Outfit Formula: Minimally and Neutrally Coated

Some of my clients are really enjoying the minimal late ‘90s trend for daily Winter dressing. It’s simple, subtle, unadorned, generally neutral, mostly solid, practical, and easy. The vibe is more about pants and jeans than skirts and dresses. Wearing black from head to toe is not uncommon, and false plains act as solids. Some looks are dressier than others. 

Below are four more renditions in an assortment of neutrals. Note how beautifully each palette works with the colour of the model’s hair. Accessories like belts, bags, scarves, hats, and jewellery are not shown, and can be added for the next layer of fabness if that’s more your cup of tea. The blacks and greys can be substituted with navies and blues, if you don’t wear black.

1. Greys and Black

This tailored and polished minimal look is a fab palette on the black-haired model. The black shoes and pants match the model’s hair. The light grey sweater creates a punchy contrast against the model’s skin. Its texture and ombré pattern add outfit interest too. The dark grey coat at this long and elegant length amps up the tailored and dressy component of the outfit. I see a black bag complete the outfit. Or a silver one that adds some shine.

Greys and Black

2. Earth Tones and Denim

The tan sweater and toffee camel coat are a fab match with the model’s hair. The mismatched cognac booties complement these earth tones. The dark blue skinnies amp up the classic look of the outfit, and cool the warmth of the earth tones. Again, I love the length of knee-length and knee-covering coats. Graceful to my eye, and extra warm on the legs. An earth-toned or navy bag is a lovely subtle addition. Personally, I’d add an unsubtle bright red bag to the mix. Maybe you’d prefer a burgundy one.

Earth Tones and Denim

2. Chocolate and Denim

Chocolate brown is having an on-trend fashion moment, and was sorely missed by Team Brown. It’s a very versatile neutral, and well worth stocking up on if it’s your thing. It might disappear for a decade like it did the last time. Don’t let it get away! Here, dark blue jeans are paired with a creamy white chocolate turtleneck. The lot is topped with a dark brown puffer that matches the model’s hair. Black cowboy boots work well with the dark colours of the outfit. I’d have preferred to see dark brown boots. That would look fresher with the chocolate puffer, to my eye. Black boots are fab too, though.

Chocolate and Denim

4. Black, Cream and Red

Last, red is not a neutral, yet black, red, and tones of white is one of the most classic colour combinations of all. Black jeans are paired with a patterned blouse in the classic palette. A cream complement of boxy coat and big sneakers adds a layer of practical warmth. The red beanie adds a punchy finishing touch. The creams in the outfit are effective with the platinum blonde hair of the model. I see a cream bag and pearl earrings.

Black Cream and Red

Link Love: An Ode to Garment Steamers

“The Guardian makes the case for garment steamers: “Steaming clothing allows you to spend less time on washing and ironing, and less money on dry cleaning – but picking the right one will depend on what you need it for.” In this article, they share tips for how to buy a steamer that suits your particular needs.

Hannah Rochell of En Brogue is also a huge fan, going as far as saying that her hand steamer changed her life.

Fab Links from Our Members

The concept of “chakras” was new to kkards, and she found it interesting to learn how they are associated with colours, and what the different colours represent. She liked the monochromatic outfits and the way that Trinny played with, and layered, colours, values and texture

Olive Green directs us to this post about transitioning wardrobes into retirement. She says: “There have been several forum threads on changing bodies and tastes, this echoes the issues and solutions.”

Bijou enjoyed this article on Margot Robbie’s Barbie outfits and the dolls that inspired them.

It’s awards season in the US, and Angie so enjoys the Golden Globes! Here’s a visual rundown of the best Golden Globe dresses of all time: “I remember many of them! The ones in the ’70s and ’80s were OTT. The ’90s mild and minimal by comparison. The ’00s and beyond brought back some glamour with edge. Always fun to watch.”

Jaime enjoys listening to the “Dressed: The History of Fashion” podcast when she drives. They recently replayed an episode by the author of the book “Mend!: A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto” that was especially good. Jaime is planning to read the book too.

Mary Beth liked this article: “Three decades later, and we are all starting to understand just how much Carolyn Bessette Kennedy has remained a significant influence in fashion.”

Gaylene encourages us to read Lyn Slater’s compelling essay about why she stepped away from her social media persona as an icon of graceful and stylish aging. She adds: “Her reflections are a poignant commentary on that commonly expressed desire as she comes face-to-face with the reality of being a woman in her seventies with glimpses into a future stranger than she can even imagine.”

