https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 05:02:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924634 Sat, 02 Jun 2018 00:15:06 +0000 Anonymous 1924634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3STYLE- this is so strange- I recently came to the “separate” pullover aha moment myself. I was like “duh” why did it take so long to come to that conclusion. Too funny<br /> GAYLENE- I too entered the workforce in the 70 but took the lists too literally for my lifestyle. I have smartened up a bit since then- allegedly;-)<br /> LAURA- I didn’t know she had a blog- will have to check it out- maybe she references in the last chapter- but not so far.<br /> GIGI- similar experience- I guess it just goes to show we are always evolving.<br /> Thanks Fabbers- great thoughts, ideas and smiles </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924628 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 23:42:50 +0000 Gigi 1924628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the other comments. I like those types of lists only as inspiration. If something doesn't resonate with me, then I don't buy it. For instance, I think that denim jacket is probably on several lists, and for years I didn't have a denim jacket because it just didn't feel like "me." Well, this past year I felt drawn to buy a denim jacket (my style changed slightly), so I finally bought one (after much searching for the right one). So my creative self eventually led me to what I needed, without the aid of the list. If I had bought a denim jacket prior to actually feeling drawn to do so, I'm guessing it would have ended up being culled.</p> <p>I think the lists can be helpful for organizing your thoughts regarding what you want to prioritize for purchases. For instance, if you are reading a list and see a certain item, you might say, "Why, yes! Come to think of it, I have really liked outfits that use item X. I think that would be helpful to my style journey to have." Or you might say, "I hadn't thought of buying item X, but come to think of it, it would really make sense for my lifestyle. It might be extremely functional." And so forth. </p> <p>But I think that buying an item for the sole sake of the item being on a list is going to lead to disappointment more times than not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924610 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 22:49:33 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1924610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you have seen Anuschka’s blog you’ll know she’s got a very specific POV - minimalist in aesthetic but very trend-driven. So I’m not surprised the typical lists of wardrobe musts don’t appeal to her.</p> <p>I find them useful as a starting point, or maybe I should say I did; these days I’ve got a pretty good sense of what I need and what I’ll actually use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924551 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:48:21 +0000 Gaylene 1924551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laughing at Rachylou’s spot-on assessment.A wardrobe which works for any occasion by allowing you blend in with the serving staff! Maybe that’s a clue as to who designed these lists? </p> <p>On a slightly more serious note, maybe these lists made more sense in previous decades when clothes were expensive and closets were very small? When you have a limited budget and are spending the equivalent two weeks wages on a skirt, different priorities come into play. These lists were actually quite useful to me when I started my career in the early seventies. In my case, I DIDN’T want to stand out for my individual fashion sense. What I needed was a very small, very tight, capsule of good-looking clothes which let me move in circles where adult women were very well dressed (and most had had much more money to spend on their closets than I did). Blending in was my goal and those lists helped me navigate some tricky dress codes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924536 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:51:43 +0000 3style 1924536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The main thing that I learned from essentials list in recent years pertains to pullover fit. I read that for my style it made sense to have a few pullovers on the bodycon side of tailored to wear by themselves, and a few on the fluid end of tailored to wear over button down shirts and blouses. I had previously been trying to get everything in a straight up tailored fit and found it didn’t really work very well either alone (too drafty) or with stuff bunching under it. I generally do like a tailored fit the most, so this was quite the revelation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists/page/2#post-1924526 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:29:00 +0000 Anonymous 1924526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Wow&nbsp; I am amazed that this trench thing is taking on a life of its own.&nbsp; I am so happy to hear that some of you do own "trenches" that are waterproof. That is what took me so long in my search for one in a particular shade of blue- London Fog- and it has a hood.&nbsp; I have had rain trenches with zip in/out linings but agreed they are not very warm in winter but do the trick in spring and fall. I like my new one because it is light enough to deal with summer shower.</div><div>JAILEEN and JENN- I do find lists to be both fun and a jumping off point.&nbsp; When I started considering what they had to say, I had lots of gaps in my closet vs lifestyle.&nbsp; And it did help stop the orphans as I went on.&nbsp; I never had all on my list but then again- I never found 2 lists alike. Now I think my wardrobe is more organic but I do look at lists to see what current thinking is on "classics"</div><div>Thanks for giving me a lot to think about.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924517 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:09:20 +0000 Jenn 1924517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I’m not gonna lie...I LOVE those lists. I suppose I’m part of the problem because “10 Things Every French Woman Has in Her Closet”? That’s an auto-click from me. “Fifteen Fall Wardrobe Essentials”? I am THERE. </p> <p>They’re fun and aspirational for me, and I actually do wear the heck out of my essentials. I mean, no, I don’t have leather pants and a crisp white shirt, but I quite enjoy putting in some red lipstick and pretending I’m that woman. