YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Essential Eight! Wanna Play?? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:52:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php kerry on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1439246 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:45:56 +0000 kerry 1439246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, I'm in. This is for winter, which is long in my neck of the woods. 1. Boots (knee high, mid calf or ankle) knee-highs are getting less love this year. 2. Slim bottom (denim or leggings) 3. Great bra 4. Cotton camisole 5. Drapey tee 6. Long cardigan 7. Warm, stylish winter coat 8. Comfy loungers (I hibernate a lot this season!) Style Fan on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1439178 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:32:58 +0000 Style Fan 1439178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in a six or eight season climate so this is a very difficult exercise.  I will try to come up with my essentials for my Florida trip which I am on right now for 2 months. This is like an early Spring season. 1/  BF jeans.  Always number one for me. 2/  Burberry Trench.  3/  Long sleeved T shirts.  I brought 3.  Olive green, burnt yellow and topaz. 4/  Cashmere cardigan.  Dark brown. 5/  Dark brown corduroy skinny jeans sized up.  6/  Denim shirt. 7/  Brown belt. 8/  Marsala Cross body bag.  I have had it for years and it just happens to be the colour of the year. 9/  Denim jacket. 10/  Black boots.  I would prefer cognac booties but these ones are more comfortable. Adelfa on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1438961 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:25:10 +0000 Adelfa 1438961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I've been kind of intimidated by this question, but I'm going to try: These are my real, non-aspirational, cool weather essential 8: 1. darkish straight leg blue jeans 2. black skinny jeans 3. deep wine straight leg jeans 4. gray fluid tee 5. black silk placket-front top 6. black pointy toe chunky 2" heel booties 7. gray heather waterfall-ish cardi 8. black cocoon cardi Warm weather as I recall from last year: 1. darkish straight leg blue jeans 2. white jeans 3. olive cropped skinny boyfriend twill pants 4. pale pink silk knit tee 5. print top: mushroom and ivory polka dots 6. gray tee 7. nude Okalas 8. champagne waterfall-ish cardi I reach for gray tees and my black silk shirts over and over. And I'm temporarily off blazers and enjoying modern styles of cardigans. Lisa on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1438847 Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:54:39 +0000 Lisa 1438847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had put together my essential top ten a while back on my blog.  Here's the link. <a href="https://shoppingbrake.wordpress.com/2014/11/13/casual-wardrobe-top-ten-list/" rel="nofollow">https://shoppingbrake.wordpres.....-ten-list/</a> I think it is very helpful to review what one's essential items are, and the reasons why.  shiny on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437784 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 20:33:07 +0000 shiny 1437784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is tough; I don't think I can keep it to 8. My list might've included jeans but with weight being up these days, I'm making do just fine without them.... otherwise, I think I may be too general here? 1. Black dress  Depending on season & occasion, this could be a maxi dress (summer), elbow length (fall), sweater dress (winter).... so not just one dress would do, but a black dress always stars as an essential no matter what season. 2. Black ponte knit 5-pocket skinnies 3. Black low-heeled/flat ankle booties  4. White top Like the black dress, this could be a basic cotton or linen tee, or a dressy blouse with long sleeves or a silk shell, but I need a season- and occasion-appropriate white top in my closet at all times.  5. Fabulous coat Cannot be an "afterthought" ... a fun color, something different than black.  Puffers are my go-to right now, my nod to the super lux trend. In Spring this would be my trench.  6. My personal "It" bag Each season I need a go-to bag that pulls it all together... for fall/winter it was cognac. Last spring it was blush pink. This spring/summer it may be a white backpack....  7. Not-boring Topper The third piece is critical: Right now I am loving cascading cardigans. I was off them for awhile. I'm thinking here of ink blue cardigan, and longer /lighterweight black theory cardigan. Or it could be Jean jacket for warmer months... leather for cooler months.... or it could be a blazer though I have been off my blazers for awhile...  8. Scarf Keeps me warm, and adds a pop of color/interest... especially if you are resigning me to only 8 items!!!! WilliamLion on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437677 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:59:17 +0000 WilliamLion 1437677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  My list includes skinny jeans blouse  or pull over sweate <div>black leather booties</div><div>black wedges</div>black watch black skirt red coat Elizabeth P on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437676 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:57:13 +0000 Elizabeth P 1437676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I found this really difficult.  I didn't want to do GROUPS of items, as some have done, I wanted to figure out what my top 10 actual articles are.  I live in a 4 (or 6) season climate, so my summer clothes are drastically different from my winter.  And I work full time, so have work as well as casual clothes.  Do I pick my favourites?  The ones I wear the most?  