https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:56:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses/page/2#post-1869331 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 03:35:33 +0000 Bijou 1869331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have two workhorses that I acquired this summer, a red handbag and a white cape. I just seem to be able to wear these with everything and really enjoy using them. They add a bit of interest to any ensemble. The white cape jacket is an unexpected workhorse. I thought that it was too distinctive and may not work with other items, but really it can be worn the same as a basic white cropped jacket - so it has versatility. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses/page/2#post-1869325 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 03:02:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So what is the difference between a workhorse and a basic then? Is it just that a workhorse is more noticeable/distinctive? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses/page/2#post-1869271 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 00:38:34 +0000 jill58 1869271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a workhorse unintentionally this year--my Paul Green 'Jay' chelsea boots. They work with everything I wear and were a departure for me in the sense that I generally wear a higher heel. In any case, I wear them several times a week. They fit perfectly and seem to upgrade the look of whatever else I'm wearing.<br />For me a workhorse is a piece of clothing that I reach for again and again because it's versatile enough to work in lots of different situations. As<b> kkards</b> said, "i do think fit and function is a big part of what makes a workhorse."<br />My Eileen Fisher tank dress is a workhorse because it fits perfectly and works as a blank slate for whatever else I wear with it.<br />I have a black wool blend coat that I bought at Target several years ago &nbsp;that I wear almost daily in the winter. It's another item that fits perfectly. I have tried on multiple coats since I bought that one and nothing so far compares. It looks like it was tailor made for me. <br />My RM satchel is a workhorse because it seems the perfect size for everything I typically carry with me. It also keeps things fairly organized due to its structure. The grommet straps and exposed zipper detail (not visible in the find) on the edges add a bit of interest.<br />It took me years to find a denim jacket that I liked and eventually I ended up with two. In the spring and fall I wear them all the time. One is a bit oversized and a medium wash -- the other one is a dark wash and more fitted.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;I don't think every item in my wardrobe has to be a workhorse. I have special occasion pieces that I love but since they're worn infrequently I don't consider them workhorses. &nbsp;On the other hand I wish I could predict with more assurance what will and won't become a workhorse.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869211 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 21:39:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So is that something you can seek out intentionally, by asking if you can up the style quotient of something that appeals to you in a store, or does it have to be more "organic"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869207 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 21:26:38 +0000 Suz 1869207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're right, Liz -- it's got to have that special something right from the start, even if it is a pretty basic item, or something has to almost call you to it...and we should listen to these feelings when they arise.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869198 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 20:19:28 +0000 Anonymous 1869198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting comments from both Suz and Liz. &nbsp;I agree about the solution or "extra" &nbsp;characteristic of a workhorse but didn't think of it in that way until right now... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869185 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:53:35 +0000 kkards 1869185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LP....feel so right I just want to marry them -- "'til death do us part" and all that. ....I wish I could tell you that this is how i felt when I first came across all of these workhorse..alas some where that slow love that king is just sneaks up on you...<br /> I do think Approprio's makes heart sing, will be my mantra for 2018...it might not yield all workhorse's but it will make me stop and consider.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869175 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:32:27 +0000 Staysfit 1869175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot predict what item will become a workhorse. All I know is there is some magical quality about the item that makes it work well with more items in my wardrobe than expected. It is somehow uniquely universal in my wardrobe, stylish and versatile. I also feel comfortable and happy wearing the item. </p> <p>The items here are my unexpected workhorses from this past year. The majority are third pieces or accessories for an outfit. I have some plain long sleeve white and grey tees and some sleeveless tank tops that are also workhorses, but they aren’t new this year so I didn’t include them. They might be considered wardrobe essentials though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869173 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:27:44 +0000 approprio 1869173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>: thanks for clarifying that! That's <i>exactly</i> what I'm talking about!&nbsp;You've explained it better than I could have done. </p> <p>I was thinking about this again today, because I happen to be wearing my Comme des Garçons culottes over my yoga leggings as I often do in winter. That's some surprise functionality right there. I hemmed and hawed over that purchase but it turns out they're indispensable. Same goes for the quilted silver bomber jacket and the Trippen Dream boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>The problem is though, how to recognise them? These are the very definition of the word in my book, but usually they're completely opportunistic purchases. I'm not sure if "would I wear it 30 times" cuts it for me, because I think there's a strong emotional component that only makes itself known through repeated use. I'll just repeat my own little mantra: buy nothing that doesn't make your heart sing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869124 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 17:03:08 +0000 Suz 1869124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a great question, and yes, I will take each of these items, please! Well, maybe not the boiled wool coat, if I am paying attention to my own climate...but otherwise...</p> <p>Love the booties especially.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like Bonnie, I like the "will I wear this 30 times" question. For classic dressers like us, it works especially well; of course some items need to be excepted from the mantra, but I figure that's okay because workhorse items get at least double that wear and often five times that amount.