https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:57:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2313420 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:20:08 +0000 Jessikams 2313420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, those marathon days are tough! Usually it is too exhausting to do anything more than earrings or shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2313403 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 02:27:16 +0000 rachylou 2313403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That article was fun. I enjoyed the pictorial progression.</p> <p>I guess sort of did this the other day… got off work at 7, walked the dog, and then headed out for a party. I put on earrings. Lol, that’s all I did. It was honestly a brutal day, and I had to be back at work at 9:30 the next morning. Can’t say I enjoyed the whole marathon thing at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2313327 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:23:41 +0000 Zaeobi 2313327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to share the fab Morag's Instagram here too @mogzee_M, since her videos show how to build looks from a base outfit (her different videos have varying degrees of formality):<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl-x8Sjgvp-/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl-x8Sjgvp-/</a> </p> <p>(I've linked a specific video reel here, but her main IG profile has many more - all with that same fun energy, whether she's dressing up or showing a more casual look (or both)!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312730 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 09:00:42 +0000 Sal 2312730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ended up swapping out the top and wearing the cami instead.</p> <p>It was fun to put it into action. Thanks Jessi for the idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312728 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:41:24 +0000 Bijou 2312728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My approach is exactly as Angie explained. I work from home, so I am dressed ready for work meetings in my work from home clothes and change into gear when going to the gym. Today I am wearing a dress with boots, which is a common combination for me year-round, in the height of summer, I wear sandals and when it is cooler, I throw on a jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312725 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:17:10 +0000 Suz 2312725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, that's so fab!!&nbsp;</p> <p>We could do a Fabber thread with all of us pitching in when we had an opportunity!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312704 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 02:49:15 +0000 Jessikams 2312704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous examples Sal! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312703 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 02:00:35 +0000 Sal 2312703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Real life example.</p> <p>1 - coffee with friend, errands and working from home on a warm Autumn day. Including changing the sheets as pillows on floor behind!</p> <p>2- heading out to dinner with friends involving a walk of 2km to get there. Added a blazer - new to me but second hand- red lipstick and slightly dressier shoes. I head out in a couple of hours so I may change to tan sandals - still deciding!</p> <p>I wouldn’t take these pants any dressier - they are a casual look both in style and fabric - I could tuck the drawstring to make them a bit smarter.</p> <p>I could take them more casual with a tee instead of the linen knit and Birkenstocks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality/page/2#post-2312623 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:32:16 +0000 unfrumped 2312623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, I LOVE that menswear example! So translatable, which I never expected. I think I will check out more posts. </p> <p>I agree that I have had too many items that proved to be more “ bossy” than I thought, or perhaps my “ eye “ is too picky, hence bossy. </p> <p>So, Versatility- more elusive than I expected. I’m afraid to admit that body shape/ type make a difference. I’ve watched videos of bloggers trying on their “ capsule wardrobes or hauls/ adverts for various clothing labels and you know, everything goes with everything- the fabulous blazer goes over skinny pants or wide legs or a skirt, and so on. But not on me. </p> <p>Anyway, back to “ outfit adjustments”. My at- home default might be joggers or a true sweatpants or maybe looser- fitting jeans , and could be slippers but more likely one of my most comfortable laceup athletic style shoes. Fleece or cotton LS T layer. And a fleece over shirt or fleece or cotton zip jacket or hoodie.<br /> So depending on weather and energy level and “ versatility factors “ I might:<br /> Toss a casual style blazer over the whole thing ( not slippers though!); change to jeans; size down in jeans- I have 2 styles in 2 sizes, and smaller size looks trimmer especially with more layers on top ; chane to a slip- on sneaker; change to loafers, if not doing tons of walking; sun in a nicer knitwear top- cashmere or a synthetic, more relaxed fit and wear micro- down jacket; tuck a merino top into joggers and add some kind of jacket; occasionally change to leather boots.<br /> These would be changes for just “ running out” on errands, whereas for an actual event, I’d go further into something with dressier pants or a pleated midi skirt or something. </p> <p>But I still end up at times tossing things about when I find that the loafers look twee with thecbottons or the blazer looks frumpy with the base outfit or the top is too bulky for the jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312609 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:29:03 +0000 Olive Green 2312609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel lucky to love button downs, a basic for me. Mostly wear them in the summer, spring and fall, and without fail, can throw one on over a sleeveless tank or tshirt and look like I tried. I will wear a shirtdress or a shirt with a lot of volume over capris to stay cool. Or a more tailored shirt over pants. Or a jean shirt to look quite casual…or a cover up over shorts…<br />Add jewelry or a statement hat, and I am ready for most outings. A shawl if it’s air conditioned.