https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:02:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186560 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:31:20 +0000 lyn67 2186560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, so kind of you to give us more visuals and it makes perfect sense! I see you are still using almost the same colors and cuts- which is very&nbsp; very intriguing to me-as I tend to make bigger difference between&nbsp; my&nbsp; capsules&nbsp; of dresses, say brighter colors, more pattern for casual and uni&nbsp; knee lengths shifts for the office. I keep the longer&nbsp; (midi) A-lines&nbsp; &nbsp;for for my summer casuals(viscoze, linen, cotton, jersey) or special events (in more luxe fabrics).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186530 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:07:57 +0000 Penny 2186530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, thank you, and if you enjoy the sunset colors, sounds like they absolutely belong in your wardrobe.&nbsp; In January and February, I wear tights, Canadian snow boots, and knee-length wrap coats - so far, it's worked out well!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186487 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:56:03 +0000 Anonymous 2186487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My inner minimalist loves this so much- but my magpie still needs the sunset colors :)<br /> I do love the idea of wearing nothing but dresses, but for me would be problematic in January and February. What do you do when it's bitter cold and a foot + of snow? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186474 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:02:16 +0000 Penny 2186474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Bijou, Sal, and Lyn67!</p> <p>Sal, thank you for sharing your signature looks - those sound like great combinations, and I love your&nbsp;moniker of Grown Up Charlie's Angel.</p> <p>Lyn67, a shift to a more casual style makes a lot of sense, and I have found having a number of dresses that don't read as too formal has made my wardrobe more practical.&nbsp; Following up on your question about my casual, event, and formal dresses, the style and fabric tend to be how I differentiate between categories.&nbsp; My casual dresses (e.g., a flutter sleeve dress with a tie waist) are for errands and low-key weekends, my event dresses (e.g., a sweetheart fit-and-flare dress) are for times like holidays with family, a date night, a baby shower, etc., and my formal dresses (e.g., an asymmetrical dress with a bit of shine in the fabric) are reserved for events like a wedding or a gala - definitely the category I have culled the most, as those events are the most rare.&nbsp; An example of each is below - thanks for asking!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186436 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:01:02 +0000 lyn67 2186436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh-your closet/wardrobe looks so very luxe! I am also a fan of dresses (&amp;for me more skirts, too) and not so much of jeans other than white-but I do have and love some cigarette and culotte pants, too! I loved to have a peak in your style refining process---high five for that consciousness achieved on the way!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Loved to read you could differentiate your uniform of dresses in the so many capsules you mentioned. I think in your picties&nbsp; we can mostly see your work capsules of navy and greys-some duplicated indeed:-).&nbsp;</p> <p>I used to have business shift&nbsp; dresses for&nbsp; work&nbsp; but over the years and due to casualisation I switched to much more casual types. Also&nbsp; wear a dress mostly in summer and have only a few sweater and sleeved ones for cold-- but again they are all much more casual now.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, I would really be curious about your "five weekend casual dresses, four weekend “event” dresses, and two formal dresses". This because would like me see (if possible) how someone else differentiate between these capsules of the same item.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you very very much for sharing, I don't have that life-but&nbsp; the bag capsule makes me green of envy!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186413 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:24:12 +0000 Sal 2186413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting and lovely post - I love your signature style that works for you.&nbsp; Brilliant!!&nbsp; And I can relate to feeling more confident in your style and being able to choose some special accessories that complement your closet.</p> <p>My signature looks are not as cohesive as yours - but I have worked out a few key things that have helped me:<br />- I don't layer unless I have to (for warmth reasons) so pieces need to stand on their own.&nbsp; I do wear jackets, scarves and coats happily but if I rarely layer for it's own sake.<br />- I like a mix in my outfits - with at least one bolder piece or accessory in each outfit.&nbsp; I don't like too much going on, but I don't like outfits made of all classics.<br />- my moniker is Grown Up Charlies Angel and I try and keep this in mind (a bit of fun, a touch of glamour, a dose of practicality, a sporty edge, and 1970s influences).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186402 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:41:35 +0000 Bijou 2186402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this - your wardrobe organisation is fabulous and wow - those handbags are just gorgeous.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186395 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 03:16:15 +0000 Penny 2186395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Helena, and Rachylou, great to hear that you've had similar success at Ross!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz, thank you, and I am right there with you on sourcing navy!&nbsp; There's hardly a retail site that I haven't filtered for "dresses / blue" and scoured for great navy pieces, and I have curated mine from many retailers over many years.&nbsp; As I haven't had as much luck as I'd like at retail, recently, I have focused on Poshmark - and although not all the dresses all have worked out, it's a small investment to have found a number of pieces that have, indeed, become workhorses.&nbsp; Your pieces are marvelous!&nbsp; Wishing us both luck on the quest to find more . . .&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186386 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 02:33:51 +0000 Suz 2186386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a beautifully curated closet! I'm also in awe of your ability to source washable dresses -- that is some superpower. I will keep my eyes open for MM Lafleur and others.