https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:33:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523840 Mon, 20 Jul 2015 22:56:24 +0000 Aida 1523840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread turned into something fabulous to read! Lots of great insight and thoughts. Most of what I was thinking has been covered already. I'm not fully sold on the gray hair as a catalyst for all of this; as Angie mentioned you've been headed this way for quite a while now! It's not like you've been wanting to adopt trends but haven't due to age or fear or anything like that. To me your search has always been about authenticity (mine, too).</p> <p>Some thoughts, one a paragraph:</p> <p>There's nothing wrong with splitting your wardrobe. I know lots of books and websites and stylists always list many "work to weekend" pieces, but <i>your</i> work and<i> your</i> weekend just don't overlap in the right way, there's too much contrast there. In addition, your work needs a certain level of conventionalism which you don't necessarily aspire to one way or another with your casual wear. AND you do loads of outdoorsy active stuff that requires actual gear. To try and reconcile all of those with shared-across-uses pieces makes no sense to me. It is what it is! To my mind, actually separating these two overarching wardrobes of yours, work and weekend, even if there are pieces that could be overlapped, is a fantastic approach. You end up with simplicity in getting dressed for both work and weekend, with the ability to "play" only if you feel like it.</p> <p>I don't quite agree with the thought of you no longer experimenting. You DO experiment, you just don't necessarily bring in every single new/fringe trend and try to make it work. That's fine too.</p> <p>On a semi-related note, to me it sounds like you are willing to give<br /> most of your wardrobe time to the shopping part. Find the right pieces.<br /> Then when getting dressed you can sort of auto-pilot but still know that<br /> you'll end up with something fab.</p> <p>I haven't been wearing my shirts much either, <i>except</i> for my silk button-ups! However I am starting to wear them untucked or fully tucked, instead of semi-tucked, for a cleaner line and neater, breezier look. I would be inclined to set aside your pretty silk shirts, especially if the prints/colors are favorites; you may go back to them in a year or two. Or perhaps once you have your wardrobe more sorted you'll have a better idea of where they can fit within it.</p> <p>Hair is definitely an accessory (mine is my <i>most important</i> accessory along with my skin). When hair changes it does require a little tweaking everywhere else to feel right and balanced again.</p> <p>Edgy doesn't mean black. I have 100% confidence that you can work color<br /> in a way that feels authentic to you. You already do this :)</p> <p>Having the major style stuff further refined will let you play with your shadow personas a bit more, if you feel like doing so.</p> <p>And lastly, I think it is entirely possible to pare down the more busy style elements you previously identified with into a simpler frame. I have been working towards this myself the past few years. Minimally Maximal, as Angie has put it. "Clean Edge" is certainly something you can get to.</p> <p>(As an aside, I showed my husband the Eva Longoria photos and he didn't buy into the makeup thing as presented. Said the only way to really judge the difference would be to have the same photographer, with the same setup, with the same angles, within a reasonable time frame. He also preferred the full face make up look; which I found really interesting as he doesn't really like that on <i>me</i> but said he liked it better on <i>her</i>.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523192 Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:08:25 +0000 Sal 1523192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great reading here &nbsp;So much wisdom.</p> <p>I am late to the thread but if you have found a consistency of style, instead of 6 $70 additions, maybe one $400 addition that is perfection might make your heart sing. &nbsp;It sounds like you need work/off duty/gear clothing and each of these capsules may be able to be well curated and simple...</p> <p>Yes I think grey hair does change the colours that suit, I think grey clothing won't work as well as it did with black hair. &nbsp;I think you would really suit some of the moody colours; stormy sea green, rich red wine, and black and white print....I have attached some pics, more of the colours than of the styles.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523184 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:32:29 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1523184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no deep insights regarding your post Una, only that what you said resonates with where I am right now too, evolutionarily speaking. Probably why I didn't really find much appealing at NAS this year. I don't have any wardrobe holes identified, but feel the need to refine what I have. I find that I am increasingly drawn to structure and simplicity...