https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:27:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything/page/2#post-1586551 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 02:26:36 +0000 Elly 1586551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goal upon coming to YLF 5 years ago was to shore up my closet enough that I had many of these situations covered. Currently I'm good for job interviews, funerals, and many other situations (depending on the weather-- I just moved states, after all!). I'm getting much closer to feeling good about my everyday work look and hope to start working on casual wear and those once in a while things, like date night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything/page/2#post-1586506 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:11:58 +0000 Jjsloane 1586506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being a hoarder of clothing and an overshopper comes in handy sometimes. It does however not stop me from trying to buy all new even if I have enough for a certain occasion. I am learning to be more patient and picky.&nbsp;<br />I went to Costco yesterday so I'm ready for almost anything else. Don't want to run out of tp at Thanksgiving!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything/page/2#post-1586488 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 22:33:58 +0000 Penny 1586488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic! &nbsp;I feel covered for all reasonably foreseeable events for my lifestyle, including the emergency invite to black-tie events where my law firm bought a table, which happens about once a year. &nbsp;Not so much if we were, say, invited on a ski trip, but since I haven't been on one for eighteen years, probably unlikely, and I can't see any events like that coming up without plenty of advance notice. &nbsp;Happy to hear that many of us are in a good place, at least for the events that are most likely to take us by surprise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586453 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:58:16 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1586453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am all about versatility, lol that word is in my blog title. Going from no wardrobe due to weight loss to what I have now in the past three years is unfathomable. I stopped shopping to take a breather and feel out whether I have done as well as I wanted or if I need to change somethings. I said I wanted to have a wardrobe that was ready for life events without feeling that panic of last minute shopping that never ended well. I have done that so it makes sense to play with my wardrobe and see how well I've done. I am sure I have overdone it but not sure I will actually do a huge purge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586446 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 19:37:19 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1586446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen reminds me, I'm not particularly prepared for outdoor stuff. I have workout gear but if I suddenly was going on a camping trip or something that was more than a day I'd be a little light on appropriate shoes and jackets. I don't really like wearing workout wear so I have much fewer options than those who do the athleisure thing and have a lot of gear-y stuff they wear for all day.</p> <p>It's a balancing act, isn't it? You want not to be scrambling when something comes up, but you can also go crazy (and poor) preparing for every possible eventuality, most of which never actually happen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586406 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 17:22:19 +0000 JAileen 1586406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm ready mostly for outdoor stuff - hiking, birding, dog walking. But I can put together outfits for casual community theater, weddings, church, court appearances, and dinners out. So I think I'm covered, too. Our usual temps only go from about 0F to 105F, so much easier than life in the Dakotas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586405 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 17:00:44 +0000 Summer 1586405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's exactly what I aim for in my own wardrobe: something to wear for any eventuality. &nbsp;My smart casual clothes cover most of my needs, and I think I could put together a versatile capsule to see me through one or two weeks away. &nbsp;I like to keep a small, separate capsule for funerals etc. and also one for dressier events, although these don't feature that often. &nbsp;My wardrobe is small and certainly not perfect, but I feel that it works pretty well for me most of the time. &nbsp;It's a good feeling.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586379 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 15:20:43 +0000 MsMary 1586379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, I'm pretty much there. I remember about this time last year when we were first dating, Gentleman Friend invited me to a dinner party at a friend's house and suggested we wear formalwear as a joke because when he inquired about the dress code the host laughingly said "black tie optional." I had a long gown and all the fixin's ready to go on one day's notice -- it was a great feeling! </p> <p>And Rachylou, I just bought a bike so I'm even ready for the Zombie Apocalypse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586332 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 12:41:59 +0000 dakotacheryl 1586332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm covered for temps -20F - +110F &nbsp; &nbsp;Yup, that the temp swing where I live.</p> <p>From fun to weddings to funerals. &nbsp;The only thing I don't have is something truly ball gown dressy...haven't needed this in the past 30 years, so I think I'm safe LOL.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586316 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:16:43 +0000 Windchime 1586316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High tea, a funeral, and a trip overseas, and your wardrobe is up to all of them and more. What a great place to be! Having this kind of wardrobe lets you fully engage in the experiences, knowing you don't have to worry if your outfit is okay.</p> <p>I'm not quite there, but a couple years into being a YLFer, my wardrobe functions far better than it ever did before. For most occasions, I can quickly and calmly pull together an outfit from my closet and feel good wearing it. </p> <p>Facing winter again, I'm reminded that I need to do some work on my winter outerwear, especially for walking/cross country skiing. I want to look reasonably fashionable while also feeling warm, and I'm not there yet. It's more fun to spend on things like shirts and shoes than on a parka! