YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Evolving my style, Part 2

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Evolving my style, Part 2 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 22:36:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lisa on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1438861 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 21:21:32 +0000 Lisa 1438861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An interesting thread.  I adore what is stereotypical American interpretation of French/Parisian style (basic colors, simple style, flat footwear, scarves, etc).  But it's taken me forever to realize that some elements of this style do not work for my lifestyle (dress, skirts, who am I kidding I'm a jeans gal through and through).  I realized what attracted me so much to the aspirational style, was the ease of dressing that is portrayed within the label of French style.  And that I can translate into my real life style.  Perhaps the same will work for you?  Maybe an element of your aspirational style CAN fit into your real life style? unfrumped on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437849 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:27:44 +0000 unfrumped 1437849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, this is a great thread! Agree that at some point you both separate function from style, but get back to, your style includes a lot of function because of who you are and what you do with your time. Karie on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437703 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:11:29 +0000 Karie 1437703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, admittedly I didn't get very far in reading the comments (those pesky students will be knocking at my door with their books again soon!) so just a few observations for now - You want a signature style and a uniform? Huh? Suz, you are not boring and that sounds boring. You are someone that I've always seen as having fun with fashion. I think real vs. aspirational fashion is very difficult to do this time of year. We HAVE to dress for the real deal because of our wildly cold and snowy climate. Lunch is over and I'll be back later! (So would teaching the kiddos how to read by using the threads on YLF be wildly inappropriate?)   approprio on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437674 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:52:26 +0000 approprio 1437674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Late to this thread. I'm not sure if I've read correctly that a large part of this is about dressing nicely when you're under several inches of snow for several months of the year.  If that's the case then I guess to some extent I feel your pain. Our climate is somewhat kinder but our weather is still horrible, so dressing for it is a reality for me too. I think cold weather is something contemporary fashion does really badly, because solutions seem to have defaulted to derivations of performance wear and ski gear, and the mainstream got stuck somewhere with down jackets and snow boots. Nature's solutions to this are still the best, but it's very hard to buy a good thick wool coat these days and it's considered unethical to wear fur. I've been embracing the frump and layering up. Fleeces and down vests under men's coats and thick tights or leggings under skirts. And I really don't think you can beat a fine cashmere or merino base layer topped with a classic thick, woolly jumper. The Scots and the Scandinavians still make the best ones.  Windchime on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437664 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:24:39 +0000 Windchime 1437664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've read your first two posts on this subject with much interest, Suz, because I think you have a wonderful sense of your style. I have read some but not all of the replies so may be repeating what others have said....someone mentioned that it makes all kinds of sense for you to invest in fab renditions of your essentials, such as your puffer coat. I thought immediately of the wonderful mixed media coat you bought for this season, and how much pleasure it gives you every time you wear it-- and us, every time you post it! That seems a perfect example of making the ordinary extraordinary. A friend and I walk outdoors several times a week, so sturdy, waterproof, warm snowboots are a necessity for me. Until now, I just bought utilitarian boots which met the four criteria above. This year for the first time, I added the word "fun" to the list and bought silvery-grey boots which make I enjoy every time I put them on. I will keep this experience in mind as it comes time to replace other of my essentials. Destri on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437612 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 13:28:18 +0000 Destri 1437612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I'm reading this thread with interest.  I can completely identify with your issue (if I am interpreting it correctly).  It seems similar to my #1 issue which is: what can I put on that is a step up from my cute (Angie inspired) lounge capsule (American Eagle hoodie and sweatpants or flannels) that is comfortable and warm and practical for working at home or errands? In this situation, I am not going to put on jewelry.  I'll only where shoes if going out of the house.  I don't like wearing scarves to add interest to the outfit--I have bunches of scarves but am tiring of them and they seem too fussy to wear at home.  But, I run cold and need coverage (not necessarily a turtleneck but at least crew neck height).  