&nbsp;<br />That menswear article was fascinating. He certainly knows what he likes! And comes across as a very confident dresser.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312594 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:55:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2312594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha @suz oh yes, we're entering the hot &amp; sticky 'pea soup' levels of humidity over here right now so, as much as I hate having to change my underpinnings, I do bring an extra pair of socks &amp; underwear when changing up my outfits on summer days. But I still keep the silhouettes of my other clothing similar (e.g. if I wore an orange cotton tank top underneath a thin cardigan to work, I then change into an orange linen tank right after - maybe under a robe?). </p> <p>Agree with @Carol - best way to change things up in hot weather are scarves (not always around the neck!) &amp; jewellery (not metal though, if it's touching skin...). I keep an updo but sometimes change up the style to denote formality too (e.g. clip VS plaits). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312580 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:04:34 +0000 Carol 2312580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At work, I have developed a uniform, and I never thought I would be one of those people. But I do get compliments sometimes on looking put together.&nbsp;</p> <p>Strategies that work for me:<br />have a minimal, manageable amount of shoes that don't overwhelm you.<br />majority of underwear are seamless, so they're the default.<br />pops of color or geometry in various ways--earrings, turtlenecks, scarves, glasses--not too many but these stand out.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312578 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:49:18 +0000 Suz 2312578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also thinking that this might be affected by weather as well. I mean...fine to add or switch out layers to up the formality, but when you live in a hot sticky climate then you can't really use that option. So you are likely to change altogether, instead.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Zaeobi</b>, that's a really interesting approach -- to consider what is a pain for <b>you</b> to switch out -- which might not be the same for all, of course....</p> <p>I'm really keen on this idea of footwear at different levels of formality in the same colours. I have a bit of this going on, but it can be surprisingly hard to find navy footwear, for instance -- I have a dressier bootie but not a more casual boot.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312564 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:24:11 +0000 Jaime 2312564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great thread and I haven't even read the article yet! I am intrigued by the taking one's outfit up through shoes of course! That said, however, this is not me! I do have a solid morning routine in terms of grooming, but change multiple times through the day - one outfit for going out, another outfit for being home, another outfit if I go out again and so on. Basically being home inevitably involves oil and/or bleach for me, and I am very far from pristine by nature . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312554 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 01:20:58 +0000 Tanya 2312554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great and informative topic!&nbsp; I don't do this much, I guess it is easier for me to build whole outfits from scratch than adapt existing ones.&nbsp; &nbsp;The only instance when I do this relatively often is for Zoom meetings while WFH.&nbsp; My WFH outfits tend to be pretty casual, so for the camera I throw a blazer over them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312542 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:47:15 +0000 Jessikams 2312542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally agree with Angie et al that doing the basic grooming each day sets a good tone for whatever outfit may follow! I do it too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312500 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:13:35 +0000 jussie 2312500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only really have one good tip for this, and that is switching out the puffer for a wool coat. Doesn’t take more than a sec, and really increases the formality. Of course that’s not a summer option! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312498 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:03:45 +0000 Lesley 2312498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very fun topic! I have a similar lifestyle and approach, and I definitely tend to keep the same bottoms on all day and maybe even the same top (and switch out a topper and shoes). I also didn't do it on purpose, but I definitely tend to have the same color footwear across levels of formality (lots of tan, silver, animal print, red, and the odd wild card (cobalt)). I am with Angie on doing up face/hair every day so that I am done and ready! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312497 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:00:17 +0000 Suz 2312497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Until I moved to a more suburban location, I more or less followed Angie's process. But it isn't as easy where I live now...an urban walk is not a beach walk or a trail hike. I guess what I mean is that my general daily&nbsp; level of dressiness had to go down some for practicality's sake, while at the same time, my need for some dressiness remains, because I might go directly from that beach walk into town.