https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:42:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072901 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 21:06:08 +0000 Staysfit 2072901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Notsaf, I have also tried to look at my failures to see if they offer any clues.....most of my failures are shoes that end up feeling either too loose in the heel or too tight in the toe. &nbsp;I would add knit items that snagged after only one wear, or developed pill, etc. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072786 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:45:41 +0000 ChristelJ 2072786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Enjoying this thread. I am unpredictable. Wildcards are most likely to become workhorses, because they usually embody the fun, the unexpected and new, and support the emotional part of dressing. I reach for them more often when they represent a style shift, as someone else mentioned.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072671 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:43:04 +0000 Janet 2072671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The most disappointing to me in failed workhorses are shoes that don’t hold up, comfort-wise. My feet never used to be particularly fussy, but something is happening with my aging feet to make the size disparity more apparent. My already narrow heels and slightly low-volume feet seem to be sliding out of more and more styles lately, resulting in blisters, sandals that fall off my feet, and socks sliding down into my shoes. That has definitely derailed a few planned workhorse shoe purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072667 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:07:38 +0000 notsaf 2072667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Following on others, I'd also like to offer the category of <b>failed workhorses</b>. That is, those pieces we thought we'd love but that we don't. This is mostly a result of comfort (Staysfit mentioned that this can ultimately be unpredictable esp. for shoes), but also about how things wear throughout the day and come through the laundry. </p> <p>I've had two big disappointments from NAS purchases: a synthetic knit cardigan that pills all over everything in the wash and the Catherine jeans that I find slightly nubbly and uncomfortable on the inside now that they've been laundered.<br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072658 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 09:13:38 +0000 Staysfit 2072658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Basics, hmm, yes, basics are wardrobe workhorses. &nbsp;My undies and bras for example. &nbsp;I have to agree with that and I did not even consider them since they are unseen.</p> <p>Wildcard items rarely become workhorses in my wardrobe. &nbsp;I can think of only two and they were surprises, &nbsp;Of course it was a pair of jeans, from Frame with a slit up the font on the bottom, and cropped. &nbsp;Another wildcard was a cardigan with fringe up the front. &nbsp;It turns out I like fringe. &nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;Most of the time my wildcards fail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072633 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 07:14:01 +0000 Sal 2072633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like others I get it wrong sometimes. I like to have mostly workhorses the closet with a bit of spice.</p> <p>Some of my workhorses are very planned<br /> - striped white and black tee<br /> - black pants<br /> - navy sweater<br /> - white sneakers<br /> - floral 2 piece<br /> - camel boots </p> <p>Others have been almost impulse buys at the thrift store or boutiques.<br /> - blue floral dress<br /> - gold bomber jacket<br /> - wine spotted dress<br /> - duck egg jacket</p> <p>I am better at predicting footwear options than anything else. Bags and gear are also successful.</p> <p>I predicted the grey jacket and cable sweater to be workhorses and they both got under 5 wears and are no longer in the closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072618 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:04:28 +0000 Suz 2072618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes. We've asked ourselves this question numerous times over the years. And most of us end up scratching our heads in confusion every time! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think <b>Carla </b>is onto something -- at least when it comes to those of us whose core style is some version of classic. </p> <p><b>One category of workhorses, for me, are wardrobe essentials</b>. So, at any given time I will have a favourite (and workhorse):&nbsp; <ul> <li>blue jean</li> <li>white jean</li> <li>navy top (for different seasonal situations)</li> <li>light grey top and/or sweater (depending on season</li> <li>navy blazer</li> <li>Breton striped top</li> </ul> If I'm missing any of these items (plus a few others) it's hard for me to create outfits and I typically wear the items in these categories so much that for some (especially denim bottoms and navy tops) it makes sense to duplicate or at least own a couple of similar items to avoid laundry bottlenecks. </p> <p>But the real question when it comes to these is what makes one pair of jeans a workhorse and the other pair not? (Scratches head.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Actually, there are some indicators.&nbsp;<b>Does it fit really well/ feel comfortable and does it inject a bit of currency into my style? Then it will be a workhorse jean.</b> The same is pretty much true for the other items as well, although tops can be more simple/classic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then there are the <b>statement workhorses. </b>Those ones are somewhat harder to predict, but not impossible, for me.</p> <p><b>Footwear, bags, and blazers</b> come to mind. Not every pair of shoes will become a workhorse (and no wonder, considering how many pairs I own, LOL). But if it is <b>comfortable, weather worthy, and injects some currency or interest to my style, </b>(there I go again...)