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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Call me boring, but...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My BASICS are my favourite wardrobe items!

This is following on Una's post yesterday about her recalcitrant wardrobe of selfish divas. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ulb-moment

I did a little inventory of the things I love the most in my current (admittedly very bare bones) wardrobe. In no particular order:

1. Black jersey sheath dress
2. Black jersey gored skirt
3. Navy military detailed blazer
4. AT Modern fit skinnies
5. Cropped denim jacket
6. Leaf print asymetrically pleated skirt
7. Animal print scarf
8. High collar greyish/lilac top with pleated waist detail.

Of these, only the leaf print skirt really qualifies as a "statement" piece. The others are mostly very plain. And the leaf print skirt is really a special occasions item. Yes, I can dress it down a bit (with my new denim jacket, yay!) but the truth is, I mostly want to save it for events.

Why do I love these simple items? They fit me well. They are comfortable; they MOVE with me well. They are adaptable.

This is a bit of a lightbulb moment for me as well. In Una's thread, Amy spoke about her tendency always to buy boring basics and her difficulty in justifying the expense of the extras that feel like "frills." This has traditionally been true of me as well, but I am trying to break out of that rut a little bit lately with the purchase of more footwear and a few more scarves and bits of costume jewelry.

Anyway, before YLF I feel that I dressed boringly, frumpily, prissily.

I am slowly emerging from that dull place.

Yet the clothes that still give me the greatest pleasure are those that I can mix up and change around with ease.

At the same time, it's clear I'm also attracted to unusual pieces, things that speak for themselves, like that leaf print skirt, my new hitch skirt, and even, to a lesser extent, the new tweed blazer and the new high collar top.

Not sure where I was going with this except that it amazes and fascinates me how different our fashion dilemmas can be and how different our paths towards fashion enlightenment!

It would be great if we could pair up with shopping buddies who have the opposite tendencies. Una and I would be a fab shopping team. I'd help her pick out some super basics and convince her (at least for half a day) that they were actually going to make her feel fantastic, and she'd urge me to buy something wild that would inject a little fun into my wardrobe!

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Dressing

38 replies

Latest reply was from Amy

rae

(website)

Veteran

I don't think that's boring - I think that means you are doing something right when it comes to your basics! Some of us don't necessarily know which basics will be so loved when we buy them... for me, the hit-or-miss element with basics is one of the things that makes me shy away from investing in them. High five, you!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You've hit on something important, Rae. I think these basics are not just "any old" basics. I mean to say, I've bought lots of basics before that did not fall into the "love" category.

What elements make them loveable? Quality fabric and fit, (ease of movement, figure flattery) and to some extent (since I'm a MOTG) ease of care, as well.

It's still often hit and miss for me in purchasing those, too, especially if I have to do it online.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, Suz. HIGH FIVE! Some of my basics are my favourites too! BB's non-iron button downs, Gap's black skinny trousers, plain turtle necks, denim jackets, skinny jeans - my list goes on.

You love your basics and they love you back

Elly

Veteran

Two is just too fab! Jaw drops open.

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I'm trying to get more "interesting" pieces since I feel I have a wardrobe of staples and no wow. I'm realizing a big part of the wow is how I pair them, though - deliberately, not just grabbing the first comfy shirt and jeans I see.

Lisa

Veteran

I also love my basics. I find it easier to switch up outfits when I can add interest with accessories. I don't mind a stand out piece, but too many and I get bored quickly. And I adore those shoes in #2.

crwilson

Veteran

I envy you Suz - I'm much more like Una. I also agree with Mo - I have a really hard time determining which basics I will really, really love, so I have a hard time investing in them. I know that once I do take the plunge, I will find it easier to get dressed in the morning.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

No matter how many trends like like, I end up going to my basics: black pants, jeans, white crisp shirt, black jackets, little black dress, and the list goes on and on. You look great btw!!

tarzy

Veteran

If that's the definition of "boring," count me in! I love all of your "boring" outfits.
I think I'm in this camp too - or at least aiming for it!

catgirl

Veteran

SUZ! I don't think you're boring - I think you're inspirational! I'm trying to find how this works for me. You are a much quicker study than me, that's for sure.

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, and yes, we must make a date to go shopping! Pencil me in!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I think you can get your wish granted when we meet in Toronto - I am sure there would be somebody of different shopping tendencies in such a large group.
For myself the year on YLF was an eye opening. Before I was drawn to statement pieces and had a serious lack of basics because it was too boring to shop for them. As a result my wardrobe was not very functional. Now I got my basics (mostly) in line. My favorite dresses are simple sheath dresses because I can creat countless combinations with them so they feel fresh. the same goes for skinnies, pencil skirts, t-necks,...list goes on. I prefer to make a statement not with one piece but with styling of the whole thing - it makes it more interesting.
However I also have a completely opposite YLF transformation in relation to outerwear. Before it was basic - it does not matter what you wear outside, it should be practical and not ugly and this is enough. Now I have a small collection of coats and jackets and this is where I look for a statement pieces: either in style or color. They go on top of everything else and I like them to stand alone and convey my style.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, that's an excellent point and it ties in with what Steph suggested to me in another thread about my own developing style. Her idea was that, given my descriptions of the outfits that had made me feel best in the past, I should build and maintain a wardrobe of good basic staples, and supplement this with toppers and accessories that would add the punch. She actually wrote it up on her blog! http://dashingeccentric.blogspot.com/

It turns out that to some degree I've already messed with this formula, in some cases making the skirt the statement piece, for example, and letting the jacket be a basic. But overall, I think (for me) choosing ONE statement clothing item and/or interesting colourful footwear/bag/jewelry and typically, making the top layer the "statement" piece (whether that top layer is an indoor wear jacket, sweater, a scarf, jewelry, or a patterned dress or blouse) or an outdoor wear coat is a really smart way to go.

