https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:30:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style/page/2#post-1352258 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:20:01 +0000 Suz 1352258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing the Talbots recommendation. Thistle does really well with them and gets some great-looking stuff there.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>texstyle</b>, thanks for the shout-out, and I agree with everything you've said about creating cohesion through colour.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style/page/2#post-1352183 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:01:29 +0000 calmwave 1352183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alana,<br />Wanted to mention about toppers.... have you considered Talbots? &nbsp;Their plus size line for jackets and blazers are well made, classic and in the under $160 range. &nbsp;I've stalked some of those jackets through to sale time and have gotten them for as low as $31.00. &nbsp;I've also scored calf hair leopard print and zebra print belts in plus size - excellent quality. &nbsp;</p> <p>The only downfall is you can only get their plus size lines online - $25 flat rate shipping to Canada. &nbsp;I wear 2X in tops at Penningtons and the 2X jacket at Talbots fits very well.</p> <p>And I'll echo the transformative powers of the right handbag for an outfit, especially in summer when toppers are out of the question.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1352028 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:39:53 +0000 texstyle 1352028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Living in a mostly hot weather climate I've had to come to terms with my love of toppers. I still have too many to really use for the short fall/winter we have. </p> <p>What I've learned instead is to try to figure out another way for that "third" piece. And I'm learning how important color can be to style. </p> <p>Shoes do seem to be so critical but I do still struggle with finding shoes that are comfortable, practical and still have some style. This year has been easier with the renewed interest in slip ons, sneakers, birks, etc. But I do wear sandals about 80% of the time in summer. So I have been slowly trying to find stylish comfort sandals. </p> <p>Another important thing I think is understanding how your hair, hair color, skin color work with your outfits.&nbsp; I've found that my favorite belts "go" with my hair color. I prefer my shoes to do the same (go with my hair) -- but finding light colored fall/winter shoes doesn't always work, so this year I&nbsp; added a pair of navy blue sneaks (goes with blue/green eyes which is another tip from Angie). I do have a pair of tan oxfords on order and maybe those will work as well.</p> <p>Finally, for me jewelry is fun and I enjoy a small bit. Bracelets are my current "thing" and I have a small collection but I wear them a LOT. I've found that color is important here too for me at least). I have a mixed metal stretchy set that always gets compliments and looks esp. good with my new pewter belt (copycat of Suz - thanks for the inspiration Suz :-).&nbsp; I have a mixed light blue/green, navy, tan beaded set that goes with my hair and eyes, and I just got a 3 set of navy-ink beaded and one white turquoise larger bead that can be incorporated with the mixed denim,navy, tan set or the navy-ink set to make many fun combinations. I also have a larger silver engraved organic cuff that is stretchy (stretchy bracelets are so comfortable).</p> <p>The white turquoise was purchased specifically to help bring white/ivory tones to my outfits to go with my ivory handbag or light tan/white belts. And I have white slip on sneaks. Not that I'd wear all of these together necessarily, just an example of how I'm looking at color to help create cohesion.</p> <p>Sorry to hog the thread but I hoped that the "color" part and bookending hair/eyes would be of help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1352011 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:14:07 +0000 Alana in Canada 1352011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is very clear. Thanks Joy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351819 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 04:27:10 +0000 Anonymous 1351819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Low stance:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/olivia-moon-three-quarter-sleeve-linen-blazer-regular-petite/3629468?origin=category-personalizedsort&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=PURPLE+PHLOX&#038;resultback=256&#038;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_D" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....ts-_-1_2_D</a><br /> Higher stance, as least as far as I understand it:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/burberry-brit-barnet-stripe-jacket/3706687?origin=category-personalizedsort&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=1354&#038;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_5_C" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bu.....ts-_-1_5_C</a><br /> If I misunderstand the concept, somebody please set me straight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351801 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:52:30 +0000 Caro in Oz 1351801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMO "seeing" is the hard part Alana so it's just practise now I know what you mean about great fit - that is not so easy to find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351798 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:46:11 +0000 Alana in Canada 1351798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. No, of course, it isn't always quite that simple, Gaylene--and Angie is an excellent example----but it certainly is one path to outfit nirvana. (Thanks for that expression, Suz.)