What is your essential MOTG piece?

Ornella

I've been checking Angie's MOTG formulas as I'll be out of work soon*, so I need to start looking into adapting my wardrobe to the new lifestyle needs.

The formulas are really great and I can't wait to try them. Angie IS a genius btw, for putting those together.

I'd like to know what is the piece of your personal MOTG uniform that you find absolutely essential for the wardrobe to function?

Has anyone else's wardrobe gone through the same transition? Thoughts?

(*) expected outcome and known fact, my workplace is closing down, *AND* it comes at the right time for me.

13 years ago

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from

Queen Mum

Veteran

skinny jeans.. hands down. My life couldn't function without them. You can dress them up, down, or sideways. You can wear boots, sandals, heels or flats. You can wear a sheath dress, tee and jacket, tunic, blouse, cardigan... I'm almost positive that 80% of my wardrobe could be paired with my skinny jeans.

13 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I don't know if I can pick just one item. Some of the items that my wardrobe wouldn't function without are jeans of some kind and a denim jacket. My temps vary greatly through the seasons, so lightweight woven dresses and flat strappy sandals are my summer uniform, and ponte knit pants with boots and tunics fro the winter.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

#1 Gap Always Skinny Jeans
#2 Converse All Stars

13 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

Definitely my skinny jeans. There isn't a week that goes by that I don't wear them, and they are so versatile. Also my pullover sweaters and lightweight jackets. I just ordered a casual crossbody, too and I know it will fill a gaping hole in my MOTG wardrobe. I need to be hands-free at places like the park, zoo, farm, etc. and there is no way I would want to take any of my nicer bags to those places.

13 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

Quality fashion forward comfort shoes, like Naots or Danskos (I rate these highest, then Hush Puppies, Clarks, and there are many brands I don't have, like Rieker).

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Skinny jeans, no question. Could not live without them.

Low heeled boots, booties and shoes/sandals.

Also, jackets. A variety thereof.

Ornella, I am glad this is a change that is coming at the right time for you. And I am eager to hear about your plans for the future!

13 years ago

Nakidra

Veteran

A relaxed blazer!! It pulls everything together and prevents the frump factor in my opinion.

13 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Born cowboy boots and my Patagonia skim-cut fleece-lined jacket. Ensures I can go to the muddiest playground and still look trim!

13 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Let's see...a kid leash or a bull horn for getting their attention...hmm... just kidding of course

I would have to say a great bag into which I can stuff all the essentials like crackers, wipes, toys, etc. It has to be either a cross-body or a shoulder bag that stays on my shoulder so it can be hands-free.

Ornella, good luck on this next phase. When I left work a few years ago, I didn't own any casual clothes other than one pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Because our family income was drastically reduced at that time, I couldn't justify shopping for brand new expensive items, so I went to the thrift store to outfit myself. I bought jeans and casual tops. I get cold easily, so I also bought some sweaters for layering.

I have always been picky about shoes, so I bought those new and tried to find the most comfortable, long-lasting flats that were not tennis shoes. I swear by Clarks flats: http://www.zappos.com/clarks-w.....GAEKAg.zso

Best wishes!

13 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

1. Clothes i can bend over/move around in without exposing myself.

2. Shoes i can run in if the need should occur.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I'm with Kim! Skinny jeans and a tunic are my to-go formula (see today's WIW!)...

13 years ago

Anonymous

A few years ago I didn't even own a pair of jeans. Now I couldn't function without dark denim, no faded or distressed area, straight jeans. My Gap Always Skinnys fit loose enough to qualify as well as COH Elstons and a pair from BR.

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Jeggings & knee high boots, both in various colors.

13 years ago

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

I am not a MOTG, but my wardrobe kinda almost falls into the same needs, just puppies not babies.

Skinny jeans and tall boots. Such life savers.

13 years ago

Veteran

From head to toe:

Hats for all seasons are great for "difficult hair days" or "outfit is too plain days."
Long pendant necklaces
Scarves (You already know the power of a scarf.)
Black Blazer, Denim Jacket, Moto Jacket: These help dress up my basics with little effort.
Haven't really found my workhorse top yet.
Medium straight leg jean and a dark bootcut jean
fun, printed skirt
black comfy flat shoes and black comfy sandals
tall comfy boots

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Skinny jeans and scarves!

And Ornella, how exciting for you

13 years ago

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

In winter, I have to absolutely agree with skinny jeans - I consider them to be a total necessity. In summer (where I live it feels like summer nearly nine months of the year), dare I say it, I love wearing my denim skirt (dark denim, pencil and just above the knee) with a light woven top, or cool and breezy dresses now that my children are past the "lifting up Mummy's dress to see what's under it" stage. Interestingly, I don't tend to like wearing shorts - I truly find skirts to be more comfortable.

I am very glad you are embracing your change in circumstances, enjoy your new MOTG status! :-).

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Low heeled brown riding boots

13 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I'm all over the jeans lately, too. My favorites now, though, are slender bootcuts, which have just edged out the skinnes. I used to avoid wearing jeans too much as I thought that was too boring. Now I'm just going with it. I think my booty and legs look best in jeans, so why fight it?

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Anything you can layer with.

Cute, well made tank tops as a great base.
Skinny jeans, yes, but alternatively may I suggest ankle leggings in a thick fabric, with socks in matching colour. Thick tights are not as practical.
(of course to be worn UNDER a dress, a tunic, a long cardigan etc)

Summer: capri leggings.

Tunics.

At least one good, classic, well cut denim skirt (or similar material).

