https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:18:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1603222 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 03:05:19 +0000 Jaime 1603222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love Gaylene's thought experiment and will try it today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1603120 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:31:58 +0000 Caro in Oz 1603120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gaylene &amp; Angie. &nbsp;</p> <p>So if I bought lots of the "essential tops" that are often recommended such as tees or button downs they could be the cause a wardrobe meltdown, for me, because I'd not have the drape &amp; asymmetry I need in my tops if I'm going to feel content with my plain jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1602908 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 15:46:37 +0000 unfrumped 1602908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, great quirky-deep thought post!</p> <p>I think essentials CAN have a twist- they don't have to be "plain". So you and Una both noted that certain details are desirable for your essentials. But presumably they aren't to an extent that they then require a careful support act- they function as the support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1602819 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 08:39:25 +0000 rachylou 1602819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still on the realization that essentials have to speak your style as much as statements. A statement isn't exactly, then, a statement of your style. That is, it's not confined to just that. It's a statement period. This is how it's possible to have an all-statement or all-essential outfit... It sort of means you can have a distinct style without, well, making statements. Which is kinda true. I mean, there are always those moments when you think a person has a lot of style, but then a second later you're not sure. Because of that inclination to equate style with statement pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1602713 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 00:49:45 +0000 Sharon 1602713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES! I get this now! I was just trying to work out how this applied to my wardrobe, and I think I can finally see the pattern.</p> <p>ALL my summer tops are statements. They fall into two categories, crops and trapeze shapes. The bottoms I choose to make those work are wide-leg pants or culottes for the crops and pencil skirts or skinny pants for the trapeze shapes. So those bottoms are my essentials.</p> <p>In winter ALL my jackets are statements. And I wear fine knit, tight turtlenecks or long sleeved T-shirts underneath. And the same essentials on the bottom.</p> <p>So my essentials list should read<br />-Wide-leg pants/culottes<br />-Pencil skirts<br />-Skinny pants<br />-Turtle-neck knits<br />-Long sleeve T-shirt knits<br />-Pumps</p> <p>Does that sound right? That is actually quite a small list considering the diversity of silhouettes I like to wear! This has been very helpful.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1602674 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 23:14:03 +0000 Gaylene 1602674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I'm not sure "essentials" = a uniform unless a person wants it that way. I think of "essentials" as more the cornerstone versions of a clothing category that reflect our style preferences for a period of time or a season. To me "essentials" are the items in your closet which let you express YOUR vision of handling your statements.</p> <p>For example, we all need footwear. Sometimes a shoe can be a statement, but more often we opt for a particular style or look that works for our overall style direction at a point in time. If we don't spend some time thinking it through, we end up with a pile of shoes in our closet but never the right one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail/page/2#post-1602628 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:49:06 +0000 Anonymous 1602628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I just posted on Angie's blog similar to Gaylene's interpretation. <br />But in thinking about this some more, I think 'essentials' only make sense if you are a uniform dresser.&nbsp;</p> <p>Case in point: This summer I purchased clothing that enabled me to wear several different silhouettes (midi skirt, tube skirt, skinny jeans, boot cuts, short shorts, and shift dress) . Each outfit was kind of independent - I didn't mix and match much, and I can't say there was a set of essentials that glued it all together. HOWEVER, the colour scheme sort of tied the wardrobe together, as did the general casualness of all the pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>This winter though, I have a uniform of skinny bottoms and t-shirts and sweaters so I would consider those essentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602617 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:19:50 +0000 rachylou 1602617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, you are very wise, Gaylene. There is no Generic Base Zero. I really hadn't realised that (seems so obvious now, after the bonk to the head of course).</p> <p>So, I'm already off trying out your exercise. What if my boots were traded for pumps... ?