https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:14:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1916420 Sat, 05 May 2018 09:56:23 +0000 Mainelady 1916420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that once you decide upon a couple of bottoms it will be easier to round out your wardrobe. I have had good luck with chino style shorts from J Crew and Talbots. Both brands offer different lengths. White denim short are a summer essential. I often wear simple dresses and easy pull on skirts. Here are some brands that work for me.</p> <p>#1 Mellie M. Many style and print options. Washes and wears well.<br /> #2 Hatley also offers style and print options and is more affordable. Check fabric content though. Some are buttery soft and others can be a bit stiff until after a couple of washings.<br /> #3 Max Studio Outlet. I have 3 skirts and a couple of tops. They are incredibly comfortable. The skirts I have are all lined, but not one bit hot. I wash and hang mine to dry.</p> <p>Good luck! I hope to see pics of what you decide upon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1916289 Fri, 04 May 2018 21:21:15 +0000 Aida 1916289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is probably less warm where I am but the jeans really only get worn early and late in cooler weather. I have shorts I wear when it's hot, they're just not in my Finds (really need to get on that) Mostly jean shorts for the very casual stuff but also some silky pleated shorts. An <a rel="nofollow" href="http://aida.lookfab.com/post/wiw-some-casual-hot-weather-looks">old post with lots of examples</a>! I'll also wear cropped pants in fabrics like Tencel, cotton and linen for days when it's hot but leg coverage is needed (like those below). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1916008 Fri, 04 May 2018 08:46:48 +0000 anchie 1916008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>unfrumped - Yes! Light-bulb moment! I need active casual that is bordering with gear. But I don't like gear and don't know how to shop for gear. And I have a feeling that I have again ordered the wrong, more smart then active things.I am just attracted and easily distracted by pretty things.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Aida - thank you so much for pointing me to your old post. Lot of great ideas there. It feels good that I am not alone with this issue. Only difference is that it looks like my climate is slightly warmer than yours, because I am not able to wear jeans in summer and that is another problem for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915910 Fri, 04 May 2018 00:44:41 +0000 Aida 1915910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Elizabeth is onto something with the idea of treating this as two mini-capsules, and I would focus on the active-casual of the two FIRST because it will have little to no overlap with your current wardrobe; the "smart casual" set could certainly pull from both and you can wing it a bit with some of your dressier pieces but you can't really fake the active casual stuff.</p> <p>I had a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/as-threatenedpromised-thoughts-and-plans-for-extra-casual-weekend-wear-xxl">big long post</a> about this several years ago, along with my plan (plus lots of really great extra tips in the comments!), which you might find useful. I also have a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=80">capsule in my Finds</a> though it's not quite complete nor up-to-date since I don't have my whole wardrobe in my Finds (like, I wear baggy denim shorts a LOT for this capsule but they're not in there; same with my straw cowboy hat). My capsule has changed a bit since my original post -- less tees, more woven blouses/tops, more dresses, and more crossover into my other casual wear -- but the general structure has remained pretty much the same! It's bigger, too </p> <p>(Hmm maybe I should make two versions of this capsule for my Finds: one with the active-casual ONLY items, the ones with zero crossover, and one with all the smarter pieces I'll wear with them as appropriate.)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915797 Thu, 03 May 2018 17:54:59 +0000 unfrumped 1915797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might like “ city shorts” looks , with more refined casual footwear, or juxtaposed with sneakers. Or elegantly cut silk, cotton or linen trousers. </p> <p>I also separate “ casual” into smart casual or resort casual type looks that are “casual “ and fun/ playful compared to business wear, vs “ active casual “ ( which still does not have to be “ gear” but needs to be more durable, washable and comfortable than say, weekend lunch outfit. In my ideal wardrobe these might overlap somewhat using different footwear, or a silk top vs sturdy cotton top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915792 Thu, 03 May 2018 17:25:15 +0000 anchie 1915792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dianna- thank you for bringing Roxanna’s post to my attention, I will look for it.<br /> Elizabeth P - it sounds so easy when you put it like this. You could be right that I need two different capsules. My problem is that I am always looking for such magical item that can play many roles and fill all my wardrobe holes.<br /> Unfrumped - I think I am pants and shorts type but I would not mind having a dress or two. Casual skirts, I am not so sure.<br /> Bijou - I am glad I am not alone. I was looking today at some The North Face active pants but just couldn’t force myself to order them. I am telling myself that they can be useful and that I need to be practical but I just can’t picture myself wearing them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915679 Thu, 03 May 2018 12:21:04 +0000 Bijou 1915679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie - you are not the only one to need interventions like this! I really like Aida's advice that it is OK to wear more dressy items casually because if that is what you like to wear, then it is OK. I found a couple of shorter jumpsuits this summer and really enjoyed wearing them as a slightly more dressy version of shorts. I love jeans for casual wear, but sometimes it can just be too hot for jeans and pants, which is where summer casual dresses and shorts are useful. I hope you find some things that you love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915677 Thu, 03 May 2018 12:12:49 +0000 unfrumped 1915677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Elizabeth P and others about first musing on whether you’re a skirt/dress or pants perso, and also what is your ideal casual footwear the you live and your feet love.