https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 03:19:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974537 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 10:28:38 +0000 Mainelady 1974537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Joy! I am glad I can dress more casually and still look like a professional . I am never fully dressed until I add arm candy and a smile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974499 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 04:39:55 +0000 Anonymous 1974499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look wonderfully dressy enough and cosy warm and comfortable. I especially like your arm candy. It gives me ideas. My favorite is the outfit with the leopard scarf. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974473 Thu, 15 Nov 2018 01:08:21 +0000 Mainelady 1974473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christina F, thank you. You are right, being comfortable is becoming more important as time goes by and the umbrella of teaching grows.<br /> Oh Gaylene, I can almost see the accounting instructor.....yikes! As you said, both sad and kind of funny. Casualization has varying degrees and in some settings the level of casualization can make either a favorable, or unfavorable impression.<br /> Awwww thank you so much TG! You are right, keeping up with ( and often ahead of) the students is essential. I don’t have time to fuss with and adjust my clothing during the day. Thinking back to a comment that Angie once made about wearing clothing you can put on and forget about, that rings so true for working with children! When I make a mistake about how clothing will function at work, I only make that mistake once! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974402 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 19:12:34 +0000 Helena 1974402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, yes, yes to all of these. You have a few variations of a perfectly polished uniform here, which will take you through the Maine winter with style. I think you look perfectly proper for a teacher - you are neat, polished, approachable, and look like you are ready to work (professional-wise) but also, ready to <i>work </i>(with kids who I'm sure keep you hopping, moving, crouching, and running all day). Honestly, as a parent of primary-school aged kids, if I saw a teacher who was either too dressy or too business-y looking, I'd be wondering how the heck they were going to get their job done!</p> <p>11/10 for this set, my lovely! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974386 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:05:41 +0000 Gaylene 1974386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can SO relate to your situation because when I started full-time teaching in the 80s at the university, the standard was still jacket, skirts, and pumps for female professors—unless, of course, you were in a “creative” field. By the time I was thinking of retirement, “casualization” was in full swing and some of my colleagues were happily sporting whatever was trendy among their 18 and 19 year-old-students at the time. The sight of one accounting instructor in red-plaid pajama bottoms and a ripped sweatshirt, though, struggling to maintain his composure at an executive meeting, did strike me as both sad and funny. While his students may have loved his casual, comfortable “approachability”, his misinterpretation of the sartorial public requirements of his role had unintended effects. And, no, he never did get the tenured position he so badly wanted</p> <p>Looking approachable and “modern” while retaining your professional dignity as a seasoned professional isn’t that easy, but I think you’ve pulled it off in the outfits you’ve pictured here. You look like you’ve embraced “casualization” but not like you’ve been overtaken by it. Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974343 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:34:51 +0000 Christina F. 1974343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mainelady, your accessories game ups the level of these outfits so that they're extremely polished looking. Why not also be comfortable? As Angie says, everything is more casual now anyway. I'm sure you want to be comfortable, dealing with first graders all day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974305 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:10:49 +0000 Mainelady 1974305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn67, I agree, we are soooo fortunate to have a variety of fabrics that allow for movement and comfort. Sometimes it is tricky to find ones that maintain their shape without getting baggy in places.<br /> LOL Cee!<br /> Rachylou, ooh la la! Your French teacher sounds like she found her signature style and worked it!<br /> Thank you hgr. You are so kind. I don’t feel quite dressed until I add at least a little something to a top and pair of pants.<br /> JennaB, my sister gets credit for the bangles. She has stacked her bracelets for as long as I can remember and her combos are truly inspiring as well as beautiful.<br /> Thank you, Taylor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974257 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 02:17:31 +0000 taylor 1974257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More outfit cheers from me !<br /> Angie and Bijou Fully articulated my thoughts so well!<br /> You look FAB in each outfit and accessorized beautifully! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974251 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 01:14:36 +0000 Jenna B 1974251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Love, love, LOVE your looks! They left me with bangle envy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974246 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:13:08 +0000 hgr 1974246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great. &nbsp;I would call your style "casual chic" with more emphasis on "chic". &nbsp;Anyone can wear a top and pants to work but you still make an effort to make your outfits very nice. &nbsp;I enjoy seeing your photos. &nbsp;Keep up the good work. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1974051 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:42:13 +0000 rachylou 1974051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All these outfits look sharp and educational professional... and now you have me thinking about the beads one of my French teachers wore. She had a nice uniform... dress, slings, and her beads. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973978 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 23:25:21 +0000 Cee 1973978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*HONNNNK*</p> <p>Ta, my dear </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973822 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:54:33 +0000 lyn67 1973822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel casualisation at&nbsp;workplaces, too, or rather a "comfi"nalisation:-) so feeling comfy while still looking&nbsp; polished, I would say. We are lucky to have all the elastane and lycra contents for serving as a great favour, and I just love it! My fave is nr 1 (as hard to make a bl&amp;w outfit and not look too stiff-this time) but You always look polished and fab-these outfits prouve that again!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973818 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:32:37 +0000 Mainelady 1973818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Passing the tissues, Cee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973709 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 23:52:20 +0000 Cee 1973709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*Cries happy tears for ML* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973708 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 23:29:49 +0000 Mainelady 1973708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much Angie, Fashintern and L’Abeille. Your insights and wisdom make so much sense to me. How very true that times have changed. I think I may be a little late to the realization party that I have been hanging onto certain criteria for longer than necessary. It never occurred to me that as the world and expectations changed, not evolving with those changes would date me. I feel lighter, enlightened and very grateful for all the wisdom and support that dwells here.<br /> I am going to wear my boots and strut my more casual style with confidence! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride/page/2#post-1973658 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 20:56:21 +0000 Cee 1973658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's OK, ML... The evil cowlneck and I have achieved a truce and it has paid me compensation for the injuries I received getting knocked out multiple times by a heavy frypan.</p> <p>*Turns and shoos away pretty butterflies that aren't really there*&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973643 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 19:02:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1973643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>L’Abiele &amp; Maine Lady, no matter who your audience, I think your appearance matters for 30 seconds or until you begin speaking, whichever comes first. Yes, a polished appearance sets the tone and suggests competency and polish in other things, but at the end of the day, respect is what you want, and that comes from your performance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973642 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:57:55 +0000 L'Abeille 1973642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your outfits are great, and plenty professional for your elementary school audience. I agree with those above who point out that the world IS getting more casual, and making no changes whatsoever in your own style expression could create a dated/out of touch impression.</p> <p>I wonder if some of your questioning arises from the other roles you mention. I am seeing some parallels with my own experience here, so if it doesn't relate, just disregard. </p> <p>One on one with patients, I think my everyday style communicates appropriately (Gentlewoman, so never truly casual, but I am inescapably RATE). But if I am presenting to colleagues, or representing them, or meeting with a family to make difficult decisions, I do aim for a more traditionally professional look. I think of it as "she who must be obeyed". I may go for more structure, woven over knit, some kind of necktie analogue. But the most important element is the EYEBROWS. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973641 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:57:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1973641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boots + bracelets ftw! </p> <p>You wear these items so well, and look really pulled together here. I’m with everyone who has said that this casual style that’s easy to move in shows that the kids are important to you. And I also agree with those who say you always look classy and polished. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973630 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:35:27 +0000 Angie 1973630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The world has become more casual in dress code. That's a fact. You are keeping up with the times.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Mainelady,</b> you may dress more casually than you used to, but you look polished, chic, glam, current and pulled together. Each outfit here is a testament to your FABULOUS sense of style, and how you've managed to stay true to your dressy self in a more comfortable way. Rock on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973591 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 15:19:37 +0000 Mainelady 1973591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped, you have excellent suggestions to help me keep from being too casual or looking sloppy. Items that look tired and worn can erase any bit of professionalism.