https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:49:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340957 Sat, 07 Oct 2023 04:13:49 +0000 Brooklyn 2340957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ChristelJ. I enjoy the planning part, it’s a bit of a hobby, as you’ve probably guessed. I wing it a bit more in winter. I feel like there there are fewer practical constraints on what I can wear then. </p> <p>Thanks Sally. Going from pink to lime green would be tricky. The original colour of a garment always affects the dyed colour, unless you go really dark (like black, dark grey, dark brown, dark blue). I think if you dyed a pink item lime green it might end up a little muddy. More like an olive or a light brown. I would try to stick with the same colour family. You could definitely dye it red or rust or brown. Or go really dark, as I said. (I haven’t had much luck with black myself, it tends to come out less saturated than I like.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340945 Sat, 07 Oct 2023 01:23:56 +0000 Sally 2340945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how you work around a theme with your seasonal wardrobe.&nbsp; I would have to choose winter and rain as that seems the theme where I live.&nbsp; Your attention to detail and style is impressive.&nbsp; I am inspired by your dyeing projects too.&nbsp; I have a pink dress ( I never wear pink) that someone is giving me and I'm wondering how it would dye lime green.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340909 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:22:24 +0000 ChristelJ 2340909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I love reading about your wardrobe projects partly because your thorough, creative, original approach is so different from how I approach my wardrobe (slapdash and lazily!). Your ability to tackle the hardest season for you and come up with such beautiful and unique results is awe-inspiring. <br /></div><div>Thanks for sharing your process and your gorgeous summer themes.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340777 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:32:11 +0000 Brooklyn 2340777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Minaminu. I find googling colour palettes quite addictive </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340775 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:29:56 +0000 Minaminu 2340775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at colour schemes from landscapes makes complete sense to me and I try to follow a similar approach, not as successful as yours! Love the new pieces and can see this look work very well on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340773 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:25:02 +0000 Brooklyn 2340773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sal. I am feeling so much better about my Summer wardrobe than I did a few years ago. Every winter I have lots of outfit ideas I want to try. This is the first Summer that I can think of that I’ve felt similarly. Exciting!</p> <p>SarahD8, I say this as one over-analyser to another: can’t wait to read your report back!</p> <p>Janet, thanks. I think there is a lot of similarity in our styles, although our palettes differ. I have had success dyeing silk, but I wouldn’t try it unless you are prepared for failure. There’s always a risk with home dye jobs. But it’s worth a try if the item is otherwise unwearable.</p> <p>Lyn67, thanks. The knit tops are mostly sleeveless so I won’t be wearing them much outdoors. Probably for more temperature controlled environments. They are pretty open and airy however. I’ll think they’ll be ok for all but really hot days. And thanks for sharing your experience with linen. I think I’ve heard before that it softens with washing. I am definitely prepared to be open minded about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340700 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 23:01:27 +0000 Sal 2340700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant Brooklyn - I admire your style and attitude - it's very inspiring.</p> <p>You have a style that is modern and distinctive and I hope a lot of fun.&nbsp; Thanks for sharing your thought process - and work to date.</p> <p>Lovely colour palette too!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340690 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:18:01 +0000 SarahD8 2340690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thank you so much Brooklyn for taking the time to answer my queries so thoroughly! I am learning so much from this thread. I know I am always saying I am taking notes but...I am *literally* taking notes!</p> <p>I appreciate your tips about timing, as well as your thoughts about accessory sourcing. (I like secondhand jewelry/accessories too...but I also thrift a lot of my clothes, so there's not so much of a potential price differential between clothing and accessories for me.) And what you said about necklaces being a "connector" piece really made a penny drop for me. I think jewelry might function as a connector for me too, but in a slightly different way...I need to test my budding theory a bit more. Then I will report back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340609 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:59:23 +0000 Janet 2340609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so great. I love how thoughtful yet creative you are with your themes and inspirations. </p> <p>Having been to Morocco, I absolutely share your fascination with the textures and patterns. I don’t wear your earthy color palette very well myself, but I share your preference for airy skirts and dresses for