<br /> Fir exampl I know I’m a pants( or some version of shorts) person and closed toe, super comfy shoes. So then I go further into hmm, and what exactly— linger shirts, cropped or rolled pants; sneakers or super comfy loafer or closed toe fisherman sandal or similar— and build from there. </p> <p>I agree that shopping brick &amp; mortar at least for inspiration and direction, trying on for outfit proportions, can help focus online shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915675 Thu, 03 May 2018 12:07:17 +0000 Elizabeth P 1915675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, it sounds like you almost need two mini-capsules.&nbsp; One for the beach, and playing, which would be super casual, and one for walking around, going out for dinner, which would be slightly dressier.</p> <p>For the former I think you can easily find 1-2 pairs of shorts (even replicate what you have if you know it works: red, white, denim), and 2-3 tops.&nbsp; Maybe include a lightweight long sleeved linen top you can use as sun protection?&nbsp; You'd want more tops if you are thinking a week away vacation type of thing, but this would get you started for just weekend wear.</p> <p>For the latter, a couple of dresses, a denim&nbsp; jacket and a couple of scarves.&nbsp; I love dresses in the summer, so easy and comfy.&nbsp;<br /> I personally am a huge fan of skorts for shopping and sightseeing in the summer.&nbsp; I feel a bit dressed up, yet don't have to worry about what I do or how I sit ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915650 Thu, 03 May 2018 10:40:32 +0000 Dianna 1915650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, have you seen <b>Roxanna's </b>post about her midi casual summer dresses?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915636 Thu, 03 May 2018 07:00:42 +0000 anchie 1915636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I am relatively ok with smart casual when I can wear jeans and blazer. My big problems are extremes - either extremely warm or extremely casual situations.<br /> Lyn - yes, this multitasking pants could be something really helpful for those active situations where I am most at loss of what to wear. I will look for something like this.<br /> Kathie - going to check this dress immediately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915622 Thu, 03 May 2018 04:36:23 +0000 Kathie 1915622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you mentioned Boden dresses, I can recommend the Phoebe jersey dress. I just got one- sizing was spot on, per the charts and actual garment measurements. The jersey is a casual enough fabric that it will work for hanging at a beach house, or running weekend errands in town. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915617 Thu, 03 May 2018 04:12:31 +0000 Lynn 1915617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Archie- are there any athletic leisure stores where you live like Lululemon or Athletica? &nbsp;I have several of the street tech pants. They are great for hiking and biking but also look OK for around town and would work for the beach.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915429 Wed, 02 May 2018 16:42:18 +0000 Suz 1915429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think <b>SMART </b>casual for casual....it will feel more authentic, and add in a few more "picnic" / beach type pieces that feel a little more casual than that, for times when you're truly just in need of shorts and tee type outfits. </p> <p>Oh -- I even wear a dress as a beach cover up. It's a "gear" dress but it works great over my suit for walking and hanging out on the beach -- dries instantly. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915424 Wed, 02 May 2018 16:23:04 +0000 anchie 1915424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I like your examples, this is definitely something that I would wear too. I don’t mind sleeveless especially in high summer.<br /> I really liked GreenJeans examples too and I apologize for not replaying to everyone individually. I saw most of the replies in the morning when I had to run to work, and now I just got home to shower and change and go out again to see some friends for dinner (and am agonizing what to wear) But I do appreciate everyone’s input! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915416 Wed, 02 May 2018 16:06:54 +0000 Suz 1915416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've already had great advice here. I like the specific suggestions that <b>GreenJeans</b> made (about starting with footwear) and then <b>Angie</b>'s suggestions as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I concur with the advice to look for casual dresses and also a skirt. I almost lived in my tube skirts for years -- they could be dressed down or up. I'm now in need of replacements/ upgrades to the style as well as the skirts themselves.&nbsp;</p> <p>Tops -- look for wovens if you can. They will tick more of your boxes and feel dressier. Do you want sleeves or are sleeveless okay? My summer options below. The short sleeve gingham one is a bit transparent (i.e I wouldn't wear to an office) but it is the coolest thing ever and with a nude bra is fine for casual wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Pants -- linen pants are a great summer option. The ones in Finds are old and no longer available, but they've been great.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do wear some knits in summer also, either as evening toppers, or on cooler days.