YouLookFab Forum » Topic: ISO Casual Statements

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: ISO Casual Statements https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:50:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elly on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388578 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:15:08 +0000 Elly 1388578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that it is fine not to want to wear leggings--- maybe revisiting skirts with leggings under them may be the ticket. texstyle on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388547 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 14:36:39 +0000 texstyle 1388547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I imagine some shopping carts got filled up this past weekend after revisiting this post a few times!  I had to refrain, as tempted as I was since my cold weather season is so short I will barely have a chance to wear the sweaters and warm tops I already own. Can't wait to see what Suz comes up with for some of her statements. Caro in Oz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388283 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:29:03 +0000 Caro in Oz 1388283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ IMO -tracking + outfit photos = changed shopping habits :) Can't wait to hear your musings. Deborah on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388282 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:26:27 +0000 Deborah 1388282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I recognised reading through this thread that I rely on my hair, makeup and nails as pretty consistent statements for both dressy and casual. As you know I don't really use colour to make a statement, so I would say things like : <ul> <li>textures</li> <li>interesting design features</li> <li>asymmetric hemlines</li> <li>layering</li> </ul> are what I use to make a casual statement (and a dressy one for that matter). My wardrobe generally crosses over from dressy to casual  / work to home quite seamlessly.  I might wear my harem pants with a top, blazer and ankle boots to the office, but for home I would swap the blazer for a draped cardigan and the boots for a flat shoe. I am also seeing the sense in better quality purchases for my essentials/everyday wear as I would rather spend my money on great pieces that I enjoy wearing often and have longevity than on say a very cool statement jacket that I actually might tire of much sooner.  Suz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388280 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:12:05 +0000 Suz 1388280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, that is really interesting. Gaylene said something similar. Well, she still likes her skinnies and slim pants but has also embraced the luxe track pant. I got a pair recently in a weight that works better for my climate and I love them.  Since mid-September I have been tracking what I actually wear. It's been fascinating. But I'm not sure I can draw any conclusions from it yet. I had already been putting my money in most-worn items, that's clear. (Well, obviously I put some money in less worn items, but they are necessary items, e.g. one cocktail dress that only gets worn once or twice a year but is still required.) At the same time, a lot of my workhorses were less expensive items.  I have been doing a lot of musing and considering and have come up with a few ideas. Stay tuned!  Thanks again, everyone! Very helpful indeed.  Caro in Oz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388274 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:54:48 +0000 Caro in Oz 1388274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is such a fabulous thread - so much wisdom :) Eliza perfectly summed up my feelings too. Putting my money into the things I wear everyday has been life changing (& I don't say that lightly). Before YLF I was feeling short-changed, because I couldn't wear my dressier pieces as often. I really wasn't making the most of my retirement & the sartorial freedom it gives me :)  Since finding track pants & harems I have moved from slim fit bottoms to a much looser fit.  I find this silhouette much better for me & it means I don't need to have lots of different style/length tops to go with all the different pants. Suz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388241 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:39:50 +0000 Suz 1388241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It does, E. My legs are the opposite of skinny so that's not the issue for me, but I definitely feel bizarrely proportioned and too rectangular with a tunic/ skinnies look. And top-heavy, somehow --- I think I would need sky-high heels truly to carry it off.  E on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/4#post-1388198 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:09:16 +0000 E 1388198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, tunics & leggings makes me feel too top-heavy and rectangular and like I have scrawny little legs. Which doesn't mean I think that when I see other women with my body type wearing that combo! Just that mentally, it puts me in an uncomfortable place. I tried pairing a tunic w slouchier skinnies (vs skintight leggings) last week, and that helped a bit, and the forum generally approved, but I still didn't feel nearly as good as I do in my go-to silhouettes. I have paired a fit & flare mini-dress with wide leg trousers though & felt good in that. Or sometimes instead of shorts & tights, I'll wear shorts & leggings, with a waist-surrendering blouse, w/o thinking anything of it. But the blouse is much shorter than a tunic would be & I've got some 'poof' at my hips thanks to baggy shorts.My pjs often involve leggings w a longer (covering the lady bits) silk blouse & long cardigan over top, but the cardigan has a strong waistline & then does a kind of frilly peplum cutaway thing. So for me, it must have to do with a combination of hemline proportions, waist definition or lack thereof, and volumes at shoulders vs hips. Not sure if any of that stream of consciousness that helps you! Windchime on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1388125 