https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:25:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710233 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:16:42 +0000 unfrumped 710233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think it's paralyzing. It helps me because I do rely a lot on "essentials" and I actually want them to be as fab (in various ways) as a statement piece. </p> <p>For example, dress slacks of one or more kinds are essentials for me. The less good they are, however (not great fit or fabric), the less effective they are as a reliable "essential" because if you hesitate a bit to wear something, you start down the path of "I've got nothing to wear!" and so there's a virtual hole, if not a hole, in the wardrobe there. The better the essential, and the more it looks great every time, the less duplicates of it I need ( enough to avoid roadblocks or style a bit differently and have a few core neutrals, or whatever). </p> <p>Further, if I don't want my wardrobe to get boring or to be over-populated with one style so that I'm not as able to try something new, I can get better at identifying my current essentials and see if I'm good there, so can direct some effort and $$ at, say, statement piece or accessories or just wait to see if next year's "essentials" will shift a bit in style (like the cut and length of knit tops, or something).</p> <p>I'm seeing that I'm buying some items that might LOOK different but are functioning like essentials. I guess that sounds funny, but I mean, at some point tops and bottoms are a kind of uniform and you might have a lot of different colors and patterns but have not really had an effect on your "style" or may have just expanded the capsules in one life area without fixing holes in another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710211 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:57:34 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 710211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April - I was just thinking of some of those all-black signature looks the men sport. Let's be honest, there's nothing that earth shattering about the black turtlenecks Jobs used to sport - it's more that he ALWAYS wore them...so I guess for people wondering if their "boring" this or that is a signature, I think the answer is yes - but it can still be stylish! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710206 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:53:01 +0000 RoseandJoan 710206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Signature pieces can be basic, essential or statement in my opinion. For example if you wear the same model of bra every day it can become part of your signature even though it is reserved for your eyes and your SO only.</p> <p>Signatures are also wider than your clothing, in your instance MPJ your curly hair and glasses form part of your signature.</p> <p>From a personal perspective I have a signature scent, signature colour palette and signature prints which are present from my base layers to my statement pieces.</p> <p>I would also say not every look requires a statement piece in the same way not every sentence requires an exclamation mark or emoticon.</p> <p>ETA -posted at the same time as April </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710197 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:49:12 +0000 April 710197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, "signature" pieces.</p> <p>This is no official definition, but I personally think of "signature" as more of a look that someone is known for because they almost always wear it. Michael Kors wears jeans, black tees, and black jackets. That's his signature look. Johnny Cash's head to toe black was his signature look. Steve Jobs' black turtlenecks -- signature. (Hmm -- it's beginning to seem like it's mainly men who have signature looks, and that they tend to involve a lot of black.) Remember Nancy Reagan's cardinal red suits and dresses? Signature. Likewise Tammy Faye Baker's extremely heavy makeup and Diana Vreeland's blazing red lipstick.</p> <p>Angie almost always wears her specs, and they're always statement specs -- no rimless Silhouettes for our Angie! So I would say statement specs are a signature for Angie. </p> <p>But a signature has to be somewhat distinctive or specific to be a signature. "I always wear shoes," or "I always carry a handbag" is not a signature. But if you only wear purple shoes or your handbag is always a wild print -- signature.</p> <p>Just thinking out loud... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710088 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:45:32 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 710088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>R&amp;J I really like your descriptions...where do signature pieces come in, and how do they relate to essentials or statements? I feel like my outfits are 99% essential, and 1% statement or signature (oversized watch). I am please with how my fall wardrobe is coming along, but I feel like it's mainly essentials (well chosen, but still, not show-stopping statement pieces). Does every outfit need a statement piece? I wear my watch with everything - does that make it a signature piece? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710048 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:58:30 +0000 Parsley 710048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been following this discussion with great interest!<br /> In trying to apply this to my own style, I've concluded that I've always had the basics and essentials pretty well covered, but prior to YLF I had been completely lacking in statement pieces. </p> <p>I was always trying to be practical, and would invariably choose the most basic and unadorned version of any wardrobe item, thinking that it would be the most versatile. While building blocks are necessary, they make for a really boring wardrobe if there's no "spice" added with some statement pieces. My wardrobe was almost exclusively black, gray, and PLAIN when I came to YLF.</p> <p>Now I can see why I was so bored with my wardrobe: I wasn't allowing myself to add statement pieces, because I didn't think they were "practical". It seems so obvious now, but I really didn't get it. </p> <p>Gradually, with the help of Angie and all you wonderful YLFers, I'm working on adding some fun and excitement to my wardrobe, and it is way more enjoyable to get dressed now!</p> <p>I think it IS helpful to break things down to the most basic terminology, because sometimes even the most seemingly obvious concepts aren't obvious until you analyze them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-710022 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:21:45 +0000 Angie 710022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Between April, Suz, Jules and everyone else, you've sorted it out! I'm impressed :)</p> <p>Zap and Mary, your style intuition seems to be in the right spot. Mary, watch those excess thrifted purchases though! </p> <p>Tara, the fact that you aren't just wearing black from head to toe is a HUGE evolutionary deal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709931 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 08:28:30 +0000 RoseandJoan 709931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I LOVE this type of discussion and because I love a metaphor and often remember details using imagery here is my interpretation.