YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My UnFancy Discoveries

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My UnFancy Discoveries https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 02:05:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Caro in Oz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772709 Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:10:11 +0000 Caro in Oz 1772709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You too Suz :)  approprio on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772620 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 21:14:33 +0000 approprio 1772620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz: I didn't mean to belittle the process. I'm always slightly envious - and deeply impressed of course - when others can zero in on their own preferences with such clarity. They're great questions. I wish I knew how to answer them without a spreadsheet. Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772614 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:47:28 +0000 Suz 1772614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Approprio -- the gilet totally layers over a denim jacket, a leather moto jacket, or maybe a blazer. So yes -- it's wearable that way for sure. Once the weather starts to switch.  And you are right -- it's an oversimplified approach. And mostly I already knew what it revealed. But it did reinforce some ideas and force me to confront them, so that's something (maybe?) Caro, so good to see you!  BJ, Lyn, so glad I am not alone!  approprio on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772610 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:19:04 +0000 approprio 1772610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such an interesting thread! I love your breakdown of your seasonal capsule. I'm catching up and haven't been through it in detail yet, but here are a few thoughts. I had a look at the original Unfancy post. It's a good starting point, we should all be asking ourselves some version of these questions, so I had a go myself: Pieces I own and love to wear: Too numerous to mention. Pieces I wear constantly because they work for the weather/ walking: Coats, hats, shoes. Woolly jumpers, pants, jackets, waterproofs, scarves, gloves...  What works for me: All kinds of things. What am I doing and where am I going? I’m pretty sure I can come up with an outfit. Pieces I own but never (or almost never) wear: Trophy pieces. The Special Occasion Capsule. Blazers. Not getting rid of them, no no no. What’s Not Working?: Ah, now there’s the question….  I totally get that it works for some people, but it's a massive oversimplification of a complicated problem. I wish we had a better way of talking about the complexity of the roles we play and the visual languages at work. Sigh. Ranting aside, I recognise your problems with the vest. I have a few similarly troublesome pieces of my own. Short season in which to wear it, limited opportunities etc. I've made peace with them because I love them and I try  to make sure I wear them a few times a year. That said, it could be one of those pieces that takes a while to find its niche. Question: will it layer over a skinny blazer or leather jacket in the transitional season? Off to pick up the "at-home" uniform in AM's thread. Also, what Gaylene said. Caro in Oz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772460 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 02:37:23 +0000 Caro in Oz 1772460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm agreeing with Gaylene. We spend a lot of time in our at home clothes so they need to be as satisfying as all our other clothes. I seem to be moving away from discrete casual capsules either for at home or going out. All my tracking has made me realise that my at home clothes were not up to scratch Even though I may not be intending to go out I want to be ready to walk out the door without changing my clothes.  lyn67 on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772367 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:22:04 +0000 lyn67 1772367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha, so true,  "misery loves company"!  I  hear you on the leggings Suz and DonnaF!:-)  I tried  TONS of them but they never felt right on my shapely thighs,  muscular  calves, a longish torso and... a flat back:-((. Foggy , but still remember  all the "try and error"s  around  the  dreaded  butt vest:-). bj1111 on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1772312 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 07:53:42 +0000 bj1111 1772312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @suz, I hear you on the work tempo. You're a knowledge worker so to speak. When I work from home (about the same frequency that you do) I don't sit at a desk unless I need "the big computer" or two computers for efficiency. Otherwise I mull while gardening, read journals sprawled on the couch, have conference calls while cooking. My "working" hours can go from 6am to 10p where I am "off" from 9-6. Unlike you, I has got the sloppy style end. Leggings (love the tight second skin fit, comforting), long sleeve thermal top and a dated cashmere sweater. Ok who am I kidding--a holey hoodie or a fleecy robe. While I love the comfort, I want something that can transition to an emergency dash outside the house without stopping to "make myself presentable" or scaring small children and dogs but still be super comfy. Dilemma! Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771960 Fri, 27 Jan 2017 00:47:38 +0000 Suz 1771960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Donna, keep me away from the things!! I keep trying and failing and have spent too much money on it already! But misery loves company so I am sort of glad to hear your tale. Our body types are pretty similar I think...hmmm. DonnaF on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771948 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:42:59 +0000 DonnaF 1771948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you on the leggings.  After never having owned any(!), I tried on TONS and bought a pair during NAS -- which I have worn exactly once.  I like my ponte pants better, but they don't get worn much either.  I think it's three things:  First, I can't get the proportions to work with my body.  Second, all that spandex clinginess feels clammy.  