Angie's Classic Wardrobe Items

cheryl

I commented on Angie's blog post that I appreciate these items on others but that they feel too dressy for my casual lifestyle. Well, I keep going back and looking at her list and her pics. She is amazing, and tall and thin and looks great in everything. I on the other hand am very short and curvy, but I feel myself being pulled by some of these items.

Some of the items I know I will just pass on. I do not ever wear skirts, dresses or turtlenecks, so those would be a waste for me. I am drawn to the flat riding boots and an equestrian type jacket. I do own a peacoat, a trench, the earrings, stripes and plenty of bootcuts lol.

So I think I will be on the look out for a softer, comfier button down, (I'm all about comfort) a jacket or blazer, some comfy trousers and a pair of fun loafers. It will take some time because my budget is about non existent right now, but I'm intrigued by the fact I am so drawn to these items

Thanks Angie for broadening my horizons!

12 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from cheryl

Anonymous

I have most of the items on Angie's list, but I do not wear:

Button-down shirts - if they fit in the bust, they're too loose in the waist. I wear wrap blouses instead.

Flats (either boots or loafers or ballet flats) - I'm short and need at least a 2-inch heel.

Pumps don't work because they slip off my feet - I substitute ankle booties.

Turtlenecks and scarves - I feel uncomfortable every time I wear them. I don't know if I have a short neck or what, but I just don't like the way they feel and don't think they do anything for me fashionwise. I wear v-necks or scoop necks instead, and necklaces instead of scarves.

12 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

Ruth, I love how you to modify the pieces to what works for you. I feel the sme way about turtlenecks and scarves. turtlenecks just bother me, feel too constricting and I love scarves on others and have a few but they never feel like me. Too fussy, or dressy or something, just not me.

12 years ago

kimlee

Veteran

Like Ruth I have had to make modifcations for some of items on Angie's list. I have extremely high arches which means flats and traditioanl pumps do not work - one step and my entire foot comes out of the shoe. Instead, I wear Mary Janes and pumps that either have an ankle or T-strap. If I wear a turtleneck, I feel as though I am choking, so I opt for mock t-necks or cowl neck sweaters instead.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Cheryl, I'm totally with you about scarves looking great on other people. They just aren't "me" for some reason.

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Deciding exactly what would and wouldn't work for your lifestyle and preferences is such an important part of the whole process, Cheryl, so you are well on your way. Plus it's definitely a good idea to explore items you feel so drawn too:-)

I love the idea of flat riding boots and a jacket for you. Perhaps you can also try a few knit blazers and jackets, they often feel less restrictive than their woven counterparts? A ponte knit blazer, e.g.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....8;cm_ite=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....8;cm_ite=1

http://www.bluefly.com/wyatt-s.....tt_jackets

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....intnl=true

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....8;cm_ite=1

12 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Cheryl, comfort is very important to me too. You'd be surprised at how comfy a cotton blazer with a bit of lycra/spandex is! Budget-wise, if you're patient and know what you're looking for, you can find some great classic pieces at thrift stores and consignment shops! Hello - white button down for $5? Yes please.

Edited for a typo - yikes!

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

You're thinking things through, Cheryl, and that's what makes this site so good for each of us. Comfort, budget, your casual lifestyle all help to point you in a direction you like. Inge's links and HeleninCanada's consignment suggestion are excellent. Above all, be true to yourself and have fun with it.

12 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

Kimlee, I love maryjane style shoes and its great that you modify things to fit your style as well.

Ruth, it's so funny that some things can be so right for some and just so wrong for others.

Inge, thank you so much for the great ideas and links. I am especially drawn to those by Caslon. That striped one just jumps at me.

Helen, my budget dictates that i'm going to have to be patient and do some thrifting, but I enjoy the process so it will be fun to look for something that I normally wouldn't.

12 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Cheryl, I'm drawn to a number of the items on Angie's list, too, like the tweed jacket and sheath dress. (I don't have these things because I haven't got round to looking yet, and they haven't just fallen in my lap....but one day I will). It's great that Angie posted a list of classic items because it helps focus my thoughts about what exactly 'classic' is.

As it happens, I only own three things (bootcuts, pencil skirts and peacoat) from that list! So I guess that means my style isn't all that classic. But I own a lot of 'almosts' -- for instance, I've got flat, unembellished riding-style boots, but they're white. I've got classic shaped cardigans, but they're not cashmere. I've got plain button-front shirts, but they're black, not white. Do you think such items count as 'classic'?

12 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Kimlee, thanks for describing your issue with shoes. I have the same experiences with the types of shoes you do and haven't been able to figure out why. I do have very high arches too...hmmm...

Cheryl, comfort is the most important thing to me. I won't wear anything that I find to be uncomfortable, so I understand your concerns. For a blazer, perhaps you might like to try one of the knit versions? I hadn't know there were knit blazers until recently. They're awesome! They feel like sweatshirts but look polished. What more could a gal ask for?

12 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Cheryl, it's always fun to broaden one's horizons! I think there are variations on a theme, if you will, that make each piece wearable for people who aren't necessarily Classic in style. This may mean taking "Classic" out of the equation (e.g., instead of tailored pieces, slouchy versions), but that's just a label So go for your comfy and fun versions for sure!

Like Elisabeth, I think I have 3 things on the list: bootcuts, trench (it's short, black, and has blue contrast stitching), and pearl necklace (although most of mine are freshwater). I do have a few variations, though: cashmere pullover (asymmetrical, exposed seams, deep V neck), tailored blazer (sharp shoulder with funky loops as tails).

12 years ago

Travelgal Nicole

Veteran

I love Angie's list and have most things on there except for the pearls and the turtlenecks. I never really realised how important these pieces are in my wardrobe and how they pull together all my looks (with a few retro pieces thrown in).

12 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

Thank you Vicki!

Elisabeth, I definitely think they count as classic, just a little twist of color or style. I guess we both have a few classic items and are looking to add a few more, lol.

Amy, I will have to try one of the knit blazers. I hate feeling constricted so this will probably work and they look good too!

cciele, I also have a few pieces but never really thought about them being classic before. Its going to be fun looking for a few pieces that meet my criteria, of fun, comfy and affordable.

kiwi, I love the list too, and it is funny how a certain piece can pull together an outfit or a look.

12 years ago

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