https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:45:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178461 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:44:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2178461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice! The skirts’ shape is similar to my paisley corduroy one. </p> <p>Idk what you thought of my suggestion to look at Australian ethical brands to lessen the shipping distance, but deb just mentioned this company. <a href="https://www.tluxe.com/pages/about" rel="nofollow">https://www.tluxe.com/pages/about</a><br /> I see several necklines, pants, and shorts that might appeal to you. Also, there are several forum members who are in Australia and interested in ethical purchases. They could probably suggest other brands to look at.</p> <p>Thank you for mentioning Sezene and Philipa K. Shopping things made ethically in China and Bangladesh is a better idea than blocking those countries entirely, no matter what they do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178322 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 03:28:51 +0000 N 2178322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I removed the two cropped flared jeans and the two skirts from my wardrobe ideas because really I can't happily purchase them ethically but I did find a few others i'd be happy to buy and I think i'll deviate a little from always having flared outfits. The slim trousers I added and I think i'll add a few tube skirts when I find some that will look elegant enough to be dressed up but also work dressed down too. I did find some in People tree but the waist is like obviously elasticated and I think cheapens the look a little. I'm not sure if it is made of jersey or not either. The skirts i've added are short but one of them is made to order so can be made in a longer size, the only problem being its made of wool but i'm going to message the company and ask if they could potentially make it in a thick woven cotton or corduroy instead. Its good job my husband is fluent in French! The other one i'll just wear in winter with opaque tights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178225 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 21:50:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2178225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for your thoughtful threads! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178219 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 21:19:22 +0000 N 2178219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you commented FashIntern, as it has made me look into the ethics of some of my selections (I did get carried away by the aesthetics of some French brands up there which I don't think are something I can be completely happy and comfortable with). The flared crop Jeans for example are from a French influencer's line of clothing. Jeanne Damas. They really aren't so environmentally friendly or ethical at all. I did find a similar style but slimmer in the legs, which might not necessarily be a bad thing from a more ethical and environmentally concious brand, so i'll add those to my finds instead. Now for the skirt choices. I spent a long time looking for suitable candidates for skirts, but I'm going to keep my eye out. </p> <p>I like the idea of getting a full outfit per month. I had planned on doing something similar, though since i'm shipping from abroad I might also have to prioritise buying things from the same store if there is more than one item on my list. I'll see how it goes. I'll also try prioritise things that might not be around for very long over those that will be in the shops longer. </p> <p>I think your idea of sticking to the EU and secondhand is a good one. You can be assured of minimum wages. When I want to move away from the type of brands specifically known for their ethics, that's what I have been looking for.<br /> Anyway, you always give me a lot to think about. Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178207 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:39:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2178207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for telling me about her. I’ll have a look.</p> <p>But honestly, it’s a bit disappointing, but it’s going to be a while before I dig into ethics of clothing production. A decade ago, when I was teaching, I think it was surprising for most students to hear. It’s awesome that its changing. For the time being, im just going to rely EU production &amp; second hand; I have to deal with other things right now. The shop that pays attention so where how its fabric is woven is very encouraging to hear about. </p> <p>Have you been following Anchie’s posts? She’s decided this year to buy one full outfit a month, and is being very careful that all the pieces in each outfit mix and match with the rest of her wardrobe too. I mean, if you have the money to put into this all at once, I’m not going to stop you, but Anchie’s model would get you outfits to wear right away and would let you tinker with funnel necks and burgundy closer to the fall, when more of them are in shops, and decide exactly what to get as the year progresses. </p> <p>Btw, I love the slash neck pinnies (I guess that’s what you’d call them; to me they are jumpers) at the start of this thread. Your color scheme is right up my alley. A couple years ago I decided I wanted to be able to dress in berry shades from head to toe: blackberry, raspberry, (actual) cherry, (actual) blueberry, cranberry, that whole side of the color wheel. I got a couple items the color of that Fair Indigo top as part of that (and then ice pink seeped in, which isn't part of your deal). Blue is just a natural for me. I don’t make any effort to focus on it; if anything, I try to pull my hand away. But if you saw the post with my bridge pictures, you know I wear it a lot. And black-and-white pattern is my “color” for this year. I have quite a few items with bold patterns that I want to wear in more interesting ways. So there is a good deal of overlap there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas/page/2#post-2178206 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:34:54 +0000 N 2178206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cat2 you might be on to something there. I usually like sleeve lengths at around my elbow, sometimes a little shorter is okay but not the regular short sleeve length at all. Its something I'm looking for when pinning clothes and adding to finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178205 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:27:56 +0000 N 2178205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! You are right FashIntern! I also do try to look for made in Europe or fairtrade. Actually a lot of the finds up there are not from brands that I would normally buy from, some of them have sustainability in mind and some up there haven't said much about it. I usually like to make sure even the fabric used was woven under fair trade conditions. There is a very expensive Japanese store that mentions where the cotton was grown and woven. Sometimes you can find pieces (usually the most expensive where there is some cotton grown in Japan, woven here and of course sewn here).