&nbsp;</p> <p>As to what makes a workhorse, I really like what Approprio (Liz) said -- brilliant as always: "<b>It's something that completes an outfit formula with panache. Not exactly a statement piece, more like a </b><i><b>particularly</b></i><b>&nbsp;stylish solution."</p> <p></b>For me, that is always, always the case. If I think back to my own surprise workhorses, they<b> all </b>met that description. The thing is, sometimes I didn't know I had a hole until I filled it, and then -- bingo!&nbsp;</p> <p>Over the last few years, surprise workhorses include the items below.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like Liz's word "solution." Because it's the items that answer some dimly felt outfit "problem" that turn into winners. So for me...I needed (without knowing it) a large bag that would fit my computer yet could feel somewhat luxurious. (Minkoff hobo). I needed an easy to carry and rain-worthy but still stylish bag for gym and other super casual outings. (Zara backpack). I needed to amp up the shine in my outfits (watch, silver sneakers). And so on.<div><b></p> <p></b></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869110 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:04:38 +0000 Bonnie 1869110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding your question of "how to stay more focused on the specific and not get ones head turned by something else?," this is exactly the problem&nbsp;I have. I intend to ask myself another question that I have learned here on YLF - Will I wear this 30 times? I know that it doesn't work for all circumstances, but I think it's a good guideline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869069 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:55:19 +0000 LaPed 1869069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're smart to come up with a list of things *not* to shop for (because I do the same, hehe). I love buying casual shirts (chambray, flannel, etc) but I probably have enough to last me a decade. This is actually spill-over from the last place I lived (Las Vegas), where I realized I had a real need for long-sleeved lightweight shirts (sun protection!), but it turns out that if you throw a cozy base-layer under those same shirts, they work just fine for New England weather.</p> <p>As for workhorses -- in the past, they've made their presence most clear by their absence. That is, when something wears out and it suddenly dawns on my just how important that thing was. I think I'm getting better at identifying who the heavy-hitters are, though. Certain items, when I try them on the first time, they feel so right I just want to marry them -- "'til death do us part" and all that. My new burgundy lace-up boots are a pretty good example of that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also -- they have to be things that will improve with age, or at least age gracefully. The burgundy boots are a good example of this, too. I don't have Angie's magical ability to keep things stain-free, so white and light garments I do tend to baby a little bit. I love my white denim jacket, and my blush hoodie, but I won't wear them on a day when I'll be working with kids outside for 6 hours straight, you know? This is how I've ended up with a dark-heavy wardrobe and a lot of light/bright accents and accessories. If I built a wardrobe around, say, Angie's palette, I'd probably spend all my free time in the laundry room with a stain stick. :D</p> <p>Anyway -- the true workhorses, for me, need to be able to tolerate being roughed up, and must continue to look good once I've added some "character" to them.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm drooling over MZ Wallace bags now -- I keep toying with the idea of a fashion backpack... yours looks so cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1869065 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:26:14 +0000 Anonymous 1869065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post and comments. &nbsp;I'll have to come back later and really think about what was written.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868948 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:59:27 +0000 Anonymous 1868948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And boy, those jeans are terrific on you . I SO wish I was thin enough to do it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868947 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:58:45 +0000 Anonymous 1868947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favourite Canadian fashion "friend' and blogger wears the SW's in red, and they are so gorgeous . &nbsp;That height of shaft makes them more modern , doesn't it? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868929 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:03:16 +0000 kkards 1868929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>UmmaLilla, yes navy is a key to being a workhorse for me...but...sometimes i've bought something in navy but its missing something....i think its the fit, but espeically the funtion piece that&nbsp;Approprio spoke of.<br />Caro (nice to see you back)...i'd love to get to 70% of mu budget on replecements/upgrades...<br />i'm starting to see my 2018 goals coming together.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868927 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:51:16 +0000 Caro in Oz 1868927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting read &amp; I love the backpack!&nbsp;</p> <p>It's taken me lots of thinking &amp; recording to get to this but I spend between 70 - 85% of my budget on replacements/upgrades &amp; the rest on untried things that take my fancy. I only keep these new but untried items if they either work with my existing clothing/shoes/accessories (or I buy a whole new outfit).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868923 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:45:40 +0000 kkards 1868923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>emily k .<i>maybe looking at your closet in advance of the season and appreciating your workhorses...which of them might be refreshed or updated...will yield a sort of shopping list. </i> yes, and you state it so clearly...now i just have to figure out how to turn this into reality....</p> <p>Approprio...i do think fit and function is a big part of what makes workhorse...i'm getting better and better about thinking about fit, but need to get better about thinking thru the function piece. thinking about it, to be a true workhorse, function is esstential...thank you for helping me to see this.</p> <p>lisa p....the sock booties...they work with everything, but espeically cropped jeans (they make them winter wear able)! and because they are calf height they are easy to get on with skinny &amp; straight leg jeans. if i could afford it, i duplicate in red...and yes, i've gone back into my archives and pulled out by old knee high SW's, which i love, but are hard to get on with skinny jeans.