https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 17:04:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-413317 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:56:01 +0000 Anonymous 413317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on getting your body back! I've started building a wardrobe from scratch a couple times and I hit upon the following strategy that seems to have worked. It is absolutely true that you should start with your hair. Then undergarments. Always good to start with a good foundation! Then shoes! And by shoes I mean ankle boots. This is where I put most of may wardrobe $$$ and it is so worth it. One of the best decisions I have ever made, wardrobe-wise, is to commit to a heel height. If you are a pants-person like me, then you will appreciate not having to have a million different pairs of pants to go with all the different heel heights. I committed to a 2 inch heel and my closet is much saner.</p> <p>Then jeans. Straight leg shape is most versatile and a good start point. Make sure it works with your ankle boots. You can add in all the other denim variations later on but straight-leg is an easy place to start.</p> <p>Then the outer layer piece....I consider my black "boyfriend" cardi and cropped jean jacket essentials to my wardrobe. I do have other options but if I had to run out of a burning building, I would grab my children and these two clothing items. </p> <p>Then the inner layering pieces. I have an assortment of basic t-shirts and more upscale knit tops that work well with both my cardi and jean jacket. t-shirts are good for super casual days.....a cute knit top in a bright pattern can dress it up easily. </p> <p>Then accessories. I like statement necklaces and scarves. Maybe not together but I switch them up for versatility. </p> <p>A good basic outerwear jacket/coat finishes it all off. </p> <p>I consider this my "uniform" and when I add in things I always make sure they work back to my original pieces. Maybe add in a vest or denim skirt. Tall boots, perhaps. If you want to get tall boots, then you can get some skinny jeans for tucking. But start with a basic uniform and take off from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-413227 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:39:14 +0000 Mo 413227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! I live a casual lifestyle and it took me a while to realize what I was buying wasn't necessarily meshing with the life I lead! Anyway, I wear LOTS of denim - it's part of my work uniform - and I only have 1 pair of true premium jeans (True Religion) and many other mid priced pairs. I have anything from Lucky's to Levi's to Taverniti's to J Brands to Miss Me by MEK. IMO, the Miss Me's fit everybit as well for just under $100. So really, trying on is your best guide, price doesn't always reflect the best pair for you. All that to say, I'd get one good pair of premium jeans and make the rest mid priced, unless you simply live in your jeans.<br /> Have fun with it!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-413193 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:09:06 +0000 liss 413193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great idea, Kate! Recently I found a palette of colors in a book for those of us with brown hair and olive skin. I think I will use that as my guide! </p> <p>I am thinking about venturing out this week to try on some jeans at both Gap and Nordstrom. I am still an hourglass shape and quite curvy through the thighs. The gap at the waist has always been a problem for me. Any suggestions on good brands to start with? I have read a lot about Paige Hidden Hills and it sounds like they may be a good fit. Would it be worth it to put a good portion of my budget into premium denim, or maybe get one good pair and then a pair from somewhere like the Gap if I find a good fit? </p> <p>Thank you all for your help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-413191 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:07:55 +0000 Freckles 413191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent advice.</p> <p>I break the rule with not spending alot on knits, for winter sweaters are my go to item. I find that the merino wool or other blends last much better and do not pill when hand washed. That used to be a problem but now I handwash them in the bathroom sink and dry down in the laundry room. If I sent them downstairs the handwashing was the last thing I did and so some of them weren't clean when I wanted them. This way I can just do it before I go to bed in a few minutes and they are nearly always clean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-413143 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:26:43 +0000 Kate 413143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a lot of wonderful advice here! I just have one more thing to add.</p> <p>I would choose a rough color palette to start with. Don't try to cover all of your bases with colors and neutrals, pick your favorites and stick to them unless you find something else that you absolutely love. It really helps if your clothes "play well with others" in your wardrobe, and having a rainbow of options is rarely helpful. You can build a wonderful wardrobe on $800, but you need to make sure that you can "remix" everything you buy. Any given item needs to be wearable with most of your other clothes, and having some kind of color palette will really help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412984 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:34:38 +0000 yellowgirl 412984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome! Congrats on your weight loss - I know it's a lot of work, and a big accomplishment. I, too, came here after a significant weight loss and was starting from scratch to rebuild my wardrobe. You've received great advice so far. </p> <p>Some of the things that helped point me in the right direction was to really define a few things:<br /> 1. my lifestyle. Like you said, you have to dress for YOUR life, not for anybody else's. I really looked at what I do on a weekly/monthly basis and then decided the type of clothing I needed to buy based on that. Knowing what you don't need is sometimes just as helpful as knowing what you do need.