https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:37:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1787131 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 17:59:27 +0000 harmonica 1787131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Angie! I know you're busy, so appreciate that you took the time to come back. This is a good list for my next step on my style journey. I will keep it in mind when shopping and ask myself if the piece is a statement or essential. I think it can be a very helpful tool to keep the wardrobe in good shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1787102 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 17:04:10 +0000 Angie 1787102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YOU NAILED IT. Well done, Monica. Proud of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1787013 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:09:10 +0000 harmonica 1787013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And thanks to you all for helping out in this process!! I can always rely on you! :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1787012 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:08:22 +0000 harmonica 1787012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i></i>I made another try, and it was very helpful. I see now that the essentials are so important for the statements and how they support and pull together items. :-)&nbsp;</p> <p>And the transitional seasons are short and some items will only be worn in those periods. That means they are important for the wardrobe, but still don't get a lot of wears, like my plaid shirt (not flannel). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786942 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 02:19:43 +0000 Angie 1786942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very good first stab, Monica. WELL DONE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Needs a little refinement, and here are my suggestions: <ul> <li>Which blazers, skirts, sweaters and scarves are essentials - not ALL of them. Isolate the essentials. You have statement pieces in these categories as well.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Do you have an essential coat?&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786881 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 23:28:26 +0000 Anonymous 1786881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you are doing fine with your list. You might break it down into seasons, like in warmer weather what do you use instead of wool sweaters? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786867 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:08:58 +0000 unfrumped 1786867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've got it right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786864 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:04:32 +0000 harmonica 1786864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fran: I'll keep in mind that basics are underwear. Statements vs essentials... I'm confused, too.</p> <p>texstyle: you're sorted! Thats's a great list. I'm impressed. </p> <p>EP: definately easier for me if I break it down to seasons. Would be interesting to compare the different seasons. I'm quite sure I wear more skirts in winter and jeans/pants in spring and summer, although I live in dresses in my fantasy life.</p> <p>catty: I agree with what you say. I also interpret Angie just like you and statements vs essentials is tricky part, esp if you wear statements every day.</p> <p>Staysfit: gaming analogies are great! And they can become quite creative </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786124 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 18:48:09 +0000 Staysfit 1786124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha ha! Yes! My analogy is funny right! I'm used to coming up with explanations that will appeal to teenage boys who play video games! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786108 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 18:00:48 +0000 Anonymous 1786108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if what Janice is doing over at the Vivienne Files might demonstrate the difference between essentials and statements. Every month she's starting with a core wardrobe of what I think would be considered her essentials. Then from there she selects a handful of pieces she wants to wear a lot that month; I think some of these are the statements (she also adds scarves of course, and jewelry).</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2017/01/my-year-without-shopping-february-2017.html">Here </a>is an example. The essentials (she calls them "building blocks") don't stand out but the "targeted items" add in some texture and print. </p> <p>In my interpretation of what Angie is saying, something isn't necessarily an essential just because you wear it a lot. For example, if you wear a vivid printed top every day, those tops are still on the statement side. The essentials are the other components of your wardrobe that provide the canvas for the printed top. Like a solid neutral skirt. They make your more detailed/complicated pieces wearable.</p> <p>I could be way off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786013 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:32:11 +0000 Elizabeth P 1786013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely think you need to do this by season.&nbsp; And possibly even casual vs work.&nbsp; For example, I live in skorts in the summer, but obviously wouldn't even think of wearing one in winter.&nbsp; And I pack all my jeans away in the summer, I find denim too heavy for the heat.&nbsp; But definitely an essential in winter. Casual winter that is.</p> <p>Either that or you think big picture. Nobody said you had to wear them year round, just that they were essential to your outfits.&nbsp; I don't see anything wrong with denim shorts and jeans sitting beside each other in the essential category... just essential at different times.&nbsp; I just think it might be easier to analyze if it were broken down by season.</p> <p>Yup, definitely&nbsp; personal!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786008 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:25:49 +0000 texstyle 1786008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My essentials are too easy - my closet is full of them!&nbsp; Jeans (mostly slim but some BF), twill pants (mostly looser, BF style), denim shorts, twill shorts, tees (some with more interest and nicer fabrics), button downs and popovers in solids and plaids, belts, sandals, sneakers, nice leather handbags, a fleece jacket, and currently delicate necklaces and a few bracelets.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1786003 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:19:05 +0000 Style Fan 1786003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am struggling with this too.&nbsp; I have to remind myself that basics are undies but then I get stuck with essentials vs. statements.&nbsp; I know my T shirts are essentials but are some of my pants statements?