WIW - Light neutrals - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW - Light neutrals

anchie

Veteran

Now that I gave you the fair warning, I feel more confident to post my current looks
This is how I like to dress at the moment - light to medium neutrals. For some reason I am not into high contrast and I don’t enjoy my dark neutrals (mostly navy) or my signature bright colors. I still wear them because my wardrobe is very limited so I wear what I can still fit into, regardless if I don’t feel like wearing it.
My main reason to post again is to get into shopping mood. Participating in forum always made me inspired and I would get the wants and shop sometimes too much. And now I need that kick in the butt. Most of my clothes feel very uncomfortable, something like Hulk would feel. I can barely move my arms. I have to unbutton my pants when I sit. I don’t think this is completely weight gain related. I desperately need to refresh my basics too - my underwear and pajamas are in tatters. I have only 2 handbags with gold hardware that I wear constantly. My shoes are getting scuffed and should be replaced. But I just can’t force myself to shop. I just got back from Rome where I was with my daughter. We did quite a bit of shopping. She did actually and I was just aimlessly browsing, not able to concentrate or get interested. I told myself that I prefer online shopping, that I will order few things when we get home, and again, I open websites, browse for few minutes, I don’t see anything that appeals to me and I leave without putting anything in basket.
Maybe some challenge is in order?

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33 replies

Latest reply was from Star

lyn67

Veteran

OMG, you went even darker with your hair than I remembered! Love you as a dark blond!:-)
And your outfit here fits the trendy bills exactly -colorwise and seasonally appropiate especially!- but I can relate/understand if you changed 1 or 2 sizes and don't really feel comfy in your pants and/or top here but it is not end of the world- you look fab!!! Hope the blazer and the coat are still fitting good (or good enough to be comfy) and believe me they look great over the outfit! I find the column of no contrast in light neutrals so elegant-even if made in a more casual vibe!
This outfit is killer head to toe and I would keep it in my wardrobe! I would only change to some cream/white chunky sneakers here---for a more curent look - especially if you're not any more constricted with office wear norms and if generally wanted to dress more casual(?).
As for the shopping- I would only try to shop the same items (or alike) one size up--to achieve more comfy! One small step at a time...till you'll get your mojo back!:-)

Star

Veteran

This is a great outfit. The colours are perfect for your new colour. I can relate as I have gone up two sizes, hardly anything fits and I don't have any interest in shopping now.

Dee

Veteran

That’s a fab neutral combo, I can see why you”re drawn to it, its understated elegance, and your hair looks lovely too.

Weight fluctuations are certainly challenging, but perhaps with the change of seasons you may feel the desire to shop a bit more as the new stock arrives, but don’t rush to buy for the sake of buying just anything. Carefully consider your needs and start with filling any essential holes first, maybe plan out a colour palette for the spring/summer season that you think you’ll enjoy wearing with some of what you already own.
Glad to see you post a WIW again.

Sisi

Veteran

You look very well! The outfit matches you coloring nicely. I have had periods when I'd preferred to be slapped in my face rather than go shopping (and I made do with the same old things for long time) ... but then it passes!

RobinF

Veteran

I absolutely hate the feeling of tight clothes so I feel for you! However, you look amazing! I love this outfit, the jacket is yummy! And the white boots perfect.

Joy

Veteran

You look fabulous. All my clothes are falling off me and this will be an expensive spring with alterations and new things that fit. Sunday my skirt fell down to my ankles. I pulled it over a jacket to stay up. DH still tests positive for Covid so I went to get some groceries yesterday. The supermarket was busy but cleaned out of many things. It was the last day of the weekly sale. He is comping at the bit to get out. So maybe today. My sister whose husband died a couple weeks ago plans to move soon . She is overwhelmed with paperwork now and hopes to find someone reliable to do the taxes.

Your light neutrals are inspirational. I am so ready to stop wearing dark ones. No signs of Spring yet. I need new light shoes to wear with light neutrals..maybe snow boots would be best for now. It is cold. Wooly socks are in order.

Jules

Veteran

Love this! So rich and layered

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#3 is KILLER. Gorgeously Chic!

LOVE this palette with your new earthy hair!!! Now I can't imagine you with silver hair

I even see a gold bracelet! Good job accessorizing.

Do we have a similar hair colour now? And with the red specs too! Twinsies!

My dear anchie, please do not feel uncomfortable in your clothes. At the very least, four new bottoms and four new tops that make movement and sitting easier. Tide you over.

Here is your shopping list:

- trendy jeans
- earthy pants
- light neutral pants
- dark neutral pants

- light neutral top
- dark neutral top
- patterned top
- non- neutral top

Onward we go!!! Here to help, support, and get sorted

JAileen

Veteran

I always found your silver hair inspiring. But I think your new hair suits you very well. And you look great in that color scheme.

Roberta

Veteran

I love this color scheme on you AND i think you look fantastic. How we feel in our clothes will always trump how we look, however.

Angie's shopping list is Genius. Perhaps you could engage a personal shopper, hand them the list, and relax in the dressing room.

slim cat

Veteran

You look fab and very on trend - love the light neutrals on you ( would not change anything )!
Angie's list is practical and perfect start for a bit of shopping.
I'd try relaxed/wide leg denim ( something with a flow and drape ) and easy cotton cropped jacket ( some oversized/relaxed jackets are easy to wear for every day ) for spring.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look gorgeous, Anchie! I am loving the dark honey blonde hair on you! And the third outfit is just spectacular. wow. I love the jacket also.

Angie has you sorted for a shopping list, I see. Onwards!

