https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:46:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595663 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 20:43:05 +0000 Cerinda 1595663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger Tea, thanks for sharing your journey and starting this very useful thread. &nbsp;You've got some of the best minds/eyes on the forum working for you.</p> <p>And good job on your homework: &nbsp;that stuff is really hard!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595643 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 20:15:53 +0000 Robin 1595643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have anything specific to add other than I have LOVED seeing the advice from others. Terrific!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595639 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 20:01:23 +0000 Ginger Tea 1595639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b><b>Suz</b>, thank you for all your continuing excellent advice. I'm on the search for a new handbag/backpack.</p> <p>I have a few cashmere sweaters in my closet that I haven't yet worn this year. I'm going to break out my grey cashmere turtleneck this evening.</p> <p>I'm giving a presentation at a writer's group in the second week of January and I'm already excited about what I'm going to wear, haha.<br /><b><br />Firecracker</b>, I love your outfits. They would work well for me for the bridge season between mild winter and hot summer. I have two pairs of longer shorts, and some light linen and cotton jackets that I can try that look out with. Your footwear and accessories lift the outfits and make them much more classic.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b>, shorts are my fashion nemesis! Hi over there in in Australia.</p> <p>Hi <b>Dakotacheryl</b>, I agree. Not that I have a dog right now, but the temptation is there to get into grubby clothing. I end up unhappy when I wear that type of clothing. Yesterday I purged two bags of old/baggy/unflattering clothing that I don't need anymore. It made my closets much more workable. Plus, now I don't have clothing I dislike hanging around waiting for me to wear it!!</p> <p><b>TraceyLiz65</b>, wow, you should do it if you want to!! I love traveling. In an RV you get to live in dozens of hometowns and change your hometown whenever you desire.</p> <p>I will be photographing some of my outfits soon and posting them.</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, I did well on my homework! :)</p> <p><b>Anne</b>, thank you! <b>Suz</b>'s, <b>CocoLion</b>'s and <b>La Pedestrienne</b>'s advice in this thread helped me make some immediate changes!!</p> <p><b>Kookaburra</b>, I agree. I am going to shop in the new year specifically for summer-weight skirts. I love how you are wearing them around the house after demotion. I hope they don't get their feelings hurt when they are demoted. :)</p> <p><b>Rachylou</b>, I love button-down shirts! They always look crisp, even in wilting-hot weather. I have a problem with finding shirts that fit well, because they're either too small for my bustline or gaping out at the waist, so I've actually been considering purchasing one or two shirts that fit my bustline and making some darts in the back to bring in the waist. My sewing skills are mediocre, though, so I may want to bring them to a seamstress.</p> <p><b>texstyle</b>, I definitely agree. I only want to keep what I love, I have no luxury of space to keep old/unflattering clothing around!</p> <p><b>Runcaria</b>, you're right about the capsule dressing. I have gotten a lot of advice to think in terms of capsule dressing, and I think it's really what I have to do for my entire wardrobe. There's no space in my closets for mistakes is what I'm finding.</p> <p><b>bettycrocker</b>, I AGREE!</p> <p>Hi <b>shiny</b>, I am going to read your thread right now! I love being happy with what I wear. I'm finding that since I'm not happy with my clothing that I'm spending more time thinking about it than if I were happy. I want to have a workable wardrobe that I don't have to put constant effort into.</p> <p>That's too bad Athleta isn't offering enough petites for you. I usually need talls in tops and dresses, and they have quite a good selection. I've also found that their clothing is of good quality and lasts a long time. I had some yoga pants from Athleta that I wore at least 2 times a week for practice that lasted for years.</p> <p>I need a new, stylish handbag. Since I have prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses, it's rare that I don't carry a bag anymore. That's my next purchase. I will also be donating the ones I don't use since I just have no space for 'maybe' articles of clothing anymore.</p> <p>Also, I'm going to be wearing more dresses. I laid out all my dresses on my bed yesterday. I have one casual Boden blue-pattern tunic dress, one pink shirtdress from Land's End, one Anne Klein brown dotted fancy dress, another Anne Klein brown not-quite-as fancy dress, and one black wool wrap dress from Athleta. That's it. These are all beautiful dresses that I would love to wear more and the fact that they're hanging (literally) around in the closet is ridiculous! I used to wear them a lot for work but not anymore. Real life is more important than work so I should wear a dress if I so desire! Since my husband and I are taking dancing lessons lately, our intention is to go out dancing in the evening so I can perhaps put those fancier dresses to good use.