YouLookFab Forum » Topic: High/low wardrobes: what mix?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: High/low wardrobes: what mix? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:19:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php DonnaF on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1423454 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:28:34 +0000 DonnaF 1423454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How low is *low* and how high is *high*?  To me, low is Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and the junior departments at many department stores -- the places where I'm trying to wean off my DD because so much is so thin and sleazy and falls apart almost immediately unless one has a sharp eye.  Medium to me is mall stores and department stores.  And high is designer stuff? I guess I am mostly M/M since most high end stuff isn't cut in Petite sizes.  Or does EF and Nic & Zoe count as high end?  Well, I don't buy them either. In general, I've found that more expensive lines tend to be more forgiving of weight fluctuations that cheaper stuff.  Sometimes, the greater expense is for greater style, but not necessarily greater quality.  :( Where I live, I would not pay a lot for a coat or tall boots because my weather is mild so neither of these categories would get much wear. I pay a lot for my hair, but a friend pays about 1/3 of what I do and she has a GREAT cut.  I am chicken to leave my guy after so many years, however. Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1423076 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 10:23:02 +0000 Dimity 1423076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ qfbrenda, I'm kinda afraid of falling in love with premium denim too! Maybe a Pandora's box that shouldn't be opened. Shevia, that's pretty funny to spend more on the low end, but it's probably true for a lot of my stuff too. NicVine, it's nice to get high end prints because with the low end ones it can be a little too easy to bump into someone else wearing the same thing.  Thanks, Deborah. Sounds like I'll have to grab some. They'll be great for really casual days and they will fill a wardrobe hole. Deborah on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1423033 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 04:57:28 +0000 Deborah 1423033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dignity, Target leggings are the best :). No pilling, and I wear mine a lot. Throw them on the machine to wash and they are good to go. I highly recommend them. They are a nice weight and substantial so they work well with tunics or dresses and long tops:) NicVine2014 on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1423023 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 04:24:53 +0000 NicVine2014 1423023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Many of my high end pieces are day dresses in either an amazing print or fabric or with a quirkiness to them that makes me feel great every single time I wear them. I like to team them with high street store accessories and footwear, dressing them up or down as I feel.  Jaime on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422528 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 03:36:36 +0000 Jaime 1422528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, my low end things often cost me more out of pocket than my high end things. All my higher end stuff is bought second hand, and most of my lower end stuff is Zara (often on sale). I do occasionally splurge on local designer shoes (usually end of season clearance) and a few times have indulged in an Angie Nordstrom pick (and would probably be tempted more often if I had free shipping and returns). Although I would have no trouble completely dressing myself with second hand clothing, I do like the touches of uber-current Zara adds to my wardrobe. So I guess I am not much of an example because I spend more on my lower end stuff! qfbrenda on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422514 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 03:13:07 +0000 qfbrenda 1422514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I spend the most on leather jackets (I have one), shoes, coats, and bags. That said... even the terms "high" and "low" are relative. My $150 towards a pair of shoes seems crazy high to a local friend of mine but probably doesn't phase some who might drop $300-500 on a pair. On premium denim, I'm afraid to try a pair. I've been very happy with Gap and Levi jeans and don't want to know what I'm missing! LOL Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422354 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:59:11 +0000 Dimity 1422354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sharon, this has been helpful to me, too. A few people have said tops were important, so it does help to clarify things. Sharon on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422353 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:54:30 +0000 Sharon 1422353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread has been really interesting. I have bought a few high-end pieces this year, for the first time, and the thing that has really struck me about them has been the fabric. The fabrics are just beautiful! They have a body and substance that I haven't seen in the mid-range stuff I usually buy. I appreciated Rachy's points about pants and weight changes - it has really clarified some thoughts for me. Finding tops that are the right shape and coverage for me is always more difficult than finding bottoms, and tops are usually my statement pieces, so it makes sense to spend my money on high end for tops, rather than bottoms. Coats are really only needed for a short period, so I don't think it is worthwhile to buy high-end. I think, for me, shoes are the same. I buy good mid-range shoes, but I like to update them every season as I think having trendy shoes modernises an outfit.  