YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Textures!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Textures! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 23:30:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php bella on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53182 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:24:05 +0000 bella 53182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everyone gave great advice. I just wanted to throw in another vote for textured tights and scarves. They instantly add texture to the outfit and don't break the bank. Anonymous on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53135 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:01:20 +0000 Anonymous 53135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are some textured summer fabrics like seersucker (or other puckery fabric) and linen (or a fabric that looks like linen) that give extra texture. Here I am thinking of Sweet Pea tops again and the texture of the nylon knit plus often pattern. Pleats, even those pleated scarves are another texture and I've seen lots of pleated blouses in the stores. Cotton crochet on a piece or a loosely crocheted jacket is a great summer texture without adding warmth. I used to have a monotone outfit of sleeveless sheath dress and one of those crocheted cardies in the same color (olive green) that seemed to work because of the texture contrast. I know you don't want ruffles down your front, but what about a small high ruffle collar (you don't have to button it up all the way) or ruffle cuffs? I know you'll come up with some great ideas. shiny on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53108 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:06:47 +0000 shiny 53108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana, I'm only 5'0" and I wear prints all the time. If anything, I may have overdone it on the prints (and colors!) last year so I'm going the other way now and focusing on solids and more neutrals. I will agree with your husband that some florals can make us look too girlish. My experience is that it's the pastel florals that are the big culprits. I still wear florals but I choose florals that have stronger, non-pastel colors. For example I have one favorite top which has a white, khaki, green, and red floral. Nothing soft and pastel about it!!! And it also has ruffles - can't get more girly than that. :-) Otherwise, I have developed a preference for paisleys. I can't seem to get enough. The print has to be scaled just so for our short frames. Maya on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53105 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:56:16 +0000 Maya 53105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been thinking about that Shana. I don't think I could wear anything sheer to work though, even with a cami. Correct me if I'm mistaken. But I have been wondering if it's one way for me to get away with a higher neckline. I saw a VERY busty girl on WNTW who was put in a sheer blouse that came up to her neck and she looked great. In general, whenever my friends listen to their husbands/boyfriends, it seems to be a mistake. I hate to say that because I know husbands and boyfriends are one of the key people in life who women like to look nice for, but it's true. I just do not bother listening to men when it comes to my clothes and appearance. Clothes and style have a completely different purpose to them than they do to me, and it just seems fruitless trying to make them understand. Ha, maybe that's why I don't have a boyfriend. shana on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53097 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:19:28 +0000 shana 53097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maya, I have also been feeling lately that my wardrobe is so blah. I realize it's because I have virtually eliminated prints. I used to be big into floral prints - big, small, I loved them all. My husband convinced me that at my height (5') that floral prints were too girlish on me now that I was "mature." So over the last 5 or 6 years, I just stopped buying them. So now, I am wearing all these solids and ylf has been great about helping me mix colors and not just rely on black and yet alot of time, my outfits still seem a bit boring. So now I am focusing on bringing prints back into my wardrobe (and I will be ignoring my husband from now on) - I recently bought some colorful, printed scarves and am also looking for some printed camis that I can wear with all my solid pieces. I also have been buying some cute, inexpensive earrings or necklaces (target is one of my favorite places to find some) to spice things up and help pull some of the colors together. I'm not sure if it counts as texture but do you have any sheer, organza type shirts that can be layered over a cami? That would also add some interest as the weather warms up. Angie on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53095 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:15:38 +0000 Angie 53095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh! Thanks for noticing, jj. There are all sorts of flower pins. I personally prefer the ones that don’t look like real flowers – like the one you saw at the swap. Does that make sense? I’ve been collecting my flower pins for years. I have 6 and purchased them from H&M, Anthropology, Hong Kong boutique, Amsterdam boutique, Club Monaco and Talbots. So random! Etsy is a good and affordable place to start. julijuli on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53092 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:01:24 +0000 julijuli 53092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I noticed the flower pin you wore to the swap and really liked it. Can you tell us some places to find unusual, pretty flower pins? I started looking on Etsy and found a few that might work. Ariadne on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53090 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:41:09 +0000 Ariadne 53090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a big collection of flower pins... I need to start wearing them more! Angie on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53072 