summer, and also have a hard time finding dresses that go the distance. Floaty long skirts and simple tees have been my solution! </p> <p>I also admire your DIY dyeing jobs. I have a possible dry-cleaning disaster (for another thread) that has me contemplating a dye job. I haven’t done anything like that in over 20 years, and the top is silk, so I just don’t know about that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340595 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:18:09 +0000 lyn67 2340595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, a great color scheme-with fab inspiration board- as usual! I am always in awe how well you can articulate your fashion ideas, wardrobe and weather needs and of course about your DIY skills (all those self dyed tees!). I loved the idea of wearing the open knit tops over different (or same-why not?) colored tanks-it surely elevates an outfit from just a tank-adding plenty of interest---but curious if it won't be too hot for that-if you have summers of that kind you say.&nbsp;<br />I don't really wear many tees in summer (rather some tops, for ex.&nbsp; eyelet Carmen tops, etc.) but have purchased a similar tee from Zara after seeing yours here. Mine is bright white and has some rhinestones embelishment on the neck resembling middle of a chocker. Like you said I also found this piece a step up from a normal slounchy tee (it has a great sturdy fabric indeed) and loved the neckline embelishment as I always feel&nbsp; like needing&nbsp; something to break up the plain whites without the need&nbsp;to wear a proper&nbsp; necklace on my skin myself.&nbsp;<br />And just wanted to add that neither of my linen dresses are itchy---and they even soften with use&amp;washing over the years-including my last one purchase from Zara(a black sleeveless maxi with wrap skirt) which is even softer---thnk it is prewashed or "aged" somehow--like we are used with jeans--so it's a pity to give up on linen for that!<br />We are heading out of summer right now, but anyway I cannot wait to see your actual summer outfits- those will prolong my feel of summer time through&nbsp; our colder seasons here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340587 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:02:13 +0000 Brooklyn 2340587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent OG! I first tried it with things I wasn’t wearing because of the colour or fading. Basically as a way of salvaging the item. Once I overdyed a top to disguise a stain. That was a good way to start because I wasn’t too worried if it didn’t come out. I’m pretty proficient at it now. I even have my own “formula” for my preferred teal. But I still do have the occasionally miss: dye smudges or the colour not exactly as planned. Because of that, I’d never try dyeing a really precious item. But t-shirts? Sure thing!</p> <p>Thanks Bijou. I know you understand how looooong our Summers are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340579 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:46:40 +0000 Olive Green 2340579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the dye tips, I am inspired to do the same with more clothing, like shorts and the odd blouse. I think you have set off a round of YLF DIY. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1/page/2#post-2340570 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:44:57 +0000 Bijou 2340570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More love for how you have evolved your style for Summer 2024! No one wears Bohemian luxe style better than you and it is so perfect for our long and hot summers. </p> <p>This is such an inspiring post and shows how a thoughtful and deliberate approach takes style to the next level. Your DIY dye and repurpose projects are so signature to your unique and creative style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340564 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:07:31 +0000 Brooklyn 2340564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the support slim cat. It would be perfect if I could find that elusive dress </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340563 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:01:16 +0000 slim cat 2340563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous pictures, wonderful pieces and inspiring story of dream style becoming a reality! I enjoy reading about your journey to the perfect summer wardrobe - can't wait for later pictures .<br />The tees and textured cotton knits are fabulous - awesome job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340555 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:34:33 +0000 Brooklyn 2340555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary Beth, funny, an alternative theme I was toying with was “desert mermaid”. The idea being desert colours + metallics. A shimmering mirage in the desert But I decided that was too limiting because I don’t see metallic clothing being a big part of my summer style. I’m more interested in texture ATM. I definitely plan to dabble in metallics. I bought a gold mesh top that I can’t wait to wear.</p> <p>With the dye, I used to pour it directly into the machine (through the door). But, having had some issues with splotches, I’ve now started pouring it in gradually through the detergent dispenser while the machine is agitating. So far, so good. I put clean water through the dispenser afterwards and give it a wipe, but I think it may stain over time. I can live with that. </p> <p>RobinF, those ASOS tees are a find too. For exactly the reason you mention. They are loose and airy but give some waist definition without a belt or tucking (yay!