https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:21:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755487 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 19:37:56 +0000 Ginger 1755487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>El Cee</b>, that's a wonderful selection! Good idea about leopard print. I have <i>never </i>been drawn to animal prints of any kind, but they do tend toward refined designs.</p> <p><b>Sara</b>, that's a good reminder about burgundy; I wear a fair amount of it and just the little bit of color is good for breaking up the black expanse. I think I see some gray tights at Kohl's that I hope to buy this weekend.</p> <p><b>Helen11</b>, that's a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, though. I find most hose/tights quite comfortable if the fit is right, but when layered they feel very tight at the toes and waist. So I think I'd prefer not to do that. But occasionally a top layer can be loose enough for it to work. Thank you!</p> <p><b>Joy</b>, I think I had some denim blue tights... I'm not sure if I still have them. I had a pair of forest green from the same line and one of them had a big split in the seam, though the fit was still fairly decent. </p> <p><b>L'Abeille</b>, ribbed tights might work. It's a matter of finding a size and fabrication that's pleasing. A lot of the "sweater tights" I've had were loose and saggy, and did not recover stretch very well. Brogues tend to look overly casual (or Millenial) to me, but perhaps I don't have the right type of shoe in mind. Patterned tights are a good idea. I'll keep an eye out for some of those.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755480 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 19:29:08 +0000 Ginger 1755480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, funny you should mention navy and cognac! Yesterday I wore a navy dress and tall black boots. Instead of black tights, I wore semi-opaque navy. It's very shadowed in the pictures, unfortunately. Then in the evening, I changed shoes to my one pair in cognac, some menswear oxfords. It felt extremely casual, and slightly off, though perfectly comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755429 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 16:45:45 +0000 L'Abeille 1755429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe this doesn't quite fit with your ladylike presentation, but ribbed or cabled tights in grey, burgundy, forest green. Women in the 40s would have worn these with brogue or ankle high booties I think. Laces and a bit of a heel.</p> <p>Also maybe too tweedy for your style, but I would love some Fair Isle or Nordic patterned tights (subtle, such as grey and white). That is what would tie your white booties and black skirt together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755407 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 15:23:40 +0000 Anonymous 1755407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Helen's suggestion of wearing nude hose under patterned like microfishnets for more warmth.&nbsp; How about sheer black for a less heavy look.&nbsp; I agree that you should definitely get some cognac footwear.to bookend your hair.&nbsp; back when I wore tights, I liked navy with a navy dress or denim skirt.&nbsp; You may even be able to find denim blue stockings.&nbsp; I used to have some and wore them to death.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755359 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:25:39 +0000 Helen11 1755359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it possible to wear nude hose underneath patterned tights, for an extra bit of warmth?<br />I'm in the tropics and really have no idea about cold. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755191 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:26:48 +0000 Sara L. 1755191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm following this post with interest.&nbsp; I've had many of the same issues with tights and shoes that you have.&nbsp; I get sick of black, but then find colors too juvenile.&nbsp; I've found that I like some colors like olive and burgundy when worn with tall boots so only a small piece of the color is showing.&nbsp; I also wear grey tights quite frequently with black boots (too hard to match grey tights and grey boots) for a somewhat lighter look.&nbsp; I could use more options too though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755180 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:05:48 +0000 El Cee 1755180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean about cognac and camel footwear often being more RATE or distressed, and not in keeping with your lovely, ladylike style. But I have seen some refined pieces out there. Just for example, below are a few from Nordstrom. It might be worth the hunt. Leopard might also be nice as it would look great with some pretty black patterned hose.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1755171 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:13:29 +0000 Ginger 1755171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla</b>, my hair isn't dark; it's in that vast middle ground between blonde and brunette. Cognac is actually an excellent bookending color. The description of your fellow commutor is really inspiring, as are the pictures. I don't really have tweedy textures, but that way of tying all the colors together is a favorite.