https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:03:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1967057 Sat, 20 Oct 2018 16:28:45 +0000 Chris987 1967057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes<b> RachyLou, </b>that is a great way to describe it!!!! I think that needs to be my&nbsp;the new monniker .... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1966829 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 18:54:04 +0000 rachylou 1966829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It strikes me that the looks are classic that have something to sharpen the edges. I have a cousin who has this knack with classic items: always impresses me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1966735 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 13:51:36 +0000 Chris987 1966735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, I have considered it but&nbsp;DH's business partner in Dubai has moved to a different country so probably no more trips to Dubai at least not for that reason.</p> <p><b>Bennet</b>, yes woman #3 was certainly timeless, feminine, and elegant. Also very simple and approachable and feeling like a regular person , or so she seemed in our very limited conversation with her. I think self-confidence is also so important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964722 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 15:28:11 +0000 Bennett 1964722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that you posted your observations and thoughts so thoroughly. There is something about woman #3 that I admire and aspire to, rarely do I hit the mark. It veers just to the feminine side of unisex, the quality of the pieces (or the appearance of quality) making up for the simplicity of the pieces. Impeccable grooming, no matter the style represented, seems to be an important aspect in women that turn my head. I need to work on that! Timeless but current is how I want to look, but trends get me every time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964716 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 15:11:46 +0000 Angie 1964716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Chris,</b> you MUST travel to Dubai with hubs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964710 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 14:59:36 +0000 Chris987 1964710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carter</b> - thanks! The only way I remembered the details was to write myself notes on my Iphone the minute I saw them, after way too much overt staring, otherwise the details would not have stuck with me. The pieces I do have are a black blazer, a vneck black sweater, and slim/skinny jeans, and some black loafers that are not quite like the ones I saw . I bought home several simple striped shirts last spring but didn't&nbsp;find the right one, &nbsp;and have been looking for a classic brown cross body for a while so those two items were already on my list. So they were not specifically outfits I was already working on, but some of the individual items are.&nbsp; Of course you should steal any of these looks you like!!! </p> <p><b>Angie</b> - you must have such a good time in all your travels! DH has been to Dubai several times but he's not much of a people watcher. He has come back instead with tales of the humungous mall with an indoor ski slope And thanks or the clarification on Sporty Luxe vs Athleisure. </p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, EXACTLY, it sure seemed that way. </p> <p>Thanks<b> cjh </b>and<b> jussie</b></p> <p><b>Aquamarine</b> yes Inge takes the observations a lot further than I do...talking about proportion etc. She's a MASTER at that! (as is Angie) </p> <p><b>kkards</b> exactly. I did not feel comfortable taking their photos so did not. Some people don't like their face to be on social media, we even have a few fabbers who block their faces on YLF, so I would never do that to someone without asking, and would most likely never ask a stranger. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964696 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 13:33:55 +0000 kkards 1964696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i often wish i was the kind of person who could take pictures of strangers in the airport, but i always feel like that would be creepy.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964692 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 13:26:30 +0000 Aquamarine 1964692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Informative and super interesting post. I can totally see these women/outfits, thanks to your eagle eye. You’ve inspired me to be more observant as to the details of a great outfit seen on someone else. Inge does this when she profiles bloggers...I’m always impressed when she breaks down the details of why an outfit works or what makes someone a certain kind of dresser (Classic, etc.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964661 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 11:53:43 +0000 jussie 1964661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I love to “outfit watch” in busy places. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964579 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 02:21:59 +0000 cjh 1964579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing your detailed observations and thoughts. And for adding some love,y finds to further inspire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964567 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 01:06:14 +0000 Bijou 1964567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great post, it sounds as though these ladies had styles that were authentic to them and worked for their lifestyles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964549 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 22:07:23 +0000 Angie 1964549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Btw, outfit #1 is not Sporty Luxe. It's Athleisure. Sporty Luxe is DRESSY luxe with sporty components, like today's outfit formula).