https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:43:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2123479 Tue, 26 May 2020 17:47:13 +0000 Minaminu 2123479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As beautiful as London may be, the only way to live in a very small flat is to have a very minimalist approach to clothes and any other material item. The original plan was to spend a few months in London and we've actually been living here for 20 years (and counting !), I have been promised a walk in wardrobe when we willl move to France!</p> <p>Have a look at Muji, it has been so useful for me. The quality of the drawer sets is very good and can easily fit inside any wardrobe, making it easier to store different types of clothes. Highly recommend them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2123395 Tue, 26 May 2020 09:36:32 +0000 Zaeobi 2123395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww thank you <b> @torontogirl </b>, makes me feel less self-conscious about my closet size. You stay happy with your lack of ironing too, lol </p> <p><b> @Roxanna </b> I always used to think of 'saturated' as meaning bold colour too but you're right, it's more a matter of *depth* than anything else. It's difficult to get right because often 'faded army green or washed black' didn't *start out* their lives like that - you can buy a 'deep' garment but not know that it's going to morph into that over time. One reason why I find charity shopping (thrifting) so frustrating! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122903 Sat, 23 May 2020 22:58:59 +0000 Roxanna 2122903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Z - I love the idea of saturated neutrals. Somehow I had always thought about saturated for brights or jewel tones, neither of which I am drawn to right now. But I too am an autumn, ave you are right, I am instinctively drawn to saturated neutrals that have depth (now I understand why I don’t like faded army green or washed black!)</p> <p>Thank you for the lightbulb moment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122805 Sat, 23 May 2020 13:34:25 +0000 Helena 2122805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, this is amazing! First of all, you should be showing that closet off - it is so neat and organized, and looks amazing. I love that you show how a smaller space and wardrobe can have just as much colour, interest, and style as any large one can!</p> <p>Your style goals all see well-thought-out, sensible and true to yourself, which is amazing. I especially love that you are all about the easy-care garments *high five* - life's too short for ironing (unless you love it like our fearless leader Angie does!)</p> <p>Stay safe and healthy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122798 Sat, 23 May 2020 13:17:44 +0000 Zaeobi 2122798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@rachylou</b> Haha I can imagine - I've heard a lot about 'girls gone wild' &amp; the like in those spring break movies. I suppose it's like a (very American lol) 'rite of passage' that they're upset about not being able to do. </p> <p>Thanks for confirming the purples are more visible in the updated photo - ETA it to the original post. </p> <p><b>@jenni</b> Oh sorry, I didn't even catch that you used SE Asia for HK! Since I'm a South (subcontinental) Asian living in East Asia, I think I subconsciously just end up skimming that term if it's written in relation to me, lol </p> <p>Haha I had a very British (read: stuffy) school uniform. I remember we had specific non-uniform days, where we would pay £1 as a sort of 'entry fee' (to be donated to charity). Come to think of it, I have no idea why everyone was always so excited about 'Jeans 4 Genes' day, since you'd be wearing jeans yes, but still with *the rest of your normal school uniform*, lol! </p> <p><b>@Sal</b> Ah, good catch! Truth be told, I think I'll always think of the seasons as they are back home (Autumn/ Fall is my favourite, so I really miss seeing the leaves fall). But yes, things are more transitional here so all of my clothes stay in view throughout the year (it's probably time to move my big brown coat towards the end of my rainbow rail though, haha). </p> <p>HK is nice to visit when it isn't sweltering (October to March), especially if you like to hike. I hope I can return to NZ some day too - I've only ever visited Auckland. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122778 Sat, 23 May 2020 10:46:46 +0000 Sal 2122778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Zaeobi - you did answer my question:)&nbsp; I was unclear and really meant that you had palettes for four seasons and I thought that you might not have four distinct seasons.</p> <p>I think of three seasons here (summer, winter and transitional).&nbsp; I do have one blouse I only really like in spring (too hot for summer but a bright clear blue and white blouse that feels very spring-like) but aside from that most of my transitional clothes get worn all year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I visited Hong Kong back in 2010 and loved the city.&nbsp; My husband has been there 5 or 6 times for work.