https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:54:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285631 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 05:31:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, when you know, you know. Glad my descriptor hit home with someone. </p> <p>Angie, those are my favorites too. The rain jacket is an excellent idea—another double plaid! I’ll have to do that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285579 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:18:55 +0000 Jenn 2285579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say that, as someone who grew up in central Illinois with one side of my family being farmers, I knew EXACTLY what you meant by your "[redacted]" description. My mom was a city girl, but I had plenty of aunts who dressed exactly as you described. &nbsp;It made me laugh. </p> </p> <p>(Also, that first outfit is my favorite too!)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285578 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 19:12:42 +0000 Angie 2285578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with <b>SarahD8</b>. I like the first outfit best! The lilac plaid pants with the mustard top and white boots are KILLER AWESOME. Have you tried your mustard trench coat over the outfit?&nbsp;</p> <p>#10 is my next fave! The mismatched plaids make me smile, and are a glorious harmonious clash! The oxfords are excellent with the trousers :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285565 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:13:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, you said sartorial, not satirical—silly me! And comparing me to that blog that is high praise indeed! I don’t see any rural anything in my old winter style or what I’m aiming for. When I think of blah bland frumpy style, I think moms where I grew up, in a rural area. Never anticipated the way people would latch onto the rural part, and I’ve just edited the OP to get rid of it. Thanks for the comment, compliment, and clarification. I see lots on that page that I like, both in an aspirational sense and also “I could be very comfortable in that”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285564 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 18:09:32 +0000 Sally 2285564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn’t see any rural aspects at all. When I said you could be in the sartorialist, I meant this. <a href="https://www.thesartorialist.com/page/2/" rel="nofollow">https://www.thesartorialist.com/page/2/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285553 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:11:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, you are an imp! Out on the moors, there will likely be heather or heath or some such romantical stuff. And mountainside grazing, a la Heidi in the Alps, is a whole ‘nother strain of wholesome goodness also quite distinct from the Midwest. But you made me laugh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285552 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:06:39 +0000 SarahD8 2285552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've activated my contrary gene, and now I want to make an outfit that is stylish but somehow evokes dairy farming. Girl Wanders Moors Searching for Escaped Cow, etc. I'll keep chewing on it (pun extremely intended). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285551 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:00:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Celia, that’s just it! English countryside=horses. Midwest =cows. Moo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285536 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:51:55 +0000 celia 2285536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, you made me think of my resident English Countride alias in a new lovely way, thank you for that. Sometimes I feel that in my case it vears into old jeans and cardigans while tending to the horses and lifestock kinda of vibe.<br />Back to your Midwest farm wife I was talking more about the fact that sometimes we have inner styles( or tendencies) that don't translate in our daily life, context or direction we want to go into.&nbsp;<br />And now I have another concept that I will ponder, which is how much of our/my dressing is functional and how much is actually a representation of the self.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285535 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:39:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I always appreciate your thinking! Two colors vs three is very clear. The pattern on the blouse has the pants color in it, but only in very small amounts. I tried the vest &amp; berry heattech top with the pants, without the blouse, later &amp; liked it better. They are definitely the pants for me this fall—have them on again today! “A bramble bush”—awesome! The farmers wife thing isn’t worth such agony though. It’s an image from my childhood, sure, but was just a throwaway laugh way to say “frumpy” &amp; then I was surprised to see someone agree. C’est la vie. </p> <p>Thanks Celia! The purple top was one of those things that just felt right, even though logic said the burgundy would fit in better, so it’s been fun to see how many things it goes with, some more than others. The Midwestern farm wife and Englisch countryside have, I think, very different valances. Romantic and pastoral, lovely, connected to nature &amp; pure might be overstating the English countryside look, but I think it goes in that direction, whereas I was saying my winter look in the past has been basically like—well not exactly like, this is about directions again—a beast of burden. There’s not much romantic or mystical in any representation of the Midwest, so I was having a laugh about how much I need to improve the winter style. Sounds like you see the direction I’m trying to go. I appreciate that, and will look forward to your comments as I try to bring it out more in the coming weeks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285532 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:17:33 +0000 celia 2285532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The green top and the velour purple top are perfect colors on you.<br />I find there is a special kind of joy when we are at that point in the wardrobe planning when we start mixing things that we hadn't before.