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602611 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:10:37 +0000 Anonymous 1602611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like a variety of silhouettes, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602604 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:03:06 +0000 Sharon 1602604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that was such a helpful explanation, Gaylene. That thought exercise really helps clarify things. One realisation I had when reading it was that it dovetails with the idea of a uniform. I think one of the reasons I am having trouble defining essentials is that I like a variety of silhouettes and like to try trends, so nailing down the constants is difficult. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602595 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:54:25 +0000 rachylou 1602595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I admit sometimes it's not good to think too much. But it's fascinating. Because when one has a bold style... how do you know when you're wearing an all-essential outfit or an all-statement outfit? I guess the difference, tho, is how you use items, how often. And how much items <i>visually </i>dominate in an outfit.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602587 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:46:28 +0000 Gaylene 1602587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, that concept of a generic Base Zero was always my thinking, too. It was the signature pieces that created "my" style, and, if I wanted a style shift, I could find a couple of new signature pieces and be good to go. </p> <p>Angie's concept of essentials is more sophisticated because she keeps trying to (nicely, of course, because she IS Angie!) explain that there is no generic Base Zero when it comes to personal style. We create our personal Base Zero when we decide we want a layering turtleneck instead of a layering V-neck, or a black combat boot instead of a ballerina, or a pant instead of a jean. That's why buying that new drapey top in an attempt to switch style directions often doesn't work--the new signature piece looks odd worn with the essentials that worked with the previous style focus. We see proportions that don't work, too much volume, mismatched necklines, the wrong footwear, and all the other problems that perplex us. </p> <p>I think another way to think of essentials is to contemplate the impact on your style if certain items were taken away from your wardrobe--and others, similar in function, were substituted without your consent. If someone replaced all my layering T's and turtlenecks with buttondowns, my black laced boots with pumps, my sneakers with ballerinas, my olive-brown raincoat with a cheery patterned one, my dark-wash straight-cut jeans with distressed skinnies, and my black ankle pants with a skirt, I'd be dazed and confused trying to get dressed. My signature pieces wouldn't look right--or, more importantly, the result wouldn't look like ME. </p> <p>If I've grasped the concept correctly, maybe the key towards figuring out this personal style thing is to realize how essential these "essentials" are in determining our style directions. What could be the replacement for my black boots? Not pumps, to be sure, but maybe a funky oxford with a heel? Or a stream-lined polished chelsea boot? Whatever I choose as my new replacement "essential" could end up as a major style shift, so it deserves careful thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602570 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:13:26 +0000 catgirl 1602570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I have some kind of impairment because I have such a hard time participating in these analyses!&nbsp; I still can't parse out the difference between essentials and statements.&nbsp; For instance, I would say black sweaters and skinnies are an essential for me, but they have to be interesting and convey a statement.&nbsp; Like today - raisin leather leggings and Rick Owens (OMG consignment find!)&nbsp;black sweater.&nbsp; </p> <p>Is it worth thinking this out or should I let well enough alone in my case?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602560 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:51:06 +0000 rachylou 1602560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh whoa! Angie, you have just blown my mind. Lol! I have to think about this: all-statement and all-essential outfits. Like, what does this say about where the core of one's style lies?</p> <p>You know, I think I've had a secret belief that there is indeed a Beauty Base Zero... You start with a completely neutral base of impersonal, generic pieces and then add something to it to express your personality. But this makes no sense does it? I mean, it's why I avoid my preppiest stuff (which is pretty much what I think is Beauty Base Zero, altho this is not true) - because it's not my personality... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602542 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:09:12 +0000 Angie 1602542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I concur with EVERYTHING you said. You<b> get it,</b> and are dead right! Thanks for the explanations and reiterations in my absence, (I had a very busy day yesterday).&nbsp;</p> <p>Caro, a wardrobe basic, essential, regular item, or statement piece can be a workhorse.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rachy, an outfit needn't incorporate a wardrobe essential. Mine often do, but they don't need to. You can wear an outfit made up entirely of statement pieces, or essentials. It depends on your style and what you feel like wearing that day.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602329 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 07:03:37 +0000 Caro in Oz 1602329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Gaylene - that does help. LOL shevia I may have to join you down the rabbit hole.