On another thread recently, Krishnidoux was lamenting the whole coat issue (how to be stylish in Canadian winters) and thanks to your vivid example I came to the conclusion that a wardrobe of coats is in fact a highly sensible thing in our climate, and why shouldn't they be "statement" pieces? I am really looking forward to building this coat wardrobe.

Anonymous

I also lean towards and love my basics! When they're just right they can really expand and extend your wardrobe...often more than a single statement piece.

However a good wardrobe needs both My weakness is committing to a statement piece. They always feel like a splurge since I think I may not get as much wear out of them.

Isis

Veteran

Sorry, I cannot call your outfits boring! How about polished, interesting yet comfortable, stylish, or just plain fab!

Lori

Veteran

I am LOVING (cannot stress that enough!) #2 & 3 -- love them!!!!! Not one boring thing about either of these. #1 one is beautiful too, but 2 & 3 are simply fab!

Carole

Veteran

I loved Imogen's illustration of The Movie of Your Wardrobe, here.

http://www.insideoutstyleblog......drobe.html

This was a real eyeopener for me. I had all supporting acts (basics and staples) in my closet and no real "stars".

I love your style, Suz. Outfit 2 is movie star worthy IMO.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I think it's really important to have strong basics, they are the foundation of any wardrobe. How else can you make your statements shine?

nancylee

Veteran

Suz, I completely identify with your love of basics and think it's a healthy instinct. Having reliable basic pieces in your wardrobe is key to getting dressed, IMHO. And a good basic can be super flexible, too...witness my many incarnations of the black pencil skirt this week!

I really love watching your evolving style, and I think you have more of an eye for and willingness to try stand-out pieces than you're giving yourself credit for. That hitch skirt, for example.

I actually think you've got the perfect approach: heavy on the basics with a keen eye for statement pieces. I am learning from you!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for all the compliments. My goodness! I am learning here from all of YOU!

Carole, that was a fantastic link; thank you! Imogen makes excellent points, and I really like the visual at the end. She brought up the interesting possibility that in addition to heroes (statement items), villains (the draggy wardrobe items you should get rid of because they look awful!) and supporting players (good basics) you can also sometimes go for an ensemble outfit, where every item plays a key part and stands out to some degree.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

No Suz, not boring... smart!

I'm more like Una. I'm drawn to the unusual and then have to backtrack to find tamer pieces to make it work.

I am getting annoyed and bored with my search for something as simple as a pair of slim, non-cropped casual black trousers, so I get completely sidetracked and find metallic leather cropped moto jackets instead!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I have to chime in before reading all other responses, I'm already looking forward to checking them.

Don't I just love posts like these which articulate the most obvious things, before I even had a chance to recognise the same dilemma was mine too. Thanks for making it so clear and untangling yet another style riddle for me!

I am 100% on Team Basics. Actually, I think someone one commented in my one of my WIWs that I wear my basics well.

I am one of those who believe in building strong foundation before proceeding further. There's been a time when basics were all I could afford, then times when I wouldn't even know where to start with anything that's not basic, and now when I am enough in tune with my basics to recognise how to make the most of them(e ) or what statement piece would be a nice addition.

I also love what you said about shopping buddies who have an eye and preferences for complete opposites. In order for that shopping experience to be succesful, though, I think both sides need enough awareness of the watrdobe strengths and holes, so they can make the most of the other person's suggestions. You and Una would definitely be great shopping buddies.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Suz - I don't know how you can possibly think of your style as boring. I think you have a classic style with hits of "funk" - exactly the mix I'm looking for. I find your outfits and posts inspiring. To me, if your basics are all in order - well fitting and well made - then every outfit you put together using those basics will work.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Shannon, the "funk" is almost entirely due to my six months' here on YLF and learning from people like you!

I did own one or two "statement" pieces before YLF, the leaf skirt being a primary example. But otherwise it was all badly fitting t shirts, badly fitting jeans, badly fitting bras, badly fitting sweaters, and all of it as boring as porridge.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, but porridge is healthy, no? Look where wardrobe porridge led you

catgirl

Veteran

Hi five, Janet! That's me exactly, right down to the shopping on a tangent!

Queen Mum

Veteran

there's nothing boring about any of these outfits. They might be made up of basics, but your basics are quality and interesting looking. That makes a big difference from trying to outfit basics like these:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....b+Polo.jsp
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....Capris.jsp

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Boring is so NOT how to describe your style! I think it's amazing

krishnidoux

Veteran

Suz, getting it is getting that it starts with GREAT basics, and learning which ones work for you, which ones are worth splurging for, or not. Not necessarily an easy task! Anyway such has been my experience so far, (still I need to learn more). So thumbs up for you to have figured out so much! Your outfits are truly fabulous. You really are showing a sense of knowing yourself with them. I am learning from you.

If, in a weird and fantasy writer's world way, you were to transpose clothes styling to the act of writing, basics would be... like syntax: your motor, your powerhouse, what gets you rolling, what doesn't show but supports the rest beautifully while providing a direction. Think of it: some basics point to certain styles just like Hemingway yields a different reading direction then, say, Tom Robbins. Lululemon's as basics point to a different dressing occasion than, say, Guess basics. Just an example.

Statement pieces would be... like words. The beautiful, strange ones, the ones one author prefer using, the ones I sometimes need to look up. The beautiful words are sprinkled, the syntax is a constant train carrying you through.

Like what style and fashion is a language and a story.

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