YouLookFab Forum » Topic: I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:58:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Faith on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1893215 Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:24:27 +0000 Faith 1893215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I could not have written this post better myself! I so often relate to the things you post. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed out to purchase all of those articles of clothing (except the jeans) and have been left feeling confused and frustrated when they didn’t magically make my entire wardrobe come together. I’ve forced myself into so many white button downs that I feel irrational anger when I see someone wearing one now. Last year I spent a considerable amount of time on this blog reading all the posts and finally realized I hate white shirts and starchy items! After 16 years being the only female in a sea of men and wearing a very male uniform, I don’t have any interest in being Tom boyish at all and I prefer soft blouses instead! It’s taken me 30 years to realize that! It sounds silly but it’s the truth and it’s very freeing! Edited-oh and this just in, I ordered the Eloquii peplum jacket that Angie showed in a post a few weeks ago because I loved it on the model and felt that it would look great on me even though I am squat and 5’4. It arrived yesterday and all I can say is look for me in 2019 starring as Danny Devito as the penguin in Batman circa 1992. gradfashionista on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1893204 Fri, 23 Feb 2018 14:44:09 +0000 gradfashionista 1893204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I own a denim shirt, white shirt, denim jacket, and trench, but it took a long time to find ones that worked and even now, they don’t get the wear they deserve. Denim shirts—I rarely see people wearing them in real life. None of my female friends, acquaintances, or family members where them, and I don’t see them on the street, either. Why? I’m not sure. Denim jackets—stiff and not ideal wear for those who experience real winter. They’re too bulky under coats, inadequate for rain when you want more coverage, and too warm for humid summers. I like mine, but it doesn’t get the wear it deserves for those reasons. When would you able to wear them regularly in Winnipeg? What about a denim-look blazer instead, or do you have too many blazers at the moment? White shirts—you say you’ve tried them all. Guessing that includes different fabrications, oversized vs slim cut, but what about 3/4 sleeves and short sleeves to avoid the cuff issue? Now that I own a few, I don’t see them as essential outside of a professional work environment, though they get more wear in summer time. Trenches—keep trying if you want one! Of all the items you mentioned, I would save up for this one, because of how easily it pulls an outfit together. When a trench fits and flatters, it has more of a “wow” factor than the other items. Maybe make a separate thread detailing what hasn’t worked for you, so the hivemind can offer suggestions? Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1893178 Fri, 23 Feb 2018 13:11:32 +0000 Anonymous 1893178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @christina F I’m thinking this whole idea may be a holdover from when offerings were more limited and fashion less individualistic. agree, I wish this site had a reply/quote function :-) have been reading for  a while and haven't figured it out  Christina F. on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1892361 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 02:29:59 +0000 Christina F. 1892361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ehh, I don’t subscribe to the idea of universal essentials. Of the ones you list, I don’t do white button downs so much. I do have a long linen one I use as a beach coverup, but that’s it. I have a chambray shirt, but I find it useful at times, though not essential. The others do work for me. I’m thinking this whole idea may be a holdover from when offerings were more limited and fashion less individualistic. DonnaF on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1892357 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 02:22:10 +0000 DonnaF 1892357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Lisa, the only thing I think you should reconsider on your list are trenches; the rest are too masculine for you. After all, I wear them! Not a whole lot, but enough to keep them in my closet. I had to kiss a lot of frogs to get my perfect crisp white shirt and my two others which are softer white shirts but still tailored enough to suit my taste. I have one chambray shirt and two denim ones, but only the chambray is a perfect fit and I had to alter it. I wear my denim dress more. I can't imagine you being happy in any of them. I have four denim jackets: Dark and medium blue, white, and red. I tend to wear sleeves with a vest on top rather than sleeveless with a jacket on top -- so these don't get a lot of wear. Bootcut/flares. I have one of each or maybe three altogether. I had a few pairs of baby bootcuts but found them stupid because they don't hang well over shoes. I hacked them to be cropped flares and now I love them. Trench coat. I associate trench coats with rain, and we have been in a drought for four years or something like that so it gets little use. The belt makes it a bit fussy. It has been my only coat until this year when I bought my Uniqlo ultra lightweight down one, so it is staying around. My Do Not Wear/Buy is very similar to Suz's and Unfrumped's. My challenge is not to get sucked in by YLF lemming items. . . Suzanimal on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1892085 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 17:24:08 +0000 Suzanimal 1892085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thought of another one... Blazers. Oddly enough, I love coats but I hate the way blazers look on me.  