https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:30:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341358 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:10:49 +0000 unfrumped 2341358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards, those are good ideas, especially for “ elevated casual”.</p> <p>One thing I’ve noticed is, slimmer ( not skinny) pants are easier to style with jackets in general. Whereas wide legs— which are usually pleated, for me— seem more unforgiving of jacket style &amp; proportions; shorter, fitted. But conversely, can work well with a more substantial shorter top. That’s probably because I drown in oversized blazers, or roomy over roomy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341356 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:51:36 +0000 kkards 2341356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this, but for these kind of occasions I find myself leaning on ponte &nbsp;pants and then changing out my top and toppers and footwear based on my &nbsp;perceived formalness and the weather. &nbsp;So I’ve wear both of these pants with a simple sweater and flats for occasions I thought needed something like business casual. And I’ve added a “lady jacket”/tweed short jacket with the Athleta pants when something more formal was needs. And the Saint + Sofia pants have worked with everything from a cargo jacket to a blazer. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341323 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:53:24 +0000 unfrumped 2341323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, thanks for ideas.<br /> I did not mean to imply that fabrics of “ coordinates” had to be the exact same material, nor textured- I was referring more to color, or gradations of color. Though actual suiting “ separates” ( I virtually always would need different size in tops vs bottoms) are typically the same fabric, as in the ones Angie has shown. </p> <p>Vince does show its top in outfits with trousers that seek to be tonally color- coordinated , some which seem to be a wool blend, but may run even greener than the top. They may in fact be using the term “ satin” inaccurately from my own understanding! They are super- spendy which is a turnoff for ordering as “ retail research “.</p> <p> However the interesting thing is that “my” top goes quite well ( tucked ir untucked) with my bargain NAS Wit &amp; Wisdom trousers, possibly due to the subtle pattern ( which makes them more “ off-black”. I knew that, but for my recent event I was so focused on thinking I needed to wear a blazer, or other 3rd piece, that I did not see the top as “ enough”, whereas the wrap style<br /> gives it more “ enoughness “.</p> <p>So you are quite right, that something I’m trying to do is look at pieces with fresh eyes as to their “ coordinate “ potential. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341315 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:51:49 +0000 Anonymous 2341315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A leather jacket or coat adds some varied texture without being very shiny. &nbsp;A simple scarf in black or navy with a neural floral design will be handy to have as well as a back log of new sheer black stockings to draw from. &nbsp;I like a pleated skirt, midi length for year round wear. &nbsp;I prefer natural fibers most of the time but polyester is inexpensive, wrinkle proof and almost year round wearable. &nbsp;It is great for sitting in a car or public transportation and not getting wrinkled. &nbsp; It is usually washable too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341313 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:41:56 +0000 Anonymous 2341313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great style goal. &nbsp;I go the route of dresses with various toppers depending on the weather. &nbsp;My black sleeveless EF dress is a workhorse. &nbsp;The sleeveless part plus the silk fabric work in summer heat. &nbsp;I have a pair of lightweight black enclosed flat shoes that work all year for walking on mushy ground in cemeteries if I attend a graveside service or find at the last minute that I want to. &nbsp;An all weather lined trench with a hood is helpful for standing . &nbsp;I found that a fine pin stripe on black, navy, or charcoal works well. You can pick up the color of the pin stripe for seasonal color while still looking dark. &nbsp;In my case it was a pale yellow on dark navy. &nbsp;You can use a scarf if a blouse seems like too much.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341312 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:08:09 +0000 Zaeobi 2341312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll be honest - I was struck by the Vince wrap top example that you gave. Could it be that your previous notions (about a matching set having to be made of the same textured material) are actually contributing to this 'frumpy' feeling that you have? </p> <p>Sorry if that comes across as combative - I'm asking genuinely whether we can stretch the parameters of 'matching'? You don't have to wear satin pants if you don't want to lol, but what about mixing more matte &amp; shiny finishes in one look but all in the same colour? Or how about one outfit with different colours but all in the same texture? </p> <p>Just my two cents - see Angie's article on Colours, Shine, Textures &amp; Patterns: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2017/12/11/colour-pattern-texture-and-shine/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2017/12.....and-shine/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341310 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:53:27 +0000 bj1111 2341310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This just popped up in my feed thanks to @cat2</p> <p><a href="https://mmlafleur.com/collections/hayet-rida-capsule?slv_rt=v1%7E1hcfg7u3l%7E1d169057-aea5-4051-8ff2-6c4fef82469d%7E5a7e8fc8-9a28-4e32-b2fe-8fe3e5b6527b%7E-fnhq5n" rel="nofollow">https://mmlafleur.com/collecti.....