I don't want air hitting my ankles (so the cute look of boyfriends rolled up showing a bit of skin at the ankle is out!  I'm also not likely going to put on a crisp blouse/button down.  So, what, what, what might add interest and maybe the word is complexity (?) to this comfy at home capsule?  One thing that has helped me a bit is to try to achieve a bit of unmatchy or unexpected.  For example, mixing patterns like wearing my plaid flannel shirts over striped tees.  Another option is that I just purchased an Athleta solstice tee dress (with lots of draping) to wear with sweater tights and casual toppers.  Another "go to" outfit for this situation is that I wear several of the Cudl Dud hoodies that Angie featured last winter that are heavenly against the skin (and majorly warm with jeans, ponte pants or even my black ponte skirt with various causual toppers (jean jacket, cardis or even Angie inspired blazer).  I wish I had more tunic sweaters to wear over leggings because this look works for me as well. So to summarize . . . unmatchy and unexpected might be a direction to explore and continuing to explore different silhouettes might be another (which I know that you have been doing).  Easier said than done though, I know! Good luck, I will stay tuned! kkards on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437592 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:49:02 +0000 kkards 1437592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i've had a busy couple of days, so i haven't had time to read thru part 2 until this morning, and i'm going to have to go back and read more in detail. but i just wanted to say that i would think that many of us have a wardrobe that fits our style but doesn't fit our aspirational style. real life has a way of intruding. it   always struck me that the best way to change this is to figure out how to get my aspirational life, (but i think that's an off topic post)  shipskitty on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437591 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:39:02 +0000 shipskitty 1437591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow...I dipped in and out a bit during my day but there was a lot to catch up on there. This has been a fascinating thread Suz. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. So if I understand correctly the distillation of all that is that Suz will probably be seeking to add more drama to her outfits in the coming year: <ul> <li> by seeking out more interesting statement versions of her favourite types of clothing items</li> </ul> or  <ul> <li>by seeking out new ways to 'reconstruct' those clothing items from different components.</li> </ul> Plus there was some discussion of experimenting with accessories and a slight mod to the 'do... Staysfit on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/3#post-1437589 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:24:44 +0000 Staysfit 1437589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Suz! I go out of town for a few days and I miss so much! Well, I don't see dissonance between what you wear at home and the rest of your wardrobe unless you are feeling unhappy with it? (I didn't read everyone else's responses yet, I'm rushing around this morning). I suppose you could update your puffer and get one that is completely in line with your style. They have so many great options available that it's easy to be warm and practical at the same time. The same goes for your oversized cardigans, etc. However, you live in a cold, snowy, location. That doesn't change, so your wardrobe has to adapt. Oh, I meant to say that from what I have seen, you do a lot of work from home, so having different capsules within your wardrobe that represent slightly different aspects of your style seems to make sense. To me this doesn't seem dissonant, it seems practical, and a way to be comfortable while working, etc. Caro in Oz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437573 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 06:45:13 +0000 Caro in Oz 1437573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My fantasy haircut for you is not matched by the reality of the world wide web - darn. This is as close as I could get. I think it could be fantastic -  you could play with sleek or messy depending on the occasion & your mood :) Just an aside, why does nearly every haircut for light coloured, short hair involve having hair in your eyes? It's okay, it's a rhetorical question........ Caro in Oz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437571 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 06:00:46 +0000 Caro in Oz 1437571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Controlled, messy, polish as Angie said. I had a quick look for a photo but nothing yet - I'll have more of a look later. Beth Ann on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437564 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 05:18:19 +0000 Beth Ann 1437564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having trouble with the site today -- so I'm really late to the party. I'm so excited to see what comes of all of this fancy cogitating!  I find myself often feeling the same way:  My aspirational style is dramatic and dressy, but I'm in an environment that is quite subdued, casual, and conservative.  Curiously, my body provides challenges that are almost polar opposites to yours. II like the idea of Zara for you, and maybe Cos for inspiration, at least.  I also think that fabrication is huge when it comes to comfort, practicality and sharpness.  A fabulous Ponte di Roma in a jacket with more dramatic, less preppy, styling would be a fabulous addition.  Jerseys that are just a tad heavier would "fall" on your body, rather than "drape it.  