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:45:05 +0000 Angie 53072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find that tip useful too, Shiny. And I’ve just started re-wearing my fun flower pins. I should blog about that. shiny on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53067 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:12:39 +0000 shiny 53067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I love that tip about only buying neutral colors if they have texture. Mellllls on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53059 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:33:18 +0000 Mellllls 53059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My suggestions - lacy, ribbed, or ruffled camisole under your knit top - velvet, corduroy or denim (if not wearing denim jeans) blazer over a knit top - textured tights if wearing a skirt or dress - bags that are fake leather, fake cracked leather, patent, suede, etc. I have a great fake crinkled leather bag from H&M that I absolutely love. The handle is braided so that might even add additional texture...I'm not sure. Good luck! (you have just made me realize my outfit for today has no texture...well except my shoes and bag I guess.) Inge on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53056 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:40:02 +0000 Inge 53056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great question Maya! I should also try to incorporate more texture into my wardrobe. A few more ideas: - (colourful) straw or textured handbags (when I bought my rice-paper Matt & Nat bag, you mentioned you have something similar?) <a href="http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?modelid=20575&sourceid=COMJ2007&AID=10293324&PID=2178999&SID=53269870" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebags.com/products/.....D=53269870</a> <a href="http://www.coldwatercreek.com/products/ProductATB.aspx?productid=40380&ensembleid=46257" rel="nofollow">http://www.coldwatercreek.com/.....leid=46257</a> <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/handbagswallets/satchelstotes/PRD~453397/Rosetti+Summer+Straw+Mini+Tote.jsp?prtID=pfx&src=k108283&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary#" rel="nofollow">http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor....._-Primary#</a> - chiffon and other subtle see-through fabrics <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/amaya-blouse-elie-tahari/vp/v=1/845524441836095.htm?folderID=2534374302119555&extid=affprg" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/amaya-b.....tid=affprg</a> (ignore the prices, this is just for inspiration) <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/crosssells/womens/trends/feniminedetails/PRD~395469/ELLE+Chiffon+Cardigan.jsp?prtID=pfx&src=k108283&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary" rel="nofollow">http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....-_-Primary</a> - (flower) pins in fun colours and fabrics (Steffie has some great ones) - 'textured' jewellery (i.e. with a non-smooth surface, patterns or irregular shape), headbands too <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19457099" rel="nofollow">http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=19457099</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14004453" rel="nofollow">http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=14004453</a> <a href="http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/191-3750641-7664164?asin=B000FEO8AE&AFID=shopping_df&LNM=Jewelry" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/gp/detai.....NM=Jewelry</a>||B000FEO8AE&CPNG=jewelry&ref=tgt_adv_XSC10001 <a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc&product_id=1058738354&Page=24" rel="nofollow">http://www.forever21.com/produ.....38;Page=24</a> <a href="http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=106&subCategoryId=545&productId=17151&ref=ws_aff_pf_k108283&source=pf" rel="nofollow">http://www.wetseal.com/catalog.....;source=pf</a> <a href="http://www.ylang23.com/shop_prodDetail.cfm?ShopBy=Designers&DesignerID=0&ShowList=1&CurrentPage=212&ItemID=16067&source=shopstyle" rel="nofollow">http://www.ylang23.com/shop_pr.....=shopstyle</a> - scarves with some metallic detailing and/or crinkled (crinkled tops can be a nice change too) <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=19449&No=15&pCategoryId=192&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1446&N=1200164&Nty=1&categoryId=1446&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Velvet%20Cafe%20Creme&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses&cid=A0001#ATLtop" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....001#ATLtop</a> <a href="http://www.bebe.com/Plaid-Metallic-Striped-Fringed-Scarf/dp/B001BL61KA?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=0N5ZBW0270E35KTYABKF&node=1260461011&pf_rd_s=search-results&field_browse=1260461011&searchSize=20&pf_rd_t=101&field_availability=0&id=Plaid%20Metallic%20Striped%20Fringed%20Scarf&searchBinNameList=null&pf_rd_p=470650931&ref=browse_item_8_B001BL61KA&searchNodeID=1260461011&pf_rd_i=1260461011&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=-custom-rank&searchPage=1&pf_rd_m=A2FMOXN01TSNYY&extid=af_k108283ShopStyle.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.bebe.com/Plaid-Meta.....pStyle.com</a> <a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc&product_id=1055611007&Page=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.forever21.com/produ.....038;Page=1</a> <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3464888&cp=2745080.2887797&parentPage=family" rel="nofollow">http://www.charlotterusse.com/.....age=family</a> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3010083?