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602311 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 05:58:54 +0000 Adelfa 1602311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Gaylene, for that analysis. It helps. Now I can get to work listing my essentials!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602289 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 04:48:49 +0000 Jaime 1602289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well now that you are making me think about it, really my hat is a basic - I would no sooner go without it than my bra (well almost). But since it is not taken for granted like most basics I listed it as an essential. Many of my jackets are statements, but if I don't have one that covers my rear I won't wear certain things, which is why the category of longer coat is an essential. On the other hand, I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing my statement/vintage jackets and coats, of which I have more than a few, if I did not have very current jeans and shoes to go with them. And I wouldn't be able to function if my shoes weren't fairly to very low heeled and comfortable. And I am beginning to feel like Alice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602245 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:24:14 +0000 Aida 1602245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Replacing essentials can be difficult for sure -- if we're practicing PPP, or perhaps if a certain style we're after isn't currently prevalent. For example: white jeans are an essential for me, but it takes a good long while to hunt down the right pairs (which I need to do again this spring, blast).</p> <p>Gaylene, great thoughts on how essentials can influence our overall style. Very true! Perhaps even <i>more </i>important that they are just what we want than the statement pieces.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602237 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:16:02 +0000 Gaylene 1602237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In writing my previous, long-winded comment, it dawned on me that changing my list of "essentials" (or, to me, basics) would significantly affect my style. If I couldn't replace my tissue-weight layering pieces, many of my statement pieces wouldn't work. If I substituted a different layering piece like a camisole or light-weight shirt, my statement pieces would look quite different. Same goes for my "essential" dark wash, straight-legged jeans. Replacing them with a lighter wash, cropped pair would not fill the hole unless I was going in a totally new style direction. </p> <p>So, my answer, Rachylou, would be a resounding yes. I think getting my "essentials" right is critical to my overall style. I'm a bit stunned because I never thought of "essentials" in this way. My attention was always on the "statements". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602230 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 02:00:39 +0000 Style Fan 1602230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what Aida said about a statementy style.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have a more essentially style.&nbsp; It works for me and my lifestyle.&nbsp; Also I like interesting accessories so I use those for statement.&nbsp; Jewellery, scarves, handbags, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602227 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 01:55:51 +0000 rachylou 1602227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Are essentials as difficult to replace as statements? I feel like they should be easier, less one of a kind. But I limped a long with some combat boots which were more like prairie house boots... And now I have some I love, and I can tell already - after breaking them out yesterday (I was saving them) - I should have duplicated... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602193 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:42:19 +0000 Sal 1602193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Rachylou that your essentials may be crazy patterned leggings. &nbsp;Or black batwing jumper. &nbsp;I think for some people they form a more important role than for others. &nbsp;</p> <p>And I think a statement piece can be a workhorse. &nbsp;I have a striped maxi dress that I wear most weeks during summer yet it is very bold. &nbsp;And my line between statement and essential is a bit blurred too.....</p> <p>When I first joined YLF I had a collection of statement pieces but struggled to wear them as I did not have the essentials to link them together. &nbsp;I worked on building those up, mostly successfully. &nbsp;I do find the essentials tend to wear out and leave gaps if not replaced - and I have made this mistake. &nbsp;I think of essentials as the glue that holds the other pieces together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602169 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:27:25 +0000 Gaylene 1602169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was wondering about that, too, Caro. I think workhorses can come from any category--basics, essentials, and statements. To me, a workhorse is a piece that I want to wear over and over again because it fits my lifestyle and has a high "happiness" factor. </p> <p>My favourite loungewear, my favourite jeans, and my favourite leather jacket might all be workhorses, although the category--basics, essentials, statement--might be different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602163 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:17:23 +0000 Caro in Oz 1602163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this is the first year I feel I have a grip on my essentials. I still get confused about the difference between an essential &amp; a workhorse though.