https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:50:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964435 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:34:45 +0000 cindysmith 1964435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't keep white things white. Occasionally, I find one in my closet and I wonder how on earth I let that creep in, and away it goes. Nice work with your edit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964269 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:26:29 +0000 Suz 1964269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really useful post! I would have thought as a "light summer" you'd love and wear white -- and here I learn otherwise. I think you're coming to some excellent recognitions. Perhaps you will end up using white the way I use black (and, for that matter, white!) in my own wardrobe -- more as an "accent" than as a core neutral. For me, white *is* a core neutral in summer, but not in winter. And black is always and only an accent colour.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am with <b>Angie </b>entirely in her recommendations. Keep 2 jeans if you don't wear them often, the nicer skirt and jacket and the crepe pants if you wear, and let the others go, and if you suddenly get a yen to wear more white, you'll be able to buy updated things.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe a very pale grey is your light neutral? It's one of mine. Because it harmonizes so much with the hair. It works winter and summer. With darks and with lights.&nbsp;</p> <p>BTW, I'm low to medium contrast, also, but I still like white. I often wear it most often with other lights (like light grey), so it's all low contrast. But I also love it as a bright pop with navy and other key neutrals. I especially love white in patterned tops. In fact, since my hair has gone grey, I've decided that I will <b>only</b> buy tops with a bit of white in the pattern -- white or very light grey. The flattery quotient is <b>that</b> high. No patterns without a touch of white on top!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964213 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:52:26 +0000 Staysfit 1964213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The textured skirt is actually metallic. It’s hard to see in my picture but it has a nice iridescent effect as well as texture, I really love that skirt and wear it all year. </p> <p>Angie, I am going to consider keeping only two pairs of white jeans. I am going to try them on again and decide which. I have a feeling it will be the slim boyfriends and one of the high rise zip front pairs. I am most likely to reach for those over the button front, which require a certain mood. </p> <p>Cardiff Girl, I am interested in changing the color of the jeans and jacket! That’s a super idea! I think it would normally scare me to experiment with something like that, but less so with something that I’m planning to give away anyway. </p> <p>Torontogirl, you raise a great point with the question “what is your white”? I am not sure I have an anchoring light neutral. When I first started to rebuild my wardrobe, I used a lot of Winter White, but these whites are more stark than that. I also don’t enjoy wearing many of the winter white items in my closet. I need to consider this more.....</p> <p>Bijou and Janet, I think you have helped me to realize that the holding zone is wrong for the extra white items. If I keep up that sort of thinking, I will end up with a holding zone that is as big as my wardrobe! I definitely don’t want that. I am thinking the holding zone should primarily be for things I have enjoyed wearing previously, things I am uncertain I will continue wearing but want to hold for a few months to test their usefulness, and maybe for things with sentimental value.</p> <p>CJH, I am not sure I have mastered the response to that question, but for whatever reason, I am now finding it much easier to identify and eliminate things that I am not using. I think the editing challenge has helped me tremendously. Seeing what other people are doing and thinking as they edit seems to help clarify my thoughts even more. For example, last night after I read Janet’s post, I headed to my closet and pulled out two items that strangely popped into my head as wrong—-a grey corduroy blazer, and a white WHBM vest. </p> <p>La Pedestrienne, I think you are right in thinking about various uses for white. Using white as an accent color is probably a better approach for my style than having large expanses of stark white. I love pearls, but they don’t take up much visual space compared to a skirt, jeans or a blazer. I also have some tops that are heather grey with white accents, and for whatever reason, maybe my current hair color, I really like them. </p> <p>Christina F, your idea of putting more classic pieces in the holding zone and keeping the trendier pieces out makes sense to me. I want my style to be fresh, but I also have a very strong classic element. The good thing about wearing the trendy pieces now, is they will more quickly become dated. I should be able to pull out a classic piece any time. </p> <p>Even though I am really in the early stages of this edit, and it is happening in a piecemeal fashion, I am sensing some possible changes in my overall thinking about my style. I am not yet able to articulate what that is, but I’m sure I will attempt it at some point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964147 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:32:49 +0000 Anonymous 1964147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with you re contrast, but texture definitely seems to soften it/make it appear darker (and most of your whites are flat). 8 pairs of white jeans are a lot, especially unworn. It sounds like wearing white is not an option at work, so that gives these items 2 days max a week of wear-if all other conditions are right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964145 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:19:28 +0000 Cardiff girl 1964145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dyed a white linen jacket that I never wear navy and I wear it a lot now so you could consider dyeing some of your white things a different colour if you felt that would make them more wearable for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964076 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:29:49 +0000 Angie 1964076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YOU ARE DOING SO WELL. Proud of you, <b>Staysfit.</b></p> <p>(I have low contrast colouring too - and LOVE WHITE JEANS. I feel magical in them).&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, I fully get the less than fab lab coat and shoe connotation. That will take the fun out of white for sure.&nbsp; <ul> <li>How often do you wear white jeans? If not often - keep two pairs.</li> <li>Keep&nbsp;the crepe pants you wear&nbsp;under dresses.</li> <li>Pass on the linen jacket.</li> <li>&nbsp;Keep the&nbsp;skirt on the far right - pass on the rest.&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964070 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:19:19 +0000 LaPed 1964070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your reasoning on the 4 pairs of jeans seems sound.</p> <p>Of the 3 skirts, the textured one on the right is my fav.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the white linen blazer! Linen in one of the few fabrics in which I find white really appealing. But if white feels too lab-coat in a topper, maybe let it go.</p> <p>Like you, I find white can look a little stark or loud on me. More overwhelming than black, tbh. It's a complexion thing, I suspect. I find it works best for me if I treat is a bright accent colour, rather than as a base neutral.