https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:28:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1844111 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 06:36:15 +0000 rachylou 1844111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds very neat and tidy. I picture a minimalist chic. My cousin does something similar with corduroy straight trousers... which is more feminine than it sounds </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1844032 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 01:18:53 +0000 Suz 1844032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear your son is doing better. That must be a relief. And it sounds as if your capsule is also working well for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1844028 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 01:07:46 +0000 Paula 1844028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kathleen</b>, glad to hear that your son is doing better. &nbsp;That has to ease your mind to a degree. &nbsp;</p> <p>I like the description of your outfit formulas. &nbsp;I like dressing like this because while there's variety, it allows me to express a particular "style" that people begin to associate me with.</p> <p>Hope things continue to smooth out some for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1843984 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 21:55:13 +0000 Emily K 1843984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a fantastic jacket! &nbsp;I'm a uniform kind of dresser even though I'm not contending with the challenges you face right now. &nbsp;I guess I prioritize easy outfit creation over excitement in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1843956 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 19:37:33 +0000 Kathleen 1843956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Follow-up on my attempt to do a trial run with formula / uniform dressing for the last few weeks.&nbsp; I have been sticking with a formula of:</p> <ul> <li>Lightweight tee or tank under a merino or lightweight cashmere sweater.&nbsp; Color palette of navy, charcoal or burgundy. I did mix it up a little with the EF poncho I bought during the Anniversary sale and this dark red leather jacket I bought a while ago that I had been waiting to wear until we had cooler weather.</li> <li>Skinny jeans in medium or dark wash or slim 3 season wool pants in charcoal or navy, either solid or pinstriped.&nbsp; Pants were depending on what meetings or events I had scheduled that day.&nbsp; I do also have similar pants in burgundy and dark green that I will add once the weather gets a bit colder.</li> <li>Shoes - either oxfords, loafers or flat boots.&nbsp; I might wear the same outfit from week to week but vary the shoes or the accessories so it feels a little bit different.</li> <li>1-2 accessories.&nbsp; Necklace, bracelet and/or scarf.</li> <li>Watch (have the same watch in 2 different colors).</li> </ul> <p>Overall, I have to say that with everything going on at home I find this way of dressing suits me.&nbsp; I don't spend much time in the morning thinking about what I'm going to wear.&nbsp; The limited palette may not work for everyone but I feel like I look like "me" so I'm happy with it.</p> <p>My son is doing better than he was a few weeks ago.&nbsp; His team is still working on finding us some long term help so I'm likely going to be in this caregiver role for a while.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839524 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 06:47:36 +0000 Jane 1839524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish you well with all the different things you are juggling. </p> <p>I work in a conservative office environment and I have a uniform look, and that works for me. Jacket, black or navy, dress or skirt, black or navy, top, navy white or patterned. May be a scarf. Nice jewellery. Nice bag. Brogues to and from and heels in the office. Sounds a bit dull may be but it works for speed and practicality. </p> <p>I would love to be able to wear jeans, and then I'd wear similar tops, and different colours of jeans. I'd love to have a lisap uniform too! It sounds gorgeous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839474 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 02:22:04 +0000 Suz 1839474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have had an enormous amount to contend with this summer and your uniform sounds perfect for helping you cope! Plus, I love your preferred colours. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I do revert to "uniform" style at times of high stress -- choosing favourite fallback outfits for most situations because I know I will be able to forget my clothes and just get on with things.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think it's a problem unless you are bored or dissatisfied. If you do feel a need to change things up, Smittie's suggestions are good ones. Another option that others mentioned is finding one new silhouette that you like and ensuring you have one or two good work outfits in that combo -- so for instance, if you always wear pants, then buy a couple of dresses and alternate with the pants. (Dresses can be especially good for this insofar as they are pretty much a complete outfit in themselves).