<br /> I also agree about the quality. Uniqlo is a good example. The quality is there but they are very cheap. The ethics are not there however so I won't buy. </p> <p>Normally my favourite place to shop was People Tree. I think this is another reason I went down the whole route of not caring. I didn't have pieces that fit me well but in exchange I knew they were produced ethically. </p> <p>Now I want to balance it a little, if I can find pieces that are going to suit and are ethically made and fit me well, its a no brainer 1st choice. There are a good few up there like the marinieres and the fine knits that are produced in France (I looked for that when choosing items from those stores). That hat is made in Japan though the materials are not natural, which is why it stayed in the shop and why I was further considering whether it would suit me.</p> <p>There are others still that haven't said much about their production, but hopefully most are made within the EU. I do need to check on this a bit more. It makes selection very hard for me. I have 1. Working conditons/Ethics and brand controversy (and hopefully lack of)<br /> 2. Vegan materials, preferably natural like cotton, hemp and linen. Some tencel is probably okay.<br /> 3. Suitable fit<br /> 4. Suitable style<br /> 5. Suitable colour<br /> 6. Suitable for my age and location and lifestyle.<br /> to think about.<br /> I also know even designer brands that are $$$$ sometimes have them made outside the EU to cut labour costs. </p> <p>I don't necessarily avoid products that are say made in China or Bangladesh because some companies are very open with where they are made and the working conditions and pay in their factories. Filipa K is an example of this and I think Sezane too. Filipa K quality is very good. I'd be happy to buy a lot from there but nothing has stood out so far that I can add to my finds, so i'll just keep and eye out. I've not tried Sezane yet though.</p> <p> I'm a patreon member of a lady who writes a lot about the sustainable fashion industry. You might be interested if you enjoyed Justine LeContes videos. I had done a lot of my own research in the past but this lady is really great and I don't have as much need to keep on top because she does. She is called Aja Barber. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook or join her patreon. Take a look! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178157 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:45:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2178157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that the brilliant comment I was posting just as my phone died never made it to your thread. Shame. The gist of it was that spending big bucks doesn’t correlate with ethical production anymore than it does with quality. </p> <p>Racism in ads &amp; hiring decisions, burning inventory to keep prices high, supply chains with badly treated, poorly paid workers and products gotten in environmentally unfriendly ways—you can get all that and more for a couple hundred $$. There are others on here who know more about the industry than I do, and there are periodic posts about these aspects. I wish there was an “ethics” heading on YLF, along with drawing, shopping, inspo, etc. That would make them a lot easier to find. </p> <p>I decided on a couple shortcuts to take a couple years ago—I’m only buying things made in the EU or second hand. The blogger you turned me onto also designs clothing, and has them made in the EU for the same reason. But you probably knew that already, with all the research you’re doing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178155 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:43:45 +0000 cat2 2178155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the sleeve length in 1. I don’t think it’s the mock neck, but instead the sleeve length that throws 3 off. I think the shorter more fitted tops are more flattering than the classic longer body sweaters. I think the longer knits look better on straighter body types; if you have more of a waist there can be a lot of excess room on the sweater that can make the waist area baggy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178152 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:35:02 +0000 Angie 2178152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>N,&nbsp;</b>you did great! WELL DONE. </p> <p>The striped tops CAN be thought of as an essential because they are very quiet. (My navy and white striped tops are essentials).&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been to Japan too. This looks trendily and classically on point. Such a high style quotient there! In Hong Kong too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Remember to build the at-home only clothing capsule </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178149 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:28:13 +0000 Anonymous 2178149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m really drawn to the necklaces and scarf you have here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178110 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:00:02 +0000 rachylou 2178110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a hat person. I like the hat! I agree about the white turtlenecks, but you know, I feel the black works - at least in pictures. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178089 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:42:57 +0000 Liz 2178089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>The ecourse sounds like a great idea! The price of the clothing isn't much of an issue, except that it can make these purchases carry a lot of weight and seem to close down options. But I wouldn't want to appear to be advising a shift to the other end of the spectrum where you start buying cheap clothes from manufacturers that exploit their workers. I was simply hoping to encourage you to give wiggle room in the process for ongoing discovery, fun, and serendipity. : ) <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178069 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:39:48 +0000 N 2178069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Liz! That is interesting to hear about the funnel neck so i'll have to try on something like that before I purchase the ones in my finds. </p> <p>You may be right about spending a lot, though the thing is, before I was a mum, I did realise what looked good on me. My body shape hasn't really changed much at all overall but of course I do have a little extra flab on my tummy. I do have memories of what made me look good. I would be complemented a lot in those days. Of course I was also younger too but I am currently taking an ecourse for dressing for your body shape created by a French stylist. The things the stylist mentions in the course was what I was already doing when young without realising thats what I was doing. I remember a lot of outfits that made me look good. Now funnel necks are a different story as i've never tried them and with the turtleneck I couldn't remember clearly because I never wore them much, but that was probably for a reason...they don't look good. </p> <p>As for the price, yes spending that much on clothing is an investment but I really can't see myself buying very cheap ones as I know the garment workers won't have been paid a fair price for their work. I will definitely consider what I buy before I keep it though. I think I just didn't care for the last 5 years, but I am ready to care now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178060 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:40:26 +0000 Liz 2178060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm your height, with a strong shoulder line and a long neck. I look good in boatnecks, but can't wear a mock turtleneck or a funnel neck. Something about the "neither here nor there" place they land on my neck simply doesn't work. I don't know if you'll find the same thing.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I also just want to add that not buying anything for years, and then buying $100-$400 items and wanting to own and wear them for years to come is a really high jump to take all at once. There's a likelihood that you'll get this first set and from it discover some things about your preferences and style. Sometimes when we really care about style (as it is evident you do), and come back to it after a hiatus, we start enjoying it and enjoying the shifts and discoveries along the way. So maybe get some first stuff in place so it's easier to get dressed, and then expect to enjoy some discovery from it, that might shift what you buy next.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178044 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:50:07 +0000 lyn67 2178044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, love your flared&nbsp; essentials here (inclusive the crops) and the concise color scheme -all looks very&nbsp; french style to me! One small advice:-&nbsp;If yo do look good in tight pencil&nbsp; you can wear knited/elasticated body con&nbsp; or tube skirts&nbsp; as well, which could be&nbsp; really appropriate even for dashing after the kids in them! They don't need heels,&nbsp; look&nbsp; awesome with sneakers and&nbsp; a denim jacket, too-so why not doing your hauby a favor!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178036 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:23:08 +0000 Star (Lise) 2178036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also considering that style hat for summer nights.&nbsp; For me it is a necessity as I am growing out my silver hair and it will be only half way in peak summer.&nbsp; I have not tried one on yet.&nbsp; &nbsp;The price you quoted is extremely high compared to here where they are around 10 euros.&nbsp; Oh, and I am also the weird foreigner, a South African in Bulgaria, but hey it gives us lots of gap for weirdness :)&nbsp; Btw, your other Finds are super cool, I am impressed with your style ideas.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178007 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:16:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2178007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That hat is so cute! I’ve tried with similar and feel silly, but what a great way to adjust to cultural norms where you are! As for being the weird foreign woman—I think the license to weird is part of why I like living outside my own country. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2178006 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:08:09 +0000 N 2178006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also tried this hat on today too and really liked it as far as I could tell because I didn't remove my mask so couldn't tell if it goes with the bottom of my face. I didn't snap a picture because the sales assistants were watching me and I didn't want them to think I was a weird foreign woman. I mean I am a weird foreign woman but that's by the by haha. </p> <p>Is it too old fashioned? Too tacky or costume looking? Would it go well with the rest of the wardrobe? It will be used in summer. This style I think is quite fashionable in Japan at the mo, I see them a lot and I was in a fashionable store and there were lots of different variations of the same style. Though it probably doesn't really go with "French style", though i'm not like majorly concerned if some things deviate from the norm over there. I live in Japan after all not France.<br /> I have a panama hat with a shaped top, and the brim turns upwards. I ordered it from Christies in the UK and when it got to me it didn't suit me at all and it is super awkward day to day taking it on and off and carrying it (when I have to carry kids stuff too). It actually fits my 5 year old now (he has a super massive head) so i've given it to him. Anyway looking for a replacement that suits me.<br /> It isn't majorly cheap either (around $75) but perhaps black is going to just be too hot. That said i've seen those beanie hats being worn by the mums during peak summer, the ones that I call condom hats haha. It was a trend it seems a few years back. I still see the odd one from time to time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177971 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:45:19 +0000 N 2177971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Bijou, I know the slash and boat necks should look fine, so long as the sleeve cuts don't alter anything but still need to check about the funnel necks, the sleeves on those are diagonally cut so that may alter something, though the sleeves are long so maybe it won't be a problem. There is so much to take into consideration to find the perfect piece isn't there? And then after all the research it still might not look good when its tried on.