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 21:18:39 +0000 Windchime 1388125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I've had several "lightbulb" moments while reading through this entire thread. Like you, I was delighted with my wardrobe last summer (for work, home, and occasions) but am having a harder time this fall. Last summer, I wore a big range of colors, several print shirts, and a few on-trend bottoms. Now I am looking at mostly black, grey, and navy, with a touch of burgundy and pink, in almost all solid colors. I've bought a lot of new items over the last year and have loved wearing most of them, but have noticed in the last couple weeks, as cold weather has settled in here, that I'm becoming just the tiniest bit discontent. Reading this made me realize I need color and textural variety in my winter clothes! I am another one of your fans who always checks out your fab outfits, and I will be watching with great interest as you refine your winter style. Parsley on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1388055 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:50:31 +0000 Parsley 1388055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really late to this thread, but I relate to your desire to have some spark and interest in  casual clothes.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg-sweater-ahiga-slim-cashmere?ID=1107790">Here's a sweater</a> that I think would look beautiful on you with your graceful neck and short hair. I have it in cobalt and absolutely love it, but I think the orchid color would be perfect for you. Whether it falls into the category of casual or not-so-casual (or both?) I don't know, and it is pricy, but of course there are sales all the time (I got mine on sale). Trust me that it looks better in person than in the pictures, and the turtleneck falls beautifully. Suz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387943 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 17:02:19 +0000 Suz 1387943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ E -- those are interesting observations and suggestions. And you have a point there -- what if I wore leggings (or even thermal undies) with a dress if I wanted to wear it? That might work...I can experiment. I do have a blanket that I throw over myself when Max wants to sit on me. It helps...but does not eliminate the trouble.  I'm really intrigued that you also don't like tunic and leggings on yourself. Since we are similar body types and size, I wonder if it is something we're seeing in the proportions? I am pretty much ready to say no to this whole idea, much as I had hoped it would work for me. Alas.  Neel - when my daughter was as young as your kids, I lived in tees and jeans with ratty cardigans. No style whatsoever. So I hear you. That's why you are a hero to me -- you actually make the effort for those school runs!! :) Lisa, I think the sporty luxe idea may have some traction for me. I do like my new sweatpants and sweatshirt a whole lot! Maybe I can find a couple more versions.  Angie, that is a really great reminder and so true. I think I feel more confident about my essentials, you know? My essentials are always going to be high quality modern classics. When I first came to YLF I was worried that was boring, but now I have embraced it. And I pretty much always feel confident picking out my essentials, and won't hesitate to spend what I can afford on them, either. I know they will have staying power for me and I will love them. Statements are trickier for me to purchase. First, because of the whole "giving myself permission" thing. Second, because I feel less confident that I can choose items that will actually please me. My recent failure with leggings and the Kenneth Cole draped sweater being two examples on point! :)  E on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387925 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:29:31 +0000 E 1387925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot colourful or scrunched socks! They're another indoor statement accessory for me. But then, I tend more to the quirky than you. E on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387923 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:27:59 +0000 E 1387923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My indoor winter statements are quirky jumpers, plaid wool skirts, and interesting blouses worn under wool cardis for warmth. Oh and textured trousers: corduroy, velvet, wool flannel, tweed. My statement accessories are brooches or belts worn w skirts; I don't wear a lot of scarves indoors either. I do wear fingerless mitts tho so I guess that's another indoor statement! I wanted to suggest a potential solution to the cat/tights/skirts issue: could you layer a pair of sturdy leggings over the tights just for indoor wear and then take them off before running errands? Or if your cat is kneading you during laptime, keep a blanket handy to throw over your legs? I'm not terribly familiar w cats, so that might not work, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case. I'd hate to give up skirts and dresses for so long! Oh and add me to the not comfortable in leggings crowd. I wear them as pjs or as tights w a knee length dress or skirt, but I don't care for the tunic & leggings look on myself. Neel on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387910 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:16:49 +0000 Neel 1387910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - I have to add that my at home style (or lack of) is not the same as my WIWs. My WIWs are mostly the school runs and errands stuff. Wiwear at home to cook, mop, clean bathrooms is tees and pants of some sort with crocs! I honestly am trying to deal with the mental block of getting muck, oil, children's goo from runny noses and drool on my *nice* clothes at home! I don't step out in those forbidden clothes ever! So, our needs might be slightly or rather vastly different! Anonymous on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387908 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:15:37 +0000 Anonymous 1387908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I liked that line about too about how adding a bunch of statements to a uniform  isn't necessarily the answer either - because where does that end?  