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=tops:women:blouse%2ftop&cm_ite=kenneth_cole_new_york_gathered_crinkle_top:247274&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-UA0DrLafq_oj0WVfb4ILzg" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....0WVfb4ILzg</a> - other textured tops <a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3435223&cp=2745080.2887798&page=9&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family" rel="nofollow">http://www.charlotterusse.com/.....age=family</a> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=620228062&tid=BRAF103&ap=2&siteID=2178999" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....ID=2178999</a> (sometimes just a trim in a different fabric can make an impact too) Louise on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53054 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:46:28 +0000 Louise 53054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh you got me thinking most of my things are plain colours think i'll be following in your footsteps especially for the summer and adding some patterns and textures x Maya on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53052 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:11:16 +0000 Maya 53052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah yes I had forgotten about that post. Lovely ideas. Most of them seem to be more winter/fall oriented though. Is it not as much of an option in summer? It seems like it would be harder to pull off without layers or heavy fabrics like wools and tweeds. I would love to wear more ruffles They are very me and would certainly help with the texture problem in all seasons, but it is just not meant to be. LE, I think I also wear too many solids, especially in winter. I'm feeling overwhelmed now! I'll have to think long and hard about what textures would work best with what I already have, and how to most efficiently incorporate them. Good food for thought while I struggle through my shopping ban! Thanks everyone. Angie on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53049 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:28:03 +0000 Angie 53049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A quick refresher: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/23/10-ways-to-add-texture-to-your-ensemble/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....-ensemble/</a> marianne on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53046 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:03:46 +0000 marianne 53046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think ruffles count. I wonder if details like pintucks, pockets, buttons or zippers count as well. As for fabrics, what about corduroy, boucle, lace (ok, I admit I only have one lace item). I also like fabrics with sheen, and I used to think they're too dressy, but after getting a trench with sheen last fall I have less of an issue with it. Ariadne on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53045 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:52:59 +0000 Ariadne 53045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been thinking about this recently too. For some reason I really don't like suede, except in the odd shoe, so that's out for me. I do like crinkled patent and some regular patents, but like Maya I'm trying to avoid leather (unless it's sustainably sourced or recycled) except in shoes. I really like tweed but I think it's a cold-weather-only fabric? Most of my wardrobe is flat/smooth too. I have a tweed jacket, a velvet jacket, and a patent purse, and a couple of silk tops. That's about it. What else counts as texture? Ruffles? shiny on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53033 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:51:51 +0000 shiny 53033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An easy way to add texture is to go for a suede purse. I was just thinking about that today, when I realized my outfit needed something. I ended up pairing my dark grey metallic booties with a chocolate brown suede purse. I'd usually never pair these two colors together - but somehow it worked, I think, because the outfit desparately needed some texture. So now I'm thinking every wardrobe needs a brown suede purse. :-) Maya, there are fake suedes out there too. Anonymous on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53030 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:36:51 +0000 Anonymous 53030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maya, I've recently used a mantra of "color, texture, pattern, shine" in my outfit-building. I'll look over my outfit and make sure I have: 1. a pop of color, 2. some sort of texture (and it can be anywhere from smooth like silk or cotton or more pronounced like cables in a knit or a pebbly texture to a coat), 3. a pattern (I have way too many solids and feel flat at times too), 4. and a bit of shine! Sometimes this is as easy as wearing patent shoes or maybe a metal bracelet or earrings. Sometimes I feel silk shirts can have a good sheen to them, and this will count for me. I personally like it best when each outfit has some interest in each of those categories. I have a lot of smooth cotton-y knits as well, so when I don't have varied texture in my outfit I will trick the eye by using pattern instead to add interest to my wardrobe. To incorporate actual textures, try using thicker knits, perhaps in a scarf if you don't want cables in a sweater. You can also get smooth-textured pants in a pattern, like checks, pinstripes, or a subtle plaid. The different qualities in a fabric (soft and flowy and draped or stiff and structured) can have an impact on how an outfit looks too. Simplified, I think it comes down to contrast. Since I wear a lot of solid colors I am trying to incorporate patterns and more pronounced shine and textures to balance that. Hopefully this makes sense? Maya on "Textures!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/textures#post-53022 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:43:27 +0000 Maya 53022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Somehow even though I like to mix up colors and I'm doing well with accessories (or at least better than before), I still feel like my outfits look a bit flat. I suspect it's because there is not much variety in texture. Virtually every top hanging in my wardrobe is a cottony-knit. I do not wear leather except on my feet so that option is out. What other textures can I work with that would add interest? I was thinking maybe shinier fabrics but I have to be careful because I want most of my stuff to work for day. (Of course I can't buy any of them now, but at least I can brainstorm!)