https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:44:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-709395 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:23:04 +0000 mrseccentric 709395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>whew! someone needs to come up with a good glossary with examples for all this - and it ain't gonna be me i'm way too muddled on it!</p> <p>within a particular wardrobe, sometimes i think using the words 'frosting and cake' or 'veggies and dessert' makes things easier to think about. And frankly, i've found that what's frosting in one gal's closet may well be cake in another's.</p> <p>sometimes i'll do a thought experiment that helps me figure out what a particular piece is doing in my closet and in my outfits. I'll take, let's say, Una's Theory jacket. I'll mentally replace it with two jackets: one that i know is cake (black or grey or taupe, very simple lines, simple texture) and another that i see as very frosting (maybe purple suede with fringe and metallic studs). I'll recall outfits where i used the real jacket and mentally replace it with the cake one and the frosting one in those outfits.</p> <p>"Seeing" how the imaginary jackets change (or don't) the various outfits gives me a much better feel for how that item is functioning in my wardrobe. This helps me when i need to replace an item or i'm using one piece a lot and feel it would make sense to get a similar piece - it hones my shopping focus.</p> <p>HTH! Happy Weekend! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-709386 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:11:08 +0000 shiny 709386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading Angie's post this morning, edit the above to be about "boring Essentials" not basics... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-709381 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:06:35 +0000 RunnerChick 709381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - that's very helpful! I'm going to try and follow that trajectory to up my basics game. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-709340 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:59:29 +0000 lynne 709340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Basics don't have to be boring. That's my mantra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708926 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 00:03:35 +0000 Suz 708926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, maybe that is the pathway for those of us who tend too much to buy basics. Start with the footwear and go a bit wild. Then the other accessories. Then the "third piece" (jacket, scarf, etc.) and so on. </p> <p>Would that I had followed this trajectory! I am still working on it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708818 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:19:10 +0000 shiny 708818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think of "boring basics" I think of what my wardrobe used to look like, when I was a SAHM. I pretty much lived in a uniform of khaki slacks or black slacks with a v-neck tee, both from the Gap, with black nondescript (quiet, fade into the background) shoes, and black purse. I had an array of v-neck tees, all identical, but in different colors. This kind of uniform is blend-into-the-wall.... and a snore... I don't ever want to go back to that. </p> <p>Take that outfit and swap out the shoes to leopard print loafers, and now you are talking. Swap out the black purse for a red one, and even better... upgrade the tee to a simple, silk white blouse, even better.... now add a fabulous necklace............ and a cheeky jean jacket... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708807 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:06:30 +0000 catgirl 708807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I think your're right. A wardrobe full of Helmut Lang would be minimal but certainly not basic. </p> <p>In fact, that's my fantasy, a wardrobe full of Helmut Lang. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708806 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:03:53 +0000 shiny 708806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you have to limit an outfit to one statement, but also this is what I was getting at: as my style has evolved, my "basics" more and more have a twist, and my definition of statement has evolved too. I would no longer consider animal print shoes as a statement -- I now view it as a neutral! </p> <p>Also it seems to me that we've been in a style mode for several years now that has been all about statement dressing--- big, bold and piling on more is better. While getting my hair cut, I was flipping through fashion mags and I noticed that many of them were talking about a move towards minimalist trends this Fall. I personally feel this is the natural way for fashion to go, after years and years of very NON minimalist dressing. </p> <p>And interestingly, in last year or so, I have craved more minimalism too. While absent from YLF I embraced dresses for their simplicity but also I found myself gravitating towards simple color scheme of black, white and one pop of color. I also find more and more that I don't mind a more matchy-matchy look with shoes and bag. </p> <p>Minimalist when done right is not boring at all. It's clean, simple, sophisticated, polished and effortless. </p> <p>Note that minimalist is not the same as having a wardrobe full of basics. At least, I don't think it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708800 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:00:19 +0000 lynne 708800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To my mind Una's definition of statement basics is exactly what I like to have in my wardrobe . There is a difference between 'statement' and 'signature' as someone else (shiny?) pointed out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708790 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:50:41 +0000 rachylou 708790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A person can over think... and in that vein... doesn't ALGO kinda involve "statement basics"?</p> <p>And wouldn't you think Eileen Fisher to be the epitome of "statement basics"?</p> <p>But in any case, I don't think I've got many statement basics. Maybe my upcycle peplum cardigan - funky, but plain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708784 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:36:53 +0000 Gaylene 708784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, Nicole, and Una-- you guys are in the master class when it comes to fearless dressing; you lead the way in showing us that it is possible to break every "rule" that has ever been said about how to dress. </p> <p>Keep the inspiration going for those of us who can take only baby steps!<br /> *crawling back to contemplate my collection of black sweaters, pants, and boots*</p> <p>And my eyes are still reeling at your first picture, MaryK; but, somehow, it does sort of work... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708771 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:23:31 +0000 catgirl 708771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, here's Audi contemplating the same idea: less items, more impact.