YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Basics, basics, and more basics!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Basics, basics, and more basics! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:45:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php smittie on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2096983 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:34:12 +0000 smittie 2096983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for these reviews! The bombas socks are tempting. Stagiaire Fash on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2096790 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 21:56:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2096790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally agree with you that having these pieces in order and feeling right is very satisfying. On the silk long johns, I have some from LL Bean that are older than my son that would still be perfect if they hadn't been discolored in the laundry. They feel a little stiff; I don't remember that in the beginning, so it's probably also due to a laundry error. I also have a set from Winter Silks that have a leopard pattern. They are not quite as old as he is, but are still in great shape, are stretchy and look good. LaPed on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2096482 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 15:01:21 +0000 LaPed 2096482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wrote a nice, long reply earlier this week and it got eaten by a bad internet connection! :( Some further thoughts on the silk pieces. They still look like new; no pills or snags, so that's good. I've worn them probably half a dozen times this month and washed them once. We've had a mix of brutally cold days and unseasonably mild ones, so it's a total crapshoot as to whether I'm actually comfortable on any given day. These are lightweight enough that I don't mind having them on under my clothes indoors. The pointelle seems to make them extra breathable. Karen13, re: your question, that also means I probably wouldn't wear it as a standalone top because it is a bit sheer. The scoop neck means it's nicely invisible under just about any top. I wouldn't mind a crewneck version for when it's really cold!  My long johns when I was a teen were mostly old LL Bean and Lands End (probably not silk, as I recall!), and they drove me nuts because they were sooo high-rise and all the pants available then were very low (late 90s/early 00s). As soon as I could afford to, I replaced them with low-rise Patagonia Capilene. But now that nearly that all my pants are high-rise, the LLBean style is perfect. Everything comes back around... The Bombas socks are super, super comfy. They are a little stretchier and softer than Darn Tough, Fox River, or Smartwool. And seem to run a bit larger than those brands. I will probably keep them for casual wear because I don't think they would hold up to a backpacking trip. But maybe they'll prove me wrong... Jenn, re: Carve Designs, I've been wearing their swimsuits for years and will vouch for their quality. They hold up well to both salt and chlorine and of all the brands I've tried they are the most consistently functional *and* flattering. Really good colours and prints too, especially if, like me, you're not interested in florals and tropical brights. My old set from six or seven years ago was made in the USA; these new pieces from 2019 are made in China, which is a bit of a bummer, but it doesn't seem the quality has changed at all. Prior to trying out Carve, I was wearing Patagonia swimwear and had trouble with inconsistent fabric quality -- but that was, like, a decade ago, so they may have improved since then. Karen13, re: Oiselle vs Icebreaker, it's been a long time since I tried Icebreaker's version, and at that time they only had boyshorts and bikinis, neither or which fit me right. I've never had the Hipkini but it looks promising! The only reason I haven't tried the Siren bralette is that it doesn't have convertible straps. I love being able to unhook the straps and switch them to crossback so they work under racerback tank tops. All of my old Ibex merino had convertible straps, so now it's a feature I look for in replacements. I like how these purchases have set the bar high for not compromising on colour this year. I just got a pair of lightweight gloves from Boden in their yummy "conker" colour. They look great with all my outerwear and make me very happy. Perfect fit too, and a great price: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/ribbed-gloves-conker-chalky-pink"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/ribbed-gloves-conker-chalky-pink/sty-a0605-brn?cat=C2_S2">https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us.....?cat=C2_S2</a> karen13 on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095325 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:27:57 +0000 karen13 2095325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those all look great. I always love your recommendations because the gear and ethos often fits in with my life. If you run across any merino/silk that is too short in the arms, p.m. me! I am also very interested in a review of the silk items. I am curious to know about odor, durability, and if the tops might work as a warm weather single layer if I sized up. I’m always looking for sun protection that is covering but not stifling. How does the OISelle compare to the icebreaker siren hipkini and bra? The hipkini is my all-time favorite and icebreaker brought it back last year after discontinuing, after many requests from many customers Jenn on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095316 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:05:30 +0000 Jenn 2095316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The idea of having basics in the same the colors as your wardrobe is wonderful! Why shouldn't they make you happy to look at, even if no one else sees them? Also, I LOVE that swimsuit. Love. Elizabeth P on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095313 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:00:25 +0000 Elizabeth P 2095313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I think it's great that you pay time and attention to your basics.  And gear.  I love gear :)</div><div> </div><div>Would love a report on the silk long johns once you've had a chance to put them through their paces. </div> Suz on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095303 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 16:33:29 +0000 Suz 2095303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These sound like really satisfying purchases. I am with you on trying to make the gear capsule and basics coordinate with other wardrobe items -- it's a good feeling.  I might have to try those Bombas socks -- they look terrific!  If it is any help, I had a set of the LLBean silk pointelle long underwear for years and years. I actually bought it for my mother at first because her skin was very dry and sensitive as she aged. She used it for a long time and then I took it over.  I still have the pants part but haven't been wearing them because I don't really need in this climate.  Anonymous on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095302 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 16:28:42 +0000 Anonymous 2095302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like your colors, and big yes to coordinating with the rest of your wardrobe! SarahD8 on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095275 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:28:20 +0000 SarahD8 2095275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous! You are truly a woman with her priorities in order. The care and organization here makes me very happy. I recently did a basics edit/assessment and I have to say -- having done one a year earlier (when Angie issued a challenge) really served me well. It was so much quicker and easier this time. Great example of put in the effort --> reap the rewards. Angie on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095246 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:45:28 +0000 Angie 2095246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YAY!  