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The Wardrobe, Today

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

So, someone asked to see my tops so we could determine the best colour (and cut?) for my second pair of pants.

But, hey, I almost don't need an invitation to show off my new "fancy" clothes. I am so pleased with them. All but four items have been purchased since June 8th.

Breakdown:
bottoms:
1. shorts, black
2. skort, black
3. dark wash denims from last year. (They feel sloppy at the ankles to me)

need: one more pair of pants.

Tops:
1. printed, sleeveless, blue (shown with shorts)
2. printed, sleeveless, black and white (shown with skirt)
3. black and white elbow length sleeved
4. burgandy draped top. This is from a few years ago--I've barely worn it as all that fabric on my bosom has made me somewhat uncomfortable, though with a less voluminous bottom, this top looks fine. But, I am not crazy about it. OK. Never mind, I am putting it in the donate pile. (I don't like the band at the bottom either.)
5. red T-shirt (to be replaced, shown for colour)
6. teal T-shirt (also to be replaced, shown for colour)

need: if I am to have three tops for every bottom, then I need 9 more tops. That is utterly overwhelming to me. If I can find replacements for the red and teal tops, then I may consider one, maybe two more sleeved tops of some kind. (What kind? I'll have to see what's out there! I've read a couple of Angie's posts on what tops help define dressy casual, but I am still somewhat at sea.)

Toppers:
5, 6. jean jacket
7. flowy cardigan thing
I am happy with the number of toppers I have.

Footwear: These black sandals.

Our summer season is crazy short--three months, tops. I need to start saving my pennies for the fall, too.

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from MsLuna

Ledonna N.

Veteran

First off you look so happy I love your smile. Next, I like these tops on you the color and patter in pic 1 especially. I like also the neckline in Pics 1,3,4 very much they seem to complement your frame. The toppers are really nice I for one like the flowy cardigan thingy :). I cannot comment on the denim jacket because I have a poison eye to them. I believe this is more than enough for a new wardrobe. And I live in Chicago so I'm pretty much of the mind set that you will really have to spend during the winter/fall seasons.

blessings

Anonymous

I think you are well on your way here! Your new tops are fab.

amiable

Veteran

You look terrific! These are great tops and outfits - I especially like #2 and #4.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Really? #4 is OK? Well, OK, I can see if I get much wear out of it before it goes in my donate pile for good. You should see that thing: it's quite high. (I had to make room for my new beauties and I didn't want to crowd them, lol!)

Thanks, LadyWone--"more than enough" for a new wardrobe. Hmmm. Maybe just another pair of pants and another elbow-length sleeved top then. I am surprised how chilly summer has been so far this year.

Thanks ceit and amiable. Appreciate it.

Glory

Veteran

I think you have some great options here and I think all are great! Maybe we can help with the shopping? What colours do you prefer? And, are there certain shops you like?

abc

Veteran

I would urge you to try to branch out in your bottoms. I used to be a black bottom only type of girl (and black shoes only, too) but since expanding my bottom options with the VC tube skirts (b&w polka dots, b&w stripes) and white jeans, it opens a whole myriad of mix-ability to my wardrobe. Plus they just tend to lighten things up. I was resistant to white jeans at first too but they've really earned a top spot in my wardrobe. And forget what you heard about plus size girls not being able to wear white. That is BS!

I think if this is not a primary, day to day wardrobe, you don't need 9 MORE tops. Why not see how these work for you and go from there, especially if they are all new and you don't know what you like/dislike about each one? Plus you said summer is not your dominant season.

I see nothing wrong with the two tshirts used as shown with a layer over the top. Why were you getting rid of them?

Also - food for thought. If you are like me, you like to try to figure it ALL out and feel like you are DONE, but I hate to be the one to tell you, you're never DONE with your wardrobe (I speak from experience after being on YLF for over two years and rebuilding from scratch like you are now).

ETA: Diana is modeling her VC wide stripe tube skirt today - see how great it is!! http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nd-stripes

Liz

Veteran

It looks like you're almost set for summer! I figure out the number of tops I need by my laundry cycle; I have a hard time finding acceptable summer tops, and would keel over in a heap if I thought I had to have three work-appropriate and flattering tops for every bottom. Truth is, I only need about 7 to 9 tops for summer. Others want far more; it's really an individual preference.

You can take the jeans that feel sloppy around the ankles to a tailor (dry cleaners often do alterations) and get those ankles tapered a bit and hemmed (see Angie's forum posts on perfect pants length, PPL) and you'll be set.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I actually love the top in 4. I'd like to see it with a slimmer bottom, maybe the black shorts?

