https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:32:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs/page/2#post-1396636 Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:42:13 +0000 jackiec 1396636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread! I say if it works for you, the keep running with it. As others have said you've honed your style. I am not sure I have a uniform, of sorts. However, I do really stick to a couple of silhouettes, and am pretty predictable in my knitwear/denim combinations. I actually returned to more colour last fall right around this time. This year, though, I'm still doing a lot of grey. I think your uniform sounds simple and chic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs/page/2#post-1396633 Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:38:39 +0000 Aziraphale 1396633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, I'm certainly never going to be running the world...but I do feel like my life is out-of-control busy at times. :-)</p> <p>Adelfa, interesting that you wish you had a 'uniform'.&nbsp;I'm not sure that there's anything better about uniform dressing (and really, I don't have one uniform, but two or three), but I'm fascinated to read that it appears to have some sort of broad appeal.</p> <p>Dimity: there's a trend? Huh. Well fancy that. I'm definitely not into 'normcore', however!</p> <p>SuzyQ2, great to hear I have company. Interesting that you also 'quit' colour in your forties. I wonder if this says something about the generally&nbsp;hectic pace of life in that stage of life. (I haven't totally quit colour, btw -- I do wear it sometimes on my bottom half. I have the odd colourful skirt at several pairs of red shoes. I just don't wear it on top anymore).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1396458 Fri, 14 Nov 2014 04:05:25 +0000 SuzyQ2 1396458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my early 40's I quit color. Black or blue bottoms, black shoes or boots and black or gray tops. Shopping was a breeze, I could bypass racks of colorful clothes because my choices were narrowed. Packing for trips was efforless, everthing matched. When I turned 50 I slowly branched back into color and after a few years I realized its just not for me. The colorful tops and sweaters remain on the hangers while I consistently reach for my dark favorites.<br /> I've also worn the same ring and earrings for a few years now. No one seems to notice my "uniform" and I always feel put together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1396413 Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:54:43 +0000 Dimity 1396413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The desire to simplify one's wardrobe is actually a worldwide trend that has been spotted by trend forecasters. You're very hip! Google 'normcore' and you'll see lots of interesting news articles about it, including references to Steve Jobs' style of dress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395878 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:09:58 +0000 Adelfa 1395878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm envious--I've always wanted a uniform and have often had a quasi-uniform. My realization this year has been that I want more variety than I think I want, or than I want to want. At least for now. I'm convinced that one day I'll have a uniform like yours, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395728 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:57:34 +0000 Lisa 1395728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a uniform is a great idea as long as you are happy sporting it!&nbsp; I wear jeans and boots 3/4 of the year and never tire of them.&nbsp; And I'm slowly shifting to less variety of colors in my wardrobe.&nbsp; I think once you find something that works very well, most other options just keep falling flat.&nbsp; Kudos to you for finding your uniform! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395531 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:31:01 +0000 rachylou 1395531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The peeps who run the world always dress plain or do a uniform... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395523 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:20:12 +0000 gryffin 1395523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale - come check out my closet and you'll feel better.&nbsp; I got the feeling JCrew might be discontinuing the jackie shell.&nbsp; I just bought 4 of them (I must never be without them!!).&nbsp; I am so happy wearing the same pieces often in the same way, so if that's weird, I'll be your weird company on this one.&nbsp; But then I could eat the same things for years at a time and be happy too!&nbsp; I like what I like!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395517 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 20:48:25 +0000 Aziraphale 1395517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin - quick answer is YES. Very happy. I was just feeling like it's a bit weird, that's all. I posted this mostly just as a random observation after looking in my closet that morning and seeing rows of very similar tops -- and also&nbsp;to see if anyone else is headed the same way.</p> <p>(high five --&nbsp;I also own the j crew black 'jackie' shell. I wear it over a white button-front shirt and blue jeans). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395512 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 20:39:31 +0000 gryffin 1395512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale - I can think of only one significant question to ask you.&nbsp; Does your wardrobe make you happy?&nbsp; Everything hinges on that alone.&nbsp; I stripped down my wardrobe to black, gray, denim and a hint of white several years ago.&nbsp; I have a uniform of long jacket, tunic, leggings, boots/booties.