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964540 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 21:45:33 +0000 Angie 1964540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NICE, <b>Chris.</b>&nbsp;I like how you broke up the looks into bite sized pieces so that you can swallow and rehash the recipe YOUR way.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am most inspired by street style when I travel internationally - especially in Hong Kong, London, and the Netherlands. I've been to NYC more times than I can count, but I'm not a NYC gal - much prefer Boston.</p> <p>Dubai airport is the biggest in the world, and a MELTING POT of EVERY style, culture, country and religion. <b><i><u>Mind blow</u></i></b>. The best place to people and style watch.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964520 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 20:35:17 +0000 carter 1964520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great post, Chris! I'm so impressed that you can remember the details well enough to put them into words. I can see all of these outfits on you. How many of the pieces did you already have in your wardrobe? Are these looks you've been working on for yourself, or did they just appeal out of the blue? I think I may have to steal look #3 :-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964492 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 19:36:29 +0000 Chris987 1964492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the kind words<b> Suz</b>! Yes I'm looking forward to trying out some of these ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964446 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 16:07:04 +0000 Suz 1964446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've taken people-watching to a high art! But also a science, with your analytical skills. I love the idea of trying out "your" versions of all these outfits and seeing how you feel in them. I'll be curious to learn what you discover. It sounds as if the combination of classic elements along with something a bit different appealed to you greatly -- which makes sense! Also, I think a high quality bag may be in your future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964441 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:46:13 +0000 Chris987 1964441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kathie</b>, yes, hair, specs, shoes, bags....they can so elevate a look even when the other pieces are very simple.</p> <p><b>La P,</b> I agree about Spanish vs. French style. I've tried really short hair (although not spikey) and it makes me look too much like two of my brothers, which is a bit too masculine for me :-). </p> <p><b>lisa p</b> -&nbsp; you are right that airports can be a real mixed bag in terms of style.&nbsp;On that trip I saw a lot of business travelers but also a lot of people who didn't put much thought into their clothing. It really depends on the airport and why people are heading there. Boston's airport tends to have a little bit of everything since it's full of business travelers, is an International jumping off point, but is also a tourist destination in warm weather as well as a place people want to escape from in winter. If I accept your challenge I'll have to plan a LOT more travel to see looks beyond the "New England Stodgy" which is more what I see IRL. (La P I think it was you that came up with&nbsp;that&nbsp;moniker, did I get right?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964425 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:12:54 +0000 Anonymous 1964425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Chris - I love it! &nbsp;It's so rare to see someone dressed well enough to catch your eye - and I too am noting what the details are when I see a look I like. &nbsp;Airports are usually such a gong show of looks that great outfits are worth noting like this! &nbsp;</p> <p>That aside, what a great way to figure out the key components of a look you want to replicate. I vote you do this every Friday for us &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964422 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:01:33 +0000 LaPed 1964422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, the Spaniards I've met are every bit as stylish as the French! </p> <p>I'm a firm believer in hair informing the rest of one's style. I'm really enjoying my soft, short bob as a change from my pixie; it opens up different possibilities esp w/r/t necklines and accessories. It sounds like spiky platinum pixies are catching your interest -- I would love to see you in one, Chris!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964419 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:44:10 +0000 Chris987 1964419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>SarahD8.</b> I probably did too much staring at &nbsp;these ladies and then did a mad scramble to take notes while the details were fresh in my mind. Yes, that Spanish woman's outfit was so simple and classic yet so fab. Spanish women are like that, I saw it in Barcelona two summers ago. A lot like the stereotypical French woman's style. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Texstyle.</b> You are right about their hair styles, although they were all fairly simple;&nbsp;not&nbsp;designed to make a&nbsp;bold statement by themselves,&nbsp;but&nbsp; worked incredibly well&nbsp;with these women's overall fashion styles.