At home, color and texture can bring a lot of drama to the party. Suz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437546 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 04:12:15 +0000 Suz 1437546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, I'll let Angie explain what "modern classic" is -- she talks a bit about it <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/07/the-power-of-classic-items-in-modern-style/">here</a>, as well as other places on the blog. Basically, it means updated classics in current cuts and fabrications.  The core of my style is modern classic, I'd say. And I doubt that will ever change. I think at this point I'm seeking to refine my style a bit more and create some "signature" looks that work for me practically as well as in terms of style. I'll still be modern classic at my core (for all I know, that will be even more obvious!)  but the look will be even more distilled, if that makes sense. Angie, that coat was a top pick? Well then. I am going back to take a look at it! It probably wasn't on my radar earlier because I wasn't looking for a puffer. But I may not have permitted myself to look since Vince is costly and probably not the best puffer for a Canadian. (What do they know of puffers in California -- Rachylou notwithstanding?!)  AM on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437526 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:56:24 +0000 AM 1437526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a newbie question. I've been seeing the term "modern classic" thrown around a bit on this forum - does this in any way describe the "distinctive" and "sharp" style that you are honing in on?  Deborah on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437523 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:55:06 +0000 Deborah 1437523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, you are gracious!  Just having some fun but did think some visuals might prompt you.  I find they help me a lot.  I could so see you in the wrap knit dress!!  Angie on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437512 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:44:11 +0000 Angie 1437512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And it was a top pick.  AM on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437511 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:43:14 +0000 AM 1437511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - It is vince shawl collar puffer coat. I haven't really been able to get it off my mind since I saw it. Suz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437507 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:40:55 +0000 Suz 1437507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Why yes, Jaime. I have a feeling my summer shopping is all going to happen in one great (and hopefully not TOO dramatic) place this year! :)  Deborah, those are brilliant ideas and I really love the pieces. If I knew the fabrications would be warm enough for our climate and would work I would be seriously tempted to try a few of those. Maybe I should peruse the Metalicus website.  I have actually been after a sleeveless vest for some time -- I tried several summer versions but they did not work out for me. (They were actually laughable -- this is the type of item it is hard for me to "fill out" unfortunately, unless it is quite tailored). I haven't found a winter one, either, but I am a huge fan of them and would really like to find the right one.  I also love the merino sweater and the angled long sleeve dress.  I will try to post some visuals of the drama or sharpness I am after tomorrow. I'm actually having a tough time finding images, believe it or not. But I do feel that I am getting closer and am convinced that I'm moving in the right direction.  Thank you all so much for your help. Off to look at Australian fashion!  :)  Angie on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437506 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:39:39 +0000 Angie 1437506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was JUST coming back to chime in about hair, and saw Caro's comment. (YLF has been offline all day - and it's still hectic. Greg has had to hook me up to his iPad's server - so I'm skimming the responses - all to unsuccessfully I might add).  YES. Movement. That means a little more length to create it. A little controlled messy polish. Hope that makes sense.  I'm also smiling at Deb's generous and very sweet effort to help out - and can see her in every one of those pieces.  Jaime on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437500 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:31:02 +0000 Jaime 1437500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That was a fascinating read first thing in the morning. So in my attempt to get the picture I am hearing that you want a more dramatic signature style - one that announces (without screaming) Suz style to everyone not just those of us that follow you closely here. Yet still make sense in the cold of winter. Yes, some experiments at Zara may be in order. And other distant stores with inventive designers. Speaking of places with warm climates and a lot of drama ;-)! ETA I like what Deborah just posted, although I am not sure I see all those pieces on you. I could definitely see a furry vest though! But I think I need to dig around my closet and post some pictures too! Deborah on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437499 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:31:00 +0000 Deborah 1437499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, thanks for responding and apologies for not reading everything fully.  I think I get it now.  