Cardi, short cute ones, long comfy ones; if chosen with care they will "cover you up" instantly and elegantly should there be a sudden irruption inside the home, or sudden need to dash outside.

Long working shirts, which cover the tush, can also be of some practicality especially with jeans or leggings.

Practical, flat footwear: at least a pair for walking outside, and a pair of ballet flats for inside.

Skinny cargo pants.
Fun, colourful accessories such as winter hats or mits or handbags.

I would be weary of anything long dangling from your neck.

Oh, and a good mp3 player for those boring house chores.

Don't be afraid of the skinny, by be demanding when shopping for them. Don't settle for anything that doesn't make you feel absolutely fab.

13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Ornella, I am glad that this is good timing for you and that you are looking at from a positive side.

It "happened" to me.....9 years ago ( does that still count ) ?

I for me it has been the super straight jean ( not the jeggings or very skinny ). I can wear it with shorter tops or longer tops and it still works. I have found that the darker jean is the best for me. Then a lighter, more relaxed jean. This will allow you to wear many of the tops you already own.

I also would recommend a denim top of some sort, to dress down your bottoms. I have a longer length tunic type top that snaps up front. I use that as a light jacket, over ponte pants, over pencil skirts....you get the picture.

Additionally, I just love anything utility as a top. I think it "casualizes" things while giving it a little edge. And you can find these at almost any price point.

I wasn't much of a denim person at all but I have found that it the material has become crucial to dress down so much of what I had.

#1 is an example of some dressy pieces with the utility and denim shirt ( of course, I would drop the pumps and all the jewelry..... )

#2, the pic on the right, Utility vest, jeans, t shirt

#3 a utlity vest on our very own Sarah
I can't wait to witness your evolution !

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13 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

You ladies are the best, thanks so much for so many useful information.

Skinnies were my main suspect and since they are my favorite style now, I plan to add one or two more pairs. I have my eye on one red pair at the moment

@Suz, thank you. I do hope to have a few more details in the next few days about what exactly happens and when

@Nakidra, I've just bought a perfect blazer that I hope will be that key piece that pulls everything togehter.

@Amy, thank you. I was actually thinking of asking about perfect MOTG bag as well and didn't in the end, but you've answered that one And thrifting is a great advice! I have actually tried on some styles that way before, for the fraction of the cost, and it proved to be very useful. I also plan to have a look at Clarks' offerings, things will change a lot for me and I hope I'll be walking a lot instead of driving around too much - which is more than good.

@nicole, SO SO spot on - clothes to be able to bend in. I don't wear anything different even now, but it is worth pointing out for sure.

@AJ, summer hats go on my wish list now, thanks

@krishni, your post goes on my fridge I've also figured out from Angie's MOTG formulas that I'm rather short of cardigans that are perfect emergency cover ups. And yes, long dangly things will retire for occasional use. I can see some colorful bangles on the horizon though
Your post, btw, had just saved one denim skirt from "maybe/donate" pile and redirected one recently ordered skinnies to the "definite returns" pile.

@Isabel, thank you, so thorough and illustrations too

13 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Looking at your WIW posts I wold suggest some great cotton basic tops to dress down your fabulous skirt collection. Jeans to dress down your work tops and casual shoes.

and the basics which I can't live without on MOTG days are my basic cotton pieces, to which I usually add a blazer and flats.

Good luck Ornella with this change!

13 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Julie You are spot on, I do have to pad my cotton tops collection, but only just a bit (have you managed to find the perfect white tee, btw?).

A lot of dressing down ahead of me, that's for sure. But, it should be fun and I am so looking fwd to it

13 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

It would have to be cardis for me...so easy to wear with a wide variety of tops and I love how you can warm up or cool off fast-lol Plus they help hide my belly!

13 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I'm not a MOTG, but like Andrea - my wardrobe has similar needs, and honestly - the boyfriend blazer has been the best piece overall from those wonderful formula posts that Angie created.

Throw it on over just about anything, and it just looks better. I might be in jeans, converse, a graphic tee and working at home, but I can throw on the slouchy-ish blazer and head out the door, feeling a bit more confident and "together-ish" without looking over or under dressed, if that makes sense. Works with casual pants, jeans, clamdiggers, and even some skirts. Not the best in the hottest months of summer, but works well a good portion of the year.

For awhile there, I bought a ton of cardigans - felt like they were going to be an essential piece for me, but I hardly ever wear them and it just turns out that I'm not that crazy about them on me for some reason. I have one that I wear - it's a very simple black boyfriend style cashmere cardigan, but all the others I bought (varying lengths and styles) just hang there in my closet. Didn't wear the cropped, cascading, crossover, classic, waterfall...ack! Some of them still have the tags on and have sat there for a year. Geesh!

I have a couple of additional casual blazers that I've added - one was purchased during a rushed trip back home, where the weather was cooler than I expected, and I had nothing but hot-weather clothes. I ran up to Winners (discount store) and bought a grey blazer that had nice tailoring/details - it worked beautifully in that situation. Again, I could throw it on over just about anything/everything and it added polish as well as keeping me from freezing in the pouring rain when I had nothing but shorts/summer dresses in my suitcase (oops!).

The one simple, 'boyfriend' cardigan softens up the dressier dresses and outfits (makes them look more casual), and the jackets seem to dress up the casual items.

Yeah...that's two items.

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Ornella, I'm glad I saved your skirt! And that I can be of some help to you.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Everyone has given you great ideas. I'd like to add that washable little jackets or blazers are wonderful to have. Anything from denim to corduroy to military/safari. As long as they are unlined, fitted and have some stretch I think they practical and a notch up from cardis. Back to your yellow bag theread!

13 years ago

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