</p> <p>Thank you all again, so much, for all your advice and encouragement. Thanks to you I've taken out all the clothing that doesn't suit me or make me happy, and I'm going to work with what I have left. I want to look nice all the time from now on, even just hanging out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595615 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:54:16 +0000 shiny 1595615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Ginger! I just started a very similar thread! Hubby and I are in our early 50s, not yet retired but we just paid our last college tuition bill so we're essentially empty nesters. We just moved to a new neighborhood that has a totally different fashion aesthetic -- much more casual. Like you, I'm trying to figure it out, and like you, I'm also more "ladylike" in that I much prefer to dress up rather than down.&nbsp;</p> <p>Comfort is always key regardless, and also like you, I work from home. My job is 50% travel so when not WFH I am on a plane traveling. Quite the wardrobe challenge!</p> <p>While I'm still figuring this out myself, I can suggest:</p> <p>1. Ponte knit pants. Stretchy and comfy just like leggings but with 5 pocket styling so a bit more dressy.&nbsp;<br />2. EF skirted leggings. I'm living in them lately. These seem to strike the right note I am hoping to achieve.<br />3. Dresses. Casual dresses. Not just for summer either. Dresses paired with fleece tights work for winter too.&nbsp;<br />4. Fashion backpack - for sure. I am also in the market for a cross body that's a little more casual.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like Athleta and I think that would totally fit the bill for my needs, unfortunately, I need petites and mostly all they offer in that regard are pants, not dresses or tunics or tops. That is my nemesis and why I generally steer clear of gear: gear and other casual clothes tend to not be offered in petites. Nothing says "sloppy" more than an item of clothing that doesn't fit quite right. Grrr.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595556 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:51:28 +0000 Anonymous 1595556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know what to add, except to say that I think you've been given a lot of great advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595545 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:33:06 +0000 Carla 1595545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, hello there! Prior to YLF, my wardrobe consisted of dressy for work and jeans and t-shirts for cleaning the house and working in the garden. Then there was the sports gear...but that is another story.</p> <p>DH and I had started doing a lot of travelling, when I started following YLF and putting together mix and match capsules for a month (that would fit into a carry on) meant investing in types of clothing I didn't even own. Now, my travel style is where I am most successful, and this has also become my weekend style. </p> <p>A comfortable Jean, corduroy, or pointe pant and a Breton-T or turtleneck topped with a leather or Jean style jacket is my formula. I'll throw in a stretchy pencil skirt for special occaisions. Trending shapes and colours, and interesting footwear and accessories keep these easy, comfortable outfits looking fresh and current</p> <p>Your velvet Boden trousers and stripped T sounds spot on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595524 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:04:16 +0000 texstyle 1595524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great advice already - so I thought I'd just say Hello and repeat the idea to wear your nice things now, don't save them until they go out of style! Also, I would guess an RV would require a paired down wardrobe full of nothing but favorites in your usual categories such as lounge, everyday, active, and festive/dressy. I finally (after several years on YLF) started investing in higher end jeans and tees/knits since they are the backbone of my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595351 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 02:09:57 +0000 rachylou 1595351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always think tucked, starched/no iron, button down shirts for the classy casual look. Short sleeved for hot weather. Long for colder temps. I like thin cotton button downs. You can layer that way and they don't have that heavy look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice/page/2#post-1595119 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 11:31:30 +0000 Kookaburra 1595119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds to me like you really need to get some skirts - basic pencil skirts in natural stretchy fabrics. They keep you very cool, cooler than shorts ( that breeze up your legs is the best thing in summer), look good even if they were insanely cheap and can go from hiking to looking polished when shopping at a nice store. I live in Australia and my 8-month summer wardrobe is pretty much stretchy pencil skirts, both for a professional office and for doing housework. Sometimes it's the same skirt - when it's been demoted, of course. Top then with a longish T-shirt and it's done. I also run hot and can only bear to wear trousers of any kind for about 4 months of the year. After that, I feel as if I cannot breathe and am about to choke if I put on a pair of trousers. So I don't feel like I have much choice in the matter. Dresses are even better as you can get a breeze not just up you legs, but up the stomach as well - however they are not as versatile. I am in the habit of demoting all loose dresses to house wear after a while and they can look amazingly nice and put-together while just lounging around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1595064 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 02:13:02 +0000 anne 1595064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger Tea, welcome and wow - what a beginning! This has to have been one of the most information dense threads I have seen for awhile.What a wonderful lot of&nbsp;forum members&nbsp;we have, with especial praise to&nbsp;Suz.