</p> <p>Basics - your base layer or foundation garments are often hidden from view but without these pieces your style will topple down.<br /> Essentials - these are the building blocks of your style.<br /> Statements - these are the final flourishes which complete your look and set it apart.</p> <p>You may be building a three bedroom detached house or a penthouse, you are the architect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709893 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 06:22:17 +0000 fashionista 709893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much all ladies for these beautiful advices. Thanks Angie for sharing this with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709825 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 04:10:27 +0000 Caro in Oz 709825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By George I've got it!!! I'm laughing because on so many psych tests I come out equal parts intuitive/analytical &amp; now I get this because I read April &amp; Suz' posts one after the other.......not only was I confusing basic &amp; essential but also statement &amp; signature.<br /> If anyone feels inclined I'd love your take on when, say a jacket (which is an essential for a lot of us ) is an essential &amp; when is it a statement? Is it entirely down to the cut/colour/shape? Or is it to do with the wearer too? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709785 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:57:48 +0000 cheryl 709785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another one that isn't really concerned with the terminology but very much enjoy these discussions anyway, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709781 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:51:37 +0000 fern 709781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it - I think a lightbulb went on for me with this thread. Plus, I love vocabulary.<br /> I didn't respond to the wardrobe essentials blog post or Diana's thread because I was confused by the word "essential" used with a wardrobe-specific meaning but now... I get it.</p> <p>(Suz, I am the pear-shaped shopper in your number 2 above who has given up on finding jeans even though they would be an essential for me - more skirts it is!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709777 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:49:26 +0000 Brain of Jen 709777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What, you guys don't have statement underwear? ;p</p> <p>Thanks for the clarification on this Angie, makes total sense. And April, I loved your analogy, that will definitely help me keep the terms straight in my head! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709772 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:35:32 +0000 Suz 709772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, I love your intuitive spin on Angie's categories. </p> <p>Here's a slight adaptation, riffing off yours: </p> <p>1. Agree absolutely that if you need it, find it boring to shop for, but really can't get dressed without it, it's a basic. (However, we must make allowances for the fact that some women actually like pretty lingerie and enjoy shopping for same. Their underwear remains a basic...however pretty and expensive it is.) </p> <p>2. Here, going with your description, I worry that people who struggle with fit issues might not see themselves. A woman who finds jeans, for example, difficult to fit, yet wears them four times a week. She might even resent spending money on them! Yet they are essential to her life and her style. Typically people in this situation will search for a replacement article of clothing that fits them better and works as well for their lives. So a pretty pear who struggles with denim fit might switch to casual skirts. But sometimes that's just not possible. The item remains essential. </p> <p>3. A statement item might actually fill a need. For instance, some of my jackets are what passes for statement items (for boring me). I NEED those layering pieces in the cooler months where I live. Yeah, I could wear a woollen sack instead, but since I have to layer with something, it might as well express what I want (if I can find that). </p> <p>Otherwise, I totally agree with what you say. Those items that call out to us in mysterious ways are usually statements....either that or....</p> <p>4. They are essentials that have the potential to become SIGNATURE items. We've all agreed that a white button down is an Angie "signature" item. A jacket, in addition to being a F/W essential and sometimes a statement to me, is also something of a signature. I rarely feel dressed without one. </p> <p>I think people can also have signature silhouettes (fit and flare -- oops, hope I am imagining that correctly! or long over lean) and signature colours (I associate Angie and Rae with sour brights and Deb with black and white and ink blue and red.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709762 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 02:13:22 +0000 Jaime 709762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread - I love definitions and new way to think about things. April, I love your additional viewpoint too! Now only to apply all this great information... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709752 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:46:24 +0000 DeniseP 709752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, LOVE this analogy and can definitely relate!<br /> Now, do you have a word for describing a signature piece, which I understand to be different from the statement piece? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709704 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:08:24 +0000 catgirl 709704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, April you are brilliant coming at it from the reverse angle - not is it a Basic/Essential/Statement - but rather how one feels about it defines what it is to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709699 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:06:17 +0000 April 709699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been quiet, but following the statement/basic/essential discussions with great interest.</p> <p>If I may, here's another way to think about it, in case you're not particularly analytical about clothing and terminology but have an easier time judging by how you feel.</p> <p>If you definitely need it, but it's semi-boring to shop for and you don't find it that exciting to spend any of your clothing budget on it, it's *probably* a Basic.</p> <p>If you definitely need it, but you love shopping for it and you never mind spending any of your budget on it and know you'll wear it constantly, it's *probably* an Essential -- for you. (Essentials are, by definition, "for you" items.)</p> <p>If you don't "need" it but it says something strong about the way you want to look, if it maybe makes you slightly nervous and you're not sure it will get tons of wear but you know that when you wear it, it will be a "wow" -- it's *probably* a Statement.