https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:33:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603884 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 20:12:26 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1603884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Windchime, do you find that you need to size up in order to fit the insoles? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603829 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:04:45 +0000 Zoe 1603829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small crossbody (holds tiny wallet, phone, comb &amp; chapstick) but often drop it into a large tote if I find myself in need of lots of gear.&nbsp; </p> <p>Ballet flats don't offer enough support for me, either, but I love a good classic loafer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603730 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:27:47 +0000 Windchime 1603730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, have you tried good orthotics in your ballet flats? I don't mean the relatively-inexpensive types you can get at Target. I can't think of the brand I use--sorry--but they're deep blue and around $40 a pair. I buy them at our local specialty athletic shoe store. I rotate between two pairs and use them in all my flat-soled shoes: ballet flats, loafers, athletic shoes, and even my snow boots. They make a tremendous difference in what type of footwear I wear and how long I can wear it. I walk quite a lot and find my two pairs of orthotics last a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603725 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:12:37 +0000 unfrumped 1603725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ekegant androgyny may hold the key, combined with what Approprio said. Menswear vibe is high- quality, tailored- fluid but practical. Perfect fit is important , though and could require budgeting for personal tailoring. That type of look is sharper than " athleisure"- more country estate holiday, but not using it to mean snobbery, more " form meets function".. Something Ralph Lauren, maybe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603570 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:17:34 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1603570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, lots of meaty responses to come back to; thank you all. My reply that got eaten by the computers included something like: My fear is that since my style in recent years has been pretty straightforward modern classic, with no 'subgenre' of goth or boho or edgy or kawaii or whatever,&nbsp; the 'flair' came from the dressier pieces, like heels or pointy-toed flats, or blazers. So if there aren't any of those items the outfits feel really boring and uninspired to me. </p> <p>My other problem is that sporty luxe / athleisure is the exact opposite of my personality. I like separating my gym gear and regular clothes and don't like the athleisure look for myself at all. (Not to mention I find workout clothes nearly impossible to shop for at my shape/size, so I tend to keep the ones I have for ages and they aren't current at all.)</p> <p>My style goal for most of 2015 was 'elegant androgyny' but I never really felt like I achieved that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603450 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:25:20 +0000 gryffin 1603450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I've never felt that fashionable, practical and comfortable are mutually exclusive. &nbsp;I just developed a neuroma in my left foot - so I am in footwear overhaul. &nbsp;First dansko has some great fashionable and comfortable styles. &nbsp;The lucille is an adorable chukka boot that works with jeans, skirts and leggings. &nbsp;They have a cute pair of larkin booties but they did not fit me as well. &nbsp;Ariat makes great boots, the heritage lacers are comfortable and great with all of the above. &nbsp;I don't own leather sneakers but a great pair of white leather looks great in the summer. &nbsp;Also this is where the third piece really amps it up, great jeans, simple top and blazer or great cardi. &nbsp;Add trench etc. &nbsp;I love a crossbody bag, I use the coach annabelle every day. &nbsp;I think when you rely on simple pieces having great fit, interesting details, nice accessories (never underestimate the wow of a fab belt) and you can be stylish, practical, and comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603418 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:20:04 +0000 approprio 1603418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a tough one isn't it? One of the reasons I take a lot of inspiration from menswear is because the emphasis is on the practical (flat shoes! generous pockets! hard-wearing fabrics!) but you can also make that practicality more dressy if you want to. In this vein,&nbsp;I've found it very useful to have lots of pairs of practical pants that aren't jeans and comfortable walking shoes that aren't sneakers.&nbsp;</p> <p>I identified some essentials in the last few years that really fit the bill for me and made it worthwhile investing. I now have a basic smart-casual uniform of crash pants and creepers that works really well for all kinds of occasions.&nbsp;</p> <p>And you're right about cross-body bags. I like having a smart backpack for the same reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603358 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:33:33 +0000 Anonymous 1603358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for leather sneakers. I wear metallic gold and pewter tones the most and also use Angie's trick of tucking the laces for a more streamlined look. I like striped tees with a blazer with my jeans and informal cotton bandanas and scarves, but a medallion necklace or stack of bracelets also dresses up a casual look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603352 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:23:08 +0000 Colette 1603352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just had a conversation with my highschool friend about my style evolution and how I've come full circle back to the classic, simple style I had in high school, but with better jewelry. It's similar to what smithie said about getting really nice, current, versions of those items... </p> <p>I do switch shoes and purses all the time. I like all styles of purses; satchel, cross body, clutch/wristlet. I just love cross body purses for heavy duty errands! I hope you find one that works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603348 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:09:36 +0000 unfrumped 1603348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super post!