https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:34:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1806077 Sun, 07 May 2017 17:52:26 +0000 Ellie D. 1806077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like this style, actually, it seems classic and elegant. A bright lipstck, a fun handbag, mary janes with a chunky heel, a larger art deco ring or necklace - all ways to add a pop of color/bling. Fun socks, a sexy cami that barely shows, fishnet stockings, or a fancy hat could all work for a more whimsicle look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1805287 Fri, 05 May 2017 02:50:50 +0000 tulle 1805287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've already noted what I was thinking:&nbsp; silver hair=more drama, so it makes sense that a leaner wardrobe and a limited palette works for you now.&nbsp; You are clearly comfortable with certain statements (like silver shoes) that play into that drama, and I'm sure you will keep adding more unique pieces as you find them.&nbsp; I agree with Textstyle that jewelry may be an easy addition.&nbsp; Vintage silver pieces from Mexico or Scandinavia, in particular, are worth checking out--boldly sculptural and reasonably priced, gorgeous with grey hair and cool skin tones. (I know what you mean about creamy pearls feeling wrong.)&nbsp; I find great silver at thrift stores and rummage sales all the time.&nbsp; But I don't think you really need much advice.&nbsp; You're miles ahead of most of us at looking your beautiful best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1805271 Fri, 05 May 2017 02:13:28 +0000 sarah 1805271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got these earrings for Christmas. They're made by an artisan woman silversmith in the Yukon! They got a flurry of attention (and the price went up) when Cate bought a pair on her Canadian visit. Anyway, I love mine, and the silver would look lovely with your hair.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/482450883/small-sterling-silver-modern-ulu?ref=related-2">https://www.etsy.com/listing/4.....=related-2</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1805110 Thu, 04 May 2017 15:25:45 +0000 Lynn 1805110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz- I want to thank you for this thread as this is something I have been contemplating. Reading the responses has been clarifying for me.</p> <p>I admit it I am a pants + top woman. Mostly neutrals, mostly solids (except a few geometric prints), and clean lines. And it has to be comfortable or I am not going to wear it. &nbsp;Jewelry and scarves are not my thing, at least on a everyday basis. Also not big on layering.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I have decided to just embrace this and really focus on looking for/making what I call "quiet statements" in tops- fabulous fabrics made impeccably and/or subtle details in style like some of the COS tops Angie linked to.&nbsp;Also statement shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not sure if this helps at all. Mostly just wanted to thank you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804960 Thu, 04 May 2017 04:28:55 +0000 Gigi 1804960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read all the responses (just skimmed them), but I like the idea of adding nail polish and changing up some of the makeup. Maybe you could do statement lips in some unusual colors, or maybe do colored mascara (which normally isn't that loud; once it's on, it's pretty subtle, but adds a little extra dimension). How about expanding your handbag collection? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804951 Thu, 04 May 2017 02:57:39 +0000 unfrumped 1804951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many good comments already.<br /> I like the idea that the dum is more than the parts. I've always admired how you put together perfect proportions and just the right combinations. That sort of " effortless" look of course is not effortless, but it achieves an effect that a single statement item won't necessarily do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804888 Wed, 03 May 2017 22:20:28 +0000 Gaylene 1804888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Pedestrienne, that's exactly what I was trying to get at--statements as embellishments versus a statement as an intrinsic. </p> <p>It was so interesting to read all the wonderful suggestions presented to Suz because they revealed so much about the personal style of the commenter. To one person, statement jewelry, to another statement bottoms, to another statement footwear, and on and on. My own preference for statement construction, fit, and quality is pretty apparent in my comment. Funny how seeing it as a Suz suggestion actually helped me recognize my own direction for finding MY statements. </p> <p>Admiring and appreciating the statements chosen by another doesn't mean I ought to copy--in fact, that route probably just leads to a less defined personal style, a drawer full of lovely, but unused, jewelry, and money spent on items which just don't feel right when put them on my body. If I think of a statement as something intrinsic, my statements will be unique to my way of dressing instead of an add-on. </p> <p>It was your writing analogy, La Pedestrienne, which clicked the switch. Good writers have a distinctive voice; copying the linguistic style of others is fine when you are learning the tricks of the trade, but at some point you have to venture out on your own journey of discovery by looking inward, not outward. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804872 Wed, 03 May 2017 21:23:09 +0000 LaPed 1804872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, Suz, I think it makes total sense that essentials vs statements is a stumbling block for you. You're a writer, and writing is all about how to pare things down, how to strip away whichever words aren't essential. I'm sure this informs your aesthetic and methodology in other areas of your life, including how you present yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, I suspect your statement items are hiding in plain sight, disguised as essentials, because they're things you can't imagine doing without, and because they're well integrated into your style persona, so they don't necessarily "stand out" the way the word statement suggests.