More Drama (I love drama) and "To find a way to combine the structure/ angularity/ sharpness/ crispness I require with the comfort I need". What does drama look like to you?  Can you provide visual examples?  Is that element something you desire or is it part of your personality? I like Caro's suggestion. I am still thinking fabrics could be a big player in this for you. Another thought!  Does practicality in fact require you to go in a different direction?  Save the drama for your other capsules and embrace the opportunity for a more casual but luxe look when working at home?  I am thinking again of EF and even James Pearse.  Casual stylings but beautiful, extravagant fabrications.  Ok so just for fun, and even though I should be working!!  Suz's at home working wardrobe c/- Me and Metalicus (and Loft): BTW the items would be in your colours, these are the best I could find. <ul> <li>The Dress Metalicus Wrap Long Sleeve Dress.  For working at home wear alone with tights and the Ugg Cambridge boot. </li> <li>The Pants Metalicus Port Pant.  Soft and drapey, Comfy for lounging around or working in your home office.  </li> <li>The Long Cardigan Metalicus Pollock Long Sleeve Cardigan.  Delicious merino wool long cardigan in Cobblestone. Wear with your Port Pant and get set for some high drama as the cardigan drapes and flows as you walk... around the house. </li> <li>The Shirt The White Knit Button Down shirt from Loft. Soft and fluid but still has that lovely fresh crisp look of a classic white shirt. </li> <li>The Vest The Temple Long Vest in Mosaic Blue is a must for the work at home gal.  Wear over the your Port Pant and a soft yet crisp white shirt. Perfect relaxing fabulously while proofing copy in your home office. </li> <li>The Skirt The fabulous Ziggy Skirt from Metalcus.  Fun monochrome pattern that makes a statement, even it you are the only one home to see it. </li> </ul> Anyway Suz, forgive my pathetic attempts here at humour, and I have tried hard not to project my preferences.  I did think the sleeveless vest could be a great way to add structure to your work at home pieces.  Not so much the one I post in #5 but more along the lines of something tied or belted.  It's a jacket but it's not if you know what I mean and I often find a more tailored vest can really pull together an outfit of more relaxed pieces. xxx Suz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437497 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:27:51 +0000 Suz 1437497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sharan, thank you, and I think you are seriously onto something with the snow boot wardrobe, too. Next year I am going to add another style.  Suz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437495 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:26:50 +0000 Suz 1437495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That IS a lovely puffer, AM. I haven't seen it. What is it?  Carla, yes, I do have some curves, it is true, and those combined with my smile, eyes, etc. do provide some softness or at least femininity quite naturally. I could wear the most boyish outfit in the world and I would still look like a girl. Also, I could never look truly RATE.  But actually, I am considering my body type quite a lot in these deliberations. My body type is the main reason I can't wear the arty drape. I am quite simply too angular for it, especially up top, but even below -- i don't have the hips to fill out the draping. Thighs, yes (more than enough there). But the clothes look wrong without the hip real estate. And my face shape is quite angular, too. So too much "roundness" fights with it.  I agree that the new tailoring will be my STYLE friend. Will it be my COMFORT friend remains to be seen! :) Angie, that's right -- it's "sharpness" I am after. That feels exactly right. That is why I get so annoyed when I have to wear scarves these days (almost always), and why I can never feel fab in an all knit outfit,  and why I like angles and stripes.  Caro, you are one step ahead of me as usual. I do have some thoughts about colour that I'll share tomorrow. In the meantime, I love the image of that raspberry cashmere!!  Also, can you explain what you mean by more movement in the hair? More texture? Longer? I hesitate to go much longer, to be honest -- it stops feeling like "me" and also becomes hard to manage. (Similar to Shannon's dilemma, i think.)  Firecracker (Sharan) on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437488 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:19:17 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1437488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, this discussion is very illuminating. It's really interesting to read everyone's thoughts on the challenge you've posed. I don't think I have any ideas. But I can commiserate, in a way: it's when I'm cold that I feel my least stylish. That's when I'm just trying to bundle up enough to stay comfortable, and not all of my cold-weather clothes offer much in the way of stylish remixing. So I am in awe of your winter style, which to me looks very put-together--your casual style included. I feel that I rely on footwear to put the fabulous feel into my outfits, and if I were choosing footwear to walk through snow, I would find it hard. I would want a snow-boot wardrobe, for sure. AM on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437482 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:15:04 +0000 AM 1437482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You (and all the fabbers) probably saw this but I thought this puffer was striking. Felt practical but "distinctive." And this overall look has some nice interest. Conceptually, could you provide some examples of what you feel is closer to your next style iteration? Carla