YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Signature...or rut?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Signature...or rut? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:20:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jeanie on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1795260 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 03:49:58 +0000 Jeanie 1795260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know what you mean.  I gravitate to my navy and ink items so much as well.  I try on other things when I'm getting dressed but nothing "feels" quite the same or has that sophistication while suiting my coloring.  Maybe this is how others feel about wearing black.  It does sound like a signature style for you.  And it sounds like you are possibly on your way to a pared down wardrobe with items you know are your signature. CocoLion on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1795230 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 02:50:00 +0000 CocoLion 1795230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too love navy.  I think navy combined with a pale grayish lilac would look great on you.  (You might already be aware of this.)  I think navy is flattering on many different types, as is coral and teal/turquoise.  It does not hurt to continuing acquiring navy.  I use the stalk/sale approach for high quality items in colors I'm collecting, especially if they are useful essentials that I can wear every day. cindysmith on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1795221 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 02:08:16 +0000 cindysmith 1795221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like a signature style to me :-) I never get tired of navy either. It's kinder to my pale skin and grey hair than black Helena on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1795044 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:25:13 +0000 Helena 1795044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - I've missed your musings! Fwiw, I think this sounds like a fantastic signature look (and I'm not just saying that because I love navy AND your style and therefore look forward to seeing what inspiration you'll serve up next!). I think you commented you have different prints and this is a great way to keep a signature color from getting boring. I love your comment about forcing yourself to include non-essentials in your wardrobe - this is something I need to work on too! Enjoy the next leg of your journey Isabel on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794998 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:27:32 +0000 Isabel 1794998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the French 5 strategy. I don't see it as a rut. I think that you may be settling into your signature style for the next few years. It says something that it has become almost intuitive for you to wear and reach for certain things : while looking fantastic and feeling confident. That is the holy grail, isn't it ? I know that you used to bore very easily with your clothes. Maybe you don't anymore yet you still have a great outlet to keep it lively and "moving".  And I LOVE what Dana said,  "Yours in REAL !" Dana on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794993 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:21:30 +0000 Dana 1794993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I agree with everyone! It looks like a very workable wardrobe. I say kudos to you for finding how much you love navy/ink and getting away from black. I think navy/ink is hard to find, but it is so much friendlier to most women than black, but the stores push: black, black, black!  I'm still working on finding "my" neutral. I really think charcoal grey is best on me, but it's so fall/winter...at a loss for s/s.  One last thing...you know, we see all of these capsules on Pinterest and they all look so perfect--on paper. Yours is real, so another reason to pat yourself on the back!! Suz on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794236 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 17:42:31 +0000 Suz 1794236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ann, absolutely, I love fuchsia/ magenta, teal, reds/ berries, lilacs/ plums. and will still include them in my closet. I just tend to like them as "occasional" items, or as outerwear, scarves, accessories, and statement pieces vs. my daily uniform.  Emily, Sterling -- thanks!  Rambling Ann on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794193 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:17:44 +0000 Rambling Ann 1794193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, are you still feeling the magenta in small doses? I imagine some of the pieces you already have (if not too dressy) would blend nicely with the navy, once it's more like spring. Like AviaMaria showed. I love the sneaks she found. Emily K on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794187 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:10:15 +0000 Emily K 1794187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your response to Angie re: Flexible French Five -- "Flexible French Five" which is actually aimed at ensuring I include non-essentials in my closet and may, paradoxically, result in more purchases than fewer (at least for a while) -- represents exactly my point of view, although I may implement in flawed fashion. Anonymous on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794177 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:43:57 +0000 Anonymous 1794177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Any woman that could make this statement:  My navy/ ink stuff is what I do not tire of. I always feel capable, confident, smart, professional, dramatic, and easy in ink/navy should be dancing in the streets.  I know this is my wardrobe goal.  Suz on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794173 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:29:53 +0000 Suz 1794173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your picks, AV! You look great in stripes and florals, and yes, stripes are a neutral. :) Thanks, Angie -- glad that makes sense.  AviaMariah on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794170 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:25:06 +0000 AviaMariah 1794170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been in much the same boat.  I have so much going on that I feel like I need to simplify, simplify, simply in order to not feel frazzled.  I'm been focusing on not shopping as much and simplifying my wardrobe and have found that I'm happiest when I have a good amount of quality, well fitting and and comfortable neutrals.  For me neutrals are black, gray, ink and a little white (and stripes!).  With spring on the way (hopefully) I have been wondering if I'm still going to be happy with neutrals in summer.  I think I will as long as I have the occasional punch of color.  I think I need a variety of tops and maybe even pants in color but I'm think accessories might be even more important.  