https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:43:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs/page/2#post-2239135 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 01:07:16 +0000 CarolS 2239135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL -- Lisa and Sal!! I truly think both approaches have their benefits, and I, at the moment, am wrestling between two mindsets!</p> <p>The up-side to "dressing like a billionaire" is how freaking fast and easy it is to get ready. One fabulous but simple coat works for most situations. If you're feeling fancy change up the accessories and you're done. And when it's really cold out, I tend to become less concerned with what I look like and more concerned with not freezing to death.&nbsp;<br />In this approach the coat becomes just a part of me -- like my hairstyle -- that also doesn't vary a lot from day to day. Or my car. It's part of the infrastructure.</p> <p>However, I used to have a real weakness for buying outerwear on a whim. It was easy to try on and I had a major reason to own it -- dressing for the office. Now that more coats and jackets are likely to fit me better, we'll see if I revert to my old ways. Although the lack of need to dress for the office raises new questions about what I actually NEED.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hence, I suppose, being ok with watching and waiting to see what crops up.&nbsp;</p> <p>Saw a beautiful green Save the Duck puffer on Simon's website last night -- and fell off my chair laughing when it said it could withstand temperatures of -5 to 10 degrees C! Sadly, not even close to what's ahead. Sigh.</p> <p>Thank you both for commenting!!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239118 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:42:57 +0000 Sal 2239118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you Lisa.&nbsp; In fact I have less variety in sweaters and tees than I do in coats and jackets...My collection has a couple of holes but our climate is quite different... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239098 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:20:46 +0000 Anonymous 2239098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could never understand the concept of wearing one coat all winter long . It’s never been something I see as just putting on to go the car/ office building/store and back …..it would be the same as wearing one single sweater all winter long . We don’t do that , so why do “ we” wear only one coat ? It can’t be a price issue either , as blazers and good footwear and bags cost what a coat does . I say this to justify the number of jackets and coats I own </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239059 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:26:14 +0000 CarolS 2239059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You said it, Helena! Before my weight gain of more recent years I was a bit of an outerwear fiend -- probably because it was so easy to go into a store and try on jackets and coats -- no need for a fitting room!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm of very mixed views on this topic -- I can see benefit in having a bit of variety, but at the same time, if I had one great multi-purpose winter parka it would probably get worn most of the time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I found what I thought&nbsp; was the perfect 'does it all' parka at Off 5th two winters ago now -- but the only size available was too small. Would have worked for me now, but at that point, I had no reason to believe a smaller size would ever fit. So, onward until the next one comes along. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239016 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:10:13 +0000 Helena 2239016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am feeling this mood Carol ... the gloom of November and dropping temps do have an effect of wardrobe, energy, the whole lot.</p> <p>I totally agree that giving attention to your outerwear makes a ton of sense! (full confession - I am horrible at this). It is not a fun category (for me at least) but it's so true that this is what we are seen in for 5 months! So you should have pieces that make you feel good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239007 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:47:38 +0000 CarolS 2239007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Robin! the model makes the coat appear to hit just below the knees, but on me it is *quite* a bit longer. It is longer than any I have had before, so I do hope it will turn out to be a good one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2239003 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:37:07 +0000 RobinF 2239003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you have a well thought out plan. I used to be a one-coat-all-winter person until YLF and I realized some people have multiple coats! And make it part of their outfit! So eye opening I wear a coat for at least 6 months a year so it makes sense to have a little variety.</p> <p>Love the burgundy puffer, that is a great length. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238951 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 04:15:26 +0000 CarolS 2238951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Style Fan! The Keen boots were an impulse purchase that really worked out well!</p> <p>Not that I am looking forward to the advent of the deep cold, but I will be interested to test out the midi length of my new puffer. It hasn't seemed cold enough for it yet and I haven't wanted to rush it. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238950 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 04:11:35 +0000 CarolS 2238950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for popping by, Zaeobi! I dearly hope you are wrong about the mukluks -- they cost a bloomin' fortune! </p> <p>I also tend to lean heavily on pieces that can pull double or triple duty.<br />I would say these were probably an emotional purchase rather than a logical one, but since I have them, I think I have to stop babying them and get them into rotation.&nbsp;</p> <p>Will see what the outerwear hunt turns up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238930 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 01:49:15 +0000 Zaeobi 2238930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I endorse the idea of investing in outerwear, especially at this stage of your journey (where the fit of your 'regular' inner clothes keeps changing). I believe another Fabber shared a formula for calculating the percentage of clothing types you need based on the frequency of particular activity types in a given week or month (can't remember who it was, sorry). </p> <p>So I don't want to advocate for purging just yet, but the mukluks caught my eye - if you haven't worn them yet, I don't think you'll wear them much now even if you have the right weather for them. But this might be a biased view, coming from my own preference for a smaller shoe capsule that can do double duty in multiple conditions (instead of fabrics like suede that can only be worn when it's dry - so 'cold &amp; dry' is like the lottery of weather combinations, lol!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238923 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 00:13:30 +0000 Style Fan 2238923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't find this boring.&nbsp; Because I live in a similar climate, I prepare for our long winters.&nbsp; A couple of years ago, I bought a midi-length puffer, and that was a lifesaver.&nbsp; Having different lengths and weights of puffers is a necessity for our long winters.<br />Your Keen boots sound like the perfect hiking footwear.&nbsp; Mr. SF likes Keen, and I have bought his online, and they have a good return policy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238876 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:33:16 +0000 CarolS 2238876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the ideas, Angie. Sorry to hear you're getting foul weather. We always joke that our cold here isn't so bad because it's "a dry cold" -- wet cold like you get can really go right through you in a totally different way! </p> <p>I hadn't really thought about silver, but I will chew on that idea. I found an interesting <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.laura.ca/en/laura/clothing/outerwear/iridescent-down-blend-coat/3030228-0301.html?dwvar_3030228-0301_color=260&amp;start=18&amp;ccgid=laura-clothing-outerwear-down-coats&amp;epik=dj0yJnU9ZlFqOHdkMzFsSmYwR2ZtMWFKT2ktSXkyTU41TVNFYzImcD0wJm49aEwycjFYRWtrSmIwV2FwMFdMOG43ZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0dTczQ4#start=18">iridescent one</a> on a Canadian retailer's website, but have't yet checked in store to see what the fit is like or whether it has the detailing I prefer (ie double zipper is a big one!) (I have a history of not making links that work, so we'll see what happens here!)&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd really love to get into a Uniqlo store one of these days to get a sense of how things fit me. Sizes vary so much among brands and styles. I tried on a large Joe Fresh puffer a few days ago and it is still a bit tight in the hips. Yet I wonder if my medium Bernardo puffer might actually be a bit big. It's such a crapshoot out there. Bring back well stocked B&amp;M please!!!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238868 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:11:18 +0000 Angie 2238868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outerwear - (along with footwear and Winter accessories) - is your most important Winter capsule<b>, Carols</b>! You are dead right to give it the utmost attention! Milk it.</p> <p>On foot, and living in the PNW - I am in the same boat and get it :)</p> <p>I encourage an assortment of thicknesses, lengths, silhouettes and colours. It has been SOOOO wet and windy here. Major foul weather. I bought another raincoat....</p> <p>Sooo, I love the idea of silver and burgundy for you. For mid-weights, look at Uniqlo and Save the Ducks too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238753 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 03:35:03 +0000 CarolS 2238753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for chiming in, Sally! </p> <p>Wow, two hours of yoga a day is amazing -- and absolutely it can be very strength based. And as Stag said earlier, muscle vs fat is a thing -- adding muscle can mean you weigh more but appear more compact. </p> <p>You say your wardrobe is disorganized, but it looks to me like you are making great strides in pulling it together and finding your own style post weight loss.</p> <p>I agree with the idea of taking it slow for now and maybe adding another piece or two of outerwear (and maybe boots) when the right things come along.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238746 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 03:14:47 +0000 Sally 2238746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always find it interesting reading other people's analysis or thoughts on their wardrobe but don't think I am much help when giving advice as my own wardrobe is quite disorganised.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I know the feeling of finding gaps in the wardrobe and feeling they need to be filled.&nbsp; It looks like you are nearing the end of your weight loss journey.