Enjoying the Changes in Your Style

I enjoy the constants in my style. For example, wearing items that are part of my signature style, day after day and year after year. They are familiar, comforting, easy, and personal. That said, there are times when change is also good. I enjoy shifts and variety because refreshing my look is energizing, prevents boredom, and keeps my style aligned with current needs and preferences.

1. Seasonal Change

I feel fortunate to live in a city with distinct seasons, which is greatly reflected in how I dress. I love how the change in weather makes me wear completely different outfits. I’m ready to shed layers and Winter woolies in lieu of crisp cottons, white jeans and pretty dresses by the time Spring and Summer roll around. Similarly, I’m ready for blue jeans, jackets, and boots in Autumn time.

2. Mood Change

I pander to my changing dressing moods. I can be very into wearing patterns and pattern mixing, right up until I feel like wearing solids and no patterns for a while. I can be in the mood for clashing bright colours from head-to-toe, or resort to blue, white and gold outfits for a bit. I enjoy tonal outfits one day, and high contrast on another. Similarly, I like my hair wavy for a few days, and straight for the next.

3. Trend Change

Trying new outfit combinations, colours, and trends can be exciting and fun. It’s like experimenting with a wearable form of artistic expression. Since fashion and style is my line of work, it feels natural to be an early adopter of some trends. While much of my style is grounded by classic silhouettes, the trends play a particularly important role in the bottoms that I wear. That’s how I change up the look of my style the most.

4. Adapting to Change

New cities, new settings, new climates, and a new way of life evolves my style so that I’m practically and emotionally prepared for the activities, demands, and weather of the day. For example, Seattle Summers are hotter than they used to be, so I’ve embellished my hot weather capsule every year. I’m also vacationing in hot cities more regularly. This has significantly changed the landscape of my wardrobe and style. Since I grew up in hot countries, I enjoy the style change.

5. Personal Change

Sometimes, I need to mark a big change in my life by changing my style. The change helps embrace the new chapter by creating a refreshed personal stamp. Notably, when my Papa passed away in 2021, it was the end of an era, and the beginning of life without my parents. That’s when I decided to grow out my platinum pixie to shoulder length hair in my natural colour. Switching up to a new look is symbolic in a way. It’s a big change that I only enjoyed after I’d reached my hair goals. The grow-out was tedious, but the result was worth it. While I miss the daily ease of styling a pixie, I am thoroughly enjoying my natural hair colour.

As much as I love things to stay the same, I like a change too. How about you?

Outfit Formula: A Side of Lilac

Pastel and mid-tone purples, like lilacs and lavenders, are popular on YLF and with my friends and clientele. Lilac is a signature colour for some of my friends and it suits them beautifully. Some lilacs are more pink, and some more blue. Some are saturated and others are watery. Take your pick. 

Mango
Oversize Knit Sweater
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Lilac is versatile, and looks great remixed with a range of colours. These outfits show that in an interesting way.

1. Lilac, Olive, Grey, White

A patterned lilac, olive, grey and white sweater is tucked into a pair of wide chartreuse-y olive pants. The pants pick up the olive in the sweater. Chunky white athletic shoes pick up the white in the sweater. Personally, I’d have preferred the shoes to be completely white, and not blocked with black and dark purple. A lilac bag picks up the lilac of the sweater. Unique palette.

Lilac, Olive, Grey, White

2. Lilac, Navy, Burgundy, White, Fuchsia

A lilac blouse is tucked into a pair of dark wash blue jeans. A fuchsia blazer is layered over the top. Burgundy boots that complement the purple and pink are the shoes of choice. A navy, white, lilac and fuchsia scarf is the finishing touch that brings it all together. Add a bag that works with the palette. Fab modern ‘70s vibe.

Lilac, Navy, Burgundy, White, Fuchsia

3. Lilac, Butternut, Black, White

An oversized lilac swingy sweatshirt is worn with a pleated lilac and butternut ombré midi skirt, which has a black waistband. The top is tucked a little in front to showcase the black waistband, and hint at a waist. White mules with black straps add a dainty relaxed touch. The black straps of the mules match the waistband of the skirt. I see a white bag complete the look.

Lilac, Butternut, Black, White

4. Lilac, Burgundy, Black, Snake Print

Last, a summery lilac open weave sweater is paired with a burgundy skirt. Black and grey snakeskin sandals add patterned interest to the texture-rich look. The black belt with silver statement buckle works with the black in the pattern of the shoes. Add jewellery, eyewear, bag, and watch as desired.

