https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:49:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252884 Fri, 16 May 2014 02:26:33 +0000 MsLuna 1252884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, lyn! Yeah, we certainly have almost opposite styles when it comes to dresses! I tend to have a slight RATE or "hard edge" to my style. WIW to follow! </p> <p>Frock on girl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252871 Fri, 16 May 2014 02:20:05 +0000 lyn* 1252871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how even though we both love dresses, there's so my style variation and "flavours" of dresses that our criteria list is almost completely opposite, and there's no "right" or "wrong" about it!</p> <p>Good luck with your frocks and I look forward to seeing you be a "frock-star!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252867 Fri, 16 May 2014 02:15:37 +0000 MsLuna 1252867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, thank you for the encouragement!!!! I just purchased a cobalt drapey tank dress today (which I've been hummin and hawing for WEEKS) and tried them on with my tall buckled fluevog boots and they WORK!</p> <p>I've decided on a criteria for dresses:<br /> - slim silhouette or a very slight a-line (for shift dresses)<br /> - must be machine washable<br /> - must be comfortable and allow movement<br /> - tailored or draped<br /> - must be in my tried and true neutrals (black and white) and vibrant jewel tones<br /> - must be compatible with most of my basic footwear<br /> - multifunctional: something I can wear to either two of the following: work (smart casual environment but can translate to business casual), casual weekends, weddings, social functions, job interviews. The odd thing is, all 6 dresses I have so far have berm worn for multiple functions! I do have one semi-formal only dress though. </p> <p>Again THANK YOU for helping me out with this!!!<br /> -, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252660 Thu, 15 May 2014 21:42:07 +0000 lyn* 1252660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I tried to limit my dresses to about 100 last year. that so totally did not work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252587 Thu, 15 May 2014 19:39:38 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1252587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Diana! To me, dresses are very flexible, but even if they were not, I love them for both how they can create the impression of a long vertical line (I have hips that make high-contrast tops and bottoms tricky) and in terms of how comfortable they are (the ones I wear are anyway!). But I also agree with the other comments, that they can so easily be the basis for many very&nbsp;different outfits depending on how one styles them. And dresses can easily&nbsp;take up less physical space than tops and bottoms, because most tops extend below the waist level of the bottoms. Having said that, I am quite partial to two-in-one dresses (top and skirt in matching fabric, sometimes joinable but not necessarily) too. I suppose for me it is mainly that I like the look of the long unbroken line.</p> <p>I also like dresses that are freeform shapes that can be worn in all sorts of different ways -- lots of variety in one single garment.</p> <p>Sarah </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252565 Thu, 15 May 2014 19:21:35 +0000 Karina 1252565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love dresses too, and this thread is encouraging me to stick with that. Very practical for my warmer climate. Like you, I enjoy having a smaller wardrobe and separates can feel more versatile, but I wear dresses so much they are getting a great CPW. Sounds like you are in this camp too. And if you have the accessories, etc. to go along, I think a dress-heavy wardrobe can be great, where you use shoes (which wear out more quickly) to show updated style. My advice to both you and me: stick with what fits, flatters and feels great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma/page/2#post-1252553 Thu, 15 May 2014 19:12:15 +0000 DonnaF 1252553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just the opposite of you:&nbsp; Proportionately small waist with a devil of a time finding dresses to fit and flatter.&nbsp; For a long time, I felt guilty about not having a LBD or a L-any color-D and hardly wearing the few dresses I do have (sheaths?) since easy breezy ones don't look good on this body.&nbsp; Maybe our two wardrobes combined would fulfill the *you should have* edicts out there.&nbsp; &lt;gr&gt; As everyone has mentioned above, wear what makes you happy and works for the life you lead.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252506 Thu, 15 May 2014 18:01:56 +0000 lyn67 1252506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow to the another&nbsp;*lyn(=our doc), 200(!), really??? I am releaved, now:-))</p> <p>MKK:Another dress lover here:-),&nbsp;I have collected quite a few, but still under 50(I think), during the last years. Dresses(and skirts)&nbsp;are more flatering on me, then say pants&nbsp;as I have a bit of tummy, wide hips,&nbsp;flat rear, and bigger thighs) but great legs:-). I say the same: stay true to yourself, don't let anybody tell you what's good for your wardrobe! Do wear what&nbsp;keeps&nbsp;you happy and comfy!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252491 Thu, 15 May 2014 17:30:32 +0000 Suja 1252491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to chime in and thank you for this thread. &nbsp;I love dresses too and it's great to hear from other dress lovers.