YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Essentially speaking...

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Essentially speaking... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:59:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php gradfashionista on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382991 Sat, 25 Oct 2014 00:46:22 +0000 gradfashionista 1382991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel you on the challenges of working at home. Even with a solid wardrobe with a few statement jackets and blouses, I find myself wearing the same jeans and top day in, day out. A lot of that has to due with working at home, and not dressing within anyone in mind (DH lives across the country). Yes, I could (and should?) dress up for myself, but it's not the same, and I can't ignore the feeling that I'm "wasting" resources (the garment itself, the need to launder, etc.), since these garments aren't easily replaceable. If you need change and something to break the monotony, consider stepping out of your comfort zone with make-up, hair or jewelry. Bold lipstick really changes an outfit for me, even though I rarely wear lipstick. One comment above resonated with me, which is that if you get dressed up beyond the minimum, you're more likely to seek opportunities to leave the house. Great advice. Destri on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382877 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 22:20:10 +0000 Destri 1382877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, anytime you start that new thread will not be too soon for me!  This thread has identified a big wardrobe weakness for me.  The question of what I wear to look stylish/cute (!) when I am just a step up from my lounging PJ's.  I actually utilized Angie's wisdom on that capsule last winter and upgraded in that area.  But, I, too, work from home a lot of the time and need to change out of the PJ pants/hoodie formula and into *something* but I just can't seem to find the balance between stylish and warmth/comfort.  I run cold and I just won't compromise on extreme comfort most of these times.  And, I so agree with you that I don't feel this way as much during summer time.  I am looking for wisdom from all! Suz on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382855 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:44:59 +0000 Suz 1382855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good gracious, the YLF wisdom is powerful! My head is just POPPING from all these fantastic suggestions!!  Gaylene, you were the guru who helped me toward a better summer style, so you had better believe I am now taking notes!  "Calling the items in a uniform "essentials" can muddy the waters if you are feeling bored with the uniform itself, especially if your "statements" are just different colors or embellished versions of the same thing." Wow. Those are words of wisdom right there. And maybe Aida has hit on something powerful also. Maybe the "essential" is not the "jean" but the slim or skinny pant (that can be tucked into jeans). But it needs to appear in different fabrications. Along with the looser pant (BF jean OR wool sweatpant) that can be worn on days when booties are possible. And so on. Very smart thinking, ladies!!  Rabbit, you're partly right -- I had some base layers that were statements in summer -- sarong shorts, or a graphic tee, or a boldly striped skirt. But also, I have more variety of silhouette. That variety isn't fully achievable in deep winter for me due to climate. But I can still have some variety. I already try to do as Aida suggests and wear my floor sweeping pants on days that are dry. Those can be few and far between alas!  "With the frugal/practical question, does it help if you recognize that certain statement pieces can also be workhorses, and just as comfortable and affordable as their essential counterparts?" Absolutely. It does help. And this year for the first time I am keeping track of wears. I've only been tracking for a little over a month, but what I'm noticing is a strong penchant for statement bottoms along with "regular" or "essential" tops and toppers. That is partly because the balance of my tops and toppers are not so much a statement, maybe. Not sure yet.  Aida, you may have a point about footwear, too. Although most of my shoes are more "regular" than statement, truth be told. I'd call the gladiators an essential in that they were my flat(ish) comfortable sandal -- I can walk a lot in them. But they were also more interesting because of the metallic finish. I think that would probably be my ideal type of shoe -- easily worn and mixed but still with some interest, as you say. Hmmm. Definitely food for thought!  Thank you all for this! I'll start my new thread soon.  Aida on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382843 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:25:22 +0000 Aida 1382843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A fascinating and insightful discussion! I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts. So one thought I had for you regarding silhouette (which I also need big changes day-to-day to keep from feeling bored), since you have to wear skinnies+tall boots for so long: get skinnies in varying fabrications. Denim, wool, ponte, coated, boucle, leather, tweed, corduroy... Even if the silhouette has to stay constant, at least with varying textures you have a very different feel from outfit to outfit. And of course, make the most of any opportunity to wear other tapered pants with booties! I basically force myself to wear my floor-sweeping hems any day that it's dry enough, because who knows when the next opportunity will come again! And then this is a little mini ramble that I thought might be useful. One thing that made a big difference to me regarding shoes, was realizing that I am not a statement shoe person. Which was a tricky thing to discover! I love shoes, and am no shoe minimalist (I have a lot of shoes), so early early on when I was trying to sort through