&nbsp;From what I've seen of your hair style&nbsp;it seems to fit very well with your&nbsp;clothing style and lifestyle. &nbsp;Bold statement hair and clothing styling is of course fine if it's your thing, but it's not mine nor was it for these ladies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964416 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:35:32 +0000 Kathie 1964416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great descriptions. As you described everyone's hair, I kept thinking about Angie's advice to start with hair and specs, when doing major wardrobe updates. It's easy for me to overlook both hair and shoes, and yet both make such a difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964406 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:59:35 +0000 texstyle 1964406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Loved your detailed descriptions Chris!&nbsp; Sounds like the women you saw were truly inspiring and I also see this often when traveling. I'm not as good as you about taking mental or actual notes (wish I was). I'd love to see you copy one of those outfits. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I always wonder about the "hair" thing. Seems that all of the women you mentioned had memorable hair styles.&nbsp; I'm so boring and "safe" when it comes to my own hair and sometimes I think I should go for something more exciting but I don't want to spend a lot of time on it and I don't want to have to color it.&nbsp; <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964404 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:57:33 +0000 SarahD8 1964404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic post, Chris. I enjoyed reading your descriptions and I like the care and appreciation with which you noticed these women. I’m especially inspired by the classic-arty Spaniard, would love to do a version of that outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/inspiring-outfit-formulas-on-strangers#post-1964400 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:37:34 +0000 Chris987 1964400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today is&nbsp;usually Outfit Formula day her on YLF, so&nbsp;in that&nbsp;spirit&nbsp;I thought I’d&nbsp;share three outfits I saw on strangers recently that really caught my eye and the reasons I loved them. I thought it might be a little rude to ask total&nbsp;strangers if I could take their photos so I’ll “use my words” to describe them.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>1. A woman around 60, seen in a checkout line at a Loft&nbsp;store. She had coloring similar to mine, very petite and slim with&nbsp;broad shoulders, with short and slightly spikey white hair. She was wearing distressed<br /> skinny jeans with a fairly wide cuff, a dusty pink zip up sporty/athleisure<br /> jacket (similar to the blue one shown in finds), textured silver slip on sneakers,&nbsp;a coordinating bag in a floral print (like a Ted Baker print), and silver&nbsp;dangly earrings. Sporty luxe at it's best with a pretty/polished handbag.</p> <p>&nbsp;2. A woman seen next to me in an airport coffee line on my outbound<br /> flight for a recent short vacation in Virginia. Maybe 50, tall-ish, slim, with<br /> short blond/white slightly spikey hair and simple glasses, coloring like mine. She&nbsp;was wearing a navy blazer over an untucked blue/white striped shirt, white ankle&nbsp;length jeans with released hems, textured silver fashion sneakers, and a brown simple&nbsp;vintage-coach-like brown bag plus a small black tumi backpack. What struck me&nbsp;was the combination of very classic blazer, shirt, and bag, with the much&nbsp;trendier haircut, jeans and sneakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>3. A woman on our return flight from&nbsp;VA, standing in the plane aisle next to DH and me&nbsp;waiting for the exit door to be opened. She was heading for the int'l terminal, was&nbsp;with a group of male colleagues, all in dark suits or&nbsp;sports coats and jeans, speaking Spanish,&nbsp;so I think they may have been heading for Madrid or&nbsp; Barcelona. I’m guessing but this gives you a feel for their general appearance. She was around&nbsp;40, average height and build, with long dark hair and slightly warm/dark skin,<br /> wearing a simple charcoal lightweight swing coat with red stitching at the<br /> buttonholes, a grey/black/red woven scarf with an abstract pattern, mid-wash skinny&nbsp;jeans, simple vneck black top, black patent penny loafer driving moccasins, and&nbsp;a gorgeous black soft leather satchel bag big enough to work as a carry on. Her&nbsp;outfit was very classic with a little arty flair in the scarf and the shape of the bag, and looked perfect for a long flight.</p> <p>&nbsp;I love air travel, in&nbsp;part because I always see clothing styles different from what I see in my quiet&nbsp;little rural life. </p> <p>What did I love about these outfits? All three were jeans, jacket, top, flat<br /> shoes, and bag, in simple shapes with mostly solid colors. The shoes and bags&nbsp;were (or looked like) very high quality which of course always makes any&nbsp;outfit. Their haircuts fit their styles. One outfit was sporty luxe, one classic&nbsp;AND sporty luxe, and the third classic&nbsp;with arty. &nbsp;These combinations all spoke to me, LOUDLY. I&nbsp;really enjoyed seeing all three and am going to consider getting “my versions” of all the items that are not already in my closet; in fact I may make this my&nbsp;core shopping list for fall through spring.&nbsp;The finds below are similar to what I saw on these three lovely women. </p> <p>Comments welcome of course! </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>