<br /> What Gaylene said.<br /> But it is HARD for my to match the comfort I can get in an athletic shoe or sport shoe.<br /> I would not wear a heel for a day of walking on " my own time".<br /> I think some decisions are how much to be Sporty Luxe, which includes leather sneaks and Euro walking laceups and such, vs. very comfortable Smart Casual, which might mean flat sharp-looking boots with good cushioning, (by design or with added insoles), or elegant loafers( same criteria- for me could not be pointy or pinchy.<br /> Not limiting you to set style types; just using them as shortcuts.<br /> If I am at home when deciding to go for a real outdoor exercise walk, it's hard to beat the comfort of changing into a sport walking shoe, so I don't have a " style" goal for that, really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603345 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 13:29:00 +0000 Anonymous 1603345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. &nbsp;This is a GREAT post. &nbsp;I must have missed it earlier. &nbsp; </p> <p>I'm THRILLED that I am skewing practical rather than trendy. &nbsp;This is enhancing my style rather then detracting from it (it is like I am being true to myself when in the past I more lemming-like). &nbsp;Being true to myself actually "relaxes" me. &nbsp;It certainly makes me happier. &nbsp;</p> <p>Like Gaylene, I am seeking out the <u>most comfortable,</u> yet&nbsp;still<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>fashionable, alternatives. &nbsp;It takes a bit more time to find them, but once I find them, I am in love. &nbsp;</p> <p>Right now, I am particularly loving the flat shoes/leather sneaker trend. &nbsp;I find them practical, comfortable, and stylish. &nbsp;I will never go back to heels. &nbsp;NEVER. &nbsp;</p> <p>Laura -- I found a lot of great shoes in 2015. &nbsp; I wish I had collected them here on YLF. &nbsp;I didn't. &nbsp;These are great sneakers though. &nbsp;If Nordstrom ever stocks them in my size again, I'll be buying them. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603265 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 05:23:37 +0000 Gaylene 1603265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"How do you do something fashionable with a pair of comfortable jeans, practical shoes, and a top you can move in, especially when you're not the willowy model."</p> <p>If your personal style veers more towards elegant than high school, I think you owe it to yourself to think a bit more before you just settle on just comfortable and washable as your new fashion direction. ;)</p> <p>Retiring and moving to a city meant I now walk everywhere, rain or shine, bike to the store for groceries, and often have lunch in a nice bistro with my husband. Comfort and practicality are important, but so is feeling like me. My essentials for my current look are washable cashmere sweaters in winter and asymmetrical linen tops in summer, tissue-weight T's and turtlenecks for layering, well-cut jeans (dark wash in winter, white in summer), slim ankle pants, Fluevog heeled boots, leather sneakers and oxfords, flat boots, a well-cut rain coat, a wool peacoat, a leather bomber jacket, and a sleek crossbody bag. None of this is remotely like what I wore in high school, but it all meets my requirements for comfort, practicality, and functionality. </p> <p>I guess my point is that you might want to think a bit about how you can find comfort and practicality in a look that also keeps you aesthetically happy. Sneakers, jeans, combat boots, and flannel shirts aren't the only way to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603263 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 05:05:05 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1603263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grr. I had written a long reply about why I'm concerned about what this might mean for my style, but apparently it didn't go through. sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603020 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:52:57 +0000 Anonymous 1603020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Laura - I think I can provide a couple of suggestions.</p> <p>re:&nbsp;</p> <p>How do you do something fashionable with a pair of comfortable jeans, practical shoes, and a top you can move in, especially when you're not the willowy model type?</p> <p>--you get really nice, current, versions of those things and make sure they look as new as possible.</p> <p>re: cross body bags --- I know you just bought a few bags, but for your future bag needs, I highly recommend Roots for crossbody bags. I've not come across nicer leather. They have a lot of selection too.&nbsp;</p> <p>re: Maybe I'm regressing back to my high school self, who wore jeans, combat boots, and t-shirts and a flannel 90% of the time. &nbsp;-- haha! Those were the days...But you know, all of those things seem to be in style now, so maybe you'll just look on-trend!