I think the jeans may be a smidge too long which is leading to your sloopy feeling. I can get away with more length on slimmer cuts but anything bootcut or wide-leg feels overwhelming to me, the length has to be perfect.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Pictures! Yeah! I know it's hard to post pictures in the beginning, but they are so helpful.

First: 3 tops per bottom is just a guideline. I think it is a good measure for a versatile wardrobe, but you are just beginning the process, and, since you're doing MOTG dressing, you may not need as many pieces. It's probably more important to feel good in everything you wear. And being overwhelmed is not worth it!

You are doing great already with fit and selection. That's a huge thing, since many people struggle with this.

I like all your tops -- including the burgundy one -- and the banded bottom is actually great for working with skirts and pants. Now, you shouldn't wear anything that doesn't make you feel fab (what we call the "happiness factor"), but maybe keep it in a "probationary" box for a bit? I like the idea of looking for a couple of sleeved tops that will transition into cooler weather.

As for BF jeans, I've put a pic below of mine, but I'd suggest a darker wash and slightly slimmer fit for you, since many people find these too baggy for their taste. Check out Angie's post:

http://youlookfab.com/2012/07/.....end-jeans/

From your posts, it sounds like white pants are high on your "happiness factor" list. Since your photos show that you have some good basics, I think that's a great place to spend your summer pennies. Those, along with another summer top or two, would be enough to freshen your summer outfits. If you can swing it, a pair of Birkenstock like sandals would be fun, and many are slide-in, making them easier to get on and off. You're wise to budget for cooler seasons. I understand this completely, living in Chicago!

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

My favourite tops on you, hands down, are #1 and #2. I also think you look smashing in any silhouette that narrows toward the bottom -- so the shorts work wonderfully on you. (As would one of those VC tube skirts, hint hint).

I tend to agree with you about the pink draped top. I also feel as if the colour might be a bit muted for you. You seem to shine in the brighter teal and red.

I echo those who are encouraging you to move beyond black bottoms. A world of fashion fun awaits you -- seriously.

rachylou

Veteran

These are great pieces! (Including the burgundy draped top, btw; but if you don't love it, you don't love it!)

What sort of activities will you be wearing your second pair of pants for?

JAileen

Veteran

I like your tops, especially the patterned ones. If you're looking for another color for bottoms, how about grey? Since your hair is grey, it might be a good neutral for you. I went grey last year and had previously never worn it, but am loving it now.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

ahem, Jaileen, silver.
Not grey.
Thanks everyone. I will look all this over again tonight when I get home from work and before I go shopping tomorrow. I just may crack and get white. I have loved white forever. (The last time I had white pants I was in my early twenties. So, mid-eighties? Anyone remember Kettle Creek? I still have my pair tucked away in a box. Loved them.)

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Alana- Remember to not get frustrated when shopping or trying on pants. I can try on 50 pairs of pants but only one will fit right. If you need to pants should fit in the hip and thigh everything else can be tailored. Do not be afraid to use a good one they work wonders.

Inge

(website)

I have to run, but just wanted to say that I added some suggestions for tops on your other thread earlier today (in case you missed it
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ice-please

Also: the hem on top 4 is great, that is the kind of banded hem Angie is referring to in her blog post (link also in your other thread).

Great job taking these pictures Alana, it's super helpful.

JAileen

Veteran

Sorry, I had looked at your profile and it says grey or white hair. Anyway, my hair is silver, too. My hair stylist actually calls it platinum. I had never worn grey before, and now I love it.

Mia

Veteran

I can totally see you rocking n a slouchy bottom or white summer pants. I had a friend (we are both in our 50's) buy some slouchy printed pants and I admired them. She bought me the same pair and presented them to me and it turned out they were $10 on the sale rack at H & M!! I think the drape is flattering and even elegant.

My rule with these things is to buy at the lowest price point that fits the bill if I am trying something new. If it is a silhouette I like then I invest more on the second purchase.

I think you have a great casual capsule almost sorted.

Mia

Veteran

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that on the tops for bottoms equation I use the same top multiple times. Like if I have patterned bottoms and also white pants then a black top might count as one top for each if that makes sense. I usually have only 6 to 9 casual tops per season total. That way I can wear them out and not feel beholden to them when the trends change or i tire of them.

Really, one or two fab bottoms that are somewhat different will give you oodles of outfits.

MsLuna

Veteran

These are looking good so far, Alana! You look so happy I'm them!