&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone who adores navy, I'd love to know where/ how you source some of your navy items. I have a lot in my closet, but am always on the hunt for more. I don't have all my navy dresses in Finds but a few are below. You'll note that one is a 2 piece, but the pieces worn together are a dress. (The Nicole Miller photo shows a brighter cobalt but my actual dress is a bright navy).&nbsp;</p> <p>Missing here is a simple knit Ralph Lauren sleevelss shift sweater dress in cotton -- works brilliantly for spring and fall with a topper but can also be layered over silk blouses effectively. And travels well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186363 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:33:13 +0000 rachylou 2186363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must say that I have a number of popular, washable dresses from Ross. Thanks for your list! I should really try to remember to look at Zappos more often! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186359 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:21:51 +0000 Helena 2186359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sophisticated and timeless - beautiful signature style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186273 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:15:03 +0000 Penny 2186273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Cardiff Girl, Irina, and Jenn!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Rachylou, I do have some favorite brands - like Loft for casual dresses and MM LaFleur for business dresses - although my washable dresses are from many sources.&nbsp; I've found amazing dresses from a variety of brands over the years, primarily from Ross, local consignment shops, Zappos, and Poshmark, and rarely more than one from the same brand.&nbsp; As a blend of polyester and spandex washes well and rarely wrinkles, I tend to look for fabric composition and style over brand, and "leave no retail stone unturned."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Irina, that's correct that I have duplicated a few of my favorite dresses in the same color - I tend to switch off wearing them to reduce the wear.&nbsp; And indeed, no pants or jeans in my wardrobe (or skirts, as I find dresses easier) - I decided about a decade ago they weren't for me, slowly shed them all, and haven't looked back!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186252 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:52:59 +0000 Jenn 2186252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. This is so soothing to look at, and I can tell that your handbags must bring you joy. Everything looks beautifully loved and cared for. </p> <p>I have found I’m happiest with a limited color palette, as well, although I vary silhouette much more than you do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186248 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:14:47 +0000 rachylou 2186248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say - do you have a few go-to brands? Now I’m supremely curious about your washable business dresses... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186237 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:46:13 +0000 Irina 2186237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I’ve seen closets with very limited color selection before and always admired it.<br />&nbsp;It seems that some of your dresses are duplicated in the same color. Is it right? &nbsp;Also, you don’t wear pants or jeans?<br />You have a wonderful bag collection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186228 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:34:38 +0000 Cardiff girl 2186228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I am in awe of your closet,it looks beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186209 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 13:16:26 +0000 Penny 2186209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Janet, Jenni NZ, Liesbeth, Star, and Staysfit!&nbsp; Appreciate the kind words and support of this wonderful community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Jenni NZ, if you love color and sassy shoes, I can absolutely see how a higher wardrobe number makes a lot of sense for you to give you variety - if it's working for you and your preferences, I'd embrace it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Staysfit, glad to hear your shared commitment on&nbsp;easy-to-launder items and a refined color palette.&nbsp; Good luck finding the balance that gives you the variety that works for you in color and silhouette, and in defining your warm weather outfit/silhouette preferences.&nbsp; And I love your point about it being helpful to your mental state to dress for your role on workdays - it's wonderful how our style can support us that way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186180 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:49:50 +0000 Staysfit 2186180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Penny, thanks for sharing! &nbsp;I am impressed that you have been able to find so many work appropriate, machine washable dresses! &nbsp;When I purchase anything new I endeavor to find easy to launder items made of natural and sustainable fibers. &nbsp;Your closet &nbsp;looks serene and your choices clearly reflect your functional needs. It’s inspiring as there are many aspects to which I aspire. I continue to hone my wardrobe and work towards better functionality.&nbsp;&nbsp;I find it interesting that as I have become more secure in my style preferences and functional needs, my color palette has also become more restricted—selected neutrals, fewer colors, almost no pattern. &nbsp;This winter, I realized that I could shift to a “uniform” of grey turtleneck and some sort of slim straight full length pants (mostly jeans). &nbsp;I tried to wear that formula at least 2-3 days a week, but found that I craved more variety in color and silhouette. When I increased to three outfit formulas, I found my personal comfort level for variety. &nbsp; I require different outfit formulas for the warm months. &nbsp;I prefer dresses but have not refined my preferences to a particular color. &nbsp;I hope to better refine my warm weather outfit/silhouette preferences this year. &nbsp;Like you, I plan to continue work with a hybrid of remote and in person days. &nbsp;I have not altered my clothing formula much for remote work except for adding brighter lipstick. &nbsp;I have found it helpful to my mental state to dress for my role on workdays.