Ginger on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1892062 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:28:12 +0000 Ginger 1892062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, Lisa, when I first read your list I thought #1 was denim SHORTS. And I was going - I thought you loved shorts?? And all of the responses were talking about shirts, what's with that?! I'm another who has (almost) nothing on that list. I've never worn a denim shirt. I used to have and wear denim jackets, but I gave away the last one that didn't fit right, and now I reach for a blush pink moto instead. I have a trench coat, but it's late 1970s vintage, single-breasted, and knee-length *flared* skirt. It has saved me during springtime thunderstorms when leaving/going to work, but I don't commonly have the need. I haven't worn a white shirt in probably a decade; my white tops are tees or blouses and usually reserved for layering or pairing with a loud skirt. And I purged my last pair of flares several years ago! I hope you are fully empowered to let go of your pieces! No regrets - they're just holding you back! :D I'm looking forward to the shorts discussion... I love shorts, but the best ones for me are pretty short. I'm hard to fit in waist/bootie/thigh altogether and can't tolerate them being tight in the thigh. 4-5" inseam is as long as I have ever voluntarily worn. Anything longer is cut like a narrow stovepipe and looks and feels dreadful. At least I can usually find what I want in the juniors' section (yikes). I would wear them to work if (a) they fit dresscode and (b) it wasn't so cold in the air conditioning! Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1892020 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:21:46 +0000 Anonymous 1892020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @LisaP nope, nope and nope to jean jackets, crisp white shirts, and chambray shirts, don't work for me and those articles that say they are essential, are just wrong. Have a Burberry raincoat though  as always yvmv approprio on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891989 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:25:10 +0000 approprio 1891989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have much to add to this brilliant, funny and insightful thread, except yeah, I'm shaking my head along with Angie. These lists always seem so very arbitrary to me. Also, what Bonnie said about short waists.  A thought about classics though: I do notice that my preference varies from year to year, which is why I'm happy to maintain a holding area with a variety of styles. If a thing isn't working this year, there might come a time when it feels relevant again. Never say never, as Angie says, and you may yet find your perfect trench. I must say I've never found mine, but I've worn some fabulous raglan sleeve mackintoshes over the years. The flip side of this is that very few styles work for everyone, and nobody gets to wear everything. There's so much out there that sometimes it's harder to know what not to wear. But when you know what your no-go styles are, you can eliminate them and look for something else instead. I'd call that a win. Suzanimal on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891791 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 22:53:49 +0000 Suzanimal 1891791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thought of two more classics I don't like to wear.... Leggings. I wear them around the house but not in public. Probably has something to do with the fact that I don't wear tunics and crotch points, lol. ;) Bomber jackets. Nope. Not for me. Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891790 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 22:49:29 +0000 Anonymous 1891790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to love wearing a faded snapped chambray shirt untucked with some striped palazzo pants back in the day. These days I keep meaning to revisit a denim shirt but never get to it. I had one I really loved and donated that wasn’t too long and was a nipped waist. Could kick myself for donating it. I don’t mind denim jackets with denim elsewhere when it’s a different wash. I have a few denim jackets that always feel right and a few that feel frumpo. I tend to prefer ones with some stretch. I run from white shirts for a variety of reasons! :) I love white on others but always feel very unfab when I wear white tops or shoes. And forget keeping them clean... I like long wider leg trouser jeans with the built in cuff but don’t wear them a ton. Anyway, I basically feel like you do with most of what you mentioned! Trenches do not flatter me at all and I feel kinda awkward and goony in long flares! tulle on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891782 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 22:42:19 +0000 tulle 1891782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm coming late to this thread to agree that many of these commonly-agreed-upon Essentials are not only NOT Required Wearing, but--for some of us--unwearable. The crisp white shirt, the denim jacket, the standard blazer, the classic trench, have all driven me bonkers whenever I've taken those wardrobe-must articles too seriously.  These pieces, I've come to realize, are just too classic for me.  