&nbsp;All the best for your wardrobe renewal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594951 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 16:10:14 +0000 Angie 1594951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your homework: Begin wearing the items in your closet that you love and do NOT keep them for good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594931 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:03:44 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1594931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome, my husband and I are kicking around the idea of living the Rv life for retirement. I've been doing research for the past few months. Summer wardrobe is the most difficult for me and I have set a year of only purchasing accessories so I can study and redefine a direction for my style after redoing my entire wardrobe due to weight loss. I just started it in September so a long way to go before I get to Summer. I hope you will post your progress as I would be interested in learning from you. So much support on this site, you will be amazed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594929 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:28:36 +0000 dakotacheryl 1594929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome Ginger Tea,</p> <p>You've gotten a lot of great advice here. I especially love that you want to look nicer while just hanging out in the RV with your husband...that hits close to home for me as I always look better when away from home that while "at home"...two big shedding dogs and three cats always shedding, drooling etc, keeps me changing into gear type clothes as soon as I walk in the door...sigh... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594906 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 10:08:36 +0000 Brooklyn 1594906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any wisdom to add - in fact I have been taking notes while reading this thread. Just wanted to say G'day. I am in Australia and I also find dressing for the heat a challenge. I posted a lament about shorts quite recently! Welcome from me too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594883 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 04:14:25 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1594883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger Tea, welcome to the forum! This thread is so interesting, with lots of good advice. I think you have quite the challenge, between your very active days, your desire for sophisticated style for your casual life, and your space limitations. I would almost want to approach dressing for your life, which is full of travel, as I do packing for trips. So I would echo the advice of using capsules for wardrobe planning and inspiration. </p> <p>My first successful use of Angie's capsule advice was for a 10-day trip, in which I packed 3 pants, 3 tops, and 3 toppers, and two pairs of shoes, making sure that every single piece could go with every single other piece. (Usually I also take separate, mix-and-match workout clothes, but on that trip, I didn't, because there was so much walking during the day.) It was hard to plan to get it just right, but I had everything I needed and didn't have to repeat any outfits. </p> <p>With your space considerations, I would be tempted to aim for clothes that can multi-task across fitness and other pursuits, but I find that yoga-type clothing is the easiest to adapt to streetwear. (e.g., I can, if needed, wear the same leggings for Pilates that I wear under a knee-length dress, whereas my running clothes are not so versatile). For hiking, you might just want to accept and plan for changing out of your true gear as much as necessary to feel "dressed" for post-hike dining or sightseeing. </p> <p>As to shorts dressing, there are ways to look fairly put together in them, whatever your style preferences. I echo the "third piece" idea and the importance of footwear in adding polish to shorts outfits. I have even worn ballet flats with shorts. (I'm including some shorts outfits I've worn that I liked, below.)</p> <p>It's great to hear you are already having fun wearing some of your favorite items! I hope you'll enjoy experimenting with your wardrobe and maybe even showing some of your outfits here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594879 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 03:47:16 +0000 Suz 1594879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>My style preference is somewhere between ladylike and a classic smart-casual, which is difficult for me to merge with a very casual lifestyle.<br /></i><br />&nbsp;You are playing my song, baby!!&nbsp;</p> <p>My aspirational style and my lifestyle/ climate don't mesh all that well. </p> <p>Lifestyle -- ultra casual. Jeans, workout gear, and very few opportunities for much else. </p> <p>Aspirational style? Sophisticated smart casual. Urban Prince or Glam Gamine, take your pick -- but definitely a little bit on the "dressy" side of casual. </p> <p>&nbsp;It's a challenge, for sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>But over time, with practice, you'll find a kind of balance. Like Elly, I seem to veer more towards "loungewear" in winter at home than in warmer temps. But "loungewear" can mean a luxe cashmere sweater or two, after all. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I tend a bit more towards "gear" in summer. "Sporty" isn't my natural style preference, by any means -- but I <b>am</b> active and want to continue to be active -- so I'm learning to adapt to that in my clothing. </p> <p>I also accept that I will have a certain number of items that are not "workhorses" but are still "essential." My smart-casual wear may not see as much action (because I'm at home or on a walk or at the gym more than I am meeting friends in town). But it does see <b>some</b> action and it's as necessary as any other capsule.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594822 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 23:16:58 +0000 Ginger Tea 1594822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you <b>Bonnie G</b>! I will have to photograph some of my outfits and post them on here to critique once warmer weather arrives. I need some advice re: shorts!!</p> <p>Thanks, <b>Summer</b>! I took that photograph up on the Oregon coast a few summers ago. They grow wild and rambunctious up there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594821 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 23:13:36 +0000 Ginger Tea 1594821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so grateful for all the suggestions!</p> <p>Yesterday I had a breakthrough, psychologically speaking. In the afternoon after yoga, I changed into a beautiful raspberry-red tunic I got from Athleta years ago, over a pair of grey leggings. It was just as comfortable as something sloppier but it looked really good. The best thing was, I didn't feel guilty for wearing something nice around the house to cook dinner and knit and work on a puzzle with my husband.</p> <p>Today, as I type, I'm wearing a pair of eggplant Boden velvet jeans and a Breton stripe top. Just to stand around typing at my desk. What a change! I haven't worn these Boden velvet jeans very much although they're so comfortable and one of my favorite items of clothing.</p> <p><b>shedev</b>, I agree. I need to start wearing my nicer things! Thank you for the encouragement!</p> <p><b>GemXDoug</b>, I really feel better about myself when I don't feel sloppy or unkempt. I want to make sure the person I see most of all (my husband) doesn't have to always see me with my least flattering clothing that I've somehow deemed good enough to wear around the house.</p> <p><b>CocoLion</b>, thank you for the encouragement! Interesting comment about eBay. I used it to sell a lot of things when we purged most of our belongings a few years ago. We sold and donated everything that wouldn't fit into our RV.</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, definitely the thing I have to work on is my casual, at-home clothing. I used to use capsules for my workwear, and I have to start doing the same thing, to merge my workout gear and my casual at home/casual sightseeing clothing. I have to start really looking at sporty lux styles. My style preference is somewhere between ladylike and a classic smart-casual, which is difficult for me to merge with a very casual lifestyle. I had my ladylike/smart-casual fix for my workwear when I was working, but now I have to bring that sensibility into my all-the-time wear.</p> <p>I think you've convinced me I need to purchase one of those backpacks!!</p> <p><b>Greyscale</b>, I love linen! I have been purchasing some linen shirts for summer, and will have to continue looking for linen skirts and shorts for summer. I love thrifting, and it's especially fun since I get to go to different thrift stores at different locations.</p> <p><b>Elly</b>, I purchased a beautiful brown linen-wool blend vest at the thrift store this summer and I loved wearing it while out. It was a great find and a great purchase. I do have trouble with shorts fitting and flattering, but I'm not too much of a hang-around-in-a-skirt person. I have two skorts (one watermelon, one tan with turquoise piping) that I will have to wear more often.</p> <p>Gee, as I type this, I can see that my biggest problem is wearing what I have, and not as much acquiring more or different items.</p> <p>My heat tolerance is such that I usually can't wear cropped trousers in the summer! Otherwise I would be all over them. Or all inside them.</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, thank you! I love traveling and so an RV lifestyle is my dream come true.</p> <p>I do have some dresses (a pink shirtdress, a nice black cotton skirt, two skorts for sport/really casual sightseeing days, and some fancier dresses). As I am beginning to realize, <i>I have to start wearing them</i>. I will have to start looking for linen skirts to supplement my summer weather wardrobe, I believe.</p> <p><b>Smittie</b>, that's what I'm combating. I haven't been happy with my shorts selections and am getting frustrated with pairing sloppy shorts with my recently acquired nicer workout tops. Mission: to find new shorts/skirts and wear the heck out of what I already have.</p> <p>We just got back from a month on the Baja coast of Mexico. We're wintering over in Arizona which has the benefit of being moderate in temperature and also close to my in-laws for visiting purposes. This spring we're headed up through Utah and Nevada. Our ultimate destination this summer is Glacier National Park, which I want to see before it melts away!</p> <p>Again, <i>thank you all very much for your advice.