https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:13:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses/page/2#post-2259463 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:06:32 +0000 Sal 2259463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see why those are workhorses. I used to have a bag that colour and found it so useful. And the pewter boots are great!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses/page/2#post-2259391 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 13:16:31 +0000 Star (Lise) 2259391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love pewter boots <b>Lana</b>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses/page/2#post-2259390 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 13:06:00 +0000 Lana 2259390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve got three:<br />1. Faded frayed light wash straight leg jeans from Wit and Wisdom Absolution. When I bought them I thought I would wear them rarely because they were so distressed compared to my usual dark wash but they are going on 75 wears and I need to replace them. The inner elastic waistband is perfect for hourglass shapes who constantly have a gap in the waistline, and it’s not visible at all from the outside.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. This white Rebecca Minkoff tote. &nbsp;I reach for this bag the most because no matter what I’m wearing it adds some light to outfits. The style is slimming, it’s soft, hits at a nice place and holds everything I need.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Pewter Chelsea boots. I was scared of these because they were attention getting but they go with so much and add light AND some contrast to outfits. I wear them with everything.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259174 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 22:20:08 +0000 Sal 2259174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slim Cat - a white cardigan layer is a perfect summer topper, so I am not surprised that worked out well for you.</p> <p>Carla - these simple puffers have become quite signature to your style.&nbsp; I really like how you style them.&nbsp; And a good beanie is not easy to find....I am on the hunt and yet to be successful:)</p> <p>Angie - yes Bijou and yourself were the main influencers on the denim jacket, and being patient was worthwhile.&nbsp; I love these light leather boots on you - and I can see why they keep getting worn!!</p> <p>Brooklyn - that's a great easy skirt and I can see why it become such a favourite.&nbsp; I do love a summer dress and like to have a variety available.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>chewy spaghetti - these sort of easy toppers are brilliant to have - in the car, in your bag etc for layering.&nbsp; 10 years is a very good stint!!</p> <p>kkards - I wonder if the light colour has made these super appealing for you in the colder months.&nbsp; I also think that a light belt is a really useful completer piece to tie in light soled shoes or your shacket etc..&nbsp; It's a really good complement collection.</p> <p>Jenni - in the Auckland climate cardigans are perfect from October to about April.&nbsp; I think it's finding the style that suits you - which you have done so.&nbsp; I only have one cardigan but I would always own one now - I love it for easy weekends or evenings or quick trips to the shops.&nbsp; The wrong one can feel dowdy but the right one is magic.</p> <p>Bijou - love your unexpected workhorses!!&nbsp; I have always admired those star boots on you, and also have found olive pants a really good option for the last six months.&nbsp; And a lilac bag is just so much fun!!&nbsp; And I am pleased you influenced on the denim jacket - it was absolutely the right topper for me and I pulled it out a lot over summer.&nbsp; It will still be worn in autumn and winter, but less so as I don't love it with jeans (I do love a denim shirt and jeans though!).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259173 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 22:07:33 +0000 Sal 2259173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy - light ponchos are so easy in the evening - I like something to throw on to take the chill off that works with lots of other pieces.</p> <p>Cardiff Girl - those boots sound excellent.&nbsp; I think Rieker do sandals too - or Joseph Siebel or Ecco&nbsp; as a summer alternative?</p> <p>Style Fan - that's a great workhorse and pleased the bomber style is working out.&nbsp; It's a wonderful colour.</p> <p>JAileen - these practical pieces are wonderful.&nbsp; I love that puffer - it's stylish and useful.</p> <p>cat2 - I am pleased the cashmere is finding a new life.&nbsp; And in the pandemic cargo pants are kind of in between joggers and jeans in terms of comfort so I can understand why they were well worn.&nbsp; I do think cosy sweaters in good colours have long standing appeal and mine tend to last a long time - starting off as work, moving to casual and eventually maybe loungewear or even active or gardening wear.</p> <p>Suz - those are all great pieces!&nbsp; It is so nice when something you take a bit of a punt on, ends up being a firm favourite.&nbsp; It's why a good wardrobe is not entirely sensible...&nbsp; Love those red/watermelon shoes - perfect fix of fun, style and practicality.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259172 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 21:58:57 +0000 Sal 2259172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry about the delay!</p> <p>Kyle - joggers during the pandemic were so so useful.&nbsp; I can relate.</p> <p>Jonesy - I agree, that balance between dressy and casual is important when driving.&nbsp; Pleased you have found a good inexpensive solution.&nbsp; And why are denim shirts so hard to find?