<br /> Thank you Cindysmith! I love my boots and living in Maine they get 3 seasons of wear!<br /> Shevia, thank you for lending some wisdom I hadn’t thought of. My graying hair combined with my longevity in my field with more than 39 years in the same district most likely add to my professional merit.<br /> Thank you, Suz! I appreciate the vote of having enough polish! That makes me happy.<br /> Jessiekams, I think you may be right. When I look around, I am still more professionally dressed than many of my peers. Maybe I need some time to relax into my new work wear style.....huge happiness factors come with dressing comfortably and more in line with my overall impression of who I am.<br /> Thank you, Cee! Warning, my causal style will include some cowl necks.<br /> Thank you Katerina! I think I have had a very specific idea in my head for a long time about what makes a person look professional and I have been keenly aware of how I am not only a classroom teacher, but also a representative for the profession. Respect needs to be earned, but appearance can go a long way toward opening the doors to credibility and to being given the opportunity to shine a light on the importance of quality education and that begins with quality educators and institutions.<br /> Kerry, thank you, your school system sounds a lot like mine. We live in an area well known for recreation. Lots of people wear very casual clothing and some gear to school: staff, parents, board members and some admin. My happiest work wear days are when we do outdoor classrooms and hiking. That is the ultimate professional happiness factor!<br /> Hee hee, suntiger. Thank you, I love my jewelry and no matter how casual my attire, my jewelry will always lean towards maximal. I like the pretty, of course, but I also like the weight. Some people wear compression garments. I wear baubles and bangles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973574 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 14:08:14 +0000 Anonymous 1973574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your pattern mix outfit especially, then second the red cardi Agree you are naturally polished! And your jewelry mixes are so interesting too-you are the jewelry mix master </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973554 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 13:00:28 +0000 kerry 1973554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look very polished in all of these looks. And, like others, I agree with Bijou that you have natural polish with your hair, footwear and accessories. I think you could go even more casual and still be appropriate for school. It depends a lot on the culture of the school and each one is different. </p> <p>I do not separate workwear and weekend wear. My school is pretty casual. It’s in a neighbourhood that embraces an active lifestyle and outdoor pursuits being near the lake and near the largest park in the city. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973545 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 09:49:46 +0000 Katerina 1973545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More love for your outfits from me, Mainelady! I cannot agree more about your natural polish. You are always elegant, no matter the degree of casual you wear.<br /> IMO, your outfits are professional. Where I live (Scandinavia), teachers often dress pretty casual, so here you would be on the dressy side of the spectrum, but I understand it is different in different parts of the world and probably also in different schools.<br /> I love how you wear the tall boots with sweaters and accessories - you look beatiful in these outfits. The long cardi-coats are super to. Your outfits are always “finnished” with great accessories and balanced. My fave here is no 10 - I really like the colours and the structure, but all outfits are truly fabulous,<br /> And thank you for this post. I have noticed the same “shift” in my own style preferences lately, craving more casual elements in my work outfits. Wonder why... Perhaps it is all the inspiration around. Seems like there are so many more casual options, street style fun styles out there than truly inspired professional (I mean more corporate) options. Or is it a contradiction in terms LOL? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973542 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 09:14:59 +0000 Cee 1973542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spectacular, ML </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973536 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 08:06:45 +0000 Jessikams 1973536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s a good sign that you notice your style changing as times change. It’s entirely possible that the world is just getting more and more casual, and work outfits also reflect that. If you did choose to focus on a more “polished” look, perhaps keeping boots and pants in the same color range would keep things looking dressier. However, I certainly don’t think you slook sloppy or unprofessional in these pics. You’re secure in your profession at this stage, maybe, and this allows for some comfort in your outfits too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973512 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 04:46:50 +0000 Suz 1973512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also you wear tall and mid height boots so well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973511 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 04:44:39 +0000 Suz 1973511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What LaPed and Archie said. You have natural polish and look very professional for an educational setting in the cold north! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-my-closet-craving-cozy-finding-my-casual-stride#post-1973495 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 04:01:36 +0000 Jaime 1973495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look polished and pretty much perfect. For me, one advantage of getting older is that my neck up gives me a bit more gravitas - taking some of the pressure off my outfits .&nbsp; </p>