https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing-- Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:28:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--/page/2#post-1875499 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 17:02:07 +0000 Angie 1875499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Emily, </b>thanks for the kind words. It will be fun to focus on statement items for your style this year.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--/page/2#post-1875495 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:59:49 +0000 Emily K 1875495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for your thoughts, Elizabeth P.! &nbsp;Some clarity has come from this post (and from a flurry of similar posts...<b>rachylou</b>!) &nbsp;about the trade-off between utilitarian mix-n-match and the enjoyment of more statement-y pieces that that do not go with everything. &nbsp;I've got a lot of baggage that led to the creation of a wardrobe that is a little boring. &nbsp;I hope that, over time, I'll get used to having clothes, and to spending for more special pieces, and I'll get over my problems of a) worrying that I won't have any clothes (which leads to doubling up on basics), and b) hoarding all my "better" things (which leads to wearing ONLY the basics). &nbsp;Aaarrrgh!</p> <p>Also, the struggle with polish (but not too polished!) is real. &nbsp;You do always look very put-together, but never precious, to my eye. &nbsp;I can see how your edginess helps to balance the polish.</p> <p>And, coincidentaly, I just bought some patterned pants on ridiculous sale from Banana Republic--a gray jacquard-type design that I thought would be useful during the Holidays.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--/page/2#post-1875485 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:25:02 +0000 Elizabeth P 1875485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw this post a couple of days ago and knew it would require more brain power than I had at the time, and I'm so glad I waited.&nbsp; What a wonderful post by you Emily, so well articulated.&nbsp; And such well thought out responses as well.&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm not sure where to start, I could relate to so much that you said.&nbsp; I wish we could sit down over a coffee and properly hash this all out.&nbsp; </p> <p>So, in no particular order...<br />Agree totally with the mix and match thing being a lot harder than it seems like it should be.&nbsp; Whenever I've tried to do a capsule for travel, or to play along with a Vivienne file theme, or a YLF challenge, I seem to default to my "boring" clothes, because they are the ones that mix and match the best.&nbsp; But this doesn't make me happy. Yet when I add in something interesting, the whole minimal idea blows up.&nbsp; Doing this well is tough, but probably worth the effort.</p> <p>I think you should try to track ALL your wears... even if you do change multiple times per day.&nbsp; This is the way to keep your needs REAL. And maybe if you see that you wear your scrubby fleece sweater every day, you'll be able to give yourself permission to buy a nicer fleece sweater, or a nice graphic sweatshirt... </p> <p>Have you thought about patterned bottoms as a way to add variety?&nbsp; Esp if you have several solid tops.&nbsp; It can be a tough first step, but they don't need to be outlandish, esp if you look for dark patterns, like black watch.&nbsp; I'm still kicking myself for not getting some black watch jeans several years ago. </p> <p>I also relate to the polished but only so polished, and struggle with this daily.&nbsp; I am polished by nature, no question about it.&nbsp; However it's really easy for me to end up feeling too polished, or precious, without really trying.&nbsp; It's pulling in the edge, or casualness, to downplay the polish, that I need to feel authentic, and which is my major challenge at the moment.&nbsp; And explains why I struggle more with dressing for work, when the clothes themselves tend to be a bit more polished... without the casual element I go into polish overload.&nbsp; </p> <p>OK, gonna post this now before I lose it - and I need to get on with other things.&nbsp; I may be back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1875470 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:03:30 +0000 Emily K 1875470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I think you are exactly right. &nbsp;Outside of shoes (and I haven't really got this right) I do not have *any* statement pieces--all my clothes are mix-n-matchable. &nbsp;Now that I have, at least, enough clothes to assure myself that I'll have something to wear, I think my new purchases should be items that are a little more special. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1875419 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 14:01:55 +0000 Jenn 1875419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Emily</b>, from the way you talk about your wardrobe, I thought it was <i>much</i> smaller than it actually is. When I count what you count--all bags, accessories, jewelry, shoes and clothes, aside from my underwear, sleepwear, and twenty-odd pieces of swim and gym clothing--I have 125 pieces, almost the same as you.</p> <p>I wonder if you're not quite getting the joy-per-item you need out of a wardrobe this size (and it sounds like that's what you were saying to <b>JenniNZ</b> above). I know my limited color palette and emphasis on essentials can get boring without fun, statement pieces. Case in point...the floral tunic/dress I bought this autumn has a hole in it, and I haven't gotten it in for mending yet. It's one of very few patterned pieces in my autumn/winter wardrobe, and I feel the loss keenly. That one piece adds so much necessary variety and interest! I'm bored without it.