https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 27 May 2026 20:20:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706906 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:17:40 +0000 pil 706906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JR, I wish I could articulate as well as you what I'm trying to do.</p> <p>Texstyle, here's hoping you get lots of use out of that white shirt!</p> <p>Shiny, thanks for the white top descriptions - those are really helpful. You are so generous with your suggestions!!</p> <p>Aida, I've started writing down combination options. Laying everthing out on the bed was a big help for getting started with that. Who knows how many will actually work, but I won't know of I don't try them : ) And picking out outfits that I like? There are a lot out there - I'll have to work on figuring out exactly what it is that I like about them.</p> <p>Angie, thanks for the encouragement. I've said it before but this is such a wonderful website that I really appreciate having access to. You are so generous with your time and skills. I'll have to print off your suggestions here - the entire thread actually - to use at home while pairing items and out while shopping for those neutral building blocks. I'll certainly be posting for opinions on those when I bring them home.</p> <p>Thanks everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706688 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:15:44 +0000 Angie 706688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You did MUCH better than you thought, Pil. And you've got nice stuff provided it fits. Good job </p> <p>You are lacking in bottoms for sure, and solid wardrobe essentials (building blocks). The outfits aren't gelling because these pieces are missing. You CANNOT build a wardrobe without building blocks. But before you decide what you need, you have to build outfits with what you have. You need to wear the tops with the toppers to get a clear picture of which type of bottom would work best to complete the outfit. FROM THERE, you build your capsules. </p> <p>Start by choosing a colour palette from what's in these photos. Build outfits with the items in the palette. The gaps become apparent very soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706638 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:00:31 +0000 Aida 706638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice above already, especial re limiting new black items and getting more bottoms; since your a trouser gal, you're in luck this season I also wanted to add this: It might be worth working on coming up with outfits using these pieces, and then jot down what you feel is missing AND what is getting used most often. This will help you identify both holes (which could be something as simple as needing layering tanks, or that you need winter weight indoor jacket) as well as possible bottlenecks (for example, you noted you wear the shirred from yellow top a lot? Might be worth getting another in that style).</p> <p>You also said that you're not sure about what direction you want to go, so regarding that it could be useful to hunt down a small collection of outfits that appeal to you. Then you can look back over them and find common pieces, style links, colors, textures, etc. and build from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706345 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:11:33 +0000 Lauren 706345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I find that if my tops are too long, I look like I'm wearing some tall person's castoffs. They have to be shorter to look like they belong to me. But I also have fairly long legs and J. Lo booty so that probably changes things from person to person! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706324 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:59:30 +0000 shiny 706324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pil, the tops I have that I seem to wear the most often include:</p> <p>- Silk scoop neck sleeveless tunic (seen with my recent WiW hot pink skirt); I'd call this color "pearl"</p> <p>- sleeveless cream chiffon blouse with tie neck (which can be worn tied into a floppy bow, and would work under your V-neck sweaters) or left untied with strand of pearls</p> <p>- billowy long sleeve cream chiffon blouse... looks best tucked into high-waisted pencil skirt but I've also worn it untucked with or without a cardi to reign in the volume; I don't think YLF has seen this blouse yet so I will have to wear it soon </p> <p>- white polyester blouse with interesting folds around the neckline, and a boxy cut. Which can look sweet or I reign it in with a blazer or cardi to carve out a waist.