https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:38:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1510533 Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:51:24 +0000 Elly 1510533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies-- I'm sorry I'm late coming back to this thread. I had a family member end up in the hospital and went to visit and came home to a cut internet cable (neighbors are doing construction). &nbsp;I ended up making some purchases based on everyone's suggestions (lots of warm colors, trying a little grey, LOFT, ON, tee-blouses) and will let you know how it works out once items arrive.&nbsp;</p> <p>maneera -- I appreciate the color suggestions. Particularly the coral and permission to try grey and light blue.<br />Ceit- It is so good to see you hear again. I appreciate the permission on colors. Your suggestion of woven tee-style blouses is spot on, my favorite shirt is one of these despite being polyester.&nbsp;<br />Toban-- Thanks for stopping by, those are my colors! I really appreciate the tip for looking at LOFT, I sometimes overlook them.&nbsp;<br />Tania- You gave me some awesome tips on which styles might work. I struggle with broad shoulders in addition and often things that lay right don't let me move my arms enough without strangling the girls!<br />Shiny-- Your post made me smile and consider LOFT. You probably have the right idea with shopping retailers like Loft and old navy. I wish I could wear a lab coat at work! Right now it is just too hot, but I know my knit destruction is caused by wear not washing because it is always at the hem, the chest, the cuffs, and under the arms.&nbsp;<br />Tulle-- Thank you for the suggestion for GAP khakis. The colors you suggested can be hard to find, but sound perfect: cognac, cocoa, army green, and ivory.&nbsp;<br />Suz-- I appreciate you taking the time to come by. Those loft tops look great, I will have to see what they have.&nbsp;<br />Ceclia-- I can totally relate having a top or two I love but needing to get dressed for 7 days! I appreciate the suggestions for :Gap Khakis, old navy, light blue, and orange. Orange is my favorite color. I also guess I have to get used to tossing tops after a season-- but it is difficult when they cost more than a few bucks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508436 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 02:11:51 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1508436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since your work environment is demanding, you might think more of brands known for performance or durability of materials. For example, you might consider LL Bean. If you buy something and it does not perform up to your standards, they will always take it back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508352 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 22:57:08 +0000 Anonymous 1508352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree about rayon /viscose tops not being very durable. Cotton is more durable.</p> <p>I know that Club Monaco has some plum/cognac tops--I don't know what the color is called, but it's definitely an autumn colour.</p> <p>Good luck, and don't despair! I'm sure you'll find something. (I'm the opposite of you...i can find tons of flattering colours in the summer but almost none in the fall/winter!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508294 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:41:51 +0000 carter 1508294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had good luck at Off5th lately. Maybe some of these would work for you? I know you mentioned really liking masculine/tomboy and RATE looks. Without a button-front shirt or a casual tee, I'm struggling with how to accomplish this in a work look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508265 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:57:26 +0000 Alassë 1508265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry the work/clothes situation isn't getting better, Elly. I'm not sure what practical suggestions I can offer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508243 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:08:52 +0000 celia 1508243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been there, when things that you have available are not the quality or style you would want. My personal experience is that you buy the more expensive items you do like you end up with one or two items that you like but that doesn't really solve the problem because you have to get dressed more than once or twice.<br /> My first advice is breath in and relax. If you start thinking about the enormity of the task it is overwhelming.<br /> The second one is look at what you have and what pieces do you see that might complement it.<br /> I agree with a suggestion of some khaki from GAP. What about some white jeans ?( old navy had some great and cheap khakis and boyfriend jeans last year )<br /> Tops , quite frankly I would accept them for what they are , reasonably priced tops that probably will last this summer only.<br /> Regarding colors, as long as they go with what you already have o would buy what would make me happy without getting too attached to what a Autumn should wear.<br /> I can see light blue working with what you have as well as orange. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508241 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:07:52 +0000 Suz 1508241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple more to consider -- colours could work for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508235 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:00:36 +0000 Suz 1508235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I'm so sorry you are struggling. I get this -- the change of seasons can come as a shock and we're never fully prepared. It's different in more temperate climates but that is not your reality or mine, alas!