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Quinta22- a denim blazer is a really timeless piece.&nbsp; And not likely to wear out any time soon!&nbsp; And a big yes to comfy shoes.</p> <p>April - I can see that.&nbsp; Leather pants kind of go with everything.&nbsp; Perfect to make every outfit look a bit edgier.</p> <p>Jaime - I do think a classic style denim jacket is a really timeless piece.&nbsp; I am trying to build these types of pieces up and feel like I have so many more options.&nbsp; And pleased you have the right sweater even for a mild climate.&nbsp; It's still nice to feel a bit more cosy in winter.</p> <p>Did you put in a police report for the murder Rachylou?&nbsp; That awful chair!!&nbsp; I love the shiny puffer look actually - I don't have one - but I am drawn to it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259097 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:32:31 +0000 Kyle 2259097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my gosh, these Old Navy mid-rise breathable joggers saved me during the pandemic. Available in tall, they are super soft and comfy, easy to wash and dry, and they wear like iron. What a find.&nbsp;<div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://oldnvy.me/3xqh8Xa">https://oldnvy.me/3xqh8Xa</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259091 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:22:32 +0000 Jonesy 2259091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! The perfect denim shirt is a HEWI, for sure, so congrats for finding the right one! I have never been able to :).</p> <p>This year, my unexpected workhorses have been a couple of pairs of jeans from the Gap (duplicated, one dark wash and one light wash) and a pair of Docs in a butterscotch color. I have been traveling a lot by car and these jeans have an elasticized waist and fit well--along with the boots, they are comfy for being in the car for hours, but I still feel reasonably put-together. And they were inexpensive, so they don't feel precious.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259086 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:28:10 +0000 Anonymous 2259086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a denim blazer that I have worn for a decade already. It’s still in great shape &amp; I cannot find another shapely one like it, so it’s a keeper. It has a zero CPW now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259069 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:21:52 +0000 April 2259069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A pair of leather pants.&nbsp; Wearing the heck out of them right now before the weather gets too warm for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259038 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 02:19:39 +0000 Jaime 2259038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the topic of denim jackets, I bought one over 10 years ago in New York and it has never failed me. I was very surprised how handy my Dale of Norway sweaters came in the cold indoor, mild outdoor Israeli winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259025 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:39:36 +0000 rachylou 2259025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So… my office chair murdered my brown Bernardo puffy… I got up, left my office, and came back to a pile of fluff. The Bernardo was an unexpected workhorse and already way way beyond its natural lifespan, a revenant to be honest. But the brown was so perfect. So I got this Uniqlo replacement, which isn’t the same at all - too shiny. I didn’t really expect much of it. However, it has proven a workhorse and my navy Bernardo continues to play second fiddle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259023 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:31:07 +0000 Anonymous 2259023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My workhorse at the moment is a pair of Gravity Defyer walking shoes. They’re the absolute best for my osteoarthritis. I can walk for miles without any pain or discomfort. This is a game changer because up until now, lace-up shoes have been very difficult to wear, &amp; I could never find the right insoles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2259005 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:21:27 +0000 Anonymous 2259005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am liking summer weight poncho-like toppers and a Jean jacket like topper made of white handkerchief linen. &nbsp;I am considering a blue one. &nbsp;The weight is just right for over air conditioning or a summer evening. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258997 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:10:37 +0000 Cardiff girl 2258997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are quite right Sal often workhorses are unexpected purchases aren’t theyMy most recent purchase that fits the bill is a pair of urban hikers from Reiker.They are possibly the most comfortable boots l have ever owned and they work perfectly for my current lifestyle.l shall be bereft in the summer when it is too hot to wear them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258971 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 18:55:48 +0000 Style Fan 2258971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last year, I bought a lightweight down bomber jacket from Lululemon that was final sale.&nbsp; The colour was perfect for my wardrobe, but I wasn't sure about the bomber style.&nbsp; I took a chance and ordered it.&nbsp; It quickly became a workhorse.&nbsp; I wore it dog walking, to the movies and everything in between.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258961 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:00:30 +0000 JAileen 2258961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Columbia hiking pants - I got these for birding trips, but I wear them almost every day around the house.