</p> <p>Also, Caro- &nbsp;Thank you for the quote! &nbsp;Totally makes sense and is quite deep. &nbsp;That quote was my thought for the day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252472 Thu, 15 May 2014 17:01:18 +0000 rachylou 1252472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go for the dresses. I agree with what Caro said, too, about minimalism not being just about how many. And also, if you had a different dress for each day of the month, you'd still only have 31 items of clothing there. I could get 31 dresses in my sliver of closet easily. Very easily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252457 Thu, 15 May 2014 16:33:48 +0000 Alassë 1252457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you know what you need - dresses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252414 Thu, 15 May 2014 14:51:34 +0000 Suz 1252414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad you are sorted! I love the advice you have received. Stay true to you, ignore the "rules" and build YOUR "smaller" wardrobe. Dresses are brilliant on you and you wear them well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252406 Thu, 15 May 2014 14:27:24 +0000 cheryl 1252406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Be true to you. It sounds like you love dresses, are comfortable in them and have a nice variety. I think you are all sorted especially since you can change the look and feel of some of them with shoes and accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252337 Thu, 15 May 2014 12:45:17 +0000 Ledonna N. 1252337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always listen to the inner voice you can take suggestions but adapt it to your needs and lifestyle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252298 Thu, 15 May 2014 12:03:11 +0000 Anonymous 1252298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like dresses are just as versatile as separates for you. The right dresses can be worn so many ways. I was recently reading excerpts from one of those books on the secrets of French women that said that sometimes when a fabulous dress from one's youth no longer fits (buttons up) it might be worn open as a duster with jeans ( or over another dress, I suppose). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252281 Thu, 15 May 2014 11:29:04 +0000 goldenpig 1252281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wear what you like and stay true to your style! Don't feel the need to change just because of some wardrobe exercise! I'm a total dress girl too (I have tons of them!), and I'll never be a minimalist either. I too struggle with capsules and limiting myself to certain numbers of items...you know what, I'm just going to wear what makes me happy and not worry about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252275 Thu, 15 May 2014 11:01:33 +0000 gryffin 1252275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MKK - to thine own self be true.&nbsp; Don't let anyone define you or your style but you!!&nbsp; I love all the advise you have gotten - spot on IMHO.&nbsp; Why can't a dress wardrobe be fabulously minimal?&nbsp; Jackets, cardis, accessories, shoes for sure to swap it up.&nbsp; But don't forget, you can also trying layering.&nbsp; EF always pops a little cropped translucent&nbsp;top over a dress.&nbsp; I think if you concentrate on making the most out of your dress collection you will feel empowered and authentic.&nbsp; BTW - I love dresses.&nbsp; I often put my shorter ones over leggings.&nbsp; It sounds like you know exactly what makes you happy and looks good on you, now you need to give yourself permission to follow your own path - it is only your happiness that counts!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252227 Thu, 15 May 2014 07:04:15 +0000 fuzzylogic 1252227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Caro! Well said!</p> <p>Enjoy your dresses Ms KatieKat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252209 Thu, 15 May 2014 05:34:18 +0000 Diana 1252209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think of it this way. You can wear a dress as a dress, as a skirt with a blouse or sweater over it, or as a bottom, over pants. So it's like separates, and then some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252171 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:22:01 +0000 Gigi 1252171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the others have given good advice. I think sometimes the instructions given for different types of wardrobes are maybe just a starting point, or something that works well for *most* people—but not all.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think if you are good at changing up your dresses with accessories, that creates a lot of the same interest as an outfit made from separates.</p> <p>Can you ever wear a top over a dress, so that it has the illusion of being separates? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252169 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:20:37 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1252169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses are fabulous and you can always add a jacket , blazer, sweater or even a vest to create different looks and versatility. &nbsp;You can layer blouses and shirts underneath them... You can even add pullover sweaters or even sweatshirts to make them look like a skirt. &nbsp;&nbsp;I even have one style dress that I leave the bodice&nbsp;unbuttoned so I can put a contrasting tank top underneath. &nbsp;I recently bought a shorter dress and used it as a tunic top. &nbsp; I am a maximalist ,but if I was a minimalist dresses would so be my biggest thing... Right now i have a great mix of both skirts and dresses..