&nbsp;</p> <p>I was going to suggest the Loft for tops also. They seem to have quite a range and some are woven popover style. I just got one that is gingham but it also came in other colours, I believe. It is super gauzy so you might need a cotton tank underneath it at work, but it would still be cool even with that. The fit is such that I am pretty sure it would work for someone who is larger on top.&nbsp;</p> <p>They also have other, peasanty type tops but not too "girly" in appearance.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508232 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:58:26 +0000 shedev 1508232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are a few occasions that I'd opt for flattering first, but most of the time I dress to my persona. The exception would be if a color truly looked bad on me. Lavender and orchid are those colors, they make my face look red. I'll also pass on colors that look good on me but don't fit my persona, optic white feels far too crisp for my style.</p> <p>I also like things that are out of budget. Occasionally I'll buy one of them and call it a splurge.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also go&nbsp;the Ebay or second hand route. Other times I'll look for things with the qualities that drew me to the more expensive item.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508205 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:12:52 +0000 tulle 1508205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S.&nbsp; By sandals I mean the woven fisherman type: closed toe but still airy and comfortable.&nbsp; There are also some great Summer oxfords out there this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508201 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:09:11 +0000 tulle 1508201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, I'm just about your opposite in coloring and physique, but I sympathize with your need to shop for a practical and attractive Summer wardrobe this year!&nbsp; There seems to be a real scarcity of lightweight pants and natural fiber fabrics--both so important to comfort in buildings lacking much air conditioning. Come September, you'll find great possibilities in jeans and sweaters, but right now, you'll have to hunt and peck a bit.&nbsp; The Gap has their Broken-in Straight Khakis in army green (good color for you) on sale, and Eileen Fisher has some nice flowy tops in organic cotton, hemp, and linen.&nbsp; You might be on the lookout for cocoa, army green, and ivory pieces--much better for you than blue or gray--with cognac or luggage-tan sandals. Deep tangerine would be a great accent color for a scarf or bag.&nbsp; Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1508096 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:03:31 +0000 shiny 1508096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also recently went up a cup size. For tops, I have been having lots of luck with LOFT this past year. Try one of their shirred peasant blouses; utility blouses; softened shirts in a looser BF fit; split neck blouse; dolman blouse. I still don't know how to use Finds feature or I'd post some suggestions.&nbsp;</p> <p>You might also like their pants. You might try their tech-stretch fit pants. I don't own these myself but I have a &nbsp;hunch they'd wash out well, and be stretchy for all that bending and kneeling you have to do at work. Possibly cooler for summer wear than jeans?</p> <p>For shoes I want to put you in a pair of closed-toed Fly London's!</p> <p>That said, when it comes to summer clothes, I'm resigned to refreshing every year. I'm just harder on summer clothes due to sweating, sunscreen, etc (and also summer clothes are frequently made of more fragile natural fibers). I live in dresses in the summer and I know you can't do that with your line of work, but my M.O. is to find an item I like that works well, doesn't cost too much (LOFT, Old Navy - Yeah!), and then duplicate it.&nbsp;</p> <p>My final thought is that it's too bad you couldn't have some sort of lab coat or apron to protect your clothes at work. Then you could just pop a tank top underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1507997 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:48:55 +0000 Tania 1507997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear your frustration.&nbsp; I am also a&nbsp;busty hourglass that gravitates towards androgynous styles.&nbsp; There are two things that I keep in mind: JFE and yin-yang.&nbsp; Sometimes, I am ok with things that are just flattering enough overall.&nbsp; Sometimes I want more than JFE, and I will pick one area (top or bottom) to focus on, and then do more androgynous in the other half to ground.&nbsp; For example, buttondowns tend to look good when I keep the first open and have that V.&nbsp; I've had the problem with gaping, but I think boyfriend styles have a little more flexibility on that front.&nbsp; Also, I just purchased a new bra that apparently is slightly minimizing and I had no idea.&nbsp; lol.&nbsp; Anyway, it was as comfortable as my other bra.&nbsp; </p> <p>Re: the colors, I think it can be great to stretch ourselves and try new things.&nbsp; I'd look at a few different accessories as an easier way to build variety.&nbsp; I think Maneera's suggestion for red/coral is a good one, and is one that I have been following.&nbsp; But if you are comfy with blue and grey, I think it is ok to just own it.&nbsp; If you find another color that flatters you more, perhaps you can think about using it somehow around your face (scarf? glasses? earrings? third piece, like a vest?)</p> <p>Re: the budget, I am trying to put more money into fewer pieces that I am confident about and am operating from a smallish wardrobe.&nbsp; I am a SAHM, but I lead an active lifestyle homeschooling my kids, homesteading a bit, etc.