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924499 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:22:30 +0000 JAileen 1924499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love looking at those lists. I agree with LaP re trenches. Really, not even waterproof? Plus here, most of our precipitation comes in the form of snow, and trenches aren’t warm enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924497 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:18:32 +0000 Style Fan 1924497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, you have a great Trench Coat collection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924496 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:15:44 +0000 Toban 1924496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sticking up for trenches, too. I hate hoods. Umbrellas and trenches are a great pairing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924490 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:03:14 +0000 Angie 1924490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to stick up for trenches. Mine are water resistant and I carry an umbrella - I live in Seattle and get the rain! One of them has a hood and is waterproof - although not really a trench coat.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924460 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:33:45 +0000 delurked 1924460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most generic lists don’t work for me. </p> <p>Laughing also with LP. I hate rain jackets with no hood and have never understood it for my own life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924447 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 10:39:29 +0000 Bijou 1924447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My opinions on these sorts of lists are mixed. I always feel quite happy to be rebellious and know that I don't have all the items on the list! Can you imagine a 100 item list - that sounds particularly oppressive and reminds me of high school book lists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924431 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:14:45 +0000 Mainelady 1924431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy reading the lists and noticing which items I gravitate to, which items are simply not me and if there is anything different I might want to consider. I don’t feel compelled to strictly follow any.<br /> Angie’s categories have helped me create my own lists. Her blog posts, comments and the posts and comments from forum Fabbers all help me define, learn, create and grow into my own sense of style. I adore the diversity and individuality represented here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924429 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:54:12 +0000 Style Fan 1924429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was never a fan of the list of Wardrobe Essentials.&nbsp; When I was working I did not dress in a classic style although I often wore blazers with trousers.&nbsp; I ran away from button-ups because they never fit me.&nbsp; I was heavily influenced by the 60s and 70s and liked a look that said 'free spirit'.<br />I do love Angie's concept of Wardrobe Essentials because it makes my Wardrobe more functional.&nbsp; I can make my own rules with her concept.</p> <p>Now having said all that I do own a trench coat and consider it one of my best purchases.&nbsp; It is a great coat to wear in the Spring and Autumn, goes with everything I own these days, travels well and has large pockets for dog supplies.&nbsp; After wearing it for 12 years my trench coat still looks like new.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924413 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 06:13:23 +0000 anne 1924413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just on the trench thing - I finally bought one this year after wanting one for some time, and found it really helpful for transitional weather (May in Australia). While not waterproof exactly, it&nbsp; was fine with an umbrella at repelling the oldd drop that got in - I'm not the sort to walk to the bus without an umbrella anyway - I want my bag to be covered! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924363 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 02:16:50 +0000 Jessikams 1924363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just adding more “hear, hear!” To LaPed’s comment on trenches. Who needs a non functioning raincoat in their lives? I guess it is supposed to function like a duster- just an added stylish layer. But when I lived in Southeast Asia, the idea of adding hot, stifling layers while not waterproofing was just laughable.</p> <p>As for the lists generally: as others have said, they serve as a primer for “surviving all possible events”— dinner party, office meeting, etc. but I think most of us already have too much in our closet and certainly don’t need to run out and buy more, just to match the list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924361 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 01:42:25 +0000 Kathie 1924361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Efbgen, trust me, I do not have it together. That’s why I read this blog, and continue to analyze much of the advice and experience in shaping my own wardrobe. The top picks are better than any personal stylist I’ve used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924355 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:42:40 +0000 Anonymous 1924355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KATHIE- wow- I am going to have to pay attention to your posts. You certainly have it all together in this fashion arena- color me a jealous fan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924340 Thu, 31 May 2018 23:31:21 +0000 Kathie 1924340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla summed up my thoughts. I’ve read the lists, particularly when I changed careers, and was looking for a more “urban professional” vibe. It helped point me in the direction of a few pieces that made my entire wardrobe work better, but in a way that was still me. For example, the crisp white shirt. I never owned one until my late 30s. Now I have two, and they are in fairly heavy rotation for three seasons of the year. As for the trench coat- while I love the style, and it works with my train-commuting lifestyle, a black or khaki one sounded like one of the most boring items I could buy. So, I found one in teal, that makes me happy every time I wear it. I’m also on the fence about black pumps. I love having a few pairs of dressier heels, but realized that fun colors would be much more interesting than black.</p> <p>But, I completely agree with everyone who’s pointed out that these lists really only work for people in a small subset of careers and life stages. Even with my urban professional life, I only have about half the items on any list, and I still manage to get dressed every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924316 Thu, 31 May 2018 21:24:02 +0000 Anonymous 1924316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>RACHYLOU- you crack me up- yes I imagine using the list to be able to function within norms of society makes it a good thing- making me smile twice in one day- yay!</div><div><br /></div><div>LAPED- must have read a different list- I didn't realize that trenches are not waterproof.