What's the difference between frumptastic and feeling fab....

When you wear exactly the same formula? 

I remember about a year ago, Una commenting that before joining YLF she had a sort of fallback uniform or silhouette. After joining YLF, she experimented like a madwoman for a while...only to return to said formula! Except now, she was starting to feel fab. 

Deborah has made similar comments about her own experience. 

Well, guess what? Moi, aussi. 

Before YLF, I lived pretty much in a uniform of jeans with a sweater (often a turtleneck). And I felt frumpy. 

Now, I wear the same thing, and most days, I feel pretty fab. In fact, the closer I hew to this old favourite formula, the more likely I am to feel fab. 

So what is that about? 

On another thread I speculated that it was largely about finding updated and current versions of your personal "essentials," with plenty of attention to fit. 

But maybe there's more to it? What do you think? 

BR essential turtleneck in black

Citizens of Humanity Racer jeans in Patina

Zara booties

No name belt

Cuff gift of my brother in childhood

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

62 Comments

  • replied 10 years ago

    I'm going to jump out on a limb here and speculate that maybe you felt frumpy because you were bored and had not yet realized this was your signature style. I've pretty much done the very same thing, and this is the only conclusion that makes any sense. The difference between then and now may rest in knowing more about what colors look best on me and on paying closer attention to proper fit. Hope this helps! :)

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    I think it's like someone who marries their high school sweetheart, having never dated anyone else. They wonder, maybe someone else is more exciting. Then, after a brief separation including an unsuccessful period of dating, they come to realize their spouse is really fab afterall.

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    BTW, even though my WIWs have gotten a lukewarm reception here, IRL I've been getting lots of compliments. I think it shows how high the bar is set here, especially compared to my town!

  • ironkurtin replied 10 years ago

    I'm returning to my standbys, but I never felt frumpy, ever.  So I'm going to say ATTITUDE.

    And sometimes you know what you like, and you just get better at buying it.

  • eds replied 10 years ago

    I think it is all about proper fit.  A turtleneck with good fit, be it a loose, draped fit or quite fitted can be terrific whereas one that fits poorly can look pretty frumpy.

  • JayS replied 10 years ago

    Maybe an attention to details? The wrong jewelry, etc. can kill a look. Also, maybe more attention to proportions. Proportions seem to be one of those maddening things when an outfit should work, but just doesn't. Sometimes hard to put your finger on.
    And confidence - an integral part of any outfit. Just guesses here...

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    I think fit, fabric and slightly updated silhouettes are what make the difference for me. I also wear the same basic "uniform" and even the same colors for the most part, but I've made a lot of tweaks. Example, before YLF most of the jeans in my closet were really too high waisted for me at about 9-10" rise. Before YLF I also wouldn't spend much time thinking about a purchase like jeans (even though I wear them so often), I'd find a pair that seemed to be "okay" then I'd buy 3 of them if the price was right.  I've learned that for my body shape, I feel much better and look better in about a 7.5" rise and also that it's worth it to really spend time analyzing fit, length, fabric, etc. before buying. And as a bonus with the YLF education of semi-tuck I can enjoy belts again. And I've really added quite a collection of belts.  The rise/belt/semi-tuck combo were big changers for me.

    Same goes for tees and simple knit tops. I used to buy them more fitted but felt sort of self conscious in them that way.  I also bought material that was too thick for my warm weather. And I often bought because of a sale, not because I loved the tee. Now I know that I like a much more fluid fit in all my tees and I'm SO much happier in them. I still will buy a tee that I love even if it's very inexpensive, but now I'm also likely to spend a great deal more on one that I love too.

  • Carole replied 10 years ago

    I relate, Suz. Is it perhaps the confidence we gain by experimenting and then positive feedback from YLF?

  • replied 10 years ago

    My two cents - you have refined your "uniform look" to the point where each element is just right and works just right and all is cohesive (and fab)!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    OK -- do you have any older pics of your formula before YLF?

    My guesses would be that your items were more traditionally classic, with decent fit (because I can't imagine you ever not paying attention to detail), but no PPL or refined silhouettes.  If you're like me, you bought what you could find and what was affordable.

    Now?  Well, the fab is in the details!  PPL, deliberate fits and silhouettes, finding the right neutrals and the colors that sing, even when they're not trending.  Personal style details that highlight your features and personality without  overwhelming. 