Third, it is too body con for my personal taste, especially on my lower body. BTW, the Yummie brand which has a fairly high waist does not slither down on me, should you ever develop a hankering to try leggings once again. Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771892 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 18:00:11 +0000 Suz 1771892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, that is the problem exactly with the gilet. I did work out that I'd wear it more if I had a belted coat of the same length or a man-coat of that length (which I don't). But I am planning to move to a more temperate climate within the next year and a half, and I am certain it will get more wear then. I decided that at that point, I'll get a midi-length trench to wear over it and it will be perfect for the climate even in winter. I also absolutely love it as a "presentation" outfit maker, so it is worth it for me for that reason alone. Even if I only wear it three times a year. Sort of like my cocktail dresses. I rarely put them on, but wow, am I glad I have them.  AM -- your capsule sounds great! I think a thread on this topic would be wonderful -- go for it! High five Anne on the Rag and Bone jeans! :)  Lisa, how about grey (which looks great on you) or blue? Or taupe?  Janet on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771890 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:43:41 +0000 Janet 1771890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's a shame the vest isn't getting more wear, but it's a weird piece for seasonal reasons. I passed on it because it's quite substantial and *feels* like a winter piece to me, but it's tough to wear it with a coat over it. By the time the weather is warm enough to not need a coat over it, it seems too warm for such a substantial vest. At least that was my feeling about it. However, I can see the potential for you to figure out how to make it work for you. AM on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771889 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:30:39 +0000 AM 1771889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming back in ... I have been in the same boat with defining a uniform (and I mean uniform) that is my work from home/errand running capsule. I only wear black, gray with small touches of white, so that immediately gives me tight cohesion. I took time to explore a number of factors (comfort, style quotient, emotional lift, etc.). I landed on "Urban Sporty Luxe" for spring/summer/fall and it worked really well. For winter I wanted even more cozy comfort and I love knitwear. Cashmere, wraps and long cardigans are key elements and I'm calling the look "Comfort Minimalism." These knits are paired with fleece lined leggings (not thrilled about) and skinny jeans. Perhaps we need a new thread on this type of capsule? Anonymous on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771840 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:03:34 +0000 Anonymous 1771840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with you on the leggings. I find them uncomfortable and suffocating, which seems like the opposite of what they're supposed to be! I love my Rag and Bone skinny boyfriend jeans. I have 2 identical pairs and wear them to death. The cut and wash are so flattering and I haven't been able to find another pair that comes close! As for the gilet not getting any wear, I had a feeling when people climbed aboard the gilet train that Angie might be the only one getting off at the last stop. I hope you find a way to use it. Lisa on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771639 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 14:23:30 +0000 Lisa 1771639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore analysis posts and I do this all the time on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/">my blog</a>.  For this year, I've wanted to go a little softer with my winter capsule, so I've been wearing and looking at sweaters more than blazers this season.  I'm still thinking about what I want to do for my spring/summer capsule this year.  Last year I did a core of black and DH said it looked too dark on me.  Maybe blue?  I haven't figured that out yet. Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771619 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:19:59 +0000 Suz 1771619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, you are so right. That's exactly it. How difficult it can be to find items that are lovable and practical at the same time. And once you find them, if you wear them constantly, the boredom factor sneaks in. Hmmm.  Yet I wonder if Sterling and Jenn have a good idea here -- a dedicated at home work capsule more distinct from regular casual and lounge wear. The thing is...my life is not so distinct. It is hard to tell when I am working and when I am not. A writer's life is that way. Something might be turning in my mind while I'm dealing with cooking (or not); I might actually be on YLF when I am at the desk. The type of work I do is never "off" in a way. I really don't stope at the end of a day....I only stop to do some other kind of work (or sometimes play). Hmmm. Must mull on this some more.  Brooklyn, I did try a loose knit dress and I quite liked it for the change it offered. But I wore it with tights (since I hate leggings, LOL) and my kitty kept putting runs in those. Hmmm. It is a thought though that a dress and a more substantial tight or legging might work. I will keep an eye out.  Bijou on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771604 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:21:00 +0000 Bijou 1771604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When your weather warms up, I am sure that you will get the wear out of the gilet. It looks great with a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans (as demonstrated by Mary Orton in the picture) and is just the perfect item to make a simple outfit look great. As for stay at home uniforms it is tricky if you want variety. Personally I love variety and will dress up for any non-occasion, so I was a bit like Sheila and dressing up even if it meant that I was at home in front of the computer when working from home. Now my job has changed and I am back in an office environment and loving the formality of it. I always imagined that being able to "suit myself" would be utopia, but I found that being able to be perpetually casual was frustrating and I longed to wear clothes that I loved rather than clothes that were practical. The unicorn is to find items that are practical and that you love. Anonymous on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771590 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:45:05 +0000 Anonymous 1771590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous assessment.  