my style preferences pre-YLF I had determined that being a "shoe person" was one of the few things I could say about myself with certainty. I bought several "fun" shoes, things in colors and in prints. And then found I rarely reached for them, and didn't really enjoy wearing them as the statement in simpler (or even more complex) outfits. It took me a good long while to realize and accept this though; how can I possibly be a shoe person and not like statement shoes?? So I got rid of nearly all of my statement type shoes and worked on figuring out what interesting but rather basic footwear I liked. Really cleared things up for me! I do still have a few pairs of more statementy shoes (e.g. cheetah wedge booties), but they are a definite minority in my shoe wardrobe. Now, the reason I bring this up is that you commented that you get a lot of statement from your shoes, which is missing from at-home wear. You also commented that you were very happy with your summer outfits (in relation to silhouette change). But I recall that your wedged sandals got worn a LOT more than other footwear this year, right? Not a particularly statement shoe, but still an interesting one. And it left you more open to get the creative variety from the clothing items. Of course I'm not saying that you're like me with the shoe thing, but just something I wanted to point out. rabbit on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382282 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:45:43 +0000 rabbit 1382282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I think you are probably honing in on what might work for you, by making the comparison to summer wear.   With summer wear is it that the base layers include some statements? The top and shorts or whatever?   With the frugal/practical question, does it help if you recognize that certain statement pieces can also be workhorses, and just as comfortable and affordable as their essential counterparts? Lisap - I'm like you in that I find new ways to take on the world with confidence and extend my venture out when I'm dressed in a way that makes me happy.  Like Laura mentioned, this unfortunately can lead to me avoiding my primary work, which is necessarily based at home and needs clothes that will get dirty within ten minutes.   cross-posted with Gaylene, I'm nodding my head at her insights. Jaime on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382281 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:44:16 +0000 Jaime 1382281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread keeps getting more interesting. I look forward to your follow up Suz! Gaylene on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382280 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:40:49 +0000 Gaylene 1382280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe it's time to accelerate the winter uniform? After all, isn't that what you did to increase your happiness with your summer blahs a few years back? If color blocking, shape, and texture eliminated your blahs with your summer uniform, why not try it with your winter uniform? Lisa's suggestions for accelerators are a good jumping off point: Comfortable but well-designed accessories More adventurous color mixing More embellishment to shape More visually layered fabrics A tad more texture and spark to those flats Another thought. It struck me that, as I was drastically downsizing my wardrobe these last few months, I was also being forced out of my uniform comfort zone when I had to make choices as to what would stay and what would go. If I limited myself to six winter bottoms, did I want three of them to be jeans? Or could a pair of wool trackpants sub for those boyfriend jeans? And how about a pair of leather-trimmed ponte pants for my skinnies? It wasn't until I started culling that I realized my jeans and sweater uniform was partially the result of my essentially just buying the same items over and over, instead of branching out. A pair of patterned jeans and a textured sweater, although new and much loved, was still essentially the same uniform as what was already in my closet. Calling the items in a uniform "essentials" can muddy the waters if you are feeling bored with the uniform itself, especially if your "statements" are just different colors or embellished versions of the same thing. A few months ago, I'd have laughed at the notion that my tailored grey wool trackpants could be an "essential", but they work in that role every bit as well as my boyfriend jeans ever did. Call them what you will, those sweatpants have single handily re-energized my winter at-home wardrobe. Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382274 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:35:12 +0000 Anonymous 1382274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really need to stop reading from the bottom up. Luxury uniform!  Yes!! This is me - totally. Why are two words so difficult to put together meaningfully sometimes?  Ok - I'm headed to bed and promise to stop with my nonsense. But this is what I aspire to: a luxury uniform, be it casual , or professional.  One of my favourite bloggers:  Preston Davis from Keep it Chic addressed this daily.  Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382271 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:31:24 +0000 Anonymous 1382271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get it, and agree. I'm not clomping around the house in my shoes and boots either, nor do I wear the jacket or topper piece. But anyways, that's not the point. Yes, the fact is, our winters are long, we are housebound a lot, and outfits are more difficult to make look fab without a bunch of pieces that are ridiculous when worn inside our home offices.  