In them I look as though I've borrowed someone else's clothes, and I feel frumpy, even when they fit well. I know now that I need my own versions of these essentials, and that my versions must have certain shapes and details that flatter my body, as well as something a bit skewed, asymmetrical, or strange about them, so they may no longer even resemble the classic items. Thanks for bringing up this issue; even those of us who know ourselves very well can be drawn by the sirens who promise a perfect and simplified wardrobe if only we invest in the 10 basic items they deem necessary. Angie's method of personal style and wardrobe analysis is much more realistic, and more fun. But it is a commitment! I'm still working to think up a moniker that I can live with... Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891620 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:47:22 +0000 Anonymous 1891620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shorts are a whole other post.  I'll start in closer to the season and we can all commiserate again    I LIVE in shorts and need many pair .   Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/3#post-1891616 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:44:28 +0000 Anonymous 1891616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - further to your comment re skirted leggings - I consider those more of a novelty item and not really a classic or basic piece. I actually wore mine again the other week. They aren't my favourite things , but once in awhile it's good to have something different. Suz on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891583 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:09:19 +0000 Suz 1891583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LaPed, I struggle with shorts, too. I do wear them, though, for reasons of practicality. But they're rarely my choice for flattery. It has to do, again -- with proportion and leg shape vs. overall shape, I suspect. And being short...wearing shorts can make one feel childish.  Suz on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891582 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:07:42 +0000 Suz 1891582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, Lisa, the problem with tunics is proportion. They cut me in half and make me look like a block on stubby cut-off columns. Show how short my legs are no matter how I try to disguise. Make my legs look chunky instead of svelte. Well, my legs are sort of chunky, relative to the rest of me, in fact, and mostly, I'm okay with that. But this is less than JFE. If I were short but with relatively longer legs, tunics could work brilliantly.   I'm tempted by them because with my strong shoulder line, they seem like they could work, at least with the right footwear, and I want them to work so badly.  The only kind that do work are the asymmetrical ones. Those are sort of magical.  LaPed on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891580 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:03:42 +0000 LaPed 1891580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, hah, it was LBD's list that included booties -- ended up reading halfway into the thread without realizing! Clearly you have touched a nerve with your list of Not-My-Essentials.  I am slowly reaching the conclusion that there are no good shorts and trying to fully embrace the concept of summer skirts and dresses. I have a bunch of gear shorts, a couple pairs of cut-offs, and that's it. I used to wear chino shorts all the time; it's wearing them while accompanied by a preschooler that makes me feel a little...hokey. I should probably feel that way about other preppy things too, like breton tops, but I'm never ever giving up my stripes. Janet on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891574 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:55:20 +0000 Janet 1891574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I kinda like the chino shorts too -- I just have to make sure I edge up the footwear with them a little bit. But I do have a little sporty/preppy shadow style. I'm glad you feel liberated from the tyranny of the denim jacket and shirt!  Angie on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891572 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:53:39 +0000 Angie 1891572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa p, told you, you were in good company! I dress women for a living, and there are many, many common themes. I bet this was quite the exhilarating and overwhelming thread to read and absorb. But satisfying and validating too. All good.  Off you go to pass on ALL those items that don't work. My toes are ticked thinking about it....  *rubs hands together with glee*  Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891566 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:36:49 +0000 Anonymous 1891566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WELL. This has been very instructive and interesting.  I feel like I've been released from some fashion obligation and will be ditching my denim jackets, trench coat, and denim shirts asap.  The one thing that stood out from among so many comments was the masculine vibe presented by most of these pieces - and it makes me wonder why they are on so many "you really should have" lists when that is the case.   I do not have that classic, gamine, minimal look to me, which is where these kinds of clothes really shine.  Again, very interesting. It's also interesting to read more than one comment about how tunics and leather jackets are 'no go's ' for many of you. I LOVE leather jackets, but have winnowed my collection down to two moto style ones both in black. The collarless, zip front ones from the 90's -00's - out they go.  