&nbsp; I hope that we can return one day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122774 Sat, 23 May 2020 10:01:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 2122774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just Googled for geography since I wasn’t quite sure which countries were in “South Asia”. And then checked to find that Hong Kong isn’t actually in Southeast Asia as I thought but more “East Asia”. See how YLF adds to my education, not just about fashion?!<br /> And I am with you that most of my knowledge about US high schools comes from movies. I always used to be jealous that they didn’t have to wear uniforms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122766 Sat, 23 May 2020 08:15:42 +0000 rachylou 2122766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hehe. Spring Fling is another term for Spring Break. Or, perhaps more accurately, it’s what some people do with their spring break. It’s when you get on a plane to go somewhere with a beach with hordes of others and ‘the dance’ is... dancing topless in a drunken stupor to the horror of all the locals. Ahem. </p> <p>... there were folks protesting the loss of their right to horrify the locals because of Covid19 quarantines. Double Ahem! ;)</p> <p>ps: the new photo does make a difference! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122756 Sat, 23 May 2020 05:23:39 +0000 Zaeobi 2122756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I wasn't expecting so many people to actually read through all of my navel-gazing drivel, haha Well done, you troopers! </p> <p><b> @avicennia </b> As above, this post was intended more as a kick up the backside to keep me accountable on my journey (I've been talking about posting my closet cleanout for months now, so hopefully doing this means other members can give me a slap on the wrist if I veer off-track from these photos &amp; rationale when I start shopping again). If you have any suggestions on what you think does/ doesn't work (or what could work better) for my space, current reality &amp; lifestyle though, then I'm all ears! </p> <p><b> @sterling </b> Ah sorry, I contemplated adding a little bio about myself but this post was already becoming very long! I'll add it at the top: I'm a South Asian (Deep Autumn colouring) born &amp; raised in the UK, but I recently moved to Hong Kong, where I teach at university level &amp; live with my partner &amp; in-laws (hence the space issues!) I still go back to the UK yearly to visit my family, though (he sometimes joins me too, hence the lack of suitcase space haha). The Hong Kong protests have been going on since June 4th, so it's wild to think it's almost been a year living like this now... </p> <p><b> @Sal </b> I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'do the seasons work clearly in Hong Kong as you are quite specific?' but if you're asking about the climate here, it's subtropical. So winter is much milder than back home (very rarely below 0 degrees Celsius, more like 10C). Summertime is typhoon season but it's humid year-round, hence the need for practical hemlines but also loose breathable materials. We don't really get a clear autumn &amp; spring, so the seasonal colours I gave were more guidelines than hard &amp; fast rules (if the weather is similar throughout the year, then colour is often the only way to make my clothes look winter/ summer 'appropriate' etc). </p> <p><b> @Jenni NZ </b> Yes I've been to New Zealand &amp; it was nice to see coverage of this side of the world there. In the UK we don't receive as much news from here, perhaps due to the timezone difference. </p> <p><b> @Minaminu </b> Yes, I feel your pain! Thankfully I'm not from LDN but I remember growing up that I swore never to live there due to the lack of space &amp; 'big city' vibe. Ironic then that I ended up falling in love &amp; settling down in HK instead! Ohh I'd forgotten about Muji - we have them here too, so good shout! Will see if they're open... </p> <p><b> @Bijou </b> Thank you - I've always liked colours, so having my season officially 'diagnosed' last year has been really useful in narrowing my focus. Unfortunately this has been further restricted by the current political climate here - dressing in all black is protester garb &amp; yellow symbolises their cause, whereas shades of blue are police colours &amp; red is associated with the CCP. White t-shirts have become synonymous with the gangsters that take advantage of the unrest to beat people willy nilly. I’m very glad I’m WFH right now, because trying to dress politically neutral whilst still going to campus was a minefield, let me tell you! Yes, I don't drive here so walkable (&amp; runnable!) shoes are always a must. </p> <p><b> @runcarla </b> I can completely empathise; unfortunately spending more is no longer a guarantee that you’ll get long-lasting clothes. Machine washing is especially fraught when you like bright colours (guilty!) because you never know if the colours will run or stay put. This is a really good suggestion, re: counting wears. I’m thinking of inputting my clothing into a spreadsheet to facilitate that (I know I know, what a nerd! haha) </p> <p><b> @Liesbeth </b> Thank you! They’re just springboard categories (so that I don’t go overboard trying to buy ALL of the colours, without thinking about