Optimize Your Wardrobe for Access

Access is important. Store and organize clothing, footwear and accessories so that they are easy to see, grab, put on, and put back. Items that are out of sight and out of reach are often forgotten. Visible items in easy reach are worn frequently. 

Organize for Access

If space is limited, display one season and store the rest. Remember shoes in the closet, instead of defaulting to what is close to the door. Fold items in drawers so that you can see everything instead of only grabbing what’s on top.

When your closet is tidy and organized, items will be more visible, and you can pack more efficiently into limited spaces. Your wardrobe will be more effective, the outfit possibilities will flow, and dressing at home will be a nicer experience.

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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Neutrals and Interesting Accents

A new outfit from Janie Medley of Medley Style, whom we introduced to YLF in August 2023.

Janie is rocking this polished casual all-neutrals look. She’s created a column of black by pairing a tunic-length turtleneck with mixed-media skinny trousers, which creates a long lean line. Chestnut pointy-toe booties with black block heel and black elastic inset repeat the trouser colour and add to the visually lengthening effect. Our blogger dresses up the outfit with a relaxed-fit tan wool coat that lightens up the black. Gold bangles, big hoop earrings, and arty black and copper necklace tie the dark and light neutrals together, adding shiny visual interest. Janie finishes off the look with a fun fedora and raspberry lipstick.

Janie Medley - 1

Janie Medley - 2

A Word and Colour for 2024

This is the sixth time I’m choosing a word and colour for the year. The tradition started with my lovely friend, and YLF Fabber, Laura, whose done this for decades. She invited me to join her in 2019 and I haven’t looked back. Thank you, Laura!

Choose a word to keep top of mind for 2024. Take it to heart, and act on it. Personally, I’ve found this a motivating and worthwhile exercise. It helps me prioritize and get more out of the year. I’m more focussed and accountable to small and big-picture life goals, which is quite satisfying. 

The colour I choose can be one I’m liking more than other colours at the moment, or a colour I want represented more strongly in my life. It can come through in my style, our home, our setting, and in the natural beauty that surrounds us.

These are words and colours I’ve chosen in previous years. Nothing too serious, and it’s all in good fun. Sometimes I repeat a word or colour because they need a do-over, or I’m not quite ready to move on to another.

2019: Relaxed/Red

2020: Experience/ Blue

2021: Achieve/ Citron

2022: Achieve/ Light Blue

2023: Change/Sour Green

On to 2024.

Word: Present

My number one goal for the year is to live in and enjoy the present moment with an open mind, appreciative heart, and empathetic attitude. I want to pay more attention and be fully engaged with what is happening now, around me, and be grateful for it. I want to stop and focus on what is presently fabulous, instead of wishing time away planning and waiting for the next thing. It would be great to be more spontaneous too.

Being mindful in more aspects of my life will take practice, as I’m far too eager to tick things of my list, and plan the next list. This needs to change. I’d like to take a minute to catch my breath during the day, keep screen time in check, spend more time with people who are important and be really present with them. I want to hone my listening skills, practice yoga more frequently and expand my creativity. I want to intentionally enjoy what is right in front of me, right now.

As a great planner of all things in life, I’m pressing the pause button. Planning has its advantages, but it can stress people out, and stress me out too. I can become a little obsessed with my plans. It puts unnecessary pressure on others, and on me. Of course, there will be some planning, but on a smaller scale. And that will be more than enough this year.

My wardrobe is in brilliant shape, and I’m very happy and at peace with my style. Counting my blessings, and hugging my fab-for-me wardrobe. It needs little intervention at this point, so the plan is to generally leave it alone and enjoy the heck out of my stuff.

Colour: Sour Green

An acidic lime and apple green is one of my all-time favourite colours. I’m choosing it as my colour again this year because I want to be surrounded by more of it. It’s a bright yellow green, and not a blue green. I’m also enjoying a yellow based, Kelly green with my new darker blonde hair. While these sour greens are still available at retail, I’d like to purchase a little more of them for my wardrobe. Our home is accented with lime green, and adding more of the colour to our home would make me smile.

Over to you. Join us in choosing a word and colour for the year. Don’t overthink it. Your first and freshest thoughts on the subject are often the best ones. Share them in the comments section when you have a moment. I’m looking forward to hearing them.

Green / Present