The ones I feel are most "me"? In the end, I decided to go with a bit of a combo, but primarily things that are foundational.  For the winter.  Not necessarily style defining in themselves, but allow me to wear my statement pieces.  And ironically, this ended up being quite a nice little weekend capsule! milehighstyle (Linda) on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437673 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:50:23 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1437673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's my cool/cold weather version, leaving out coats and underlayers: Dark wash skinny jeans Black, navy, or grey skinny pants Patterned pencil skirt A line skirt Bright colored fit and flare dress White blazer or tux jacket Button front shirt, white or striped Pull over sweater Long chunky cardigan Moto jacket Grey leather booties Black wedges AM on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437668 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:41:10 +0000 AM 1437668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah - Thanks for this great post. A great resource for reflection and learning from others. Nice job. Golden on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437663 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:22:51 +0000 Golden 1437663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ straight legged pants pencil skirt riding boots (no zips) cardigan Equipment silk signature blouse Cashmere pullover Dark skinny jeans Tee shirt pointy pump V neck long sleeve merino or cashmere sweater Niki Lea on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437656 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:58:06 +0000 Niki Lea 1437656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My list has changed a bit over the past couple of months: 1. Black skinny jeans 2. Patterned blouse 3. Pointy toed flats 4. Boot cut jeans 5. Brown mid-calf boots 6. Black v-neck tee 7. Raincoat (tis the season) 8. Oversized cardigan Deborah on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437530 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:57:33 +0000 Deborah 1437530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are awesome list ladies.  Some I am nodding along with and others I find I am learning something new about your style.  Quite exciting.  I am going to bookmark this post as the responses will be great to reference when looking at your outfits and also considering new purchases. Carla on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play/page/2#post-1437481 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 03:13:13 +0000 Carla 1437481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in... 1. Straight leg dark wash Jean 2. Mariner T 3. Chelsea boot 4. Pencil skirt 5. Leather moto 6. Pointy toe flat 7. trench coat 8. leather tote 9. Turtleneck sweater 10. Jean jacket Sal on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437395 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:07:04 +0000 Sal 1437395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay I will be real here too....and include what I actually wear excluding for actually going to the gym. I will think transseasonal as much as possible.  I don't tally/count wears so it is intuitive. 1 Patterned trousers - have two and wear them both 2 Jeans - mid blue, straight/slouchy skinny/slim fit boyfriend 3 Crop harems - for kids sport, lounging, walks 4 Smart tailored work dress 5 Dressy tee - I have several, pink, spotty, black, cream 6 Blazer 7 Ankle boots 8 Black pumps It does not quite work for me because I need a casual tee/tank to wear lounging with my crop harems!!  And some trainers for my feet. K.M. on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437390 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:54:03 +0000 K.M. 1437390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Suz and tr3kkie9rl on whether this is about real or aspirational... and whether it's about specific pieces or categories. Maybe for those who have their styles and wardrobes more figured out, the difference is moot, but for me it's huge! On the real wardrobe, my indispensables, for Fall and Winter: 1. Cotton t-shirts 2. Bootcut jeans 3. Bootcut trousers 4. Skinny cords 5. Snow boots 6. Pullover sweaters for warmth (even if I prefer the look of cardis) 7. Puffer 8. Colorful scarves 9. Flared or A-line wool skirt This list, to me, is practical but also sometimes frumpy, which is why I've been visiting this forum and trying to reflect on how to get at a happier place with my wardrobe. Because at heart I'm not such a practical/casual dresser and have never been until the last few years. Writing the list almost made me a little sad. gryffin on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437376 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:28:52 +0000 gryffin 1437376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah - I'm going to go with a kind of trans-seasonal spring/fall/winter approach.  Our lists are very similiar, (you expected that!!), different silhouette for me more tailored but same idea. 1. Long Black blazer - theory marcela 2. Little Black Dress - work fitted AP, day shift 3. The skinny jeans - gap always skinny skimmers - black/gray sized up for slouchy boyfriend skinny look 4. The boxy sweater - EF merino boxy top 5. Leggings - danskins and EF skirted leggings 6. Tunics - EF merino 7. Boots - Aquatalia undy 8. The coat - vince asymmetric leather trim car coat Of course I need more blazers etc but this is a nice capsule!! 