</p> <p>And about Japan, i'm definitely always the scruffy looking one The secret to them being immaculate is that everyone changes straight into long clothes whilst they are at home. They only really wear their proper clothes when they leave the house. I'll be doing the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177969 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:28:18 +0000 Bijou 2177969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>N you have pulled together a fabulous collection of items. I have been to Japan 7 times and am always amazed at how immaculate and pulled together people look even when dressed casually, as compared to Australia which is very casual. I think you planned purchases are on point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177965 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:02:23 +0000 N 2177965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They look way better with my hair in front as it breaks up the lines, its something I didn't realise until I read about it but with my hair back I think they look pretty awful. I also realised the stripes starting halfway down also doesn't look good so won't get those type of tops either. I think it was a useful trip just to realise what I shouldn't get even if they look nice on others. I really don't like picture number 2, I think that's the worst if I could pick one. Probably the sleeve length too. I prefer just above elbow length. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177960 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:47:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2177960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don’t love it, you shouldn’t get it, but I think #2 in your latest comment is a nice base to build on with a fun cardi/jacket/topper or scarf. I assume there are times of year that are considerably warmer than now? </p> <p>Cultural norms are tricky. I like Zaeobi and Brooklyn’s skirt suggestions, but I don’t know as you have to give up on minis. I am way past 30 and I wear them with leggings or heavy tights in winter. I think it works fine where I am, but some forum posters hate them. I assume it’s because of the norms where they are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177949 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:04:30 +0000 N 2177949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of them should be fine to care for as they are all mostly cotton with the exception of the two high neck vest tops.</p> <p>I think this level of dressiness is pretty casual everyday wear in Japan. Less dressy would be sloppy and more dressy would be pretty normal. </p> <p>Like almost all men after they get a job wear suits fulltime. My husband works from home and still wears full button up shirts with smart jeans or pants. </p> <p>I'm for sure going to have to get rid of the turtlenecks. They aren't flattering whatsoever. All pretty awful. </p> <p>I'm wondering if the funnel neck will be similar or perhaps better as it comes out further on the shoulders so should make them look shorter. I couldn't find any funnel necks to try on, there weren't any in theory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177946 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:40:31 +0000 SarahD8 2177946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Will these items be easy to wash and care for, given your mom on the go lifestyle? Some of them look quite dressy. You mentioned that some of the Japanese moms dress up for the school run but I was unclear if you intend to follow their lead.</p> <p>I like zaeobi’s suggestion of a tube skirt! I find those easy to dress up or down (fun worn casually with sneakers), easy care, and easy to move about in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177927 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:11:01 +0000 Brooklyn 2177927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in with another suggestion on the pencil skirt. You might think about a wrap skirt in a straighter style. Looks a bit less office wear-ish than a pencil skirt and gives you more room to move/stride out than a pencil skirt. Also accommodates weight fluctuations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177924 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:52:33 +0000 Zaeobi 2177924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for tight pencil skirts, have you considered trying a tube skirt instead? That way you could still get the flattering shape but in a more comfy &amp; stretchy fabric (I've seen people on the forum style theirs with trainers &amp; a denim jacket, so they can dress up or down if you get one in a matte opaque jersey):<br /> <a href="https://www.nomadsclothing.com/skirts/fold_over_organic_jersey_skirt?colour=5023" rel="nofollow">https://www.nomadsclothing.com.....olour=5023</a></p> <p>I think Nomads (UK retailer) only have the skirt above left in that particular print for now but you get the gist </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177916 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:39:05 +0000 cat2 2177916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Understood, just suggesting that a modern version of a 60s funnel neck might be fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177907 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:18:10 +0000 Jaime 2177907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like a solid plan. Once you have a small base you can be deliberate about further purchases. Regarding winter coats and jackets, I would hold off until it is closer to the season.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essential-ideas#post-2177906 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:13:39 +0000 N 2177906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Rachylou, I see what you mean. They'd not all be classed as essentials under Angie's definition, but probably core pieces. This is a core capsule I think that can be taken across seasons in some respects. I really don't care too much for having completely separate seasonal wardrobes. I'd prefer to wear the same colours and styles across all, but layering warmer items over and under pieces as needed. I'm more than happy to keep my wardrobe under 100 or even 50 pieces if I can. I like re-wearing the same thing over and over. </p>