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Possible lightbulb moment?

catgirl

Veteran

Mo's post on altering her pants got me thinking about how much I struggle with "functional" vs. "makes me happy".

Trying to think it out... one of the reasons I tend to be attracted to statement pieces is that I don't like the confusion of putting together lots of elements in an outfit. It seems to me that outfits with ALGO require more "basic' elements that can be play well with others. My wardrobe is full of only children that don't want to share!

And this may be the reason I still can't cobble together anything with more than two pieces. I have great jackets, but they don't want to play with my equally nice but difficult tops, and the skirts are a whole different bossy clan. Meanwhile the pants are all shy and forgotten, and the dresses are just attention hogs.

How to get this group of fabulous but disparate rebels in order without having to resort to pieces that bore me? That's obviously my challenge in the coming year.

Dressing

45 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, yeah! I can relate (shocker I know). I think paring down the amount of patterns in my wardrobe was a good start in getting less 'attention hogs' that didn't play well with others. Baby steps for us!

catgirl

Veteran

Mo, I KNEW you'd understand!

I think I am challenged when it comes to putting things together. I don't want to be matchy, but I'm also not a pattern-mixing pro like Heather and MaryK.

This is also the reason I literally had ONE top (a stretchy black t-shirt) that I wore with just about everything. It was the only item that played well with others and because it was just peeking out from under a jacket or sweater, it was okay that it was boring. It was like the binding agent in cooking. I wish it hadn't disintegrated.

Heather

Veteran

I am coming to your house to play in your closet, Una! I bet a million things in there go with the other millions things!

catgirl

Veteran

Heather, I know you could get these brats in line! I need your expertise...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think you just gave yourself a partial solution. You need some great layering camis and Ts. Simple, straightforward, in colours you enjoy or good for you neutrals.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar problem in that it pains me to spend money on boring old basics - even at ON or Target. I just want to save for that time when I see something that is Really Kick-A** but a little too expensive... I feel like I can justify it if it's going over a $0.50 tank. So I end up with the best jacket and coat collection in the known universe (according to moi, of course)... and I still don't even own a black cami, lol.

Aziraphale

Veteran

'My wardrobe is full of only children who don't want to share' -- too funny! And apt.

I have a tendency toward this problem too, but I keep it under control in two main ways. One, I don't work with a lot of colour or pattern. I've got lots of dark and a few light neutrals that go together colour-wise, at least. Often a splash of colour will come from my shoes or scarf. I have very few colourful tops. This strategy clearly won't work for everyone, what with all you colour lovers out there.

Two, I have very, very few tops that make a statement on their own. Most are sleek and simple, since I'm always trying to de-emphasize my upper half. And a lot of them are repeats, as in, if I find a top that's flattering and simple, I'll often buy several, even in the same colour! Most of my attention-hogging items are worn on my lower half -- for example, I have quite a few colourful skirts (also a black-and-white stripe one, which isn't colourful, but it's flashy) and eye-catching shoes/boots.

The key for me is to buy what I know I NEED for the top part, even if it doesn't make me jump for joy, and focus on what I love for the bottom. This does not include coats, though (and my new, awesome wool waistcoat!), since coats can be fantastic and will completely cover up whatever you've got underneath. I've got my share of nice coats.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Funny, my approach is quite opposite of Elisabeth's! I will get a top with a detail or pattern and pair with plain bottoms that fit great and then add shoes with details (since I largely don't wear scarves or accessorize much in general). My jackets or toppers are solids but with a sparkly button here or seaming detail there to add some interest. Usually, it's not too bold to overpower what's going on with my shirt.

Of course, this is just in general, and I do own the occasional plain top and patterned skirt!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Mo, I think some of it might have to do with your shape vs. mine -- I've got square shoulders and a fuller bust (at least for the size of my hips) -- so I look better with loudness happening on the bottom! You're more proportional, and taller, so you can probably get away with busier tops.

I like a bit of interesting detail on my coats and jackets, too.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Makes total sense, Elisabeth! And Una is more IT so it would make sense for her to approach in the same fashion you do. (but I'm not very tall - thanks for thinking so!)

bj1111

Veteran

hahaha...need to send those problem children to military school or foster homes with stricter parents.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I agree with considering elisabeth's approach. It makes sense for an IT to have simpler tops and let the bottoms shine.

And hey, Parisian Chic says that simple tanks are a Parisian wardrobe staple so it can't be a bad thing to have a few simple tops to help things play together well.

nancylee

Veteran

I totally sympathize with your desire for stand-out pieces, and the boring-ness of buying basics, Una. For many years I shopped this way....and it can lead to some great pieces. The crummy part, as you're learning, is that they don't play well together.

A few basic tees or woven shirts in black, white, and navy...maybe some of them sleeveless..will help anchor your statement pieces. (Basic black pants, skirts help, too.) It's boring...I know, but think of them as the vegetables of your wardrobe. You need them for your closet to be healthy!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

All great style involves discipline - Audi and Kasmira's incredible ALGO style is still diciplined. That's why it works

Una, I like what bj said. Wardrobe brats need discipline. So called boring basics are great disciplinarians.

Anonymous

Yes Una, at least it's cold enough in AK that you know you won't have to strip down to your boring first layer. That's where I have a problem. Jackets and scarves add interest, but in the middle of the day I'm down to the same boring two-piece outfit.