And although classic motos  are most definitely masculine, they have an edge to them that a denim jacket or shirt or trench decidedly does NOT have. I always wear my leather jackets with a very feminine silk top underneath too.  Tunics have been mentioned a few times, and that I find curious. I live in them : they cover my butt and front, and are so easy to move in. Weekend staple.   Anyways - thank you ALL for stepping in with your comments ! LaP - I'm laughing at the GAP chino shorts. I love them. I feel that way (caricature of the MOTG) in denim jackets, I just realized.  I know exactly what you mean, however,  but shorts are tough to find, and I know I can always find a pair there.  I guess I'm old enough to a) not care and b) be way past the MOTG stage now anyways   .  Speaking of shorts - where are the good ones ?? And , no, I don't have boots/booties on my list .  Not sure what you mean. I own about 800 pair of booties and clearly have no trouble wearing those ! Culling those today in fact.   Sara L. on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891550 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 16:17:11 +0000 Sara L. 1891550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have most of these items either so you're not alone.  My style is fairly classic so it seems like they would work for me but they don't.   <ul> <li>I've never liked denim jackets - too stiff.  </li> <li>I have one denim shirt and I rarely wear it.  It's too stiff even though it's a really soft denim. </li> <li>I have a couple pairs of boot cuts but I don't wear them very often.  I don't have weather issues - it's pretty much always dry here - it's getting the exact right heel height that always causes problems.  I have LOTS of shoes and being stuck wearing only a few pairs always bugs me.</li> <li>I've never worn a trench coat and I've never been interested in finding one. I've never actually seen anyone wear one in real life.  It must be my geographical location.  I work in a professional environment so there's plenty of opportunity for people to wear one.</li> <li>I have one white shirt that I'm debating getting rid of.  I can't ever seem to get them quite right - they're too stiff or too soft (current problem), too short, too tight, too sheer, etc.  </li> </ul> texstyle on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891536 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:30:48 +0000 texstyle 1891536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laughing at myself for feeling the same way about many of these items. I still have 2 denim jackets - one white, worn twice, one dark denim, worn enough times in years past to justify passing it on but for some reason I keep it still. I should pass it on. I have two denim shirts that rarely get worn. I love the faded one but it's really a bit large so I mostly use it as a swim cover up. The darker one feels just a bit too stiff to wear very often. I never found my "perfect" denim and decided to stop looking. White shirts for me have to be a bit "dirty"  already - meaning soft and non-iron, not pure white and definitely not ivory (yellow tone I mean, which doesn't work for me at all). I prefer a slightly off gray-white and only own 2 one flannel, one short sleeved. I think Angie hit it on the head for me with several of the items having  "a masculine vibe and stiffness to them." Trench coat - well, it's never cold enough here in spring for me to wear one. I finally passed on my black London Fog after many years of not wearing it. Anonymous on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891535 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:30:31 +0000 Anonymous 1891535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think a two-season 3/4 length coat is a really good thing to have in your closet. Not sure you really need a trench per se, but maybe something dressier than an anorak. The rest of these things are more about style, and I don’t think you need them at all. Colette on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891521 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:01:09 +0000 Colette 1891521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it’s just that everything isn’t for everyone. I’m learning that more and more and feeling more comfortable passing on trends and even all those lists of basics that everyone should own. I’m having trouble with leather jackets. Everyone looks so great in them but I just am not feeling it. I did sell a few that didn’t fit well but I have a few more that I love to look at on the hanger but just don’t feel right when I try to wear them. It just doesn’t compute with me because I wore leather jackets all the time and now I just feel odd in them. Denim Shirts: DITTO! Actually my all-time favorite is from The Gap in the 90’s and it has snaps. I wore it to death, even under a suit when my company went business casual. I could never part with it so it was demoted to my gardening capsule with cross-over to my dog grooming capsule. I still wear it. I’ve often wondered if my problem wearing a denim shirt now is because I’ve been there and done that. Denim Jackets: Another DITTO! And similar situation as denim shirts. I wore the heck out of my denim jackets and then I stopped. I finally sold a couple last year and saved my favorites but I really never wear them. I do carry them around as a topper in the summer because I run cold and they don’t get all wrinkly being thrown around. Trench Coats: Totally my jam. I have a few in a variety of styles and I wear them, totally love them. Wish the weather allowed me to wear them more frequently. The