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868916 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:28:19 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1868916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also bought an MZ Wallace purse and travel bag this year (the blue camo print), that I thought I'd only like for travel, but am still carrying months later, using for the gym, etc. And I found my (lower-heeled) sock boots (teal velvet) too. And navy is my friend, too. Perhaps the color is what makes some of your workhorses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868910 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:12:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1868910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Building on Approprio’s answer, I’d say a very stylish piece is better than a statement piece, because it’s easier to repeat. And rather than something that completes an outfit particularly well, I think it should be the final flourish to several outfits or, like your backpack, be able to move effortlessly from one to the next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868892 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 21:48:29 +0000 Anonymous 1868892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never mind the analysis....would you mind just packing all of those pieces up and sending them to me! Ack - i need that backpack and the navy sneakers especially. Tell me about those SW sock boots: &nbsp;how do you feel wearing them and where/how do you wear them and style them? &nbsp;I love that silhouette and am so tempted because it brings me back to my favourite boot look from the 80's or 90's or whenever it was we wore those.......but something stops me. &nbsp;I'm interested to hear your thoughts. And great coat too. Again, please pack up and send to Canada &nbsp;;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868873 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 20:30:31 +0000 approprio 1868873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm probably the worst person to comment on impulsive shopping, but your question of what makes a workhorse is very interesting. If I had to pinpoint a quality other than fit and functionality, I'd say it's something that completes an outfit formula with panache. Not exactly a statement piece, more like a <i>particularly</i> stylish solution.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868848 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:06:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1868848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about looking at trips to stores as info-gathering sessions only, and not buying until you’ve had a chance to think about it at home, in your closet? Try things on, take pictures of how they look and of the labels so it’s easy to look them up online later, but don’t plan to buy. </p> <p>Since you’ve identified that upgrades to your current things work well, you could ask yourself if any item you’re thinking of buying could/should be upgraded somehow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868830 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 18:09:22 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1868830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wardrobe analysis posts are some of my favorites! What makes a workhorse is a great facet to focus on. I think I'll try to do the same!</p> <p>Your comments on trying to avoid being tempted by more woolly sweaters and taking time to adjust to your environment strike a chord...I've found it ironic that in the past, when I lived in a much colder area, I felt like cotton sweaters (for example, those that were all the rage in the 1980s) were nonsensical. They just didn't function well in a cold, humid winter. But now, in my current environment, they are the perfect thing, as are decidedly lightweight wool sweaters. But it took me a couple of years for it to really sink in that I needed to switch over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868819 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:31:23 +0000 Emily K 1868819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sounds like you bought the items and then, sort of retroactively, realized that they worked so well because they filled the spot of something else that was, itself, a workhorse. &nbsp;So...maybe looking at your closet in advance of the season and appreciating your workhorses...which of them might be refreshed or updated...will yield a sort of shopping list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868815 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:23:16 +0000 Anonymous 1868815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your description of finding and buying these things sounds impulsive, but they all fit into your real life so well that I'm thinking you've actually internalized a lot of solid shopping direction. Incorporating variety, for example, like not buying five of the same type of item, but instead, buying from different categories.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868796 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:39:50 +0000 Meredith 1868796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it. So it could be as simple as asking whether an item fills a specific need before you buy it. Or shopping with a future event in mind as opposed to just browsing. Easier said than done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868791 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:36:15 +0000 kkards 1868791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>angie...yes, i do need to beef up my transtional capsule...it's only taken me17 years of living where i do to figure out that winter isn't 6 months long....need to remember that when i shop, and not get my head turned by every lovely heavy wool sweater i see!&nbsp;</p> <p>meredith...i think these items are workhorse because they fill very specific needs, ie transitional coat, backpack that is great for travel and perfect for work that also speaks to my fashion side, sneakers for comfort, but again with fashion focus and not for gym....i should also add, the rest of my closet works, i just want to focus additions to it to be more workhorse and less fluff, if that makes sense.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868777 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:19:39 +0000 Meredith 1868777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’ve identified they are workhorses, but can you put into words the reasons why? What are the specific attributes of these items that make them so versatile in your wardrobe? You identified you need a dark, mid weight coat (I might even add the words polished or classic to the attribute list). Can you do something similar for the other items? If you know very specifically why the items work it will be easier to replace them and identify why other items in your closet are not working. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-about-workhorses#post-1868771 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:08:02 +0000 Angie 1868771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis. Always good to be focused. Remember to listen to your feelings closer to the time too - your preferences might change. </p> <p>I seem to remember that you needed to pad your “transitional capsule”. A wardrobe hole. You did just that. Well done. </p>