</p> <p>- silk white Theory sleeveless blouse that buttons up the front, has a V neck, and ruffly sort of dramatic collar, that lays interestingly under V neck cardigans. </p> <p>- off-white sleeveless blouse with scoop neck and ruffles all around the neckline. Works with ruffles pulled out and layered over a cardigan, or kept tucked in so only a hint of ruffle shows in the V. </p> <p>Mind you, I am blonde, so adding a white or cream blouse instantly brightens up a dark outfit and plays well with my coloring. I do wear a lot of patterns and color too, but I started gravitating towards white blouses that had interesting details because I realized they have more versatility (dress up, dress down... play in your closet like a crisp white shirt), while brightening up my face and softening the inevitable parade of black, gray, and dark colors that we wear here in Boston all winter! </p> <p>A simple shell has its place but I deliberately look for tops with interesting details around the neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706308 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:32:43 +0000 texstyle 706308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much great input here - I'm taking notes for myself too! </p> <p>I found the perfect white shirt. And it's just hanging in my closet. I think my problem with it is that it's so "perfect" it only seems to fit in my imaginary life. Seriously, it's usually just too hot to wear it. And if I layer it in winter I feel like it gets wrinkled in he sleeves. I'm going to try and make a point to wear it this fall - on it's own or with a vest. It fits so well now and if I wait too long that may not be the case.</p> <p>Why is it so much more fun to buy tops than bottoms? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706297 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:23:39 +0000 JR 706297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would suggest that you take inventory of the combinations you love in your current wardrobe. Figure out what you love about them and build on that. I have discovered a love for 3/4 sleeve, boat-neck tees lately, so when I found some the other day I bought both black and white: white because it is a great colour on me and will work with virtually everything, black because of its slimming powers. I love a good column of black as a base for great accessories. So along those lines I am trying to establish a base wardrobe in neutrals, with a few high-colour items (mostly tops, but I did get some rust-coloured twill pants that are making me happy) to add some pop. They can be dressed up or down with appropriate accessories, scarves and jackets/cardigans in the cooler seasons, tilting more to necklaces and the occasional bracelet in the summer. Earrings are always a given for me: I have pierced ears and don't like to walk around with empty holes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706279 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:05:46 +0000 pil 706279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I've always been more of a trouser person primarily because I have always thought my legs and cankles are so awful. In another thread Shiney told me my knees are "cute" so I may have to reconsider skirts : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706262 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:56:26 +0000 Lisa 706262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like everyone else has already got you sorted out, basics are key for a fun wardrobe with prints and colors such as what I see here. And you have a wonderful shoe collection! If you are a trouser gal, I'd add a couple more in different styles to mix up the look (super flared or a skinny or straight leg if all you have are say bootcut styles). Also if you are a dress or skirt gal, maybe add one or two in a solid color to have more styling options? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706261 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:56:13 +0000 pil 706261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the encouragement Mo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706239 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:42:01 +0000 Mo 706239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have company in the 5'4" high hip club! I don't quite understand about cutting tops as the other poster mentioned, though. I was scolded to no end about my tops being too short when I first got here!<br /> I totally agree with Shiny on the white shirt thing. I hunted and hunted and when I finally got one I could live with, I wore it maybe for a total of 12 hours before I purged it years later. Some 'must haves' really aren't. Ditto the pencil skirt. 3 tries and no wears made me realize, again, not a must have for me.<br /> I also saw a lot of pizzazz in your tops and not too many basics. I had some of this in my wardrobe as well. Putting outfits together, even just in your head, totally helps you to see how a basic shirt can really help you get mileage out of your pieces.<br /> I think a colored bottom, be they jeans or cords or trousers, could be a fun addition.<br /> Above all, you are miles ahead in just laying it all out and analyzing it together! Start putting outfits together and see what pieces of the puzzle are missing that way. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706221 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:20:47 +0000 pil 706221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, thanks for the line by line suggestions! </p> <p>I had forgotten about the denim jacket until reading Angie's blog post today. I would like some straight/skinny jeans. I posted a picture of some brown straight leg to get opinions on fit - they are a little short and will probably go back, but from the replies I think the fit was on track even though the idea of pants hugging my body intentionally is very foreign.