&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523181 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:19:34 +0000 Angie 1523181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. Great thread. Only getting to it now.&nbsp;</p> <p>Una, you have finally reached a point where you are focused - and at peace - with what you want to wear, and how you want to present yourself both professionally and in your leisure time. WELL DONE. This is an amazing accomplishment - and an enviably position to be in with your style. For years - here on YLF - you have lamented that you can't wear the things you truly want to wear because of age, lifestyle, your profession ..... and the list goes on. For years you have put out fires instead of getting to the heart of your true style needs. NOW, you are there. It's as if your greying hair has freed you, and given you an enormous sense of style clarity. I am very proud of you. And you have never looked better on YLF than you do right now. *applause*</p> <p>My hat off to Gaylene and Gryffin for their incredible eloquence. My hat off to Jaime for her insights about wearing the trendiest stuff with ultra modern salt and pepper hair. And my hat off to Debs for using the word "grown-up", which I think was a good word despite the fact that you rebelled against it, Una. I agree with Debs. You <b>can </b>be as funky, spunky and avant-garde as you like in a grown-up way. It's kind of what Jaime was trying to say too.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523018 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:36:05 +0000 catgirl 1523018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, thanks for that recommendation!&nbsp; Where IS Caro?&nbsp; I miss her.&nbsp; Those are great points. An H&amp;M just opened here, and I ventured in but did not see anything that felt worth bringing home as compared to what I have.&nbsp; I think maybe shopping and walking away with nothing is as or more productive sometimes than buying - because it applies a skill I haven't learned enough, the art of leaving things behind. </p> <p>Isabel, I'm blushing - you're highly overestimating me, but thank you for your kind words.</p> <p>You all have given me so much wisdom and food for thought.&nbsp; I am going to revisit this thread many times and should print it to hang in my closet.&nbsp; I have been doing some organizing and purging (or setting aside certain precious items like Equipment shirts) to see what's left.&nbsp; I'm going to go back and revisit the remaining items with all of this knowledge in mind and the questions you've raised,</p> <p>Thank you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1523006 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 17:21:29 +0000 gryffin 1523006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - one more thought. &nbsp;Caro recommended a book to me that &nbsp;I have enjoyed very much, "10 Steps to Fashion Freedom" by Malcolm Levene. &nbsp;As he says the book is less abouat fashion and more about figuring out who you are, what you love, and how you want to express that through your wardrobe. &nbsp;One of the many resonant ideas he explored was the power of good design and fabulous fabrics. &nbsp;He feels that good design has nothing superfluous. &nbsp;No bells and whistles but is about the rightness of every element. &nbsp;He was insistent that good design exists at all price points but often more expensive clothing has better tailoring and better fabrics. &nbsp;He also discussed how great design and excellent fabric makes a piece more timeless. &nbsp;I got the same sense when you talked about moving away from extraneous embellishments and favoring a cleaner line that you were actually evolving in this way. &nbsp;Excellent design, fabric, fit - it does not require distraction or embellishment. &nbsp;It's the natural outcome of buy better (which I don't necessarily mean more expensive, but better quality at any pricepoint). &nbsp;Also the feel of clothing that fits and flatters - well it makes us carry ourselves differently. &nbsp;Wearing something that fits perfectly, feels wonderful on, and flatters just lets you forget about the clothing and be you, because you are totally comfortable and those clothes become part of your "skin." &nbsp;Sorry for the ramble and I'm not remotely doing justice to the book - but it's a lot of verbiage to say I think you'd find the read and exercises interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522967 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:08:57 +0000 Isabel 1522967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una that is so perfectly sensible. People do that all the time. It can be so difficult to reconcile our work environment with our person one. Even the personal ones are hard. I would not wear to NYC what I mostly wear Round our little agricultural town. The capsule premise has been really great for me. And it sounds as if that is what you are doing : a work one and a RATE , personal one. Your hair and BEUTIFUL exotic look adds SO much without even trying. XXXXXXXX </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522945 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 14:41:25 +0000 Anonymous 1522945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the 5 key ingredients idea! If you're in a place where you can say "I don't really feel like expermenting" - that's the perfect place to be for being selective and finding the best stuff.