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586313 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 10:29:07 +0000 Helen11 1586313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel, I want a wardrobe like yours!<br /> I can get by for a funeral , and day to day life. Can you believe I've never had to do a proper job interview? And am unlikely to need to in the foreseeable future. ( it's one advantage of working in an essential service in a regional area)<br /> Travel to a cooler climate sees me scrabbling, and I would have to go shopping should I be invited to High Tea.<br /> I'm feeling more and more I need a wardrobe overhaul, starting from the ground up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586306 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 08:06:10 +0000 Cerinda 1586306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can do it all <b>IF</b> the temperature is between 10 and 70 degrees F. &nbsp;Dang this global warming. &nbsp;I've got the bike, though, and water for the great Cascadian earthquake.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586300 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 05:56:52 +0000 rachylou 1586300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i don't have snow boots...</p> <p>ETA: in the zombie apocalypse, also, I'm gonna have to go down the street, break a window, and steal a bike. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586278 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 04:31:01 +0000 Beth Ann 1586278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad to hear your in a wardrobe happy place! &nbsp;<br />I'm not there at the moment, but mostly because my life is in transition, and I'm not sure exactly what my needs will be. &nbsp;I've been concentrating on my casual wardrobe, but keeping an eye on the budget. &nbsp;I could definitely manage an interview, a trip, a funeral....... but a wedding or a fun formal event would require some quick shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586265 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 03:32:13 +0000 gryffin 1586265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - it's a great jacket. I do find HL runs slightly small. I am usually a 4-6. I take a 6 in HL. Back is curved up too, very dramatic. I get lots of compliments. I hate to be a total enabler but if it fits it's so worth it!! Let me know what you think if you try it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586256 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 03:08:17 +0000 Bonnie 1586256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm almost there. My last purchase was a real raincoat because last year I needed one - for heavy rains when we visit the coast and monsoons here in the desert. As for funerals and formal events, I could find something in my closet. I have spent the last year building a basic wardrobe after traveling for many years with few clothes. I also don't have a large wardrobe and have tried to shop wisely. I feel like I'm in a good place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586255 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 03:06:16 +0000 Isabel 1586255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gryffin, those are beautiful. &nbsp;I am a blazer lady too. This totally appeals to me. I have never thought of it before. So simple and elegant. LOVE. &nbsp;This is going on my "list". &nbsp; I just LOVE that helmut lang with leather sleeves. &nbsp; Thank you !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586241 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 02:48:34 +0000 Jaime 1586241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I don't want to tempt anything to throw me a curve ball, but I can dig something up for most conceivable situations. You sound like you are in a terrific place Isabel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586238 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 02:43:54 +0000 gryffin 1586238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - in all seriousness, I spent years stalking the perfect cropped tux jacket. &nbsp;I finally bought the HL smoking tux. &nbsp;It is fabulous over dresses, with pants, it makes anything better. &nbsp;Casual, formal, it works for all. &nbsp;I love it so much I bought the HL gala tux (kind of a heavy ribbed ponte fabric) and the leather sleeve jacket on super discount from amazon which is also available at 6pm. &nbsp;Less dressy but very fun. &nbsp;I cannot recommend a cropped tux jacket enough. &nbsp;Being a blazer girl at heart, it always has my back, literally <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.shopbop.com/smoking-wool-tux-blazer-helmut/vp/v=1/845524441949097.htm?currencyCode=USD&amp;extid=SE_froogle_SC_usa&amp;cvosrc=cse.google.HLANG40354&amp;cvo_campaign=SB_Google_USD&amp;s_kwcid=AL!3510!3!{creative}!{matchtype}!{placement}!{network}!!{keyword}&amp;ef_id=VWG9awAABaEcq1vc:20151122024021:s"><a href="https://www.shopbop.com/smoking-wool-tux-blazer-helmut/vp/v=1/845524441949097.htm?currencyCode=USD&#038;a" rel="nofollow">https://www.shopbop.com/smokin.....USD&#038;a</a>...</a>&nbsp;(picture below and this is my favorite iteration) read rave reviews ,<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/helmut-lang-cropped-tuxedo-jacket-black?zhlfid=139&amp;kpid=33926107">http://www.6pm.com/helmut-lang.....d=33926107</a>&nbsp; (leather sleeve version and good buy) &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586205 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 00:53:16 +0000 Aziraphale 1586205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done! It's a great feeling when you know you're covered for all occasions. I can tell you're happy with your wardrobe in general, too, which is awesome. :-)</p> <p>Am I the same? Well, I've definitely ready for a funeral in any season, and that's the kind of thing that's most urgent and where, since you want to focus on the bereaved, you don't need the distraction any kind of wardrobe holes. As for joyous formal events? I've got formal shoes covered, but not a dress if the opportunity arose to go to a wedding or something similar. The sad reason for this is that the last wedding I attended happened seven years ago, while in that time I've been to at least five or six funerals. :-(</p> <p>For all other occasions, I'm good. I lead a life that mostly requires casual clothes -- and by that I mean super casual to casual-dressy, like holiday parties.