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603016 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:48:24 +0000 kellygirl 1603016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say that I can totally relate to what you are feeling. I'm skewing practical rather than fashionable these days too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1603011 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:41:28 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1603011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LP, thanks for the reminder of Amid Privilege - I used to read her blog and stopped at some point. She and I probably have a lot of the same issues because I believe she's retired now, but used to dress very formal business for her work. </p> <p>Angie, I'd be happy aesthetically if I could wear pencil skirts and sharp blazers every day, but I'm learning to be honest with myself that that just isn't practical for my life and does inhibit what I need to be doing. Thus the conflict. </p> <p>Amazon just had a one-day sale on some crossbody bags and I ordered three to try. Haven't pulled the trigger on any sneakers yet, but I'll probably wait until February unless something pops up in front of my face. It's been rainy enough here I've been in boots most of the time anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602516 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 18:26:32 +0000 Angie 1602516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should dress in whatever way makes you happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602505 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 18:07:45 +0000 LaPed 1602505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sooo with you on shoes Laura.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've had those Sauconys in the past and they are so squishy and comfortable. They are definitely retro-cute in my book, but I love chunkier shoes. I think Lisa over at the blog <a rel="nofollow" href="http://http://amidprivilege.com/">Amid Privilege </a>rocks them on occasion (great blog if you need reassurance that the jeans-and-tee formula can look fab).</p> <p>Have you tried the new, redesigned Converse Chucks? Supposed to be more comfy and supportive. For non-sneakers, maybe Born? They usually have some interesting flat oxford styles -- I've had good luck with them in terms of comfort. Not the boldest shoes out there, but well made and lots of variety.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the key is to keep your jeans reasonably on trend, find shirts with some visual/textural interest (asymmetry, different necklines and sleeve lengths, great graphics, nicer materials), and add accessories. One of my goals once spring rolls around is to add some summerweight scarves -- linen, silk, cotton voile -- and maybe a cute hat or two. I always feel better accessorized in the winter, when those accessories are really necessities, and not just "adornment"...</p> <p>Re: bags I don't really do big bags either, despite the trend towards larger bags. They make me feel bulky and weighed-down. My largest bag is maybe 8-10 litres in volume. Often I go smaller, esp if I don't have my toddler with me. I'm usually in jeans, so I usually have pockets. There are some great crossbody bags out there that still feel statement-y -- maybe a Fossil in a fun colour or print? (hah, I see JAileen beat me to the Fossil rec!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602498 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:45:19 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1602498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the Onitsuka Tigers - I had a pair a few years ago and I wore them until they fell apart. They're pretty minimal in support, though - these days I might buy a half size up and put in a better insole.</p> <p>What does anyone think about these retro Sauconys? Cute, or ugly? Cute-ugly? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602261 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 03:23:38 +0000 JAileen 1602261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about these Onitsuka Tigers. Zappos has a huge selection. They remind me of the Nikes I had in the 70s.</p> <p>Yes, get a crossbody that is a little bigger, to easily fit everything. Fossil has really practical bags. I have one like this one, but apple green (thrifted). It is wonderful, with pockets galore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602239 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:18:56 +0000 Helena 1602239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I totally get that!!! I like to dress so that if the kids want to jump on their bikes and go, I can jump on with them! There are some very cute athletic shoes around now; I recently got a pair of black nikes that I feel are presentable as daywear. Keds or converse are also classic and comfy. agreed on the cross body too; you could do a slightly bigger crossbody to get the size without losing practicality? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/speaking-of-easy-care#post-1602235 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:07:44 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1602235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am having the intuition that I need to go more practical for 2016, especially in shoes. I don't wear anything horribly uncomfortable anymore, but even a comfortable pair of ballet flats is not going to be as conducive to a lot of walking and physical chores as a pair of sneakers or flat boots. Maybe more oxfords and such, or retro/cool sneaks will work. Given that my shoes and purse were the dressiest parts of my outfits most of the time, I'm not sure what this will do to my 'elegance level'. How do you do something fashionable with a pair of comfortable jeans, practical shoes, and a top you can move in, especially when you're not the willowy model type?</p> <p>Also, about purses - I am liking the looks of bigger bags theoretically, but man, a small crossbody is hard to beat when you're walking a lot or doing something like trawling through the thrift store or the used bookstore. Or no bag at all, with wallet and phone in pockets. </p> <p>I feel like for non-clothes-related reasons I need to be more able to jump into activities, whether that's spontaneously going for a walk in the middle of the day or cleaning the house or walking around town running errands. Maybe I'm regressing back to my high school self, who wore jeans, combat boots, and t-shirts and a flannel 90% of the time. </p>