</p> <p><a href="http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/2012/08/guilt-by-association.html" rel="nofollow">http://geekthreads.blogspot.co.....ation.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708756 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:06:52 +0000 nicoleb 708756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All hail Queen MaryK!!!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708748 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:59:38 +0000 catgirl 708748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, you are the queen of all that is statement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708747 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:58:45 +0000 catgirl 708747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, totally agree - sometimes I get all snarled up in terms and need to get past that. Like if you're eating pancakes, are they breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Well, what time is it? And who cares, really? Just eat them already! </p> <p>I guess I'm just trying to find ways to guard against having my closet be the disaster it was a while back (and still is, though less so) by coming up with ways/words to think about how anything new is likely to play well with what I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them/page/2#post-708745 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:58:20 +0000 MsMary 708745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I'm with you! I often put together outfits comprising all or mostly "statement pieces," and I think they work! (Although I will admit that #1 is pretty crazy even for me! LOL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708741 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:52:07 +0000 Mo 708741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer not to get too caught up in the terms (might be why I couldn't name essentials yesterday lol). If you have a good feel for what items help you to wear other items, I think that's great. Some of us have more visually going on than others, whether it's texture, or pattern or details. As long as it plays together well, I don't care what we call it all!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708737 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:43:32 +0000 nicoleb 708737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope I'm not stepping on any toes and there is no need to apologize! This is just a topic I'm always interested in discussing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708731 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:35:54 +0000 Anonymous 708731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@nicoleb: I was simply expressing my personal opinion about fashion. There are no hard-and-fast rules, and some people seem to excel in breaking the rules and looking fab in the process. I'm just not one of those people. I do what works for me. It was not my intent to confuse anyone. Please forgive me for not being more clear that this is just my personal preference about style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708726 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:32:00 +0000 Gaylene 708726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I'd be the last person to set hard and fast rules about fashion. And I suspect that any runway show would break that "rule" about not having too many stars in a single outfit in a heartbeat.</p> <p>But, in real life, I do think that it takes a very deft hand to not look overdone if everything you are wearing is competing for attention. I think Una's "Theory and Punk" outfit mixed two statement pieces into an awesome ensemble. But I have difficulty seeing how it would have been as successful if she had worn those two statement pieces with an attention-grabbing top and boots, and topped it off with a statement hat and handbag. Not that it couldn't be done, but it's probably not a look that very many people outside of the fashion industry would wear comfortably on a daily basis.</p> <p>My comment was made in the context of how supporting pieces (the basics) can be useful in setting off the statement pieces that we want to showcase in an outfit. Not to set any hard and fast rules because, you're right, it is just one person's opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708724 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:31:01 +0000 nicoleb 708724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed. There's are plenty of days when I prefer my entire outfit to have impact too.</p> <p>The last WIW I posted was all statement was it not? Paint splattered jeans, safety pin shirt, creepers and a cobalt blue bag. Yet Angie gave it a "killer" I believe...</p> <p>I also happen to really enjoy looking at some of Helena Bonham Carter's outfits and I'm not sure she owns any basics lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708714 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:22:45 +0000 rachylou 708714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, Gaylene! That's terrible. </p> <p>Although, some of those habits are pretty snappy, if you ask me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708707 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:18:15 +0000 catgirl 708707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I was thinking about that too, because yesterday I wore what I consider three statement pieces - Theory jacket, quilted wedge booties, and yellow plaid skinnies. Granted, two of those are black and less obtrusive, but it was ALL statement, though hopefully not obnoxious. </p> <p>Because I prefer to wear as few items as possible, I like them ALL to have some impact. Maybe I'm Team Minimal Statement? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708702 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:12:52 +0000 nicoleb 708702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok here's where i start to get confused. I'm going to quote a couple people ;)</p> <p>"AND, too many stars make for a too-busy look that's not appealing. Better to have one dominant piece in an outfit that really stops the show. "</p> <p>"An outfit composed of only statement pieces has too many stars all competing for attention; the result is confusing, discordant, and unsatisfying."</p> <p>Are these really hard and fast rules of fashion? Or are these personal opinions about fashion? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708701 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:12:44 +0000 Gaylene 708701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, they might look look my mother did a few years ago when she was unhappy at having put on a few extra pounds. She was going on a holiday with friends, and, for the plane trip, had bought a rather boxy navy jacket and skirt ensemble. As a classic dresser, she paired it with a crisp, white shirt and sensible walking shoes. Her haircut has always been a classic bob.