</p> <p>For me, the 5-ingredient plan doesn't completely work, because I like too much stuff, and am still a bit too impulsive when I shop.</p> <p>Good luck, and keep wearing the studded pink shoes!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522941 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 14:30:11 +0000 Jenn 1522941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RA(so)TE? Rough around (some of) the edges?</p> <p>I don't know you that well, but a lot of what you're expressing as dissatisfaction seems to be actually be satisfaction with where your style is at. You mention having easy formulas, buying for a known style template, and indulging in some wildcards to keep things fresh. Your post on the high-low jeans hemming definitely speaks to someone who still enjoys some exploring, so you're not stagnating either.</p> <p>The one place where you seem to be less happy is your work wardrobe. Whereas everywhere else, you've said you're good with where you're at, when you described your work wardrobe, you used the phrase "resigned myself." So maybe you can find a way to keep your no-fuss work formulas, but work just one or two pieces of your casual style into the mix (and maybe that's just your hair, if you start thinking of it that way)? I'm imagining a crisp sheet of paper with one corner torn off. Rough around one of the edges for work?<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522876 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:34:43 +0000 tulle 1522876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, this is all fascinating.&nbsp; I guess that coping with change--of any kind, at any time of life--brings revelations.&nbsp; Your hair has been such a seismic shift, it must be interesting to see what's fallen away and what remains standing of your personal style.&nbsp; (As Colette wrote, "And what better massage than an earthquake?")&nbsp; Your clarity, as always, is remarkable.&nbsp; You really see what you want, what you would like to try, and what you can happily discard.&nbsp; The brilliant label of "faux structure" is one I'm sure we will all now be applying to that category of&nbsp; lifesavers&nbsp; (the cotton knit blazer, the buttery leather jacket, the dress like a long t-shirt with clever seams and zippers) from the magic zone between restrictive tailored clothing and a wardrobe of sweatpants. I share your desire for simplicity, ease, and authenticity, and I look forward to seeing how you take vibrant colors into rough, edgy places and find what works comfortably for you and your new pewter hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522847 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 04:25:59 +0000 Anonymous 1522847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Geez , you're right about Eva Longoria. But I see it as just a more sophisticated look- more high-fashion and less Miss America. What's interesting also is the tonal and neutral clothing , letting the fabric and cut speak for themselves. Sigh- . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522846 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 04:20:50 +0000 catgirl 1522846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I love the idea of hair as bling... Must reprogram that into my brain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522844 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 04:15:50 +0000 Gaylene 1522844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm nodding at Shevia's comment that salt and pepper, gray, or silver hair on an older woman does become a statement-making accessory especially when the clothes and haircut are current. I also think it's likely that gray hair makes it easier to wear trends--a gray-haired woman with an edgy cut wearing leather leggings gets a different ticket than a older woman with colored hair and full makeup wearing the same outfit.</p> <p>ETA: Una, those pictures of Eva Longoria are stunning. I'm sure she still has has a makeup artist devote quite a bit of time to her, but the end result looks so much more human than her previous photographs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522776 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 02:13:58 +0000 Jaime 1522776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a wonderful thread! Ok, well I will throw in a few random thoughts because all the deep global stuff has been said beautifully upthread.</p> <p>Equipment shirts - I am in a not in the mood to fuss with non-washable tops right now. But, I will note one silk top (Uniqlo) was accidentally washed and dried in the machine and came out fine. I am just afraid to try with the couple of more expensive tops I have.&nbsp;</p> <p>Salt and pepper hair - makes a statement anyway you look at it. I actually feel more free to try trendy looks knowing I have pretty much cancelled out mutton as lamb from the get go. But that does not mean I want to all the time or even frequently. My hair says I go my own way enough already.