</i> I am taking it to heart and putting some immediate changes into effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594788 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 20:33:33 +0000 Summer 1594788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome, Ginger Tea (I love the name, and also the beautiful foxglove avatar). &nbsp;I can't add to the excellent advice you have had from the other ladies, but I look forward to getting to know you better. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594750 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:51:19 +0000 Bonnie 1594750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi and welcome to the Forum. What a great question you asked. I'm fairly new myself and have a similar situation and am learning a lot from the detailed and informative answers you have gotten from the forum members. The only advice I can add is to photograph yourself in your outfits to find the best silhouettes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594739 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 16:36:08 +0000 Anonymous 1594739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! If you're frugal, it's likely that you'll have to approach your wardrobe renewal in stages. If you try to buy across capsules, you're watering down your budget, and it's quite unsatisfying to have, say, an amazing linen top paired with some crumby shorts, or some great hiking boots with some ratty t-shirt. </p> <p>So I would suggest figuring out what capsule you need to work on first. As Suz mentioned, the capsule is activity-based. So it could be hiking, going for errands, etc. Personally, I would choose a capsule that you're most seen in because it always feels so good to put your best presentation forward while in public. But that's just me. Then, within that capsule, buy what you need to make a few COMPLETE outfits that are fab from head to toe. Make sure to get the proper shoes and accessories.<br /> The easiest way to make several fab outfits is, of course, mix and matching, and getting it all together takes a lot of thought and planning, at least it did for me! But it's kind of fun :)</p> <p>Good luck!<br /> Ps: Where are you off to next? My dream is to do a trip from Vegas up to salt lake city. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594721 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 15:38:50 +0000 Angie 1594721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And another welcome from me. It's great that you joined our forum, WOW. You live in an RV. That's soooo interesting!&nbsp;</p> <p>Have you thought about wearing easy to care for dresses in Summer as opposed to shorts and tees?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594716 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 15:27:44 +0000 Elly 1594716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you! Welcome to the forum. When temps are cold I'm all about changing into loungewear when at home, but in hot weather it seems like I'm less apt to want to change back into clothes (I want to wear my comfy things!) and it seems a bit more wasteful since almost anything I wear is going to go into the wash. Personally, I'm working on collecting shorts and tees and casual dresses that are comfortable enough for around the house but "go out" well with the addition of accessories (sandals in exchange for my flips, a nice bag, sunglasses, watch, an easy-to-throw on scarf or piece of jewelry, even a light vest or a linen shirt over a plain tank top). Linen tees and cotton and button downs with shorts, cropped pants, skorts, and skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594639 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 04:18:12 +0000 Greyscale 1594639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to the forum! You'll fit in great here - so many folks have similar lifestyles.</p> <p>It seems like you have an exciting opportunity to reimagine your wardrobe. As I read your post, I was picturing arty linen separates à la Eileen Fisher. I don't know if that's your style - actually, have you tried making a Pinterest board (or equivalent) of styles that you admire? I bet there's some way to put together a good capsule of light summer clothes that are comfortable enough for home but put-together enough to go out.</p> <p>I agree that hot weather clothing is hard (albeit, I don't really need it here in San Francisco, so maybe I'm just out of practice). I solve the "shorts don't feel like a style item" dilemma by going grunge/rocker with my shorts outfits -- and that's less age-normative as I get close to 40 (I mean, I'll keep wearing it as long as I want, but I do keep that in mind). Do you enjoy wearing skirts? Are loose, long shorts or culottes cool enough? (You mentioned that your longer shorts are too warm.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594611 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:48:00 +0000 LaPed 1594611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"People who enjoy writing tend to be good at eBay. Because writers are also detailed and eBay is all about providing accurate details."</p> <p>CocoLion, I'd never thought about it from this angle but i think you're spot on! I do a fair amount of eBaying and Craigslisting, and I genuinely enjoy it. Taking photos, writing descriptions, answering questions -- you definitely need to treat it as a hobby to make it really worthwhile, otherwise it's a lot of labor for small returns! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594607 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:37:47 +0000 Suz 1594607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh -- and the sporty &nbsp;luxe backpack is heaven-sent!! I am praying they don't go out of style again any time soon. They allow you really to make that quick switch of shoes or accessories (or even bottoms or tops) and still go about your day looking relatively fashion conscious. A tote can also work but it is harder to disguise your dirty hiking shoes in one of those. I do use both kinds of bag but for days when I need to carry workout gear around after the workout, much prefer the backpack.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594605 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:34:44 +0000 Suz 1594605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY!! You tossed those holes tees! That's fabulous.&nbsp;</p> <p>And CocoLion has added some great advice. I'd definitely start thinking in terms of "capsules."&nbsp;</p> <p>One trick from my own long experience -- once you get past the basic capsules, you might have to break them down further again to figure out your true needs.&nbsp;</p> <p>For example -- my whole life -- pretty much --- is "casual." I do need a special occasion capsule and something to wear if I have to attend a funeral, and I do need something to wear for appearances. But I definitely don't need corporate business wear. </p> <p>But there are degrees of casual. There's "workout" casual or "walking the dog" casual (not that I have a dog...but I do go for similar types of walk) or "lounge" casual...and then there's "presenting a reading at a bookstore" casual. Or "giving a talk at a class" casual. Or "meeting friends at a pub" casual. I had to really consider how different my needs were for these various activities.&nbsp;</p> <p>Start out maybe by simply making a list of all the various roles you have and things you do -- and the approximate proportion of time you spend in each activity. This was enlightening for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Next I considered weather. For me that meant a big selection of knits; for you, it will mean summer woven tops, it sounds like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594600 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 00:35:39 +0000 CocoLion 1594600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go out and celebrate over tossing the holey tees! &nbsp;BIG STEP!!!</p> <p>I thought a bit more about this today, and think you might be good at selling your unwanted items on eBay. &nbsp;People who enjoy writing tend to be good at eBay. &nbsp;Because writers are also detailed and eBay is all about providing accurate details. &nbsp;I have earned a few thousand dollars doing it every winter (the only time I have time). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594585 Sat, 19 Dec 2015 00:17:10 +0000 unfrumped 1594585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome!<br />What Suz said.<br />I am not a big casual dress-wearer, though I love them on others, so&nbsp; &nbsp;if you look good in them, I ditto trying some tube skirts or comfortable summer dresses, toss on a knit blazer or cardigan for A/C or to be more polished, and that may look better to you than shorts but be just as comfortable. Usually you can wear quite comfortable footwear if the dress style is casual, such as fun sandals or sneaks.</p> <p>Look at "sporty luxe"&nbsp; style, possibly where the shoes or handbag is the "luxe" so that your fabrics can still be easy-care (for footwear, I don't mean uncomfortable, but maybe metallic sandals, or animal print slip-on sneakers; or for bag, something more posh or a leather backpack bag or something). I know there are a lot of folks who say, "I won't wear "gear" except for exercise" --none for errands--but I think there are now <u>so</u> many variations and overlaps between modern fabrics and actual gear, that it becomes almost semantics, or at least there are "fashionable" outfits that cleverly juxtapose sporty clothing with more classic pieces. I think one has to decide whether it's a pain to change clothes a lot ( I hate putting things back, is the main thing) or to have mostly the outfit on all day and then just pop on a jacket or something.</p> <p>For fit, you'll certainly feel best in clothing that really fits your current size, and is not too baggy, same as not wearing too tight when weight is up, so I think the key is to <u>not</u> have a huge wardrobe, but&nbsp; think through a few new outfits and be willing to repeat but feel great in them and be able to continue to update if weight is changing.<br />That's why thinking about what "uniforms" you might like--and there are a lot of Angie's posts on that, such as MOTG --or silhouettes--that you feel fab in. Such as long over short, boxy over skinny, fitted over loose, short-ish skirts vs longer flowy--that is a starting point for having a couple of looks in mind and then building a capsule.</p> <p>Also, as you point out, even casual fabrics can be better or worse, so you will want to target (!) some brands that fit well and wash &amp; wear well--good substantial cotton knits, blends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-introduction-and-a-request-for-casual-lifestyle-wardrobe-advice#post-1594554 Fri, 18 Dec 2015 22:30:10 +0000 GemXDoug 1594554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely loved your post, I'm almost 39 with 5 kids and another 5 stepkids so my resources, time and space is also very limited but still I want to remain exciting and attractive to my other half.<br /> I like items that are versatile enough to create different looks and styles depending on what I team them with, my favourite right now are shorts, dress shorts with pressed seams and different colours can be matched with casual jumpers, boots, tights, leggings, casual tops or glam and casual. </p>