</p> <p>I empathize with some of your other observations, as well. I, too, have had to work through light gray and optic white, before discarding them as "not my friend." And I went through a phase purchasing a bunch of "useful" items common to the outfits on my Pinterest boards, only to realize that those formulas didn't really work for me. Finally, I tend to fall in love with the idea of certain items, as well, and can be blinded when they arrive and aren't as perfect as they are in my head.</p> <p>I think you're really wise in realizing that a small wardrobe may require some iteration to get right. I know that can sometimes feel like you're making wasteful mistakes, but I really believe that you come out ahead in the end with mindful purchasing and thoughtful culling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1875334 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:02:49 +0000 Jenni NZ 1875334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awww. Thanks Emily. I wasn't bothered. Maybe we can ultimately meet in the middle numbers-wise. I'm thinking of things like Mum's 1964 coat, you know I should really "holding zone" that. I first wore in when I was 21 and still adore its colour red. But haven't actually worn for 3 years as now cannot do up all 3 buttons. Maybe stuff like that shouldn't count in my numbers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1875283 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 05:34:36 +0000 Emily K 1875283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni NZ</b>--it came to me in a flash that I'd omitted to acknowledge your comment--sorry about that! &nbsp;You know, I would have thought that you possess way more than 2.5 times the number of clothes I do! &nbsp;Yours are much more varied and statement-y than mine. &nbsp;Since making this post, I've come to realize that my new purchases can/should have a little more wow-factor, but these mix-n-match staples have served me well through being so utilitarian.</p> <p>Also, <b>Barbara Diane</b>--subtle texture is a good idea! &nbsp;One I'm not comfortable with...but I'm a little stuck right now so I'll have to do something a little out of my comfort zone to f=get moving again, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1874048 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 18:50:46 +0000 Emily K 1874048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie and texstyle!</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, you are the queen of looking polished but not precious! &nbsp;I think I have a few hiccups in execution and I need to get comfortable in looks that I don't have a lot of experience in shopping for or wearing. &nbsp;I'm now working on a shopping list for the coming year!</p> <p><b>texstyle</b>, Thank you! &nbsp;Madewell sounds like a good resource for me. &nbsp;I'll look there, come Spring, for shirts in a good-for-me white color. &nbsp;I think that buying casual pieces that are more special or more unique is one way that I could improve my wardrobe. &nbsp;It seems to me that you may have written, some time ago, &nbsp;about Frank &amp; Eileen? &nbsp;I haven't yet purchased, but that also seems like a nice resource. &nbsp;Maybe a bigger gripe that I have is that my life needn't be SO casual--I mean, it's almost inconceivable if you look at the two of us, but Angie and I live in the same town (??!!?). &nbsp;Ouch. &nbsp;I feel the burn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1874031 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 17:44:44 +0000 texstyle 1874031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really enjoyed your post Emily as I share a very casual lifestyle. I often do as you do and resort to the most casual option fearing I might "ruin" one of my better items. I relate to much of what you said actually.&nbsp; I haven't counted my clothing items but I imagine it to be a similar amount to yours.</p> <p>I'm slowly moving forward by making sure I truly buy the vast majority of items for my lifestyle (casual, mostly warm to hot weather) with only a few truly dressier items for rare occasions. Most of my daily items have fabric I can wash on delicate and is easy enough to get stains out of - and I try to make sure I have nothing overly delicate that's going to snag or get caught up easily, etc. And I put on an apron when cooking or I change into a lounge tee and then change back when done.</p> <p>I have been enjoying light neutrals more this past year and have added a few to the closet. I also like a muted off white more than a true white but I do wear both - esp. in summer when true white feels good some days.&nbsp;&nbsp; Three of my whites are Madewell. One is a warmer ivory (which I normally wouldn't like but it works in this case) --&nbsp; the other two are slightly grayed or heathered. I've also circled back around and don't mind some lighter grays (silver almost) but still have more charcoal at this point. Last year I added just a few darker, warmer highlights to the front of my hair and it seemed to make enough of a difference where I didn't feel as washed out. I also changed my makeup colors slightly.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1874016 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 17:17:44 +0000 Angie 1874016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW.&nbsp;</p> <p>THIS IS SOOO GOOD, <b>Emily.</b> Your&nbsp;thoughts&nbsp;and action plan are clear, providing an excellent starting point.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't see any problem with the amount of accessories versus clothing. If it works - milk it.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I thrive on being polished but not precious. I can't not look polished - (it's part of my personality make-up) - but I need to cook, walk Sam, help clients, and get on with life. I wear dressy clothes, but they don't boss me around. I boss them around.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873873 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 04:51:46 +0000 Emily K 1873873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>JAileen</b>! &nbsp;I enjoy looking at other peoples wardrobes and I'm interested to see that more people are talking about loading in their entire wardrobes or using it for wardrobe tracking. &nbsp;The clothing changes! &nbsp;There's a great temptation to post only the chic-est version of what you've worn, but I'm going to try to be honest about t it--my daily outfit boards are going to look more like mini capsules of clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873872 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 04:36:42 +0000 JAileen 1873872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post is fascinating, especially your capsules. I've always liked your style and so it was interesting seeing what you have in your wardrobe.</p> <p>I have the same problem with multiple outfits in a day. I almost did a WIW for NYE. I had four outings with slight variations: jacket, jeans, footwear and scarf. I guess the only constant in my outfit was my striped top! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873821 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 01:37:27 +0000 Barbara Diane 1873821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe black jeans or black pants with a tone on tone pattern, or subtle texture? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873816 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 01:00:35 +0000 Emily K 1873816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>--The LLBean sailor shirts are the BEST! &nbsp;I have had so many of them, over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873814 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:54:42 +0000 Suz 1873814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I hear you --- too many changes per day and tracking becomes a nightmare! Not to mention, you wonder what the purpose of the "track" is...on the other hand, I also find it really, really useful to recognize consciously just how much I wear my "at home" wear (which, like yours, isn't pure lounge wear, per se, but sort of fills that function.) Paying attention to that made me realize that yes, I actually should (could) spend money on that capsule and add a bit of variety to it, too (since that matters to me).&nbsp;</p> <p>Re stripes, well, two of your favourite tops are two of my favourite tops...and I also own a few others similar to yours. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873809 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:41:00 +0000 Emily K 1873809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Suz</b>! &nbsp;Thank you for your kind comments. &nbsp;I see that you and I may be in a similar situation with regard to lifestyle and climate placing restrictions on our dress. &nbsp;I remember that we commented, last year, about necessarily casual footwear dictating the remainder of the outfit. (But I think you look much more polished than I!) As it is, I make SO many daily outfit changes in order to accommodate dog walking, then house cleaning, then a bit of shopping, and back into something casual once my son gets home--it's one of the factors that caused my wardrobe tracking to bog down. &nbsp;In order to feel honest about my recording, I decided to record what I wore when dog walking and what I wore while shopping, but to not record house cleaning or casual at-home dress--which weren't lounge wear, but also weren't outfits that were composed with the needs of of a wider audience in mind. &nbsp;(I digress, but I think I saw that you'd wondered, in another post, about being overwhelmed with tracking--so this is my .02)</p> <p>I definitely agree with what you and<b> La Pedestrienne</b>&nbsp;mentioned about using white more as an accent. &nbsp;I that is probably how I should have framed it in the first place. &nbsp;I find an expanse of white shirt to be overwhelming, but I do like it when it is broken by stripes or just peeping out from under a jacket. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873741 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:37:22 +0000 Suz 1873741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Emily</b>, what a wonderful post. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words. You manage <b>brilliantly</b> with a small wardrobe -- wow!! I'm amazed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Some thoughts:&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it's brilliant that your accessories equal your clothes and your shoes are half of that! Fun. It's also a proof that you have chosen to create a mix and match (at least in theory!) wardrobe of neutrals that gains its interest from accessories and footwear.