&nbsp; I lost a lot of weight last year then even more at the beginning through attempts at fasting to clear up IBS but its funny because I put on 2 or 3 kilos in the lockdown but still wear the same size and everyone who hasn't seen me in 3 months keeps asking if I have lost even more weight.&nbsp; I did do about 2 hours a day of yoga which I suppose is strength based to a degree.&nbsp; Someone once told me that 5 kilos is a difference in size and I find some of my clothes can adjust and fit within about 10 kilos....loose dresses because they fit at the shoulders and coats. So if you buy a fitting puffer now and lose a few kilos it probably wont matter.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would say stick to a small wardrobe and buy only what is necessary until your weight stabilises and you adjust to your new size as your body shape may change too.&nbsp; Obviously you need to stay warm.&nbsp; Maybe concentrate on the outerwear as you point out that that is the most visible and I think the least to be affected by weight changes.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238735 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:37:21 +0000 CarolS 2238735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the boost, Shevia! Coat fits can be tricky for me as anything with a shaped waist very quickly gets too big in the shoulders by the time I can zip it up around my middle. So, I watch for very specific cuts.&nbsp;</p> <p>And yes, the lure of at least buying boots is real. (No point in buying actual shoes as I have nowhere to wear them for the foreseeable future.) But boots...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238729 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:23:46 +0000 Jaime 2238729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not boring at all, even though I don't have your winter weather needs. First priority would seem to be one do as much as possible while still looking fab puffer. For me coat fit is mostly about the shoulders anyhow. Maybe not black !<br />Agree that ear covering is high priority!&nbsp;<br />And shoes are not affected by weight fluctuations.&nbsp;<br />I am no help at all but am cheering you on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238724 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:14:00 +0000 CarolS 2238724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Lozz!&nbsp;<br />Rachy -- You are wise. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238719 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:09:04 +0000 rachylou 2238719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, of course, I believe multiple lengths of puffers have great benefits… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238718 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:08:45 +0000 lozz_oz 2238718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always interesting to read people’s musings. Sounds like you are considering your future needs with care and calmness - qualities to admire. I’m sure this will help you create a cohesive wardrobe and that in itself is such a reward for the new you.<br /> I can’t recommend specifics as our climates are so very different! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238694 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:20:42 +0000 CarolS 2238694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Stag -- Yes, life is now such that the optometrist is an outing. Sigh. I think the long burgundy puffer will turn out to be pretty versatile for me, and hopefully nice and cozy on those really cold days.</p> <p>Dropping the pounds has been relatively easy once I found an eating pattern that worked for me, but shaping up the squishy middle part is going to be a whole other project, I think! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238690 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:12:26 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2238690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That burgundy puffer is even more great than I thought—hadn’t realized it was a long one. </p> <p>Being close enough to your body comp goal to buy outerwear is exciting. And I think your reply about “how far to go” is perfect. I’ve finally accepted that I need to do something about this fat/expanding girth, even though my weight hasn’t gone up at all. Muscle vs fat is real! </p> <p>I have to smile at the optometrists’ being an outing—we all feel ya’ on that one </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238687 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:06:20 +0000 CarolS 2238687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenni -- Your new jeans are lovely! Nicely done. I hope that helps to quell the urge for a bit if that's what you want. ;-)</p> <p>It really is hard to evaluate when to let go, isn't it? I still can't quite believe I've experienced such a dramatic physical change, and I try to to succumb to the worry about being able to sustain it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did have to accept this week that one of my pairs of older ponte pants is WAAAY too big -- beyond casually loose and firmly into sloppy. The good news is that they will make great top-level layering pieces for cold winter walks.&nbsp;</p> <p>Enjoy your beautiful new jacket and jeans! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238680 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:45:44 +0000 CarolS 2238680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz! I can see that puffer being vital in your climate, but I'm relieved we don't need to resort to fisticuffs. </p> <p>I've never had a&nbsp; huge outerwear collection, but in recent years it condensed more and more as my weight crept up. In some ways, I love the ease of one "does it all" puffer, but I would not object to having a bit more variety available to me.