I suppose the other consideration is longevity, and if I see a trend that I think will become an essential for me (I'm looking at you, cropped tops!) it is probably worth buying a higher end version. Thanks for this thread, it has been very helpful in clarifying my purchasing choices. Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422339 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:30:19 +0000 Dimity 1422339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm learning a lot from this, and it's great to read all the shared wisdom. Thank you for your thoughtful posts.  Harmonica, great find at the thrift store! I got two great trench coats last year and they are great brands and look terrific so they'll last me a long time. KM, I'm glad to hear your experience with the high end jeans. And I agree about the high quality items from mass retailers. Sometimes they just surprise you!  Suz, yes, I have to agree that premium denim has really nice fading and whiskering. I've never tried on premium denim but I'll have to one day. It's not a priority at the moment when I have to fill gaps, but it will be fun to try. DEB, quality over quantity is so key. I don't need high turnover. Kkards, good point about not investing too much in what might be a passing fad. Gaylene, I'm thinking that fabrication is key to this discussion, so thanks for the recommendation of this book. Linda, ugh to moth holes in cashmere! Diana, your hand knits sound wonderful. Nothing is like a hand knit. I picked up a cream wool V neck sweater from the thrift store last year and I weep for the person who spent so much time on making it just for it to be donated. At least, it's getting lots of love from me! Louise on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422288 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:58:50 +0000 Louise 1422288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Low/ low-mid is probably me. I have no high end items but I love H&M and New Look for low end garments and M&S and BHS for lower mid items. I do spend on shoes though as I hate having unhappy feet. Most of my shoes are Clarks and Reiker x Gaylene on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422276 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:22:04 +0000 Gaylene 1422276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was was just reading Betty Helbreich's book "Secrets of a Fashion Therapist" last night and one section seemed to fit this discussion. Basically, her thought was that the biggest difference between high and low fashion is in fabric and construction. If the material is important, then go high. For example, if you love the look and feel of real leather, then it makes sense to spend your dollars on a good leather bag. On the other hand, if you are fine with a waterproof nylon for your tote, then buy nylon instead of leather. Same goes for construction. If the construction of a high-end garment flatters your shape significantly better then the low-end version, then buy the premium denim or the EIleen Fisher skirted legging. If, on the other hand, you are happy with the look of the $10 skirted legging and don't see the item as something you'll necessarily want to keep for several seasons, then low is fine. Her thoughts made sense to me. And, by the way, the book is a good read. Nothing revolutionary, but several good reminders. <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Of-A-Fashion-Therapist/dp/0062701878" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-O.....0062701878</a> Linda on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422169 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:41:08 +0000 Linda 1422169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I will be STUDYING this thread!!  I have been mostly low/low for a long time although, I flirted occasionally with being more low/high.  It is a struggle, for me.  I need variety and change, and I know that's not always a good thing.--  it leads to waay too many clothes in my closet. For me, jeans are my daily uniform, so I spend more, these days, on them, than on anything else (remember, I'm gloriously retired and serve as a volunteer).  I don't have a "perfect" pair, yet, in straight or skinny cut, but I love NYDJ for their boot cuts!  I'll also spend more on some workout clothes, especially tech fabrics when I'm running regularly.  I spend on undergarments, too, mainly because I love something lacy or slinky, next to my skin.  Lately I am also moving up with jewelry choices.  I find that heavier, more substantial pieces look better now, and often they are more costly. Other than that I am largely low/low because since nothing I do keeps bugs entirely at bay.  Oh, I tried cashmere and I do love it, but unfolding a sweater to find a hole eaten in the center front convinced me that good-quality synthetics are just fine for me.  When I lived in a suburban development, I didn't have this issue, but with a lot of land around our house, here, the good stuff seems to just draw them out.  Diana on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix/page/2#post-1422147 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:14:22 +0000 Diana 1422147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Handbags. Coats. Shoes. Premium denim. Jewelry. This is not to say that I don't have low end versions of these things (except for shoes, where I need at the very least real leather for comfort reasons) or high end items in other categories but the above are the categories that I'm most comfortable spending a lot of money on a single item. Basically they are things that are likely to last a while. I also have a lot of hand knit sweaters that would probably be considered "high end" just because of the (expensive) materials, never mind the labor. I am definitely a sweater snob although I don't buy finished sweaters very often. K.M. on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422146 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:14:14 +0000 K.M. 1422146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another