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186178 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:44:43 +0000 Star (Lise) 2186178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done on getting to know your preferences so well, very inspirational. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186173 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:25:03 +0000 Liesbeth 2186173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is definitely my fantasy closet: amazingly organized and co-ordinated, superbly elegant. In real life I need more variation, both for practical as personality reasons. Glad you found your groove! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186158 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:27:34 +0000 Jenni NZ 2186158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well how you have set up your closet is stunning! I am interested in your numbers too- mine are still at around 160 for everything which includes shoes, so your 120 is quite a bit less. I feel like my number is still a little high since I have trouble wearing it all enough. But mine is not curated like yours because our styles are opposite, I love colour and sassy shoes. Congratulations on being so clear on your style preferences! Sounds like it works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186095 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:25:11 +0000 Janet 2186095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you have honed your style and I admire the focus, as well as your gorgeous closet!</p> <p>I’m not far from you — love that Old Town area! It’s been too long since I was there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186094 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:17:23 +0000 Penny 2186094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Angie, Lisa P, LaPed, and Rachylou.&nbsp; I draw so much inspiration from YLF - such terrific insights and analysis&nbsp;in this community!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186090 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:06:26 +0000 Angie 2186090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautifully organized closet! It’s your happy place, and thanks for sharing :)</p> <p>Go Team Custom Pearl Necklace! LOVE yours. It’s stunning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186086 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 23:33:29 +0000 Anonymous 2186086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Straight out of a magazine shoot ! I’m impressed by your immaculate closet and handbag shelf and by how well you have your needs figured out . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186074 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 22:43:11 +0000 LaPed 2186074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a beautifully curated closet!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186073 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 22:42:17 +0000 rachylou 2186073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You also seem to have quite a bit of grey and sage! Very elegant all around </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-a-journey-to-signature-style#post-2186068 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 21:59:57 +0000 Penny 2186068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie’s post about the factors impacting our style resonated with me, and I’ve been enjoying reading the related comments and forum posts.&nbsp; To share a few of my own reflections, I’ve spent the last several years refining my signature style and balancing the categories of my wardrobe to better reflect the reality of my life.</p> <p>With respect to my internal style factors – sartorial preferences, figure-flattering priorities, and outfit variety – I feel my best in navy and black dresses with little variation in style and silhouette, although many have details, like asymmetrical necklines or ruffles, that make them feel different to me.&nbsp; I have a variety of burgundy handbags&nbsp;– my signature color for handbags&nbsp;– and accessorize primarily with pearls or sculptural silver jewelry.&nbsp; All told, I have 120 items to cover everything from weddings to beach trips, not counting exact duplicates, which I keep in rotation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>With respect to external style factors, this wardrobe works well for my climate (Alexandria, Virginia, so a relatively mild four seasons), lifestyle (professional – likely a mix of remote and in-person work when life returns to normal, with long walks to our nearby Old Town being my preferred physical activity), and storage space (limited, in a house almost a hundred years old).&nbsp; As a note on climate, during colder months, I favor dresses with at least some sleeve, along with tights, boots, and navy wrap coats. &nbsp;Since we keep our house toasty, I rarely add a topper inside, other than occasionally a cashmere ruana at my desk, or a cropped blazer for the most formal aspects of serving my clients as a healthcare lawyer.</p> <p>My biggest revelation on this style journey was that I truly am much happier with a limited color palette and types of items that easily mix and match.&nbsp; And my biggest challenge has absolutely been an imaginary life of formal events – although I have always embraced being dressy, I finally have only dresses that are machine washable (especially with a young daughter), and the vast majority of which will suit the office, working from home, or weekend wear. I have a distinct capsule for each setting: five sleeved work dresses, five “suiting” dresses that I can wear alone or with blazers, six work-from-home dresses, five weekend casual dresses, four weekend “event” dresses, and two formal dresses.&nbsp; But I could easily wear most of my work-from-home clothes on weekends, or my office wear while working from home, so there’s fluidity and flexibility. &nbsp;I also shifted more to flat and wedge shoes, although I retained a few heels for special events.</p> <p>A few fun upgrades over the last several years, permitted by my budget and careful purchases, have been some special jewelry purchases (including a custom pearl necklace) and some lovely handbags.&nbsp; Now that I know what I love and will likely wear for decades, given my longstanding style preferences, I have felt comfortable investing in a few select pieces that have already brought me great joy.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Photos of my closets below, along with some of my finds.&nbsp; Welcome<br /> any thoughts from others on balancing their capsules – particularly as we shifted to working from home – or the journey to a signature style. </p>