I'm haven't totally decided what those accessories are going to be but I'm thinking shoes, bags, jewelry, a jacket, vest, cardigan??  We'll have to see what's out there.   Angie on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794155 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 14:12:50 +0000 Angie 1794155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES. That makes perfect sense, Suz. Great strategy.  Suz on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794145 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 14:04:47 +0000 Suz 1794145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tex, I absolutely understand what you mean about feeling unsure and boxed in with colours and somewhere between warm and cool -- that is where I was until my hair greyed -- and while I wore charcoal well, light grey was not great on me then. (It's one of my best tones now, providing I add a bit of contrast with white or navy for punch). I think you are naturally a bit warmer complected than I am, perhaps, so your mileage may vary on that.  On makeup, I've pretty much stayed the same. I don't wear foundation, so we're talking concealer, lipstick, blush, brows, mascara, with a swipe of blue or grey eye pencil -- and that's what I've always worn, since I was wearing makeup. I tend to wear nude-for-me berry tones on my lips, with the occasional darker berry. AuthorLinda, I'd love to add some more teal, as it is one of my best colours. I'd also love to add more berries and reds, especially in winter. It may take some searching to find them.  LisaP, yes, I love the look of that shirt -- I hope it works. I had to order in petite because it was sold out in my usual size, but I sized up in petite to make up for it, and that's usually okay for me.   Angie, thank you -- and I hear you loud and clear on French Five. Actually, I'm aiming for a "Flexible French Five" which is actually aimed at ensuring I include non-essentials in my closet and may, paradoxically, result in more purchases than fewer (at least for a while). As you know, my tendency is to go essential, essential, essential -- and I do in fact enjoy an essentials-heavy wardrobe -- but, and it's a big but -- I also enjoy, no, love my "wardrobe pets" of very high quality statement items like my Minkoff bag. My goal is actually to ensure that I buy around 5 statement or "special" items per season. Meanwhile, I can replace/ upgrade/ adjust my wardrobe essentials at will (and these will count as part of my overall budget, but not as part of my "five"). Does that make sense?  My essentials for early spring include Cropped blue denim Cropped white denim Striped sweater Button front shirt in blue and white Knit tops in blue and white Trench Sneakers Bootie texstyle on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794138 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:47:26 +0000 texstyle 1794138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that it's Signature, not rut. You still wear and choose interesting pieces and seem to have your style figured out. Love those jcrew picks you posted!  I also love navy and many blue colors. My own hair seems to be hanging onto golden tones and for some reason wearing anything lighter gray hasn't been feeling right so I'm sticking with deep charcoal. I'm in between "warm" and "cool" right now. I still can wear some deep olive greens esp. if they lean towards neutral. I can't really wear ruddy red toned colors. I think I feel a bit boxed in with what colors to wear at the moment. Even makeup colors seem to be more of a question right now.  I wonder if you've changed your makeup colors or if they've stayed the same? Author Linda on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794135 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:40:24 +0000 Author Linda 1794135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also see signature. Your color palette and mine are quite similar. Navy. Periwinkle. Gray. Some pattern. I inject more aqua (my "summer" color). But the wardrobe you describe and items you're showing definitely have a cohesiveness I would attribute to a signature. Especially if you enjoy these colors, look good in them, and want more! Angie on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut/page/2#post-1794133 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:37:57 +0000 Angie 1794133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I vote signature, AND a form of "comfort food dressing" - which happens when we hunker down and life is somewhat stressful (especially in Winter). This is the next phase of your style journey Suz, and a meaningful one at that.  This is a great place to be with your style and wardrobe. You have put soooo much into it - and reap the reward over and over again. WELL DONE. If it isn't broken - don't fix it. See it through and keep listening to your emotions.  It took about a year to fully get used to the new colour of your hair, and how it conflicted and complimented with your wardrobe. Now you know what feels best, and you can build onto it. Excellent assessment.  As for the "French 5" - FWIW, I see little point in an inflexible shopping plan. I dress people and wardrobe plan with them for a living, and in my experience, it's best to have a proactive shopping plan that shapes to your needs and emotions throughout the year because they change. By all means set diciplined goals, but keep them flexible.  Anonymous on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794131 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:25:08 +0000 Anonymous 1794131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was eyeing that leopard print shirt on their website too. Didn't it look fantastic with that chambray skirt?  Oh how I miss wearing interesting clothes.... Suz on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794129 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:19:09 +0000 Suz 1794129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, guess what? I just put in an order at J. Crew -- not all navy! (But mostly). And not really hewing to the French 5 idea, either. Actually, I'm planning a modified version, which my budget will allow. Replacements of worn out essentials (even if upgrades in quality) will not count as part of my "five." The five will be new statement pieces or highly trend driven pieces. Thank you everyone for your comments. Smittie, high five for French five! Robin, Sisi, Bijou, Summer, Style Fan, Momofthree, Emilyk, Firecracker (nice to see you!!) -- thank you. LaPed, I hear you on navy/black in winter -- I agree that this combo can work. I've also been pairing navy with grey in winter (or rather, denim with grey) and this has worked really well to tone down the "prep." The truth is, I don't mind some prep, since I'm a bit of a prep at heart, but it has to be styled up prep. :) Lyn, why stop yourself from buying all navy? Be like me and buy all navy! Brooklyn, let me guess what one of your key neutrals will be -- burgundy? Or cognac? Or maybe deep green? Which -- along with