https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:57:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998319 Sat, 02 Feb 2019 13:24:41 +0000 carter 1998319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You crack me up, Lisa p. It's definitely easier to categorize a classic wardrobe that hasn't changed much over the years. You do such a brilliant job of keeping your style current. It must be pure intuition for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998318 Sat, 02 Feb 2019 13:24:32 +0000 gryffin 1998318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carter what a great list.&nbsp; You definitely have things magnificently covered!&nbsp; Skorts - I never think of them.&nbsp; I usually wear capris as shorts and I saw long knee length "clam digger" cargo pants on someone and they looked great.&nbsp; But I'll have to keep my eye peeled for skorts.&nbsp; I had several pairs in my late teens and 20's and they were polished but comfortable for everything.&nbsp; So great you are wearing them and thanks for the reminder!!</p> <p>Lisa - that's a good point.&nbsp; But the question is what pieces are you missing to make your statements work more easily?&nbsp; Also you essentials may be essentials will a twist, something a little more special than fabric or cut.&nbsp; Quite enough to be a binder but unique and special enough to satisfy you alone.&nbsp; Maybe anthro?&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998243 Sat, 02 Feb 2019 03:43:00 +0000 Anonymous 1998243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Determining and collecting essentials being easier for those with a classic bent ....</p> <p>I breathe a sigh of relief finally understanding I come by my frustrations honestly There is not a classic bone in this body . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998107 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 19:53:41 +0000 Angie 1998107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carter,</b> sending healing thoughts and positive energy. Much love. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998060 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:10:34 +0000 carter 1998060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much, Angie! My wardrobe does work for me exceedingly well. You and YLF deserve the credit for that. My choices may be largely intuitive, but I was missing the structure or framework within which they needed to work. David is doing ok. The January round of scans was indeterminate for additional metastases. Watch and wait mode at the moment.</p> <p>Suz, no doubt you are correct that determining, collecting and enjoying essentials would be more challenging the more fashion-forward one is. I've always admired your ability to take an outfit of essentials and bring it all together in such a current way. Scarves work wonderfully for you. I think your shoe collection also adds great oomph to your outfits. Classic, but perfectly current in the details. However you do it, it's fabulous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998045 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 16:23:06 +0000 Suz 1998045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a beautiful classic style, Carter, and your list (and comments about essentials heavy outfits) confirm my hypothesis that determining (and enjoying!) essentials seems easier for those with a classic bent. I frequently make essentials-only outfits (well, maybe apart from a scarf) and enjoy wearing them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998027 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:21:56 +0000 Angie 1998027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p><b>Carter,</b> you nailed this the very first time you posted your essentials. And you continue to reap the reward of a beautifully organized, disciplined and fabulous style.&nbsp;</p> <p>WELL DONE, and hope hubs is doing well too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998020 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:13:03 +0000 Anonymous 1998020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you have it down at least until styles change and shoes are not pointy or you are weary of black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998007 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:50:12 +0000 Anonymous 1998007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine seems to be mostly "other" for cold weather, but at least half statement for summer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1998005 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:21:58 +0000 carter 1998005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thought, Suntiger. You got me thinking about how much of my wardrobe would fit this essentials list. Without counting, I'd guess it's about 60%. Maybe 20ish% would be statement pieces. That leaves another 20% or so that's just there to add some variation...gray sweater, navy blouse, white top, etc. I put together a 10 piece capsule the other day. 7 of the items are essentials, 2 are statements, and one is in the "other" category.</p> <p>Cardiff Girl, I certainly agree that curating essentials is likely much easier in black than in any other neutral. I would love to make chocolate brown an essential part of my style, but I just can't find any.</p> <p>Thank you, Robin. Yes, shoe shopping is definitely fun! It can be quite dangerous though ;-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997998 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:00:44 +0000 RobinF 1997998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list, I love your style. And shoe shopping is always fun :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997954 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:35:24 +0000 Cardiff girl 1997954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look like you ve got this sorted.l have a feeling it might be easier to do when your main neutral is black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997911 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 02:09:47 +0000 Anonymous 1997911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its fun to see how some people have essentials heavy styles, while others have very few!