&nbsp; I tend to pick more casual items that can be dressed up or down, and I also have a pile of ok clothes for dirtier jobs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1507977 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:26:24 +0000 Toban 1507977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also a dark autumn - my summer colors are teals, warm purples, lime, brick red, indigo. Loft has lots of tops in these colors this year. I typically wear them with either denim, charcoal, or sand-colored bottoms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1507972 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:20:39 +0000 Anonymous 1507972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Elly, so sorry you have been frustrated! I have been living in jeans, Docs/Fryes, and either oxford shirts or drapey Ts when I am not out in the field. We haven't really had warm weather yet, and my building is either a meat locker or a sauna, depending on where you are inside it!</p> <p>Can you find some woven shirts that are cut like a T but are a little sturdier? I hear you on online-only shopping. We don't have much here either so there is a lot of trying stuff from online. GAP had some cute things this year.</p> <p>I think you should go for greys and blues if you are drawn to them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1507933 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:33:52 +0000 Maneera 1507933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't be disheartened, Elly. Where there is a will, there is a way! </p> <p>I'm an hourglass with large cup size and broad shoulders myself. I'm slimmer on my lower half, so I find shopping for tops hard too. </p> <p>You mention you have to climb ladders, bend and kneel on floors, so I think your choice in jeans are great. I would add one pair of black jeans to that wardrobe - straight leg or bootcut, whatever you prefer. </p> <p>I saw your old photos, thanks for that thread. I don't know why you think you shouldn't wear greys and light blues. The grey sweater looks great here, so by all means, add grey to your wardrobe. I think light blue tops and shirts will look great too, especially with the Finds pic olive jacket and blue jeans. </p> <p>I would also suggest a red/coral pink to go with all the blues in your wardrobe. It will add a little summer touch. Look for a fluid top that doesn't stick to your bust but is practical for work wear. </p> <p>I am often in the same position where my personal style is at odds with what looks good on my body. I usually go with my gut, and choose the option that 'feels' right. Sometimes I wear clothes that don't look absolutely fab on me and that's ok---I'm dressing for myself and if they make me happy, they're good enough. But sometimes, especially when I buy something pricey, I choose a piece that flatters my body and learn to style it in different ways to achieve a look I can make peace with. </p> <p>I hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/struggling-again-with-shopping-for-warm-weather#post-1507931 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 07:01:21 +0000 Elly 1507931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This seems to be a reoccuring theme with me. For those of you who don't know me, I'm a 5'9" broad-shouldered hourglass who is a dark autumn (pale warm/olive skin, dark eyes/hair). I'm a museum technician and work in a casual environment in a historic building (hot in the summer, cold in the winter) and need to dress practically for the job since I get dirty, have to climb ladders and kneel on the floor, need sturdy closed toe and heel shoes, and can't wear most jewelry or metal embellishment on tops to work. I also live in the relative middle of retail nowhere, which means I do most of my shopping online (I have to drive 4 hours to get to the GAP). Last summer my shopping plans were disrupted by my organization suddenly implementing a dress code. The code is now defunct, except for the no shorts and no sandal policies. That said, I don't have much in the way of summer gear and we have been cold and rainy until this week and are now in the high 80s. </p> <p>I will put my current summer wardrobe in finds. I get one wear out of summer clothing before having to wash it. I have recently been dissapointed with the quality of rayon knits, but there aren't a lot of other knit options out there currently other than basic tees. I'm not opposed to wovens, but being busty and broad shouldered combined can cause fit issues with some wovens (in fact, I just went up a cup size and several of my woven tops with buttons have had to been retired). I have problems with shoes that don't lace up slipping in the heel, but feel very limited as to what bottoms I can wear. </p> <p>I'm a dark autumn and am having problems finding my colors this year. I'm drawn to the light blues and greys, but I'm not supposed to wear them.I really enjoy masculine/tomboy fashion and am on the RATE side and I see lots of pastels and light menswear colors but don't look good in that. I do look good in black, but get tired of a black and navy summer wardrobe.</p> <p>Below are links to a dark autumn color chart, my pinterest, and a old thread with photos of me: </p> <p><a href="http://www.12blueprints.com/dark-autumn-ce-and-apparel/" rel="nofollow">http://www.12blueprints.com/da.....d-apparel/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ellyelf/capsule/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/ellyelf/capsule/</a></p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-all---keep-or-return-larger-size-of-cowl-neck" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-cowl-neck</a> </p> <p>This is turning into more of a rant than a functional thread. I think I'm just frustrated. </p> <p>So, ladies, what do you do when you feel like your personal style is at odds with what looks good on your coloring or figure?</p> <p>And what do you do when what is available in your budget isn't the style or quaility you want? </p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Shirtless in Colorado and looking for shoes, pants, and tops </p>