9. The day bag - coach annabelle 10. the belt- the ultimate accessory Pretty much the basic capsule - just repeat!! rachylou on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437339 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:12:44 +0000 rachylou 1437339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok... I'm doing this without reviewing the old essentials list. It will be interesting to me to go back and compare: Puffer Skinnies/jeggings/leggings Tunic-y tops Sweaters Thermals (heattech, crew and turtleneck) Aprons A-line skirts Sleeveless fit and flare dresses Hat/scarf/headband to cover ears in cold Short boots Wedged 'court shoes' (plain black) Sneakers I think that's 13 things, with some cheating Caro in Oz on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437331 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:03:13 +0000 Caro in Oz 1437331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For summer mine are: A loose dress in a fantastic fabric - knit linen, linen or silk Sandals - cheating here Birks & dressier Great shoes Harem pants More shoes/booties Tops that work with the pants My summer coat from last year (a new work-horse) Hats Beach capsule Trans-seasonal: Booties Leather jackets Coats Jackets Harem pants jeans More tops/knits Yoga gear/lounge wear (keeping it real) E on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437313 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 21:18:57 +0000 E 1437313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh fun! I tried to adopt a tone like this article take, as it amused me. I would need at least one of each of these pieces to dress, although in practice I have lots of options in each category! And I spend enough time outside that I need seasonally specific fabric or cut options to stay comfortable in my four season climate. Transseasonal: The Little Silk Blouse In a flattering colour, with interesting details, and a style that can be worn on its own or layered and tucked or untucked. The Long Sleeve Crewneck Cardi In wool or cotton/silk/linen depending on the season, this opens up layering possibilities and can be worn in several ways. The Slim/Skinny Trouser Fabric varying by season, this lets me surrender my waist without looking frumpy. A high rise is most comfortable on me and lets me play with tucking The Full Skirt Nipped in at my natural waist, then flaring out and ending somewhere around my knee. Along w a tucked top, this is my most traditionally figure flattering look while letting me add a vintage taste to any outfit. And I love the way a full skirt rustles as I walk. The Girly Jacket Its neat tailoring and waist definition lets it pair with full volume bottoms while it can be worn open over slimmer bottoms. It combines menswear tailoring w feminine details like peplums, puffed sleeves, etc. and can evoke 19th century style, unlike the cardigan. Fabric and weight vary by season. The Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress Worn as a sundress in warmer months and layered in the cooler ones, this makes for an easy, flattering outfit with minimal effort. The Clunky Flat Shoe Varying by season, frequently sporting laces, and always in leather, these add a grounding, sensible note to my sometime whimsical outfits. The Hat Wool in winter, straw in summer, I wear one to protect me from the weather and add an extra dose of whimsy to my look. Seasonally Specific Additions The Long Sleeve Knit Top Both cotton tees and wool sweaters form an important building block to keeping me cosy in cool weather. The Lined Wool Trouser Hitting at my natural waist to provide most tucking options, and in a tailored wide leg cut for the ultimate in comfort, these are a go-to on the bitterest winter days. The Heavy Wool Coat Keeps me warm even in significantly below freezing temps and lets me feel much more true to my storybook leanings than a puffer ever could. The Baggy Midthigh Short Baggy to counteract any sexiness implied by a shorter hemline, these keep me cool in the hotter months. The Breezy Blouse In summer fabrics and a cut that stands away from my body, these combine w the shorts for maximum cooling in the summer. AM on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437255 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:49:31 +0000 AM 1437255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These items need to be black, gray, ink, light bluish/gray, with white accents. <ol> <li>black frame glasses (need new ones)</li> <li>yummy scarf</li> <li>modern classic jewelry</li> <li>cashmere tunic</li> <li>chambray shirt</li> <li>skinny dark blue jeans</li> <li>black legging</li> <li>beautiful black boots (moto, chelsea, pointy, etc. -- I am cheating)</li> <li>long/longer toppers (cheating again)</li> </ol> I need to find the perfect black casual dress, t-shirts, and white shirt. I love and will continue to collect long/longer cardigans, jackets, and coats. Nice to reflect. I see others posts as shopping lists as so many of these appeal to me. Thank you! Susie on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437249 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:24:49 +0000 Susie 1437249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've based my choices on numbers so these are the things that have gotten the most wear for fall/winter so far: 1) EF black knit leggings 2) Dark skinny jeans 3) Bootcut jeans 4) Dark floral print silky tee (to layer over) 5) Black crew neck cashmere sweater 6) Long black cardigan 7) Black 3/4 sleeve curved hem sweater 8) Coach silver leather satchel 9) Furla cobalt leather satchel 10) Donald Pliner black snakeskin toe booties 11) Black patent leather oxfords 12) Pewter leather zipped flats (casual wear) In general, I would say that jeans (blue, black, white), black pants of varying silhouettes, sweaters, and a good selection of shoes/boots and handbags are perennial essentials for me. Anonymous on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437237 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:01:06 +0000 Anonymous 1437237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll give it a go. This shows that I need to refine my style more For a 4 season climate: 1. Skinny blue jeans sized up and rollable for summer. 