https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 20:31:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55964 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:45:10 +0000 Christie 55964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure! I'll just paste this question into a new thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55962 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:43:59 +0000 Angie 55962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps you'd like to start a new thread with those questions, Cricket? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55937 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:11:20 +0000 Christie 55937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep looking for microcheck pants too. I have a question, how are these different from a colorful cotton trouser (ex: JCrew chinos)? I have imagined, perhaps incorrectly, that a cotton microcheck is suitable for winter because of its pattern, while a chino (not in khaki) would be suitable for summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55934 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:07:08 +0000 Angie 55934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Get yourself to Zara and Club Monaco (Canadian store). I love all things Canadian! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55906 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:54:55 +0000 marianne 55906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie! I meant Esprit pants, which don't have much room for it. But that would probably work with Express pants, except those were kind of dressy. Did they actually have casual ones?<br /> What about Euro stores in Vancouver? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55855 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:25:04 +0000 Ariadne 55855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd love some micro-check pants too, but haven't found any yet. Fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55831 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:12:21 +0000 Angie 55831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mazeltof, Kari! You saw the micro-check light. Thanks for chiming in about that.</p> <p>Marianne, you can let down the hem of most Express pants. Have you ever tried that? I saw micro-checks in Euro stores in NY this year. They are definitely around. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you. </p> <p>Sounds like I’ll need to do a few posts on "basics". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55827 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:54:17 +0000 Inge 55827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somehow I missed this thread this weekend.</p> <p>Just wanted to chime in and say I too would find such a post:<br /> 'people need to understand what a basic is and how it functions in a wardrobe'<br /> very helpful'.</p> <p>(i.e. a definition of what constitutes a basic, and then perhaps elaborate a little on how to wear them/pick the right ones for one's specific needs. I think Tara's suggestion - the style of your basics will be different depending on your personality and fashion style - is a very interesting one). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55760 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:32:03 +0000 yublocka 55760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *used* to have a pair of microchecks. They were Lee ones that I bought second hand for a few $$ in Canada once. Unfortunately they were a size (or 2!) too small, and even in my pre-ylf days realised they were way too short for PPL. Eventually I recycled them for someone else to hopefully find and love! I'm totally open to find a new pair if I ever see them in shops here!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55753 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:20:23 +0000 marianne 55753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, if casual microcheck pants were more available, I'd wear them a lot more. Right now I do have a pair from the Gap, but their fabric quality isn't great (not that I would expect it at this point). Esprit had a few this winter that looked good, but unfortunately they only come in one length. Angie, do you think there are signs that there will be more options available in US? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55752 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:12:53 +0000 Kari 55752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, just wanted to reply to say that you definitely won a convert when you first mentioned microcheck pants as being a great option. I own a couple pairs from Express' suiting trouser line, and in spite of the small pattern they've been very versatile. That being said, I'll probably keep a pair of black trousers around too because of the ability to pair them with my black blazer for a suit or to make colorful print blouses pop.</p> <p>So far I haven't had any luck finding microcheck pants in casual fabrics that and flatter my shape and are within the range I'm willing to pay. I'm also hoping to find a good business-casual wool pair next fall since I've literally worn right through my last pair of wool trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55750 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:34 +0000 anne 55750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>re microcheck pants - I have just put them on my "list" for winter after seeing a lady wearing them in the PO the other day.<br /> I think a blog post on all this would be great Angie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55748 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:41:45 +0000 Maya 55748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are they really not into the look or do they just find them as hard to find as me? Many (of the few that I find) look kind of goofy and pajama-pantish. And of course there is the low rise issue. But you said stay tuned, which I am doing.