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602159 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:15:06 +0000 Gaylene 1602159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whenever I read these posts about "essentials", I can't help but think part of the difficulty is in the term.</p> <p>Angie prefers to use the term "basics" from a buyer's perspective to refer underwear, sleepwear, socks, and the like. The confusion arises because so many of us non-buyers use the word "basics" to refer to our wardrobe staples--those functional pieces that let us put together an outfit for daily wear. Angie, however, prefers to call these pieces "essentials". My basics = Angie's essentials.</p> <p>Currently my basics/essentials are my layering T's and turtlenecks in my signature colours, my jeans (dark wash in winter/white in summer) , my skinny black ankle pants, my black lace-up boots, my black leather sneakers, and my bronze-olive raincoat. One or more of these pieces are in constant rotation in almost every outfit I wear. </p> <p>Those pieces we see as ESSENTIAL to our sense of style--that signal to the rest of the world how we want to be seen--are probably closer to what Angie calls "statements". In this category, I'd include my leather jackets; my non-black footwear; my sweaters and tops with special detailing, draping, construction, or colour; my oversized tunics and drapey shirts, my scarves, and my handbags. These are the pieces that make my basics/essentials come alive so my outfits are ME. I can wear more than of these "statements" simultaneously but I'd still have to have at least one or more of my basic/essentials to create an outfit. </p> <p>I'm not sure if Angie would concur with my interpretation, but I do know that this re-definition worked for me. It made me realize that the bulk of my wardrobe are "statement" pieces. It also made me realize that I ought to take my basics/essentials more seriously because they have a subtle, but very important, place in my overall style. When those black, lace-up boots expire, I need to think long and hard about what will replace them instead of purchasing the first pair of black boots that make my eyes light up. . Same goes for those layering T's-- the necklines and fabrics have to be just right--and the jeans and the sneakers and all my other basic/essentials. And I can now see that NOT replacing one, or more, of them with very similar items would have a major influence on my overall style. </p> <p>Hmm, now that I think of the role these pieces actually play in my style, maybe Angie is right to call them ESSENTIALS. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602157 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:14:12 +0000 Sara L. 1602157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou - I was just going to say the opposite - I think most of my statements are tops and the essential pieces are the bottoms.&nbsp; Plain black trousers for work, jeans for casual.&nbsp; Shoes are also usually essentials for me.&nbsp; Knee high boots in both black and brown are essentials for winter and&nbsp;the same for sandals in the summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602155 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:08:37 +0000 rachylou 1602155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An interesting point about number of essentials. I was thinking one might have more essentials because they are used so often. However, one might want more to increase the frequency with which statements are worn. Then again, maybe one might have less essentials in terms of type. That is, more black sweaters wouldn't be enough for me. They really have to be a specific type of black sweater.</p> <p>The styling of an essential is pretty key then, and it can trick a person. A thing is not necessarily an essential because it's plain and fancy might not take it out of the category either.</p> <p>Betty - I think you bring up something fascinating: how we choose what elements to be statements and what to be essentials. Top, bottom, footwear... I notice I make bottoms my statement piece a lot, now that you bring it up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602137 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 21:09:40 +0000 Anonymous 1602137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have plenty of essential classic pieces, and would love some statement items. I just don't know what to get yet. I'll know when I see. So far I haven't seen anything that has the wow factor I'm looking for. Can anybody relate? For me, it was always shoes, but my fussy feet have brought statement shoes to a screeching halt. Shoes can no longer be the focus of my outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thinking-through-my-essentials-in-more-detail#post-1602126 Thu, 14 Jan 2016 20:44:06 +0000 Aida 1602126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for those of us with a more statementy style, our essentials are just going to be more statementy! A "meta" approach probably works best for us, as well as for those who have a strong trendy element to their styles and probably also those who are eclectic. And on that note, this is making me realize that many of my current "essentials" are NOT statementy enough for my style. Must mull.</p> <p>EDIT: Wanted to add that I don't think neutral is a requirement for essentials. But it probably covers 99%+ of them!</p>