&nbsp; This gets varied by swapping mini dress for tunic.&nbsp; That's my go to work wear.&nbsp; I wear diamond studs, delicate white gold/diamond watch, wedding/engagement ring and a braided gold chain with a charm of my dog on it every single day.&nbsp; I only swap out jewelry for special events.&nbsp; I love the sound of your uniform and I would wear it in a heart beat.&nbsp; On weekends it's jeans, Jcrew jackie black shell, great belt (black/embellished) black blazer.&nbsp; boots/booties.&nbsp; In a way a uniform is much like a game of chess.&nbsp; The board and pieces are fixed but the nuances and variations are endless - I focus - like you- on perfect pieces (trying!!), texture, proportion and when I find that perfect piece I dupliate like no one's business (I'm looking at you gray and black gap simmer jeans!! - the latest major duplication).&nbsp; I have a consistent look I love and I'm happy.&nbsp; You only have to ask yourself if your uniform makes you happy?&nbsp; If you do,&nbsp; you've simply found yourself and there is nothing wrong with that!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395418 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:48:26 +0000 Aziraphale 1395418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Betty Crocker&nbsp;-- yes, colour (or lack thereof) is definitely a preference. There is no right or wrong, of course. :-)</p> <p>Elly, I think people comment when you wear colour because of <i>their</i> preferences, not yours. Most people are captivated by colour. Plus, if it's different than the neutrals that you normally wear, people are more likely to comment. I've certainly found that if I wear <i>anything</i> that different from my norm, it'll get commented on.</p> <p>I love colourful shoes, too. I've got three pairs of red shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395405 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:35:42 +0000 Anonymous 1395405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like bright colors, but I most definitely prefer color. There's no way I could be happy in neutrals. Nothing against neutrals, mind you. I dress that way from time to time. I just like color better, even if only a pop of it near my face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395403 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:30:29 +0000 Elly 1395403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great insights . . .&nbsp;</p> <p>I am a neutral lover and absolutely enamored of the ensemble Angie posted mixing navy, charcoal, and black over a year ago and some of the recent BR ads all in dark neutrals. I think that dark neutrals are the most striking with my coloring and I never get "bored" of them, the way I get sick of say pink. I also like almost exclusively neutrals at home, then add one or two colorful pieces -- I think you have to be careful with color though, because I never want it to look cheap.</p> <p>That said, I mostly get compliments (except from the SO) when I wear color, and I wonder if I look better or just because most the people I see (at work, etc.) are color lovers and it is unusual for me to be wearing it. I do love colorful shoes, and want to try to give myself the option of color in accessories with some scarves and hats.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />I never struggled with SAD (although it &nbsp;runs in my family) but my current workplace and hours mean that it is pretty dreary in the winter.</p> <p>I'm also an artist (although not professional) my speciality is b&amp;w photography -- shades of grey, blackest blacks, with a few highlights. That said, I also dabble with oil pastel and acrylic paint on the side and get into color there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395374 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:54:17 +0000 Aziraphale 1395374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I'm doing that too -- working on shapes and textures rather than colour. It's a way of narrowing the choices a bit. Silhouette plus texture plus pattern plus colour adds up to too much for my brain to compute!&nbsp;I don't get seasonal affective disorder, though, so I'm not worried about the lack of colour come January!&nbsp;</p> <p>It's not that I hate colour, btw --&nbsp;it's just that I prefer neutrals. My artwork tends to be mostly black-and-white/greyscale as well.&nbsp;I've noticed that other illustrators who work in greyscale tend to wear mostly neutrals, too. It must be an ingrained preference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395369 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:46:13 +0000 Elly 1395369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm kinda of having a similar thing. Right now my closet is 95% black, charcoal, and navy--- and very strong on the black side. Right now I have 2 drapey black blouses for gallery openings, 2 black high-neck pullovers, 3 charcoal grey tops, and so on. I do buy identical layering tees and sometimes 2 of the same jeans, etc.&nbsp;Now, &nbsp;in the summer I am way more likely to buy two of my favorite black tops especially if it is something I like to wear with several bottoms or both to work and on weekends. I'm enjoying playing with different shapes, textures, etc. within the color palette, but am a bit afraid that I will be sad come January and then have a hard time working color in piece by piece, since I tend to like warm colors and the black/charcoal/navy can read a little cool.