https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:37:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351798 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:24:14 +0000 Helena 2351798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the interesting thoughts!!</p> <p>I am thinking I need to refine my "low interest" comments ... for example Jenni your pants, that will breathe life into several pieces, is a perfect example of what I mean. But you're right, they aren't low interest visually ... but I guess I mean perhaps the category isn't as interesting ... so for example buying one pair of pants is perhaps not as interesting (or easy) as buying several cute tops, let's say. Perhaps it's just that buying one thing doesn't seem as exciting as buying a whack of things!!</p> <p>cat2's purse is another example, where a single piece does a whole bunch of things, or pulls a bunch of pieces together or gives them new life.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351790 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:59:34 +0000 judy 2351790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah I can relate to your wardrobe refresh with a new shape of jeans.&nbsp; For me it was buying a pair of cream colored painter pants at the hardware store a year and a half ago after only wearing denim for a long while. I'd never wanted to invest much money in a light colored pant, I'm so messy sometimes! But the price was right :).&nbsp; And oh, the color against all of my tops was a surprisingly fun pairing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351766 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2351766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, not sure- I think the best buy of 2023 for me was the (Canadian!) Joseph Ribkoff pants. I knew they would immediately breathe new life into a couple of bronze cardigans and the bronze shoes and many black tops I already had. But they’re patterned so not really low interest? 26 wears since bought not quite a year ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351747 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2351747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm interesting people have been mentioning 'essentials' because I thought 'low interest high impact' was similar to 'basics'? Though it's entirely possible that I've just mixed up the meaning of the two, lol oops! </p> <p>Your jeans &amp; boots are a great example of looking current by leaning into what's 'in' without looking like a trend salad, lol. </p> <p>My own purchase is my new belt bag - more neutral than my teal one, &amp; likely downright ugly in many people's eyes lol, but the shape, quilting, colour (a mid taupe-blush?) &amp; minimal hardware make it versatile enough to wear every day since I bought it (last summer)! </p> <p>Not only is it practical, but it inherently changes the silhouette of my outfits - untucked tops become 'peplum' style with the bag worn at the waist </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351657 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 03:44:50 +0000 Jonesy 2351657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those jeans for you, and everyone's examples have been fund to read about. It took me a minute to think of an example from my own wardrobe, but I think it's a dark blue crewneck wool sweater that I bought last winter. It's very plain, but it's the perfect length and width, nice and soft, and just goes with everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351632 Sat, 03 Feb 2024 18:18:26 +0000 Suz 2351632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, good points, <b>Eliza</b> and <b>Jules</b>. It's often about the fit and cut -- the article itself might be an essential in your closet but the details make it new and it therefore has big impact. I guess my wide legs are like that (both the ones I showed and the denim versions.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351630 Sat, 03 Feb 2024 16:17:07 +0000 Jules 2351630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you Eliza - when I bought this jersey version of your cardigan instead of my usual more fitted zipper hoodie my gen Z daughter basically said I had updated my style by a generation (Gen X to millennial). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351619 Sat, 03 Feb 2024 14:53:53 +0000 Eliza 2351619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also find that if one piece of an outfit reads ‘current’ or interesting, the impact can be high. Updating to shorter knitwear while adding some flared or somewhat wider jean silhouettes has switched up my look, though piece by piece, they are not necessarily distinctive. Simple things that make a big difference. This BR sweater works differently than longer jackets/blazers or knitwear and has gotten a lot of wear because of it:<br /> <a href="https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=671207012&#038;vid=1&#038;autosuggest=true&#038;searchText=Caro&#038;position=3&#038;results=6#pdp-page-content" rel="nofollow">https://bananarepublic.gap.com.....ge-content</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351581 Sat, 03 Feb 2024 01:20:36 +0000 Suz 2351581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime </b>-- if you come back here, are your boots like these? They are very comfy (I own them and just pulled them off after a neighbourhood hike.) I have had mine since 2018 and they look almost like new. They make a great crossover boot -- casual and a bit rugged because of the rubber sole, but also because of the slight heel, a bit more "elevated" and refined.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351579 Sat, 03 Feb 2024 00:23:06 +0000 Sal 2351579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting - I know what you mean. For me it’s usually footwear - a more modern style to add to a favourite outfit. These new pairs this summer have both done that- one for leisure and one for work. To me they seem contemporary. I do like footwear that has two colours in it - white soles, wooden block heels etc - it seems to be easy to mix in.</p> <p>501 - the ultimate 90s Jean! Perfect for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351516 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:30:34 +0000 RobinF 2351516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm good question. I think the jeans make a difference because they update the whole silhouette of an outfit. For me, shoes definitely fall into that high impact category. I tend to spend more on shoes than other things and they are usually a fairly current style. But they have to be versatile too so somewhat plain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351512 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:59:08 +0000 ChristelJ 2351512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun to think about. I have to say jeans for me too. I finally got some high waist jeans that are loose enough for me to tuck tops into. I've never been a full on tucker before, so it opens up a whole new aesthetic for me now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351506 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:33:43 +0000 Helena 2351506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love all these examples everyone! Thank you so much for sharing them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351479 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:59:02 +0000 cat2 2351479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine was a color blocked olive and cognac tote with gold hardware; I wore it with olive, cognac and gold shoes and it was in constant use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351467 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 01:33:11 +0000 Jaime 2351467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes perfect sense to me. With your minimalist leaning wardrobe, it is all the more important that the key pieces pack a subtle punch. I think I have an example of this in the low heeled Blundstone boots I thrifted a few months ago. Although the heel is pretty low, it is not flat and actually changes how some of my pants fall significantly. I am now looking at certain low heels in a new light. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351465 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 01:26:05 +0000 Suz 2351465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, I love those boots!! I hope they work out.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've made a few purchases this year that I think fall into this category:&nbsp;</p> <p>My Wit and Wisdom wide legs in charcoal and navy. Workhorses that, like your new jeans, change the look of all my classic tops and also work with more modern tops. Inexpensive essentials.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know if the Ecco booties really fall into the "low interest" category because I'm such a shoe girl that every footwear purchase feels "high interest" to me! But with their rounded toe, they are not a particularly exciting style on the face of it (except for the cool heel). And yet, again, they do add interest due to their colour or shine and are so comfortable and because of the rubber sole, they are wearable in many situations. So I wear them a lot!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351460 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 01:13:15 +0000 Helena 2351460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much everyone!</p> <p>Angie - yes! It's finally sinking in to my thick head I do have a belt and bag that will work (I think - TBC when the boots arrive) ... not an exact match, but a tonal match. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351453 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:50:43 +0000 Lana 2351453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love Blondo boots and just bought a pair of taupe ones too.  These look great.  I agree just one or two things can infuse some life into our wardrobes, For me it was this floral backpack because most of my clothes are solids, even though it’s high impact. My bone boots are a low impact item that made a huge difference in my outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351452 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:45:31 +0000 Angie 2351452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>A new pair of current jeans can change the landscape of your wardrobe and effectively refresh your style!</i>&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been shouting that from the roof tops - thanks for the affirmation!</p> <p><b>Helena</b>, since you are a big wardrobe essentials gal - THIS MAKES PERFECT SENSE!!!</p> <p>Hope the new taupe boots do the same. Do you have a belt or bag to match? I think you just might!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351447 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:29:13 +0000 Ket 2351447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Them boots! They feel so trendy and modern!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351442 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:15:11 +0000 SarahD8 2351442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking along those lines too, since people often find essentials "boring" to shop for.</p> <p>It seems to me that a high-impact piece could be a new essential like your new jeans silhouette, Helena. Those are potentially moderate interest because of the novelty factor. But they are also high-risk compared to buying the same essentials that you've already been wearing. (Which could add to the excitement. Or the dread!)</p> <p>Or, they could be essentials in a category where you have relatively few options, so that adding another color, say, disproportionately increases the sense of variety. Like those taupe boots?</p> <p>If your high-impact piece is a completer, it is probably addressing a wardrobe hole? Like, you add it and suddenly you can make a bunch of outfits that you couldn't before?</p> <p>I suspect your mixed-metal necklace would be a high-impact piece too, but I'm not sure which of those categories to assign it to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351440 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:04:05 +0000 Helena 2351440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Column, I had the same thought but I don't think so necessarily ... It could be a completer piece I think, although I suppose "low interest" rules out statement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351438 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:12:45 +0000 Column 2351438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just curious: Is “low interest/high impact” a way to describe “essentials?” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351433 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:25:01 +0000 AJ 2351433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These black mid-calf boots have elevated all my fall and winter outfits. It was the most I've ever spent on shoes but I am definitely getting my money's worth!&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351432 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:16:24 +0000 Irina 2351432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it’s bags - a nice (to me) bag makes any outfit more interesting. I can wear a plain outfit with one of my good bags, some jewelry, glasses and feel put together. I don’t know if my bags look low interest, ordinary to others, though.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351430 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:41:08 +0000 rachylou 2351430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I have made GEAR purchases everyone likes - Puma sandals, bodycon flared leggings and some dark brown tees. I’m not sure about people, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351429 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:27:27 +0000 Helena 2351429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see these breathing new life into tried and true winter pieces - especially the dark ones we often gravitate to in winter! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351428 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:12:00 +0000 Roberta 2351428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely my white Sorel combat boots. They aren't glamorous at all, or even particularly expensive, but they add a certain something to everything I wear them with. And I wear them a lot! I bought them in a second color, and I like them, but the effect is definitely not the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/low-interest-high-impact-purchases#post-2351426 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:29:26 +0000 Helena 2351426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone, just pondering something. I am vaguely aiming at a low-buy year this year - not putting any specific numbers in place, but more an intention to by slowly and carefully (in an organized emotional way), partly because I did purchase a lot last year, and partly because *waves hands at economy and general state of world* all this.</p> <p>In any case, I am thinking about certain purchases I've made that just seem to have super-high impact. For me, I *think* these are often more "boring" purchases but that are really effective at updating my whole wardrobe because they are workhorse items that affect a large portion of my dressing.</p> <p><b>Case in point</b> - while it's fun for me to buy all sorts of tops, buying 501 straight jeans effectively updated *all* my tops because they are so versatile they pair with almost everything and update the silhouette.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am curious if the Blondo boots in taupe will have a similar effect ... again a boring piece in and of themselves, but with the possibility of changing up a significant number of daily outfits through the winter months. I suspect a new handbag might potentially do the same.</p> <p>Have you noticed this? What are your low-interest but high-impact pieces? Am I overthinking or making things up here?!? All opinions welcome </p>