https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:02:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think/page/2#post-2134960 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:57:03 +0000 Bijou 2134960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many interesting responses. It is tough to feel stylish when at home. I try to wear something that I like when working from home. So if I am wearing a sweater and jeans, it will be a sweater that makes me happy, either the colour or print. Finding excuses to dress up is fun, either a Zoom catch up or forum challenge. I find the tension between practical and authentic tough. I could happily wear a silk dress and a faux fur everyday, but they are not practical to many aspects of my MOTG lifestyle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think/page/2#post-2134925 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 05:21:22 +0000 Sal 2134925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think is really hard to be inspired when at home all the time - and hot stifling weather adds to the blahness.&nbsp; Even for those who normally are at home for work or family or health reasons, there are outings to get dressed up or be seen.&nbsp; So everyone deserves a pass on their style.&nbsp; It is just getting by...</p> <p>I would wear whatever makes you happiest - might be athletic gear, it might be loose dresses, it might be sweat pants, or bright colours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>One thing that "might" help is extra skin care - home facials, masks, serums etc...I did a few of these in lockdown because I had the time.</p> <p>I actually really like more formal business attire and really missed wearing that when I moved from a corporate job.&nbsp; I liked the armour, I liked the simplicity, and then having pure weekend clothes.&nbsp; 15 years on and I am well used to not wearing formal clothes and I foresee work attire getting even more relaxed.</p> <p>I think in these grim times authentic might only be practical....but there will be stylish times ahead, and it could be fun to plan for them?</p> <p>Big hug! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think/page/2#post-2134923 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:08:12 +0000 Janet 2134923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI — literally none of those things I listed in that outfit are practical for me at the moment because not only is it stiflingly hot, but I live in a place where the pandemic is still raging, and we are not going out anywhere except for a weekly grocery shop. Shorts and a tee are my daily wear around the house, or a tee and a Ripskirt or at best an ultra casual dress. I spent the other day in my swimsuit and a coverup after swimming in our pool. Jewelry is superfluous now. I have no need for my handbags. I barely even wear shoes! I put on the barest minimum of makeup for a Zoom meeting once a week. </p> <p>I don’t care much for warm weather dressing at the best of times. I don’t particularly like showing a lot of skin. So, with oppressive summer weather + pandemic isolation, clearly right now is not a high point for my style quotient. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think/page/2#post-2134922 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:08:09 +0000 Anonymous 2134922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen to what Shevia said. Really hot days are a real test of authenticity and practicality. I have really felt authentic and practical in fabric espadrilles this summer. Also crops feel right rather than shorts. Dressy sequined flats are both authentic and practical for me. They appeal to my dressy side but can be.casual </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134917 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 03:37:40 +0000 Jaime 2134917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As long as I have some errand to do, and I find one every day, I try to dress authentically yet practically every day even in the heat. This means shoes that both are interesting and flat, tops in breathable materials with interesting patterns or design details, cross body bag that works with said top, and, typically, knee length bottoms of some sort. Which is not to say I wouldn't dress differently in a different climate or life situation, but authentic comprises my reality (as I see it).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134904 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:49:10 +0000 rachylou 2134904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I definitely feel this in summer, on those super super hot days. On those days, I wear cotton sundresses with full skirts or A-line cotton skirts. Both of these looks are just a little too sweet for me, the sundresses especially. If I could find a cotton pencil sundress, I'd be all over it.</div><div><br /></div><div>In winter, it's not so obvious, but I'd love to a shawl-collar puffy... however, a shawl collar is too drafty for me. And adding a scarf to fill the neckline in is too fussy for me. I know! It's pathetic! <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134897 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:53:38 +0000 Helena 2134897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nemosmom, you know I can relate to this! Your comment about the toppers is so relatable to me ... when one has simple style, it's the 'finishing pieces' that add the personality ... but with nowhere to go, those pieces don't have a real place (and don't even get me started on when the winter weather hits lol).</p> <p>I don't have a solution here, but I feel your pain. I think that if there is ever a time for total self-compassion it is now! And I do find that jewellery can made a bit difference, as well as taking a little extra time on hair and makeup. Jeans + tee + hair done + lip gloss is a whole different equation than, say jeans + tee + bad mom-bun + did I remove all my mascara properly yesterday?? undereye smudges xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134888 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:09:34 +0000 Angie 2134888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, there you go! Maybe we need a Date Night At Home challenge :)</p> <p><b>Nemosmom</b>, I thought of something else. YOUR INCREDIBLE FAMILY COSTUMES. You need Halloween once a month!