<br /> 2. my body shape. This was a huge revelation to me. Again, starting from scratch, I wanted to make sure I was investing in things I loved and that made me look the best I could look. Now that I understand my body shape and how to dress it, shopping is easier b/c I know I can eliminate certain styles and silhouettes b/c they're just not the best option for me.<br /> 3. what image I was trying to project. Angie has written many blogs about personal style. One of the exercises that was particularly helpful to me was to make a list of words that describe the image I want to project. For instance, "when people see me, I want them to think that I am _____________". Now, knowing what I'm going for, I can further hone my purchases based on whether they are projecting the image I'm trying to project.</p> <p>You're at the right place- Angie and all the ladies are a wealth of information, wisdom and help!</p> <p>Edited to correct grammar. Ugh...I'm up way too late! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412966 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:50:03 +0000 christy 412966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! It feels so good to get your pre-baby body back, doesn't it?! You have received some excellent advice, so I'm just chiming in to say hello and welcome. This is a great, supportive forum - you've come to the right place! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412961 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:35:58 +0000 liss 412961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, thank you! What a wonderful reply--I love that you took the time to shed light on your personal "basics." That is inspirational to me because I have been looking at several lists that have many pieces on them that I don't need at this place in life. Your sister's choices sound very much like items I would wear. Now I feel I can stretch my budget even farther by deviating from the list and looking for my personal indispensables.</p> <p>I also appreciate your comment about buying quality at this point. I have thought about that because a majority of the knits I am getting rid of are just cotton blends and have not held up well. I have never owned cashmere or a cashmere blend (or merino for that matter) and think it might be time to invest in 2-3 great tops. I live in Colorado so they will definitely come in handy!</p> <p>Thanks so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412954 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:22:40 +0000 Kari 412954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Holy moley, I didn't mean to post a novel in response. Sorry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412953 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:22:05 +0000 Kari 412953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I think you've made an excellent start! Bra and jeans shopping can be so incredibly frustrating - I'm so picky now about how both fit me - so by getting one of those squared away, I'd say that's a great accomplishment. One suggestion - since you are starting from scratch, and have a limited budget, strive for the best quality that you can. (This is something I'm not good at and am trying to learn.) Make sure that you love the fit of the jeans, and that they are made well enough to last you for a while. And don't feel like you have to exclusively buy basics, either - you do want items that will mesh well together, but you need to feel fab in what you're wearing and including in your wardrobe, too.</p> <p>I find this post of Angie's quite inspirational:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2010/04/23/wardrobe-strategy-fewer-options-can-be-fab/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2010/04/.....an-be-fab/</a> </p> <p>Additionally, as you are gauging how best to spend your $800 over the space of the year, it might be helpful to plan where some of the major holes are that you'll get the best use out of. Are you a dress/skirt girl, or do you prefer pants? Do you live in a warmer climate where you'll need to invest in summer wear next year, or is fall/winter your dominant season? I also think it would be helpful to list out what "your* basics are, as opposed to a list that <a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/tim-gunns-10-essential-elements-a31173">is recommended by a seasoned professional</a>, but isn't necessarily tailored towards your lifestyle.</p> <p>For example, if I had to start over totally from scratch with my wardrobe (or select a small capsule from my current clothes to keep), here's what would be on my must-have list: Bras, undies, killer glasses, a pencil skirt, a dress that makes me feel killer that I could wear to work and could layer items under or over it, a cropped blazer or jacket, a colorful cardigan, a large wool or silk scarf, a loose-but-not-boxy silk blouse (sleeveless and/or 3/4 sleeved), a cotton woven <a href="http://www.carissarose.com/">"button-down alternative"</a> blouse, bootcut jeans, a weather-resistant trench coat with a removable lining for added warmth, a watch, a signature necklace, a pair of patterned/micro-fishnet tights, a versatile tote or satchel in a fun color that I could use as an everyday handbag, a pair of chunky mid-or-low heeled pumps, and a pair of cognac knee-high boots. That's not to say that I don't wear other items, but that I would be hard pressed to get though the year without at least these. Note that some of the basics that a lot of wardrobe consultants mention are absent from my list - my dress would probably not be a "little black dress" but would probably be a a totally different shade; I can and do live without a pair of dress trousers in my closet; my pumps would be red or burgundy; and I'd probably be inclined to pick a patterned blouse that will coordinate with my solid-colored skirt and cardigan rather than go for basic black and white. And your list would probably look quite different.</p> <p>My sister is also a graphic designer, and while she works in an office, it's in a very casual environment. Her wardrobe would translate well to a smart-casual mom on the go, too: jeans with flat shoes and loose fitting, printed knit tops; knit dresses on their own in summer or over long-sleeved tops and leggings, or under cardigans and with knee-high boots in winter; a few fun scarves, cropped jackets, and a wool coat for winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412881 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:35:43 +0000 Inge 412881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Liss, just wanted to say congratulations on finding a great bra and sorry about the jeans. It can be frustrating but it's worth it once you find a fab fitting pair!