<br /> The leopard bag though would probably be a statement workhorse </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997909 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 02:06:09 +0000 carter 1997909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww, thanks TG. I am trying to get back to doing WIW pics. I'm trying a 10x10 challenge now. If I manage to take pics most days, I'll post them at the end of the challenge.</p> <p>Sal, I suppose it does feel like a shoe refresh, doesn't it? My husband would say I'm always "refreshing" my shoes. I feel like he's right, but I think it's the buy/return cycle I get stuck in every now and then. Maybe a B&amp;M shopping trip is in order. I missed your cream oxfords, but I can imagine how useful a pair of cream shoes would be. You may have added to my list ;-).</p> <p>Sterling, you're sweet. I do fear that consistency begets boredom, not for me, but for those who see me regularly.&nbsp; Let's see...will Carter be wearing a black top or black pants today? $10 bucks says yes to both! And yet, it still makes me happy so I'll stick with it for now :-).</p> <p>Thanks, RL!</p> <p>I will try, Runcarla. I do love seeing your WIW pics...especially with your white jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997896 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:20:17 +0000 Carla 1997896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seconding torontogirl </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997894 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:11:46 +0000 rachylou 1997894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997879 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:19:45 +0000 Anonymous 1997879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So well done. &nbsp;And you know ... your style has been consistent all these years. &nbsp;I commend you for knowing yourself and staying true to yourself. &nbsp;THAT is authentic. &nbsp;BAM. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997877 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:14:50 +0000 Sal 1997877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have it sorted....</p> <p>Sounds like a shoe refresh will be your main focus in 2019.</p> <p>And funny how sometimes a new addition becomes an instant workhorse essential - my cream oxford shoes were like that!!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997849 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:44:49 +0000 Helena 1997849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks great Carter ... Love your classic style and hope to see you around, maybe with some WIWs *crosses fingers* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-perennial-essentials-list#post-1997805 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 19:44:24 +0000 carter 1997805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think my list has changed in years and years. I have honed my style over the years, weighted more heavily in black, shifted to more neutral-rich outfits (except during Summer), adjusted rises up and down a smidge here and there, but my essentials remain "essentially" the same.</p> <p><u><b>Jeans</b></u>:&nbsp;&nbsp;All slim-fit or skinny. All mid-rise. All unadorned. <ul> <li>Black, White, Dark denim, Mid wash Denim full length for cooler months</li> <li>Black, White, dark denim, very light denim ankle length for warmer months</li> </ul> <b><u>Pants</u></b>: All slim-fit, with stretch. No trousers. No wool. <ul> <li>Black, Gray full length</li> <li>Black, White, Tan ankle length</li> </ul> <b><u>Shorts/Skorts</u></b>: Conservative, but above-the-knee lengths worn for casual wear only. <ul> <li>Black, White, Gray, Navy Athleta skorts</li> <li>Black, Gray, White Denim, Blue Denim shorts</li> </ul> <u><b>Tops</b></u>: Black, Black and Black.&nbsp; <ul> <li>Sweaters: Pullover, lightweight cotton, silk or linen, 3/4 or full length sleeves, V-neck, scoop neck or boat neck. Lightweight long cardi.</li> <li>Knit Tops: tunic length, hip bone length, sleeveless, 3/4 or full length sleeve, with some movement</li> <li>Blouses: Tuckable or hit at hip bone, long sleeve, sleeveless. Popovers only, no button fronts. Only flowy fabrics. Easy care.</li> </ul> <b><u>Dresses</u></b>: <ul> <li>Black, sleeveless sheath/slim-fit dress, knee length</li> <li>Black long sleeve shift dress, knee length</li> </ul> <b><u>Accessories</u></b>:&nbsp; <ul> <li>Shoes: Black slip-on sneaks, black loafers, black pointed toe flats, cognac pointed toe flats, black sandals, cognac sandals</li> <li>Belts: Black with gold buckle, Black with silver buckle, Cognac with gold buckle, Leopard with gold buckle (essential or statement workhorse?)</li> <li>Handbags: All shoulder bags. All leather. Cream hobo, Black with gold hardware, Black with silver/muted hardware, Cognac with gold hardware</li> <li>Jewelry: Gold complement--watch, bracelet, middle finger right hand ring, chunky earrings, gold and pearl earrings. Silver/White gold complement--watch, bracelet, middle finger right hand ring, chunky earrings, white gold and diamond earrings. Wedding set.</li> </ul> <b><u>Coats</u></b>: <ul> <li>Black puffer vest</li> <li>Black leather car coat</li> <li>Black walk-the-dog parka (not really a style essential, but definitely an essential)</li> </ul> The only recent "OMG how did I live without this?" is the black puffer vest I finally discovered last year.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm in pretty good shape for 2019. I don't need any pants, jeans, skorts, shorts, handbags, or belts this year. (Not that I won't buy any ) I would like replacements/additions of these items: black pointed toe flats, cognac pointed toe flats, black low heel sandals, cognac low heel sandals, Black lighter weight Winter dress coat, chunky silver earrings, and several black tops in all variations need to be replaced due to wear.</p> <p>Great exercise! I love seeing how different each person's essentials can be. Appreciate your thoughts.</p>