<br />On the other hand, although your hair is quite sleek, there is something relatively unruly about grey hair and might be drawing you to sleeker lines. Your hair is bling enough! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522731 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 01:30:39 +0000 catgirl 1522731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I've never been big on makeup so this just sold me on my lack of effort. I mean look at her... Obviously there is some makeup effort going on but nothing like her usual. I would never have recognized her. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522724 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 01:05:46 +0000 Anonymous 1522724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, yes, I think age, knowledge and wisdom "ideally" trump the accessories and tricky things we add to our look to make it "us". &nbsp;But.....as with all things. that's easier said than done. &nbsp;A blog I read daily called Keep It Chic, which is written by Preston Davis - a former Vogue editor and stylist - is all about that more natural, (albeit WASPY),classic look. Yesterday she made a comment about how less (or even no) makeup is now looking sexier to her &nbsp; -and of course I panicked because &nbsp;I know it to be true, but I'm the biggest makeup (bad word) going. &nbsp;I love a done-up eye. &nbsp;Anyways, this got me to thinking maybe I can drop the artifice, the jewellery, the makeup ,and see where it takes me. Then I slapped myself across the face, took another slug of coffee, and laughed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522706 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 23:31:22 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1522706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On my phone Una but had to chime in and say I totally get this! Stopping colouring my hair started a change in me in terms of self acceptance which in turn led me to a more authentic style. Remember my days of retro early in YLF days? I look at those outfits now and they seem almost costume-y now. I don't regret that phase as experimentation is how I find my way. But how I'm dressing now seems genuine and certainly less fussy and more comfortable - both emotionally and physically.</p> <p>I think of this for you as less of a shift and more of self discovery leading to refining your style. Looking forward to seeing where it takes you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522704 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 23:24:00 +0000 Deborah 1522704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably didnt express myself properly...it's early morning and no coffee yet. By organic I mean what comes naturally. Less thought and angst but that innate sense of knowing what works for you:). And with the details, they also can be achieved without fuss and not as much thought as they used to. And by grown up I mean that you are at peace with just being you and with that come a level of consistency (not boring) to your style. You like a trend, you incorporate it, if you don't like it you don't! You are motivated more from the inside than the outside. Sorry I'm not so good at the analysis stuff:(</p> <p>And I shouldn't have used the word minimal, what I really mean is cohesive...ok coffee time x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522703 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 23:22:48 +0000 catgirl 1522703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's what I'm pondering, Lisa!&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm lucky to have all of you on this journey.&nbsp; What do you think - are (alleged) wisdom and experience equal to fab accessories to our overall look?</p> <p>If you've seen the recent In Style, Eva Longoria is featured and she is wearing little make-up and lovely elegant clothes instead of her usual starlet makeup and skin-tight glam.&nbsp; She looks "mature", yes, but also UNBELIEVABLY STUNNING.&nbsp; I don't particularly like her, never found her to be more than conventionally pretty - and I didn't recognize her in this incarnation.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522699 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 23:12:04 +0000 Anonymous 1522699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just getting to YLF today now - and have enjoyed all the comments on your post , Una. So many thoughtful &nbsp;and articulate women here. &nbsp;Gaylene and Gryffin always write what's in my head, and I like what each of them have written here. I'm still almost reeling at that fantastic insight about no longer needing the extra embellishments now that you can bring your own wisdom and experience naturally into your look. &nbsp;I need to take heed of that myself and try to find my natural, mature, authentic look instead of grasping at everything I see that's shiny and pretty.</p> <p>Anyways - I'm in awe of you, as always ...you have a good handle on yourself and what you want, and you set a great example. &nbsp;The way you've described what you want and how your closet now works makes a lot of sense to me. &nbsp;Go for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings/page/2#post-1522698 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 22:54:11 +0000 catgirl 1522698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, interesting.