on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437474 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:00:21 +0000 Carla 1437474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are head and shoulders beyond where I am in my style quest, so I am enjoying your discovery threads...though some of it is hard for me to follow. My question to you, is how much do you consider your body in your style? Your aspirational style seems to be all angles and lines (defination rather than hardness if I understand correctly), but you have a curvy body to dress! Though not busty, you have an hourglass frame, and your legs are shapely with neat ankles and small knees. Your skinnies, and your skirts/tights/booties accentuate these figure qualities providing the gamine and the feminine, despite the urban Prince/tomboy. So, despite the 'edge' of asymetrical design, or other design elements, there is still a certain 'softness', without being super flowy or a total EF devotee! I wonder if the trend towards 'tailored' items that Angie mentioned in her blog post about spring trends, might provide you more of the definition you seek, since tailored items have more structure (and well thought out and fabricated ones can be comfortable.). FWIW, I see your style as sufficiently distinctive be be 'Suz', it is just that it is subtle, and doesn't shout out. As usual with these philosophical types of musings, it is sometimes hard to converse... Angie on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437473 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:59:14 +0000 Angie 1437473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll add that the Sharpness that you are after in your outfits Suz, is created by the fabric, angular drape and structure. That's why things feel off when you go the avant-garde and arty route.  Take the pieces that you love: shirts, t-necks, crew-neck knitwear, jeans, booties, sandals, pencil skirts, puffers, long shorts, sweatshirts, fitted jackets - and find versions that look different to what you already have.  Caro in Oz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437444 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:01:48 +0000 Caro in Oz 1437444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's thanks to Mo I started tracking. The sharing here is another reason to love YLF - not that I need more reasons :) :) I've been thinking about your posts & how you can physically express your energy/essence more through your outfits. My thoughts so far are, colour for your winter clothes, I see you cocooned in a beautiful raspberry cashmere knit that is mid-thigh length & kept close to your body (to give it structure) with a soft navy or taupe belt. Slim pants & ugg type slippers for the house & long boots & puffer for outside.  I'd love to see more movement in your hair too - this could add some more of that dynamic quality. I'm not attached to these notions they are just ideas for you to play with :) Suz on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437409 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:57:16 +0000 Suz 1437409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, thank you for that thoughtful and detailed response. I have no problem being "dressier" than others but have much more problem with knits and drape -- they don't work for my body type even though they do work for my lifestyle. So that is my challenge. To find a way to combine the structure/ angularity/ sharpness/ crispness I require with the comfort I need.  I think I need a trip to Australia to visit Metalicus!! I have been saying this for quite some time... Deborah on "Evolving my style, Part 2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolving-my-style-part-2/page/2#post-1437384 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:41:12 +0000 Deborah 1437384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz I have been looking forward to this part 2!  I have skimmed through some responses but not all in detail yet.  I am not sure what the solution is for you but I can share that generally my lifestyle is not all that conducive to dressing up either, but I just do it lol. For example, I dress 'up' more than my colleagues and in fact I dress more professionally than my our CEO. Many people in our organisation wear jeans to work - it is very very casual. Some time ago I accepted that I prefer a more dressy aesthetic.  I would always prefer to be dressed up than dress down  Casual dressing has perhaps been my biggest challenge.  Significant realisations for me were that comfort was a priority as was the desire for my clothing to be able to go almost anywhere.  I think has been part of the catalyst for <ul> <li>my fabric selection (a lot of jersey & stretch fabrics)</li> <li>solid colours</li> <li>limited colour palette</li> <li>structured items in knit fabrics</li> </ul> So what this means for me is say I am working at home, I might wear my harem pants and a draped oversized top - I always wear makeup and accessorise.  If I go into the office, I can wear the same harem pants with a draped top semi tucked and a knit blazer and ankle boots.  Casual to dressy but still meeting my need to feel and look a certain way in both versions.  Does that make sense? I know your weather contributes to your wardrobe choices in a way ours doesn't, so I get that. I was going to suggest EF and not it has been mentioned above.  Metalicus works for me like EF seems to work for Shannon.  It is so versatile and dresses up and down so beautifully (without really looking dressed 'down'). And for the record, I think you have dressing for your real life perfected.  I also think you know well what works for you and I would say that you have quite a strong signature style already.