<br />I understand your inner&nbsp;Midwestern farm wife as I sometimes dress like I live in the English Countryside( and that is absolutely fine IMO), but I see something else emerging &nbsp;in your style( I missed your hints in the blog)that is really fun and can move into winter.<br />Looking forward to seing this new step in your style journey and reading the full disclosure.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285531 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:17:32 +0000 SarahD8 2285531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the first outfit with the plaid pants and goldenrod sweater! The pants and boots are great together -- even though they are light in color, there's something about it that reads punk to me, in a very cool way.</p> <p>The lilac plaid pants with the paisley button-front outfit feels less cohesive to me. Maybe because you have three colors (lilac/purple/blue) and no repetition of any of them to tie the outfit together, vs. the two colors (lilac, goldenrod) in the first outfit -- where the strong contrast becomes kind of the point of the outfit, and yet, because purple and yellow are opposite on the color wheel they also form a kind of unified "set." Not sure I'm making any sense.</p> <p>Also echoing others that the shades of green in photo #7 are fantastic on you! Maybe in addition to dressing like mixed berries you should sometimes consider dressing like a bramble bush? :-)</p> <p>FWIW, you've been on YLF longer than I have but I don't think I have ever seen you post outfits that read "Midwestern farmer's wife" to me with the formula that you describe. At the risk of Going Too Deep, maybe that's an older insecurity that doesn't have much to do with how you actually present yourself to the world? I know that I have ideas about how I look and what I wear that go way, way back to childhood/adolescence and are difficult to shake but, when I can sometimes get outside of myself a bit seem much less intrusive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285506 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:31:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2285506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if 'dusky' is the right word for it (can you tell I'm completely out of my wheelhouse when it comes to these sorts of tones, lol?) but I was thinking something softer &amp; not as deeply saturated. </p> <p>My point was the deep purple velour with the dark plaid is a very 'rich' colour combination. It doesn't look bad on you but I'd like to see it paired with colours that aren't as 'striking' but rather more harmonious on your colouring (like that green in photos 7/8).&nbsp;</p> <p>Then again, I was also envisioning it working with your berry tones - so what am I even talking about haha?</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285477 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:30:08 +0000 Star (Lise) 2285477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Born in Feb 1966 Stag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285472 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:34:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sally! I was a little uncertain about the goldenrod sweater with those pants—seemed so wrong but felt so right. Satire of “farmers wife”? If I can’t get off the farm entirely and move to the fanciness I’d like, I guess satire is good. I’ve always had a bit of irony in my everything and def want to carry the fun of my summer style over to winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285459 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:47:02 +0000 Sally 2285459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All are great but I especially love both the pink and navy plaid pants and the outfits you have put together are unique but still on trend in my opinion. I would definitely notice you in the street… in a good way. I think they are too funky for farmers wife. I could see one of those satorialist photographers putting you in their blog. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285446 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:29:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi, glad to hear I’ve at least moved away from that a bit and might be headed in the right direction. I see what you mean about the purple with the kilt, am curious what others will think of it with the pants in 4 &amp; 10. Dusky colors though—can’t think of any that work well for me, think I’ll leave them back on the farm. Thanks for noticing the shoes—I think they’re going to slip in pretty seamlessly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285437 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 02:15:41 +0000 Zaeobi 2285437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with the others about the teal &amp; green stealing the show here! Not sure about 'farmer's wife' but I like the 'collegiate' vibe I'm getting from some of these looks :)</p> <p>Whilst the purple velour top looks great on you, I'd like to see with some of your lighter/ duskier coloured clothes too - maybe with a bridging piece (like a dark or berry belt) in the mix? Just throwing out ideas here </p> <p>The studded &amp; patent footwear does well to add that slightly 'refined' but still fun edge to your looks. I know it wasn't easy ordering &amp; returning lots of shoes, so well done for persevering! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285406 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:42:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I’m surprised how much love the green sweater is getting. I got it 10-15 years ago at Chicos, because of the unusual shape and the lacy effect around the sleeves. I rarely wear it though because it is mostly acrylic, 18% wool &amp; 8% alpaca. I intended the look with it to be monochromatic. You can see how much green the pants have in the close-up of the shoes &amp; socks. Not sure if the camera/screen is more accurate or my eye. The photos have more contrast than it seemed like “live”.