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340553 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:23:32 +0000 Brooklyn 2340553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, that’s high praise. Extreme sun, heat and humidity is hard, especially with my fairly outdoorsy lifestyle. And thank you for being your positive, encouraging self. Please carry on! </p> <p>Joy, thanks for that suggestion. I like Eileen Fisher but it’s not sold here. Not that I know of anyway. I am definitely not against linen. I have a couple of linen skirts. But I sometimes find I can’t tolerate it on my upper body. I will keep an open mind!</p> <p>Thanks Cat2. </p> <p>Suz, yes, it’s quite the coincidence that I posted when Angie was posting about skirt/top capsules. I really don’t want to spend the whole of Summer wearing black or white tops, so having more options is important to me. I have found with cotton knit tops that they sometimes can be rescued by sewing some elastic inside the waistband, where they stretch out. But I can’t tolerate a stretched out neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340552 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:03:09 +0000 Brooklyn 2340552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks RC and Jaime.</p> <p>Jonesy, the practical aspect is so important. I love cutaway tops. My arms are the only part of my body I like to display. But I realised I needed more shoulder coverage for my long morning walk. I think the Zara tees (colour personalised!) will be just the thing. </p> <p>I’m just thinking now there might be a market for a business that personalises the colour of your tee! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340541 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 02:07:37 +0000 Carla 2340541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is brilliant on so many levels. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340535 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 01:49:34 +0000 Jaime 2340535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am simply in awe. As much as I love all of your inspo pics, and I do, I was blown away by what you have done with those Zara t's. Dumbstruck! I am a big fan of Moroccan patterns also and can't wait to see what you do with this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340534 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 01:46:32 +0000 Brooklyn 2340534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! Where else could I share this story but YLF!</p> <p>I will try to respond to your comments/questions individually. It just may take a while because I have work to do today.</p> <p>SarahD8, I’ve been planning Summer since about May, when it first starts to get cool here. It’s such a long season for us and experience tells me I need to be prepared. Last Summer I realised I was gravitating a lot to lighter earthy colours (tan, mustard, caramel etc) and that’s when I started thinking about a desert theme for this Summer. When researching, Moroccan decor photos came up and the textures, patterns, vibe really appealed to me. Hence the theme. </p> <p>I knew I needed a skirt and top refresh (they are workhorses for me and some were looking quite tired) so I started to keep an eye out for candidates over the winter. I think I found the Zara tee in July. I duplicated it straight away and have been doing a home dye project about once a week since. </p> <p>I’m hoping I’m pretty sorted for my actual needs now so I can “stop shopping” for Summer. By that I mean stop shopping as a “mission”. I can still browse if it gives me pleasure. Personally I find this makes things less stressful. (I don’t find I have to prepare as much for winter. The season is short, I find it easier to dress for and I already have a lot more clothes than I need for it, which don’t wear out so quickly. I’ve found my only real shopping “mission” for winter is to refresh my jeans and boots, which do wear out.)</p> <p>You are right that accessories are going to be a key part of my theme. I already have a lot of items that I think are suited, which is probably part of why the theme appealed. In terms of my spend on clothing vs accessories, I’m not sure. It wouldn’t be a big spend on accessories, because I’m a pretty committed second hand buyer of accessories now. I love flea markets in particular and also occasionally find things at thrift or on Etsy. I got these beads this week thrifting. (Haven’t cleaned them yet.) I don’t buy accessories much at retail but I do think Zara has some interesting and inexpensive pieces and I occasionally shop them. I am eyeing off the necklace shown in the second pic. They make great belts too. </p> <p>I have this theory about necklaces being a “connector piece” for a moody look (earrings could work too, but I don’t wear them). By that I mean it’s a way to connect your top with your bottom when wearing solid coloured separates. Eg red solid top plus copper solid skirt. Nice combination but if I wear a necklace that has copper in it it connects the 2 pieces and creates a more blended moody look. Even better if the necklace has other colours in it too that go with the red, copper mood (eg gold, brown, purple). More complexity. Without the necklace it is more of a simple colour blocked look. Which has its appeal too but leans more sharp, minimalist and contrasting. I like my palette a bit more blurry, blended and complex. </p> <p>I’ll be back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340520 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:22:55 +0000 Jonesy 2340520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super gorgeous inspiration pics and I love the desert rose theme for you! I agree it's moody and expressive, without relying on dark colors. I really love reading