</p> <p>Actually I do own plain black slacks. I guess I have 2 pairs. The black ones are hemmed for a heel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55746 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:30:46 +0000 Angie 55746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good to have you back, Dani! I hope that you and Mum are doing okay. </p> <p>Maya, I have baby black and white pinstripe pants, similar vibe as you.THAT’S a different animal. They aren’t plain black slacks in my book. They make me feel fabulous.</p> <p>I keep encouraging micro- check pants (*sigh*). Few people are into the look. I’m going to change that. Stay tuned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items/page/2#post-55741 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:09:09 +0000 Dani 55741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this will be a valuable post. Thanks for considering it, Angie! I think it will be interesting taken in conjunction with the what does your wardrobe say about your individual style blog post as well. Thanks for all your effort in educating us to make better wardrobe decisions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55737 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:58:27 +0000 Maya 55737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, again, the exception proves the rule. But this is why I own them: I can't bear to wear skirts in the winter, and since womens' pants are limiting as far as style go, I choose to wear black on those occasions where I can't wear jeans and skirts/dresses are too uncomfortable (this usually means interviews for me, but I'm sure there would be other occasions). I suppose tweed would be equally good, since I have only one pair of pants, I'd rather have the most basic option possible. BUT I never said they have to be solid black Mine have purple and white pinstripes! I'd also love a pair of check pants but haven't found any so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55735 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:47:58 +0000 Angie 55735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are great questions to ask about one's entire wardrobe, Robyn! And of course, great questions to ask about basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55702 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:08:27 +0000 Robyn 55702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A late - possibly too late - response, but yes please, Angie! There are lots of useful comments here and the only thing I'd ask (sorry if I've overlooked it above) is perhaps the questions to ask when we're customising our own lists: for example, What roles do I have through the week? How do I want to look in each of those roles? What physical aspects of me do I want to emphasise or conceal? And as you've said before, What do I want the clothes to say about me, in each of those roles? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55651 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:19:59 +0000 Angie 55651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear it Bri. </p> <p>Maya, your reasoning is exactly to my point. I bet if I worked in NYC I’d get away without having a pair of black slacks :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55598 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:12:48 +0000 Ariadne 55598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I also love seeing you in your outfits. I'm a visual learner when it comes to clothes so seeing what you wear really helps me think and learn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55593 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:18:38 +0000 Maya 55593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are some things that most women will probably find useful in their wardrobe, but there is no such thing as a universal list. Angie, the way you feel about black slacks is the same way my mom feels about jeans. I think lots of people would say a great fitting pair of jeans is an essential, but it isn't for her. She wears scrubs to work and the rest of the time she would prefer to wear pants or skirts (I'm working on dresses but not having much luck). I also have a friend with a 23" waist who doesn't even bother with them anymore because she can't find a pair that fits. I suppose if she searched hard enough she could find something, but she doesn't feel like it's worth the effort and she is probably the best dressed person I know, so who cares if she has jeans or not? She looks fabulous in skirts and dresses and enjoys wearing them. </p> <p>I do not, however, blame anyone for putting black slacks or jeans on their lists. No one is going to be able to make a list that suits everyone. That's why I said before that it's a starting point--neither would I totally rely on a list, nor totally dismiss it. I think lots of people would find black slacks and jeans useful, and if they don't, no need to get frustrated. Just substitute it, as you said. I don't feel fabulous in black slacks either, but my mom adores them, and I will wear them anyway because I would not be comfortable in a skirt every day. When I went on interviews in the winter, I don't know what I would have done without them, so for me they are definitely an essential, and I would go so far as to say it's an essential for anyone looking for work in NYC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55590 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:36:36 +0000 ChristineB 55590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this, and even more useful to me than a list of basics are your flop proof outfits. I'd LOVE to see more of these. I find them incredibly useful. They would be a great way to show how the basics work in every day life, kwim?</p> <p>I love your substitution laws as well, and this is crucial to a list of basics so we can all customize the lists to ourselves. </p> <p>I can't wait! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55550 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 06:33:06 +0000 Angie 55550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What can I say lasses – you’re all devilishly astute. Thank you for this input! It’s good to know that I am not alone in my thinking.