&nbsp;&nbsp;there is an almost 100% chance that it will! Ditto for bags (substitute practical/commodious for comfortable). Blazers are almost by definition comfortable for me, assuming they fit. So in that case, I'm looking for <b>"style added value."</b> Usually an interesting colour, or a pattern, or a new cut. It is true that not every blazer will become a workhorse, but honestly? For me, all but a few are guaranteed to get <b>a lot</b> of wear. Especially in my new, more temperate climate.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have workhorse outerwear. Some falls into the neutral category (mostly navy, for me) and some into the statement category (red).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Third category, the holy grail of workhorses, is the wild card workhorse! </b>I remember starting a thread about this some years ago. And several people have mentioned this in the comments already. I think the reason these are so meaningful to us all are because they are a large part of what makes fashion fun! There is nothing better than taking a risk on an item and then finding yourself wearing it all the time, seeing how it seems to inject new life into all your older items, and just generally playing around with it!&nbsp;</p> <p>These, I cannot predict at all. :(&nbsp;</p> <p>But there is a reason <b>Angie</b> tells us to try a wild card every once in a while. Sometimes they fall flat, but when they are good, they are very very good.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think -- yet again! -- in my case they usually inject a bit of trendiness into my style. So... a western style belt in a year when western is big...but I continue to wear it for several years thereafter...or it might be a new to me colour (mustard, anyone?) or a new silhouette (wide legs? crops?). Or it might just be the item that lets me experiment with a new-to-me juxtaposition (graphic tee with suit, sneakers with skirt.)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses/page/2#post-2072614 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 03:16:17 +0000 rachylou 2072614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I think my workhorses are all easy to put on, comfortable, and warm. They aren’t necessarily neutral but they’re less likely to warrant comment. Can’t say tho I’ve ever bought anything knowing I’ll wear it a lot, except long puffers and sport shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072607 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 02:15:18 +0000 Carla 2072607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are two kinds of wardrobe workhorses. Firstly, the basic that sets the stage. You wear, wash, repeat - like a great pair of jeans, black slacks, pencil skirt, white button down shirt, black T, tank top. Second the almost-but-not-quite wildcard that MAKES a look and becomes a personal signature, is comfortable, and goes with everything - like red shoes, a leopard print anything, a Hello Kitty bag, lime green specs. </p> <p>I’m intrigued by the idea of the ‘slow burn’ item that sits in the closet and becomes a workhorse a year or so after purchase. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072545 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 21:44:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2072545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a hard question for me to answer, because I keep things literally for years. I think the main thing is to make sure it feels unreservedly like me, and not like someone I (or the person giving it to me, as I mentioned in nemosmom’s thread) want/s me to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072534 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 20:43:14 +0000 Jenni NZ 2072534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have done what Toban has done above with her green floral scarf- I have taken things with me shopping in B&amp;M when looking for certain colours, that has really helped. Also I take my lists. I have a good eye for colour too, so with my statement cobalt boots I saw two tops with cobalt and knew they would be great with the boots- which they have been.<br /> Boots 2015 98 wears<br /> Geometric cobalt top 2017 34 wears<br /> Navy/black top with almost cobalt in the flowers 2018 17 wears so far </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072519 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 18:41:33 +0000 Staysfit 2072519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to give more thought to whether under represented items are more likely to become workhorses in my wardrobe since that has come up several times above. &nbsp;I suspect there is truth that these items become workhorses more often than others within the group of items I have the hardest time making predictions about. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Certain essential items are definitely more likely to become workhorses than others in my wardrobe, but not every essential item becomes a workhorse. For example why&nbsp;do I pick one grey turtleneck over another? &nbsp; Why pick up an item that has sat idle in my closet and suddenly take increased interest instead of in some other item? &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br />The idea of statement pieces becoming workhorses is interesting. &nbsp;I am certain it’s true for my situation as it is for many people who mention it above. &nbsp;For example, I have certain accessories, like earrings, my watch, and perhaps some shoes that are statement pieces but they are also workhorses.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072471 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 16:01:10 +0000 LaPed 2072471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like SarahD8, the workhorses in my wardrobe tend to be one-offs and underrepresented categories. And they're almost always my favourite neutrals.</p> <p>My two pairs of faded black jeans are workhorses. If I add more black jeans, what will happen when I get tired of them and find myself reaching for blue ones instead? </p> <p>My two long winter coats are workhorses. They're black and navy. Should I add a more colourful but less versatile winter coat?