    I figure I'm a few steps behind you on the same road, and I was wearing almost a copy of your pic yesterday. Black t-neck, generous skinnies, belt, booties.  I did through on some ugandan beads for color --- 'cause I have to take my Diva with me.  

    Perhaps your YLF trajectory is:  Awareness to Open Exploration to Refinement, to Maintenance of Modern Personal Style.

    I'd love to be in "maintenance," continuing to adapt in small ways to changing fashion and lifestyle, I figure I've just entered "Refinement," and I occasionally backslide!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Fit and current-ness were my first thoughts, but I wonder if a lot of it has to do with intentionality.  If we were wearing our "uniform" as a default, without putting thought into it, and then suddenly started thinking about it, it maybe spawned some discontent.  But when we come back to it, it's recognizing that it's our choice to do so, and we know the underlying reasons that make it work for us.  So we may be wearing very similar items, but we're doing so as a conscious choice rather than just defaulting to it....  

  • Alassë replied 10 years ago

    My guess: you've refined fit, personal colour palette, and accessories (specs, belt, booties). While you may be wearing the same basic look, the items you construct it with are far more tailored now. Now not just any old sweater will do; jeans cannot be the same old thrift store pair; belts are a must, and carefully chosen for colour/texture; etc.

  • replied 10 years ago

    I agree that fab is in the details. Even classic pieces look dated and frumpy after a while. Whenever I start to feel frumpy or less than fab, it usually means I need to tweak my style to achieve a more updated look. Angie and fellow YLFers are great at helping me with that.

  • Isabel replied 10 years ago

    I think that Ruth and amiable are onto something. 


    As an observer of your "development",  there has been change. Your hair for one. FABULOSITY ( yelling ) !  The cut of your pants. The semi tuck, the belts and shoes. You also seem to be more aware of  texture and "bookending".  I had never heard of it until YLF.  It may be the same general formula but you have honed it and refined it. It is like the woman who loves dresses. There is such a wide array that you can change your style drastically but keep the same "item".  If that makes any sense.  

    I have to say, that I am also falling back into black. Not so much as before, but I just feel cozier in the winter in black and it is just so much easier.  I know that things are tweaked, but our inner core is hard to shake.  It can be refined, however.   : ) 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thank you all! Amy, I think you are probably right that being intentional has much to do with feeling better in what we are wearing -- as with all things in life, I guess. Choosing makes us conscious. Like the DFW video that Angie linked to in another thread. 

    Beth Ann, you are in no way a step behind...you are racing forward in your Ugandan beads....but you are so right, I used to just buy what was there and was affordable and while I cared about fit, I often couldn't find it. Being on YLF and seeing the things that might work for my body type has been super helpful -- plus reading people's reviews of different brands, and their long time experience. 

    PMC -- you are right, it's a question of continual refinement. I aim to go even further along that path this year. 

    And Carole, Jays, and Dana -- no doubt you're also right -- confidence and ATTITUDE play a huge role. At the same time, I think eds is right, too. Without the right fit I doubt if I would feel okay. I think that was often a big part of the "frump" feeling -- things just not fitting quite right and me not being patient or picky enough to hold off buying until I found the right fit. 

    Texstyle, so interesting to hear your reflections. I think you are right -- it has to do with being really conscious to our own reactions. In the past, you might have bought something and not really paid attention to the ways that it slightly bothered you or even tried to brush off your own feelings. Now, paying attention to them, you learn what you need to look for in the next purchases. I think this has happened to me, too. It helps to be aware of our own reactions and not dismiss them. 

    JayS - you are SO right about proportion - for me it is the trickiest thing. 

    JAileen - loved your analogy! I think it IS similar. I have married my high school love. (In fact, I did dress like this in high school!!) 

    Ruth - so interesting to hear that you have made a similar journey. And it's true -- these happen to be signature items for me. I wonder if the non frump factor is the same when it is not a set of signature pieces. Hmmm.

  • Sarah A replied 10 years ago

    I am agreeing with all of the above and also one thing that came to mind was a post Diana made a while back where she showed a simpke jean outfit unstyled and then styled with a semituck etc. (on the phone so cant put in a link my apolgies) the small details made all the difference. Truly how the item is worn seems as important as the items themselves. You are wearing your items with grwat styling these days. Perhaps thats the difference.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Isabel - so true! I am laughing at the thought of tweaking my inner core. Maybe twisting it like a dishrag.....  You are also TOTALLY right about bookending and all other tricks to bring cohesion. I never had given that a moment's thought before YLF. 