</p> <p>Carol, you’re not joking about freezing your rear off up there! Here, it gets cold, but not like that! Let’s have some fun this winter and brighten things up a bit, right? In the winter here, there are less than 8 hours of daylight per day. </p> <p> Thanks Nikki! Your outfits are always such fun—they inspired this little set. </p> <p>Cee, a mike drop? Dang! I’ll take it! </p> <p>Thanks Bella. Quirky r me, so I enjoyed all the plaids. </p> <p>Thanks Star! I’m not sure I’d call this olive irl, but I’m not super good at determining warm vs cool. Olive usually isn’t my thang. You’re older than me? I thought you were a few years younger. We should DM about this </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285393 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:07:06 +0000 CarolS 2285393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The colour in 7/8 suits you particularly well, Stag! </p> <p>It's definitely challenging to keep deep winter dressing from falling into the same old rut. I've also been trying to think of what I might try this year to make it a bit more interesting while not freezing my behind off.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285382 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:01:16 +0000 Anonymous 2285382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All sorts of awesome! Love the plaids and colors. Teal is great with your eyes. Very cool belt. Wonderful fall outfits and what a fabulous style journey. I enjoy your energy and enthusiasm for fashion and expression </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285340 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:19:30 +0000 Cee 2285340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two thumbs up and microphone drop </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285336 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:31:05 +0000 bella 2285336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#7 is amazing. That color really flatters you!&nbsp;<br />I also like #10 as a cool and quirky twist on #7. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285324 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:37:53 +0000 Star (Lise) 2285324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cool plaid pants, both of them, and the kilt.&nbsp; The olive in pic 8 definitely suits you.&nbsp; I also have to be careful with olives now that my hair is silver.&nbsp; I tried on an olive/khaki coat recently which had yellow undertones and I looked sick.&nbsp; For me it must be a more saturated, cooler olive.&nbsp; I like the direction your style is going.&nbsp; Was quite a RATE rock chick most of my life but veering towards a little more refined in recent years.&nbsp; Haha must be an age thing.&nbsp; I believe I am older than you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mad-plaid-cocs-could%e2%80%99ve-been-purple#post-2285320 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:53:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Energized by Nikki’s killer kilt ootd, I scooped up all my plaid and did a lot of playing in my closet. Noticed that my new purple velvety velour top could go with everything. Being psyched about the top, and being the imp that I am, I had to try it every day. I have also been infected by the column of color bug, so I tried that too. I carried the green backpack/bag every day (not usually sideways), accessorized more, and checked CPTS. </p> <p>Caution: many, many looks. I think I’m entering a phase like a couple summers ago, when I really defined my style for that season by posting weekly summaries for a while. Now I want to figure out my winter style, and I’ve dropped a few hints on the blog of which way I want to go. My winter look, true to my roots, tends to <i>a stereotype that has been removed from the record because it threw discussion way off track</i>, basically schlumpy jeans and a shapeless welted pullover sweater. Ugh. The one alternate style I’ve worn (and worn out, according to Synne) is short skirt with opaque tights. I have nothing against that latter look &amp; will continue to wear it, but want more variety in winter. I want to be warm, and to look cozy and inviting and also a little refined &amp; alluring. The weather lately has been on the chilly side for fall, but still about 20 (Fahrenheit) warmer than winter will be. Some of these items (the cotton pants, lightweight bomber jacket) will be put away in a few weeks, but I plan to wear most of them for the next few months. </p> <p>What do you think? Did I pick the right versions to wear oitw? What could improve these outfits? If anyone’s interested, I could post a little thing I wrote last spring, looking ahead to this winter’s style. </p> <p>Plaid 1: lilac pants. I have been wondering if my alterations shop could put a tuxedo stripe in, because the legs, particularly the calves, were just too small. Good thing I didn’t get around to it, because now that I’ve suddenly lost a lot of me, they fit. I had fun wearing them, particularly with my son’s sweater. </p> <p>Plaid 2: Pendleton watch plaid pants. Received last Christmas, but never worn before, because they are my summer size. I made up for lost time by going triple plaid, haha. </p> <p>Plaid 3: The kilt’s story was told in this post <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30-in-chilly-florida" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ly-florida</a>. It traveled to Berlin with me in the 90s; was shortened because of moth holes. I’m wearing the same topper with it now as in that post, except as evening approached, I needed my puffy. </p> <p>Putting these pix together, I see that I’m wearing many more new (for me) pieces than I typically wear. I’m not sure what that means, if anything. I don’t have finds for most things, so here’s a compilation of what I’m wearing &amp; when I got it. </p> <p>Purple velour top summer 2022</p> <p>Lilac plaid pants NWT bought early 2019<br /> Uniqlo sweater hand me down from my son fall 2019<br /> Paisley/mattress ticking button front ca 2008?<br /> Berry colored Uniqlo ls heat tech shirt 2019<br /> Fleece-lined pink Hollister vest winter 2017/18<br /> White Sorel Lennox boots 2021/22<br /> Brown “newsie” Joseph Siebel ankle boots 2021/22</p> <p>Pendleton watch plaid pants 2021<br /> Moda International (Victoria’s Secret) silk blouse 199x<br /> Green/black open front cardi ca 2015<br /> Plaid jacket (lemminged from Aida) 2017/18<br /> Black Oxfords 2022<br /> Uniqlo heat tech socks ca 2020</p> <p>Kilt TJ Max , early 80s.<br /> Black bra top JJill, early 2010s.<br /> Linen/cotton Soft Surroundings cardi early 2010s<br /> Sweater knit leggings Uniqlo 2019<br /> Fair Isle dock 2019 (?)<br /> Blue kelty loafers 2021 </p>