https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:57:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231930 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:57:32 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2231930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great picks on the jeans and the pumps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231928 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:51:22 +0000 Lesley 2231928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I came to a similar conclusion about transitional seasons this year! Must be because we are all having an unseasonably warm fall (I love it, I must admit). I have been doing more fall buying despite the fact that I usually just wear what I've got, because I live in a snow capital and we often just jump right over fall, but when you get a nice fall, it's nice to feel like you actually have stuff to wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231818 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:42:13 +0000 Helena 2231818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I think the mix of warms and cools is so modern - even if the cool is in your hair! I bet it will look great. I am really into charcoal at the moment too - it looks so rich to my eye, esp. when mixed with lighter neutrals.</p> <p>Sarah, I used Anushka Rees' book The Curated Closet as a jumping off point for my planning (if you google her site, you'll find a lot of the tools in her blog archives I believe). It's good, but I am working on letting my intuition lead, and using her methods in my own way. But it is a good book/process, and one that is "on the side of the wearer" as Angie would say - not prescriptive.</p> <p>We have lots of family in Australia and it's painful to see the lovely spring weather photos as we stare down the start of the cold weather!! *sob* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231772 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:56:44 +0000 Anonymous 2231772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great plan that will help keep you from buying what you don’t need. &nbsp;Black patent usually looks dressy. &nbsp;You blue coat looks lavender on my monitor. &nbsp;You maybe should consider the matching dress. &nbsp;<div>I am also hoping to do lots of replacing this year but also hope to switch tans and beige for grays and hope this is a good idea ( a change of neutrals). &nbsp;I am second guessing this decision because of my gray hair, although it has gotten whiter in the past year. &nbsp;So I plan to proceed slowly and keep relooking at this decision. &nbsp;If I keep a grey, I suspect it will be charcoal.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231687 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:10:07 +0000 Sarah 2231687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the blue coat too.&nbsp; I purchased a soft blue trench coat eight years ago, and still feel fabulous in it whenever I wear it.&nbsp; Beautiful with white, black, grey, and burgundy.&nbsp; It is also my favourite colour to wear over or with animal print - shifts to an elegant look.</p> <p>Great plan shopping plan, and I would love to know if you use any tools (like mood boards) to create it? I am on the other side of the world, so thinking late Spring and Summer wardrobe refresh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231668 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:15:23 +0000 Helena 2231668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firecracker thanks so much!! Yes, I think this is more the vibe I had in mind if going for a flat ... the Viola one that cat2 has on the list is so pretty!</p> <p>Thank you so much all the awesome suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231648 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:15:48 +0000 cat2 2231648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firecracker: Thanks, I just put the Cole Haan Viola flats on my Wishlist so I can watch for a sale. I ended up wearing all of my flats much more than I expected; with WFH I keep them in constant rotation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231627 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:19:50 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2231627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>What a well thought-out list. All your recent purchases look fantastic to me, and I can envision them getting a lot of wear, with good longevity. When you described a "black dress shoe," one that is "all-season" and "dressy," I thought of a low-heeled pump that would go easily with jeans or with trousers or dresses. But I don't know that you have skirts or dresses that you'd wear with a pump, so maybe a loafer is more useful. But I'm thinking a refined loafer, one that leans more toward ballet flat than toward a menswear/oxford vibe. <br /></div><div>I went "shopping" at Nordstrom and collected these flats that I could see you wearing, for some ideas.Your style is so classic and refined, even in casual looks, and that's what I was looking for in this collection. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231561 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:58:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2231561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RobinF, free advice is worth what you paid for it, but here’s my thought on a colored coat; get an accent color, not one of your main colors. That way you won’t have to worry about pairings just close enough to make you wince, but you will have items that pick up the color of the coat, even if it’s just a little bit of pattern on a background of your main color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231554 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:23:17 +0000 RobinF 2231554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a very thorough and sensible list. Loafers would be perfect for in between season wear. I have several that I pull out at this time of year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Love the coat. I am struggling with a coat color issue as well - I need a new puffer and have an old black one that is my winter go-to. I am tempted to get a new one in a color, but will it be versatile enough?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231553 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:19:06 +0000 LaPed 2231553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow, I am nodding along with so much of what you wrote. I love how considered and intentional, yet organic, your style shift feels. That blue coat is gorgeous (what a great addition to all your blush and burgundy!), and the chunky boots in a lighter colour feel so fresh and are a perfect complement to your new hair.</p> <p>Year-round dressy black shoe was a wardrobe hole I noticed this year too. I outgrew a pair of oxfords that weren’t feeling quite right style-wise, and it took quite a bit of puzzling to find a replacement. I can’t get loafers to stay on my feet, so I ended up with a simple black low-heeled Mary Janes from Clark’s (super versatile and on super sale). Maybe too vintage/twee for others, but they feel very in-line with my style, whether with a skirt or juxtaposed with jeans.