</p> <p>Eileen Fisher boyfriend jeans - I bought these in blue and also in black at NAS several years ago almost as an afterthought. &nbsp;It turns out I wear the black ones all the time. &nbsp;And I love the fit, too.</p> <p>Dansko clogs in charcoal - well of course these turned out to be workhorses. &nbsp;We remove our outdoor shoes in the house, so when I’m going somewhere these are so easy to slip on, plus they go with everything. &nbsp;In fact, I’ve worn them so much they are starting to wear out. &nbsp;:(</p> <p>The North Face thermoball parka - another NAS purchase that turned out to be a workhorse. &nbsp;I wish I knew how many times I’ve worn it. &nbsp;All I know is: &nbsp;it’s a lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258959 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:51:10 +0000 cat2 2258959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last summer I ended up living in cargo pants from DKNY and Talbots, of all places. This winter it was my boring cashmere collection; nice pieces bought for corporate wear, tucked into cropped wool things (pants, culottes, etc.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258956 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:37:21 +0000 Suz 2258956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these threads. They're an opportunity to celebrate our "happy" purchases, because who does not love an unexpected workhorse?? (Especially an inexpensive find, like that denim shirt of yours! Or the jacket -- a type of item that didn't work at all until it -- surprisingly -- did. Or the dress -- one that makes you immediately happy?)&nbsp;</p> <p>A couple of recent (ish) ones in my life.&nbsp;</p> <p>This merino v-neck, an add-on for free delivery, very inexpensive because Lord &amp; Taylor is no more, but a fun print and cozy for me in fall/ winter/ spring.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hibiscus sneakers from last summer. Such great walking shoes for me (stable, fits an orthotic) I bought another pair so I could have one pristine for "fashion" outfits and one for walking in the sometimes-muck.&nbsp;</p> <p>Linen shirt. Love having this shirt in my closet. The colours make me smile and it works so well with white bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have a lot of <b>expected </b>workhorses (puffer coats, boots, etc.) Those also give me great joy. But it's the surprises that give the most fun.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258947 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:57:19 +0000 slim cat 2258947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Simple white linen cardigan - low hip length, open without buttons from Marshall's that I've got during summer 2020 ( it's from Rachel Zoe ). I was using it so much every summer for work and after that recently I've got the perfect duplicate at the same place .<br />Like @Brooklyn my workhorses are often fairly well predicted. I shop mostly for practical pieces that go from work to home with ease. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258946 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:56:12 +0000 Carla 2258946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought this hat&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://anianmfg.com/products/recyled-cashmere?variant=39525854216278">https://anianmfg.com/products/.....5854216278</a>&nbsp;earlier this year ‘cause I’m liking the beanie style and wanted to support a Canadian sustainable maker. &nbsp;Well! &nbsp;I love this hat, and reach for it all the time.</p> <p>The Uniqlo micro puffers are winners in my book. &nbsp;The (older) beige one matches my hair, and the (newer) cream coloured version somehow manages to look ‘elevated’. &nbsp;Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised that the second one would become as much a ‘go to’ as the beige one, but it seems to go with everything! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258933 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 14:21:37 +0000 Angie 2258933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go Team Denim Jacket! YAY, <b>Sal</b>! Thrilled you are getting out of a denim jacket all that it has to offer. I'm a huge fan :)</p> <p>And that white sundress is all sorts of awesome on you!&nbsp;</p> <p>To answer your question, I'm going with these two items. Weatherproof cream combat boots, and white leather hi-tops. I expected to wear them often - but not QUITE as often </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258930 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:07:06 +0000 Brooklyn 2258930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, the twirl is the sure fire sign it’s right. I think you suit sundresses really well. </p> <p>I’m not sure if I have had any unexpected workhorses. Lately anyway. I now buy with a fairly strict dichotomy in mind: everyday wear vs occasional (icon) wear. So the things I buy for everyday wear should turn out to be workhorses. (Unless it turns out to be a mistake, which can happen!)</p> <p>My biggest workhorse for last summer was this tiered skirt. It has the characteristics that are most likely to make something a workhorse for me: washable, good coverage, comfortable, flattering cut, neutral darkish colour, interesting pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258923 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:32:41 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2258923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Years ago...maybe 10? I picked an open weave, short sleeve coccoon cardigan at Target. I wear it through the seasons, and it has fit through many body changes. I am currently looking to add more coccoon cardigans in different cors, both short and long sleeve because ithasworked so well for so long for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258919 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:23:07 +0000 lyn67 2258919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to think deeper, but Sal, how could you live without the denim jacket!!!:-) I just cannot live without and wear it over dresses&amp; skirts&nbsp; almost exclusively, too. (BTW great new white linen dress!)