https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 13:06:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-890356 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:23:13 +0000 desishway 890356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all so much for the suggestions! I am enjoying the archives of Wardrobe Oxygen and Coffee and Cashmere, and Elizabeth, I have bookmarked your pinterest page to flip through!<br /><br />Now just to resist the urge to buy everything in sight! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882978 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:19:38 +0000 Elizabeth P 882978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great suggestion La Belle.&nbsp; I started several boards on pinterest, some just things I liked, but some things I would actually WEAR, and some trends I had not expected started to emerge.&nbsp; It was really useful, as I was/am starting out on quite an overhaul.&nbsp; Which it sounds like you are too Desiree.&nbsp; <br /><br />Quite exciting!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882949 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:48:28 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 882949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Taking Elizabeth's Pinterest suggestion, and expanding on it, why not start a board that is your dream wardrobe - pin photos that you like that you think might be appropriate for work and for weekend - whether they are appropriate for a London climate or not - and then work from there?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You will start to see your own preferences emerge, and it will help you make choices that are more meaningful to you.<br /><br />Leave the climate out at first, so that you aren't handicapping your style choices on Pinterest. &nbsp;&nbsp; Once you feel you have a pretty good idea of the things you love, you can start factoring climate back into your planning :)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882934 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:24:31 +0000 Glory 882934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the guidance from IK and Elizabeth I have bookmarked your site. The only thing I would add is a leather handbag. I would try and stick to one colour palette and then add some small items to perk things up as you go. Scarves, belts etc which will be small enough to fit in your suitcase. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882660 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:16:10 +0000 Elizabeth P 882660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also experiencing a freaking out iPad! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882659 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:16:09 +0000 Elizabeth P 882659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Check out my Pinterest board, I've pinned several travel capsuals. Always thought they would help form a basic wardrobe.&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://pinterest.com/elizabethpugh13/misc-style-fashion/">http://pinterest.com/elizabeth.....e-fashion/</a><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882274 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:28:25 +0000 Sara L. 882274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You might also check out the blog Wardrobe Oxygen.&nbsp; She had several posts recently about capsule wardrobes for work situations.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882151 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:38:56 +0000 rachylou 882151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I have to second what IK says, with an emphasis on that coat. That's a pretty perfect list. And Claire, with regard to picking a trio of colors. That can change in time, but for all the moving and a new start, it's a great way to get a working wardrobe going.<br /><br />I'd also personally add a pair of low, block-heeled pumps because they can go casual or dressy and take you a few places booties can't.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882120 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:04:08 +0000 ironkurtin 882120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Man, my ipad is really freaking with the new site - removing double post!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882119 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:04:08 +0000 ironkurtin 882119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's hard to say specifics&nbsp;without knowing your style, but check out a blogger called coffee stained cashmere. She has a very small but highly curated wardrobe and shows how she does it&nbsp;piece by piece. &nbsp;SHe wears a lot of denim and black, but IMO this is the best way to small-capsule because people will not &nbsp;notice the repeat outfits as much.<br /><br />If I were you and moving to London, I would buy<br /><br />- two pairs of pants, one black and one near-black (gray, patterned black, dark blue or green or plum etc.). I would go comfortable but tailored and slim.<br /><br />- one pair of jeans in nice condition, which can be dressed up or down, in straight leg or looser more casual&nbsp;boyfriend cut.<br /><br />- depending on your laundry desires, I would buy one shirt for every day. &nbsp;That's five nice ones that are flattering to your body, and two long-sleeved tees in black or gray or white.<br /><br />- two sweaters in black or gray, the nicest one you can buy. &nbsp;One should be a cardigan, the a crew oR vneck. &nbsp;The goal is to be able to layer with your shirts and tees.<br /><br />- A warm coat. &nbsp;The best one you can afford and one that makes you super happy, because you will likely be wearing it every day. &nbsp;IMO one with a zip-out lining is great for the uk.<br /><br />- A pair of black ankle or mid calf boots suitable for wearing over or under your pants.<br /><br />-With any money left over, a cashmere scarf in a color that makes your face glow.<br /><br />I a having trouble typing on this iPad, or I would say more, but that's my two cents!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882116 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:55:34 +0000 Anonymous 882116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well it sounds like you have your silhouette sorted. Will you be wearing skinny pants all summer as well? If you can find some in a season-less fabric, you could take those to the UK with you in the fall. I'd choose a trio of neutrals (or two and a color) that look good on you and set out to build a very small capsule that all works together. You can always add to it. Maybe two or three pairs of pants, and 5 blouses or tops&nbsp;that will work for summer A/C but then morph into fall/winter with a jacket or sweater on top.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/complete-wardrobe-overhaul--need-help#post-882110 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:43:46 +0000 desishway 882110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi! I have been a longtime YLF reader, but have never before posted on the forum. However, I am in desperate need of advice, and would love to hear all of your comments on my current wardrobe situation (warning- this might get long!).<br /><br />I graduated college a year ago, packed two bags, and got rid of everything else I owned to move to Morocco for a year. I will be returning to the states this summer to work, and then to London for graduate school in the fall. As a result of my last move, I currently own a very specific set of clothing- things that are appropriate to either the heat or the rainy season, and are very conservative/modest. &nbsp;Additionally, because I do not have my own washing machine, I had to send out much of my clothing, and the result (unfortunately) is a lot of items with bleach stains, small holes, and shrinking. In order to be dressed appropriately for my summer job (smart casual/business casual), I will need to purchase a capsule from scratch, as I have one or two very formal interview outfits only. However, I also need to refresh much of my clothing before the fall, as it is worn out, frumpy, and I have been wearing the same five outfits for months now! Before this adventure, I had a much clearer style; I would like to return to that, but with a slightly more grownup take, along the lines of&nbsp;"modern classic with edge," &nbsp;my favorite outfit being skinny trousers, a drapey, waist-surrendering, silky blouse, and a fitted blazer or leather jacket with booties. I'd like to look put together, polished, and&nbsp;work/graduate school appropriate, without feeling like I'm playing dress up in my mum's closet!<br /><br />So my question is this- how would you go&nbsp;about planning and purchasing a smart casual&nbsp;capsule that will work for my summer job, and whose pieces can transition into a non-office life, on a tight budget, with the caveat that all of my clothes have to fit into one suitcase in September. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated- how many pieces should I plan on purchasing? How should I divide that up between tops/trousers/skirts? What should I buy right away, and what should I save until after my first couple paychecks?&nbsp;It is one thing to read all of Angie's great wardrobe-planning posts, but another to try to put it all into action! What has worked for you?<br /><br />I know this is a big question, but advice and encouragement would be much appreciated, especially from a group of such stylish women!<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Desiree