</p> <p>Her seat companion on the flight was a younger man with whom she struck up a conversation. After having spent a couple of pleasant hours chatting, the plane landed, and as they were getting ready to leave, he turned to her and told her that he was going to tell his mother about how much he had enjoyed his conversation with a "member of the holy orders".</p> <p>Needless to say, as soon as she got to the hotel, she whipped off the suit, stuffed it into her suitcase and it has never since seen the light of day.</p> <p>Just something to consider if one is going to choose to wear nothing but basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708675 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:58:59 +0000 rachylou 708675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would y'all say if a person put on nothing but basics, they'd look a little unfinished? Like something is missing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708619 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:12:16 +0000 RunnerChick 708619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have the opposite problem. At the risk of sounding like a *really* boring person (from a fashion perspective, anyway), almost everything I own is a basic! I'm trying to imagine the statement pieces I own, and I'm drawing a blank. </p> <p>In fact, the most statement-y things about me are (a) my hair - it's pretty modern and at it's current length, somewhat rad in my circles; and (b) the absence of statements in my clothing choices. My colleagues will probably say that I'm more well-dressed than the norm for our profession, but that's because I try to put some thought and creativity into what I wear and how I look (OK, on most days) in a profession that, arguably, takes pride in not caring about looks. </p> <p>It's hard not to be disappointed at the basic nature of my wardrobe; at the same time, identifying the items of clothing that do count as basics for me has been a style journey. Moving to a new country 12 years ago turned my definition of "basic" topsy turvy (given my current lifestyle choices, salwar kamizes are now "optional", "special occasion" pieces rather than everyday wear, for example). Finishing graduate school and starting work in a new (academic) profession and dressing a body that is considerably different in my 40s have added interesting twists and turns to the evolution of my style. </p> <p>Anyhow, I think I'm arriving at a place where I'm settling on how I want to look - modern, classic, and "pared down" (to use Sunita's term for my style). And, finally, I think my closet is getting to a place where it is well-stocked with *my* basics. </p> <p>My challenge now is one of figuring out how to add character to my outfits -- right now, II fall too easily into the trap of looking boring or, worse, frumpy, when I am wearing these basics. I have often toyed with the idea of mixing in accessories (scarves, jewelry) that'll both point back to my ethnic origins and add some character to my outfits but I don't yet know how to do it in a way that's classic and understated. Right now, it usually feels a little too much like I'm trying too hard, and that doesn't feel right. </p> <p>Sorry about the over-long (and, um, navel-gazing) response, but your post really sparked some serious introspection here. Thanks for getting me started thinking about this (Suz's posts over the last few days have really helped too). I'm looking forward to the next step of my style journey here on YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708582 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:48:28 +0000 Anonymous 708582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree 100% with Gaylene. My basics are like backup singers in a vocal group. They need to be there, but they're not the star of the show and they're not there to steal the limelight. AND, too many stars make for a too-busy look that's not appealing. Better to have one dominant piece in an outfit that really stops the show. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708564 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:40:12 +0000 Gaylene 708564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Angie in thinking that Jennifer (Shiny) has nailed those terms. Although I love to discuss semantics (actually, one of my favorite activities!), the usefulness of the terms in terms of wardrobe building lies in being able to differentiate between statement pieces and basics. As far as "essentials" go, I'd say that both statement pieces and basics are essential because they need each other to create a dynamic, yet cohesive, outfit.</p> <p>An outfit composed of only statement pieces has too many stars all competing for attention; the result is confusing, discordant, and unsatisfying. A outfit composed of only basics has no star-- only a supporting cast with nothing to support; the result is uninspired, dull, and also unsatisfying. An outfit that mixes statement pieces and basics keeps the focus on the star(s?--because, I suppose you can have more than one diva on occasion as long as they get along with each other) with the rest of the items playing a supporting role. </p> <p>So, Una, I think your Theory jacket is a statement piece that deserves to shine whenever you put it on. And when you wear it with so many different items, it becomes a workhorse statement piece because that jacket can play its starring role with so many other things that it becomes an integral part of your wardrobe (maybe turning it into a signature piece for your style?) And, yes, it is "essential", because without it you couldn't put together a dynamic and interesting outfit. But a star needs some supporting players to truly shine and that's where your basics come into play-- the basics that complete the outfit and let the jacket hold center stage.</p> <p>Personally, I find it more useful to think of my basics as my supporting cast who do their job quietly behind the scenes When I look for basics, in my head, I imagine them with my stars--will they let the star hog the spotlight and just do their job quietly without drawing attention to themselves. And, no, my black, straight-legged pants, my grey pencil skirt, and my white shirt are not as exciting to play with as are my stars, but, as a good director, I realize that both my stars and my support players are "essential" to the final vision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-basics-anyone-else-focused-on-them#post-708504 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:01:03 +0000 nicoleb 708504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I talked about and started working on doing this last year ("basics that are not basic"). Like you Una it's really hard for me to buy basics because they bore me to tears. So now I keep an eye out for pieces that fit these purposes but still have elements that appeal to me.</p> <p>I really enjoy dressing in a texture rich way so that's usually how I accomplish that. I traded in my skirts in solid colors for solid colored skirts in lace, mesh or leather. My camis and tanks have lace trim, studs or other elements. My black cardigan has sparkly elbow patches. </p> <p>So I think once you narrow down what you love it becomes way easier. </p>