<br />I just didn't reach my denim shirt(s) for so long...they still fit me but never find a spot when and why wearing them nowadays (I usually wore them open like a topper in the summer-for casual-anything other styling idea feels so complicated right now- but will look at your looks for inspo.<br />To answer your question, one unexpected workhorse is perhaps my powder blue lightweight trench-was addicted strictly to neutrals as black, taupe or a very saturated rust)-but is so lightweight (goes easy over all my&nbsp; blazers-and even puffer vests) and seems&nbsp; pastel blue works&nbsp; well (and&nbsp; also screams Spring) over my dull office wear (usually all black based neutrals).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258915 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:08:34 +0000 Star (Lise) 2258915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I lived in SA I purchased 2 furry zipper sleeveless vests, one cream and one black.&nbsp; They were on deep discount from a fairly pricey retailer.&nbsp; I only wore them once or twice and they languished in the cupboard.&nbsp; Firstly they were not weather appropriate, and they said Dry Clean Only.&nbsp; When I moved here I brought the black one with and passed on the cream.&nbsp; Oh my word, I wear this vest every single day at home for 8 months of the year, over my regular clothes and even my pj's.&nbsp; I wash it in the machine in a laundry bag without issues.&nbsp; It gives the extra warmth required without constriction.&nbsp; I even had to mend it recently!&nbsp; I wish I had brought the cream one with too but maybe it would have been too precious being light cream.&nbsp; Problem is my DH does not like it.&nbsp; I will have to replace it with something similar when the time comes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258914 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:58:10 +0000 kkards 2258914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The lightweight puffer and the shacket both have become workhorse and both kind of have the same roll in my wardrobe—-perfect to throw on either as a layer or added warmth when WFH or as an outerwear piece when it’s chilly but not cold. &nbsp;The clogs have been workhorses since I bought them and are the prefect WFH shoes. &nbsp;And the belt, while I was hesitant about it, it’s wider than any other belt I own, and it’s got a subtle 70s vibe, and I love it. &nbsp;Every time I wear my light/cream boots I reach for it. &nbsp;It makes everything I wear it with fab&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258911 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:39:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2258911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say it is always cardigans of some sort, which I really didn’t wear many of until the last few years. I wonder if they felt a bit old-lady-ish earlier, although I have had a small number over the previous several decades. In 2013 I bought 2 on sale for a trip to Fiji- light-weight drapey summer ones. I wore the white one so much it got tatty and was donated. I still have the red.<br /> Then in 2018 a bronze “shrug” cardigan was seen serendipitously. It was half price and has now had a huge 141 wears! So warm and cosy.<br /> And in summer 2018 a $20 cream cardigan with pretty appliqué turned up and has now had 60 wears. Sometimes evenings can get chilly in summer. Functions much like your denim jacket does for you I think.<br /> Pic 1: red summer cardigan<br /> Pic 2: bronze winter cardigan<br /> Pic 3: cream summer cardigan<br /> I guess it should no longer be a surprise that cardigans are workhorses! I can look more deliberately in future if these wear out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258910 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:15:06 +0000 Bijou 2258910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I'm very glad that your denim jacket has worked out so well, as I know I was an enabler with that purchase!</p> <p>I love white boots and these are my most worn. At the time of buying, I was worried that they could be too RATE for my style (they have some distressing) and generally I prefer gold hardware - but they have almost become signature to my style.</p> <p>The cargo pants were a bit of a shock for me because I think I don't wear olive but since getting these pants, I have been wearing regularly, even during my long hot summer.</p> <p>Lilac bag was found on sale 4 years ago as a bit of a splurge and was the first vibrantly coloured bag - previously my bags were in neutral tones and red (which is a neutral for me). It opened my eyes to how a bright bag can really lift an outfit. It is not used as much now, as I have added more colourful bags to my collection but I will always love this bag and its gorgeous colour.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/surprising-or-unexpected-workhorses#post-2258904 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:05:41 +0000 Sal 2258904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can understand that Minaminu - these pieces have been a bit more versatile than you thought.&nbsp; That's a happy occurrence!!</p> <p>StagF - I think these white boots are great too.&nbsp; Pleased they are getting approval from you and others.&nbsp; In a climate such as yours sturdy but fun boots seem a good place to spend your money (for me practical summer shoes that can cope in the heat are important). </p>