These types of assessments are so useful!!!  I do think you need an at-home work capsule.  Loungewear will not work because it may adversely affect your mindset and you might be less productive.  You can also signal the end of your work day by changing from your at-home work capsule into actual lounge wear.  Ta da -- your work day is ended!!!   I haven't had time to read all the comments, but will be back later today.  I'll have additional comments then.   I am sorry about the gilet.  Perhaps you will wear it when your winter ends?????   Brooklyn on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771555 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 05:40:39 +0000 Brooklyn 1771555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you on "stiff" fabrics. I am willing to wear these to the office but not at home. Have you tried loose knit dresses on your work from home days? I am not into leggings either but I would be all over leggings plus knee length knit dress at home if I had the climate for it. Comfy and chic. AM on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries/page/2#post-1771541 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 04:07:14 +0000 AM 1771541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been thinking I need more cashmere in my life... Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771538 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 04:03:27 +0000 Suz 1771538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, I do sort of have a de facto uniform except I don't really call it that. Winter uniform is a cashmere or merino crew neck or turtleneck, semi tucked with a belt and slim straight jeans for work at home. Summer uniform is more varied -- it might be shorts or knit pencil skirt with a woven top of some kind or a linen tee. Spring and fall might also include different bottom silhouettes but it's still pretty constant. I guess I don't call it a uniform because I vary the colours.  And I'm in full agreement with spending a bit more on the out of the house clothing and upping the joy factor! Sounds like a great plan. It is essentially what I aim for.  Jaime, it's a good point that getting dressed probably increases productivity. I need to remember that. Treat the work with some respect... AM on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771536 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 03:56:16 +0000 AM 1771536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My 2 cents -- that's working for me (so far). First, I strongly encourage you to define a uniform (for your seasons) that gives you some joy -- with the realization that it is a uniform and there are limits to the joy. Then you have a benchmark from which you can play with possible upgrades yearly. You might benchmark comfort, ease, sass, etc. Overall, the uniform is completely comfortable for home but you can run errands in. You might have two versions of it - two different bottoms. Secondly, for each of your occasions  "out of the house" -- casual meet-ups, meetings, dinners, etc -- except that things might not be worn often but really up the joy factor. Perhaps shop for outfits, really focus on styling those outfits from head to toe. But again, bring out the joy. Really get a grip of how much you need -- and you might buy a little bit more because it brings you joy. I would really plan these outfits out in  advance. Looking forward to your added insight in your analysis. Jaime on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771529 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 03:48:44 +0000 Jaime 1771529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree with Gaylene that wearing loungewear at home is NOT the solution. Well you don't need a solution because you are in a great place, but it is not a plan. Also I think dressing for work at home probably boosts your productivity. See yourself as a part of the creative work you are producing and dress the part. You are your own audience (and us if you are so kind).  With that said, you do actually have plenty of public time in your week and travel frequently. The gilet will come into its own in due time. Focus on the non-stiff, non-prissy factor. You have never looked better! Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771514 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 02:16:26 +0000 Suz 1771514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sheila, thank you. I love the image of your experiments! Sounds like fun. I do wear colour many days -- I have a few bright sweaters that I rotate with neutrals. And when I can I wear bright or light or shiny footwear, too, but in the house I'm mostly in slippers. Accessories are harder for me. I like wearing my watch, silver studs, and my rings but find necklaces get in my way. I do wear them when I go out sometimes though.  Smittie, that BR thing sounds interesting.  Jenn, thanks -- that's a good way maybe to think of it...the uniform for specific days. Hmmm. Or in my case, maybe for mornings since I tend to do my errands in the afternoons.  Jill, it's hard to explain what I don't like about leggings. It's a combination of factors. First, they don't really suit my body type. My legs are on the short side and my calves in particular are short and my thighs are muscular. Regular length tunics cut me off in an unflattering place, and longer tunics or short dresses, while do-able from a flattery perspective, really need a small heel to work well. Short tunics (to the crotch point) can look good proportionately but I don't like to reveal that part of the body while wearing leggings vs. pants. Second, they are uncomfortable for me because I have yet to find a pair that doesn't crawl down in the course of the day, and I also find many versions not structured enough. I have a bit more success with ponte pants.  