</p> <p>The struggle to embrace all the aspects of your life/persona when you’re a parent is real. Pandemic life has pushed me to embrace and upgrade my gear collection and I feel a lot more intentional in my tights and running shoes than I used to. It takes a lot of discipline to purchase the *right* gear and loungewear for your style rather than just cobbling things together from clearance racks, but it makes such a difference! Especially if a big part of your social life involves sports/outdoors, it’s really worth putting some thought and dollars into those categories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231513 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 03:59:36 +0000 Carla 2231513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your mention of a shiny skirt and loafers made me think of this look that I’ve got&nbsp;“pinned’ for style inspo.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231512 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 03:58:38 +0000 Bijou 2231512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great seasonal refresh. I particularly love the blue coat. If I were you I would also add a red coat if the right one comes along as well because:<br />1. You have long winters<br />2. Red can work as a neutral<br />3. Most importantly, you look FAB in red! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231489 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 02:07:06 +0000 Jaime 2231489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything is well thought out and makes perfect sense. Only one thought is maybe consider a brown shoe, given your new hair color and also what is available right now. I am all over (in an ogling sense) the lug sole loafers that are out right now. Want to see outfits, but I am greedy like that . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231441 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 21:25:25 +0000 Suz 2231441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like we're on similar trajectories. I just about fainted when I realized how much I had ordered at one time! Yikes! I know I won't keep all of it, and truly, my wardrobe needs updating. But still.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love that blue coat and hope it works out for you. An accent blouse that works with that (and the new boots would be great).&nbsp;</p> <p>I fully agree that a dressy black shoe is a useful item to own over the long haul.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231432 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 21:03:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2231432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the idea of presentable pjs for visits to &amp; from family &amp; friends. I think I’m already on the record with support for fun and attractive lingerie of all sorts, even if no one sees it but you.</p> <p>Cat2, that’s a good point, and a scary one, about widening weather swings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231412 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:53:08 +0000 Sal 2231412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems like a slight style shift is happening- and lifestyle tweaks as your children age.</p> <p>I have a single pair of black pumps which I wear about four times a year- very pleased to have them though. I could see sling backs working for you too?</p> <p>It’s tricky with weather that is unpredictable. This winter my wet weather gear was more useful and my suede boots less so. Last summer I wore more summer jumpers than the year prior when I rarely needed a topper at all. </p> <p>And I am One who likes a good range of lingerie and pyjamas - from practical blacks and cottons to bras with pretty straps. PJs that work if staying with friends and camisoles in a range of colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231402 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:02:11 +0000 Anonymous 2231402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well-thought-out plan! Cute boots </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231379 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:51:06 +0000 Jonesy 2231379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun, fun, fun! Everything seems very thoughtful and well-suited to your needs (I second your enthusiasm for doing more on the weekends without kids, as they age into more independent teens!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231374 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:37:50 +0000 Kaelyn 2231374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list--I'm really excited for you! And I'm seconding Stagiaire Fash's suggestion about loafers with a slight heel; they're comfy and dressy and definitely look good year-round.</p> <p>A lot of your ideas resonated with me, too. I'm also having to figure out how much transition weather stuff I need, and when to hang onto something if I don't wear it because of the weather vs get rid of it because it *keeps* not being worn.</p> <p>Happy shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231371 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:25:40 +0000 celia 2231371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also bought the RW coat(for full disclosure I also bought the sweater dress). Isn't the color lovely? I think that will look smashing with your new hair color and a good bridge between the cooler and warmer colors in your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231370 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:21:34 +0000 Jenn 2231370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That coat is beautiful!</p> <p>Honestly, all of these items seem really practical. There's a real satisfaction to being able to pull out just the right thing for various weather conditions. &nbsp;I've been spending a lot of time staring at my closet this week, trying to figure out what exactly is right to wear for our current conditions. You've actually spent the time to think it through, and that's admirable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231367 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:15:15 +0000 rachylou 2231367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dusty blue coat is so lovely! Ok… *rubbing* hands together… fun is on the horizon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231358 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:11:16 +0000 Helena 2231358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all for the support and ideas!</p> <p>cat2, you're so right - if the reason I'm editing something is the weather, I should probably think twice - maybe three times!</p> <p>Sarah, thank you, and you are right - medium blue will look lovely with burgundy *puts scarf with both colours on wishlist*</p> <p>SF great point around pulling out the favourites and cute shoes! Good idea to add a dress element somehow.