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395358 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:27:19 +0000 Aziraphale 1395358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firecracker -- ah, but do you have duplicates that are <i>exactly</i> the same? I'm not kidding when I say I have six identical black slash neck tees. And two identical black crew neck tees. And two identical black scoop neck drape-y&nbsp;linen tees. And three identical white crew neck tees...the list goes on. ;-)</p> <p>As for duplicating things in a different colour -- which I also do sometimes -- I fully agree with you. If I have an item in two different colours, I will invariably&nbsp;wear one of them a lot more. That's why, in recent years, I've taken to buying multiples in the same colour. Which is what makes me occasionally feel like I'm turning into Steve Jobs, or at least that my closet is.&nbsp;I imagine his closet contained a row of identical black mock turtlenecks -- well, mine has a row of verrrrry similar black tee shirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395118 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 05:43:49 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1395118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I have this impulse when I find something I really like: I think, "I want to wear <i>this</i> all the time!" And then I kind of want to find everything I can that is <i>just like it</i>, without being the exact same thing. And yet, I know, deep down, that I won't duplicate the satisfaction I get from that favorite item. Sometimes I do buy repeats of an item in different colors, and often, I end up wearing the original way more than the second one. But anyway, your approach appeals to me in that it seems to achieve that goal of getting a high level of happiness or satisfaction out of each item or each outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1395010 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 02:31:54 +0000 Aziraphale 1395010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Betty Crocker, I'm not like Steve Jobs in other ways (I'm not a dick, for one thing, and I'm not a marketing genius either!) but it's true I have other outlets for self-expression besides clothing. Fashion is definitely secondary to art.</p> <p>Unfrumped, I definitely feel like I have 'zeroed in' on a few uniforms. The silhouettes look different, see, depending on the bottoms I choose. I'm more of a repeater with tops. I'm trying to wear only outfits I feel fab in (aren't we all). ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>Kerry, sorry to hear you've been sick! It's all those germy kids, I tell ya. I was a teacher once -- older kids, though, so not nearly so many viruses!&nbsp;It is indeed a steep learning curve. It will get easier soon.&nbsp;</p> <p>Elle, I love getting rid of stuff. I have a hard time doing it, but it's so freeing when you let go of things that are weighing you down!</p> <p>Firecracker, I definitely take special care to get just the right tee shirts and pants. (I'm a little more experimental with skirts, but not much, and I wear skirt much less). I have different types of tees -- some of them are traditional crew neck ones, and others are more like what Angie calls 'borderline' tees -- but of those, I have a lot of duplicates. I like jeans shopping and can usually find ones that fit right, but I'm pretty picky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394955 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:41:18 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1394955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting! I haven't had this happen. I'm drawn to the idea of less choice, but I do like variety. I would not be happy dressing the way you describe, though I admire the contentment you've achieved. Do you take special care to get just the right t-shirts, pants, and skirts? Are there certain styles and fabrics, or perhaps brands, that you seek out in them? Just curious about how much curation goes into this small selection that is working so nicely for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394953 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:28:09 +0000 Elle 1394953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your "uniform" sounds very stylish and very you.&nbsp; So congratulations. I love the idea of paring down and sticking with what works. I"m also at the stage where I'm getting rid of stuff and it feels great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394935 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 23:13:17 +0000 kerry 1394935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've finally developed a "uniform" I like. Life is very busy right now with a new teaching job (holy steep learning curve!), a 5 year old and a husband who works very long days. This uniform has been great - skinny bottoms, fluid top, long cardigan and boots. I add variety by changing colours and boots but really there's not much variety! And right now, I don't care! I've been sick with viruses for the last 7 weeks (kindergarten germs!) and having this easy fall back means I feel like me and I don't have to think about my clothes all day - no adjusting, pulling up, pulling down! Yay! </p> <p>I'm sure I'll be bored out of my mind by January but by then the husband will be home, viruses (I hope) will be gone and my learning curve's incline will have lost a couple of degrees - then I can enjoy changing up my outfits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394889 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:17:01 +0000 unfrumped 1394889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it can be very useful. Sometimes the alternative is having lots more choices and outfits but not nearly so many great choices or outfits. I could see that happening in my closet with being too quick to add things here or there.</p> <p>If you're really feeling too "narrow" perhaps you could identify just 2-3 "uniforms" and perfect those.</p> <p>And I am on board with bj1111--I'll wear an outfit out on Sat night and &nbsp;then to church, and then maybe to work, with&nbsp;minor tweaks for the&nbsp;different&nbsp;occasions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394882 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:45:27 +0000 Anonymous 1394882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It must be nice to wear the same thing day after day, year after year. It sure would make it easier to sort laundry. I personally can't do it, though. I like to express myself through my clothing, while Steve Jobs expressed himself through technology. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394834 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:24:22 +0000 Aziraphale 1394834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I agree, I'd never wear the exact same shoes every day! Coats and jackets vary too. But there is an appeal to having limited choices when it comes to the foundation of an outfit.</p> <p>Lol, Dianthus, did Steve Jobs stop bathing? Ew.&nbsp;</p> <p>elpgal, yes, my life is very busy right now, so I'm sure that's part of it. I've noticed that with our home, too, I'm well past the 'acquisitional' stage. You know, when you first move out, you need stuff so you keep adding to your home? For us that mindset went on for a number of years. Now I'm trying to get rid of stuff. Waning vs. waxing. And now it's happening with my wardrobe, too. :-)</p> <p>bj1111, great article! I'm working right now so I only skimmed it, but I will read it more thoroughly later.&nbsp;I do feel like I have to make so many decisions every day that it's overwhelming. </p> <p>Lol LisaP, neither am I. But maybe I should pick up tips from them. ;-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394833 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:23:31 +0000 Anonymous 1394833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting. &nbsp;All the people I can name quickly, whose style I admire, wear a "uniform" of sorts:&nbsp;&nbsp; Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Emmanuel Alt, Diane Von Furstenburg, etc . I think it's a cool idea, and also remember reading a snippet about why Obama (for example) wear a uniform to reduce the number of decisions to make in a day. &nbsp;And there is something to the notion that what you do should be more important than what you are wearing:) </p> <p>I've toyed with the notion, but have not been terribly successful - which could explain why I am not President of the US or the inventor of the Apple product line. &nbsp;<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394802 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:34:49 +0000 bj1111 1394802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>see this article by barry schwartz on the tyranny of choice.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bschwar1/Sci.Amer.pdf">http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocS.....i.Amer.pdf</a></p> <p>steve jobs and obama and others wear the same things over and over again to decrease the number of choices they have to make in a given day. &nbsp;there is literature on the optimum number of choices that one can make with sufficient discrimination during a day (or some short time period). &nbsp;removing some nonessential (to you) choices help you make better decisions later.</p> <p>this is why i sometimes wear exactly the same outfit on successive days (to different offices) especially if i really liked the outfit. &nbsp;one less decision.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394801 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:34:07 +0000 elpgal 1394801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me a similar change happened when things in my life got increasingly complicated (not sad or not busy, just complicated). Maybe I was compensating? It wasn't a conscious decision. Over a period of time, I lost my appetite for fussy and variety dressing. You don't have to answer me but are there things in your life that may be be causing these changes? Or is it merely a style preference? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394799 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:29:41 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1394799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am relieved to know it is simply a narrow selection of style/color and not that you have given up bathing. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394798 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:29:08 +0000 Suz 1394798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear the same earrings almost every day. Except for special occasions. Same cuff bracelet most days (if I wear a bracelet). Same wedding ring. Almost never wear other jewellery.&nbsp;</p> <p>I truly see the appeal of a uniform. At the moment, I seem to enjoy variety too much to adopt one. But sometimes I wonder, if I find exactly the right pieces in the right colours (or neutrals) for me, will I simply let the rest fall to the side? I can imagine this happening. But the pieces would have to feel exactly right in some undefinable way.&nbsp;</p> <p>And then I still think I'd want to spice things up with jackets, coats, scarves, footwear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Come to think of it, the whole uniform dressing thing might work better for me in a temperate climate where the uniform would simply be a "base layer" for the more interesting additions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/slowly-turning-into-steve-jobs#post-1394792 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:18:10 +0000 Aziraphale 1394792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>abc, you are correct -- Steve Jobs wasn't exactly stylish -- but he famously wore the same uniform every day. I think it was a sort of statement -- about&nbsp;how his mind was so occupied by 'important things' that he streamlined those tasks&nbsp;he saw as unimportant, like getting dressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>But there is a sort of appeal to that for me. I don't want to wear the <i>exact</i> same tee shirt every day, but I love the idea of limited choices. </p>