%7E-fnhq5n</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341309 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:49:58 +0000 bj1111 2341309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This popped up on my feed—thanks to @cat2</p> <p><a href="https://mmlafleur.com/collections/hayet-rida-capsule?slv_rt=v1%7E1hcfg7u3l%7E1d169057-aea5-4051-8ff2-6c4fef82469d%7E5a7e8fc8-9a28-4e32-b2fe-8fe3e5b6527b%7E-fnhq5n" rel="nofollow">https://mmlafleur.com/collecti.....%7E-fnhq5n</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341173 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:15:14 +0000 unfrumped 2341173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>slim cat, I like the style of some of the cinq a sept blazers, but not their ruched sleeves. Funny because I always like to turn back or push up long jacket sleeves, because somehow the added structure/ balance looks less heavy on me, but I don’t like the “ faux” aspect or lack of versatility—as when wearing in cooler weather— if the item is spendy. I think it’s less noticeable on darker solids, so i might need to consider. That would be if the overall style was just right &amp; not finding same in a full sleeve. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341162 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:30:07 +0000 slim cat 2341162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to come up with polished outfits that would be dressier versions of my very casual off duty looks - it's a lengthy process ( straight frame with preference for low rise and problematic feet - lol ).&nbsp;<br />one great black pants ( classic with a bit of more flared leg ), black leather jacket, dark blue faux leather moto jacket, sleeveless printed silk blouse are the core pieces. <br />I have midi skirts, cropped linen jackets that would work for summer but not enough for the fall/winter seasons. <br />Interesting jacket from high end brand like Zadig&amp;Voltaire, Cinq A Sept, or textured one from Theory would be fun piece that would elevate casual looks. There are other possibilities from other brands depending on personal preferences. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341158 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:02:18 +0000 unfrumped 2341158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No Aritzia. I ordered a sweater once online. Wasn’t looking for suiting so might check that out.<br /> No Nordies! But order from them because have so many different brand options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341157 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:43:29 +0000 Angie 2341157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Unfrumped,</b> do you have an Aritzia close by? Lots of suits to try on in stores in person!&nbsp;</p> <p>A good Nordies too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341155 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:23:50 +0000 unfrumped 2341155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks ! I’m definitely keeping pant suits ( sold as separate pieces re: sizing) on my radar. Fit IS the limiting factor- it takes the stars to align for pants to fit and the specific matching jacket also- then colors. So have to be prepared for the order/ return cycle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341154 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:00:28 +0000 Angie 2341154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b><b></b>Not&nbsp;imaginary! Real and&nbsp;achievable.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>unfrumped!</b> May I suggest trying shirtdresses from Ralph Lauren. Either the Lauren or Polo brands of RL.&nbsp;</p> <p>Skirts are fab - although, tops to wear with them can be tricky unless you're prepared to tuck the top into the waistband of the skirt. </p> <p>I can help you figure out shoes - don't worry!&nbsp;</p> <p>I TRULY think that a couple of pant suits that you can style in different ways is a good way to go. I wear my suits a lot! Sooooo good in all seasons throughout the year. Mega sharp, polished, comfy and versatile :)&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341153 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:42:03 +0000 unfrumped 2341153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cat2, thanks, I wish I could do dresses! There are many fit issues, but now also a footwear issue. So, much easier to figure out shoes for pants. </p> <p>I do wear skirts, though, hence would try to apply principle of co- ord, tonal, quality and weight of a top. Footwear is still an issue, meaning, I gave a couple of options so that a skirt outfit is somewhat dependent on the footwear season.</p> <p>I have been an EF fan very selectively - I live the colors and dyes and many natural fabrics. I’ve not been as impressed with the quality in past few years, maybe thinner, more wrinkly, but also many nice EF pieces are too flowy for my frame. But I still scroll through EF items from time to time, &amp; look at one department store here, to see if something turns up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341150 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:36:36 +0000 Carol 2341150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What you're describing--a mix-and-match, easy aesthetic--sounds very Eileen Fisher. I have never had her pieces, but that is a great polished/casual designer. I bet rotating a few pieces in and out each season would yield a put-together look.