&nbsp;</p> <p>When it comes to a light neutral, you may discover that you prefer it in "bits" as an accent rather than a core element, as <b>LaPed</b> said. This is the way that I (and Angie) treat black. It's there, represented in the wardrobe, all right -- but it's more of an "outfit completer" if that makes sense. Maybe white (your version -- possibly a winter white?) will be like that to you. You're right that a softer white can be tough to find, but optic whites or creams might work in patterns, where they are in relation to other colours (or in your case, neutrals).&nbsp;</p> <p>Re the mix- and match -- for sure some combos are better than others. Not only in terms of colour but also proportion. It's just how it is. And sometimes we can't imagine our favourite combos until we try various ones out.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also really like <b>Smittie's </b>suggestion for balancing "polish" with a desire not to seem "precious." A casual item with a more polished outfit works wonders, and vice versa. I share the need for this, although perhaps coming at it from the opposite end (i.e. I want a polished look but my climate/ activities demand more casual items.) &nbsp;In any case, I understand where you are coming from. It is partly about practical needs, partly about environmental norms, partly about how you feel moving about your day. &nbsp;Changing during the day can be another way to achieve this. So...if I am going for my long walk, I'm in my gear-like stuff. But if I am going out with friends, I switch out the boots for booties and maybe add a scarf or a blazer with my jeans.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873739 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:34:55 +0000 Emily K 1873739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wait, <b>smittie</b>, I forgot why it is that the casual-shoe solution hasn't worked so far--with my weight being in flux, shoes are one area in which I've allowed myself to spend a little bit more and to choose more distinctive items! &nbsp;That's probably why I'm so bummed about not getting to wear them! &nbsp;Still a good idea, though, and one I'll use especially if my weight settles in a happy zone--then I can buy the "investment" toppers etc. &nbsp;I should plan towards that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873737 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:31:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 1873737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A fabulous post! I'm comparing your wardrobe to mine. As I haven't counted my jewellery, belts or bags in mine, the comparison is your 49 clothing items and 25 shoes, total 74, to my 140 clothing items and 44 shoes ( reduced from 52 earlier in 2017 after hard culling work!), total 184. About 2.5 times yours.<br /> However. I'm still frustrated at the size of mine.<br /> 11 of my items are pre 2008- as far back as my mother's 1964 vintage coat then my own 1985 tartan shirt and 1986 Mondi jumper. And still quite a lot of 2008/9/10 items in there, as 2008 was when I gained the weight. A number of forum participants would just say get rid of them already! I am still wearing most of them though, just not often. I looked at your Finds. Everything looks so cohesive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873731 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:16:39 +0000 Emily K 1873731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>smittie</b>, I appreciate your thoughtful answer and I'm mulling over everything you wrote because I admire your style very much! &nbsp;You are so right about the blue and white striped shirt! &nbsp;I'm on the hunt for a blue and white linen woven stripe--I bet J. Crew will have something good this Summer.</p> <p>Also, you've had some good insight into the shoe situation and creating a casual, easy, less precious vibe! &nbsp;I bet I could make that work--sticking with sneakers, but upgrading some of my tops and toppers. &nbsp;A great idea! &nbsp;Thanks!</p> <p>And, yes to <b>SarahD8</b>'s idea. &nbsp;I remember someone floating this solution with regard to putting together a wedding guest outfit--keep it simple, but make sure everything is in top notch condition and presentation. &nbsp;The advice rang true then and I think it's something I try to do at present--part of the idea of polish.</p> <p><b>Sterling</b>, I'm waiting to see how you'll digest my wardrobe numbers! &nbsp;You see, now, why the 30 piece challenge--had I counted only the clothing, not shoes or accessories--wouldn't have represented much of a challenge! &nbsp;I got most of my wardrobe in there as it was &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Unfrumped</b>, this is the thing that strikes me when I look at limited wardrobes--mostly with regard to shoe selection. &nbsp;I see that outfits can be made, but at the same time, I can see that they'd be improved by making other selections. &nbsp;I guess it really comes down to wardrobe numbers, doesn't it? &nbsp;If you have <i><u>only</u></i> X-number of pieces, they're going to have to be suitable for doing double-duty. &nbsp;That said, I think I can do a bit better than loading up everything with too much dark blue--I need to leave thoughtful room for the contrast/complement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873722 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:57:47 +0000 Emily K 1873722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern</b>--I guess I just don't feel all that excited about the opportunity to wear black pants? &nbsp;Like, it's a fashion cop out and I'd rather wear a different bottom? &nbsp;But, at the same time, it's the black pants that