<br /> (Have you tried any of the Gap jeans and leggings in the YLF store? Perhaps worth a shot too?)<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/store/category/clothing/jeans/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/store/ca.....ing/jeans/</a></p> <p>Looking forward to hearing more about your new wardrobe items and please do post a pic too if you have time;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412875 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:26:49 +0000 liss 412875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much! I did have a bra fitting over the weekend and I am so glad I did as I went down a cup size. I bought a great fitting bra and plan to invest in a couple more. I started my jean search this weekend as well and was a bit disappointed. I tried on about 25 pairs and found only one that was ok. I know this can be an extensive search so I am not giving up yet! I do think my hair needs a change too, and that is one area I had not considered.</p> <p>Lynne, I honestly have nothing to work around right now, which is good and not-so good, I think. The good/great part about that is that I can start fresh and really define my style at this point in my life. The not-so good is the expense and the time to find what I need but I think if I am patient I will find what I'm looking for.</p> <p>Outerwear is my favorite type of clothing and a whole closet I forgot to try on last weekend. Thanks for mentioning that, Angie! That will be this week's project as I am sure there are items in there that don't fit.</p> <p>I will get back to you all as I continue on the journey! Thanks so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412582 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:16:59 +0000 Angie 412582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats Liss, and welcome to the forum! </p> <p>You've received great suggestions from Joy and Suz. Start off with bras and your hair. Move onto jeans, boots, knits, cardigans and outerwear. Let us know if we can help along the way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412577 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:10:54 +0000 Suz 412577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your weight loss! You are going to have so much fun! I am also a newish member who joined after substantial weight loss and you will discover there are quite a few of us here. </p> <p>Lynne's question is a good one; do you have anything at all right now that works? And can you think of your former favourite items? Do they have anything in common? </p> <p>If you haven't already, you might want to look at Angies "Mom on the Go" posts in the blog. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/category/mom-on-the-go/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/category/mom-on-the-go/</a> </p> <p>She gives you some great formulas there so it's a place to start thinking. </p> <p>I definitely concur about the bra fitting. It is SO important. You might find that for good bras you will blow a surprising amount of that budget, but it is SO worth it. </p> <p>In the blog, you will also find lots of great articles for identifying your personal style. Good luck as you work this through! You have come to a great place. Angie leads an amazing group of supportive and helpful women here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412573 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:07:52 +0000 Sveta 412573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy's advice is excellent, I would suggest the same. Decide what capsules you need for your lifestyle and go from there. Where are you on the footwear? I understand that weight loss does not affect that but shoes and boots are so important that I would have a critical look at them too - when I started my style journey last summer I had to replace 80% of my footwear because it was not current and/or comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412570 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:37 +0000 Lynne 412570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, and I love Joys advice. Do you have some pieces that work to start building around? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412557 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:39:22 +0000 Anonymous 412557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on getting back to your pre-baby weight!<br /> Get bra fitting first and be sure to have a couple that fit. That makes everything look better. Angie also suggests starting with a haircut. Then I'd start with a couple pair of great jeans. Many forum members sing the praises of Gap's jeans as being almost as good as premium denim. Save on knit tops. Also spend on at least one coat and a blazer (if that's your style) or other jacket to dress up the jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-new-wardrobe-on-a-budget#post-412539 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:50:10 +0000 liss 412539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently lost about 20 pounds and am finally back to my pre-baby weight! I am excited but after trying on all of my clothes this weekend I am now terrified! After six years of fluctuating sizes between two babies, my wardrobe has had to just go with the flow of what I could afford and what fit at the time. I have very little left in my closet now for fall or any season and all of my basics are too big. </p> <p>My budget through fall is $800 and I am clueless where to start. I have made a list of basics to replace but am not sure where to put my money and where to save and stock up. I work from home as a freelance graphic designer and run around with my kids all day, so my wardrobe is definitely casual. I have little chunks of time here and there to shop between now and the fall weather arriving so I need to make sure I am getting what I need as well as pieces to make me feel fabulous in my new/old body.</p> <p>I appreciate the help! </p>