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964054 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:41:31 +0000 Christina F. 1964054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Well, it's good to know you don't wear these! Good job! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd keep only the jeans that look best (both on you and in terms of condition), even in the holding zone. That said, I can see your reasoning for having backups in the holding zone, but I'm more okay with having a holding zone than some others are. Maybe the trendier ones should stay in active wear and the more classic looking ones go to the HZ? I<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Definitely ditch the jackets, if they feel like lab coats to you. Your reasoning about which skirts to keep makes sense!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964040 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:00:08 +0000 cjh 1964040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job on editing out unworn items. Did you find it difficult to say the words, I don’t wear this so why am I keeping it? That was a big challenge for me.</p> <p>You’re so right about associating the white with past clothing memories. My dear M-I-L can’t wear white slacks because she had to wear white scrubs when she worked in a hospital years ago.</p> <p>It probably works in the opposite way, too, as my retro favorites are corduroy jeans, jeans jackets, Converse sneakers and soft soled oxfords. All pieces of my late 60s/early 70s teen years, fondly remembered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964023 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:10:13 +0000 Janet 1964023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Jussie about the white skirt on the right looking the nicest. And with Bijou about donating instead of holding zone for those extra white jeans if you're not wearing them. That's a lot of white jeans for someone who has only worn them a handful of times in a year! (I just put my only pair of white -- actually cream -- jeans in the donate bin because I haven't worn them in two years.)</p> <p>I would venture a guess that your resistance to the white blazer may have something to do with the lab coat association you mention. I'm guessing the linen texture sidesteps that issue, which is why you wear it -- it is softer and doesn't read so strict and formal. I would say let go of the one you don't wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964021 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:01:34 +0000 Helena 1964021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, that's so funny ... isn't it amazing how we collect a certain style ...<br />I am ok with linen wrinkling, but this is a personal thing - if it doesn't bother you, I say keep it, as I think the texture would soften the impression contrast somewhat. The other blazer is gorgeous; maybe it's something you would use for more dressy occasions, like a night out?</p> <p>I think a light-colored cardi is a great option too, and was thinking maybe you need to determine what is 'your white' so you can create that look you love in a more flattering palette ... maybe it's a softer version of white, or a blush or beige of some sort? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964020 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:36:56 +0000 Staysfit 1964020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou, I think you are right about keeping so many jeans in my holding zone. I think they are going in the giveaway bin. </p> <p>A style session with the jackets is a great idea. I think the WHBM works with dresses, it’s a bit cropped on me, the J Crew is good with jeans. I’m on the fence. I don’t like wrinkles but I like something lightweight for warm weather. Maybe a light colored cardigan would be a better option? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1964004 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:44:20 +0000 Bijou 1964004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are sorted with the jean, although do you need to keep so many in the holding zone? Even 4 pairs of white jeans is quite a lot.</p> <p>I really like the WHBM blazer. I think you need to do a style session and post photos, as if it was me, I would be likely to keep the WHBM over the JCrew because I hate how linen creases. Is the JCrew a more flattering shape? Do you prefer to wear linen?&nbsp; Determining which, if any jacket, may require a bit of a play in your closet.</p> <p>Congratulations on being so thorough with your closet edit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1963993 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:50:33 +0000 jussie 1963993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the skirt on the right with the texture, and also the jacket on the right (linen). Yes 4 white jeans sounds a reasonable number to me. Good luck with it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-edit-white-bottoms-white-blazers#post-1963987 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:55:08 +0000 Staysfit 1963987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why do I have so many pairs of white jeans? I count 8! I also have 2 pair of EF white crepe pants and 1 J Crew white Cotton Chino of some sort. Hmm, looking around I also have two white skirts- a white J Crew pencil skirt and a Helmut Lang drawstring waist A-Line Midi crepe skirt. I don’t think I wore white bottoms 8 times in the past year! LOL! Oh! I spy one more, a metallic white pencil! I need an intervention! How come I keep purchasing white bottoms but rarely wear them? I have two white blazers that kind of fall into this category, hmm.....I don’t think I wear those much either.....</p> <p>I have a few thoughts: </p> <p>1. White creates a high contrast with almost everything, and I have medium to low contrast coloring, so wearing it means I need to be very careful about what I pair with it.</p> <p>2. Unlike Angie, I do not have magical powers with white. I work in a school building with children ages 5-21. Schools mean stains.....ink, paint, juice, sticky dirty hands, mystery stains, grass stains, etc. </p> <p>3. White reminds me of my white lab coat days. It also reminds me of the ugly white shoes my mom wore to work for several years. I most often find large amounts of white stark and cold instead of clean and fresh. </p> <p>I like two of the white skirts, the metallic pencil, and the Helmut Lang. The HL looks great with a plain tee of any sort, so it’s a good summer skirt. The metallic is fun for holidays and going out. I do wear it and have a coordinating metallic purple knit top. </p> <p>I also wear the EF crepe pants under wrap dresses. I sometimes wear some of the jeans under a wrap, but less often because they are thicker, and when I want white, it’s probably warm outside. I will keep those.</p> <p>The 8 pairs of jeans: How many white jeans should I keep? Maybe 4? I think one cropped, one long, and one slim boyfriend all zip front and then one button front. All are medium high to high rise. That would cover my favorite silhouettes. I think the rest will go into a holding zone so they can serve as replacements if one of the three in the closet gets stained.</p> <p>The white J Crew pencil skirt and chino like pants can go in the donate pile.<br /> I’m on the fence about the blazers. I love the style of the WHBM blazer on the left, but never wear it. The J Crew is linen and wrinkles, but I wear it. Just not sure?? Any thoughts? </p> <p>Pics: 1. The three skirts<br /> 2. Jeans before edit<br /> 3. Jeans after edit.<br /> 4. The two questionable blazers. </p>