belt is fiddly but I power through that and just wear them. But it’s difficult to get a good fit. The two that get the most wear from my stash are the least traditional; a leopard print with light removable lining and black with leather sleeves. White Shirts: LOVE! Wore to death in the 90’s under suits. I have one remaining in my closet. But I don’t wear it. I have longer hair that gets tangled in the collar so there is that and I always just feel like it’s a high maintenance per wear item. Every time I consider wearing it (or any of my button up collared shirts for that matter) I opt for a knit instead because it’s just more comfortable and more suited to my lifestyle. Full Length Boot Cuts or Flares: I have two pair of beloved Hidden Hills in my closet that I wear maybe once per year. These are the absolute most flattering and comfortable jeans I have ever owned. I don’t think I will ever part with them. I don’t wear them because the weather conditions need to be perfect, the whole PPL/shoe thing and currently mine are tailored for high heels and I have rare opportunities to wear heels. When I do wear them it’s summer and usually with wedges. I also have my own vintage pair of jeans I let them hems down to give them some pizzaz and a pair of white that I attempted to wear but before I even got out of my garage my knee rubbed on the car tire and made a huge black mark. I had to run in and change. Overall these are all just too exhausting to wear. RobinF on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891505 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 14:08:31 +0000 RobinF 1891505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this list! I have the same issue with all of these. I buy them, try them, and then they sit in my closet. I love white, but "tops" rather than "shirts". I have one denim jacket I wear occasionally in a faded black, one pair of denim bootcuts (they have to have skinny thighs and then they make me feel like I have long legs). I have a chambray shirt that would be good for layering except it has doman-type sleeves so doesn't work under a lot of items. I've never had a trench coat, they just aren't me. I wear warmer coats most of the time and when I need a lighter coat it has to have a hood. Plus they just don't look good on me.  I agree with Gryffin, I see some items here and they are so pretty and look so nice that I want one, but have to step back and figure out if they actually work for me. Sometimes I have to own an item before I figure it out. LaPed on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891504 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:57:25 +0000 LaPed 1891504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, you know what else I absolutely can't make work for me? Those chino shorts that J Crew, Gap, etc always sell in 10 different lengths and 100 different colours. Nothing makes me feel more like a bad caricature of a MOTG than wearing chino shorts.  dakotacheryl on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891503 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:55:27 +0000 dakotacheryl 1891503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LisaP, The items on your list don't work for me either. I'm fine with that. Instead of a traditional trench, I am loving the version that Elizabeth Suzann designed. I have this in black cotton canvas. Easy for layering tops or sweaters with sleeves underneath. Didn't we both buy this great tan wool Eileen Fisher jacket a few years back?  It is still one of my favorite and most worn jackets in the fall and winter. My steer clear of list: Garments that have too much structure Sleeves that are too tight, especially in an outerwear garment Anything fussy Turtlenecks...cause hot flashes LOL Pants that are too low...midrise is too low for me now too...always pulling up Edited to add a photo from a while ago...this is my version of a jean jacket. Eileen Fisher, easy collar, soft cotton fabric, and sleeves roomy enough for layering. Bijou on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891500 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:49:27 +0000 Bijou 1891500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, you have started a great thread and the comments are truly wonderful. Gryffin's advice and Suz's quote make YLF more than just a place where we talk about fashion. Of the items on your list these are the one's that don't work for me: Denim shirts, love them on others, feel like a fraud on me. Denim jacket - I have one and only wear it over soft casual summer dresses when it cools down at night time. I could use a wrap instead, and don't really need it but keep the one denim jacket I own. I once had a pair of flares but to make them flattering I wore them with 3 inch heels and then because that was the length they were hemmed to, I found the shoes too uncomfortable and did not wear either shoes or flares. I much prefer other jean styles. Of the so-called classics, I have tried and failed - the only success was the black leather jacket - as I found the "right one" for me: Bomber jackets are terrible on me. As a pear shape I need waist definition (because that is the good bit on me). Bomber jackets bypass the waist and make be look much bigger than I am. I can wear a cropped bomber jacket but not a classic longer line bomber. Tunics - unless they have a tapered shape, tunics stop at the hips which is my widest point and don't do me any favours. Black moto jacket - too hard edge for me. I have a beloved black leather jacket, but it is a soft leather, has waist definition and a slight peplum effect at the back. Not a stock standard moto jacket and a much better