your carefully thought out plans and seeing your creative handiwork--I wouldn't have known the t-shirts were dyed unless you mentioned it! I admire your distinctive mix of pragmatism (what will work in the heat and humidity, for outdoor activities, etc.), creativity, and stylishness. I look forward to seeing your spring and summer outfits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340494 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:28:12 +0000 Angie 2340494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. I've lived in your climate for decades - Asia and Africa! - and get that it's a challenge to look and feel great in high, sunny and moist heat. Yet, you make it look easy ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340493 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:25:19 +0000 Angie 2340493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW! That is a VERY THOROUGH plan, and more impressively - you followed through on it!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p><b>Go MMB! </b>Suits to you tee. LOVE this palette for you!&nbsp;<b></b></p> <p>In short: <i>You put in the work and are reaping the reward.</i> As is the case <b></b>with most things in life! And you are beautifully effective at it too, <b>Brooklyn</b>! The practical and visual results are KILLER stunning :)</p> <p>Sooooooo, please carry on being your clever stylish self!</p> <p>ETA: the tees that you dyed look delicious!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340488 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:58:23 +0000 Anonymous 2340488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your plan and colors. May I suggest Eileen Fisher For linen upscale tees and soft linen dresses. They can be pricy and try for size. They run big. I shop sales or Renew and have got a few things on consignment. Her linen is soft and not scratchy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340483 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:21:46 +0000 cat2 2340483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like a lovely plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340482 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:19:29 +0000 SarahD8 2340482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Wow wow wow! As usual I am blown away by this. The thoughtfulness, the narrative, your DIY skills, the confident practicality of hitting upon a formula and duplicating the items needed to carry it out. Oh and also -- the gorgeous palettes and items. Thank you for taking the time to share this!</p> <p>I'm really curious about the jewelry/accessories that you plan to wear with these items -- it seems like that would be an opportunity to really underline the moroccan influence. I look forward to seeing outfits!</p> <p>I have questions:<br />-I really aspire to run my wardrobe in a similar way, but I struggle with timing (the window between "it seems ridiculous to buy clothes for a season that's still months away" and "it seems ridiculous to buy clothes for a season that's half over" seems short!). Can you share a bit about your timeline and process for developing these ideas and assembling the items to carry them out?</p> <p>-I'm also curious about how you manage your budget in relation to this system. I realize that money can be sensitive and I'm not interested in specific numbers (the different currency would be kinda meaningless to me anyway), but rather -- what percentage of your budget do you put towards clothing vs. accessories (I know in the past you've done some very targeted shopping for jewelry on Etsy to support previous capsules/themes)? And how does the timing work out -- do you do a big shop pre-season and then not purchase anything for some months, or...?</p> <p>Emphasizing again -- Brava! And I can't wait to see more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340478 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:42:28 +0000 Suz 2340478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so clever and beautiful! I just love your dye job on those tees -- they look amazing! Such a great idea and a super way to create an easy formula for yourself with multiple variations. I really like the loose textured knit tops as well. I will be interested to hear your experience re stretching -- for me, that is the frustration with loose airy cotton knits. But frequent washing can help bring them back in line. It's just that they might fade faster in that case.&nbsp;</p> <p>The colours are moody and very you and also summer appropriate.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also appropriate that you post on skirt day on the blog! You are the queen of skirts for sure! I love and admire your summer style and every year hope to learn from it. I've been much less successful in the skirt hunt but did manage a few this year and they worked well for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340473 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:05:21 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2340473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really really love this concept, and I cannot wait to see your outfits! &nbsp;I may be stealing some ideas next summer, in a cream/sand/pale metallics palette.</p> <p>Your dyeing skills are next level! &nbsp;Do you put the dye+water mix into the laundry detergent cup, or directly into the front load tub? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-summer-1#post-2340463 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:29:44 +0000 RobinF 2340463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And also - absolutely love the you-died tees and the vests in pic 15. Great way to add texture in hotter weather!</p>