&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you're able to set up a supportive situation for your son very soon -- that will ease your mind and heart enormously.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839467 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 01:43:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1839467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I think uniform dressing is the "it" thing to do. There are lots of articles on how to find your uniform. You're ahead of the curve! Make sure you have enough of all your basic pieces to avoid laundry backups and I think you're good to go. </p> <p>Some variation will come to your uniform naturally as the seasons change and you add sweaters/jackets, scarves, and either boots or shoes that require socks. A couple of long cardis in different lengths might be an easy way to change the sillouhette without upsetting the apple cart. </p> <p>Best wishes to you and your family. I hope your son is happy after the transition, and that your mind is eased. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839103 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 03:43:53 +0000 unfrumped 1839103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a difficult time! </p> <p>I kind the seuggesyind so far.<br /> Silhouette is the main key to uniform.<br /> So to switch up, maybe burgundy slim pants or colored jeans with a gray top, , or patterned skinnies. Reverse your color combos. I like quiet, deep color in shoes- burgundy or teal or grays- and suede, or texture. Animal print belt.<br /> Or if you wear s lot of cool colors- always black, navy, wine, etc-- add cognac or rich brown leather somewhere for contrast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839013 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:34:40 +0000 Jenn 1839013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Laura</b> and <b>Kathleen</b>, Lucy Siegle's book, <i>To Die Fo</i>r<i>,&nbsp;</i>which I just finished, had a whole section on the price pressures on modern cashmere, and how it has resulted in a dilution of the gene pool in cashmere goats in some fiber-producing regions, as well as them being raised in areas that aren't necessarily conducive to the best fiber. Apparently, cashmere fibers now are about 30% less fine than they used to be, and a lot of cheaper "100% cashmere" items are contaminated with other fibers. It's not your imagination! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839012 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:31:57 +0000 Kathleen 1839012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura- Like you, I'm finding a lot of cashmere at mainstream stores to not be as good as it used to be.&nbsp; I've bought 2 lightweight ones recently - one from Nordstrom Collection that seems to be a much better quality than the other one from Neiman Marcus.&nbsp; The Neiman one is soft but it seems to be stretching out more than the Nordstrom one.&nbsp; The best ones I've found in the last few years have been at consignment shops - one&nbsp;was MaxMara and the other was Ralph Lauren. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839008 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:13:30 +0000 Laura G 1839008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathleen, my first cashmere sweaters were thrifted ones from the 50s. Compared to that, most current "cashmere" is very disappointing. What brands are you finding with good quality (i.e. not scratchy)?</p> <p>Here's hoping your son is settled and happy in time for shopping in Europe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1839001 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:50:44 +0000 Kathleen 1839001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the great suggestions so far. I do like Lisa's idea "slouchy ankle pants, a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater and fantastic loafers. The best jewellery , watch and handbag I could afford."&nbsp; I would swap the slouchy ankle pants for something slimmer cut, and probably stick to mostly a cashmere sweater.&nbsp; Silk isn't practical as where I work tends to be very cold&nbsp;as our warehouse is refrigerated.&nbsp; </p> <p>Also the cropped pants idea, maybe even in a print, could work.&nbsp; I have a couple of pairs that I wear in the summer.&nbsp; Lately when I'm wearing loafers I tend to roll my jeans up a bit if they aren't the super-skinny ones.&nbsp; I also like the idea of focusing on maybe trying to&nbsp;upgrade things in my current style, especially jewelry and a new bag.&nbsp; I tend to buy mostly cashmere for&nbsp;sweaters&nbsp;with the occasional merino one.&nbsp; I'm finding that I'm becoming increasingly picky about the quality of the cashmere, which is probably not so good for my wallet.&nbsp; I think over the last year or two, with not having as much time to shop, I want to buy things that last.&nbsp; Right now though, I think I'm going to be limited to pretty much online.</p> <p>I'm finally getting my haircut and colored on Sunday.&nbsp; I'm overdue by a couple of months so I might ask for a bit of a tweak there.</p> <p>I'm also hoping that he is well enough by December that my mom and I can still go to&nbsp;Europe as planned.&nbsp; My son can stay with his dad for the 2 weeks if he isn't in permanent housing by then.