</p> <p>I am intrigued that some of you have had this realization but haven't yet put it into practice--I am looking forward to when you do. It will be interesting to see--especially as you both, Anna and&nbsp;Aida, have already got "style" with a capital S.</p> <p>I would really like to get a few "statement" toppers like you have, Aubergine, though I doubt I will find <i>leather jackets</i> in both my size and price range, Isis. (What a thought!)<br />&nbsp;<br />Lisap--oh my, well, I wasn't thinking about outerwear--but you are absolutely correct. I will get there, someday. Oh, I love all the ponchos I am seeing in the Bay these days! But a poncho on the LRT? Exposed outdoor train platforms? Brrrr. Do show us some pics so I can live vicariously through you, please?</p> <p>Ceit and Suja, both on team&nbsp;topper plus footwear = style.&nbsp;I will have to watch your WIW posts more closely from now on &nbsp;to see how you put it all together with the shoes and topper.&nbsp;</p> <p>And you are so right, Susie, finding clothes which are interesting already is a great way to go--and absolutely essential for those of us who can't wear the topper (like everyone in a hot summer) or who choose not too--but as has been mentioned, of course not every piece can be a "talking" piece--not that you were saying that, either--</p> <p>Oh I don't know alaskagirl--an entire wardrobe of shoes and boots all of which are "statements" does not sound like a bad thing to me--an impossibility, perhaps--but not an inherently bad thing. (But then, all shoes and all boots speak to me. They all say something or another,some more clearly, somemore loudly, than others.)</p> <p>Caro--yes, you are right, of course. But all the pieces working together is something I can see--but not something I understand well enough to create--well, maybe I <i>could</i> if someone were to put a rack of clothes in front of me--all of which ft me in ways that I want--and then said, "Go forth and make outfits." That would be fun.&nbsp;This business of trying to put together the pieces and the whole simultaneously (without having a clue)&nbsp;is difficult. But it's OK. Thank goodness you all are here.</p> <p>K. Period--yes, a starting point. We have to start somewhere.</p> <p>Shiny--I am sorry to hear about your boot woes. My feet became fussy after my daughter was born and for many, many years I wore the same pair of winter boots. I loved them so much (and was in such horror of shopping for new ones) that I wore them even though the uppers came apart from the soles and they leaked. And I wore them like that&nbsp;for one whole winter. The next fall, when they leaked again and my socks got wet, I finally said "enough" and went and spent a lot of money on really good, firm "gear-like" winter boots. They are going into their third winter this year. Not fashionable in the slightest.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gigi, Suz, Gaylene,&nbsp;--one tool (well, OK, two) in an arsenal to help us look the way we want. Got it. Though Kiwigal does one bold piece. That's even easier to think about!</p> <p>Joy--when you say "low stance" do you mean the closure has to be low on the jacket? Or the hemline is low? Or the neckline? (well, that would be the closure, by default, wouldn't it.)</p> <p>Thistle, I went and looked at&nbsp;Janet's jumpsuit. Her shoes definitely set it off. Those classic pumps took it in one direction--lace up combats would have taken it in another....</p> <p>I hope I've caught the ball and returned it to everyone! What a great discussion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351779 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:15:02 +0000 Anonymous 1351779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That would make a&nbsp;<i>great</i> starting point Alana. It's one formula that you might try for your F/W capsule. No, it's not the only way to great style, but since it jumped out at you, I think it has real merit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351770 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 03:04:30 +0000 Jaime 1351770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember when Anna had this epiphany. I do think shoes make or break a lot of outfits - they are definitely key for me. Toppers don't work in all situations, but can be&nbsp;outfit making&nbsp;when they do work. I do think you can invest in great shoes and jackets and save on tops and, to some extent bottoms. Interesting topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351751 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:33:53 +0000 Suz 1351751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, too true, Gaylene. And we wouldn't need to come here for our education!