</p> <p>I stress the "probably" part since I'm sure there are exceptions to ever generality, but those are my thoughts on how these categories might play out in the realm of emotion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709658 Sun, 02 Sep 2012 00:14:18 +0000 velvetychocolate 709658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack! I think Angie might be describing me here:</p> <p>"They make wardrobe mistake after wardrobe mistake, waste a lot of time and money - and are still as frustrated as ever with the entire style thing. So understanding the "boxes" as Mary calls them can greatly assist them :)."</p> <p>There's so much good stuff to learn in these threads - and I'm one of those who really appreciate knowing what all the boxes/categories are. While I don't have retail experience, I also thought of basics as socks, undies, bras, hose, pj's etc. The most useful discussion lately has been the concept of "wardrobe essentials" - it really helped me understand *why* I've struggled so much coming up with a proper wardrobe, let alone trying to figure out what my style might be. I've got lots of clothes, but too many orphans/mistakes and I'm just now realizing that part of my 'problem' is not paying much attention to the so-called essentials, or being very short on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-709634 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 23:24:16 +0000 Caro in Oz 709634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I realise I've been using the term "basic" when I really mean an essential (to me).</p> <p>I thought I was following this thread until Angie wrote: "In fact, my Essentials make a statement for my minimalist style (which is even more confusing because they are not statement pieces!!)." I really want to understand this.</p> <p>1. What is the difference between an essential &amp; a statement piece - or is this question too simplistic?</p> <p>2.Can a statement piece morph into an essential, as Shiny seems to suggest on alaskagirls thread?</p> <p>Any help would be appreciated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709614 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:44:04 +0000 tarzy 709614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whatever they're called, I'm at the point where know what I like and I know what looks good on me. But I sometimes wonder if I'm in a rut? I have no desire at all to try the BF jean, high low hems, or the shoe du jour. </p> <p>I'm happy as a clam with a closet filled with Paige Hidden Hills, BR blazers and Frye boots. I am experimenting with color now, but my basic shapes are staying the same. Am I not evolving, or have I just found my style? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709590 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:52:18 +0000 MsMary 709590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thank you for the explanation! I actually spend a fair amount of time thinking about my wardrobe and the pieces I need to round it out, and whether I have what I need for all foreseeable events. So I don't use words like "Basics" or "Essentials," but I definitely carry a list around in my head that says things like "I really need a purple blazer" or "I am short on no-line panties" or "My off-white pumps are getting ratty -- time to be on the lookout for some replacements." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709573 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:58:56 +0000 Tina 709573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely agree with your explanation of this, Angie. Thank you! I find the more I learn about fashion/style and dressing in general, the better equipped I am to make informed decisions. This makes total sense to me and puts another piece of the puzzle in it's rightful place.<br /> I actually spent a fair amount of time this spring filling 'basic' holes. These, to me are the least fun to shop for but the most important, IMO. I also found it to be fairly time consuming but I did manage to do a thorough job:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709551 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:05:15 +0000 Isabel 709551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>May I just refer to my "clothes" from now on ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709535 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:24:18 +0000 catgirl 709535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, again you are a wise woman! However, because my usual "go with the flow" approach has not served me well in my wardrobe, I feel I need a more rigorous, analytical approach to keep me on track. I'm a gambler at heart, and the rules are the only way to keep me from going all in, all the time. </p> <p>The other thing is that I'm not feeling paralyzed by terminology; it's fun for me to contemplate and keeps me engaged. </p> <p>Back when I was writing screenplays I learned that the format for screenwriting is very rigid. But once you learned the discipline of the structured format, you actually were forced to be extra-creative within those constraints. That's the kind of rigor I'm looking to instill in myself. Same with poetry - endless options within the haiku! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709533 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:19:54 +0000 Transcona Shannon 709533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Completely makes sense - whatever works for each person is the way to go </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709529 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:17:10 +0000 Anonymous 709529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You make much sense, Angie. I just feel paralyzed by trying to articulate all of these terms when it pertains to me. Could I use more discipline then? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709503 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:56:03 +0000 Angie 709503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Shannon. That makes sense. You find it easier to cut to the core of the matter by working out "item-outfit-capsule" without breaking it down theoretically. You have been blessed with that skill - but many are not as lucky as you. They make wardrobe mistake after wardrobe mistake, waste a lot of time and money - and are still as frustrated as ever with the entire style thing. So understanding the "boxes" as Mary calls them can greatly assist them :). I hope that makes sense too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709498 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:49:22 +0000 Transcona Shannon 709498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Point taken Angie! I suppose I don't mean I don't care about the terminology so much as breaking down whether something is called a basic vs an essential vs a statement piece isn't as important as knowing what I need and how it will complete my wardrobe. Does that make any sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-are-not-wardrobe-essentials#post-709495 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:45:22 +0000 Angie 709495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie, you are a very cute lady :)</p> <p>Una, no need to grovel! I'm glad that you brought up the subject. And "Staples" is an excellent word. Yes to your question about cardigans. </p> <p>Vildy, I will make triple sure I never mix up my A-lines and fit-and-flares. </p>