</p> <p>It could be another designer, too. I always find Lands End fits into my wardrobe&nbsp; effortlessly.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341149 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:34:14 +0000 cat2 2341149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a dress person, and like having a sort of anonymous dark sheath dress that I can dress up or down with toppers. Mine current one is an old M.M. LaFleur, and I have worn it with various short jackets and short cardigans to things like this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/possibly-imaginary-outfit-goal#post-2341146 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:25:12 +0000 unfrumped 2341146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kind of riffing on Runcarla’s post on special occasion dressing, but moving further along on the spectrum,<br /> to not-casual, but not party, sophisticated, polished outfits. </p> <p>The occasions would range from funerals (!), to events with former professional colleagues on campus ( conferences &amp; other occasions where retired folks attend alongside still working professionals), to maybe some social occasions where I just want to dress better. </p> <p>Over the past year I’ve had several of these occasions and just not liked the outfits I came up with. I’ll say up front that a few situations were where I was more conscious ( or self-conscious) of wanting to look my best— while none of them were school reunions, I think that’s a good example of some of the angst. Perhaps shallow, but there you go. </p> <p>Usually funerals don’t carry this weight, because my usual environmental norm even for that is pretty casual and often not even dark/ neutral clothing. </p> <p>But I attended one service which was also attended by a younger physician former colleague. She wore a black pantsuit of some sort and I was struck by how simple but polished she looked. It was chilly late winter and I wore black pants, a gray top and a knit sort of tweedy blazer—an older Vince Camuto, will see if I still have a Find. It seemed fine at first, and truly was for that occasion , which was a loss of a friend, and very much about comforting family, but then. I wished. Of course there’s that little issue of the big age difference so and that I look ghastly in a lot of black. It’s just that the right items could work for different occasions, with change of accessories. But I was thinking that the right items could work for different occasions, with change of accessories. </p> <p>I went to another memorial service where attendees were largely medical professionals, of all ages. Wire a silk blazer, not long but not cropped either, and wider pants but not matched. It seemed okay at first but felt maybe a bit frumpy in some ways. Proportions ? </p> <p>Does anyone remember Lee Remick derisive comments to Amy Irving in the movie “ The Competition “, critiquing Amy’s wardrobe as “ your Jordan Marsh mix-and-match!”</p> <p>So moving along from all that to a sort of vision- quest, what I’d like to have in my wardrobe is some separates that are pretty elevated in terms of fabric quality, look like they are meant to go together proportionally, neutral to near- neutral and possibly matching or at least tonal. </p> <p>I have always thought I need a jacket or blazer but have been finding I often feel a bit frumpy or too mix&amp; match. But then if I do a stand- alone top, I find I want something more substantial than just a blouse or thin knit top, even some of my cashmere and merino.<br /> Some of my newer jackets I got to go with high- waisted pants are either too casual or in some cases too “ cheeky” for more somber occasions, but maybe okay for other events. </p> <p>So, I’m going to do some more SYC to see if there are some combinations I’ve not tried before that are closer to my “ vision”. </p> <p>I like Angie’s Theory suit look though I couldn’t wear exactly that. I’m also looking at same- color / dye lot separates but find some challenges- like a Vince wrap top I got that I really like, but its coordinate is shiny satin pants! </p> <p>Also I think a big challenge is The Seasons. I will have something that works well in winter but not summer, or vice versa. Since these are not everyday or even every week occasions, it’s hard to justify expensive items just waiting to be worn, but sometimes if I try to not “ save for best”, and wear pieces separately and more casually, I may find an outfit component starts to look a bit tired. </p> <p>Other new thoughts are checking out more “ elevated cardigans “, in the sense that they are available in many different knits ( warm/ not warm), and lengths( for proportions) and may be less expensive than tailored jackets, but add something. In my situation, I don’t need a “ power piece” per se , at all — it’s all about overall fits and proportions. </p> <p>I’ve also considered just defaulting back black and/or navy because there’s more options in better quality items, price points , coordinates. </p> <p>Well, thank you for reading. I am trying to do this as a style goal, but with a at least somevgrounding in reality/ practicality. Or be ready for serendipitous wardrobe finds, not likely to be able to just go out and get it. </p>