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351735 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:15:59 +0000 Gaylene 1351735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfortunately, I don't think it's quite that simple. If you check Angie's outfits, you'll find a number that don't fit this equation. I think looking stylish is the sum of a whole series of discrete aspects that include things like grooming, fit, attitude, and a host of other factors as well as the actual clothes. If looking stylish could be as simple as a X+Y= STYLE , there would be a whole host of stylish women walking the streets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351725 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:03:12 +0000 Anonymous 1351725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've sort of semi-realized something like this since I've been on here. Not that interesting toppers and shoes are&nbsp;the only formula, as people have mentioned. But they're an easy one, and they happen to be two categories that I've always liked buying and wearing, so they're especially attractive as somewhere to focus on. </p> <p>I'm a big cardigan person, and have gotten a few that really pull their weight and add interest to&nbsp;an outfit, rather than just sitting there and looking basic. I'm also&nbsp;on an ongoing search for some well-fitting jackets that can do the same. And I've gotten marginally more strategic with my shoe purchases, rather than just buying whatever I like that I can find in my size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351722 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:00:20 +0000 Suz 1351722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's hard to follow through on it in summer (in my climate, at least). I had to learn that summer requires a different approach.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although even in summer the footwear is pretty darned important.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351715 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 01:48:41 +0000 Aida 1351715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah Anna I thought the same back in spring.. and still haven't really followed through either. At least on the jacket front, I did quite well on the shoe front. Maybe it was the gorgeous weather I'm going to be stricter with myself about it once we get into Fall Proper. I have all these lovely jackets, just hanging there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351714 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 01:46:14 +0000 annagybe 1351714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually that was my epiphany back the spring. I haven't quite followed through on it though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351636 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:27:35 +0000 Aida 1351636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a starting point, yes having an interesting topper and footwear will up the ante of anything beneath it, especially classic items, and current footwear in particular is the big-punch update to a look. But I agree with others who've said you don't want ONLY statement jackets and footwear. At least not to start out. You may find that's your thing and you love it, or you may find that you like to mix it up, or you may even find that you don't like wearing toppers so you'd want your statement to come from other pieces. </p> <p>Suz is right about the "third piece" concept and as she said, that can be achieved with a variety of items (and in all seasons, though tougher in summer for sure). Personally, I tend NOT to wear the "third piece" but it's a bit more challenging. FWIW when I was sorting out my style preferences and learning about what looked good on me, I wore my toppers a LOT more than I do now. Though I'm aiming to go back to them more this fall/winter. And as Caro pointed out, it really is all about how ALL of the pieces work together on the wearer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351612 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:06:02 +0000 Suja 1351612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the shoes and topper make the outfit. &nbsp;It is smart to invest your fashion dollars in these areas to get maximum bang for your buck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351608 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:04:34 +0000 Suz 1351608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's the "third" piece. In our climate, that's often a jacket or footwear. (Which is why some of us struggle to enjoy our summer outifts -- we don't know how to bring cohesion or impact to a top and bottom and sandals without something else.)&nbsp;</p> <p>But as others have said -- it could be a scarf. A necklace. A belt. A bag. There are lots of paths to outfit nirvana.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351607 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:04:24 +0000 Isis 1351607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bingo!&nbsp; That would be a great formula for you and one that totally works!</p> <p>However I think the shoes and topper don't have to "say something".&nbsp; You don't have to go all glitter and pattern.&nbsp; They <i>could </i>be very high quality pieces that just make you happy.</p> <p>Do you have a couple leather jackets?&nbsp; When I wear mine, I feel put together.&nbsp; And they last for years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351603 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:59:59 +0000 Susie 1351603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is no doubt that shoes and bags are important components for me. And while I love some of the toppers that I have, I don't consider them to be essential. While a plain pair of pants with a plain top might be boring, I prefer those that have some interest, usually from texture or shape (like an asymmetrical hem). Then I am very happy to wear just 2 pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351576 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:28:06 +0000 catgirl 1351576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am all about the shoes and boots. But I wouldn't consign one whole category to the requirement of statement pieces, because as K.P. said, you'll want to mix it up some. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351567 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:19:09 +0000 Caro in Oz 1351567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I&nbsp;don't think it always has to be about saying something, it's more about all the pieces working together &amp; working on the person. Having said that &nbsp;shoes &amp; toppers&nbsp;make such a difference to a look imo.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351551 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:08:01 +0000 Anonymous 1351551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's my trick -- topper and shoes are statement, rest of outfit is pretty simple. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351543 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:00:39 +0000 Gigi 1351543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, that is one secret to success, or so I imagine, since I don't have many toppers at all! But I have noticed how my shoe choices really affect the overall vibe of an outfit. As you note, it can really take a classic outfit a little out of the "classic" zone and make it more special and modern.</p> <p>I like what K.Period says, though: it's just one formula. So we can't forget about the other parts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351526 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:48:05 +0000 K. Period. 1351526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think toppers, shoes and bags&nbsp;are a great formula for updating. &nbsp;They are&nbsp;the easiest ways for me to update an outfit. &nbsp;When I was starting out on the forum and&nbsp;really wanting to bump up my style,&nbsp;I found they were a manageable starting point. &nbsp;I try to always keep in mind that&nbsp;they are just one great formula though, which keeps me from getting bored and keeps me challenging myself to try new things. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351525 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:44:32 +0000 shiny 1351525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes that is a slam-dunk formula, the trouble is when your feet are too fussy for trendy shoes, or the weather just doesn't work for that additional topper layer or trendy shoes.</p> <p>Yesterday I took a simple RL jersey dress (pic 2)&nbsp;and simply added these shoes (pic 1) plus a black pleather cropped moto jacket (denim jacket in white or blue&nbsp;would have worked just as well). Done. So easy.</p> <p>Problem is when the weather gets colder and I need tall boots. I am 5'0 tall and I've been looking for YEARS to update my tall boot collection. I need 13 inch calves x 13 inch shaft height. Check zappos filters and you'll see what you get with those dimensions: nothing but cowboy boots! Thank goodness I invested years ago, before boot manufacturers realized the whole world is much taller than I am! But yeah. My tall boots, needless to say, are classic and not the height of fashion. My favorite tall boots in fact are terribly out of date, with square toes (HORROR!)--&nbsp;&nbsp;but I wear them anyway!</p> <p>Also with colder weather the topper becomes an issue because, you know, snow and frigid temperatures mean puffer coats and such. A statement coat is great for this but you tend to take it off indoors. Right around February I am sick of cardigans -- they work under a winter coat but aren't as interesting and sharp and structural as a blazer.</p> <p>So there is yet another piece to focus on, and that is The Handbag! A fabulous handbag can work great when your shoes or topper are more classic/basic.</p> <p>Scarves... scarves are great too...&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351522 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:40:12 +0000 rabbit 1351522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree. &nbsp;I think that shoes, &nbsp;and&nbsp;jackets and&nbsp;bags (if needed), &nbsp;and sometimes belts and scarves totally give style direction to an outfit. &nbsp;Not that you'd necessarily wear them all at once, &nbsp;but those are the areas of biggest impact in my eye in&nbsp;terms of how an outfit is read by a viewer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351511 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:29:09 +0000 Sal 1351511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could see this working for you Alana in your climate. &nbsp;<br />I tend to have one bold piece per outfit and then a couple of supporting pieces- and &nbsp;a great jacket means you can wear very simple pieces with it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351509 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:28:10 +0000 Anonymous 1351509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a firm believer in the jacket and the footwear making the difference, especially in fall. &nbsp;So much so, that I invest most of my money in jackets, coats, &nbsp;sweaters, even a cape thingy,&nbsp;&nbsp;just to complete outfits. &nbsp;Why not? &nbsp;We are out and about on weekends running errands, working, shopping,&nbsp;with coats on,&nbsp;so they may as well be statement-making. &nbsp;When it's all tied together, that's when I feel my best. &nbsp;Sweaters and pants, over and over again - snooze. &nbsp;But a cool coat or jacket with a scarf and boots is statement making. &nbsp;Shannon's sweater and Anna's cool military jacket are perfect examples indeed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-toppers-shoes-style#post-1351501 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 22:21:01 +0000 Anonymous 1351501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The easiest way for me to feel that I've updated old, even thrifted, clothing is with up-to-date footwear. I think jackets are important too. Right now I avoid those blazers with more than one or two buttons. Low stance is a must and bonus points for those with some assymetry, especially hemline. </p>