    Alasse, I think you're right about accessories being key. And YLF is really great for helping me find great accessories! 

  • Mo replied 10 years ago

    I think it comes down to dressing authentically, as yourself, in your skin, but with more knowledge about the finer details.  We play around, try trends, try to impress the audience for a while, and then hopefully come back to what is the authentic expression of 'us' in the best possible way using what we have learned.

  • Isabel replied 10 years ago

    SUz, LOL !  Your inner core is NOT a dishrag. It has become a fine cashmere ribbon.   : ) 

  • Liz replied 10 years ago

    Surely hair and shoes play a part as well.
    Then there is that indefinable inner knowing: "I have style, I chose this, I can do style, I know how to shop..." etc. I think that really shifts how we carry ourselves and perceive ourselves. It changes a "frump" day message from, "I feel so awful in my clothes; I am just frumpy; other women have 'it' --whatever that is -- and I never will," to "Meh, this outfit isn't working. Tomorrow's will." 

  • Emily replied 10 years ago

    I'd say that it is about the fit, cut and attention to detail:  Any old sweater and jeans could easily feel boring and frumpy.  But if you educate your eye and shop with care for fabulous sweaters and jeans, and then add in carefully chosen accessories, chances are you feel fab.  Which I guess is in large part related to attitude, like IK says.  :)

  • K. Period. replied 10 years ago

    I wish I could add something, but I can only reiterate what others have said and you said yourself: I think it it is fit and currentness that make all the difference.  I think accessory tweaks also make a huge difference because those get updated and refined too and add a lot to the picture.  

    Maybe...it just occurs to me that it could be a matter of freedom and variety too.  This feels great because it is one of your options and you now have given yourself the freedom and knowledge that you needed to wear this as just one of the many different outfits you have at your disposal.  If this were a FFBO but you only had this and a couple more that you felt great in, it would be very different than it is now with your many, many great outfits you can choose from.  If you live in an ice cream shop and all you ever get to eat is ice cream, it isn't nearly the delight that it is if you have it around as an option among many other great choices.  You have a lot of great clothing. This is a comfortable, authentic-feeling uniform snuggled in among them.  

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Hmmm - really good point, K.Can!!! I think you are onto something. 

    And Liz - what you are saying seems related to K.Can's point. It's confidence, but also an increased sense of freedom. Hmmm. 

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    I think we can't learn about why we are instinctively drawn to things until we expand our horizons and have the chance to explore alternatives and counterpoints. We may return to our original position, but our way of assessing it gets altered.

    I think many of us on this forum have had the same experience. Changing our wardrobes to break out of a "uniform" has been a necessary exploration to renew its instinctive appeal. It also helps that the forum provides validation when others express appreciation for the re-emergence of the "uniform".

  • Catnip replied 10 years ago

    The same thing is happening to me!  I've been trying on all kinds of new looks, but they don't feel right and most of them don't look right.  I feel best when I wear my uniform, jeans or slim pants and some kind of sweater, often a pullover.  The difference is an excruciating attention to detail, including fit, quality, proportions, color, the right specs, the most flattering hairstyle, perfect accessories.  I was never sloppy or poorly groomed, but now I'm much less willing to compromise on anything. 

    It is so much work, but so worth it!  It's also so much fun!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I think it has a lot to do with seeing yourself all the time in photos. Did you photograph yourself several times a week pre YLF? My guess is no and you relied on what you saw in the mirror. I know I am much more confident of seeing myself in pics and this plays a big roll in how I view myself in outfits. 

  • ATLynn replied 10 years ago

    I'm going to 2nd Jay S. that proportion is probably the biggest lever to shift from frump to fab.    And it's clear that you've honed an editor's eye for what to wear with what, when to tuck vs. untuck vs. semi-tuck, when you need a topper, what shoes work for dress, modern, casual, edgy, interesting, etc. and can now play with your closet to create fab looks from a relatively classic set of options. 

  • minimalist replied 10 years ago

    Suz, what a perfectly timed topic!