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134887 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:06:02 +0000 nemosmom 2134887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SarahD8- I chuckled at your silk scarf comment. I think you are dead right about the lifestyle being inauthentic; not necessarily the clothes. It *is* hard (and I’m trying not to whine)!</p> <p>Angie - thank you for reminding me to cut myself some slack. </p> <p>High five, Suz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134884 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 22:48:03 +0000 Suz 2134884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, I'm thinking exactly on that line! At home "date nights" and a few other adjustments. Because otherwise, I feel a bit bereft of my nice things!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134875 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 21:34:40 +0000 Angie 2134875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom,</b> however you are dressing now - in this pandemic and especially in the US where things are at its worst - is more than good enough! To <b>SarahD8's</b> point - it's a hard way to live at the moment, and it's okay to acknowledge that. Give yourself a style boost and permission over the weekend - and wear what is less practical and more fun. You are allowed to do that :)</p> <p>(Shadow styles can be both inspirational - and unhelpful if they exude an imaginary lifestyle. Tricky one).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>SarahD8</b>, HIGH FIVE. I find Summer dressing very easy too. I like the heat, dresses/skirts, and not wearing layers. Maybe we need to move to SoCal.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz,</b> sounds like you need to go back to dressy Saturday night date nights at home with Mr. Suz!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134872 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 21:16:42 +0000 Suz 2134872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahDB</b>, <b>so </b>with you on that. It's hard, even for those who have it "easy." It has changed our fashion needs along with so much else and it is just not easy to adjust. I am mulling on it now, though, thanks to this thread. Thanks for that, <b>Nemosmom!</b>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134867 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:28:56 +0000 SarahD8 2134867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I relate to this a lot, <b>nemosmom</b>, and it's something I've struggled with since long before the pandemic hit. In my case I feel that my authentic style tends to be quite detailed and layered (esp in cold seasons -- unlike some on the thread I find summer dressing SO much easier): a subtly patterned top, a cardi, a scarf to add an additional pattern, maybe even a necklace too. Maximal but not loud, iykwim. Well. All of that is just fussy and absurd for working from home. I'm going to sit there alone in my house and eat my reheated soup for lunch wearing my silk scarf????</p> <p>I did manage to address this a little bit (with my super-simple formula of skinnies/sweater tunic/a little bit of jewelry) but I'm not sure I really solved the issue fully. I think part of the problem is that my *lifestyle* is not authentic to me in a certain sense. Now, this is all a bit first-world problems and such, and I'm not saying we should all just whine and decide it's not resolvable and give up. But especially with the pandemic, I think it bears acknowledging that this is a hard way to live! We can do our best to make the best of it while also acknowledging that it is hard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134864 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:15:24 +0000 nemosmom 2134864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>FI - Jackets and other toppers come to mind. I used to wear them into the ground before I left SF. I wore them indoors for arctic A/C and outdoors for my very walkable OTG lifestyle. These days, there is no practical reason to wear them. I am home, working while family is sleeping, or taking care of the house/kids and catching up on work during the day. I fight with my beloved jeans when I sit at a desk all night.&nbsp; Shoes and bags I can live without. But, not my jackets. :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz - yes, a relocation can definitely throw a wrench in things. And, being parked at a desk at home doesn't help me look or feel fab. Acceptance is hard. Maybe I am just fighting that too much...</div><div><br /></div><div>Angie - you are right (as always)! I think I am dressing more practically now, but suspect when I acquired my practical pieces, they weren't necessarily those that I pre-qualified as authentic.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I wonder how much of the whole "shadow persona"<br /> factors into my frustration. I WANT to look far more fun/happy than I am these days. But how to do that in a practical way? Hmm. More thinking needed...<br /></div></div><div><br />Thank you everyone for chiming in as I wrestle with this!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134856 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:58:39 +0000 Suz 2134856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla</b>, that is so interesting about your retirement style being closer to your authentic self. Makes sense. Mind you, I expect very few people feel their most authentic in very strict business attire. Doesn't leave much room for creativity and fun. Although it has relaxed over the years in most fields, I guess...</p> <p>I think what's "authentic" is changing for me and I just haven't adjusted to the change yet. Will have to do some musing...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134851 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:35:43 +0000 Carla 2134851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scribbling away in my style journal...</p> <p>@suntiger - every word you wrote above is brilliant, especially that last line: &nbsp;“I do love my dressy things, but expected them to make up for a lot.