</p> <p>Would you happen to have a link to the kind of white tops you're talking about?<br /> I do love my black dress - probably because it has the texture you talk about - a velvet top with knit bottom. Very comfy - except for the time I fell down the steps at my husband's office party because my foot slipped out of my shoe. In front of everyone. Cool.</p> <p>I tried buying the black denim pencil skirt at Nordstrom three or four times but my order was always cancelled because it wasn't really in the inventory. </p> <p>Thanks for the tip on having layers for tops as it hadn't registered yet with me. Do you have color suggestions for the top layers? Since I'm usually in jeans I suppose the color value should be the opposite of the top I'm wearing to achieve the column of color? Dark top with dark pants = different color top layer. Light top with dark pants = dark top layer.</p> <p>Maybe I can get there : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706197 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:58:27 +0000 shiny 706197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1.Knit or stretch jacket to work with jeans and possibly black slacks, my black dress or pencil skirt. What color? </p> <p>Do you have a cheeky denim jean jacket yet? If not, I'd prioritize that above this item. It will dress down those black slacks, dresses, and pencil skirts and make them instantly casual. </p> <p>2.Color straight leg jeans – Khaki, burgundy or teal? – or trouser jeans</p> <p>I'd like to see how your other two pair of jeans fit on you first, before going for color jeans. Especially because you already have a lot of color in your tops. I like the idea of adding a third pair of jeans, if you do not have trouser jeans that is a great choice. Or straight or even skinnies. Alternatively what about a denim skirt? </p> <p>3.White collarless blouse – collars are bothersome to me</p> <p>They bother me too. I finally hunted down the perfect crisp white collar shirt, and I rarely wear it. So, my suggestion? Cross this item off your list. I suspect you also will have similar experience and even if you find the perfect shirt, you will opt to wear something else instead. For me, that is a white or cream flowy blouse with interesting details. I now have several blouses in this category and they get, by far, the most wear out of all my tops. I find them just as comfortable to wear as any knit top, and yet they add a lot more polish to a pair of jeans. So this is my version of the classic white collar shirt!</p> <p>4.Pencil skirt - camel or black?</p> <p>I recommend you ban black for now. You already have plenty of black. I went on a black ban for awhile and it challenges you to think out of the box and be more creative. The only black I would add was items that had texture -- such as velvet jacket, or leather, or tweed. Flat black items ... have a way of bringing a whole outfit down, if you are not careful with styling them just so.... </p> <p>I do have black pencil skirt and I rarely, if ever, wear it. That said yes I wear my black ponte knit straight legs A LOT... but not because they are effortless to style. In fact, they aren't as much as you'd think they would be. I only tend to wear them often because they are just so cozy.... feel like you are wearing sweats, but look polished and neat. </p> <p>I'd rather see you add a denim pencil skirt. </p> <p>5.Heeled shoes for jeans/slacks – color?</p> <p>I think you already have an awesome shoe collection, and should focus elsewhere for now. </p> <p>6.Keep Petty putty colored booties? Love the boots but am doubting the color.</p> <p>YES! Love those. Pair with denim pencil skirt, tucked in flowy blouse, and that black and white cardi, with say, a red belt. Imagine..... </p> <p>7.Black slacks – this can wait</p> <p>Yes, this can wait! Black is boring. </p> <p>Another trick I learned, just starting out with YLF, was to never ever buy a top without a layer that worked over it. Often stores will have coordinating pieces, but I would have fun in the store and try all sorts of items -- not just the coordinating piece. This allowed me to see how the top could work and not be an orphan. Sometimes I realized I already had a layer at home that was similar, so I just bought the top. Other times I would buy the top plus a layer. Or even two. It's easy to experiment while in the dressing room. </p> <p>It also helps to wear the bottoms you want to pair with any top you are shopping for. Maybe that is obvious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706191 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:50:40 +0000 pil 706191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for trudging through my whiney rant.</p> <p>Angie's post today on personal wardrobe essentials is very timely. Denim jacket!</p> <p>Laura, more neutrals have been in the back of my mind. Of course, as indecisive as I am selecting which color - camel, gray, black - is a challenge.</p> <p>Jayne, I like the accessories and neutral scarf idea. I am a scarf wearer, but most of mine are bright colors, guess that's no surprise after seeing my shirts. I've been wanting a snake skin purse too.