YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My very own 'Aha!' Moment

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My very own 'Aha!' Moment https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 07:05:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1555160 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 02:58:04 +0000 Anonymous 1555160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello  - Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.  I love the Lole suggestion, the CROCs and raincoat suggestions, the shorts+woven top suggestions. The crocs, in particular, are very much what I need, Beth Ann, thank you. ElizabethP - I love your skorts in your cottage capsule and will be trying those out next year. I am exactly the same as you: I upped my game at work, and all the cross-over work/play wear has simply ceased to exist. Suz: I don't need anything for a casual winter capsule. Like Elly, my winter jeans/sweater look works for both work and play. I'll put together a list of stuff I do, but I always seem to get a little dirty and sweaty every day in the summer. I  think I need fairly hard-wearing stuff. Ultimately, this capsule will be about practicality (how BORING!). I've been thinking about what 'gear' I'd get, Tulle, and I'm actually not sure I can go in this direction. I too don't particularly like to wear spandex in public, nor do I fall in love with stuff available at MEC, REI, and those places...This is hard! Good luck with your own hunt for un-gear like gear! I do think the tweedy/Barbour look is a fun thing to experiment with. Thanks for having a 'listen'. Beth Ann on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1555085 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:44:41 +0000 Beth Ann 1555085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot to add that a nicer rain jacket was an important part of my camping capsule.  I wanted it to cover my bum, have ventilation and a good hood, but still be both stylish and waterproof.  I found mine not at Athleta, but at the Eddie Bauer outlet store. Beth Ann on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1555078 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:39:06 +0000 Beth Ann 1555078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've gotten great replies already, but I wanted to give a shout out for a camping capsule!  I created one for our big trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone last year, and it was so helpful!  Light layers were key, as were gear pants.  My biggest surprise was how often I reached for my croc slip ons -- great for using around the campsite, traveling in the car, and in the showerhouses.  I found it nice to have my toes covered, even there (I tripped probably half a dozen times, hee). Caro in Oz on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1555011 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:51:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 1555011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a great realisation, I'm sure this will really help to focus your shopping!! When I first retired I had way too many work type dressy casual & not enough beach-side casual clothes. Still I kept buying more tailored jackets & pants, still I kept wondering why I didn't have enough clothes to wear I also moved to a warmer climate to a less urban town;  I was dazed & confused for sure.  unfrumped on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1555004 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:39:02 +0000 unfrumped 1555004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good thoughts for sure! I am also reviewing capsules and how much devoted to what "life" areas. Good inspiration!   tulle on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554978 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:53:22 +0000 tulle 1554978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think this post strikes a nerve for many of us, Smittie.  That "Dress for the Life You Really Live" advice from Angie made me sit up straighter, too. And your "aha" moment got it right:  If you have too much of what you don't need, you probably have too little of what you need. Good for you, figuring that one out!  I, too, live a "real" life that probably demands more gear (empty nester, no longer working, living in the country most of the time, exercising every day) but I don't LIKE gear!  I love natural fabrics, even for workouts, and I really dislike logos and spandex and strange colors.  I'd be happiest most of the time in loose, beat-up old pants and t-shirts and sweaters--things I can get messy in.  But our little mountain community is an odd one--rather well-to-do and buttoned-up (one of those "Environmental influences" Angie talked about) so even for a walk to the post office, I feel that I should look neat, if not fashionable.  There is very little opportunity for dressing up, though, and yet I keep buying "town" clothes that are impractical for the life I live now.  I'm actually very contented, living in this beautiful place, so why am I having such a hard time figuring out what clothes to buy for my life here?  Angie's post, and now yours, have gotten me thinking that maybe I need a sort of old-fashioned outdoorsy wardrobe (that Barbour/Lauren look would fit right in here) I can roam around in comfortably.  MuseumGal's "Edwardian Naturalist" descriptor always makes my heart beat faster, so maybe that should direct me?  