Sheila on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771513 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:50:00 +0000 Sheila 1771513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, 'fun stay at home pieces' are comfortable yet stylish and usually colorful. Think of a mango-colored Theory cashmere crewneck pullover (wearing it at the moment). Then I scope out my accessories, tilting toward the dramatic, flashier side (big glitzy earrings? silk scarf in a riot of colors? modern tortoise-shell bracelet that I love but rarely wear?) and just put them on. And full makeup OR none, depending on how I'm feeling at the moment. So I guess I'd say that I am making an intentional effort to wear everything I own as long as the item gives me a smile when I put it on. It amuses me because sometimes the combination of accessories seems brilliant, and sometimes I can't stand to wear one or more piece longer than 5 minutes, but the way I'm approaching the whole thing is whimsical and I like it. Not a very scientific method but it feels good! In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that my husband is in another state, caring for his mother who is unable to care for herself now. So I'm living alone and have time to experiment. Anonymous on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771509 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:36:26 +0000 Anonymous 1771509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Textstyle--I really like the navy joggers plus chambray shirt idea (for myself at least). I also saw this thing at BR called a "trench shirt" which might be a lightweight alternative to a jean jacket or blazer. Jenn on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771500 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:47:12 +0000 Jenn 1771500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I definitely don't wear my uniform every day at home. Like you, I have a pretty varied schedule, so I end up having only 2-3 days/week that I think of as my intensive studio days. Those days, I usually put on my uniform after working out, and wear it until I change into loungewear after dinner. Other days, I dress in varied ways for errands, meetings, social obligations, etc. jill58 on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771496 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:24:03 +0000 jill58 1771496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, what's wrong with leggings for working at home? I wear them with a long tunic/dress/sweater and they're perfect as a step above pjs. I was very interested in skirted leggings when I first saw them but the skirts all look too short to me and like they'd ride up when you walk. In any case I never tried them.  Suz on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771489 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:08:01 +0000 Suz 1771489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tex, I think that skirt is going to be brilliant for you. Carter wears one of these things often and really likes it. It's perfect for climates like yours. And I agree that bottoms are the trickiest when a person is hoping for a bit of variety. In spring/ summer I get more choices.  Marilyn, thank you for that gilet defence. You are right -- it will get use in the other seasons. If I had the right coat I would even wear it in winter but that was not to be this year.  Emily, I know the dangers of PJs all day at home too well! That's what brought me to YLF in the first place. I was sick and tired of it. So I guess that helps to explain my resistance to a loungewear all day capsule.  LaPed, I think the exercise is great at helping us to get real. You seem very practical and focused already, yet even so, this type of questionnaire might help illuminate some specifics.  LOL, Sally. Me neither on the skirted leggings, obviously!! Also, I am relieved to know I am not the only one who sees value in a few wardrobe "stars" that might not get frequent wear. The other items are worn so frequently that perhaps it all evens out. In fact, that might be an interesting exercise -- not only to calculate CPW per item -- but to average it across the board. Hmmm. I might just try that!  Rachylou, give it a go!  Gaylene, that's a really great suggestion. It might be that the at-home adjectives are a bit different than the "outing" adjectives. I should consider that. And maybe knowing those will help me focus in on what works at home beyond the old jeans and merino tee standby!  texstyle on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771468 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:40:55 +0000 texstyle 1771468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Always insightful to read your wardrobe posts suz!  I also love that gillet on you and know you will find ways to wear it in the future. Thinking of at home work wear - the other day I was chilly and so I threw on a pair of great fitting navy joggers and semi-tucked my favorite chambray shirt with the collar popped and I felt so comfortable but somehow still put together for at home. I had a simple necklace on as I usually do and makeup/hair done as usual. I would happily answer the door or invite a neighbor in dressed that way. I need to find a few more options like that - that are just a bit different than jeans and a knit (for me at least) but still very comfortable and presentable for home work. I think it's the bottoms that are giving me the most trouble. I get tired of blue jeans (or cream jeans now that I'm wearing them more). I still want casual/comfort though and I don't really do dresses but I did get a skort that has hidden shorts and seems very comfortable so I may wear that when the weather is warm. I wouldn't do skirted leggings but this type of skort seems okay - it just looks like a casual pencil skirt but no worries about flashing ;-). Marilyn on "My UnFancy Discoveries" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-unfancy-discoveries#post-1771467 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:33:21 +0000 Marilyn 1771467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, this sounds like a very familiar list.  :)  Being only a couple hours apart we are essentially experiencing the same weather each day.  Yes, of course this is seasonal for us.  Winter (ugh!), summer and spring/fall. I'm pretty much living in knitwear and slim jeans at the moment.  It's warm, comfortable and practical.  My knitwear collection is more neutral than yours with a bit of colour tossed in.  I have a collection of coats to keep things interesting.  And a selection of boots ranging from dress to full on snow boots. Interesting jewelry...yes. I will defend you/us on the R&B gillet.  I knew it wouldn't work for me during winter when I bought it.  But, I really enjoyed wearing it during the fall (got lots of compliments on it) and I will again when spring rolls around. Looking forward to spring......Can't wait to wear more interesting outfits again.