One Take on Statements vs Essentials

AmidPrivilege had an interesting post (http://amidprivilege.com/2014/.....etirement/) that resonated with me (and my casual lifestyle) and it fits in nicely with the discussion this week about statement pieces vs wardrobe essentials.
The "Survival" stage is loungewear- enough said.
"Humming Along" would be wardrobe essentials (for me skinny jeans with long sleeve plain tee or V-neck sweater, sneakers).
"Rev the motor" would be wardrobe essentials with a statement piece added- such as a colorful scarf, top with some embellishment, color, or pattern, or "statement" shoes (like my snakeskin ballet flats).
"Blowing out all cylinders" would be true statement dressing- date-night dress with heels, dressy black pants with colorful/embellished top and heels- likely several statement pieces with maybe one or two anchoring essentials (black or nude heels, black pants).
Suz mentioned that she wears a lot of wardrobe essentials - for those of us who work at home, the "humming along" phase with occasional "rev the motor" opportunities would mean a lot of wearing essentials with occasional statement pieces.

9 years ago

Jenny H

Active Member

Love it!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is an interesting way to look at it! The challenge, for me, is how to prevent boredom with a wardrobe of essentials and (much less worn) statement items. It's tough! I tend to wear the "humming along" uniform and add the statements only when I am going out -- and this can be really dull if you have a small wardrobe.

Thanks, Sadie!

Tanya

That is a very interesting way to look at thigs. Thank you for bringing it up.

thimblelina

Yes I like this! I'm an inveterate hummer-alonger with survivalist tendencies aspiring to rev my motor more and maybe even blow out all cylinders eventually. Finally nailed my personal style statement. Thank you!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Very nice analogy. Thanks for sharing.

Suz hits the nail on the head with a common dressing challenge. That makes your hair - and if you wear specs - ALL the more important aspects of your style.

Sadie

Thank you all for your comments.
Suz: I am the same way with wearing "humming along" outfits most of the time at home. In fact I often feel a bit self-conscious adding statement pieces if ia am doing casual-at-home.
Angie: your specs area brilliant idea for adding a statement piece with which you are comfortable into your more routine outfits. I have a gold and yellow watch-bracelet (Kate Spade) that was a gift that makes a perfect subtle statement piece that I can routinely wear. Thanks for the idea!

Isabel

WOw, this IS interesting. Thank you.

For me, I get a lot of "punch" for my "humming along" from my scarves and jewelry. I love adding color that way and feel that it really adds mileage and a ton of versatility. But I do like having my version of an everyday statement piece. Since I am a SAHM, for me it is just a happy color blazer. Sometimes in velour ( usually a berry color ).

rabbit

Interesting analogy, I generally rev the motor any time I leave the house on an errand, and blow out all cylinders occasionally on date nights. I work and hang out at home in 'survival' wear or demoted 'humming along' wear.

The 'humming along' actually probably gets worn least often, maybe for outdoor family get togethers or visits to the garden center or something -- somewhere where I don't need gear but am not doing 'city' things.

I suppose I could upgrade my at-home wear more, but I don't really see the point, I burn through it so quickly what with kitten claws, doing crunches and stretches on the back lawn, and messing around with mud.

I just want to say, in response to Rabbit, I finally came to a conclusion about my "stay at home" wear ( which is A LOT , LOL ) . I have a couple of pairs of great jeans and ( for the fall/winter ) some great merino wool t shirts and a couple of cashmere tops. I wear these at home then throw on a topper and a scarf if I leave the house. This is really working for me. ( If I am cleaning, I wear sweats and a t shirt or polar fleece ). If I am cooking , I wear a pretty, colorful apron over my clothes. I have also decided to wear some make up every single day. No matter what I am doing. I use a BB Cream, concealer, blush and I have learned to line my eyes ( a tight line , as it is called ). If I leave the house, I put on lipstick. I just feel so much better even just going to the bus stop.

The other day my daughter came home from school as asked, "where are we going ? " I said, " No where." She looked utterly confused and said, " But you are dressed and wearing make up...we cannot be staying home ! " LOL

Oh I put on makeup everyday, even backpacking I gotta have my concealer and eyeliner. like you Isabel.

I do also wear aprons and fleeces, but I'm in and out of a studio that basically consists of rarefied 'dirt' all day long, so it's too much bother to change from studio wear to house wear, although I do make an effort of course whenever I leave the house or someone is coming over.

Rabbit that is so funny!!!! I also wear concealer hiking and tent camping and waterproof mascara. I love the term for that, " glamping". I also always wear earrings ! Lol

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