    A few days ago, while mulling over what "trying too hard" means for me personally and picking up new laces for bf at AE, what to my wandering eye should appear but familiar-feeling lace-up wingtip brogue boots. Something clicked: it might be A-OK for me to "regress" / circle back to the androgynous uniform that got me through grad school. Poplin flat-front pants, men's dress shirts, chunky belt, men's dress boots. Sounds pretty frumpy, right?

    But I feel confident I can fab it up this time around. Fit, for one. And items I really love rather than a sammelsurium of good-enoughs. Overall, a sleeker silhouette even though (or because) I'm significantly heavier now; no men's plaid suit-jackets, this time around! At the time, I wore very big jewelry in attempt to femme it up; that's not an element I care to repeat. Instead, belts like some from the Brave link Una posted.

  • AviaMariah replied 10 years ago

    First off you look spectacular in that picture.  I'll probably repeat what many others have said but my guess is it's fit, style and being intentional.  You obviously are obsessive (in a good way) about fit, you are picking interesting styles (like BF jeans) and you are wearing this because you know it looks and feels great on, not because you just happen to have it laying around. 

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    The difference is in the details. Fit, fabric, texture, colour and comfort. 

  • ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

    I just wanted to say I am loving this discussion as I reaffirm my old favourites in colours and silhouettes!

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    details, details, details....followed by intention

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Wow, Suz!  I am in good company!

    For me, the difference is in details and intention.  I used to throw on anything black by default, with little attention to things like PPL and interesting cuts or textures.  Now I have a better sense of how to add those details and style items to make my outfits look like I meant to wear them.

    Funny, I was just going to post about how one of the staff where I work, who is a woman I've known forever, said to me yesterday that I needed some flair with my outfit.  And I realized that I had fallen into my old habit of throwing on black dress, tights and boots - so basic that it was BORING.  In my defense it was my fourth day of waking up at 4:30 a.m. to be at work by 6, and dressing in the dark.

    Off to read the rest of this thread...

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    Ditto-ing. Unless you could put yourself in exactly the same items, there are likely small differences in fits and fabrics.
    This is both a liberating revelation--hey, there's a method--and a reminder that some of the fabness may have been "finally" getting the right fits, while another aspect is that "right fit" will keep changing. That will be because there are, ahem, small changes going on in me, as well as in the "eye" of fashion,  so the sweater that I love this year may no longer be the right sweater in a couple of years.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Just to add, this is why I posted my "What are you never done buying?" thread.  I was thinking not of general categories (boots, scarves, bras) but within those categories, what are your specific consistently loved items and looks (colorful silk scarves, military jackets).  Because certain items have always held a tractor-beam pull for me, though the details may have changed.  Black sweaters, RATE jeans, chunky boots... KWIM?

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    I was just looking at Annagybe's cap, jeans, boots, trench formula outfit and noticing how the devil was all in the details. Anna looks tremendous - runway-model fashionable and glamorous. Pulling from my closet, it would come out hipster mod (because that's the sort of caps and boots I have). And then there is what I called the "epitome of dull" interpretation - 90s Gap cap, limp ponytail, Range Rover, children over by the school gate or on the soccer field (not so close rug rats! haha) (oh, and at home there is a gianto kitchen with a giganto island that means you have to walk a mile to get to the fridge, but it doesn't matter because there's no food in there anyways...).

  • aevalsidhe replied 10 years ago

    I think fit is super important and making sure you love the silhouette.

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    It's because you have perfected the formula. You have perfected it in every way - fit, fabrication, style, etc. Take, for example, my post last week re two blackwatch plaid blazers. One was a blazer I had purchased a few months back but had never worn or even removed the tags. Something just wasn't right for me so I kept looking. Along came the BR blazer, and yep, this was the right one. The tags came off and I wore it today. Now pre-YLF I would have kept the first blazer and I would have been somewhat happy - mostly I just wouldn't have known better. What's my point you ask? The formula would have been the same (skirt/top/blazer/boots) but what I wore today is my perfection (or at least better version) of it.

  • claire replied 10 years ago

    I agree with everyone that it's all about the details. But I wonder if it's also about validation.... When I look back at photos from childhood, university, traveling etc I have always been a little boho, a little Rate, it's just who I am. But since that comes naturally to me I have always thought it wasn't right, that I need to go find my style elsewhere, become more polished or sophisticated. But that never felt quite right unless I incorporate some of my Boho or Rate details. So maybe I knew my own style all the way along, just like you used to wear your style. But now it's a little better version of that style with more attention to detail, but very authentic You.