&nbsp; Do I want to be grown up? :)&nbsp; I'm not sure I'm going 'organic" per se, but I want less fuss.&nbsp; Not stripped down minimal either, because it's those little details like drape and asymmetry that make such a difference.&nbsp; Maybe I'm looking to be the RATE version of your current style!&nbsp; Or am I that already?&nbsp; I do appreciate your input! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522664 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 21:43:40 +0000 Deborah 1522664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was looking forward to this post:). Firstly yes I agree that I would not describe my style as RATE (rough around the edges). I think Maneera may have just confused the definition? I do however definitely see that we have a lot of similarities in our chosen styles. </p> <p>Una this is exciting. Hesitant to use the word but I think you are working toward what I loosely refer to as "grown up" style. Minimal, no fuss almost organic style. I have been wondering if this is like a derivative of french dressing (which I am reading a lot on at the moment), you know what you like and what works so why fuss with other stuff? What you are doing sounds great and life change seems to inspire wardrobe evolution. My new job has taken me back to more suited (or at least jacket looks) and I am loving it. For me separate wardrobes for work and play don't work as I seem to have a deep seated need for consistency lol but if that works absolutely go for it. I think I get what's happening for you and it's going to be awesome to watch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522659 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 21:29:09 +0000 Alassë 1522659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too see your new direction as an evolution, a honing, of your UWP style. I think you're doing very well with the UWP upgrade and look forward to seeing where it takes you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522652 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 21:19:49 +0000 Eliza 1522652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una- lots of wisdom here, including your own. My reactions have largely been covered by others, so rather than reiterating a more global perspective, I'll keep it "micro". Several of your thoughts resonated here as well. I am more drawn to color than I was previously and have even added a few carefully chosen floral prints to my wardrobe (much more a geometric print and more solid color dresser usually). I also am into reducing variables in my dressing equation, including choices that require work-arounds. This brings me to your perspective on hardware: I, too, now seek to avoid most of it. For one, its ubiquitous presence has virtually eliminated the "edge" and just as important to me is how the metal adds more complexity to the outfit visually, causing efforts to reduce the cacophony by matching other necessary metal elements of my outfits. How much simpler to have no highly visible hardware! </p> <p>I also embrace your wonderfully apt description of "faux" structure. I am happiest at the intersection of structure and comfort, given how my style preferences and often casual lifestyle intersect. While comfort matters, I am sloppy and frumpy adverse. Thanks for putting words to relevant goals and sharing your thoughtful posts. I appreciate all the collective wisdom others have shared, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522639 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 20:57:46 +0000 catgirl 1522639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa, interesting.&nbsp; For me, it's definitely the "silk is dressy" factor... but it really doesn't have to be.&nbsp; I need to experiment.&nbsp; And as I said in other posts, this NYDJ shirt is quite easy to wear - I just wish the patterns didn't skew quite so mainstream.&nbsp; Add some skulls, NYDJ!&nbsp; (Rachylou, can I create a "Put&nbsp;A Skull On It" category?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522637 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 20:54:31 +0000 catgirl 1522637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a think tank this group is!&nbsp; You've all understood my needs so well.&nbsp; Fewer, simpler pieces per outfit&nbsp;with clearer style impact is my goal.&nbsp; So not necessarily Shannon's style but along the lines of her recently stated style goals.&nbsp; This is why I'm sad that Eileen Fisher doesn't work for me, at least the edgier incarnations like the recent lookbook.&nbsp; I do think it's easier for me to dress in winter, since my wardrobe is built around that climate, and some of this restlessness is due to missing my asymmetric cashmere tunics and boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>The good thing&nbsp;is that I have&nbsp;all the ingredients in my closet to make this work.&nbsp; The&nbsp;long teal jacket&nbsp;outfit is a good example of something I'd be comfortable wearing everywhere, and with a different top, to work.