thing that came to mind. I've gotten surprisingly high-quality pieces from mass retailers. Perhaps because these retailers outsource to so many different makers, sometimes a piece will actually be well made and of high quality. I've had a tweed skirt from MNG for over ten years. It's real wool, it's lined, and it's survived a lot of wear-and-tear and many washes in perfect condition. It also looks unique, artsy, and is very well cut. Ditto for a skirt from H&M. I think if you sift through enough, you can find gems that are good beyond what their brand name might suggest. kkards on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422142 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:08:11 +0000 kkards 1422142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i just want to add, one of the questions that i ask myself is how long do i think i want to own this item, and how often do i think i'm going to wear it? if i think its a "short time" piece, then i'll usually buy low. also, if i'm trying a new trend, or buying something that i think may date quickly i also tend to buy low.  i can say that some of the best pants "statement" pants i've gotten have come from target and the gap. being prints, i know that i wouldn't wear them that often, so the price/value worked for me.  Suz on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422136 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:56:51 +0000 Suz 1422136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA: I guess my thoughts boil down to: what do you wear most or what "makes" an outfit most in your climate. What are the key essentials of your outfits? I go high (er) end on those first, and then add higher end statements where possible. And since you are in a warmer climate, yours will differ from mine for sure. Debs gives really good advice.  Deb on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422124 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:35:44 +0000 Deb 1422124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like mid to high on everything I buy but I have always been a quality over quantity gal. I don't even look at low end....most cheap clothes, shoes and bags look cheap and have inferior fabrics and finishes. Often these clothes work better for a younger woman or those with a lower budget. The cheap clothes don't generally wash and wear as well either and I expect my clothes and shoes to look great for far longer than a season or two. Since I'm a modern classic dresser, I can get five plus years, sometimes much longer, out of my items, so this works for me. I probably wouldn't go with my method if you like high trend items that are designed for this seasons use and will be 'out' next year. Lower end would probably suffice. A lot depends on how big a turnover you want from your clothes and how confident you are with your selections and style, and if you want them to stand the test of time. Generally speaking, as we age, our clothes, shoes and bags should be the best quality our budgets will allow, to look fully polished. The belt below has no relevance whatsoever....I accidentally attached it. Suz on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422113 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:16:42 +0000 Suz 1422113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity, my denim wardrobe is itself hi/low. I buy both. I wear a lot of jeans simply because they fit my work-at-home lifestyle and climate in winter/ fall/ spring. So I own a lot. Everything from GAP (bought on sale, so very inexpensive) to Kut from the Kloth (a sort of slightly-higher-than-GAP-level brand), to  Banana Republic to J. Crew to Citizens of Humanity, Rag&Bone, and True Religion.  I am with those who say that fit is #1, and if you can get a great fit from a lower end brand of denim, go for it!  I will happily try on just about any type and don't discriminate!  I will say that my 4 absolute favourite jeans are:  Citizens of Humanity (premium) skinnies. Why? The fading is "just so" making me look a lot better, the length is perfect on me, the stretch and "hand" of the fabric is ideal. They never bind, bother, bag. They work with everything.  Rag&Bone slim BF jeans. Why? Again, cut and fading is perfect. Gives me a longer leg line. Fabric is heavier weight (good for my climate) and substantial. These jeans are not going to wear out fast!  Kut from the Kloth Diana skinnies in white. Why? Because 3 years in, they still look as good as new, they are substantial, and the cut is a good one for me. Flattering.  True Religion Cameron BF: 100% cotton cannot be beat. Also, careful whiskering and fading.  I think if jeans are not a keystone of your style and/or you are an easy fit in denim, there is no reason to buy high end. But I have found that in every category we wear frequently, it is great to have at least one higher end item, as Angie says.  K.M. on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422092 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 14:23:16 +0000 K.M. 1422092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity, I'm another fellow low/low wardrober here. Not by choice, of course. And I realize that what I consider the higher-quality pieces in my closet are at best middling for others. On high-end jeans: Several years ago I went, for the first time, to a store specializing in designer jeans, and I tried them. And I DID see the difference. The fit was amazing compared to mass-brands such as Gap, J Crew, etc. It also meant trying on a zillion pairs; most didn't fit, but a few did--because they were all cut so differently as opposed to the generic average cut of mass retailers. I invested into a couple of pairs (one half off) and they looked so much dressier, so much more tailored and better fitting, so much classier than anything else I owned. They kept their shape. They didn't sag, didn't bulge at the knees, didn't stretch at the waist... (Then, I got pregnant, and tho I returned to my