The cycle of life:)    I await your casual statement essay with eagerness! Suz on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382260 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:23:10 +0000 Suz 1382260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have most certainly not missed the point, Lisa. Ear cuffs, it is! :)  In all seriousness, I do get dressed every day (except sick days). But I don't wear my jackets, shoes, etc. in the house, mostly for reasons of comfort and some to protect them. (If I'm doing stuff in the kitchen I don't really want to be wearing my leather jacket). And since jackets, bags, and footwear, and coats tend to be my statement items, the outfits without them end up feeling dull to me -- but only in winter! In other words, after some years of flailing with my summer style, I finally found out how to build in enough statement items for me within the context of a simple uniform of tops & bottoms (since in summer I can't really rely on toppers, though I do have sandals to play with). I just haven't achieved it with the winter wear yet.  And I'm in the process of trying to figure out why. I have a couple of ideas about it.  Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/3#post-1382252 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:10:42 +0000 Anonymous 1382252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ oh, oh, more from me - but now I will wait to add in as I read above: 1. I have a couple of ear cuffs now too - wow, how radical!  only wear them when going out :) 2. you know I have a work-at-home job too ...now the difference being that I can choose to head out and visit stores and call on accounts anytime I like , so I can decide in the morning that I'm getting totally dressed up , and then I see where the day takes me. Oddly, when I am already fully dressed and made up and ready to roll early in the morning, I'm more likely to find reasons to get out and do things:  even if it's heading to Starbucks to get a coffee, or do some quick grocery shopping, or drop in on a new account/ store I haven't visited before. And then..... I end up staying dressed, even when I return to my office, and find I feel a ton more professional that way , even if no-one can see me. I know your role doesn't require getting out and seeing people, but though I'd share what I found works for me.  Today in fact, I put together an outfit based on some YLF ideas (ink blue and black, leather bomber, semi tucked top, slouchy track pants ) and ended up feeling so good I stayed out calling on customers all day and finding things to accomplish on my personal errand list while I was at it. However, it's entirely possible I've missed the whole point of this post   Suz on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382249 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:01:18 +0000 Suz 1382249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I have to admit, Isabel and Lisa, that wearing my cashmere tee the other day felt like heaven. And I was all ready to rush out and duplicate it. So maybe the secret is a luxury uniform. With weekend poncho! (Thanks, unfrumped).  Actually, ponchos are really hard. The length can be tricky for my proportions, for one thing. And for another, most are made out of fabrics that are meant for outdoor wear -- so too heavy indoors in my climate, but not at all warm enough outdoors. But maybe a cashmere wrap thing like Ingunn has -- similar idea.  Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382243 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:54:24 +0000 Anonymous 1382243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm re-reading this from the bottom-up, because I chipped in on this one earlier but because it's so interesting, I like to see what everyone has to say here.  Throwing rutabagas at your forehead aside (and, for the record, I HATE turnips and rutabagas) , Isabel, you articulate so  well what I feel too. If I have a fantastic cashmere sweater , jeans (who cares what label ) and loafers on, I feel like I can take over the world running my errands - even if the world is Target. unfrumped on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382234 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:43:02 +0000 unfrumped 1382234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz-- you need a poncho - thingy. In whatever iteration is most you. -- it's a statement -- it works with lots of essentials- requires them, even -- is comfortable enough for at- home, and for indoors winter, adjusting the underlayers for how warm you run and how warm is the poncho item, how open , neckline, etc -- the right one could transition out of home, ? Under a puffer? Or could just be an at- home statement. Suz on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382217 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:13:45 +0000 Suz 1382217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, rabbit! I think my problem is that I want to do both!! I want the simple, minimal, strict -- and the playful!  Argh!!!!  :)  rabbit on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382193 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:55:51 +0000 rabbit 1382193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Is there an equivalent to 'speak your truth?  Something like 'wear your truth'?  That's what I get from what both Suz and Claire have written about the role of classic essentials for them.   There is an integrity in the styles they are drawn to that works with both their lifestyle, values (in the way the term is used in this thread), and aesthetic preferences.   I respect that.   In my field there is a tradition of hand-thrown pottery -- tea bowls and the like, that place very high value on traditional, simple, minimalist craftsmanship and aesthetics and the process of making and using.   I respect that tradition. While I also live a frugal and unfancy lifestyle (I bought my first purse to hold my coupon binder), and don't want to expand in number of items, or in overall budget past certain parameters, tea bowls aren't my thing, contemporary sculptures are.    I want to get as playful, as varied, as experimental (mostly within my zone of comfort), as possible.   I want to brainstorm, I want to test, I want to sketch and finger-paint with clothes.  