I like what Elisabeth shared about having ALGO on the bottom and keeping the tops simple (vegatables!). I've never tried that, have you?

ironkurtin

Veteran

Ok, this was a lightbulb moment for me, because I *do* have tons of simple shirts perfect for layering! In fact, that's why I own them. I wear longsleeved white and black t-shirts and jeans I love all year round, with my diva items over them. Do I have too many diva items? Oh hellyah. But I never have to worry about who's the boss in any outfit, because everything I have is designed to spotlight them. I was actually worried this showed a lack of creativity, but it makes it remarkably easy to get dressed in the morning. So I think I'll stick with it.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Whew, i'm glad Angie said it before i did!!

Any working wardrobe requires discipline. Consider any person known for great personal style and you will see that their style is defined as much as by what they choose not to wear as what they choose to wear.

Una, fortunately for your situation you've answered your own question right there in your post, as Suz already pointed out. Longer term, if you want to avoid this issue in future you need to decide what you want to focus on. You can buy all variety of showstopping pieces and wear them 'one to an outfit' (the rest of the look filled in with 'veggies'). Elisabeth's approach is a variation on this theme.

Another popular approach is to choose one or two elements to play up and keep the rest of your 'style palette' very subdued/neutral. For example, amazing color combos played out on a simple, minimalist frame. Or dramatic silhouettes and textural contrasts in neutral tones. This gives your personal style cohesion, and it helps you hone in on standout pieces that can play together because they are harmonious in theme.

As an aside, i have found in following style bloggers who have extensive, ALGO wardrobes that they spend a lot of time, energy, and money on their wardrobes. Some are very upfront about it, and the investment can be considerable. An extensive background in college-level art study (practice and theory) is not unknown, either. I had a very good friend in college with this type of personal style, it is amazing and wonderful and a lot of fun!!!! But the investment involved is truly extensive. Seriously, it's like a huge performance art piece!

I think this issue comes up a lot. When you're really trying to hone/develop your style it can be boring to bother about the 'worker bees'. But if you don't it's very hard to have fun with all the 'ice cream' clothes!! Good luck and have fun! steph

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks everyone (and especially Steph for the always detailed responses - wow!).

IK, sounds like you've got your closet tamed!

Elizabeth, sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I do think it has to do with shape. I love jackets, and I love funky skirts, but I can NOT find tops that go under jackets with a good neckline and fit and any kind of style I feel I can wear. That has got to be my focus, so everything else can be beaten down into submission.

Angie, I admire both Audi and Kasmira, but neither one quite jives with me because they both are a bit too ALGO for me in terms of number of items used in an outfit. Per Steph's advice, I've figured out that my favorite looks involve a FEW items that fit well and have a bit of edge. The Eliza J. dress with wedge booties was perfect to me.

Love the thought of "wardrobe veggies" - what a great image!

bj1111

Veteran

una, i think you are really on team minimalist, with one outstanding piece serving as a focal point.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Una, I have a number of simple but nicely cut vee neck and wrap tops. I also have about six or seven of these:

http://www.smokinglily.com/product/hama-hama-top/

...only I wear it so the neckline isn't pulled straight across my collarbones, but drapes a little. It's a very flattering cut on me, so I bet you'd wear it well, too. It's a perfect base layer.

catgirl

Veteran

Wow, Elizabeth, this is when I would love to see pictures of you. Thanks for the link!

Normally I would avoid that style of top like the plague the way she's wearing it, between the cap-like sleeves and the super-high neckline which would emphazize my bust and squat neck. But if it draped at the neck and the edge of the armhole hit more at my shoulder than bicep, I'd be fine. Is that what you do?

Aziraphale

Veteran

That's exactly what I do. I'm not sure why they have the model wearing it that way, because when I pull it tight like that, it (a) shows both bra straps, and (b) slides back into sleeveless position in five minutes anyway. The way I wear it, the neckline drapes into a v-shape like on a Grecian garment, if that makes sense, and it's essentially sleeveless -- not really cap sleeve.

catgirl

Veteran

Oooh, then I should give them a try! How does the sizing run?

ironkurtin

Veteran

AG, if I have my closet tamed, why do I need a whip and a chair every time I go near it?!

Some if my favorite layering tees are the LS tissue tees from JCrew. They come in terrific colors and don't add bulk. When I had a job (insert noise of agony) I would buy a few every season because their palette changes. FWIW, I personally liked their darker and more saturated colors and found them to hold out well. For heavier weights, Petit Bateau size 16 or 18 was great, especially in whites.

catgirl

Veteran

"Noise of agony" just made me laugh so hard my husband came in to my office to see what was going on.

Are the j. crew tissue tees opaque? And are they very fitted for busty me?

Aziraphale

Veteran

They only come in two sizes -- s/m and m/l. I have both sizes. The smaller size is better for wearing with skirts, and the larger size, which is longer and looser on me, works better with pants.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Una, you might be on Team Minimal, you know

bj1111

Veteran

snap...i was channeling angie when i suggested team minimal for una earlier!!!

ironkurtin

Veteran

AG, they're not terribly sheer, but closer to sheer than to opaque. I suggest you check out the JCrew site. I typically wear a S but I am a modest Bcup. A M would likely do you, but that is just a guess.

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