get the outfit done and out the door. &nbsp;I have just the one pair of black pants and I shopped really carefully to get the ones that seemed most flattering and serviceable to me so I feel OK with that choice but I don't reach for the pants often. &nbsp;I guess, intellectually, the formula of black pants and top seems a little trite and not "me" but it is a more pleasing visual formula that works with the other colors I have on hand. &nbsp;Am I making sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873720 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:49:45 +0000 Emily K 1873720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>rachylou</b>, It's funny, because I am not very emotional (either in shopping or in life) but I do a really great job of using analytics to convince myself how I should go about solving a question and I get kind of wrapped-up or invested in the outcome just as if I'd been emotionally driven. &nbsp;I think I'm at a point where each decision feels very permanent (because, growing up, we never got to have a selection or to get rid of things when they stopped serving us) and I invest each decision with a sense of fatality or permanence when it doesn't really have to be that way. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>cindysmith</b>, I'm glad others are on board with the fact that mix-n-match doesn't always get it done. &nbsp;I've wondered if a key to making it work "better' is to gradually accumulate better, more special pieces--in truth my long-sleeve-tee-shirt and jeans combo is gonna keep me covered, but it's going to be hard to make that combo interesting or optimal.</p> <p><b>kkards</b>, Thank you for your comment. &nbsp;I admire so many of the pieces you've collected and worn this year. &nbsp;On another thread, we discussed &nbsp;Janice at the Vivienne Files--I think her "Whatever's Clean 13" is how I'd expected my wardrobe to work (somewhat). &nbsp;And, maybe it does but I'm finding it a little boring.</p> <p><b>La Pedestrienne</b>, I always appreciate your advice because I like how you put clothing together. &nbsp;To me, it feels as if you have a larger wardrobe, look more special and put-together than I do, and have more singular pieces. &nbsp;I am going to try to take motivation and inspiration from you this coming year. &nbsp;Your idea to try vintage/consignment is a good one. &nbsp;I have been poking around in some of the resale sites but the problem I face is not knowing how a specific brand will fit. &nbsp;Garment measurements are appreciated when they are given! &nbsp;Honestly, I treasure every piece, though. &nbsp;Cost is just one part of it. &nbsp;I hate "using things up" because I don't feel like I'll be able to replace them--not just with the same item, but with anything, really. &nbsp;Clearly, I have to get over this way of thinking--I derive a lot of wardrobe joy from getting new pieces and I want to be able to have permission to refresh and replace.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873702 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:51:55 +0000 unfrumped 1873702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post!<br /> I also have trouble with a lot of mix&amp; match because I’m very picky about proportions such a top lengths, or contrast in footwear, and jackets over tops. So I might fall in love with s jacket fabric but it isn’t versatile.<br /> I’m okay with everything NOT going with everything else( I think this is overplayed in capsule wardrobes and certainly not true for “ real” bodies) but I did learn I need a number of great, “ complete “ outfits ( top/bottom/ jacket/ footwear/bag) when I can dress from home, and a few tight capsules for travel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873694 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:27:20 +0000 Anonymous 1873694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah SarahD8: yes, K like the strategy of keeping things casual, but making sure those casual things are in very good nick. Great point! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873692 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:22:43 +0000 SarahD8 1873692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post, <b>Emily K</b>. I learn so much from these types of posts and am so grateful when forum members take the time to write them.</p> <p>I really relate to your point about wanting to mix and match but having certain optimal combinations. I find that is true for me too.</p> <p>Also your mention of things that aren't intrinsically exciting to shop for but are necessary to make outfits come together. Yes! I notice this with regard to tops for me. It is something I will be working on this year.</p> <p>And not wanting to be too "polished." I feel the same way, yet I don't care for distressed denim, raw hems, etc. for me. The word I have landed on is "kempt." To me it means that I like things to be neat, well constructed, and in good nick, but they don't have to be dressy or upscale. It is a bit of an old-fashioned word, I know, but that is actually appropriate for my style. Maybe there is a synonym or related word to "polished" that would work better for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873687 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:02:06 +0000 Anonymous 1873687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Emily</b> -- I love these types of posts!!!! &nbsp;I'll be back later this evening to read in detail. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873680 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:49:30 +0000 Anonymous 1873680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily: you made conscious a lot of my subconscious thoughts about my own wardrobe, thank you.</p> <p>Re: a light neutral: whites are definitely something I will only buy in person because it’s hard to get a sense of creamy undertones. I think the one exception here is a white-and-blue striped top, where the blue stripe makes any creaminess obvious in online pictures.</p> <p>My main light neutrals chose * me*: light blue and pearl grey. I have a bit of white, but the bold white/navy combo is a bit too preppy for me, so I won’t add much more white.</p> <p>2. Mix-n-match and optimal combos: yes, I completely identify with you! The mix n match approach doesn’t work for me that well, and I always return to optimal combos. So you’re not alone! The nice thing about “Optimal combos” is that you start thinking in terms of “optimal outfits” and when you think that way, you can add a lot more colour to your wardrobe (if you want). It also means you can purchase the exact right things to create the exact outfits you want. I find this makes planning and purchasing a lot easier.</p> <p>I think black pants are a good addition but I would ask myself: am I happy with my existing navy bottoms/black top combo? Will having the reverse (black pants/navy top) really be all that different? Maybe yes, especially if you prefer the softer blue near your face. For me, given other purchasing priorities, I’m happy enough with black on top and navy on the bottom. </p> <p>6. Shoes: it seems to me that you might need a lot of sneakers and non-dressy shoes due to your lifestyle and where you live. I’m not sure if these Vince sandals are dressy, but they do sound too precious for your day-to-day lifestyle (forgive me if I’m wrong). I am definitely in favour of one or two nice sandals “for best” when you feel like dressing up. I am also in favour of trying to wear things that are a bit dressier than your environmental norm. I guess it depends on you. Personally, my work footwear is a little nicer than the environemental norm but my weekend footwear is right in line with the environmental norm.</p> <p>8. Feeling too lady-like: I feel this way too. I like feeling polished, and I think more polished looks suits my body type and demeanor. But I often feel like I am on the verge of looking like the queen.</p> <p>My own way of dealing with this is to wear something quite casual with every non-casual thing I wear. So sneakers with my trench coat. Distressed denim with my dainty shoes. I haven’t completely figured this out yet either </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873638 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:29:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1873638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t think I understand your second point. Wish I could remember who posted a couple weeks ago about getting excited about purchasing staples. She said something like “analyzing emotional purchases and getting excited about foundations” but said it much better. You need a pair of black pants, fine, but not all black pants are equal. Why not wait to find some you are excited about? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873627 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 14:42:34 +0000 LaPed 1873627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great reflection, and I hear you on so many points.</p> <p>1 -- the struggle to find a light neutral, I hear you! I just stopped worrying about it, tbh. I don't feel good in a large swath of white or light colour. But I LOVE white as an accent. Often I wear it integrated into a pattern or print, not as a solid colour garment. The only all-white thing in my closet is a denim jacket, which I usually wear unbuttoned, to break up all the white. I experimented with a white tee last spring, but relegated it to loungewear, it always felt off somehow. So, I've accepted that I treat light neutrals more as accents than bases. I don't feel grounded in an outfit where lights predominate.</p> <p>2 -- your wardrobe is very close in size to mine, and I think we have a similar selection of not-at-all-fashion wear -- I LOVE my Muck Boots! -- and I know how hard it can be to add polish when life demands you wade through dog parks.&nbsp;</p> <p>3 -- the issue of not buying the best/more expensive version, especially with shoes, and then "saving for good" -- I've struggled with this one. My only thought is that this is where sale/secondhand stalking might come in handy. I have a pretty strict per-item price limit. It's self-imposed, but I rarely break it, in part because I know that if I pay over a certain amount for something, I'll be too scared to wear it. I don't have Angie's magic ability to keep things pristine, so it's not even an unfounded fear. Buying an item that's been pre-loved sometimes helps me psychologically, and I end up with the thing I wanted, instead of two or three mediocre substitutes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-state-of-my-wardrobe--super-long-and-naval-gazing--#post-1873624 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 14:12:52 +0000 kkards 1873624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what a great recap....i'm nodding my head &nbsp;"<i>learned that mix-n-match does not mean that everything will go together. There will be optimal combinations.". &nbsp;</i>yes, yes, yes....some will be personal perferences and some will be more&nbsp;elusive, and which YLF is so often they only way i figure it out.....</p>