how they’ll work together) - a consistently mild climate should hopefully mean that I can mix &amp; match the colours across the seasons. </p> <p><b> @slim cat </b> Haha I can sympathise - I’m sharing the top of my closet with my mother-in-law! Aww thank you, but I’m sure you look absolutely stunning in colours I can’t pull off then (like pastels or lighter neutrals) </p> <p><b> @Jenn </b> Interesting - I guess an active lifestyle in a warm climate warrants pretty similar needs the world over! I haven’t shopped Eileen Fisher much because it’s an American brand, but everything looks so artsy yet comfy. Maybe if I’m ever on the other side of the pond again. </p> <p>I’m not a huge texture or silhouette dresser, but colours are my vice - so I’m fairly happy limiting the first two, so long as I can still have my rainbow. Ideally I’d love to have each silhouette represented in every colour (because I have a high affinity for colour mixing), but in reality I usually have to limit certain clothing items to neutrals to avoid looking like a crayon So normally my bottoms/ toppers &amp; shoes are neutral colours, &amp; then at least my tops, scarves &amp; dresses are in my main colours. </p> <p><b> @Angie </b> Aww thank you, you’re too kind - if only there was a blushing emoji here! Yes, I completely agree with how many factors you have to take into consideration in HK. And on top of all this I’m often back in the UK during the summers, so I have to make sure my clothing is the type that can have a last minute coat or boots added to the mix I think identifying my personal style is the easy part - we’ll see how well I stick to it! </p> <p><b> @rachylou </b> Haha what I wouldn’t give for a countryside-sized closet but inside a city flat! Sorry but I’m a little confused - ‘spring fling’ means the dance that happens during ‘spring break’, right? Why would people be against that? (Please correct me if my American high school knowledge is lacking - I’ll admit that most of it comes from US movies, haha!)</p> <p>Re: my closet photos, you’re welcome - I don’t think it can get any more real than my shoeboxes, haha! I'm actually posting an updated version of my 'rainbow rail' with flash on this time, since I think a lot of the dark green &amp; purple that I have misreads as 'black' in the previous photo. Everything on the right hand side of the white is non-black. </p> <p>Apologies for my undies &amp; socks hanging in/ by the mesh bag on the left-hand side though, lol (tis the reality with limited space!) I had originally been planning on hiding them out of sight at the back of my closet, but then I watched Marie Kondo's Tidying Up &amp; agreed that my most frequently used items should probably be placed in an easy to reach spot (especially to avoid irritation during the usual morning rush) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122538 Fri, 22 May 2020 17:51:47 +0000 rachylou 2122538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A really honed framework! Thank you for the closet pics. It’s nice to see how people work them. Closets are so difficult, and city closets the worst! When I ‘moved back to the big city’ - man! Apt half the size, only one closet 1/3 the size, for the same money!</p> <p>It did take me a moment to remember you were in HK. My first thought was of spring-fling protestors here in the US. Lawdy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122531 Fri, 22 May 2020 17:24:39 +0000 Angie 2122531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Zaeobi,</b> you are eloquent, organized, resourceful, level-headed and thorough. I'm impressed!&nbsp;</p> <p>I've lived and worked in HK for many years and know how hot and sticky it is - AND how arctic that a/c is too. AND how small the living spaces are, and how crowded it is! It's hard to feel comfortable, and the style quotient is very high on top of everything. Lots to consider.....</p> <p>Being this specific about your style creates a HUGE personal stamp! And it screams DYOT. That's about as on trend for 2020 as it gets. WELL DONE.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122528 Fri, 22 May 2020 17:14:29 +0000 Jenn 2122528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this, and for sure read to the end!</p> <p>I found it super-interesting that you and I have independently come to a lot of the same conclusions on fabric choices and durability. Breathable, colorfast, and sturdy enough to handle machine washing are priorities for me, too. And I'm also willing to consider certain types of polyester for wideleg bottoms (my polyester crepe pieces from Eileen Fisher are fantastic!).&nbsp;</p> <p>I also really like how you've clearly laid out your gear needs, and would love to hear more about standardizing your silhouettes. Is it your goal to have those silhouettes available across all your colors? Or just to only purchase those shapes going forward? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122516 Fri, 22 May 2020 16:54:45 +0000 slim cat 2122516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to the limited clothing space - I share the space with my daughter and her friend ( temporary .. that feels like for the &nbsp;foreseeable future &nbsp;) in our apartment. You have done great with sorting things and needs - love your rainbow of beautiful pieces!