I don't want to wear the same outfit again if there is an opportunity to discover something new with what I have in my closet instead.   This might change and settle over time, although if I look at my life history with how I acquire and integrate new clothing, I've always done this. The ironic flipside of the economics of clothes at retail and second-hand right now might be that it's probably easier in some ways to dress in statements spending less, then to afford the highest quality essentials, unless one is really committed to minimalism in number of items.   That's okay, I don't want to be Emmanuelle Alt, she's already doing her, I'll do me instead. :) ETA:  I have another collection of thoughts swimming around in my head, maybe material for a different thread, but I'm thinking about low-brow fashion - street fashion, thrift/normcore, and the low-brow art movement.  There is a conflicted part of me that questions aspirational fashion and the whole idea of trying to look like my clothing is classy or expensive or impeccable -- which isn't exactly who I am. Suz on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382161 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:27:07 +0000 Suz 1382161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laughing with you here. I actually love rutabaga!! And (high quality) essentials. So I probably should have altered the analogy a bit.  For me, scarves are the....hmmm....I'm not sure. They're essential....but also a statement. A statement I don't really want to make! Ugh. I was going to say "cabbage" (they are all layered like that, too) -- but I actually like cabbage. Then again, I only like it if I don't have to eat it too often, which does correspond to my feeling about scarves exactly!  Claire, thank you so much for adding your thoughts here. I am with you on the purely decorative accessories, too. Maybe that is why I've never really been a jewellery girl, and haven't really been a bag lady, either, although I seem to be changing on that score, probably because bags can be useful if you pick well.  I'm starting to wonder if "boredom" is even the right word for what I feel with my at home winter wear. Whatever it is, I don't feel it at all in summer. I was more than happy with my summer closet. I'm trying now to work out why.  Texstyle, you are saying something very interesting here. I think it is along the lines of a "signature" style. And I do feel, on some deep level, that if we work out our signature style, we may not feel bored by wearing it (in slight variations) -- sort of like Emmanuel Alt. I have this intuition that it would be true for me, anyway. But that style would need to combine the right elements -- the right balance of essentials (nice quality, I hope) and statements. And I still haven't found that yet.  I do think -- as you and Claire and Ingunn do -- that for some of us "statements" can be quiet. What counts as a "statement" in one style would barely even register in another. Say, your bracelets, or my belts.  Thanks again, everyone, for your thoughts. I'll start a new thread soon about casual statements.  Isabel on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382147 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:15:32 +0000 Isabel 1382147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW,  Claire  , ".....a frugal and unfancy lifestyle" .   How true that is.  That phrase hit me like a rutabaga in the forehead.  That is so true for me. As life becomes more "casualized"  ( is that a word ? ), there are fewer opportunities to dress a certain way.  I also think that we are in such a rush all the time that it makes it difficult.   For example :  cleaning, cooking, change to get son at school,  go to drum lessons, swing by Target or grocery store or pharmacy, come home, finish dinner, clean up, do homework.    It would be nice to dress a little better to go to the store but sometimes there is no time.  With that said, I feel really good in my straight leg jeans and a cashmere and some sort of topper.  It seems to take me anywhere that I need to go without looking "too-too" , as we say here in the NE but I still feel presentable.   The added dimension for me is the frugality.  I don't want an extravagant lifestyle. I don't want to shop all the time or do loads and loads of laundry.  I want as much discretionary money as possible to go to my kids' college funds.  I don't want to be careless with the environment.  ( Those are my values, I am not expecting them of anyone else ) .   I am going to put that phrase on my mirror to remind me everyday that is my life !      And I like it.   :  )  Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382135 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:06:27 +0000 Anonymous 1382135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BJ: Hahahaha! So glad we weren't dissing a people of a certain nationality! Whew.  ETA: Try mashing them in with your potatoes. Rutabagas are delicious that way. Copious amounts of roasted garlic don't hurt either. :) bj1111 on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382130 Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:03:25 +0000 bj1111 1382130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Claire, a swede is a rutabaga.  not a yummy veg for me.  similarly, shopping/wearing essentials are about as exciting as a rutabaga. Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382123 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 23:59:46 +0000 Anonymous 1382123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, now to type the novel I have jotted down on post-it notes, lol! How about an ear cuff?! Could you tolerate one of those? There is something about a high quality essential that shines a little more brightly to me than one done up in moderate quality. If we could afford to dress in head-to-toe, impeccable, luxurious, high quality essentials, would that be a striking look, or a plain one? Or would it be "strict" as Shevia mentions?  