Again, a lot to digest and think about here - as we take all of these  thoughts and use what we can for ourselves.  Someone - too many posts now to remember who has said what- suggested a capsule or "uniform" based on athletic wear (the look)  and that resonated with me.  I have that kind of a "uniform" for my non-working hours and that's where the leggings come into play for me.  Sweatpants, wrap yoga sweaters, loose fit t's, scarves, lightweight zip up quilted vests and jackets - all in luxe fabrics = yummy! I think having a capsule or uniform that is based on something authentic in your life is a good idea - and because fitness is such a big part of your life, Suz, you might find you like some of the more luxe pieces for everyday /casual/at home wear.  Anyways, again, this was such a fun and interesting discussion and I've enjoyed reading all the other members' posts. Angie on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387905 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:06:49 +0000 Angie 1387905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming back in to say that Essentials are AS key to personal style as Statements are.  Suz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387903 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:03:06 +0000 Suz 1387903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene, I was thinking about you last night! I really think you hit on something truly important with that observation about statements being key to individual style. And so, so personal.  But you also said something really interesting in my earlier thread -- if a person is bored with her "uniform" adding a bunch of "statements" to it won't really help a lot. I might have run into that a bit last year. Karen, I'd love to come shopping with you, and I am on the hunt for crazy pants. :)  Gem, thank you for that link. I think those pants are just a little too crazy for my style, but I appreciate the thought! :)  Jody, I am ordering a pair of dark red pants to try. In the past, bright coloured pants and I have not got along (although I do love patterned pants) -- so we shall see. :)  Neel, you are the queen of statements, so I need to look at what you do to see how it is done!  Jaime, thank you! I will consider this poncho business -- you and Gaylene can't both be wrong! Deb, that shirt will look great on you. Too bad about knits, but good thing you don't live in my climate!!  Staysfit, that Vince sweater is indeed very beautiful! Off to read your threads.  Meredith, thank you. It sounds as if our strategies so far are similar.  Thanks, all. I am making up a shopping list and a list of categories to be on the lookout for. Feeling a little more hopeful that I'll be able to figure it all out as the season continues. And, after all, I don't really need to get dressed right now -- still sick!!  Gaylene on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387891 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:43:09 +0000 Gaylene 1387891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this thread! I feel like I've had more of a glimpse into the personal style of other FABers from their suggestions for Suz than from any style moniker or rubic. Maybe that's what I need to do to find my Statements--just think of what I'd like Suz to wear to jazz up her Essentials! ;) Hey, Suz, are you interested in black leather leggings and an asymmetrical draped poncho? Or maybe that outfit in shades of grey, cream, and winter white? Grey leather leggings with a creamy white asymmetrical sweater would be perfect for...ME! Karie on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387853 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:26:51 +0000 Karie 1387853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, this is a fascinating thread and I have been reading it in bits and pieces and have finally found a few minutes to respond. Honestly, I have had a lightbulb moment with your last few threads re my at home dressing. But that's for another post, which I'll start when I get my next few minutes and some pics. For now, I have two suggestions: 1. Crazy pants! A little pattern adds lots of fun to an outfit. There's just no way to feel or look blah when you're wearing plaids, or stripes, or my favorite, polka dots. 2. I have every brick and mortar store near me in Albany (except Nordies, "Why oh why Mr. Nordstrom won't you build a store here?") so come visit and we'll go shopping! Really, Macy's (3 floors!), Lord and Taylor, J. Crew, Gap, BR, Loft, JCP, F21 (huge store!), LLBean, I could go on... I'll be back later to click through some of the links above. First I need to give my wallet to DH to hide somewhere :) Gem on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387817 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:52:44 +0000 Gem 1387817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know you said you don't like leggings, but then you do like jeggings so I wondered what about something like these <a href="http://us.blackmilkclothing.com/products/spartans-black-pvc-leggings" rel="nofollow">http://us.blackmilkclothing.co.....c-leggings</a> They are very definitely a statement and you may hate them Adelfa on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387761 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 06:11:16 +0000 Adelfa 1387761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such incredible suggestions! I fight boredom with colored jeans. I have grape and olive skinnies, and cobalt, burgundy, and raisin straights. I *would* do interesting pullovers, but I, my climate, and my office building run too hot for that. But glad Inge showed us so many! I too wear small earrings, but I change them every day--I have crystal, plain gold or silver, and semiprecious stones. I have three watches (gold, silver, charcoal mesh) that I choose between. I do consider myself a minimalist, but not an extreme one. Having that extra bit of variety keeps me content! Neel on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387753 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:22:43 +0000 Neel 1387753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't come on YLF for a day and I miss on so many fun