  • replied 10 years ago

    In summary: Your personal style but better, with knowledge gained from Angie and fellow YLFers to guide you to perfection.

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Suz, great topic and don't you love how simply and succinctly Angie nails the response:)

    When I think back to my very first WIW, even tho the items were of course mine, the combo was so not typical of what I was wearing at the time:). I recognise that I wanted to fit in and tried out one of the ideas Angie presented in a blog post - I gave the skirt to my mum and never wore that combo again;)

    Discovering that this was such an amazing community where I didn't have to fit in but was encouraged to "be me" allowed me to experiment and have heaps of fun in the process. But I have essentially come back to what has always been my signature ....lots of black and a blend of slightly alternate and classic stylings.

    I did always feel awesome in black pre YLF but in those days it was black with little thought. I am much more intentional now and pay much more attention to fit and quality. For example, pre YLF i had a wardrobe full of black dresses, some fab, but a lot that were so so. Now I have a much smaller collection of black dresses but I believe each one is fab.

    I also have so much more available to me in terms of resources. Pre YLF I didn't know much about blogs, now I read rather a lot of them. I find the inspiration from regular (non models) women priceless. I think that, along with YLF, has really refined my understanding of proportions etc. As Angie says it's the "detail".

    I think YLF has been responsible for helping me define and refine my style (and that is an ongoing journey). And given me the confidence to step out and just be me. And that makes me feel fab:)

  • Aleta replied 10 years ago

    Reading through this thread makes me wonder if we all have our own natural style personas. When, for whatever reason, we feel we need to explore a different look it is initially exciting to become a new "improved" person. However to truely remain authentically YOU maybe we need to accept what is our individual style and simply work on refining and improving within that persona.

  • Debra replied 10 years ago

    What an interesting post. Very relevant to me at this stage :)

  • Jules replied 10 years ago

    OMG so true... I too was trying to branch out in terms of silhouettes etc but it being January in Toronto, skinnies + tall boots is a very practical uniform. And one I happen to love. I've found more interesting pieces and invested in better-fitting basics (duplicating my favourite jeans); doing more layering and variation on top, and decided to leave 3 pairs of transitional shoes (probably the most I've ever owned!) at work to change into. So for these 2-3 long, limited months I am feeling much more fab than years past, wearing basically the same winter uniform I've had for years. And having spent a bunch more money ;)

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I think updated versions of favorite pieces can make a tried and true formula go from drab to fab.  But also, when you try other formulas and styles, and see how they work on you, then see how your old formula works, sometimes you see it really is the best choice.  And now you don't have any "oh what if" thoughts about it, which is fab because it means you are making a solid choice when getting dressed.  During the experimentation phase it's a lot of "what about this" and none of the "dang it, this is what works." That comes later.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    What Angie said. When I "got" the difference between classics & modern classics my eyes were opened (thanks Angie). 

    I also believe that for most of us it takes time & experience to discover who we truly are. When we do connect with this "self" we choose our clothing in a way we couldn't have before. IMO this is true even if we were wearing the same types of clothes as before.

    I use the analogy of poetry. we respond instinctively to a poem but don't know why. If we study literature (which in this case stands for ourselves & fashion) we not only respond instinctively but we also know how the work was put together technically, what experiences the poet drew on etc.

  • Missey replied 10 years ago

    I think a lot of it has to do with the change in style and proportion of these garments.  The formula works for you and now the fit does too!

    PS yeah, what Angie said :)

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    Caro nailed what I was trying to say, as usual ;)

    Our instincts might push us in certain direction, but exploration and insight helps us understand what attracts us and how to appreciate it better. As others have pointed out that knowledge gives us confidence in our choice. A bit of external validation doesn't hurt either.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    I like what IK said: you get better at buying what you always liked!

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    I've come to this thread too late to add anything, but it has been great reading! Actually, it makes me feel good to think that you don't have to change what you most naturally gravitate to. That you can improve your style within "your" style...not having to go against that in order to be fab.