<br />Your key shades/colors are so diverse - feel a little jealous since I stick to much more limited palette ( pale skin/low contrast ).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122481 Fri, 22 May 2020 14:21:52 +0000 Liesbeth 2122481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I especially like your original seasonal color palettes! Looks like you too your circumstances and truly made the best out of it for your wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122468 Fri, 22 May 2020 13:22:40 +0000 avicennia 2122468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very nicely thought out posting. What kind of comments are you looking for? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122467 Fri, 22 May 2020 13:15:11 +0000 Carla 2122467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! &nbsp;Very well done! &nbsp;Your ‘space’ is pretty and well organized, Z. &nbsp;You have made something pleasing under very difficult conditions. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>The idea of the durability of clothes has been percolating away in the back of my mind since I manage a modest collection of garments. &nbsp;I currently love all my clothes and don’t want to see any of them break down, but not all garments are made equal, and laundering can be hard on clothes. &nbsp;Now with Covid, shopping is more of a challenge and I find myself purchasing less. &nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Since the start of the year I’ve been ‘counting wears‘, and it’s eye opening.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122460 Fri, 22 May 2020 12:37:09 +0000 Bijou 2122460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi - I am so impressed at how organised your closet is and how you have identified your needs and colours - you have chosen colours that look beautiful on you. What with the protests in 2019 and now Covid - you really have been living through historic times in HK. I would be wearing sneakers to run as and when required too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122454 Fri, 22 May 2020 11:59:39 +0000 Anonymous 2122454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Jenni. &nbsp;I suspected as much but needed confirmation. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122439 Fri, 22 May 2020 09:53:50 +0000 Jenni NZ 2122439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling just Google Hong Kong democracy protests. In NZ we feel quite close to South East Asia so we had quite a lot of this on our news last year.<br /> Zaeobi you are really working well with the space you have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122434 Fri, 22 May 2020 09:43:44 +0000 Minaminu 2122434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>both HK and London are well known for their tiny flats / tiny wardrobes. My wardrobe has a width of 80cm, I managed to add some Muji draws but it does need some organization, so I feel your pain! It seems to me that you have used this constraint to your benefits and created a smart and well organized wardrobe which reflects your values and personality. I like the fact that you also took time to plan the accessories, they can always lift an outfit! Job very well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122428 Fri, 22 May 2020 09:24:34 +0000 Sal 2122428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you have really identified what works for you in terms of colours, shapes and fabrics. I love your palette - do the seasons work clearly in Hong Kong as you are quite specific?</p> <p>Your rainbow rail is very pretty and your storage has to work - I think functional in a rush is vital!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122427 Fri, 22 May 2020 09:22:21 +0000 Anonymous 2122427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant post. &nbsp;Inspiring. &nbsp;</p> <p>Forgive my ignorance. &nbsp;What protests? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122424 Fri, 22 May 2020 08:40:28 +0000 Zaeobi 2122424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni I understand - don't let my situation put a hamper on you enjoying yours, lol! Your walk-in &amp; shoe shelves are so pretty! </p> <p>This is just the way that things are in most of Hong Kong (where caged &amp; subdivided homes are all sadly too common because space is such a commodity, unfortunately). But this is all good practice for me because I regularly fly back home to the UK (where there's usually more housing space) but can only carry so much in my suitcase - being wise about the amount of clothing I have now often helps in the long run! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122423 Fri, 22 May 2020 08:36:49 +0000 Zaeobi 2122423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As promised:<br /> Photo #1: My shoe rack (all my shoes except for my knee-high boots on the top shelf - that's where I usually place my shoes for the coming week, too. No need now though, with indoor slippers!) </p> <p>Photo #2: This is a small cupboard above my bed, where I added the hooks for my belts (probably need to buy more). I have no idea what the previous owner was thinking by installing the railing from front to back instead of side to side though lol, since it severely limits how much can be hung there. So naturally, I've claimed this space for hanging up my outfits for the coming week (my main closer is in the central hallway of our flat, where everyone else roams about, so I ferry my clothes to the bedroom where I can get dressed in peace lol). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122417 Fri, 22 May 2020 08:02:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2122417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cool thank you! I realise that I have a beautiful walk-in-wardrobe myself but honestly I never had one in my life until this new house, so I was 57 before getting it! I can hardly believe it’s mine sometimes, especially the shoe racks!<br /> Your rainbow side is so pretty </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122415 Fri, 22 May 2020 07:48:25 +0000 Zaeobi 2122415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha wow @Jenni I'm both impressed &amp; flattered you read it all! Yes, I agree that there are a lot of constraints... </p> <p>To be honest, I've held off on posting photographic evidence a little because my organisational areas are nowhere near as glamorous as the forum members who have walk-in closet space. But ask &amp; ye shall receive! </p> <p>Photo #1 is the rainbow side of my rail &amp; #2 is the black side that I'm currently culling (my temporary 'shoe box' drawers are underneath until I can go shopping). </p> <p>Photo #3 are the baskets/ bins that hold my pyjamas/ WFH wear (as you know, I wear a 4-piece set of top/ trousers/ cardigan/ scarf, so this requires space!) </p> <p>Photo #4 is the top part of #3's bookshelf, where I store my jewellery &amp; makeup. </p> <p>I might add my shoe rack &amp; where I hang my clothing for the week (when not WFH) when I get the chance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122413 Fri, 22 May 2020 07:34:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 2122413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course I read it all! Impressive organisation and thinking.<br /> You have quite specific requirements due to desire for modesty, lack of space, hot climate.<br /> I’d like to see a pic of the rainbow hanging rail... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced#post-2122410 Fri, 22 May 2020 06:41:27 +0000 Zaeobi 2122410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to stop myself from writing an essay about this on the original forum post about the impact that the Coronavirus COVID-19 has had on our style goals. Haha oops! </p> <p>Truth be told, I've been quietly working away on this since before the virus, due to the protests that have forced me to WFH (Work From Home) since Oct/ Nov 2019, actually. I've therefore been putting off on updating the forum about this because it's still a WIP (Work in Progress) with the ongoing situation. But I figured it would make more sense to instead post about all of this style goals/ closet cleanout malarkey all rolled into one mammoth post, which I update as I go along. So here goes (consider yourself warned!) :D</p> <p>________ </p> <p>My wardrobe is in the middle of our flat's corridor. It has <b> only one hanging rail &amp; just about enough space to store shoe-box-sized containers underneath the railing</b> (pyjamas are stored in bins in the bedroom &amp; shoes are on a wooden rack). </p> <p>My first goal was to <b>colour-coordinate</b> my closet, which I've done on the railing (for blouses, long dresses &amp; anything too delicate or silky to fold) but which has led me to discover that my closet is too dark &amp; deep to also have my 'shoe box' clothes in a rainbow formation (once I can going to furniture shops again, I'll buy low-volume, slide-out drawers for this instead). </p> <p>Hence my next goal, which is to <b>standardise my clothing silhouettes</b> within my colours, so that I can grab them from the 'shoe box' containers quickly (without stooping to check I have the right item). The protests were already wearing away at my energy to spend too long 'getting ready', so the virus has just amplified this priority. </p> <p><b>My virus-/ protest-induced priorities, therefore, are making sure that my clothing is: </b></p> <p> - <b> Breathable </b> (viscose on a case by case basis),<br /> - <b> Machine washable </b> (I never tumble dry &amp; always use a gentle wash, so I'm willing to take a chance on silks or other traditionally 'dry clean only' clothing)<br /> - <b> Colourfast </b> (this is a big one when you like to wear bright colours (like me) I don't mind hand washing the first time, but after that it's time for you to fly the nest &amp; join your machine washable buddies!)<br /> - <b> Non-iron </b> (or at least most creases &amp; wrinkles disappear from hanging - bye bye linen!)<br /> - <b> Opaque </b> (don't want the outline of my bra or belly button visible!)<br /> - <b> Modest </b> by my standards (means fully covered except for the hands, feet, face, neck/ decolletage, forearms &amp; ankles. Some layering pieces are ok (often tops, or scarves to ensure my neckline doesn't bow out too much when I bend over in front of my students) but I realise that I start to become overwhelmed if I introduce too many different pieces into one outfit.)