Sorry to think out loud (in print, and on your thread) but I think I may have just had an aha moment myself--thanks! E on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554944 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:36:19 +0000 E 1554944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great realisation! :) I feel best in shorts when I pair them with a woven top; a swingy one, in a casual fabric, but it has a different vibe that a tee shirt would. I consider summer a necessary evil, and I run hot, so shorts are far more important to me than capris, which I find tricky to style anyway (unless they're very fitted, 50s style pedal pushers, which are too hot for me for summer). If I want leg coverage, I've added some wide leg, lightweight linen trousers this year, which are great; they still require a blouse with a defined waist, like capris would, but make me feel a bit more elegant and cool in weather that perpetually flusters me. Suz on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554905 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:19:35 +0000 Suz 1554905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The other issue is autumn/ winter casual wear. Do you need to develop a capsule for that, too? Elizabeth P on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554849 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:01:31 +0000 Elizabeth P 1554849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I LOVE THIS THREAD! Aren't "ah-ha" moments the best?  In case you didn't find my cottage capsule post, here is is.  Thanks Lisa, for the kind words! <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-august-challenge-the-results" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....he-results</a> I had a similar ah-ha moment a while ago.  When I did the numbers, I laughed royally at myself.  Give the REAL numbers of days I need to wear summer clothes to work, I think I can put myself in a new outfit everyday, with pretty much no repeats... at least, none on top.  I used to buy a half dozen tees every summer and that was my work wear (we're pretty casual, or can be) so when I upgraded my work look over the last few years, I think I forgot to take stock of my reality and went a bit overboard :) But for those weekends (including long ones)(which can include Victoria Day as well!), and vacations, and odd days off just because... I was wearing the old crappy comfy faded stuff.  Which is, as you discovered, a large proportion of the summer.  It was fun to stop relegating the crap to the summer hanging out pile, and start wearing "nicer" pieces. Of course now summer is winding down, so maybe you can to into next summer's purchasing season a bit more informed of your needs than I was :). Angie on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554754 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:48:18 +0000 Angie 1554754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An EXCELLENT aha moment, Smittie. I love it when that happens.  Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554733 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:18:59 +0000 Anonymous 1554733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just checking in to say "thank you" and let you know that I'll provide a more thoughtful reply later. Elly on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554703 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:33:10 +0000 Elly 1554703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sadie-- great analogy! That is kind of how I feel, too-- especially about special occasion wear.  Sadie on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554650 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:08:19 +0000 Sadie 1554650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well since someone compared calorie counting and tracking outfits, I will continue with the food analogy: I have casual wear that I wear everyday (often yoga pants and heat-tech tops to walk dog, jeans and tees/sweaters, etc. for work at home and dinners with my husband). Not much variety, a lot of repetition- but these are comfort clothes, easy to wear. The food analogy would be these are everyday meals like pizza, spaghetti, etc, ie the "comfort foods". Then there are my "going-out" clothes (if I am meeting someone for lunch, going to a work meeting, etc.- sort of nice casual, business casual- knit dress, jeans or nice pants, top, and some third piece like a jacket/sweater/scarf/necklace- something that says "I'm trying", LOL). Here I need a little more variety but since these occasions are fewer, a small number of items can serve the purpose. The food analogy would be meals that are richer or require more preparation or are more costly (fish in parchment paper, filet and sauteed mushrooms, dinner at a local restaurant- stuff you enjoy but can't do everyday and where you want some variety so it's not the same old, same old). Finally there are the really fancy occasions- where I wear a nice dress and heels, or black pants, silk top, and heels. Here I like a lot of variety (so these items do not get a lot of wear per year). The food analogy here would be an anniversary dinner, a Michelin 3* restaurant, etc. Definitely not something you do everyday and definitely not something you repeat regularly. So our wardrobes should reflect this: Comfort clothes- should see a lot of wear Out-the-door clothes- should see mid-range wear Dressy clothes- likely the least often worn Elly on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554639 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:47:14 +0000 Elly 1554639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a bit different than your problem, Smittie-- but definitely related! I have struggled with casual wear in the past (and probably will again) because my work is SO casual that it feels like I have to go "sub-casual" with slubby stuff, loungewear, or gear on the weekends for my work and weekend wardrobe to be separate and because I live in CO and am outdoorsy, I already spend a lot of time in gear. In the summer it is easier because I can wear shorts, sandals, tank tops, and really casual skirts and dresses that don't get into my work rotation (because of dress code or practicality). In our long, cold winters it is much harder because all of my "comfort" clothes like jeans, long sleeve tees, flannels, hoodies, etc. have been incorporated into my work wardrobe to help stave off boredom. I have a couple of slim