</p> <p>I agree that late December/early January will probably be a good time to see where I'm at and possibly pick up a fun or even useful thing or two at a nice discount.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238678 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:39:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 2238678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s tricky when deciding what to ditch on account of being too big/oversized. I’m just wondering the same on two fave summer tops.<br /> This sounds like you are thinking about it all very carefully which is good.<br /> I have just experienced this desperate feeling of “needing” something new this past week, but with the jacket and now jeans I have bought the desperation is passing. I try not to get too tricked by that feeling as I know it can lead to buying mistakes and has in the past. No advice on actual items- wrong hemisphere! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238673 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:28:56 +0000 Suz 2238673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am after the same lightweight coat and might have to fight you for it. (Just kidding). But a lighter bum covering coat (in my case it has to work for wet weather as well) is a real need of mine this year.&nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds as if you are very&nbsp; clear about what your needs are. It might make sense to reassess during the post holiday sales, when you might be able to pick up something fun (or genuinely useful) at a lower price point than typical. Extra outerwear never really goes amiss for those who live in a cold climate. I used to be a one or two coat girl and woman but now wonder how on earth I ever made it through winters that way!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238672 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:27:05 +0000 CarolS 2238672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL Lisa -- thanks for the hot tip on the warm coat! I'm off on Friday so maybe I will brave the outlet mall to take a peek.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Keens were a serendipitous Marshall's find a couple of years ago. Canadian Footwear had a similar-looking but more warmly rated pair but I see they have only a size 12 left. Not so helpful for either of us. Quarks appears to have some, but I haven't dug too deeply into what they are.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have found these to be pretty supportive for walking and the fact that they were so impervious to slush and water made them a dream for the mix of mud, slush and cold we can encounter when the weather starts to warm up. They'd probably perfect for Assiniboine Forest walks.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238664 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:04:30 +0000 Anonymous 2238664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>God how boring . </p> <p>Just kidding I quite enjoy musings when I can relate to them , and of course I can to yours . I should tell you about a great , reasonably warm ( for not -too -cold - days ) bum covering hooded puffer I bought for both DD and I from the fake MEC store in the outlet mall : I think it’s called Mountain Gear? Anyways , the coat was $79 or something and is PERFECT for everyday wear , walking etc when it’s between -10 and 0 ish . Daughter loves hers too . I have black and bought her a forest green . </p> <p>I think I need your Keen boots - but feel I should try to ruin the pair I have right now for Assiniboine Forest walks before buying a new pair . I hate what I bought and wish I had put more thought into it . Where did you buy the Keen’s ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238663 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:03:41 +0000 CarolS 2238663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for stopping by, Sal! I have about 12 pounds to go to lose the amount of body fat my in-body scan recommended to put myself into a healthy range. I have to check again soon to see how much of what I have lost lately is fat vs muscle, and may have to adjust the goals accordingly. While the number on the scale helps me track that things are changing, the end goal will be more about body fat, visceral fat, and a reasonable amount of muscle to fuel a metabolism! (How's that for a straightforward answer?!)&nbsp;</p> <p>Footwear should be fairly safe to buy if and when I find it. And as you point out, I can afford to wait and be selective on the outerwear front. Even for those items I would most like to have, there is no real panic. </p> <p>A puffer with a bit of metallic sheen would be nice! I hope that perfect black tank turns up soon!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-early-winter-wardrobe-needs#post-2238649 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:25:12 +0000 Sal 2238649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are organised and planned for the next couple of months.&nbsp; How far are you away from your goal weight - just in terms of spending.</p> <p>It sounds like a puffer could be a good piece to keep an eye out for and you can afford to be fussy or even wait for a sale.&nbsp; In terms of colour black is useful but even a graphite or navy or dark olive are more fun.&nbsp; I do love puffers with a bit of a metallic sheen.</p> <p>I really only have one thing on my list this side of Christmas - a black tank.&nbsp; I may get some sandals or slides but at the moment nothing has quite appealed - and as we are in a lockdown lite there are very few occasions coming up. </p>