Sal

Veteran

You look lovely Anchie - I love this palette on you with your honey coloured hair. You are someone who can wear a variety of colours. I think light neutrals are popular at the moment - I am also drawn to them - and wearing less pattern than I did.

In terms of shopping, I think Angie's list is great. Go for shapes or cuts that make you feel good - For me tight arms are my least favourite - I really like some ease in the shoulder and bust area. And a refresh of underwear - it may be too much information but I am currently preferring higher rise underwear, not always, it makes me feel smoother in the waist area and more confident with some trousers and pants. When the underwear is either too small or too stretched out all clothes can feel a bit off.

nuancedream

Veteran

Anchie, how wonderful to see you on the forum again! I'm totally loving the hair color and the red specs. The light and medium neutrals suit you so well.So chic! Angie has given you a great shopping list.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Your new hair color is super fab, and you look really gorgeous, Anchie. No kidding! The outfit looks great, and the warm neutrals are flattering on you. I hope Angie's shopping list gives you the boost you are looking for, to get some clothes that are comfortable, and stylish, for now. Thanks for sharing your new fab look with us, along with your frustrations. That's what we're here for, right?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You really do look fantastic but I do understand how we see something that you might not feel. I love Angie's list for you - so concrete and manageable! Wearing clothes that do not make you think about them all the time is key I think.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I really like this palette--reminds me of Sixties or Seventies. I wonder what it would look like with chunky silver jewelry, or a silver chain strap purse.

quietloud

I think you look wonderful, and how you are feeling at the moment doesn't shine through at all in this outfit. But I completely relate, having gained weight and sizes after illness myself. I know exactly what you mean by that Hulk-like feeling. It's so uncomfortable, even if it doesn't show on the outside. I've slowly but surely been getting back into the groove with my wardrobe and shopping over the past year (despite a winter hiatus of a few months), and I'm sure you will too. In my experience it gets a little easier to get inspired at this time of year when spring is on the way.

anchie

Veteran

Lyn67 - once I started coloring, it is now easier to go darker then to go back to white. Good suggestion about sneakers - will try that next time.

Star - sorry to hear that you are in the same boat.

Dee - I really hope that spring will help, and good idea to start with color palette - I have to decide on it.

Sisi - exactly how I feel at the moment LOL

RobinF , Jules , JAileen - thank you

Joy - sorry to hear about your situation and my condolences for your loss. Some light neutrals winter boots can be very useful, with your hair especially,

Angie - yes! thank you, such actionable solution is what I needed. Maybe I just did not know where to start?

anchie

Veteran

Roberta - thanks

Slim cat - cropped jacket would be fab for spring

Suz - thanks. Jacket is my newest item - Christmas present from kids

Sal - I agree, new underwear would also make lot of difference, something to go on my shopping list too

nuancedream and Firecracker - thank you so much. I am so used to my blond hair now that it feels weird when I see my old photos.

Jamie, Carol - thank you

quietloud - glad to hear that you are feeling inspired again. Uncomfortable clothes are the worst and make me feel even bigger

Star

Veteran

Anchie you are always an inspiration. Just like you inspired me to grow in my natural silver, which I really like. I have just popped on a temporary light copper colour and I like it! I already feel a bit more perky

anchie

Veteran

Star - oh, thanks! I want to see it

BlueJay

Veteran

You look gorgeous, Anchie! I love your outfit with and without the layers! So chic! The pop of red with your glasses and beautiful hair too! The tweed blazer is so fantastic! Wishing you happiness and best wishes for the next part of your style journey!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Anchie, glad you feel you have a place to start!

If you like, see if they have some of the pants you have at home that you like in larger sizes. They might have online old stock.

anchie

Veteran

Angie - this is great idea. I just checked if they have this same pants in WIW photo in bigger sizes, because I have a matching blazer that still fits (it is oversized) but no luck. I am not feeling cropped or straight leg pants at the moment, feel best in full length flowy pants. But they seem not easy to find.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Anchie, you look so beautiful in these neutrals - which, interestingly enough, still convey a sense of color to me, but in a peaceful, harmonious way.

Sometimes, you just need these really good neutrals to calm your mind and soul.

I really like Angie’s shopping list. Something that could supplement that list, is a Pinterest mood board, of non-clothing items. Landscapes, nature, floral, art… things that really speak to you. It can help you hone in on clothing colors and elements that pique your interest, when you’re shopping.

ChristelJ

Veteran

You look absolutely amazing in these photos, but I sympathize with your feelings of discomfort. For me, when I gain weight if I find even one pair of basic pants that feels good it can give my wardrobe a big boost.
Can't get over your glamorous hair!

kinnick

I gained 15 pounds (I am 5’3”) after an accident laid me out for 5 months. I did not have any clothes that fit. My pants were so very tight. I decided to approach my new wardrobe as if it were a travel capsule. Angie’s advice above is great - 4 pairs of pants and 4 shirts (although I bought 6 shirts) that all work together (with shoes I already owned). I also changed my look a little. I ended up with wider, swishier pants with half elastic waists. Instead of shirts that had a tighter fit I went with looser shirts in soft fabrics. I am losing the weight very slowly but doubt I will change the new look. I saw it as a challenge to take what I have learned from reading YLF and put it in to practice. I am also surprised that even at my higher weight (which was just over acceptable BMI) I think I look fine. But maybe I wasn’t harsh on my new body bc I was lucky to have recovered. I think you had some health problems that caused weight gain? You look great. Embrace the new you and lean into a new look. It’s fun.

Star

Veteran

Here you go!

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