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134843 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:00:59 +0000 Angie 2134843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom</b>, climate, lifestyle, and to some extent your environmental norms, can absolutely deter one from dressing authentically. It's a balance we have to manage. I would dress my most authentically in Southern California. It has the perfect weather for my sartorial preferences. Not all the rain and cold in Seattle :(</p> <p>That said, I'm with <b>Jenn</b> too. I don't feel authentic unless I'm comfortable and practically turned out. Hence sneakers almost daily for my walking lifestyle with doggie in tow, skirts and dresses that flow and move, hands-free crossbody bags, and a short practical 'do. Maybe you are dressing more authentically than you thought! Or your style has evolved from what you thought it was.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134838 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:40:22 +0000 nemosmom 2134838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Suntiger</b> - I can see how shifting <u>where</u> you spend your time would dictate what is practical; difficult to SUP in heels, but if anyone could do it, I bet it's you! ;)&nbsp; I think it's a great takeaway that you added gear in YOUR colors to make it authentic for you... when I spent last summer in gear out (at rainy/muddy soccer games out of practicality), I hated it. Maybe I need some more thinking here...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Liesbeth</b> - life is VERY unsexy at the moment. I feel like I need to UP my casual game somehow...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Carla </b>- I can see how conservative corporate attire would feel too stiff for what I associate with you. You are rocking retired life and I love following your style.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>unfrumped</b> - fit is definitely key. Especially when it comes to casual clothes.</p> <p><b>Roxanna</b> - YES! I went through the avatar exercise a while back.&nbsp; I remember creating a dressy/special occasion avatar, a winter, and a summer. I need to go back through and see what I can distill from them.<br /> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134833 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:27:58 +0000 Suz 2134833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh....this has long been an issue for me. In my case, the weather that interfered with my preferred or aspirational style was not summer, but <b>WINTER</b>. Argh. I won't even go into it all now. Dressing <i>authentically</i>&nbsp;or in a way that matched my style aspirations for my walking lifestyle in Ontario was <i>difficult.&nbsp;</i></p> <p>Then I moved west, and voila -- no problem! &nbsp;My style was in its happiest place. <i>What felt authentic was also, practical, and vice versa.&nbsp;</i></p> <p>Now -- pandemic hits, and I am back at square one. I spend my days at home, hiking, or gardening. Or working from my chair on a laptop. These are fine pursuits but the style of dress that's practical is much less dressy, structured, and uh, elegant than what feels most authentic to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have no answers, yet, except for a style evolution. I think what <b>suntiger </b>suggests is really the way to go -- figure out your new roles, how you need to dress for those, devise capsules for them that incorporate elements of your authentic or aspirational style. And accept that this is the new reality.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134831 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:18:47 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Heat is hard to deal with, for sure! The forum's help in dealing with it in another climate amazed me. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nemo, I don't understand your comment to me. What are the things that feel authentic to you that you find impractical?<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134824 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:54:34 +0000 unfrumped 2134824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This issue also is part of what I think I of as “ overlap garments”, or translation, or, reincarnation of an item into a new lifestyle. Sometimes, there is not that connection. </p> <p>Versus— “ if my tropical wool high waisted wide leg pants and boots with slight heel came back as casual wear , what would that look like?”<br /> — wide - leg high waisted cotton track pants worn long over my chunkiest tennis shoes.<br /> Or such as that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134816 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:32:06 +0000 Roxanna 2134816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@nemosmom - I realized with the help of Fabbers on another thread about my style avatars that my main avatars&nbsp; worked well for me for at work style, but I needed another avatar for weekend style (which has become pandemic style.) It still has to fit my moniker of Urban Luxe, but Urban Luxe means something very different to me when i'm running around with the kids on weekends than it does when I'm in the boardroom. The avatar I came up with was "NYC Yoga teacher off duty", which has been serving me well for my sophisticated athleisure look during pandemic - and it still feels authentic to me, just in a different way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134815 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:13:55 +0000 nemosmom 2134815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet/Lisa</b> - I totally get what you are saying. Summer is a PITA for me to dress for, even under non-pandemic circumstances. I don't really like dresses or shorts which eliminates 90% (or more) of summer attire for me. And with the pandemic still out-of-control here, I rarely leave home. That will likely eliminate the need to wear a large portion of my boots, outerwear, and accessories (my favorite pieces) this fall/winter.