&nbsp;</p> <p>The boatneck linen tees from J. Crew are great -- I wear a cotton tank underneath. I have these in a bunch of colours -- metallic, grey, navy, white, cobalt.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915396 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:58:34 +0000 anchie 1915396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through my finds in previous post and weeded everything that should go. Not much left   But in reality I cannot pass them on until I get some replacements , otherwise won’t be able to do any of activities in more casual end of spectrum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915387 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:44:40 +0000 Angie 1915387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PASS ON all the items with issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>Repost what is left.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915380 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:34:22 +0000 anchie 1915380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you <b>Angie</b>, you are the best. <br />Pink pants, blush sweater, white jacket, turquoise shirt and all shorts have some issues with fit or condition.&nbsp;<br />-I am constantly looking at Boden dresses, thinking I should order some, but there are too many to choose from.&nbsp;<br />-I don't wear lot of skirts at the moment, but if I see the right one, maybe.<br />-Blouses - that is the worst category for me to shop. Just can't find one that that I like. I don't like boho. I don't like polyester, don't like dry cleaning, don't like night gown looking blouses, don't like transparent..&nbsp; I would need the most help in this category.&nbsp;<br />-I am not sure about the pink - almost all pink items in this collection are on their way out, so not sure I want to add more pink. Maybe rather add different scarf?&nbsp;<br />-Casual blazer - not sure if the Expresso jacket that is on its way can fill this hole?<br />-Bag in this collection is actually silver, but it looks grey in the picture.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention/page/2#post-1915360 Wed, 02 May 2018 14:06:51 +0000 Angie 1915360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT. Thanks, <b>Anchie</b>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Does everything fit and look fab - anything you want to pass on?&nbsp;</p> <p>Off the top of my head, here's my two cents to get you started. Add: </p> <ul> <li>Some midi dresses</li> <li>Maybe a skirt?</li> <li>Fun patterned blouses that add pizazz to the jeans&nbsp;</li> <li>pink shoes to match the scarf</li> <li>A casual blazer in a COLOUR with a scarf to match it</li> <li>Silver bag</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915272 Wed, 02 May 2018 08:01:00 +0000 anchie 1915272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all. I woke up to find all this great advises and check lists. I am taking notes. Lot of endorsements for casual dresses, so I will be definitely looking into it. Linen jogger type of pants also sounds useful and practical.&nbsp;<br />Using my office wardrobe in casual settings is not really in an option in the heat of summer. My office is pretty cold, so I dress mainly in layering sweaters, cotton blazers, full length pants and closed shoes. All this is too warm for wearing on weekends in summer. I also don't like wearing jeans or skinny pants in summer heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Regarding activities that I need wardrobe to dress for - it is ranging in dress code from beach wear, picnics, nature walks, light biking and hiking, playing in parks, backyard barbecues to meeting friends in city for drinks and dinner, running errands, shopping, sightseeing and traveling. I don't like wearing a gear and don't have almost any to speak of, so for light hiking and leisurely biking I would not wear activity specific gear. I do have a gear type of rain jacket though.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />And regarding my current options, it is really embarrassing. Almost everything is couple of years old and it is showing its age. And because of my weight fluctuations over those years, some things are little tight, and others little big. I would not mind burning everything and starting from scratch. I have zero casual dresses and zero casual skirts. Only my casual footwear is kind of OK, so I am not looking for it unless you see some glaring hole in that department. You can see EVERYTHING I own in finds that can be considered casual, I even added some primarily office items like BR and Boden pants, BR jacket, J Brand jeans and Esprit sweaters that can be worn casually in pinch. Ducking down in shame.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915194 Wed, 02 May 2018 02:02:06 +0000 LaPed 1915194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only started building a summer wardrobe over the past couple years, but for reasons that are the opposite of yours: I used to spend practically all summer in outdoor gear, due to the type of work and travel I do in the summer. I finally decided I needed some "around town" options and have put a lot of work into building up some options. Starting from near-zero actually means my summer wardrobe feels more "curated" than my other seasons! </p> <p>I'm not big on shorts, so I've built my summer capsule around <b>linen pants</b> and <b>knee-length or longer dresses</b>. I'm hoping to figure out skirts this year! I have a button-front <b>linen midi skirt</b> on order. On cooler summer days, I really enjoy structured culottes and <b>wide-leg crops</b>.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been relatively disciplined about not buying more t-shirts, and instead adding <b>short-sleeve and sleeveless shirts&nbsp;</b>in linen and lightweight woven cotton.&nbsp;</p> <p>Last summer I added 3 pairs of <b>casual sandals</b> (2 flat, 1 with a slight heel and closed toe) and a pair of<b> canvas espadrilles</b>; this year I'm adding a pair of <b>lightweight&nbsp;ox</b><b>fords</b>&nbsp;in blush and a pair of <b>classic sneakers </b>(Adidas in a fun colour).