too good CPW.

Sharon

Veteran

I think I am going to experiment with limiting my colour palette this year. I have realised I prefer neutrals and plains, so I will concentrate on those in my purchases. I am also going to search for clothes that are a little more fashion forward and interesting. I like modern classics, but I think sometimes I veer into "middle-aged boring", especially with skirts.

Alassë

Veteran

I'd like to explore further my boho/Victorian/whimsical feminine/Anthro leanings, while remaining somewhat practical for cooking and staying true to my overall style. Inspired by: E, who looks so good in her personalized, whimsical outfits.

12