graphic hoodies (from my alma mater and a cause I support) and a couple of graphic tees I would never wear to work-- and that is fine for home or the grocery store when combined with jeans or gear (cargo pants!) but it still leaves all the social weekend occasions. In my new climate, I think this will be easier because most people will keep their homes warmer (and the daytime temps should be warmer) than my office AC so I could feasibly wear more skirts, cropped pants, and tunics with leggings on weekends which would be too cold or too impractical for work. What I mean to say is-- wear gear if you want to! Otherwise, there are some great great shorts (and even skorts from sporty fashiony brands) and items like tanks that can be thrown on with a denim jacket. If there ever was a recent trend you loved but couldn't wear to the office (distressed denim? boho? sporty luxe? etc.) or an item of clothing you like but can't wear to work (maxi dresses?) this is the time and place to wear those things, imo! Suz on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554633 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:39:00 +0000 Suz 1554633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aliona, you are welcome to trade places with me any February you please. (Shhh....Canadians, don't tell her what February in Kingston, Ontario is actually like....)   ;)  In all seriousness, you're welcome to visit us any time! Lole is a great Quebec brand, by the way -- my puffer coat comes from them.  Smittie, I love the idea of pinning some looks you like as well. And again, just listing the stuff you actually DO casually. When my DD was little, it was a lot of going to the park, going to the conservation area with her, going to the library story-times, shopping, etc. I definitely relied on some gear (and still do for some casual situations and certainly for exercise, which I do a lot of on my days "off" and with my DD.) Once you see what you actually do, you'll have a clearer idea of the type of thing you need; then you can pin or shop for the version of that thing you like best.  Angie's Mom on the Go posts might provide inspiration.  Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554621 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:22:25 +0000 Anonymous 1554621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread, Smittie! I struggle with casual wear as I live in a very rural area where no one dresses up, plus my pet brigade has a habit of messing up my clothing. So I often feel pretty schlumpy on weekends and really need to get out of jeans and old tees into something a bit nicer. I think you guys have a fab gear line called Lole in Canada: my SIL who is very outdoor chic took me to their shop for a gear makeover while we were in Quebec on vacation over the summer. I got some good pieces that are strong enough to withstand kitty assaults. Maybe their clothing an option for you? It can be a bit spendy but the SA said they always have items on sale. Suz, I loved your suggestions above. Very helpful! Let me just come right out and say I long to live in Canada. Don't tell my own homeland, but it could be my favourite country in the world. Brooklyn on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554613 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:49:11 +0000 Brooklyn 1554613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had the same kind of revelation a couple of years ago. I am not sure what prompted it. But I realised I had a really nice work/going out wardrobe and a pretty dismal casual wardrobe. I now try to actively dissuade myself from buying new dresses/skirts/pants for work because I have so much and the money is better spent on casual wear. I still literally buy one pair of shorts each summer then proceed to wear them every other day. Gotta fix that this summer. I have rectified the imbalance in the jeans department however. I now have lots of nice jeans (including some premium denim). On a cpw basis jeans and tees are easily my best buy. As things are getting colder where you are maybe that is where you should start - with some nice casual jeans based outfits. Sal on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554602 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:36:01 +0000 Sal 1554602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great revelation!! I think Pinterest or Angie's capsules are a great place to start, or even a forum member with a great summer casual wardrobe. You seem to like modern classic pieces with great shapes. Jackie from Vancouver has some cool shorts and Capri pants that might give you some ideas? It could be fun to build this up!! Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554590 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:44:34 +0000 Anonymous 1554590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Smittie, I I did exactly the same thing.  For years, everything I bought was for work (I didn't even have capsules, it was just a hodge lodge of clothes I wore to work).  When it came time for casual wear, I wore whatever I could find.  I was literally embarrassed to leave the house.  I spent so much money on clothing, I could not figure out how I could not have anything to wear.  It defied logic.   When I finally found YLF, I discovered the capsule concept.  Obviously my work wardrobe was in great shape.  It just needed tweaking.  Then I turned to other capsules (i.e., my casual capsule).  Well, I didn't have one and I didn't know how to start developing one.  I started out trying to emulate my work capsule (only in casual fabrications).  That absolutely did not work.  I personally did not want my work capsule to bleed into my casual time.  I needed different silhouettes and comfort levels.  I wanted comfort and cozy.   But I had no idea how comfort and cozy translated into a causal clothing capsule for me.   So I started collecting pins, pictures, everything that illustrated outfits that were casual, and yet interesting.  