https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:56:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1638603 Sat, 02 Apr 2016 21:31:05 +0000 Lyn D. 1638603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto the white shirt- too formal for me.<br />Also these days belts of any description- I find them uncomfortable and bulky, and I'd rather have pants altered to fit instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1638586 Sat, 02 Apr 2016 20:38:52 +0000 Marilyn 1638586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes!&nbsp; What I've come to learn is we should all be evaluating what is essential for ourselves and not relying on lists.&nbsp; I feel the same way about what to wear at certain ages lists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1638570 Sat, 02 Apr 2016 19:56:09 +0000 Penny 1638570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'll take the LBD, trench, pumps, and ballet flats and leave just about everything else - I find that you have to select the items that work for you, and maybe add other unique items that are key parts of your style, then not worry about all the other "must-haves." Although they're good inspiration, we all have different perceptions of essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1638546 Sat, 02 Apr 2016 18:52:09 +0000 Staysfit 1638546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The little black dress! I wear nothing little or black in dress form ever. Actually, no black anything except a limited number of shoes. No dressy trousers/slacks. No plain white button down shirts. No women's interview style business suits, or the matching pieces to make up a suit, i.e. Blazer, skirt, slacks. I have always been one to mix and match my pieces. I can think of two times I wore a suit, and I would like to forget them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1638531 Sat, 02 Apr 2016 18:17:28 +0000 Elizabeth P 1638531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the white button down shirt.&nbsp; Keep trying them, keep not wearing them.&nbsp; It just seems like something I should have, you know?&nbsp; I DO like the tunic length one I got from Zara a year or two ago, but it also doesn't get as much wear as it should... but at least it's comfortable.&nbsp; Still needs ironing though </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1637905 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 15:01:57 +0000 RobinF 1637905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with all of you about the button down shirts, they just never fit me well and I have to keep pulling and adjusting them - hate that! I do wear long sleeve T-shirts but since I started having hot flashes they are often too warm, especially under a sweater. Love this discussion, I really need to go through my closet with a more critical eye and start getting rid of those items that just don't work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me/page/2#post-1637890 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:42:35 +0000 catgirl 1637890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I'm going to add basic pumps here.&nbsp; Never wear them. Never.&nbsp; I think that may be part of my struggle with the cropped look... they are always shown at 26" length with heeled pumps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637889 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:41:36 +0000 Jenn 1637889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another who just can't seem to find a use for the white button-down shirt in my wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have really mixed feelings about the ubiquitous trench coat. When I lived in Seattle, I lived in my trench. It was the perfect coat. Coming back to Colorado, I just rarely seem to have occasion to wear it. I'd love to work a trench back into my life, because I adore the look of it, but it's really hard to justify it when you live somewhere where it almost never rains. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637888 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:30:26 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1637888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trouser pants - can't stand them on me.&nbsp; I love leggings, skinny pants, jeans, silk pants - but those traditional trousers that almost every office worker wears every day, nope.&nbsp; I think this is partly about fit - I have big thighs, small waist and am short.&nbsp; While I have found trousers that fit well, it seems to be one of those items that unless my weight is exactly the same every time I wear them, the fit is thrown off by even the slightest change.&nbsp; Also,&nbsp;I have a hard time styling them in an interesting way or a way that feels like me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637872 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:03:58 +0000 Linda 1637872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's the little black dress.&nbsp; I have one, but almost never wear it.&nbsp; I think the black washes out my light coloring, and I look tired wearing it.&nbsp; Now a little navy dress is another story, and I have about 5 of them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637853 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:33:41 +0000 Helena 1637853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great realization - this is exactly why Angie's concept of personal wardrobe essentials is so powerful. I personally love long-sleeved t's, but have other so-called essentials that are not essential for me - cardigans (I have realized I don't enjoying layering so only wear these as outerwear - in Canada that's basically weather-appropriate for 4 days a year ), a black pencil skirt (like in theory but never wear - actually this is true of most skirts), cashmere anything (too much maintenance for me), a moto jacket (too expensive given the amount of wear I would get) - these are modern "essentials" that are not essential for me.</p> <p>On the other hand, I am missing a dark-neutral turtleneck, a good pair of black pants, and a good simple pair of black pumps. These are big holes that need to fill in the coming months! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637851 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:28:51 +0000 Mochi 1637851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a feeling that the button-down shirt is going to become something that takes up space in my closet, and eventually I'll wise up and stop my very very occasional purchase of them completely.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637849 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:24:57 +0000 BrieN 1637849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure I've left these behind as I know how much they can add to an outfit but I have trouble with any purse that isn't a backpack style (a clutch puts me right over the edge -- I think it's feeling powerless that comes with only being able to use one hand and also feeling purely decorative as a person). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637779 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:38:59 +0000 lyn67 1637779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Button downs(esp. in white), &nbsp;the beige trench &amp; jeans:-). Have some of &nbsp;these, but they are not essentials for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637773 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:19:33 +0000 Summer 1637773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm your polar opposite: I wear long-sleeved tees all the time. &nbsp;They are a staple in my casual wardrobe - not too hot, as a sweater might be, but easy to layer under a cardigan or jacket if necessary. &nbsp;</p> <p>Unnecessary/never worn essentials for me include the white button-down shirt - they don't suit my shape, style or lifestyle - and that "must have" trench, especially the beige version, which looks truly dreadful on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637742 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 08:40:21 +0000 Sally 1637742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pencil skirts and button down tops. I find them problematic on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637684 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 03:54:23 +0000 Anonymous 1637684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The long sleeve tshirt is not an essential for me either. I have two, and I use them as undershirts (so more of a basic than an essential). </p> <p>Other non-essentials: Trench coat, blazer, pointy toed shoes.