</p> <p>slimcat and Tanya; thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231352 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:03:02 +0000 cat2 2231352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seconding the idea of keeping core items from year to year. Last year we had a cool Spring and I wore all my lightweight sweaters. This year we went from Winter to full on Summer heat really quickly and I didn’t touch them except when we went to the windy coast. I think overall our weather is getting more unpredictable, with broader swings from year to year, so I would keep your closet options open. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231349 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:50:51 +0000 SarahD8 2231349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post, Helena, thanks for taking the time to share this. I think your plan sounds really sensible. I really like that blue coat and hope you find you enjoy the combination of medium blue and burgundy as much as I do!</p> <p>Agree with you that it's worth having things for weather conditions that may not show up every year -- and agree with SF that pulling out old favorites is much more pleasant than panic shopping!</p> <p>Your post and a few other recent ones in this vein have got me thinking about my wardrobe needs and shopping strategy for the season ahead -- maybe it would be useful for me to take the time to write things out as you have done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231346 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:37:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2231346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That dusk blue coat is lovely. I’m very much on board with tucking away things you don’t need at the present, to dust off when they are called for. I find that greeting old favorites is a delight, much more enjoyable than the stress and pressure of shopping for replacements. These all sound like they could be evergreen components, never really going out of style. </p> <p>ETA For the black shoes, what about loafers with a teeny bit of heel? That’s what I was looking for, in burgundy or black, when I got these in February and July. They both fill the function I wanted the black or burgundy loafers to fill, the cognac better than the navy Riekers, because they work better year round, IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231343 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:27:03 +0000 slim cat 2231343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great plan and already good start in a fall season shopping. The coat looks fab! Good luck with hunting special pieces for your wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231332 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:57:00 +0000 Tanya 2231332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like an excellent plan all around Helena!&nbsp; &nbsp;Love the dusty blue coat, very pretty.&nbsp; Curious to see how it all comes together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-building-year#post-2231324 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:35:59 +0000 Helena 2231324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone, just doing some musing on my shopping strategy for the fall/winter season, which I've decided is a re-building time for me. I've come to three big things recently that have launched this quest! </p> <ul> <li>I am embracing that I have <b>different elements to my lifestyle</b> - I am a mix of activewear, casual classic, and even a touch of dressy, in terms of what I do and what I foresee myself doing over the next few years (hooray for teenagers who are more than happy to have their parents leave them alone in the evening on the weekend lol). I can justify investing (at different levels) in <b>all </b>these areas.</li> <li><u><b><i>UPDATE: purchased two pairs of jeans - see finds!</i></b></u>&nbsp; New silhouettes. I am fully ready to embrace <b>new jeans silhouettes</b> - a big shift after 10+ years of skinnies! I also love leggings and joggers, and am enjoying them more too.</li> <li>Usually our transition seasons are short, but occasionally - like this year - we are blessed with a prolonged fall or spring - it's <b>ok for me to have clothing that works for this, even if it doesn't get a ton of use every single year</b>! I got rid of a few good items over the last few years because I never get a chance to wear them - well this season was my chance, and I don't have them! Lesson learned!</li> </ul> <p>Here are the items currently on my wishlist - I see this as a project to take place over the next several months (and perhaps even fall/winter 2022).</p> <ul> <li>gray sweater - in a different shape or style than my usual crewneck. Could be a polished sweatshirt.</li> <li>chambray shirt - undecided on this, but I have it as a placeholder - it may get bumped for a light shacket if I see one I love, or may get skipped altogether</li> <li>new jammies/bras/etc. - this whole capsule has been woefully neglected</li> <li>a black dress shoe - because I don't have a single 'all season' shoe that's dressy - it's either sandals or booties/boots - that smartens up a jeans and top look. Thinking a loafer, but maybe even a heel of some sort? I'm open. <b><i><u>Update: purchased a pair of block heels - super comfy, with a removable chain detail that blings them up or makes them more conservative, depending on the situation. See finds!</u></i></b></li> <li>a dark neutral dress and/or a dark neutral skirt (or a nearly neutral such as burgundy). I'm loving some of the silky skirts available. Open. This might be something I look at to create a festive outfit for the holidays.</li> <li>a loose turtleneck in a neutral or nearly-neutral. Possibly a polished sweatshirt version.</li> <li>new tall boots. Maybe brown?</li> <li>white and gray short sleeve tees. I'm sort of over the linen-y, drape-y ones I've been wearing (although they are still great for hot weather). Looking for the more fitted style that looks good with looser jeans.</li> <li>accent blouse. If I see one I love. Something that would be nice with jeans for a date night or dinner with friends.</li> </ul> <p><b>Already purchased</b>: new crews in white and burgundy, stompy-ish boots, a wool coat in a soft dusty blue (I hope it will be as versatile as a true neutral, but if not, I'm determined not too worry - it's a long winter, if I need a second wool coat, that's ok!), looser jeans (girlfriend and straight cuts) in black and dark blue (just ordered - when they arrive I will decide whether they serve different purposes, or whether one will suffice).&nbsp; </p> <p>It seems like a ton of shopping and actually freaks me out a bit when I read it - but I feel like some of these items will be in my closet for a few years and get worn to death as most are pretty classic, but more up to date (I think!)</p> <p>Phew, that was longer than expected. Thanks for reading if you got this far, and thoughts/suggestions/advice/wisdom always welcomed! xox</p> </p>