This took some time and at first the pictures were all over the place (few common threads).  In time, I began to hone my picture collecting.  I started to see a few common threads (i.e., tee shirts and cardigans).  I neither tee shirts nor cardigans in my overall wardrobe.  I thought I "didn't like them."   I bought a few and discovered I adore them.  I bought the most comfortable fabrications I could find.  I wanted the clothing to really feel good against my skin.   It took me more then two years to develop a casual capsule that I can leave the house in.  It was literally painful because I had to really reprogram my brain to buy clothing for casual wear.  By this I mean for years I evaluated everything based on my work capsules.  Spending money on a casual capsule confused me.  Slowly, very slowly, I reprogrammed my brain by asking several key questions:  which capsule?  is it a duplication in my work capsule?  why?  stop it.  stop it now!!   I personally had some buying mistakes because I really didn't know what I wanted for my casual capsule.  The pins and pictures really helped me.  I started with one entire outfit that was completely casual.  Wore the heck out of it and started to branch out from there.   For casual, I love full length ponte pants and Athleta cropped pants.  I love short sleeve tee shirts.  I love cardigans. I rarely wear jeans because I believe them to be "hot."  I certainly don't wear skirts.  For casual, I buy more "fitted" pieces because I feel more like I can leave the house without looking sloppy.  There is very little cross over between my capsules.  In a way, this is a good thing.   I hope this helps.  Post often and we can help as you start the process.   Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554482 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:30:23 +0000 Anonymous 1554482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dee: Maybe some sort of slide sandal? Jenn: Thanks for popping in We get one stat holiday in July, one in August, and one in September ... I forgot about all the kids PD days (1 per month) and I often work from home on those days. So even more days not at the office. Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554480 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:21:47 +0000 Anonymous 1554480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz and Laura: I definitely need more shorts and t-shirts! And definitely gear. I think gear will allow me to fit in a little better with the mums around here. I have an old pair of running shoes from 2010 and $15 flip flops, and that's it for summer footwear. I do feel completely unfab in these shoes. I would love to get some new shoes! Lisap: I vaguely remember ElizabethP's cottage capsule. I'll have a look again.  Laura: Yes, I think gearish stuff is the way to go. I know others don't like gear so much, but I kind of do! Jenn on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554477 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:13:05 +0000 Jenn 1554477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wait, you have 2 holidays a month in the summer in Canada?! We don't have any in June OR August! Waaaah. Smittie, that's a game-changing revelation. I bet next summer your wardrobe looks completely different! Dee on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554454 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:28:58 +0000 Dee 1554454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats on your aha moment! I love when running the numbers changes your entire outlook on something. It must be the scientist in me. Most of my summer wardrobe is dictated by climate, especially for casual wear, so lots of shorts and linen tanks/tees. But if you prefer the extra coverage, capris or bermudas are a good bet. Also depending on your daily activities, casual dresses are great. Comfortable and easy to throw on during the weekend or a vacation (and look great in pictures!). ETA: And I second Suz on the low sandal recommendation. There are some trendy yet comfortable ones out there. Or you could just wear Birks, like I do. They are *definitely* casual! Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554450 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:22:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1554450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great realization. Reminds me a little bit of the Vivienne Files post recently about calculating how much you need, and an equation to estimate number of pieces - most people went straight to calculating their whole wardrobes, but you can also use it for a specific capsule for a need in your life, like camping or summer weekends or dressy events or whatever. Back to what to actually wear for summer weekend/vacation casual: my first thought is to go intentionally different than your usual style, very gear-focused and practical. Does that appeal at all? I don't have to dress up since I work at home, but paradoxically I find that that just makes me want to have more of a distinction between my weekday and weekend wear. So I've leaned more loungewear/gear, and with a less modern classic feel, more bluntly casual with no crossover. Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554446 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:13:43 +0000 Anonymous 1554446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is a pretty big AHA moment, I'll give you that .  I came to this realization myself after wondering why  none of my beautiful dressy summer work clothes never got worn outside of a sales meeting or two . I agree it's a tough one. I have a hard time too with finding casual summer clothes I like, but Elizabeth P here on the forum recently posted a summer mini collection of clothes that worked for her - and I intend to reference it next summer. I think we're old enough to be your mother though, so I realize those styles won't be yours, but still.......the concept is the same. Suz on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554442 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:02:19 +0000 Suz 1554442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BINGO!!  