previous weight, my hips are too wide for those jeans... I've kept them in a box anyway, I don't have the heart to give them away!) I also agree on the recommendations not to go low-end in bags. I've had fake leather ones, and the material is so obviously fake... and the seams come unthreaded... and the zippers break, and metals come apart etc. harmonica on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422060 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 13:08:20 +0000 harmonica 1422060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread! Thanks Dimity. I haven't read through all reply's, but I know you've already got a lot of great info. I put money into shoes (especially winter boots), winter coats and classic pieces. When first building a new wardrobe (after years of decay ;-)), I stalked classic items on sale (blazer, trousers, trench coat, white shirt, pencil skirt, dressy shoes, casual shoes, work shoes, LBD, leather jacket, booties). It has taken me about 4 years to round the circle for classics. I've always loved thrifting so every time I get the chance (not often) I search for quality pieces at second hand stores. This summer I found a very well made wool skirt and belted jacket for only 5$. I also look for belts, scarfs and handbags. I'm very picky about having clothes with natural fibres (wool, cotton, silk, linen) and that makes it sometimes hard to find at Zara, H&M etc. My jeans are inexpensive because I found a few brands/models I like which happens to be cheap - especially on sale.I've also found inexpensive pencil skirts just as good as expensive ones. I agree that it has to look high end ;-) Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422033 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:52:45 +0000 Dimity 1422033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne, I have a pair of jeans from Kmart too, but I bought them from the op shop! And they are some of my best fitting jeans, too. I've seen some Kiera shoes and they look wonderfully comfortable, like you could wear them all day and not feel a thing. I remember Ojay from many years ago. Are they out of business now? I used to like them but haven't seen them anywhere. Deborah, I totally agree about how 'low' should look 'high'. And I love that we can share finds from everywhere and no one makes us feel uncomfortable. I was looking at the ponte leggings in Target the other day and wondered about getting a pair. I've never worn leggings but with a long tunic or something, it could work. Do they wear okay or do they pill? The majority of people seem to go lowish on jeans, which is interesting. I treat jeans much the same as you, they're a backdrop for other things. And it's interesting about the jewelry too, shipskitty and Deborah. I have some decent pieces that I've collected or been given over the years, and lots of inexpensive but pretty necklaces, but I don't see people wearing necklaces as much as they used to. Pearls, lockets, beads, they just aren't as visible as they once were. Is it the same where you are? I guess it's the trend to minimalism? Diane, I enjoy sewing and I agree that good fabrics make all the difference to the finish of a garment. No matter how good you are, you can't get a nice product if the fabric isn't good to start with. I've been finding the quality pretty average in our chain store fabric places here, so I have to go to small high end importers to get quality cotton that isn't short fibres that wrinkle badly or prints that are cheap looking. And your hair colour is fabulous and totally worth it! Anonymous on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422030 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:12:56 +0000 Anonymous 1422030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting read Dimity, thanks for starting this thread. I hadn't really thought too much about this in my wardrobe, But it occurs to me that although I sew a lot of my own clothes I always buy really good quality fabric for things like coats and jackets, then I may buy cheaper remnants for tops perhaps. Shoes is where I will spend a lot. I do also spend money on my hair colour. shipskitty on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422028 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:01:48 +0000 shipskitty 1422028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  I also confess to spending on a really good hair cut every six weeks. It is totally worth it because it is a foundation of my look before I even get dressed. shipskitty on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422027 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:00:13 +0000 shipskitty 1422027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes (particularly for work) and bags (which for me at any one time are one leather tote for work and one leather cross body for MOTG I use for half of the year and are expected to to last for a couple of years) are probably where I think it is worth investing. I am trying to cull my necklace habit to better quality more frequenty use pieces - I hate when a favourite statement necklace starts to turn green or copper after only one season. I am also trying to make them be more "me"overall. Better quality ones seem mostly, to not just be more interesting,  but also to last much longer.  I'm also trying to work out what other items are worth spending the dollars on. Toppers (3rd piece jackets or jumpers) really seem to be the best for this as these make such a difference to an outfit and pass from year to year whereas individual tops  (tshirts or blouses) might not last that long or seem to date faster. Coats I spend up on but I don't buy them very often so I want them to last for several years and to feel really awesome when I wear them. I've never quite got my head around 'premium denim' as the sizing doesn't work for me and denim is a weekend MOTG thing so seems not worthwhile. I am willing to pay more for work items because I am a consultant and there is a certain amount of truth to "dress for success". (So long as I am confident I'll get plenty of wear out of an item.)