The main character in a movie is often presented like this, and I am always mesmerized by it. Or am I mesmerized her portrayal of the character? Or by her celebrity-grade facial beauty? Perhaps the plainer we are the more interest our outfits require (not talking about you here, dear Suz!).  Google does not know what a "reviled swede" is, nor do I, but by the context I assume it would mean hated but useful? My denim skirt (freshly rescued again from the donate pile and worn for the last two days straight) would definitely fall into that category. ;) I could really identify with your statement: It's really, really hard for me to let go of a practical, frugal upbringing and the idea that splurging on "fancy" and "useless" items of clothing is bad. I would add to that (for me) purely decorative accessories. It's not just a frugal upbringing I'm dealing with, but a frugal and unfancy lifestyle. My practical streak is a necessity, and probably always will be, and that's okay. I do want to add some modern elements in, but I can't afford to be completely frivolous about it.   For now, my boring at-home wear (yoga pants and a fleece jacket in Winter) provides a stark back drop against which my (slightly more) exciting street clothes can shine. Maybe that's why I don't get bored of my small wardrobe, because I have that contrast? Or maybe I just don't bore as easily. I do tire of things, but I think that's different from boredom. If an item suddenly stops working for my style (because my inherent look is changing) or it begins to look cheap or shabby (maybe I'm just wearing it out?), then I find myself tiring of it--quickly sometimes. This is probably less from boredom and more "it was never right in the first place". Tough to own up to, but often the case for me.  If something is beautiful, well-made of good quality fabric, is in a flattering cut and color and suits my style, I'm not likely to get bored of it, no matter how much I wear it. Okay, the sun is going down and it's finally cool enough to walk. Thanks for letting me get all this off my chest! Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1382064 Thu, 23 Oct 2014 22:56:35 +0000 Anonymous 1382064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, don't think I didn't reply to this thread because I didn't see it. I read it and thought about it so much on Sunday that I couldn't figure out a way to clarify my thoughts and get them down. Today I'm starting over, and first I will reply directly to your post, before I get lost down the wonderful rabbit trails that are the comments.  First of all, I always think you look great, but I understand that you need all kinds of outlets for your creativity. I wonder what is up with your at-home style? At least you can wear wider legged pants and jeans when you're not going out in the snow. Maybe you need to add in another silhouette or two. Nothing wrong with that (or a cranberry streak in your hair like Angie suggested). Maybe creating a few opportunities to work from a cafe each week would spice things up a bit for you. Like you, I'm not inclined to wear purely decorative accessories around the house, especially if they feel distracting or like they will interfere with my work or movement. But I can see how an essential top plus jeans plus belt (no shoes or jacket) can feel like the same old thing, day after day. I'll be staying tuned to see how you work out this dilemma.  For me, I'm wondering if I should have any essentials at all? With only 10 items of stand-alone clothing and a small footwear capsule, perhaps I should stop duplicating altogether, even if the colors are different. At present, I'm really wishing that I had another jeans cut besides skinny and another shoe style besides a ballet flat.  Okay, now I'm going to read back through the comments and see if I have anything to add. This was (is!) such a good thread! texstyle on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1379477 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 15:06:53 +0000 texstyle 1379477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been reading this thread with interest too since I also work at home and live such a casual lifestyle. Sometimes I wonder if I'm just being ridiculous for wanting to be more "fashionable." But I enjoy it so, I just can't help but  be interested in it. I really like what Shevia said: I think you can be a very interesting dresser if you wear only essentials but maybe that comes more easily when you are wearing very, very well made and well fitting essentials. ........................... I do think our overall style is defined more by our essentials than our statements. The woman who *always* wears distressed jeans. The one who always wears black. The one who always wears dresses. The one who always wears scarves. Etc. (*always* meaning most of the time you see them). Unless you have a really big style personality and wear extravagant statement pieces, I wonder if some of our statement pieces are sort of missed by others? I must certainly be the tee shirts and jeans/shorts girl - or maybe even more the "nature" girl. I guess I could add button downs to that. So maybe like Tanya, I guess ideally I'd like to have an Essential wardrobe of all perfect 10's - tees, button downs and jeans/shorts for me in various styles, colors and fabric weight. I have been working towards that goal. I think I *want* to be able to just grab something that is really comfortable and comforting to me to put on AND look great in it. Some of my belts are statement pieces (to me) but not sure if they are even noticed by others. And my bracelets might be a statement, but again, not sure how many others really notice. In fact, my statements are so subtle I'm not sure if they even count in the fashion world. My hair is a statement. My white UGG slip ons felt like a small statement piece at first (I hadn't worn white shoes in a very long time) - but now I've worn them so much (even bought a backup pair) that they have become essentials. Elly on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1379090 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:44:57 +0000 Elly 1379090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm---- Suz, I think this is a challenge because you know which shillouttes and colors and styles you like, but that it isn't working for you at home. What makes a good backdrop for someone with a modern classic style isn't cutting it at home without the "aww-factor" pieces (and maybe without some of the structure belts, bags, shoes, and jackets provide). Have you considered exploring more indoor jackets in comfy fabrics? I never wore jackets indoors until I worked this job where I'm always cold, and with the right jackets and a little trial and error I've found them comfy to work in---- a nice thick knit moto in a sleek style might layer over button downs the same way a cardi would and a coated or stretchy denim jacket might be almost as comfy over a pullover.  