</p> <p>BethAnn, yup I think you're right about the shoes making me happier. Probably because the sizes don't change like pants : )</p> <p>Harmonica, I love that belt. I haven't been much of a belt wearer because of belly rolls but I may be able to make it work in some cases. I've included a couple of pictures from another thread in this post. I suppose the belted look isn't all that bad in them.</p> <p>Caro, good idea especially since I am prone to weepiness.</p> <p>Missvee, I've been eyeballing a couple pair of shoes that are oxford like. You're right about the few bottoms. I've been 'making do' not wanting to put money into bottoms since my thyroid has been unkind to me over this last year. Your pants then jacket idea may be the way to go.</p> <p>Lauren, sounds good to me - although I'm probably old enough to be your mother! Oh, and you may want to read Mona's recent threads about editing her closet if you haven't already. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706177 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:18:33 +0000 Lauren 706177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Pil! I just joined YLF today after lurking for quite awhile. I actually finally joined because of this post! I'm also 5'4" and short waisted and JUST figured out the high hip top length thing a few weeks ago. I've been a little scissor happy with my t-shirts, chopping them all off to the right length. It makes such a difference. I also have the same problem as you, no real style yet. Wanna be style buddies? We can figure this out together : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706114 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:26:27 +0000 missvee 706114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the others that you have a great selection of tops but very few bottoms. Depending on where you live, what about adding a pair of cords, a couple of skirts that you can dress up or down (I would get both black and another basic colour like camel, navy or grey). I see you have a pair of black trousers on your list - I think that would be a great purchase too. You have lots of shoes especially flats, but maybe think of adding a pair of oxfords just to change up the look of your outfits. I like the idea of adding a knit jacket, but I would suggest that you buy the bottoms first, try on your tops to see which ones are the winners, and then buy the jacket last so that you have some cohesive outfits ready to go. Good luck in the hunt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706090 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:04:00 +0000 harmonica 706090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Snake skin belt from Zara: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zara-snakeskin-belt?replies=4#post-706089" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ost-706089</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706082 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:52:31 +0000 Caro in Oz 706082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd like to suggest you first try to make outfits that you really like, with what you have. In my experience shopping without some sort of a plan often ends in tears:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706081 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:51:27 +0000 harmonica 706081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like how you have put your clothes out on the bed! You get a nice picture of what you have, what you like and what are temp. The colours on the tops are great, but as Jayne pointed out maybe accessories are the way to go? I'm thinking of scarves, belt (maybe animal print if you like that) or even some nice handbags. Your shoe collection is great!</p> <p>I can totally understand your frustration and that it is hard to apply a look to yourself, so that *you* feel confident in it and don't loose yourself along the way. I find that hard too. But this post and outfit post will hopefully guide you along in the right direction. Trial and error is part of the experience </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706042 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:58:21 +0000 Beth Ann 706042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hard time imagining a wardrobe unless I see it "worn," however, I wanted to pop in and say that I like your shoe collection -- it speaks of a woman drawn to classic lines, polished, but casual looks, subtle, but saturated color and carefully curated textures and details. </p> <p>Do your shoes make you happier than other categories in your wardrobe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706038 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:48:42 +0000 jayne 706038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your pieces, lots of good stuff here but I see you have lots of tops (is that what you prefer buying) and many of your bottoms are marked Temp...</p> <p>so my advice, you need more basics as most of the toppers have a pow factor in color and pattern so the bottoms need to support that. Jeans are fine. Going through my own journey I 'feel' that a single top and a bottom is not enough to make an outfit fab, they seem to need an extra element. For me, i add a wild belt or shoe or necklace, or a jacket. It takes the outfit, in my opinion, from good to great and I feel more put together.