I adore this for so many reasons. First, it's Canada. :)  Second, three months of summer. Even in Canada. Yup, it's true, folks. We really do live in a four season climate!!  And I can just tell this insight is going to lead to genuine improvements in your wardrobe and make is so much more fun to get dressed.  (Oh -- another point -- don't forget that every month in summer has an extra holiday. So even more days for casual dressing!!) We had an Ottawa member a few years back; I don't think she is posting any more but she was a school principal who basically had made the same realization as you; she needed a casual wardrobe and she actually didn't have one. She very deliberately went shopping. It was hard -- she didn't always like casual wear or gravitate to it. But within a few weeks to months, she had developed a fantastic casual capsule.  I think her screen name was Kristen if you want to look her up.  Anyway...I would make a list of the activities you actually do in summers both on weekends and holidays.  Note any times when you felt frustrated about not having the right clothes.  Note what others wear in these situations. You might or might not like it -- you don't have to dress identically -- but here is where your tolerance for ignoring environmental norms comes in. You do need to consider how comfortable you are with appearing "different."  From there it will be a process. You'll figure out that some types of item work really well, others not so well both for your internal style preferences and your environment.  I work from home and live in a casual city. So my "work wear" is what you might call weekend wear! I am comfortable looking a little bit dressier than some in my environment, but I am not comfortable wearing clothes that don't allow me to do the things I want to do. I am an active person who enjoys freedom of movement.  Here are my personal summer staples. Your own mileage may vary:  Shorts: I own several styles and lengths from slim Bermudas or clams to loose linen shorts to BF shorts. Some are uber-casual and some are more smart-casual. I really like white shorts -- they feel cool and a bit dressier than denim, for example. Black could also work the same way, or grey.  Woven tops: In winter, I love cozy knits for casual at home wear. In summer, it's woven tops all the way, mostly sleeveless. I really like silk, and cotton. I have a couple of linen-cotton blend button front shirts, too.  Knit tops: I also have some linen and cotton print tees that are a bit out of the ordinary. A cotton Mariner style sweater with 3/4 sleeves is great for cooler days.  Jeans: I almost never wear in summer. (I don't have air con and live where it can get humid.) But I do like to have one lightweight pair for evenings, etc. BF jeans can also work as they are looser and look good with high vamp cage sandals.  Dresses: A couple of casual summer dresses are a godsend if you wear dresses and live where it gets really hot and humid.  Footwear: Yup, those low heel, wedge, or flat summer sandals are necessary! If you do any amount of walking, that is. (If you are into hiking you probably need some gear shoes, too.) I am hard on shoes especially in summer, so I might not be representative. but I go through one to two pairs of sandals every summer.  In Canada.  Denim jacket.  I also really love to have knit tube skirts and a couple of "nicer" tops for dressier situations. I love my sarong shorts (sort of like culottes). These feel more dressed up but still casual enough.  I also like cuff bracelets and belts. As well as earrings. Necklaces feel hot in summer and fussy, but cuffs are easy to wear.  Thin White Duchess on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554431 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:44:06 +0000 Thin White Duchess 1554431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is such a good observation! I've done the exact same thing as you-- focused on work outfits because that seemed most "important". Time to beef up my casual wear options! Anonymous on "My very own 'Aha!' Moment" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-very-own-aha-momenti-think#post-1554427 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:34:06 +0000 Anonymous 1554427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Other people seem to have 'aha!' Moments, and I was beginning to feel a little left out, never having had one of my own...Until now! My realization is that my summer weekend capsule is way too small relative to my work capsule. I figured this out by doing the math (how I didn't figure this out by feel, I dont know): There are 12-weeks-worth of summer (84 days) where I live in Canada. Of those, 24 days are Saturdays and Sundays. But on top of this, I take 3 weeks' vacation, and it's always camping or doing something ultra casual and weekend-y. So the number of days spent in weekend wear are 45, and the number of days in office wear are 39. For some strange reason, I thought I was spending more like 80% of my time in the office, and my wardrobe reflects that. There is definitely a huge reality distortion field in this rea. It's kind of shocking. And so now, I'm like, "Well I need some more weekend wear" but I don't really even know where to start! Shorts? Capris? There is a whole world of casual wear that I don't really understand and have never even tried out. I confess, I skim over all the talk of the zella capris and flat comfortable sandals. I know that there are many threads about "dressing for the life you lead" but those usually involve buying things you never end up wearing because you're buying them for a fantasy life. I didn't understand the flip side: That you don't buy ENOUGH for your real life. Have you ever had reality distortion about how much time you spend in office wear vs. Casual wear?