&nbsp; I would really love to be able to shop some in Rome and London.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838866 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:40:40 +0000 texstyle 1838866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that a uniform sounds perfect when dealing with stressful situations and I do the same. Just one more thought after many other good ideas above ....you could change up your hairstyle and makeup to help keep things interesting. A new lip color, wearing&nbsp; your hair up, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838837 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:33:57 +0000 dakotacheryl 1838837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathleen, Your plate is very full and I hope that you find a wonderful place for your son. Stress is a killer.</p> <p>I love the sound of your wardrobe just as it is. I always think that interesting footwear and jewelry can add to simple garments. Even if it is a bold ring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838812 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:20:29 +0000 rachylou 1838812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We-ell, what I wear for the bakery is an absolute uniform: gear leggings, a tee, and a miniskirt-as-apron. I wear the exact same miniskirt in orange everyday. It has a giant pocket that fits my phone and I have at least seven of them. I have a blue one with giant pockets too, but only one of those. All my interest comes from wild pattern and hot colour.</p> <p>As an office dresser, I really mixed it up a lot. But I can think of several uniform dressers who did skinnies and a sweater whose style I liked. The key for me about their style was a bit of shine in their outfits, like shoes or jewellery, and luxurious sweaters.</p> <p>I think an important takeaway for me is: interest doesn't have to come from variation. You can do the SAME interesting thing day in and day out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838809 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 07:44:18 +0000 Sal 1838809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear how things are colliding. &nbsp;But I do understand that amidst that you want to look good.</p> <p>I think if you stick to one silhouette it makes it much easier for mixing and matching. &nbsp;And for shoes as well. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think your wardrobe sounds very smart and elegant. &nbsp;I think printed cropped pants could mix in well (maybe black and white, or dark plaid or similar). &nbsp;</p> <p>All the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838790 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 04:49:19 +0000 Anonymous 1838790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathleen, with all that you have going on, a formula or uniform sound like a great idea. Have you tried high waisted pants or cropped slim pants? That may bring in some variety. Color is a great way to give variety to your wardrobe. It looks like you could use a lighter color and might start by adding a light neutral. Maybe a pale grey or blush would work with your existing favorites.<br /> ETA: I just realized that I had a wardrobe once in colors very like yours, except that it included some dark green (then called hunter green). You might think of adding a little green or teal that works with your existing colors.<br /> For variety, you might look for a knitted jacket or even a poncho to wear in place of a cardigan. A long cardigan would be another slight change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838777 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 03:33:16 +0000 Jenn 1838777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll pair mine with ballet flats in spring and summer, oxfords in the fall, and booties in the winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838775 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 03:27:55 +0000 Anonymous 1838775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well then my friend Jenn, you can wear your weird shoes and I'll wear mine &nbsp;My loafers will be pointy-ish, burnished leather, with a thick sole. &nbsp;I might, just maybe, go for a Gucci thin-sole on the odd day . &nbsp;Lol.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838774 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 03:14:12 +0000 Jenn 1838774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got a lot on your plate! It absolutely makes sense to simplify the wardrobe part of the equation. I think what you're describing is more formula dressing than uniform dressing. With a uniform, you wouldn't be worried about variety, because you'd be wearing the <i>exact</i> same thing every day. I like <b>smittie's </b>idea of expanding your color palette a bit, if you have time to shop, which it sounds like you might not. Do you have any prints in your wardrobe? That might add some interest, and would be easy to mix and match if they were in your regular colors.