&nbsp; I always considered a trench a type of all weather coat and always bought them as such- I thought it was just a style of raincoat- goes to show you what I know- obviously little.</div><div><br /></div><div>EMILY &amp; Daisy- my thoughts exactly!</div><div><br /></div><div>RUNCARLA- I use to do the same thing of checking it against my closet but then that is how I discovered some were orphans while others were hits.&nbsp; I also found it a great jumping off point at a time in my life when I had gaping holes in wardrobe for certain occasions.&nbsp; eg- lots of work stuff but zero for casual/but must look good functions on weekend. But I never felt it interfered with my creativity</div><div><br /></div><div>JOY, JANET, LISA, TG- you seem to be in majority.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all- we will see how the book progresses.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924304 Thu, 31 May 2018 20:40:24 +0000 Anonymous 1924304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Con. Essentials can be very varied, depending on climate, activities, life style, and personal style. Like you said, they should be considered suggestions as a place to start. One persons LBD can be another's pinstripe pant suit, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924301 Thu, 31 May 2018 20:27:38 +0000 Daisy Avalin 1924301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As with several of you, I always found these types of lists to be unsuitable or dated for my lifestyle - even as an office worker, I didn't wear suits/pencil skirts/classic shirts, nor do I have the sort of life which requires a LBD (even for weddings, I attend them so infrequently that I need a new outfit for each because my size/style can change). &nbsp;Now, as a SAHM/uniformed worker, I find they're even more out of touch!</p> <p>I do find that they're good jumping off points as Runcarla suggests; what is in my wardrobe which 'matches' an item on the list, and what therefore is my wardrobe missing to round out my style/wardrobe. &nbsp;But it's more of making a new list out of my wardrobe and noting items/gaps that I need to look into rather than compiling a wardrobe based on someone else's list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924297 Thu, 31 May 2018 20:17:52 +0000 Carla 1924297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I never met a list I didn't like! However my preference is for the smaller - 10 things - types of lists. They are good jumping off points. When I first came across these lists I looked at my own closet first to learn how MY wardrobe matched up and what might be missing, and then tried to figure out why? These lists inspired some purchases that I treated as a challenge and experiment. Ex. A leather moto, jean jacket, chambray shirt. I actually never owned any of these until I turned 50, and now I love having these items in my closet. I was going to say a white button down didn't stick, but then I remembered MY version, which is a silky cream button down that is an important part of my dressy capsule, and the same with black pointy toe pump - yet I have a low heeled version of the classic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924293 Thu, 31 May 2018 19:57:51 +0000 Janet 1924293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve never paid those lists much attention, and to me they’ve always seemed simultaneously too broad and too specific to one type of lifestyle. I don’t require a “professional” wardrobe (and even when I wasn’t self-employed, I worked in a creative field with a lot of leeway in dressing style), so why do I need the perfect classic trouser or a trench coat or a pencil skirt or a classic white button-front shirt? </p> <p>I figure they are useful for some people who need some guidance and a checklist, but are probably not terribly into expressing their creativity through their clothing. I think it’s great if some people find them useful, but they’re not for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924292 Thu, 31 May 2018 19:40:35 +0000 Emily K 1924292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>**Laughing at LaPed's trench coat comment! &nbsp;I totally agree!** &nbsp; I think these lists have a use for people who really, truly, do not know how to get started forming a wardrobe. &nbsp;They get you off and running with a complete set of wearable outfits that will suffice for most common occasions. &nbsp;And, maybe those who don't put a lot of thought into their wardrobes will remain stuck in this stage for a long time, getting good use out of their basic pieces? &nbsp;I mean, sometimes it seems to take people a long time to find out that 27 silky, bohemian blouses does not a wardrobe make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924291 Thu, 31 May 2018 19:19:51 +0000 Helena 1924291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These lists work for me to a very limited extent, because I have a classic style and they tend to be filled with classic pieces. That said, I use them as food for thought only, because they are impossibly generic and cannot possibly work for anyone 100% ... I ignore some items, substitute others, and stock up on others.</p> <p>So, like most 'rules', they are more useful when used as a tool to be customized rather than a gospel to be followed imo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924289 Thu, 31 May 2018 19:00:19 +0000 Anonymous 1924289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those lists never work for me, and are too broad in scope to appeal to everyone. &nbsp;I will be just fine without a pleated skirt , a white shirt and a trench coat in my life. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924280 Thu, 31 May 2018 18:25:11 +0000 LaPed 1924280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I'm a bit of an outlier in that I always treated those lists with disregard. For example: a trench coat -- a raincoat that's not really waterproof and has no hood? -- who could possibly "need" one of those?! But I also more or less skipped the "young urban professional" phase where I might have needed to build a wardrobe all at once, according to an unspoken set of social norms. I have a pretty solid idea of my own essentials, but they don't have much to do with the ubiquitous "must-have" lists.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pro-or-con-wardrobe-essential-lists#post-1924279 Thu, 31 May 2018 18:18:26 +0000 rachylou 1924279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, it’s kinda funny: I’ve come to see those lists as being for people fundamentally not interested in fashion. I think they represent a list of useful items for functioning in society respectably with a minimum of thought and effort. With your white shirt, black skirt and black pumps - while it may not be flattering - you will however look supremely decent in a wide variety of settings. Including and especially if you do table service, lol </p>