&nbsp;</p> <p>In a way, this isn't much different from what I used to experience back in Ontario where my "enemy" was the weather -- which prevented me from wearing all kinds of footwear that might have made my outfit feel and look better. My climate now is much more forgiving, but my place of residence puts similar brakes on my aspirational style.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am trying to look on it as a fun challenge. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312493 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:33:57 +0000 Zaeobi 2312493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What's worked for me is to identify which parts of an outfit I consider a chore to change up &amp; then keep those constant on purpose - for me, that's underpinnings &amp; bags (I *hate* switching everything out, so my convertible cross body/beltbag is a mainstay for most 'desk to dinner' looks). </p> <p>I actually employed this on Monday, going to work all day, then to a physical workout right before dinner. I wore loose trousers but without an elasticated waistband, a light top &amp; kept my sports underwear on throughout (see above re: underpinnings), but then...</p> <p>FOR WORK: I tucked in the top, added a topper/ makeup/ earrings/ watch, changed my bag to crossbody mode &amp; clipped hair. </p> <p>FOR CLASS: Removed the jacket, untucked the top, went into fanny pack mode, removed jewellery/ makeup/ shoes, &amp; added a headband.</p> <p>FOR FOOD: Let my hair down, reattached my earrings, retucked my top, swiped on some lipstick (HK was literally the last place in the world to lift its mask mandate, my face can finally breathe again!) + shortened straps to shoulder bag mode. </p> <p>Does that list help any? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312486 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:56:19 +0000 Angie 2312486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good topic!&nbsp;</p> <p>I WFH, walk doggies, see clients, go on appointments, cook, and am out and about on foot in the city - ALL of these things DAILY.</p> <p><u>This is my strategy:</u> <u></u>(I think it's similar to <b>Bijou </b>and <b>Brooklyn</b>).<u></u></p> <ul> <li>I am am always<i> dressier.</i>&nbsp;My base outfit errs on the dressy side. Even my most casual outfits - utility pants and a denim shirt - is dressier. I don't wear Athleisure.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I groom the same each morning. Shower, make-up, scent, pearls and styled hair. No matter what! I am always "READY".</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I wear dressy pants at home too! They are VERY comfy - and comfier than jeans, actually. I also wear skirts and dresses. Dressy knitwear, shirts, and blouses too. I wear my pretty clothes. That is what they are there for! Granted, NOTHING is form fitting. Skirts and dresses are always flared. Pants and tops are fluidly tailored or fluid. In the Summer I wear oversized shirts. Lots of comfort. IMPORTANT! Especially for doggie walking.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I don't workout after I'm dressed. So I stay in my outfit all day until I get into loungewear at night.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>No shoes or toppers at home. Slippers!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>When I head out - I add shoes, dressy crossbody bag (one of my Furlas or a Pom Pom London), and topper. And when it's cold I add a scarf, hat and gloves. Peel off when I get home to the same dressier outfit.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I am set in my ways with shoes. No heels - ever. I wear boots, hi and low top fashion sneakers, and loafers. Sometimes oxfords, ballet flats, mary janes, and occasionally sandals. Most are a shade of white or blush pink.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Hope that was a tiny bit helpful :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312468 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:06:46 +0000 Dee 2312468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a very interesting idea, with the basis of it being a “permanent” style. The silhouettes of his changing &nbsp;pieces remained fairly similar which allows for all the interchangeability. I think it may be a bit easier for men but I think it could work for women too.&nbsp;<br />When I change my silhouettes/ proportions &nbsp;too much, that’s what triggers all the confusion on finding the right shoes, tops, &nbsp;coats etc…to make it work properly.&nbsp;<br />I actually love this idea of a basic permanent style to play off of. Stick to a certain colour palette and maintain similar silhouettes/proportions for your pieces.<br />It sounds like a great formula for getting more wear out of your wardrobe.with less stress and clothing churn, although it may not provide enough variety for those who like to experiment more with all the fashion trends.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312462 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:27:43 +0000 Jules 2312462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very fun read! I agree it’s easier for men - but I think most men’s style is basically formula dressing, in terms of proportion/silhouette. And as a woman I am also happiest when I have some go-to formulas. As of late, due to the Canadian climate and trip capsule planning, I’ve been figuring out my individual outfits and formulas ‘footwear first’. Would that kind of approach help? Ie, on a given day you know you want to to switch from sneakers to a specific pair of dressier shoes, so you plan your outfit around that. And maybe eventually acquire things like deceptively simple dresses with interesting proportions which work with a variety of your casual and dressier shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312460 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:22:02 +0000 kkards 2312460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My #1 rule- if it doesn’t work with my everyday underwear and bra it doesn’t have a place in my wardrobe. &nbsp; Really I don’t want to think about if I wear X I must have these panties clean etc…now, &nbsp;I will admit to 1 slight bend in the rule, I wear slip shirts with dresses but they are not needed, it’s just what I prefer. &nbsp;</p> <div><div>Also think it helps to have an guide as to what works with what bottoms silhouette. &nbsp;So for example, if I’m wearing a long cardi and legging &nbsp;and want to swap out the cardi to go out (bc it won’t fit underneath a coat for example) I would know that I need only look at my tunic length knits/sweaters. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div></div><div>For what it’s worth, I’m not sure it’s that much easier if you’re a guy…for example there are 3 things that most guys I know wear on rotation that this gentleman did not show in any of his outfits - a polo/golf shirt, a tee shirt, and chinos/khakis/dockers. Lol I can’t remember the last time I actually saw a guy I know in flannel dress pants. &nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312459 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:18:31 +0000 LaPed 2312459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Permanent Style! I often get better inspo from menswear, and his articles break down all the elements so clearly. Shoes are usually my first switch (in the winter, going from a chunkier utilitarian boot to a more refined one), and then topper (moto or blazer instead of knitwear). Summer is completely different; it's usually a matter of switching out shorts and tee/tank for a dress or a skirt plus woven shirt.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312457 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:16:59 +0000 Anonymous 2312457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost never change my entire outfit during the day, and make sure that the base is appropriate for the dressiest thing I'm doing. TBH it's rare that I go home between activities, cause I live pretty far from everything, but when I do change, it's just to heels and a dressier topper if need.</p> <p>My kintsugi outfit is my best example ATM. The base was the kintsugi top and flare leg jeans. I had to work an event in the am, so I wore my work issued vest over it (most of the gold wasn't visible- and so what it if was) and low heeled booties for walking and schlepping stuff. The coat was my black puffer cause rain.</p> <p>I had time to go home before drum circle, so I switched to the long vest and higher heeled black boots. Plus a bunch of gold eye makeup to fake that I hadn't gotten up at 4am! Would have switched to my black leather coat, but for the rain. Actually I would have worn the leather coat all day...</p> <p>I always wear makeup, even if I think I'll be home all day, so that's done if I do need to go out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312453 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:45:26 +0000 Sisi 2312453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Extreeemely interesting - thank you for posting!<br />I'm in a hurry now but I want to read very attentively the article and the fabbers' comments later. I always struggle with this sort of things.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312447 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:07:06 +0000 quietloud 2312447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the article (his casual to semi-dressed outfits look like something from my husbands closet), and this is such a great topic. I love the idea of having a sort of formula for different levels of dressiness.&nbsp;</p> <p>As I am spending most of my time at home these days, I want look put together but comfortable, but also easily ready to leave the house if needed, without too much fuss. In regards to bottoms, I aim for two things:</p> <p>1. That my stay at home trousers be nice *enough* that I can dress them up with nice shoes and coat and be seen outside in them.</p> <p>2. That I have the same silhouettes in both casual and dressy versions. So for example, a slim jogger could be swapped for either wool slacks or slim jeans, wide leg yoga pants for a nicer pair of culottes or wide leg trousers, etc. I'm not too adventurous when it comes to the cut of my trousers, so it shouldn't be too hard, I think.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I only wear black shoes and all of my outfits go with them, so there are different levels of dressiness there.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312445 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:23:04 +0000 Jessikams 2312445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly Suz and Zaeobi. Strategies! My goal is to be able to think less about the switches; I get frustrated and irritable when it takes me forever to get out the door! (Especially if I’m just doing something quick like running an errand). Maybe another way to say this is, I would like to be clearer in my own mind about what exactly I am trying to DO to my outfit. That’s what I loved about the article— the author seems so calm and clear about it. Definitely not someone who would end up with a huge pile of scarves, shoes and cardigans on/near the bed LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-and-subtracting-formality#post-2312441 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:45:21 +0000 Suz 2312441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this topic.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I hope people join in with more ideas. I agree it is more complicated for women than men -- I think in part because we may play with silhouette more often. <b>VioletMyra&nbsp;</b>alluded to its being easier if you maintain the silhouette.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sal's idea of maintaining a column of colour is a useful thought. Also, the shoes thing you mentioned -- wow! Interesting indeed!&nbsp;</p> <p>My own strategies are fairly basic. Add different footwear, add a topper, add a scarf and/or statement jewellery.&nbsp;</p> <p>I deal with the same difficulties in wearing more delicate fabrics at home as you mention. Silk shirts and blouses get less use than I might like (I enjoy wearing silk).&nbsp; </p>