</p> <p><b>lisap</b>, your description here --&nbsp;<i>slouchy ankle pants, a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater and fantastic loafers. The best jewellery , watch and handbag I could afford --&nbsp;</i>makes me want a new wardrobe too. This is exactly how I'd like to dress, minus the loafers, which I have an inexplicable poison eye for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838752 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:11:41 +0000 cindysmith 1838752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry you're having to deal with so much on your plate. I tend to go for a "uniform" of skinny jeans and a loosely fitted top for work. I don't wear any jewelry at work because it's a lot of physical labor, so I have to rely onot footwear to keep it interesting for me. I have to wear comfortable shoes because I'm on my feet all day, so I try and make them a fun pair of slip-on sneakers: blue velvet, white with a snakeskin texture, leopard print hair-calf, or different types of comfortable boots. I wish I had more helpful suggestions for you, but I'm definitely watching this thread for suggestions for my off days </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838750 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:02:40 +0000 Staysfit 1838750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathleen, you can also try to vary the color of the denim. For example, I have both indigo and grey. The same sweater looks very different with each color once the accessories are added. </p> <p>So sorry to hear about your son. I hope you find an appropriate place for him to live where he can get the specialized support he needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838747 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:54:14 +0000 Paula 1838747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boy, <b>Kathleen</b>, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate! &nbsp;I agree that uniform dressing helps with decision-making and speed of morning dressing. &nbsp;Re: providing interest, I've found that I alternate among a few favorite outfit "formulas," kind a of variation on uniforms. &nbsp;I have a couple of favorite versions of each outfit formula that I wear over a couple of weeks. &nbsp;I wonder if something like that would work for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838746 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:47:45 +0000 Anonymous 1838746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh - what a summer it must have been for you. &nbsp;I can relate - having gone through one of those two years ago. I'm just lucky I kept my job. &nbsp; &nbsp;With regards to uniform dressing - I love the idea and always admire those women who subscribe to it. &nbsp;I think it frees you to concentrate on other things - like the job and day at hand, and can also be your signature. &nbsp;Keeping it interesting ? &nbsp;I think for those who do it - that's not an issue - would be my guess. &nbsp;I'd be totally fine with a uniform and in my dreams I would wear slouchy ankle pants, a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater and fantastic loafers. The best jewellery , watch and handbag I could afford. I think the interest would come with revelling in the luxury of the fabrics and playing a bit with colour. &nbsp;Sigh - now I want new clothes &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838712 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:24:45 +0000 Anonymous 1838712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathleen , here are a few of suggestions:<br /> 1. Expand your colour palette. You could get some thigs in pink or raspberry to go with your merlot.<br /> 2. Different details. You could try a skinny cargo pant or a corduroy. You could try a knit top with buttons on the shoulder<br /> 3. Better quality. You could try spending money on nicer versions of the types of things you already like to wear. A pair of premium denim jeans or a cashmere sweater, for example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-uniform-dressing#post-1838706 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:50:13 +0000 Kathleen 1838706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I normally do a major closet cleanout this time of year, although this year it's taking me over a month to get through it.&nbsp; My older son who has Autism has been having some other&nbsp;health issues and has been in and out of the hospital for most of the summer.&nbsp; He has now moved back home until we can find a long term housing solution where he will be able to get the level of care that he requires now, and likely for the next few years.</p> <p>At the same time, I'm trying to lead a very large scale effort at work serving at program manager over 4 IT projects while still managing my team.&nbsp; </p> <p>Last week, I realized that I'm wearing very similar types of outfits every day for work - slim cut pants or skinny jeans, tank or light knit top and a lightweight sweater almost always with a crewneck.&nbsp; My shoes vary somewhat from ballet flats to wingtip oxfords or loafers to flat booties.&nbsp; I do mix up my jewelry or sometimes wear a scarf.&nbsp; The colors are within my preferred palette of navy, dark grey, burgundy or merlot for the tops.&nbsp; I'm thinking this probably qualifies as something of a uniform.</p> <p>I also realized that the idea doesn't really bother me given everything going on in my life.&nbsp; I'm mostly hoping to get some ideas on how to keep uniform dressing interesting.&nbsp; Does anyone else have a fairly consistent daily style, especially for work?</p>