Have you revisited track pants? There are now so many other fabrications available that it would give you another bottom silhouette to mix with skinnies, BFs, and ponte pants/leggings. I could see you in ponte leggings and a cocoon shaped turtleneck dress/tunic at home. Maybe this is where you need to bring in your "arty" side with some really artfully draped cardigans or pullovers. They don't have to be "crafty". Maybe you need another pair of statement specs or another statement watch to switch up. I am not a big jewelry wearer, but stud earrings and something on my wrist always makes me feel put together at home. Weirdly a really beautiful mug to keep my beverage in has a similar effect.  If I worked from home I would have several pairs of fab slippers and would wear a lot of textures and patterns --- I' could see you definitely mixing your merino, percale and denim with oxford cloth, bouclé, washed silk, fluffy sweaters (alpaca or poly nylon), coated fabrics, flannel, subtle mini-print blouses, graphic tops, and printed pants. I could really see you in statement belts. Greyscale on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378928 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 17:33:28 +0000 Greyscale 1378928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really great thread. The side comments about travel capsules got me thinking. Next time I go on a long-ish trip I will try to be really focused on essentials (albeit my most chic essentials that make me feel most me) and leave behind all but a few statement pieces. My last trip had too many statements and not enough mix-and-match options. Neel on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378896 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 16:18:06 +0000 Neel 1378896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to come back to this thread Suz! But I already have a lot of AHA moments reading the first few posts! JulieJohn on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378879 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:54:22 +0000 JulieJohn 1378879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just a short chime in to say this thread has been a delight, and thanks to Una's musings in particular, I am on the road to acceptance that I might be a "Surfer Girl". Very happy about that. Anonymous on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378847 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:12:15 +0000 Anonymous 1378847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - just to clarify something:  in no way does a statement piece need to be a "super high end luxury " item - and that's not what I mean   Those examples I listed include things from all price ranges.    I can't afford a wardrobe of luxury goods either - but will buy the occasional - very occasional - luxury accessory as a statement piece. They have always paid for themselves in terms of CPW.    krishnidoux on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378840 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:57:05 +0000 krishnidoux 1378840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I so identifies with what you wrote here. I enjoyed reading Privilege's break down of degrees of casual. It is an interesting question you pose. How to dress simply, without fuss, stylishly, and without becoming bored? And without breaking the bank, as Tanya cleverly brings up? To me "essentials" are pieces that would remain if I had to plan an emergency travel capsule. Pieces that will facilitate - or allows - outfit building, within my own personal style. Pieces that work in color and shape with many other garments and footwear. Pieces I currently enjoy wearing either because of comfort or fun factor.  I love Angie's comment on acceptance, because it's so true, and also difficult to do. And Rabbit is so right in pointing out that "essentials" do not necessarily correspond to "wear".  Some of my essentials come from high end stores, others from Costco!  I think like Angie that our essentials need getting some attention and TLC. Essential can be exciting to wear if they are varied enough, and if their shape and color respond to these principles: comfortable, practical and reflecting one's personal style.  Jaime on "Essentially speaking..." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/essentially-speaking/page/2#post-1378829 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:14:25 +0000 Jaime 1378829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok I have read this thread again. I think you can be a very interesting dresser if you wear only essentials but maybe that comes more easily when you are wearing very, very well made and well fitting essentials. The idea of strict dressing, which was once discussed here comes to mind. On the other hand, quality essentials can also allow more leeway for flash in the pan statement pieces that may be bought to ride a trend without the expectation they will be worn often or over a long period. I am still working this out in my mind, but, with some exceptions, I do think our overall style is defined more by our essentials than our statements.  Which is not to say I don't think you should wear some statement pieces while working at home - I am completely in favor of that!