</p> <p> I shall definitely put a blog post together about this topic and if you’d all be so kind as to give your thought through comments on the day, I’d be grateful. Lots of people who comment on the daily blog post do not read the forum and vice versa. I’m sure that your intelligent ideas would be greatly appreciated by all. </p> <p>Antje, my impression of the list that Shiny compiled was something different – more of a list of possibilities and aspirations as opposed to “must haves”. </p> <p>Antje, also your perception of what I meant was spot on. (Green glove I hope that makes things clearer). Laura, of course I’ll share my personal basics on the post. It might resonate with some, but not with others. It’s a personal thing and it will be interesting to hear the reactions. </p> <p>I’m going to stress “the YLF law of substitution” in this post. A list of personal basics should get your creative juices flowing. If I read one more list of wardrobe must haves that suggests a pair of black slacks, I’m going to have another apoplexy. I don’t own black pants, but I own two black pencil skirts that function as “black pants” in my wardrobe. I feel fabulous in a black pencil skirt, but I don’t feel fabulous in black slacks. That’s my reasoning. It’s so easy! </p> <p>Anyway, fantastic thoughts and nice to know that you enjoyed the blog posts of my actual outfits, Shiny. More in the pipeline :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55548 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:53:21 +0000 Antje 55548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lot of responses in this thread talk about a list of basic items - either wishing for that, or not believing in the usefulness of such a list. If I understood Angie correctly, she didn't mean to post a list of basics, but instead to explain why a list doesn't really make sense as a "universal guideline", and provide guidance around what the concept of "basics" means for a specific woman's wardrobe. </p> <p>I think the responses to this thread very much validate how useful a blog post on basics would be </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55546 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:26:07 +0000 marianne 55546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Maya, Kari and others - I think that a post that addresses what basics are and their function would be very informative and I also would appreciate tips on identifying your personal basics. I feel like I am getting a stronger grasp on that from reading the blog and the forum, but as a professional you always articulate those things so clearly. As far as lists go, I agree with GG's reasoning. I always got frustrated with lists in the past - for example, I never owned an LBD and I don't know if it'll ever be a high priority for me.<br /> Now that I think about it, my main challenge has always been not just basics, but rather how to combine them for a complete look... probably a different topic </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55545 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:56:30 +0000 tarzy 55545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good ideas here! </p> <p>I would love such a list too. And beyond that - and to echo what Kari said - what I'd really like is to have it include a description of the details for the different style types. For instance - the white shirt - a sporty type might have an oxford button-down from GAP, a sophisticated type might have one with ruffles from a designer, and an eclectic type might have one that looks like a man's tuxedo shirt. (I'm just guessing.) Same white shirt, but very different styles. </p> <p>This is what I'd love to learn, in regards to personalizing these "classic pieces," because I feel I sometimes (often) buy items that have the wrong detailing for the "look" I'm trying to achieve. Does any of that make sense? Or is that a whole other topic? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55541 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:20:12 +0000 Anonymous 55541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rebuilding a wardrobe, I'm striving to avoid mistakes. I like Brianna's comment above on a blog or series that 'DESCRIBES "what a basic is and how it functions in a wardrobe"', with photos of course :o) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55534 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:01:49 +0000 chelle 55534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Speaking for the girls who wander around Macy's looking lost, I would love to see this list. As Shiny said, it is great to see you modeling the items. I have seen those lists that include a crisp white shirt and black jacket with unique accessories and I am uninspired. When I see you wearing the same, the light bulbs start going off. How about a list of basics and how to wear them? I hope this makes sense...I'm very tired! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55524 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:19:25 +0000 Laura 55524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love to know what is in Angie's wardrobe - what are Angie's basics? Add in some suggestions of how to make your own list based on your lifestyle and body type, and I'm in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-blog-post-on-basic-wardrobe-items#post-55520 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:56:26 +0000 sinead 55520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love to see you post on wardrobe basics. As I try to overhaul my wardrobe on whatever crumbs are leftover at the end of the month (usually a negative number) I am constantly asking myself, 'what would be most useful? What do I really need?" Sometimes I get things because they're a "basic" but hardly ever wear them- I bought a basic for someone else's life, not my own. So I'd love to hear your take on this. </p>