</p> <p>I've worn my ballet flats and a scarf every day at work for the past 7 months, so I guess they're essentials for me (at least for the winter)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637606 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 01:16:54 +0000 Anonymous 1637606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like stripes but not those of different widths, like wide blue stripes next to narrow white ones.<br /> To make this about essentials, I don't really like plain cotton knit tees with sleeves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637578 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 23:48:18 +0000 unfrumped 1637578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A sort of color epiphany-SA the Breton stripe where the top color background is white or light and the stripe is dark. </p> <p>These never look right and there's too much " light".</p> <p>What works is the reverse- dark background with a fine light stripe. Just came across an inexpensive knit top in navy with fine white stripe and, Aha!<br /> In fact the is the key for most prints for me--solid navy and black are draining but add a touch of white or gray dot or other small figure or fine stripe and it becomes totally different. But the dark has to predominate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637573 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 23:37:32 +0000 rachylou 1637573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Almost everything on your typical top ten list: beige trench, black pumps, white button down, pencil skirt, blue jeans, etc. All things I wear only very rarely. I USED to wear plain long sleeve tees and now do not ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637565 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 23:20:10 +0000 Bonnie 1637565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Button down shirts, short jackets, cardigans, short sleeved tees, skirts, pumps, and horizontal stripes on anything. I use long sleeve tees for hiking because they are lightweight and protect me from the sun and if they are oversize, I can sleep in them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637553 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:25:26 +0000 catgirl 1637553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what you said, K.P - except for gear layers, I just don't use those "basic" fitted&nbsp;layering tees.&nbsp; White button downs and ballet flats are also off my list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637552 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:18:17 +0000 Anonymous 1637552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Crisp button-down shirts (esp. the bright white ones), short-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, Ballet flats, pumps, scarves, ankle pants, leggings, and anything boxy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637547 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:04:29 +0000 AviaMariah 1637547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarves. &nbsp;I love the idea of scarves. &nbsp;All that fun color. &nbsp;When I put one on it almost always comes right off. &nbsp;If I leave it on, it rarely makes it to the end of the day. &nbsp;They just feel fussy to me and they drive me crazy. &nbsp;But I want to love them. &nbsp;I'm thinking of my stack of LS tees and I think I've worn one or two this whole winter. &nbsp;My black and white striped on (because adding striped amps up any outfit) and a plain black one that has a lot of stretch to it. &nbsp;It's the plain cotton ones that I don't reach for and I think it's because they don't have enough stretch/cling in the arms so they feel messy to me. &nbsp;I keep trying to make a white button up an essential but I hate ironing. &nbsp;Thanks for the interesting topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637545 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 22:01:37 +0000 K. Period. 1637545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@gradfashionista, I know exactly what you mean! My best friend and I have a joke about that (as heavy coffee drinkers). &nbsp;Do you remember the old toothpaste commercial lamenting bad breath and labeling it "simple chronic halitosis?" &nbsp;I call our condition "simple chronic coffee drinker's boob." &nbsp;:) &nbsp;</p> <p>Gals, I so love learning that so many of you also have abandoned tees. &nbsp;It is fascinating! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637541 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:55:09 +0000 K. Period. 1637541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, you are so insightful! I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. </p> <p>I don't ever wear solid long sleeves alone. &nbsp;They are a wall of too solid color, and I think they are too casual for my style. &nbsp;A blob of casual color to me. &nbsp;I wear patterned long sleeves alone and as layers under jackets, where they show. &nbsp;In both cases, they contribute interest. &nbsp;</p> <p>When I just need a layer for warmth of a bit of color peeking out, short sleeves serve me just as well. They are more versatile for me too, since they can be worn (as you said) when the weather is warm too. &nbsp;Also, for me, short sleeves are less a mass of color when I wear them alone. &nbsp;Even with my short sleeves, though, I prefer them to have texture and drape or something interesting going on. &nbsp;Linen blends FTW in that case. &nbsp;</p> <p>See, I started with an epiphany and end with even more insight! Thank you, sweetie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637539 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:53:25 +0000 gradfashionista 1637539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>White t-shirts: so necessarily for the cool laid-back vibe, but so prone to being on the receiving end of coffee spillage. After finding one that I liked after months of orders and returns, I ruined it within two wears. Not worth the stress or hassle.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637538 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:51:12 +0000 rabbit 1637538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>T shirts - I don't wear them unless it's for yard work at home - and that stock gets replenished from my husbands cast offs. &nbsp; I have 2 short sleeve layering tees in black and gray for under sweaters, and one long sleeve navy that goes under a specific sweater, &nbsp;but that's pretty much it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637536 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:50:59 +0000 Beth Ann 1637536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree! &nbsp;Although I do like long sleeved workout tops, or fancy ones with banded bottoms for loungewear. &nbsp;I need to limit stripes, too. &nbsp;A couple of white/black and blue/black striped tops is enough -- I prefer other patterns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-essential-thats-simply-not-for-me#post-1637535 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:49:45 +0000 Ginger 1637535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't wear long sleeve tees, either, except for graphic ones or as (invisible) layering pieces in cold weather.&nbsp; Angie's analysis is spot-on for me!&nbsp; This is a really good revelation for you, as it will help you focus on what you <i>do </i>use.</p> <p> </p>