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>FI</b> - interesting. Maybe I am too high-maintenance for my lifestyle ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roxanna</b>/<b>Jenn</b> - you may be on to something. I need to figure out "my" version of practical. Without toppers and accessories to add that feeling of ME to an outfit, my day-to-day pieces feel dull and uninteresting. Hmm... <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134812 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:06:05 +0000 unfrumped 2134812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get this for sure. And I agree with the heat issue.<br /> I wonder if maybe people who wear dresses and sandals well— ix-nay on both, for me—can balance things pretty well with an assortment of those. </p> <p>My “ authentic style” was heavily skewed toward my work wardrobe for so long, based on a lot of tailored pants in fabrics like tropical wools- which gave drape but wore well, not limp or wrinkly— and sturdier knit tops, on the warmer side, lot of wool even for 8 mos of year. </p> <p>But, I did/ do have a kind of authentic casual style as well, which is a kind of balance between outdoor/ sport items and everyday items in washable fabrics, and often real running or training shoes —not because I’m such an athlete but because I often get better fit Longer shorts, woven shorts and pants fabrics, not much jeans( in summer. The biggest issue is not settling for poor fit — saggy here or there, too tight here, wrong curve to the legline in pants or shorts, or poorly fitting necklines, sleeves, wrong lengths in tops.<br /> A lot of these items are still practical but seem harder to acquire for some reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134811 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:52:02 +0000 Carla 2134811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Light bulb moment! &nbsp;NOW I get why I didn’t feel completely comfortable in a conservative work uniform, and felt more myself in my post retirement wardrobe! &nbsp;My ‘authentic’ self eschews structure, hard lines, and crispness - and embraces soft, weathered, and casual elements. &nbsp;It’s actually more where I place on a continuum, because I do have&nbsp;<i>some&nbsp;</i>structured garments, and things like shirt detailing (button downs and shirt dresses) and tailoring (trench coats) that&nbsp;<i>are&nbsp;</i>a part of my authentic style.&nbsp;</p> <p>Pandemic lifestyle hasn’t adversely affected my comfort with my clothes. &nbsp;I’m feeling pretty authentic in what is imminently practical ATM.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134809 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:51:36 +0000 Liesbeth 2134809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting that you of all people should say that, as from your pictures of your adventurer style I always thought you looked both practical and authentic. Like I would aspire to for my casual style. I do get it though; I feel a bit schizophrenic sometimes (exacerbated by the lockdown) because at this point my work clothes, that always felt more intentional and 'me', have started to feel inauthentic. Like 'what am I doung, playing dress up in polyester dress pants. But then again I am currently struggling with feeling bland just because circumstances are making life quite unsexy at the moment. Interested to hear others weigh in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134806 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:42:44 +0000 Anonymous 2134806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aside from the days I leave my neighborhood, and occasionally into town too, I'm wearing just gear. Now you all know that under normal circumstances I'm Mrs dressy- skirt/dress, heels, full makeup even on weekends. Seems a 180 turnaround.</p> <p>What makes my 2020 gear style authentic-ish is: I'm wearing my colors, choosing skorts instead of shorts, and still wearing some makeup. More importantly, I feel more authentic on the inside since I've been wfh and can spend more time outside. My quieter style reflects my current simpler life. I do love my dressy things, but expected them to make up for a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134805 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:29:54 +0000 Anonymous 2134805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Authentic and practical just do not happen in the same sentence in summer heat. &nbsp;For me, I mean. &nbsp;Very little of &nbsp;what I wear in the summer is flattering, or makes me feel good about myself . As Janet said, it is what it is and I'm over worrying about it. &nbsp; I'm able to exercise this option better in fall and winter, where &nbsp;my fondness for athletic style (I won't call it athleisure) is perfect for practicality and feeling absolutely authentic at the same time . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134804 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:27:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2134804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, a jacket, boots, and jeans aren't practical for the heat, but what else about that outfit seems impractical to you? Genuinely curious, because it sounds like what I'd describe to illustrate an eminently practical outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-practical-with-authentic-a-simpat-deep-think#post-2134803 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:21:44 +0000 Janet 2134803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Roxanna, I feel at odds with my preferred style during this time of extreme practicality. </p> <p>Summer has always been a time when I had to compromise on my style, and this summer is an even more extreme case, but at least not much of anyone sees me these days. It’s 95 degrees with oppressive humidity, and we are in the middle of a pandemic. My preferred style would be encapsulated by an outfit like this: a great leather jacket layered over an easy blouse, with full length bootcut jeans, kickass boots, and accessorized with items like a distinctive bag, patterned scarf, and statement ring. There is not one thing in that ensemble that comes near what I am wearing these days. These times are all about compromise, and my style has taken a nosedive for sure. I can’t even have great hair right now. So at the moment, I have no balance between those elements. It just is what it is right now. </p>