</p> <p><b>La Ped</b>, metallics are a brilliant idea! I just ordered 4 pair of pewter shoes from ASOS in the last of the 30% off sale.</p> <p>Spot on, <b>El Cee</b>. My hair pretty much is cognac-colored. Much cognac footwear is too RATE or distressed for my style; I prefer more refined, simple lines and even textures. But it's something to keep an eye out for.</p> <p><b>Anne</b>, I wear nude hose in fall and spring when it's not too hot, and I have some pearly pale pink shoes that look very close to nude for me. I love the look, but I do want something warmer for much of the winter.</p> <p><b>Kiwi Sally</b>, I don't think tights will be too hard to come by. Kohl's is looking pretty good, and there's always Sock Dreams and We Love Colors. The trick is finding colored tights that are more than a one-trick-pony.&nbsp; It drives me crazy to have items that can only be worn with one item.</p> <p>Yep, that's it, <b>Alassë</b>. I'm trying to identify the issue and come up with ways to address it <i>before </i>I reach that point this winter. Otherwise I'll just buy things because I'm desperate for a change, and they may not be the best purchases.</p> <p><b>Gigi</b>, you get it! Good ideas, too.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have some dark gray ribbed tights, but they don't fit well, so I don't wear them. (This has to be part of the frustration: Tights definitely don't fit consistently, and they're rarely returnable.) But it's silly not to try other ribbed tights just because of that!<br /> Thanks to La Ped I ordered some pewter shoes, so here's hoping some of them work.</p> <p>And also from that, I can figure out if my "eye" will like the silver boots with tights. I know I love the fit and feel and look objectively, but they need to get plenty of wear if I'm going to make that investment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754971 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:02:54 +0000 Gigi 1754971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a tough question. I too get tired of the sea of black footwear and black tights in the winter. My suggestion was going to be textured tights, but you've already got that covered. If you find that they're not warm enough on the coldest days, you could buy a pair of lightweight silk long underwear and wear the silks over the top of the tights until you get to work. I find that silk underwear doesn't cling to tights as much as leggings cling, so there is less risk of creating a run in the tights.</p> <p>Sometimes you can find ribbed tights, which might be thicker and warmer than some of the other patterns out there. But they will also be less interesting looking.</p> <p>I like your idea of gray footwear. That would allow you to get a lot of use out of the black legwear that you already have.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the idea of the silver boots that you showed. That would be very stylish, IMO. Do you like over-the-knee boots? That would be another silhouette you could try as well--although if you wear longer skirts, the OTK style might be pointless since it will be hidden. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754930 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 03:14:28 +0000 Alassë 1754930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get the same "tired of dark" feelings every winter, just with dark brown tights/shoes/skirts. Shoe &amp; skirt variety definitely help, as do patterned/ neutral-color skirts so that not everything is dark. I think your lace tights idea would be good to try as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754904 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 01:52:06 +0000 Sal 1754904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Carla's ideas and pictures, in particular the last one! &nbsp;I think finding the tights can be tricky but in the US it is probably better...</p> <p>Tall cognac boots would also be great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754896 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 01:17:28 +0000 anne 1754896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have really enjoyed getting a pair of Nude coloured shoes which I wear with Nude stockings - I always used to wear black too.&nbsp; Is that an option?</p> <p></p> <p>I love the sound of silver boots, and also the outfits Carla is describing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754893 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 01:13:37 +0000 El Cee 1754893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing Runcarla -- Cognac footwear looks fabulous paired with colorful tights. As I recall, you have dark blonde hair, so cognac shoes might also work well for "bookending" purposes.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754888 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 01:00:52 +0000 LaPed 1754888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thoughts were metallic footwear and textured tights. If lace is too chilly, maybe ribbed or basketweave would be worth checking out. Silver shoes might feel too bright, but what about pewter or bronze? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754885 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:49:47 +0000 Carla 1754885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cognac brogues work well with coloured tights (wine, teal, olive, grey, mustard) and tweedy skirts, or plain skirts and striped or country/folk knits with lots of colours. Since your hair is so dark, you might try a dark brown brogue or loafer.</p> <p>There is a very stylish woman who takes my train. In winter she does matching booties and tights with pencil skirts and turtlenecks. Her tights match her booties - maroon, brown, grey. Her skirt is tweedy, and her turtleneck picks up the colour of her lower half, or a complimentary colour from her skirt. She has short dark hair with burgundy highlights.<br /> She often wears snug leather jackets, but when it gets really cold, she wears a below knee wool shawl collared coat tied at the waist. I think she is a law clerk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754842 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:22:49 +0000 rachylou 1754842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thought was grey...because that's what I've done...moved from black to grey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bored-with-ffbo-understructure#post-1754840 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:19:56 +0000 Ginger 1754840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In cool weather, my work outfits are based on black footwear and hosiery. This works with dresses of all lengths and top/skirt combinations. I do like it; it's sleek and sophisticated. Black opaque tights have more comfort, warmth, and durability for daylong wear. The combination downplays the shortness of some skirts on my long legs. And it simplifies outfit creation.</p> <p>And yet, the visual weight and darkness starts to get to me several months in.<br /> I get tired of the same few pairs of shoes, too. I'd like to lighten it up, but efforts in the past haven't been outstanding successes:</p> <p>I've tried adding color in tights, shoes, and sometimes skirts. But it's tricky with shoes; I have a paranoia of looking stuck in the 80s (black tights + white shoes). And bright shoes draw attention, while dark shoes are too low contrast. The same goes for tights. Brights and most patterns feel too circus-y and juvenile, and darks are boring. I do love having non-black skirts. A forest green skater skirt was a workhorse last year. But I'm picky about fit and coordination, so it's extremely hard to find these.</p> <p>Mulling this over once more, I've come up with some new refinements. I'm having a hard time visualizing some of them, though, and I'd appreciate any other ideas or inspiration.</p> <p><u>Vary Up the Black</u></p> <p>Part of my dissatisfaction last year was having only 2 pair of black shoes/boots that I really enjoyed wearing. I've added black pumps and tall black suede boots with heels, plus some fabric flats that are strappy but with closed toes.</p> <p>I'm also trying to vary my black skirt collection. In addition to the black skater skirt, I acquired a basic black "swing" skirt and 1950s quilted circle skirt. I also just ordered a black faux leather skirt with a hi-lo hem from ASOS. (Pockets!) I'm hoping the variation in length and texture will help.</p> <p><u>Textured Legware</u></p> <p>Before, I focused on color. What about varying instead the texture and pattern, but keeping it black? Sock Dreams has some dense lace/crocheted tights in black. They aren't as warm as solid tights, but they're comfortable and durable. I would do these with all but the shortest skirts.</p> <p><u>Careful Color</u></p> <p>I realized that when I was incorporating color into the formula before, I used COLOR. Instead, what about focusing on my neutrals: white, true gray and cream (neither by my face), and navy. (My colors are jewel-toned, or tints just a tiny bit softer than jeweled-toned. Not muddy, not grayed, not yellowed. Neutrals with brown in them tend to not play nicely. Cognac alone might mix in well, but I'm not particularly drawn to that look/style.)</p> <p>Initial ideas:<br />- cream-colored tights with texture (so they don't look like skin)<br />- true gray tights if I can find them<br />- silver or true gray footwear<br />- navy footwear (v. hard to find)</p> <p>I tried to find some white Chelsea boots last year, but in my mind's eye it looked too stark with black skirts. I can't think of a leg color that would smooth that transition appropriately.</p> <p>I saw some silver Aquatalia tall boots from the same line as my black ones. A pair showed up on ebay, and I saw them once on "sale" for about what I paid for the black ones. I know now that I love the fit and comfort, but I'm having a hard time visualizing them with various colors of hosiery.</p> <p>I'm having a hard time finding inspiration pics of non-black equivalents like this. Everything is black+black, with the occasional cognac+black and gray+gray. </p> <p>Thoughts? Ideas? </p>