Lilac, Burgundy, Black, Snake Print

Bodysuits: Yay, Nay, or Maybe

A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that has fastenings in the crotch. It resembles a regular top from the waist up, and looks like a leotard from the waist down. The top part of a bodysuit is knitted or woven and comes in a range of silhouettes, patterns, and colours. It can look like just about any style of shirt, blouse, knitted top, or tee. The bottom part of a bodysuit is knitted, and has stretch for comfort. Sometimes the top and bottom parts are made of the same fabric.

The collection below shows a good assortment of bodysuits.

Zara
Draped Fitted Bodysuit
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Zara
Draped Fitted Bodysuit
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I wore bodysuits in the ‘90s. I had many of them across a range of colours, fabrics and silhouettes. They were form fitting, knitted, and had stretch. I have fond AND awful memories of them.

The ones that fitted particularly well were amazing. Rises were high till the mid ‘90s, so wearing a bodysuit with higher rise pants, skirts, and jeans was practical, covered, and fuss-free. Your top stayed put. You created a sleek, alluring, and neat look under a jacket too.

There were also ill-fitting bodysuits. There wasn’t enough coverage around the seat area, and the lengths were too short. They crept up and pulled lengthways. Wedgie-galore, and awfully uncomfortable. When pants rises began lowering in the late ‘90s, you could see the leg openings of the bodysuit peek out above the waistband of your bottoms. This became a look in itself, and it wasn’t my look.

These days, bodysuits seem to be cut and made better than they were three decades ago. There is also plenty more silhouette and fabric variety. There are fluid blouse and shirt bodysuits too.

I haven’t owned a bodysuit since 1997. That said, I’m open to the idea if the fit is fabulous and very comfortable. As a tucker of tops into roomy pants and jeans, I like the idea of the top staying put. That said, I’m not actively looking for a bodysuit. It would need to find me without much effort. I am a cautious MAYBE.

How about you? Did you wear bodysuits back in the day? Do you wear them now? If not, would you wear them again?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Nineteen Years!

YouLookFab turned nineteen over the weekend. That’s a year short of two decades since we published the first post. That’s a LONG time, and in some ways unimaginable and surreal. Someone recently referred to YLF as an OG blog. Now that I know what that means, I’m smiling. 

You are what makes YLF a special social community. Thank you for your insightful, compassionate, intelligent, thoughtful and amusing contributions, from which I learn, reflect, and grow as a person. Special shoutouts to Fabbers who have supported YLF for more than a decade, and to those who chime in without fail on every blog post I write. I am humbled by your loyalty, discipline and engagement.

We’re keeping celebrations low key this year, but not next year. I’d like to mark YLF’s 20th birthday with a special event or events, and hope you’ll join me. In the meantime, many thanks for stopping by, and gracing us with your intelligent and respectful presence. Cheers to another year!

Outfit Formula: Long Cardigan

Long cardigans are an acquired taste. I have clients who swear by them because they’re practical, comfortable, and easy to wear. Some enjoy the swoosh and feel elegant in the silhouette. Some like the coverage of a long gauzy cardigan over a sleeveless top in hot weather. Others are all about the coziness of a cardi. Weather permitting, they wear cardigans instead of jackets. 

Long cardigans are a topper you can wear inside, and at home. Long cardigans can work well for lounge wear. They are softer than a jacket and can be lightweight. Fits are gently fluid or oversized. Lengths vary from thigh to knee-length. An easy layer to peel on and off in variable temperatures.

Bloomingdale's
How Cardigan
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Nordstrom
Rib Long Cardigan
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Onto some outfit ideas.

1. Patterned Set and Jeans

A patterned blouse is tucked into light wash wide leg jeans. A long cardigan in the same pattern as the blouse tops the lot to create a twinset effect. Sleeves are scrunched to show forearm skin. Red pumps pick up the reds in the tops. Add a bag in one of the colours of the pattern. Awesome look.

Patterned Set and Jeans

2. Black Pants, Stripes, and Teal

A pair of flared cropped black pants is combined with a semi-tucked black and white striped t-shirt. A long teal cardigan is the swooshy third piece. Black loafers match the black hair of the model and the black in the outfit. Add a bag to match. Simple and effective.

Black Pants, Stripes and Teal

3. Solid Set and White Pants

An olive ribbed tank top is tucked into a pair of relaxed and cropped white chinos. An olive ribbed long cardigan is the elegant soft topper that creates a twinset effect with the tank. Cognac belt and loafers add a rich earthy touch to the look. I see a brown bag complete the look. Casually chic.

Solid Set and White Pants

4. Pattern Mixed

A charcoal and silver graphic tee is worn over a pair of casual stone pants. Their hems are rolled to showcase more of the boots. A fuzzy geometrically patterned charcoal and white long cardigan tops the combination. Silver boots and earrings pick up the silver pattern of the tee. A mismatched olive crossbody bag adds interest to the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Pattern Mixed