&nbsp;</p> <p>For toppers, my heavy hitters are a <b>white denim jacket</b>, <b>chunky cotton sweaters</b> in crisp colours, and an unstructured <b>linen blazer</b> in navy. I have a couple field jackets too, but reach for them more in spring/fall, despite the fact that they aren't any warmer than my denim jacket. They are longer, which makes them a bit harder to work into summer outfits -- I really prefer boxy/cropped for summer toppers.</p> <p>My summer palette is quite similar to my winter one (black, white, olive, denim) but does contain a few different colours (rust instead of burgundy, navy instead of charcoal, and a few softer colours like sage, sky blue and a smattering of blush). It's worth giving some thought to which colours feel summery to you and which don't; I dislike wearing navy in the winter but love it in the summer, and charcoal is just the opposite. Ditto rust/burgundy. It's nice to have new colours and silhouettes to look forward to as the weather changes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915188 Wed, 02 May 2018 01:49:00 +0000 cindysmith 1915188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through a phase about 8 years ago that involved lots of jersey dresses. Jersey maxi skirts are another good option. They can be quite casual, but its dress/skirt so it feels a bit less casual (or haphazard or whatever) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915185 Wed, 02 May 2018 01:44:20 +0000 Aida 1915185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, I think you should actually start by looking at the types of activities you need this wardrobe for and how often you'll be needing them. You can buy a fantastic casual wardrobe but if it isn't actually suited to your needs it won't be useful. For example, if your activities primarily include urban outings you would likely need very different sorts of things than if you are doing lots of outside and active outings. You might also be better off going and trying the casual things on in person to get a better feel.</p> <p>As someone who needs active casual clothing but doesn't actually <i>like</i> most casual clothing I feel your pain! It can be tough for Team Dressy. It's doable though, promise. One thing I'd like to point out is that you can designate some pieces that might be considered dressier to your casual wardrobe with the knowledge that the wear on them will be harder than if it were in another capsule. And that's OK! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915175 Wed, 02 May 2018 01:19:55 +0000 binkle 1915175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I had a sorta of minimalist approach to "casual" when I was working full time. I liked dressing up for work, I lived a quiet life without a lot of weekend/evening social activities, and since the weekend is "only" two days of the week, I didn't feel justified on spending money on a lot of casual stuff.</p> <p>So it depends what you need the casual stuff for. For me, it was mostly a movie/lunch with husband, or local outing/rare long weekend away. At one point I realized I had devolved into a uniform of jeans or cargo style pants (no shorts for me), a big white or chambray shirt (think boyfriend style), maybe a tee or three, cowboy boots or black moto-style boots. A pair of platform open-toed clogs. I do NOT expose much to the sun :-)</p> <p>Sounds boring, but everything was of good quality and neat, not trendy but not non-descript, and I added some of my chunky turquoise jewelry or a big cotton scarf.</p> <p>A lot of good check-lists are provided above. Maybe think about what your most regular activities are, with a piece or two to see you through the occasional surprise event? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915102 Tue, 01 May 2018 23:03:34 +0000 Anonymous 1915102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would start by making a list of casual activities and go to Pinterest to see what might fit the bill for those lifestyle events to get ideas before you shop.<br /> That said- my personal opinion is that a casual capsule should include AT A MINIMUM-<br /> 2 jeans ( light &amp; dark)<br /> skirt- if you like them (denim or twill ) or reversible does double duty.<br /> casual dress (chambray or knit or fabric of your liking)<br /> Capri or cropped<br /> shorts if you like them<br /> tops in your favorite style/ fabric ( tees, polos, buttoned, flowy etc)<br /> Jacket ( in fabric of your preference) I have 2-white denim , blue denim<br /> Sweater<br /> Footwear to your liking<br /> The above capsule could be modified for warm or cold climate based on fabric. Once you have basics add as you please but that minimum should be able to take you to all casual events.<br /> Happy shopping ANCHIE </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915098 Tue, 01 May 2018 22:57:30 +0000 Kathie 1915098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be following along. I could have written your post. My casual summer wear consists of three skirts (2 of which are worn and need to be retired), 3 T’s, a 20+ year old pair of shorts, and a worn out knit, dolman sleeve dress. And two woven sleeveless tops that can cross-over from work to weekend.</p> <p>So, I’m pretty much with you, in terms of starting from scratch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915085 Tue, 01 May 2018 22:28:20 +0000 Style Fan 1915085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Linen pants are nice for summer.&nbsp; I am interested in seeing what Angie suggests. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915073 Tue, 01 May 2018 22:18:47 +0000 Angie 1915073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to see what you have <b>anchie</b>, in order to make accurate suggestions. List it in Finds, or pull it out and take a photo on your bed. We always work from what you have and how you feel about it first. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-need-intervention#post-1915052 Tue, 01 May 2018 21:23:09 +0000 texstyle 1915052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that dresses may suit your summer needs better - if you like to feel more "dressed up" especially. </p>