_ Deborah on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422021 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 08:18:29 +0000 Deborah 1422021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity this is a really good question.  I agree really with all above comments. Personally,  I have found that climate and seasons have a bit to do with this for me.  I have also done a lot of low/low in the past but YLF has set me on a better path lol. Firstly, my 'low' items have to look like they are 'high' :) In summer, my tops need to be good quality pieces, because in summer I rarely put a jacket on, so my top often kind of carries the outfit.  In winter, I wear jackets so they need to be top notch.   I can pop a cheap Valley Girl blouse/top under a Metalicus Jacket and it can look "a million bucks" so to speak, whereas that top on it's own might not quite cut it. Shoes and handbags for all seasons are worth spending on.  There is something about a quality shoe and bag that I think really elevates an outfit.  And IMHO bags don't need to be leather.  Diana Ferrari and Sandler for example do some lovely non leather bags that are quite special. I don't buy pricey jeans.  My jeans are from Target, Suzanne Grae and (gasp) Kmart.  They are very much a weekend staple in the winter but they are not star players, more a support act to a fab pair of boots and topper.  Same with leggings.  I buy my ponte leggings at Target for the winter.  They do go to the office but again they are plain black, a nice substantial weight and support a fab top and/ or jacket. Jewelry is another thing I mix a little.  There was a period where costume jewelry was all the rage and in some ways still is (think Equip, Lovissa etc) but I ended up culling my jewelry and keeping on a few pieces that looked a lot better than they actually were.  I have been lucky enough to have been given some lovely jewelry over time and I now prefer to wear those.   I think this is quite a personal journey as you assess lifestyle and how you construct your outfits. anne on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1422018 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 07:52:37 +0000 anne 1422018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To some extent I am another low/low girl here and of course the usual caveat that one person's high is another low. All my jeans (bar one pair from Jeanswest, 6 years old and currently too tight) are from Target and I do a lot of my shopping there and Valley Girl and similar. But I have a few exceptions and hope to have a few more; Like some others, shoes are where I spend.I usually buy pair a year of Kiera orthotic shoes (around $220) and this really puts a dent in my annual budget. Every few years I buy boots and they are similarly expensive.Even sandals I don't go bargain basement I have a pricy suit from Ojay - 10 years old but still going strong - that I don't regret buying one bit. in 2013 I branched out a bit and bought a $100 dress from Portmans. It can be winterized worn at work and outside work as well.  I really like it and find their (woven) stuff lasts and lasts. I undertook to wear it every week, to justify the cost and it is a good FFBO. Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1421845 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:27:18 +0000 Dimity 1421845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echo, that makes sense. Gaylene, the baggy things thing is a problem for me too. So frustrating. Gaylene on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1421835 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:14:47 +0000 Gaylene 1421835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, my BR trouser jeans made me re-think the whole premium denim thing. I really think it depends on easy--or difficult--it is for you to find a satisfactory fit. I find many brands of premium denim jeans too stretchy for my taste and the super soft feel also isn't to my liking. On top of that, premium denim cuts can sometimes fit oddly on my IT shape--baggy thighs and a droopy rear are common problems for my shape. Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe because I wear them constantly and find it easy to get a good fit in the lower-priced end of the market. I'm choosey about the look of the denim and a fanatic about fit, but I seem to find lots of selection without venturing above $75 range. The few pairs of premium denim jeans ($250 and $350 pricepoints) I've owned were fine, but not worth the extra expense for me. Echo on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1421828 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:05:41 +0000 Echo 1421828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Denim of any variety is only worth paying for when it fits. Perfectly. I don't believe in buying names for the sake of the names unless they completely fit your body and your style. As for higher-end pieces, I indulge in scarves, footwear, coats, bags and jewelry primarily. However, I also have a few high end pieces in other wardrobe departments. But I get the most mileage from the categories mentioned. I think that shoes and bags and jewelry (accessories in general) can have enormous impacts on outfits and elevate an entire look, so they give me the most bang for my money. In most other areas, I buy only high end pieces that make me really, really happy. Even if they are statement pieces, they get more wear than when I try to buy more expensive "basics" because I am motivated to wear things I love (YMMV, of course, and some people love wardrobe basics).  Dimity on "High/low wardrobes: what mix?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/highlow-wardrobes-what-mix#post-1421826 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 00:03:28 +0000 Dimity 1421826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rachylou - yay for Target! I love my Target jeans too.