  • gryffin replied 10 years ago

    Wow, late to this party and absolutely everyone has been so eloquent!!  I am just nodding right along.  I always like the aphorism, "if you understand the why, you can figure out the how."  I can't speak for you Suz, but I know that even when an outfit really worked in the past, I could not always articulate why it worked.  That made it hard to reproduce the look in anything but the original way.  Once I began to understand the language, the meaning, the proportions, how fit and texture changed the look, the "why" of clothes I gained more confidence and was able to be more sucessful.  I also am strongly nodding with Mo and Deborah - it is so key to be authentic.  If there is one thing that I thank Angie and all of the YLF community for each and every day, it is for reinforcing the importance of wearing what I like and what I feel good in, what suits my lifestyle and my personality.  It freed to me, in so many ways, to embrace my aesthetic and own it.  There is such a world of difference between what is worn with trepidation by default and what is worn and embraced by choice!

  • Alexandra replied 10 years ago

    Ooh, great discussion! I think it comes down to fit, details, and confidence. They sort of go hand-in-hand and feed on each other. Having a uniform is a good thing and there's usually a good reason for choosing the pieces we choose. A thorough understanding of those reasons boosts confidence and informs choice of detail and fit.

  • karymk replied 10 years ago

    I've tried skirts in everyway possible and it just doesn't feel right.  I'm a pants girl, even though I have a flat butt and muffin top. I'm gonna stick with it.

    You look great in a black turtleneck.  I love black! Why am I avoiding it, Suz? Nothing is a good substitute for black.  It's sophisticated, edgy, reliable.
    BTW since you have "cool" coloring, black looks good on you.  It's a cool neutral. 

    Let's just be "us" why don't we! That's why I love it here....

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    karymk, interesting about black.  It is the mainstay of my wardrobe, but recently I have been feeling like I've gone back to defaulting to black for no good reason, and that has made me feel frumpy somehow.  I am also noticing that black looks harsher in me in winter, when my skin is fragile and washed out, whereas greys are a bit gentler.

  • replied 10 years ago

    This is really interesting!

    I feel like I'm at the point where I can tell the difference between meh versions of my favorite formulas and versions that feel better, but can't explain why in any way that doesn't just seem like guessing. And I'm good at coming up with guesses that feel plausible and building on those, but it's not the same as really knowing this stuff at a deep level.

    Suz, that outfit really does look perfect on you. Nothing stands out too much, but everything just harmonizes together and harmonizes with you.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Aubergine, thank you...and I think you've hit on a key -- it's not just that the items harmonize together -- they have to harmonize on the wearer. Karymk, thank you for the comment about black -- I do think I wear it reasonably well for someone as pale skinned as I am, but as Una said, it can be draining. I try to wear it on days when I am feeling energetic. And it works better on me in summer, I think. 

  • Runcarla replied 10 years ago

    The January threads are so insightful!

    Suz, I've been reading your post and the responses and learning so much, and here at the end Aubergine sums up MY feelings...when I study my pictures some combos work, and others not so much. Sometimes I get it and sometimes I don't...still a student! Always a student?

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Carla, I do think we are always students, for sure. 

    Speaking for myself, at least! 

    But I did experience a real shift around this time last year, and since then things have been "clicking" a lot more. I am not sure what it was. I truly SAW and ACCEPTED some things that had eluded me in the past about my own shape, proportion, and lines, so that was surely part of it. And I also began to see the essence of the look I was after. I started ruling out more things I like but that don't like me back (as much) or that don't work in my lifestyle (as well). And allowing back in some things that I had feared, perhaps simply because they'd always been fallbacks for me. I also got much pickier about cut. 

  • Echo replied 10 years ago

    I agree that the difference is awareness and intent. Putting things on automatically and without thought puts any clothing in a backseat to other things. Putting things on with intent and awareness makes us conscious of our choices, makes us walk a little taller, and makes us fully consider each item.

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    Haven't read everything yet, but can't wait.
    I am returning after a couple of years of fashion fun (but lots of buying and purging that doesn't' sit well for me) to my previously minimal style, but with certain tweaks. I now only want to buy and wear the best I can afford. I am also more settled and defined in my signature style- fashion confidence might be the descriptor here.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Shoes? For me, sleeker footwear has made a big difference.

  • Mander replied 10 years ago

    Fit and accessories count for a lot.  Even when I am schlepping around the house, these days I often wear a scarf (coordinated with my t-shirt) and I feel a lot more pulled together than I used to.

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