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804779 Wed, 03 May 2017 16:29:13 +0000 Suz 1804779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Scarlet</b>, so lovely to hear your voice. Mothering young kids is a huge job -- I'm amazed you can even get dressed at all, remembering those days! Hang in there. You always have amazing style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804770 Wed, 03 May 2017 16:04:33 +0000 Scarlet 1804770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I don't have any helpful advice, but I did want to chime in and say that I feel very much like you do. In fact I am contemplating some of those J.Crew shirts you have They look like good additions to my currently nearly empty summer wardrobe.<br />I think I have turned to classics out of some combination of practicality and desire. My wallet is flat, my time is spare, and simple, well-cut pieces that go the distance make sense to me right now. I also worry at times that I am missing something, but I don't have the time and focus to sort that out for myself right now, which makes it all the more enjoyable to see how you do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804722 Wed, 03 May 2017 14:05:26 +0000 Suz 1804722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou,</b> thank you! You are right...I do have the odd statement piece hiding away.&nbsp;</p> <p>But your comment makes me understand the issue more clearly. I have some good statement items for special occasions. (Like sparkly tops, culottes, a kimono jacket). But I lack them for every day wear.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Ornella</b>, I have been thinking so much of you. It's lovely to see you comment. More and more as my hair has gone silver I am drawn to your very simple style and I was in Cos in Toronto the other week and couldn't help but remember you writing to me about them. I think you manage this clean classic style so well -- it looks perfect on you. Your height alone adds some drama, perhaps, as my new hair does. And yet one <b>does</b> want something to stand out, no? I hope you are well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804707 Wed, 03 May 2017 13:21:56 +0000 Bijou 1804707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is this written by the style master who owns sequinned culottes? Suz, you have amazing style! I do love the idea of aiming for 30 wears per item. That rationale has stopped me from making some unwise purchases and rules can always be broken.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804691 Wed, 03 May 2017 11:45:24 +0000 Ornella 1804691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I could have asked the same question, so thank you for doing it way better than I could. I am happy with my essentials heavy wardrobe, because I enjoy knowing that there is intention behind creating an outfit from them. Where my dilemma is, is mostly in the fine line between being perfectly contended and missing to update. </p> <p>Sorting my needs, wants and fictions has brought order in my wardrobe and peace to my mind. But the process that brought me here is the same one that opened my mind to the need to know how to choose for my modern classics loving style, which in turn means I should keep an eye on things to some extent... Yet there's so much out there and I'm not even bothered to try many things, as I get easily overwhelmed, and shopping is challenging for my height anyway, that I sometimes just want to ignore it all. Still, ignoring things and shopping only when pressed to patch a whole, is particular no no. Ah, the balance... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804678 Wed, 03 May 2017 10:43:19 +0000 Staysfit 1804678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes it's okay to run with the pack. Let your statement be your smile, personality and intelligence. (I think everything else has been said.....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804664 Wed, 03 May 2017 10:08:08 +0000 Summer 1804664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As another with an essentials-heavy wardrobe, I'm reading this with interest.&nbsp; Honestly, though, I think your style is statement enough, given your silver hair, beautiful footwear and your ability to incorporate new trends seamlessly into you wardrobe.</p> <p>I like Angie's, Deb's and Penny's suggestions and comments, though: more scarves, statement watches and cuffs.&nbsp; Also, how about adding more texture or luxury fabrics into the mix? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804652 Wed, 03 May 2017 08:55:15 +0000 Style Fan 1804652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread Suz.&nbsp; You have a great style.&nbsp; I agree with Angie that your hair is a statement and you wear that everyday.&nbsp; I also live in jeans and a simple T.&nbsp; My statements are jewellery but I am a jewellery lover.</p> <p>If you wanted to add an interesting&nbsp;accessory I would suggest looking in the gift stores of art galleries.&nbsp; They have the best and most unique jewellery and scarves.&nbsp; I also bought a great graphic T at the Dali Museum in St. Petes in Florida.&nbsp; The AGO has a great gift store.&nbsp; I haven't looked in the ROM lately.<br />I have also bought jewellery and leather bags at craft shows.&nbsp; The One of a Kind has always been amazing for that.&nbsp; Muskoka has a summer version. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804624 Wed, 03 May 2017 04:18:19 +0000 Suz 1804624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal, </b>that's a great observation -- I'm more likely to get 30 wears from statements in those categories Hmmm. I wonder if this is partly why I end up spending so much on footwear, though-- because I count on it to make my statement. And while I wear my casual footwear to death, &nbsp;in some cases, I must confess that I don't wear my shoes 30 times before I tire of them -- if they are dressy booties or a dressy shoes. I try to reduce my purchases of those but it is tempting to go overboard on them.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, the 30 wear benchmark is a great reminder for when I purchase. Everything I've purchased so far this spring will be a 30 wear item for sure (assuming I keep things) -- but some I'm considering in shopping carts would not be. I need to be careful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804622 Wed, 03 May 2017 04:08:38 +0000 Sal 1804622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread and very late to it.</p> <p>I know in Jenn's thread we talked about statements and getting 30 wears from them - and how it can be hard with some categories (for me especially tops).</p> <p>I love the idea of statement handbags, shoes, sunglasses worn with essentials with a twist on you. &nbsp;</p> <p>And I think you have an interesting, modern, signature style!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804617 Wed, 03 May 2017 03:54:13 +0000 Carla 1804617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Longchamps, Lisap. , and, they already have! Le Pliage Cuir! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/3#post-1804607 Wed, 03 May 2017 03:38:14 +0000 anne 1804607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting thread - reading &nbsp;as another with rather a lot of essentials and not many statements.<br />And like everyone else, I'm in awe of your current looks Susan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804602 Wed, 03 May 2017 03:31:59 +0000 Anonymous 1804602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. Now I want fuschia Chucks and a fuschia tote- why is the brand name not in my brain? That brand , which I will bolt awake with it top of mind in about an hour - needs to make a handbag version of their iconic tote . Then I'd really buy one . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804600 Wed, 03 May 2017 03:16:44 +0000 Suz 1804600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are all so smart and kind! I am having fun loading up my online bags with goodies that I will consider in the sober light of day (and bank balance) but I do think I'll be following a combination of these suggestions.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Shevia</b>, you'd be surprised how many people around these parts are wearing silver (or gold) shoes. Although I do admit I get a few stares. And I can't wait to see your collection! More on that soon. We actually thought (for a minute) we might get there earlier than originally planned, but then reality set in when the points fares disappeared or skyrocketed. Oops.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Greyscale</b>, thank you -- what smart observations. I think you are absolutely right. My style might be a bit more classic than yours but likely only because that's what I can find around these parts (or online that can be delivered to me). You have given me a good thought to chew on. I need to broaden my shopping. It's possible J. Crew's potential demise will actually do me a bit of good -- forcing me out of my easy reliance on the preppy version of my essential and into some store (but what store?) that stocks a version with a bit of a "twist" or something different. I think I need to city shop more often. I can also see you in some simple silver jewellery, and myself, too (well, I already wear some) -- but I agree that in the end, the clothes themselves need to make the statement. It is significant that I was curious about Everlane and pleased with what I got from them. I know you've done well there so that told me something right away.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carla</b>, those fuchsia and silver pieces made me smile right away. I will be on the lookout. I have a pair of silver culottes in my Zara cart. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804591 Wed, 03 May 2017 02:33:03 +0000 Jaime 1804591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree that your hair is a statement now, but I do understand the desire to sometimes have another statement. I do think your silver footwear is more of a statement than you realize - how often do you see anyone else wearing metallic footwear in real life? I like the idea of the one (at a time) statement piece of jewelry. For me I feel most myself in hoops, but I am sure that is related to the shape of my face or hair or something. I have a large selection of interesting thrifted jewelry that I will show you when you visit ! Right now I am thinking belts for you - or maybe even something along the lines of a corset belt, which I want to try if only I had a waist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804581 Wed, 03 May 2017 02:01:55 +0000 Greyscale 1804581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are common threads in your style and mine, even though our descriptors might be quite different. When we all discussed essentials a while back, Angie made the wise comment that my essentials make up my statement look (not sure exactly how she put it) and the same is true for you, I believe. Your clothes have a certain integrity - the sum is greater than its parts.&nbsp;</p> <p>Many people above captured my thoughts. Especially Angie's comment about finding that little bit of avant garde. To put some of it in my own words: if, somehow, things feel flat, find versions of your essentials that have that little extra something. Find the interface between classic (which you do so well) and experimental (like your hair).</p> <p>For me, accessories don't solve the problem when my style is feeling flat. Not that they are a bad addition, but that I'm happiest when the style factor comes from my essentials rather than accessories. Then again, I can easily picture some minimal but creative silver pieces adding to your look (and my own).