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586195 Sun, 22 Nov 2015 00:05:59 +0000 Sal 1586195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a fine line isn't there...for example I could purchase an item now for a possible occasion - and not wear if for three years. &nbsp;Interview suits and funeral attire spread to mind.</p> <p>If attending a professional interview tomorrow (with no time to prepare) I have two or three possible outfits comprising a jacket, blouse and pencil skirt, or a silk blouse and pencil skirt, or a jacket and shift dress. &nbsp;There are some interviews where the looks would be not ideal, but it seems unlikely. &nbsp;And &nbsp;I am a great one for borrowing/lending too for unusual situations. &nbsp;I have a couple of sisters and friends who fit roughly similar sizes to me, and I am very sure I can cobble outfits together. &nbsp; I am also happy to lend!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586193 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:57:12 +0000 Gigi 1586193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great feeling! You are certainly a practical shopper.</p> <p>I feel sometimes like I'm not ready for anything, but it seems like I always have what I need when an event comes up out of the blue. Like you, though, if I had to attend something very formal, I might be in trouble. I'm fluctuating with my weight right now and am trying not to buy anything that would cost too much money in case my weight should change.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586164 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 23:01:48 +0000 Astrid 1586164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds awesome, Isabel! I'm sadly not prepared for anything. I'm mostly prepared for our weather, although sometimes my whole wardrobe heavily depends on one single piece being in working order. But what I'm currently not prepared for at all is anything where I need to be a bit more dressy - I have no special occasion clothes, nothing for an interview and I would have to make do for a funeral too. I think I need to work on that. But I definitely prefer versatile pieces to building capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586161 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:47:37 +0000 Isabel 1586161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gryffin, I LOVE the idea of a tux jacket. That could be very versatile, actually. &nbsp;Hmmmmm.......</p> <p>I love the expression, " I could brazen out a fab Le Smoking..." . You sound so exotic and glamorous. &nbsp; : )&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586159 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 22:38:47 +0000 gryffin 1586159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - I am so on board with this. &nbsp;To me prepared is a suit. &nbsp;I replaced my old ones this year and have two different theory jackets and two styles of matching pants. &nbsp;That covers me for work, conference, funeral, religious. &nbsp;I have dresses and cropped tux jackets that can take me through black tie optional. &nbsp;I do have one long dress but it's 15 yr old and I am trying to update the black tie capsule this year although I don't have a lot of events I'd rather be prepared. &nbsp;But I could brazen out a fab Le Smoking right now but I prefer to dance in a dress. &nbsp;Also working on gear capsule. &nbsp;But otherwise I'm pretty set. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586125 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:57:17 +0000 Peri 1586125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not quite...I'd still like a do everything black dress. The kind that would work for a funeral but still be useful for other things, dress up, dress down, go anywhere kind of dress. For such an occasion I could cobble things together. Lots of women wear pants to funerals now and I do have a decent pencil skirt. I just daydream about the ease of the perfect black dress. I'm sure it's out there somewhere.&nbsp;</p> <p>But yes, for the usual occasions of my life, I could get by quite easily. (That doesn't stop me from wanting new things though!)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586123 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:52:50 +0000 Isabel 1586123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Grad .......what an awesome point : being prepared doesn't mean just having it , it also means knowing where to go to get it. </p> <p>Laura, living in th he NE I often forget that people in temperate climates don't have her warm clothing just hanging around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586121 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:48:22 +0000 gradfashionista 1586121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am prepared for all cold and windy weather, casual and semi-dressy dates, and nearly any outdoorsy recreational activity. </p> <p>Sadly, I'd have to sit out the fairytale ball, and I still struggle with hot and muggy temperatures. </p> <p>Part of downsizing my wardrobe was recognizing that I *didn't* need to own something for every occasion, simply because the likelihood of attending certain events was so small. That doesn't mean I'm not prepared, though. If, suddenly, I needed a formal ball gown, I'd know where to look and from which companies to rent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586119 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:39:23 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1586119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I struggled to put together a set of outfits for my recent trip to Boise, but it turned out to be slightly warmer than the forecast so I was OK. If I had to head to somewhere really cold for more than a long weekend, I'd be SOL (or just have to do laundry every three days).</p> <p>I don't have a proper suit, but I could cobble one together from a blazer and skirt or pants if I had to. Otherwise I'm pretty good for anything that's apt to come up in my normal life. If I suddenly had to meet royalty or go to a black tie affair I'd be scrambling, but that's unlikely to happen, and would justify a call to Nordstrom's personal shoppers in any case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-prepared-for-anything#post-1586117 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 19:32:46 +0000 Isabel 1586117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alasse and kiwi, YAY !!!!! Isn't it a wonderful feeling ? </p> <p>Kiwi, I turned in my Oscars capsule once George Clooney got married. ; ) </p>