the black, of course. Jenn, thanks for weighing in. It sounds as if your at home uniform is just like mine. Basically the same thing, with slight variation. I wear a pullover and jeans almost every single winter day (this year, mostly but not always navy and blue denim), and shorts and woven top or linen tee almost every day in summer -- for work at home, I mean -- and I add a lot more variety for any outings. I feel as if it helps me with decision fatigue and feels put together. Traci, I am so touched that you weighed in here with all that is going on in your mind and heart -- and with such an astute observation. Janet, thanks for echoing it. I think you're both right. The change in hair added drama and allowed me to focus a bit more clearly. AND, I want room for a wild card, too. Does a leopard print shirt count as a wild card? Probably not, since it may become a staple. Anyway, here's what I picked from J. Crew. Of these, the first three are definitely replacements/ refreshers of essentials so do not count in French 5. The 4th, while a metallic, is arguably part of my essentials also since it is a style I wear constantly in summer. The last two are potential "5s".  RobinF on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794119 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:24:42 +0000 RobinF 1794119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are definitely not in a rut! I love how you always look put together and totally "you". I can see how focusing on your colors keeps things simple but the individual pieces add such interest that it isn't boring at all. LaPed on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794118 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:24:04 +0000 LaPed 1794118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear navy or ink on a near-daily basis. I think it's a fabulous base for a gamine palette, as it can carry a bit of a masculine vibe. I finally cleared the mental hurdle of pairing navy with black, which has opened up many wardrobe possibilities for me, especially in the colder months. Navy/black/white is my favorite tonal-neutral combo. I also find that a bit of black can tone down navy's inherent prep factor. Anonymous on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794116 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:17:35 +0000 Anonymous 1794116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not much time to reply Suz, but I am doing the French 5 too! The concept must be in the ether. I feel like: why not? I think I'm going to have a loose 5 but an in-elastic budget (rather than the other way around) as it makes more sense to the money-manager in me. It sounds like you have a really good basis to make high quality additions. I know you love fashion and will probably want to experiment more with trends than the average French-5er, but maybe you can find a way to work that in. Maybe with denim and shoes, for example :-) Navy has been my best friend this winter too, and I don't mind repeating. So great to "see" you and I'm excited to see your picks. Janet on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794114 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:11:24 +0000 Janet 1794114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Traci has a good point -- when we've been working on something so long, it seems too easy when the effort is gone! I have never seen you in a rut, and it doesn't sound like a rut. But leave a little space in your shopping plan for an unexpected wild card, just in case. Traci on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794106 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 11:56:23 +0000 Traci 1794106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't it funny how we can become so accustomed to struggle that we almost feel like something is wrong if the struggle is removed?  I think you are certainly not in a rut, but rather in your groove.  I think your hair change solidified something that allowed all the other pieces to fall into place (not without work, of course!) in a way that has made  your wardrobe more concise.  Enjoy this moment!  You've earned it. Bijou on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794098 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 11:31:37 +0000 Bijou 1794098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definitely a signature and a great one at that! With the change in hair colour, I do think your colours have changed and the move towards more bold colours and contrasts seems to be part of taking advantage of your new look. To me you have never looked better! Summer on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794086 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 10:29:04 +0000 Summer 1794086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your uniform works perfectly and beautifully for you, Suz.  No sign of a style rut from where I'm sitting!  Style Fan on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794076 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 09:09:11 +0000 Style Fan 1794076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely see a signature style and a great one at that.  The French 5 is an intriguing idea. Navy is a great colour for you.  The navy works so well with your hair and eyes.  I need to check out those J Crew cashmere sweaters.  They were a hit on the forum. Silver sneakers and silver jewellery sound perfect. I find uniform dressing very freeing.  I am actually able to be more creative in my outfits now that I have found my "uniform". Sisi on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794067 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:13:20 +0000 Sisi 1794067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I look at your pics I see definitely a signature style. Your wardrobe is interesting and varied - no rut at all! Lyn D. on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794063 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 07:17:11 +0000 Lyn D. 1794063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you are in a great place Suz! I too like the 5 piece per season idea but I am struggling to justify it with my 1 in 1 out policy . Either the numbers increase or I let go an item I still like and may not yet have worn many times. It is so good that navy is more readily available these days (except in shoes, bags and leather jackets) I have to stop myself from buying everything in navy!. There is usually room for a new bag or belt though, and if they are in interesting colours or textures will be a good wardrobe addition. MomOfThree1980 on "Signature...or rut?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/signatureor-rut#post-1794048 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 04:35:28 +0000 MomOfThree1980 1794048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think there's always room for navy.  It's a neutral color that isnt super light like white or super dark like black and can still go with a variety of items.  Nothing wrong with always having a specific color in your wardrobe!