<br /> - <b> Saturated </b> (biggest offenders of this are my neutrals, because I need them to be dark enough to help 'anchor' my deep Autumn colouring - 'washed' instead of inky black, &amp; 'midtone khaki' instead of deep olive drive me batty!)<br /> - <b> Reasonably priced </b> (this is of course subjective, but I'm realising that we unfortunately no longer live in an era where paying more will guarantee higher quality garments. The usual suspects for this are blouses that look expensive but turn out to be 100% polyester - or, even worse, ACRYLIC! My skin is sadly too sensitive to deal with either.)<br /> - <b> Easy to run/ move about in </b> (hence my need for flat footwear (bar some comfy block heels for special occasions) &amp; for bottoms that don't drag on the ground (even my maxi skirts are worn high-waisted, at the 'new' <b>@Angie approved </b> ankle length).</p> <p> I already needed this to a certain extent when teaching (not getting your skirt hem stuck in wheelie chairs!), but I've unfortunately also had a few traumatic experiences recently, where I'll be outside &amp; suddenly the police start throwing tear gas or other chaos erupts. They've arrested bystanders before (even an ex-cop), so I don't feel like sticking around to see if I'll be next! </p> <p>________________________ </p> <p>Within these silhouettes, I plan to only stick to 'a few' <b>key shades</b> (I really like colours, so this is not as restricted as some of you may expect, haha): </p> <p>*SEASON: Neutral/ Main/ Accent*<br /> (I've used this split to help visualise possible colour combinations, but I'm not really rigid about the categories)</p> <p>- <b> SPRING: </b> Deep olive/ Watermelon/ Ecru &amp; Kelly green<br /> - <b> SUMMER: </b> Inky navy/ Saffron &amp; terracotta/ Teal<br /> - <b> FALL: </b> Chocolate brown/ Orange &amp; yellow/ Chartreuse lime<br /> - <b> WINTER: </b> Deep purple/ Emerald green/ Burgundy </p> <p>(PS - I have some black that I'm making into a going out/ casual party capsule wardrobe, but that's it. Don't want it to be my main neutral anymore!) </p> <p>________________________</p> <p>Finally, in terms of the <b>standardised silhouettes</b> I'd like for my clothing, going forward:</p> <p><b>High-waisted Bottoms:</b></p> <p> - Wide-legged/ Palazzo pants (not too heavy, polyester chiffon is ok)</p> <p> - Smooth-waistband trousers (either straight-legged, bootcut or even thick leggings. Belt loops are acceptable but pockets that DON'T bow out on my hips are a bonus!)</p> <p> - Maxi tube skirts (stretchy jersey, good for layering so I honestly don't need too many of these)</p> <p> - Pleated maxi skirts (more for work, since they're forgiving but also easier to tuck tops into)</p> <p> - Fishtail maxi skirts (probably only need 1 or 2 for very formal occasions - recently discovered that the trumpet/ mermaid shape really suits my figure, but ideally with a short peplum on top)</p> <p><b>Long to 3/4 Sleeved tops:</b></p> <p> - 100% cotton/ breathable boatneck tops (rounded necklines are good too, so long as they're not too low) </p> <p> - Pussybow blouses (so long as the buttons don't start too low down)</p> <p> - 'Interesting' dresses or tops (this leaves room for a few wild cards, like an interesting roll or funnel neck, bell or dolman sleeves, &amp; a peplum or wrap waist. Includes (printed) maxi dresses!)</p> <p><b>Layering pieces:</b></p> <p> - Sleeveless tank tops (with a high enough neckline. Includes t-shirts)</p> <p> - Sleeveless tunics (long enough to be worn with slimmer bottoms)</p> <p> - Cardigans &amp; Toppers (either Longline or cropped. Includes kimonos/ dusters/ blazers/ sleeveless gilets/ shirt dresses)</p> <p> - Scarves (rectangular &amp; in diaphanous materials rather than too solid)</p> <p><b>Accessories:</b></p> <p> - Jewellery (chunky necklaces &amp; dangly earrings for everyday, big studs with a cocktail ring for parties) </p> <p> - Belts (thin fabric tie for casual use, leather for work &amp; metal for formal use) </p> <p> - Socks! (Solid colour cotton/ bamboo for casual, no-show nude peep socks for work &amp; formal) </p> <p> - Bags (crossbody for most of the time to be honest (even convertible clutches lol!) + backpack for work/ travel) </p> <p>________________________<br /> Lastly come the miscellaneous bits &amp; bobs:</p> <p><b> Basics: </b><br /> - Underwear (bras &amp; slip shorts) </p> <p> - Pyjamas (see my WFH outfits haha) </p> <p> - Hoisery (tights &amp; leggings) </p> <p> - Heattech (long John's or tees) </p> <p> -</p> <p> - </p> <p><b> Specifics: </b></p> <p> - Beach gear (bikini + wetsuit + swim shoes + tote bag)</p> <p>- Hot weather gear (rain poncho (risk of typhoon showers)/ umbrella + sandals) </p> <p> - Hiking gear (hiking boots/ sandals + long lightweight pants + breathable tops with rollable sleeves + sun hat + moisture wicking socks + backpack )</p> <p> - Cold weather gear (beret or beanie + touchscreen gloves + knee-high boots + ankle booties + blanket scarf + coat) </p> <p> -</p> <p> -</p> <p>________________________<br /> That's it - my entire wardrobe. Whew! I don't expect you to have read this far (this is more for my own reference, to keep myself accountable) but kudos if you have! </p>