</p> <p>Have fun playing and figuring out different ways to style them and stick to what makes you comfortable... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252162 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:09:13 +0000 MsLuna 1252162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah now that makes sense! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252159 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:04:47 +0000 lyn* 1252159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a nerve that runs on the outside of your side of your hip. The belt compresses that nerve and the result is a tingling on the side of your leg. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252152 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:48:57 +0000 MsLuna 1252152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, I need to repair the obi (one of the straps came off) but one day, it will make it's YLF debut! I got the obi from Rudsak - I got the slimmer ones. They had them in blood red and cobalt too last time I was there (I paid full price - $45 on the belt because I was so in love with it).</p> <p>How do you get nerve damage on your leg from belts? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252145 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:43:39 +0000 lyn* 1252145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have some nerve damage down the outside of my leg from wearing belts that are too tight! It's important to take care of yourself and be comfy.</p> <p>Your obi sounds terribly cute! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252143 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:41:17 +0000 MsLuna 1252143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahaha! That's an awesome trick. I wish belts were more comfy when they sag slightly on me. But my waist is just a picky little thing! I wear a lot of elastic belts too and I also own a soft leather obi (which I tie loosely). It still doesn't satisfy my comfort criteria. Despite being large-waisted, I make belts work by wearing them under toppers great optical illusion </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252141 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:37:03 +0000 lyn* 1252141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I cheat with my belts - most of them are half elastic so that when I start to sag a bit (especially on those 26 hour shifts), then it still looks nice but still kinda hangs in there ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>If I'm wearing a sweater, no one knows. (It's our little secret). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252140 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:36:16 +0000 MsLuna 1252140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Caro: &lt;3 thank you! This really helps. I'm always so torn with regards to my style and I'm always ALWAYS second guessing myself! Thus us why you ladies fromYLF are awesome </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252139 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:33:37 +0000 MsLuna 1252139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, ladies, thank you for your insights!</p> <p>@carter: supposedly, I'm going for 33, but I'm opening myself up to more items - at least for the warmer weather. I'm looking to keep a small "long over lean" capsule for the warm weather (this silhouette becomes the dominant one in colder months) for days where I just need to be ultra casual. I do like the suggestion you have though! 20 dresses is PLENTY! </p> <p>@jackiec: indeed. I realized this today as I was wearing my wrap dress (sorry no WIW - I had class after work and no time to duck into Winners to take a photo). I thought I'd give up dresses after my arthritis diagnosis due to the change in footwear, but I found brands that work after much searching. So I guess I gotta listen to my gut huh? :)</p> <p>@lyn: I thought of you as I was writing this post. I thought, "Hey doesn't lyn have a wardrobe full of dresses?" I, too treat toppers as separate pieces! I'm a topper addict anyway, so that's never a problem. I love how you treat belts as a separate item! I used to wear them but always took them off by lunchtime due to discomfort (doesn't matter how loose it us or how supple the leather). I think my equivalent to your belt is neckwear (scarves and statement necklace). For some reason I hate having a naked neckline! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-wardrobe-full-of-dresses-my-minimalist-wardrobe-dilemma#post-1252132 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:27:37 +0000 Caro in Oz 1252132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do I&nbsp;want to wear clothes that make me feel good &amp; minimise any body issues I have? Or do I want to follow generic advice about&nbsp;an "ideal" wardrobe? &nbsp;<br />No contest imo. </p> <p>I don't believe minimalism is only about numbers either. <br />John Pawson said,<i>&nbsp;<br /></i><span><i>“Minimalism is not an architecture of self-denial, deprivation or absence: it is defined not by what is not there, but by the rightness of what is there and by the richness with which this is experienced.”</i>&nbsp;<br /></span>I think this applies equally to clothes </p>