Love that you gave Basics time and attention. Looks great, and I bet it's very satisfying too. Jane on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095215 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:23:33 +0000 Jane 2095215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How satisfying to have a coordinated palate of colours for both underwear/basics and your wardrobe. They look lovely items. I can’t imagine it being so cold that long johns are a necessity. But wearing a pair of silk evening gloves (!) under some gloves when cycling did mean that my fingers were toasty so I can imagine you will be warm. Bijou on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095214 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:17:36 +0000 Bijou 2095214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ La Ped, you are always such good style inspiration. My wardrobe is in a happy place where I can focus on upgrading and replacing my basics. Doing so with items that I enjoy (like a variety of colours) will make them feel far more special than my drawers of nude and black underwear. Cardiff girl on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095177 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 22:07:01 +0000 Cardiff girl 2095177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s cool that you co ordinate your undergarments to the rest of your wardrobe.l know someone who always matches her hair accessories to her underwear,she says it makes her feel properly put together. Jules on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095172 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 21:13:25 +0000 Jules 2095172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also a fan of the LL bean silk long johns, at least as they were made 20 years ago Nice to see they are still available. nemosmom on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095169 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:49:53 +0000 nemosmom 2095169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>What a great haul, LaPed! Love that you put a lot of thought into your additions. I am taking notes!</div><div> </div> Anonymous on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095158 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:34:53 +0000 Anonymous 2095158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YAY.   kkards on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095156 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:24:11 +0000 kkards 2095156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also prefer basics in my core color palette, it just makes life easy. Bombas socks are on my try list, so it’s nice to read your review Anonymous on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095138 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 18:03:59 +0000 Anonymous 2095138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love my old LLBean silk long johns and wear the neutral beige or black all the time. Those may be some basics I should consider replacing. My sister , who lives in Chicago, wanted colored ones for Christmas. Mine go on almost every trip as pjs and possible warm layer. rachylou on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095137 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 18:03:35 +0000 rachylou 2095137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good recs! You have to report back in on the silk. I never really felt warm enough with the set I had... which is ironic, because I avoid silk in summer because I think it’s hot... ChrisM on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095134 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:54:27 +0000 ChrisM 2095134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have old old old LL Bean silk longjohns and love them - didn’t realize the come in colors now - am off to take a look! Carla on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095133 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:48:21 +0000 Carla 2095133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thumbs up to mix and match swim separates and co-ordinating underwear with clothes colours!  I appreciate your deliberate acquisition of basics. slim cat on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095128 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:11:38 +0000 slim cat 2095128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks so pretty - great colors combo. I love the idea of silk long johns - my skin is sensitive as well. Your swim separates collection sounds like a dream - lucky find! elpgal on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095125 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 16:57:02 +0000 elpgal 2095125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That’s quite the haul. Agree completely on getting basics in your preferred colors. I have been slowly doing that with pink, burgundy and navy and it makes me very happy. LaPed on "Basics, basics, and more basics!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/basics-basics-and-more-basics#post-2095123 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 16:50:21 +0000 LaPed 2095123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've spent the last couple of months taking advantage of holiday sales and discounts to fill a variety of basics needs. Unlike some, I *love* shopping for basics and gear. Because I'm usually looking for merino, silk, and technical synthetics, I put a good chunk of my budget into these purchases (they're also the things I'm least likely to buy secondhand). I find these purchases satisfying because they go into rotation immediately and see lots of use. Bombas merino socks -- knee and crew. I took advantage of a promo code to try out this popular brand. With so many cropped pants and jeans in my wardrobe, I find I’ve been wearing out all my tall socks. The knee socks do a good job of staying up compared to other brands I've tried and are nice and warm. I couldn’t resist the crew socks because the colour is really pretty (the crew version of the burgundy knee socks below) and a good match for my burgundy boots. Oiselle merino bralette and briefs. I bought a pair of these briefs several years ago and really like the fit, so I was excited when I saw the matching set go on sale and decided to grab it while it was still available in my size. LL Bean pointelle silk long johns. I looked at these for months before buying them with one of the reams of coupons LL Bean sends me. Only time will tell how well they hold up compared to synthetic and merino, but they are much more tolerable for my eczema-prone arms and legs. And very pretty. :) Carve Designs swim separates. I was at a sporting goods store looking for ice skates for DS and found a clearance rack of last year’s swimwear. I’ve been wanting a bikini bottom for a while (to switch things up from my usual boyshorts), and found one in the same print as a racerback bikini top I bought last year. I also picked up a cross-back bikini top in a really pretty bronze colour, so I now have a four-piece mix-and-match swim capsule in colours that I really love (bronze top, black boyshorts, black/white/rust plaid top and bottoms). Incredibly high happiness factor for very little $$. One of my goals over the past year or two has been to buy basics in the same colour palette as the rest of my wardrobe. I feel much happier and more pulled-together, even though these are often the least visible parts of an outfit.