</p> <p>And like everyone else, I think your style comes through loud and clear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804570 Wed, 03 May 2017 01:12:11 +0000 Carla 1804570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's hard to come in after so many good ideas! However, I would add that fushia/hot pink has always been a signiture. Furthermore, the colour can be in a trendy item, or not. Angie's 'sour brights' - green specs, yellow coats and bags, classic items in tomatoe red - are a part of her signiture.</p> <p>I think of a palette of blues with white, silver, cranberry, and fuscia as your signiture.. Splurge on a Hermes scarf, or less spendy - a cotton neckerchief in hot pink. Maybe a spring coat in silver. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804567 Wed, 03 May 2017 01:00:53 +0000 Suz 1804567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Brooklyn</b>, that's a great idea for the top style. I need to find one, pronto. I notice that SarahtheWhite had a couple in a recent post. I also like the idea of summer weight culottes, which I don't yet own.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Alexandra</b>, those are beautiful scarves, and I love the idea that I would not see a million other people wearing them! I do enjoy scarves when it is not too hot for them. In our summer weather, they're not wearable (at least by me!)</p> <p><b>Cheryl</b>, it's not that I am bored. I just feel I'm lacking that extra zip or punch somehow. But I will get there!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lisa</b>, I am sorry (or happy?) I kept you from your work! But yeah, you are right -- telling someone to go against their style DNA is kind of pointless. I DO like jewellery, though -- just (mostly) not necklaces, or necklaces only for special occasions, not while working at home. Earrings, however, are another matter. With jewellery, though, it's more that I lack the confidence to know what will work on me. I need practice. I need to shop with a girlfriend who "gets" jewellery <b>and</b> knows my style. So...when is your next Toronto visit? :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804560 Wed, 03 May 2017 00:43:00 +0000 Brooklyn 1804560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, what Angie said. I think your style is plenty trendy and statement-ish. You are in a happy place.</p> <p>Re trends: based on what we saw here last summer (which, from the sounds of things, is pretty similar to what you are seeing over there), you might want to consider the following (and of course I am filtering with my own preferences):<br />*summer weight culottes (maybe you already have some?)<br />* floral. We had some lovely floral wide leg pants here and floral culottes. Just yummy. I have invested heavily in floral skirts, which were widely available. I know you said that patterns (other than stripes) don't speak to you. If you can't find any that you would like to wear as a top or bottom, maybe just a summer weight floral scarf? &nbsp;<br />*high necked short sleeve bell sleeve or flutter sleeve top (not too fussy, there are more streamlined versions around)<br />*choker neck top (like my one in Finds) that has a shallow "V". I am small of chest, and long of neck, like you, but Angie approved this style for me and said she would wear it herself And it is very of the moment.</p> <p>Re accessories: what about an interesting/statement clutch? It is an easy way to add interest to a summer outfit (when you can't layer). And clutches are often inexpensive.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804557 Wed, 03 May 2017 00:28:16 +0000 Alexandra 1804557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say your uniform sounds pretty perfect for your needs. And you can always add scarves - not the mass-produced kind but one-off by an artist you like. I buy mine from Tanya from Silk Scarves Colorado on Etsy. Hmm, I just noticed she has a webshop outside of Etsy: <a href="http://silkscarvescolorado.com/Purchase-Silk-Scarves/Colors" rel="nofollow">http://silkscarvescolorado.com.....ves/Colors</a><br /> I usually give her an idea of what I want colorwise and in terms of the vibe of the outfit, and she comes up with the perfect scarf for it. She can paint on different qualities of silk (I prefer charmeuse) and various sizes so it's all seriously customizable to your needs and wants. And if you don't care for Tanya's style, there are other silk-painting artists on Etsy - you might find one whose style meshes well with yours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804555 Wed, 03 May 2017 00:24:13 +0000 dakotacheryl 1804555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you look stylish to my eye...unless you're bored with how you look....why change it?</p> <p>That being said, how about a new lipstick? And I love jewelry, so that's an easy suggestion for me...but I never wear jewelry at home LOL. And I hate working on my computer while wearing a watch or bracelets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/making-statements-a-question/page/2#post-1804551 Wed, 03 May 2017 00:18:36 +0000 Anonymous 1804551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I"ve been thinking about this all day - which is clearly a way to avoid doing what I should be doing. &nbsp;I'm not saying anything new here, but I really believe that a classic look like yours IS &nbsp;just that, and when you enhance with nods to trends - as you do- you've reached the pinnacle of success. &nbsp;True to yourself, clearly on-trend, and responsibly and thoughtfully purchased. &nbsp;As much as I suggested the third pieces be nudged up into statement territory, I can't help but think lots of jewellery etc is just not you. That would be like suggesting I wear more button up shirts to move my style into classic territory. Ain't gonna happen. </p>