style on me. Turtle neck knits - I don't like the feel of these around my neck, crew and v-neck knits are much better on me. Chunky knit sweaters - too much volume and make me look big. Last time I wore one, was asked if I was pregnant (and I was not), so not prepared to try this again in a hurry. Although, I often pin stunning chunky knits on pin-interest... obviously a great look on others, just not for me. This thread has confirmed to me that the "Classic items you must own" lists are nothing more than guides on what may be useful. I give myself permission to thoroughly reject any of these on the basis that they simply don't work for me at least in a general sense unless I find the rare specimen that does work. LaPed on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891498 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:34:11 +0000 LaPed 1891498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm pretty sure this is why Angie encourages people to define their own essentials; it's so easy to get led astray by those "Every Woman Must Own" lists, or just by the amazing outfits other fabbers put together. Like others, I have very few of these items in my closet, although I can imagine finding "my" version of most of them if I felt like hunting. 1. I don't own denim shirts, but do have two printed chambray shirts. They do not have chest pockets, and they are quite tailored in fit. If they were sloppy, long, boxy, or had big pockets on the chest, they would not get worn (ask me how I know...).  2. I didn't have a denim jacket, or a desire for one, until last summer. I added a white one for the exact scenario you describe: a structured casual summer topper for jersey and knit dresses. Like Suz, I wore it until about the end of September and won't take it out until spring. It took a couple months of try-ons to settle on the Kut version; everything else I tried was too boxy, too stiff, too costume-y. 3. Never owned a trench coat. Not weather-proof enough for the kind of rain we get in the northeast, so they've always seemed a little frivolous to me. I do have "city rain coat" on my long-term wish list, but it probably won't be a classic belted trench. More like a waxed cotton Barbour coat or something, and definitely black or navy or olive, not beige or taupe.   4. I've tried a lot of white shirts and kept none of them, even though technically many of them fit. I like my shirts to be able to stand alone, and a solid white shirt just feels like too large a swath of white on me. I would have to treat it as a layering piece, like Deborah does, but that does limit its supposed "versatility" IMO. I do have "blue oxford" on my list for this spring/summer. Due to an influx of printed pants, I finally have a need for some solid-coloured shirts, but I don't think crisp white is the right direction. 5. Bootcut jeans. I retired my last pair last year. Vintage Red Engine -- I wore them into the ground. Really great denim, and cut just perfectly for me -- length, rise, everything. They were a unicorn and I miss them, but they didn't leave a gaping hole in my wardrobe. I came of age during the flare/bootcut resurgence of the late 90s/early 00s, so I had a stink-eye for any sort of tapered pants for the longest time. I have one pair of flared pants now, mainly because they are fully lined wool trousers in a plaid that I really love. I would like to find a new pair of sailor pants, which would be a full-length flare or wide-leg, but it's not a silhouette I'll go out of my way for. I have proportionately large calves, so jeans were always an easy fit for me back in the heyday of bootcuts, and it has gotten harder now that companies are designing legs that are so skinny and SO tapered. 6. Hah, I see you've added booties/shoeties to the list! This one is hard for me too. I find that the wrong height for booties (or hi top sneakers for that matter) gives my legs a bulgy look, and cuts into the front of my ankle when I walk. One of those instances where poor comfort and poor flattery align.  My own personal demon has been skinny jeans. I absolutely cannot achieve the relaxed-skinny look because my legs, especially my calves, are just too big relative to the rest of me. Every fall I get it into my head that I want to be able to wear big cozy flannels and long sweaters over skinny jeans, but then I do some try-on's and remember that this look is the exact opposite of what works for me, despite the fact that everyone else seems to wear it. Like Suz, I've also had to swear off tunics for the most part. I also have to exercise a lot of restraint with tall boots; because I don't have any skinnies to tuck into them, they end up being for use with skirts/dresses only, and, again, not as versatile as they are in other people's wardrobes. Like others have said, I could see you in drapier white and denim blouses, rather than shirts. And maybe a black or olive anorak instead of a trench. I don't really see any of these as essential to your style -- it is, as you say, a question of how hard you want to work at making something work for you, finding the right version, etc.  rachylou on "I think I need these pieces, but can't figure out to wear them . You?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-i-need-these-pieces-but-cant-figure-out-to-wear-them-you/page/2#post-1891496 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:31:12 +0000 rachylou 1891496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have almost learned not to buy these things... however, I succumbed last year and tried the denim jacket again - band jacket style. Besides the weather never being right for it, it is strangely too casual for my decidedly casual self.