2. A black pencil or tube skirt 3. Black jacket...blazer probably. 4. Breton stripe tee, short sleeves 5. LBD that can be dressed up or down. (Could be navy or light grey) 6. Black or navy cashmere pullover sweater 7. Waterproof ankle boots in grey 8. Athletic flats in black and cream 9. Sleeveless silk tops to layer or wear alone 10. Puffer coat with scarf and gloves This is really bare minimum! amiable on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437222 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:31:43 +0000 amiable 1437222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, my turn.  I have more like 10 categories, not 10 items: 1. Jeans (boyfriend, slouchy skinny, maybe bootcut too) 2. Button down shirts (breathable, summer and winter) 3. Pull over sweaters (layered over button down shirts in winter) 4. All-day-on-my-feet shoes (not really a fashion item, but they get worn almost every day. 5. A warm pea coat or puffer.(winter only) 6. A long cardigan (new to my closet, but worn almost daily) 7. Summer dress 8. Birkenstock sandals (summer), moto boots (winter) 9. leather jackets  10. Simple belt (black, maybe white too) I'm probably missing some (and probably have some that aren't really essentials too), but these are the first ten that came to mind :) Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437216 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:22:08 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1437216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh, count me in to play!   Right now, my must-haves are: 1.   Black leather over-the-knee, flat-heeled equestrian boots. 2.   Classic black super-high stiletto pumps 3.   James Jeans "Twiggy" in Urban (dark wash) 3.   Black lace Wolford tights 4.   Ivory Cowl-neck Sweater 5.   Black Cowl-Neck Top 6.   A flower necklace 7.   My perfume:   The Enchanted Forest, by The Vagabond Prince 8.   My 'greige' leather Danier moto jacket 9.   Black leather gloves 10. A draped black jersey, fitted pencil skirt Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437208 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:11:27 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1437208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Straight leg jeans V neck tees V neck cardigans Button front shirts Knit Blazers Pencil skirts Ballet flats Knit dresses Obviously I wear and need more than that, but without any of the above items I would seriously struggle to get dressed. celia on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437174 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:22:51 +0000 celia 1437174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, I pretty much can live with your list of 8 for fall/winter. The items can be different in shape or feel but the list is the same citygirldc on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437167 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:06:27 +0000 citygirldc 1437167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This might change in the summer time but this list is seasonal.  This is what I can think of right now. I'm sure I'm missing something. <ol> <li>a good pair of jeans (i.e. skinny, boyfriend, etc.)</li> <li>little black dress</li> <li>black blazer</li> <li>red lipstick</li> <li>cool looking but comfy pumps/heels</li> <li>the perfect flat</li> <li>black and white striped top</li> <li>white button down/up shirt</li> <li>rain coat (i.e. khaki trench coat)</li> <li>polka dot top</li> </ol> trekkiegirl on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437161 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:55:15 +0000 trekkiegirl 1437161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - what a great idea, to compare the real with the aspirational! I'll have to think on that some, but I think it will definitely help me. Deborah - thank you again for posting this it is such an eye-opener for newbie me! Aziraphale on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437128 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:03:49 +0000 Aziraphale 1437128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun! All right, I'll play. Without these, my style would no longer be my own: 1. Skinny jeans (not too tight, though) 2. Slim boyfriend jeans 3. Black tee shirt (fitted) 4. Black tee shirt (loose and drapey) 5. Long blazer 6. Ankle boots 7. 2" black belt with plain silver buckle 8. Trench coat There! That was really easy. There are lots of other items I really like and wear quite often -- like white button-front shirts, black silk shirts, waistcoat, camo belt, etc -- but my wardrobe wouldn't collapse around me if I lost them.  approprio on "My Essential Eight! Wanna Play??" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-essential-eight-wanna-play#post-1437107 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:44:37 +0000 approprio 1437107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know how you got it down to eight. That would not cover all the bases for me. I think I could build a functional capsule from the following: <ul> <li>Rain coat and hat</li> <li>Thick-soled lace up shoes: oxfords, creepers</li> <li>Chunky ankle boots with heels or platforms</li> <li>Fluid fit or oversized jumper</li> <li>Loose fitting casual tapered pants</li> <li>Blazer, preferably black</li> <li>Close fitting fine-knit sweater</li> <li>T-shirts - black, white, plain and printed</li> <li>Wide legged tailored pants</li> <li>Tailored dress</li> </ul> Essential accessories: <ul> <li>Eyewear: prescription and sunnies</li> <li>Watch </li> <li>Bag</li> <li>Belt</li> <li>Rings</li> </ul>