</p> <p>My three pairs of slouchy olive pants are all workhorses, but in different temperatures. They take me through spring, summer and fall. Do I need a pair of winter-weight olive pants?</p> <p>My stompy chelsea boots and refined combat boots are both workhorses. I keep thinking about adding a refined chelsea and a stompy combat boot to round out that corner of the shoe stable. Would I be splitting wears? Would I reach for the new ones the same way I do with my current pairs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072448 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 14:53:09 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2072448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hard time predicting workhorse items as well. For me, they are usually not basic sorts of items, but rather pieces that I find are a reflection of what I'm doing style wise in a given period, and that I like to wear often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072406 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 12:26:37 +0000 Helena 2072406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Lisa ... I'm terrible at this. If I could do it, I'd have a wardrobe of nothing but workhorses because it annoys me to no end when things sit unworn (which, I know, I need to chill out about!)</p> <p>Current workhorses for me would include a Breton-striped tee, white shorts/pants in spring/summer, Birkenstocks, black ankle boots and my simple handbags since I don't switch these out much ... pretty predictable when I think of it, since these are essentials that I don't duplicate in my wardrobe ... can't think of any 'surprise' workhorses off the top though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072395 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 11:02:40 +0000 Bijou 2072395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting post and it has been fun to read the responses. For me really classic items are unlikely to be workhorses. I need things to have an element of fun or point of difference to really love them. It may be the colour or print or design. Predicting workhorses is tricky too. Often something becomes a workhorse because I have had a subtle style change. I have been wearing lots of midi dresses lately and have noticed that I prefer to wear them with cropped jackets - so my cropped jackets are now workhorses.</p> <p>Probably my hardest working item from winter was my little Target blush faux fur. I bought it wondering if it would get much wear, having no idea that it would be such a workhorse. It is the ultimate pop on with anything item.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072394 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 11:00:40 +0000 Toban 2072394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small wardrobe so the majority are workhorses. I can usually predict which items will be used less frequently, such as a statement item, though every now and then an item I bought to inject a little occasional spice ends up being the perfect item for many outfits. For example, I grab this green floral scarf all the time and it’s become a signature piece for me. I even bring it on many shopping excursions because it has all my favorite colors in one piece so it almost predicts whether a new item will be easy to incorporate in my wardrobe or not (excepting other patterns). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072391 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 10:43:26 +0000 Style Fan 2072391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am unpredictable.&nbsp; This fall I have been wearing my Jesse Kamm pants and my Theory coat a lot.&nbsp; They have become Wardrobe Workhorses.&nbsp; I will be sad when the weather turns colder and I can't wear them.&nbsp; Both pieces have been in my Wardrobe for a long time and did not get as much wear as I would have liked for different reasons.</p> <p>Sometimes I buy a pair of jeans and they instantly become a Wardrobe Workhorse.&nbsp; This past week I bought a new pair of high rise BF jeans (Fidelity OH BOY) and I have worn them non stop.&nbsp; Two years ago I bought a pair of mid-rise BF (Frame Le Garcon) jeans thinking they would be THE ONES to replace my worn out BF jeans and I hardly ever wear them.&nbsp; I put them on, I like the way they look, they are comfy and then I take them off.</p> <p>Some clothes feel right at the moment and others do not.&nbsp; I am just going with it.&nbsp; I do keep clothes that I think will have their moment in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072360 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 02:27:40 +0000 Roxanna 2072360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Same here. I seats thought it was because I was so impulsive with my purchases, but it’s nice to know that others feel the same! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072354 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 02:17:34 +0000 Windchime 2072354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting discussion. Except for some obvious things such as black ankle boots and basic jeans, I don’t know which items will become workhorses. It does seem like every season one item emerges to claim the title of Top Workhorse. Some of my past workhorses have included a navy blue lace pencil skirt, white mules, and black denim crop flares. I’m not yet sure what it will be this fall/winter. Each of the items I just mentioned could be remixed in many ways; that probably is needed for something to achieve workhorse status. </p> <p>The other interesting thing about this to me is that, same as some other Fabbers describe, an item might get only moderate wear the first season and become a treasured workhorse one or more years later. Or it might go straight from the shopping bag to workhorse status. It’s very difficult to predict! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072347 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 02:08:59 +0000 Jaime 2072347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, unpredictable and last year's dustbunny can become this year's workhorse. But all my workhorse shoes are flat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072342 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 01:56:45 +0000 Anonymous 2072342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe essentials are always workhorses- cognac sandals, lbd, black pencil skirt-easily predictable. The other workhorses are the things that go with a lot, like my rust/orange cardi. That one wasn't predictable at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072305 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:41:04 +0000 SarahD8 2072305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've realized recently that items are most likely to become workhorses when they fill in under-represented categories of my wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, back in the spring I bought a simple black silk hip-length popover, and a pale-lavender tunic-length shirt.</p> <p>On paper the black top seemed like it should be such a useful basic -- but I've worn it maybe once. Darks, neutrals, and hip-length tops are all over-represented in my wardrobe. (Seriously, I did a massive color/neutral/pattern/solid analysis a couple of months ago -- you're welcome for not posting about it -- and that is what I learned.)</p> <p>In contrast, the lavender tunic instantly opened up a million outfit possibilities. Tunics, lighter tones, and colors are all under-represented in my wardrobe. So it had a much bigger effect.</p> <p>That said, I've also had the experience of buying something, having it sit in my closet for a year or two, and then suddenly starting to wear it a ton. Sometimes it's like I just haven't figured out how?</p> <p>I think the concept of a "workhorse" is a really interesting one. We usually use it to mean something that we wear often. But, if you have two date night tops and you wear one of them every second time you go out for date night, then that top is kind of a workhorse! Even if you only go out once a month or what have you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072292 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:53:09 +0000 Joyce B 2072292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only know on real time and sometimes after having an orphaned item that all of a sudden becomes a workhorse. That was the case of my Canadienne boots that I did not wear for a year and the next year I wore them all the time. It would be nice to know at purchase time but that generally does not happen for me either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072284 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:28:28 +0000 Barbara Diane 2072284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I expect to get a lot of wear out of everything I purchase except special occasion and it’s so hot I don’t care I’ll wear it is the house or maybe on a more exercise walk clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072279 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:08:04 +0000 notsaf 2072279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I would love to read more about this from you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072278 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:07:44 +0000 Janet 2072278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I can and sometimes I’m totally wrong. </p> <p>Things like solid V neck tees, neutral tops (especially black) and jeans — yes. Generally I can predict a workhorse. Prints are less predictable. </p> <p>Footwear can be a little tricky because only a day or two of wear tells how comfortable something is, which is what drives my workhorse-worthiness for footwear. It can be the cutest shoe ever but it there is any issue with comfort, I just won’t wear them much. </p> <p>Ease of use for handbags is another predictor. I don’t like using very stiff bags with openings that are too small or hard to use. Ditto with bags that are slightly too small. But a solid color quality tote is likely a workhorse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072275 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:03:28 +0000 Cardiff girl 2072275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you find a way to this I am all Ears! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072271 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 22:59:41 +0000 Anonymous 2072271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no ability to predict these things. Some things I come home with that really excite me end up rarely worn. &nbsp;It bugs me too when I buy something thinking it's a basic wardrobe necessity that will magically pull things together ....and then said thing also hangs unworn. The weirdest things have become workhorses though - like the Pumas in my find below. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/predicting-wardrobe-workhorses#post-2072267 Sat, 26 Oct 2019 22:46:04 +0000 fathenry 2072267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a late trend adopter so whatever I choose is not too fashion risky. Unexpected challenges happen most with shoes so I try to buy them at Nordstrom so I know I can return them.<br /> Other criteria:<br /> -Pieces have to be resilient enough to stand up to 3 pets<br /> -Invest less in the riskier items and more in the tried and true<br /> -Easy care, not a ton of ironing and dry cleaning and hand washing<br /> - Not too tight in the areas of my body I'm less comfortable with (like pants with no give in the waist, bodycon shirts, pieces with a big horizontal line at the waist, tight across the tummy or anything requiring a belt, etc.)<br /> -Not too difficult to style (i.e. skirts for me)<br /> -Brands I've had luck with holding up<br /> -Did I love it when I put it on or did I have to convince myself </p> <p>Plus climate, lifestyle, and commute:<br /> - Flats, low heels or block heels for dog walking<br /> -Shoe styles that stay on my feet (boots, booties, sneakers, Maryjanes, ankle straps)<br /> -Hooded jackets because it rains a lot<br /> -Cross body bags to be hands free </p>