posts! Serves me right! Suz, my problem is the opposite of yours! I seem to have only statements and regulars in my wardrobe! I always buy only those things that have some kind of interesting detail to it. A cut out back, some bling, fun shoes and loaded handbags! I am working on bringing in a few essentials into my wardrobe. Why am I not attracted to the simple silky black button down? A simple solid vneck sweater? Clean black flats? Simple structured handbag? And trust me I don't have any of those! The part of the reason for me is that, our summer is extremely long. 8 months to be precise. It is not practical to add layers to my outfit to create interest during these 8 months. I rely heavily on statementy tops, pants or shoes to make an effect. This is also why I find layering a challenge. Two statements or regulars don't layer quite well you know :). What are my winter statements? Hmm ... I will have to figure out this season! But I am guessing my glitter boots are definitely one! What could you add as statements to your WAH life? ... I haven't read all the replies, so I might be repeating. Leather skinnies/track pants? Fun socks? (Since you don't wear shoes at home). Are you a cape girl? I figure it would be super cozy for home. You have to try culottes too :) I hope I made sense and I am not over repeating! ... I am still on my first sip of morning cuppa o_O Jaime on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387727 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 03:25:23 +0000 Jaime 1387727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok I am dizzy from all the gorgeous options on this thread and had to stop reading. My "winter" statements are mostly coats, but if I were you I would look closely at one of the more refined ponchos like the Helmut Lang one Angie posted. And culottes with warm tights. And everything suggested above of course. (Are you getting Lasik? Best thing I did.) deb on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387687 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:50:05 +0000 deb 1387687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, and Sveta, I got my shirt this week and I wish it were longer, also. Good idea to check out the men's selection. deb on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387683 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:48:14 +0000 deb 1387683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread is wonderful and Inge, you are on a roll!!! I am sad though, I am unable to wear wool, cashmere, nor angora. Crying big tears. Staysfit on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387675 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:36:10 +0000 Staysfit 1387675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, this was a lot to read!  I have to say that I have already purchased a few of the items that Inge recommended for you to look at here.  The gray and winter white Vince boatneck sweater is truly beautiful in person. I'm so excited to see it on sale.  I am going to call Nordstrom and ask them to apply the discount to my purchase.   I was about to post a picture of it when I started reading your post.  (I also tried some of the plaid pants and will post a pic of one of them as well.  Very outside my wheelhouse.  I think you can pull them off better than I can.) It looks like you have lots of options!  I look forward to seeing how you add casual statements to your wardrobe. Meredith on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387670 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:33:09 +0000 Meredith 1387670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been SUCH an interesting thread to follow. As you know, I have lots of statements, but even for me appropriately casual statements are elusive. This fall I've tried to add 1) Fancy sweatshirts 2) On-trend tops (crop tops, plaid) and 3) Tried and true favorite patterns (stripes and moody florals). This gives me variety in color, shape, and formality. Now that it's November I'd like to add a sweater, so Ill be scouring Inge's suggestions and Angie's JCREW roundup. Suz on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387662 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:24:08 +0000 Suz 1387662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Lynne -- that is so sweet of you! I think we have a colour palette in common (or at least a lot of our best colours overlap) and so even if our climate is different we can take inspiration from one another!  I do have pierced ears. I tend to wear the same small studs all the time. They are little sterling silver "commas" or "quotation marks" which I think are perfect for a writer! But I do have other earrings that I sometimes wear. Perhaps I need to vary them more often.  Debbie, I can easily understand how a varied temperature would lead to challenges as well. Always layering!  Sveta, if the flannel shirt makes you happy, it is bound to be a slam dunk for me. Too bad I have to wait until January to get my size! But it will be a birthday present to myself.  Isn't Inge the greatest? I have a lot of work to do, to follow up on all those great leads!  Lynne on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387645 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:10:27 +0000 Lynne 1387645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I love you style and always go straight to your outfit posts, so I am following this conversation and notes!  Do you have pierced ears?  Your hair and face, to my eye, are the perfect foil for some simple drop earrings that might play nicely with your modern classic style?  There are also some small ear cuffs in the stores that are simple and edgy in a quiet/understated way.....just a thought :). Debbie on "ISO Casual Statements" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/iso-casual-statements/page/3#post-1387636 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:55:35 +0000 Debbie 1387636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love this thread. Inge you have given all of us a lot to look at. Thank-you! Suz-thank-you for starting this I am have a horrible time figuring out statement pieces for this season. My problem is not the long winter it is the varying temperature. Hope you are feeling better.