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thanks for&nbsp;helping me brainstorm, style sisters!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522635 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 20:44:06 +0000 unfrumped 1522635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've identified your "fuss tolerance", too and are honing your wardrobe to eliminate that but still look put-together. And the stretch or give factor is in part a comfort thing and also a body type thing, so perfectly great to have learned what items are most likely to work for you. That may demand more of your items, to be well-made, good materials, but still these are available at many price points. And in fact you can carry this off with these simpler items so well--you have some inherent drama (that may not be the right word) and fitness in your "look" so that a simple dress and boots looks fab without a lot of fuss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522629 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 20:23:02 +0000 approprio 1522629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your description of your professional wardrobe - no-nonsense professional basics that work for your daily life. Stretchy tailoring and ponte knit get the thumbs up from me, as do blazers and silk button-downs.</p> <p>The separation of work and play sounds like a good move too. It's inevitable when you have to play a variety of roles in your life. Maybe you'll find it works on a spectrum. For instance, I think that teal blazer you've just bought would go almost anywhere, and in my universe pairing it with faux leather leggings would be a slam dunk of a business casual look that could go out later in the evening.&nbsp;</p> <p>Complex looks are good fun, but really good ones take time and effort. &nbsp;You need to treat making them as a hobby and be prepared to repeat. Much easier to create a few UWP templates and treat them as a template for getting dressed in the morning. BF jeans and statement footwear would seem like a good place to start.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I think you're in a really good place. You know what you like and what works for you. You can create some nice signatures with the things &nbsp;you have in your closet and amp up the UWP factor with cool shoes and accessories.&nbsp;</p> <p>But stick with the colours. I'd say your brights are crucial to achieving the clean edge you're looking for. If grey is no longer your friend, maybe adopt black as the core neutral and find your groove in bold, clean contrasts.</p> <p>There's my 2c. I expect you've already thought of all of the above but that's just my impression from following your awesome style.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522627 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 20:08:19 +0000 Thistle 1522627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Replying without reading the other posts, so apologies if this is a repeat but I wanted to keep my thoughts just as they were when I read your post.</p> <p>First, style morphs and changes with us. We change, grow older, maybe wiser, and have new needs. I love the idea of a clean or straight edge for you. </p> <p>Your job changed, so your need for work clothes changed. As you've embraced this change, your style needs have changed. What was appropriate and even comfortable in your old job doesn't all work for your new job.</p> <p>Our priorities change, and perhaps the care of your equipment silk blouses turns you off, or maybe they just aren't comfortable. Whatever the case, there is no point forcing yourself to be someone you aren't. </p> <p>Embrace where you are right now, enjoy your current loves, and if you don't go back to your old loves, that's okay.</p> <p>And I can see a place for the clean straight lines of Kate Spade in your evolving style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-kind-of-musings#post-1522624 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 19:53:19 +0000 Adelfa 1522624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, why don't I wear my Equipment shirts? Some of all of these reasons....</p> <p>1. They seem a tad too short and a tad too tailored to successfully pull of half-tucked, untucked, or tunic looks, and I don't wear fully tucked anymore.</p> <p>2. The gap problem. I put on a shirt that seems plenty roomy, and before too long a tactful colleague is telling me that I'm unbuttoned. This seems to be a worse problem with silk shirts, perhaps because the fabric is slippery.</p> <p>3. I'm trying to accept the fact that I WILL spill food on myself, no matter how careful I try to be. I'm so tired of hurrying to the dry cleaner, having the stain conversation, maybe hearing later it didn't all come out...</p> <p>4. My style has gotten more casual and a smidge more boho or arty. I'm having trouble styling the shirts in a way that's appealing to me (see #1).</p> <p>So, right now for work I'm wearing a lot of polyester non-buttoned blouses! Angie has shown me there are some lovely ones. They are all high-low and they solve every single problem described above. Pleione has a ton. I still love my Equipment blouses and am hanging on to them for another day! </p>