&nbsp; <br />I like Staysfit's analogy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785982 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:11:47 +0000 harmonica 1785982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz -</b> that makes so much sense! Thanks for braking it down! Then I would add knit wool sweaters, too, but maybe not jeans. Jeans are seasonal items for me because I can't stand tights + jeans together. </p> <p><b>ETA</b>: I live in a fours seasons climate (some even say it's an eight seasons climate) and think it would make sense to break the essentials into seasons, because jeans are worn quite often during spring, summer and early autumn, but not knit wool sweaters. </p> <p><b>RobinF </b>- glad my confusion can be helpful, lol. :-)&nbsp; </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785973 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:02:03 +0000 RobinF 1785973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this too. Great to see how you are going through the process, it really helps. I like the points Elizabeth makes about being more specific. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785964 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 13:28:41 +0000 Suz 1785964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This makes sense to me, <b>Harmonica.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>If you wear jeans a lot (maybe all your casual days? or many or even some work days?) then some type of jean would probably be an essential. If you wear a soft knit top most days, that would be one, too. Essentials are the items you can't really make outfits without, that form the backbone or backdrop. </p> <p>"Basics" as Angie defines them are underwear and tights and layering items - the underlayer that doesn't show (mostly).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Staysfit,</b> that's a funny analogy!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785963 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 13:26:12 +0000 harmonica 1785963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit: Thanks! I like your body analogy. I have to let it sink in and hopefully get a better idea about basics vs essentials, skeleton vs muscles. ;-)&nbsp; </p> <p>Elizabeth P: Glad I'm not alone. I know that my black booties are workhorses, but some of my workhorses are also statements. Like my bright coral blazer. I love it and it's great for presentations! But the colour is kind of statement as well. Along my style journey, I've slowly become more confident and really enjoy statement pieces! If it makes you happy it is a good thing - esp if your wardrobe is in good shape without too many orphans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785957 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:56:08 +0000 Elizabeth P 1785957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find this difficult as well, you're not alone!</p> <p>I think this is a really good start, but that you do probably need to get more specific.&nbsp; For example, I bet some of your black footwear are real workhorses, backbones of what you wear, yet some of them may also be "statement" pieces.&nbsp; Perhaps a black pencil skirt is essential, but a red one is a statement.&nbsp; You'll notice that Angie has her on trend cropped jeans as essentials, yet also has statement ones, like her flares, and embroidered ones.</p> <p>I really need to do this exercise as well.&nbsp; I have a feeling what I'll discover is a wardrobe made up of 90% statements.&nbsp; Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.&nbsp; Or just a thing. </p> <p>Thanks for the opportunity to start my thinking/understanding process!&nbsp; Will be following future replies with interest.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785954 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:46:55 +0000 Staysfit 1785954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks good to me. I think of wardrobe essentials as the muscles of your wardrobe. Basics are the skeleton. Statement pieces are your hairstyle. What a creepy image. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-wardrobe-essentials-im-confused#post-1785951 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:40:15 +0000 harmonica 1785951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This wardrobe essential concept is hard. Still after 5 years membership I don't think I fully get it. I'm not sure which are my basics and which are essentials. I tried to make a list anyway. Here it is: </p> <ul> <li>Maxi cardigan (mid thigh length). I have 6-7 long cardigans that are in rotation all year round. This is my easy third piece that keeps me warm, relaxed and cohesive. It fits the bill for MOTG and smart casual work days.</li> <li>Blazer. I always need a blazer for presentations and lectures. Makes me feel sharp and professional.</li> <li>A-line or pencil skirt. I love skirts because it's feminine, fun and easy to keep warm by just wearing the right tights or bare legs in the summer. </li> <li>Black footwear. Black has been my default colour since the 1990's. Also when it comes to footwear. Since it bookends my hair, I feel like I can't go wrong (at least in my mind).</li> <li>Maxi scarf. I always wear a maxi scarf in winter. It keeps my neck warm when I'm outside, and I often drape it over my shoulders when I'm indoors. </li> <li><b>ETA:</b> knit wool sweaters. keeps me warm and cosy through cold winter days. Can't live without them, both as MOTG and work wear.</li> </ul> <p>Well, this list became very short. Not sure if this list is specific enough. I wear knit wool sweaters and jeans a lot, too (especially in winter). I don't know why I didn't put it on the list. Maybe I should? Feel free to add, remove or explain to me what a wardrobe essential is. I'm still confused. ;-)</p> <p><b>UPDATE, refinement for winter 2017:&nbsp;</b></p> </p> <ul> <li><b>Maxi cardigan</b>: emerald green (cardi's are actually worn more in autumn and late winter/ early spring</li> <li><b>Wool sweaters</b>: charcoal cable knit v-neck, off white cashmere (textured knit), red sweater (even if it's red, it doesn't feel like statement at all)</li> <li><b>A-line and pencil skirts</b>: Navy a-line over knee, charcoal pencil. I've worn a light grey a-line knee-length skirt a lot, too, but I'm not sure it's a statement or not. It is fairly &nbsp;</li> <li><b>Black footwear:</b> booties and boots, not at all statement, very functional, yet far from gear&nbsp;</li> <li><b>Maxi scarf</b>: black and dusty mint green. I think the mint green is a light neutral and therefore not statement</li> <li><b>Jeans</b>: burgundy cropped jeans</li> <li><b>Coat</b>: Black Zara coat with embroidery</li> </ul> <br /><b>UPDATE, refinement for early spring 2017</b> (still snow on the ground): </p> <ul> <li><b>Maxi cardigans</b>: blush cardi</li> <li><b>Blouses and button-ups:</b> blush silk blouse, white textured cotton blouse and white button-up, plaid button-up (maybe statement?)</li> <li><b>Jeans</b>: charcoal, light blue, black</li> <li><b>Pencil skirt:&nbsp;</b>charcoal pencil&nbsp;</li> <li><b>Casual blazer</b>: boilded wool blazer, kind of cross-over between cardi (casual) and blazer (shoulder pads, structured, no lapels)</li> <li><b>Coat</b>: light grey cocoonish coat, beige trench</li> <li><b>Maxi scarf:</b> dusty mint green</li> </ul> <br />I think this is a better list. I used the ClosetSpace app where I record what I'm wearing. Quite helpful! Still a bit unsure about some pieces and surprised I wear blazers and dresses so little. All feedback welcome.&nbsp; </p> <p><b>PS</b>. I bought a pair of grey skinny jeans the other day and they just pull so many items together! But they are really very plain and simple, and has been on my wish list for about two years (since my other pair got worn out).&nbsp;</p> </p>