<br /> You didn't post accessories so maybe that might also be an area to focus on like a scarf you could have as your signature for the season? How about zebra as B&amp;W would go with most of your toppers?</p> <p>And finally, through some outfits together on the bed and see which ones appeal. You have a great shoe collection so between the fun topper and shoes you should be able to keep the bottom neutral and make some great stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-706029 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:35:53 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 706029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What occurs to me first when looking at your pics is that you've got a lot of great color in tops and sweaters, but maybe you need some more neutrals to go with? Unless you love bold color combos and are going to wear a printed cardigan with a different colored printed top, say, you don't have that many actual combinations. </p> <p>I think your idea about a knit blazer is a good one - you can wear it like a cardigan but it's got a bit more oomph to it. I've been seeing several in the stores recently. Something that's a sweater but with some blazer-y details like a lapel would also work well. Do you need more bottoms? From the pic it doesn't look like you have many at all.</p> <p>From the sounds of it we have a similar style in that I don't like many ruffles or lots of fussy bits, and I agree that it can be hard to get a done, interesting look with those preferences when you're doing casual wear. Angie's MOTG posts are great for different casual outfit ideas iirc. </p> <p>(P.S. Your shoe collection is envy-inducing.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-out---first-fallwinter-closet-review#post-705991 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:29:54 +0000 pil 705991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My apologies in advance for the long post.</p> <p>It’s not quite time to say “uncle” but I’m frustrated and need to regroup for this wardrobe improvement process. I don’t have a “look” to speak of and am really struggling. I typically wear jeans with a knit top or shirt and maybe a pullover sweater or boxy cardigan. I’ve joined this forum hoping to improve my look and wardrobe as in the past it hasn’t been a priority because I often felt that since nothing really looked good, what did it matter? Being 5’4” and short waisted my goal in the past has been finding an appropriate high hip length for tops, not realizing how important the “shape” was. I’m having a tough time with what works for my body type. </p> <p>I love seeing members’ photos and have been inspired, but am still lost. I’ve received helpful information from many members, have read Mona’s recent threads and Angie’s blog posts but haven’t been able to figure out how to connect the dots for me.</p> <p>I have inventoried my existing fall/winter wardrobe by leaving out items that are never or rarely worn. What remains is in the pictures below. Picture 1 is sweaters, Picture 2 is tops, Picture 3 is other tops and some accessories, Picture 4 is jackets and pants and Picture 5 is shoes. I do have a black v-neck twin set (that is kind of snug) that is not in the pictures. While it seems there is enough to work with, it still feels bland. Top with pants, pants with top, boxy jacket with pants, etc. I don’t work and am not a lady who lunches, so a casual wardrobe with some color that can occasionally upgrade to smart for dinner out/party/funeral is what I hope to accomplish. Am I looking for the “third piece”? Ruffles and add-ons don’t typically appeal to me. I like the outfits in Angie’s power of classic wardrobe items post<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/17/the-power-of-classic-wardrobe-items/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/.....obe-items/</a><br /> but find that woven shirts look sloppy on me because they don’t stay in place. Of course now that I look closer at the pictures in that blog post all of the shirts are plain and many of mine have pattern.</p> <p>I’m afraid I was over eager and jumped in too soon with the shopping and K/R threads but don’t feel much further ahead because I don’t really have a plan. </p> <p>To keep things simple for now maybe you could point out any glaring holes that you see so I can ease into making changes? The holes I’m seeing are:</p> <p>1.Knit or stretch jacket to work with jeans and possibly black slacks, my black dress or pencil skirt. What color?<br /> 2.Color straight leg jeans – Khaki, burgundy or teal? – or trouser jeans<br /> 3.White collarless blouse – collars are bothersome to me<br /> 4.Pencil skirt - camel or black?<br /> 5.Heeled shoes for jeans/slacks – color?<br /> 6.Keep Petty putty colored booties? Love the boots but am doubting the color.<br /> 7.Black slacks – this can wait</p> <p>My collection of dress shoes is fine for now.</p> <p>Thanks so much, I really want to look fab even though getting to “kind of” will be an accomplishment : ) </p>