https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 12:10:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-820489 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:14:18 +0000 Ornella 820489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Mandipa, different kind of tops would have helped a bit, for sure. Climate dictated my packing list and I wanted things that would layer with no bulk. But, now that I think of it, just one of my (5-6? probably more!) striped crew neck tops would have been enough to freshen things up.<br /> I only had one pair of tall black boots as I went out very little. Plus one coat, my white puffer. One tweed hat, one b&amp;w woolen scarf to be worn as outerwear, 1 black crossbody bag and - bingo - 4 pairs of gloves: black, purple suede, woolen striped and fleece fingerless But these did not play much difference to how I felt in the indoors outfits and I actually mostly wore black ones as they are the warmest with fleece fingerless gloves over to block the draught in my sleeves (I scrunch these at the bottom of the coat sleeves, the trick I learnt when cycling and which makes a great difference in staying warm).</p> <p>@Kirti, you'll get there This is years of not knowing how to dress properly and years of packing with no plan or logic finally behind me, you are already ahead of me.</p> <p>@Angie, Gap has no shops in Germany and I haven't tried ordering on-line yet. The one Gap I had visited while abroad did not have anything in my size. But, I've discovered some brands here which I'm combing patiently.</p> <p>@Lisa, great tip for itchy factor in sweaters. I always wear my few with something underneath, but this is a thing to bear in mind now that I live in a climate that will lead to a few more sweaters in my wardrobe.</p> <p>@cheryl, thanks. </p> <p>@rachylou, the ponte pants are almost like skinnies, just in different fabric. Great for travelling in, with the long cardigan and jumbo scarf, but not great for wearing with the blazer (which I never do - two major wardrobe items knitted, not a good thing for structure-loving me, plus I *always* wear them with something long).<br /> TBH, I too never paid attention to having different silhouettes available from the travel wardrobe - but I do remember reading once that the more variety in bottoms means the more outfit possibilities, so it seems I have lived to see it holds a lot of truth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-820407 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:45:02 +0000 rachylou 820407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was re-reading and picked up on the subject of silhouettes while traveling. I don't know that I pay much attention to silhouettes. I know some have a preferred silhouette for daily wear as well. I'm sure all over the place in that regard, but I wonder if there's an ideal number for traveling? An ideal number of silhouettes... I'm thinking, Ornella, you'd have liked more than two... I count a dress and two skinnies? I'm guessing the ponte pants were of a trimmer-type line... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-820250 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:01:05 +0000 cheryl 820250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing this, it was such a fun read. I love that you have discovered so much about what works and what matters to you. I'm like you in that comfort is so important. Keep sharing and i'm also looking forward to the Zorro story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-820093 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:44:23 +0000 Lisa 820093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great recap. I find packing is one way to really test the cohesive ability (or not) of one's wardrobe. Mixing and matching is a real must for lighter packing. I also find dresses make luggage bags smaller because you have an entire outfit with one item and dresses are often flimxy materials which fold up nice and small. Interesting insight for your wardrobe shopping. My personal shopping critieria is similar, all items have to be warm (I run on team always cold) and since I adore layering items must also be able to layer if they are lighter in weight. A bulky sweater can stand alone but a slimmer knit top, if it can't layer with a blazer back on the rack it goes. Also itchy factor, especially with winter items where angora (which is too itchy for me) can often sneak into sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-820023 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:00:17 +0000 Angie 820023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you find those BF jeans, Ornella! I trust you haven't had luck at the Gap with the longer lengths. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819917 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:26:05 +0000 Kirti 819917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fab post. I will bookmark this for when I travel next, somehow my travel wardrobe is never as efficient as yours! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819890 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:24:13 +0000 ManidipaM 819890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, this was such an interesting read --- thank you!</p> <p>I love packing posts anyway, and your retrospective thoughts have been especially instructive --- packing light for a few days is one thing; packing light for several more, often in a situation where the holiday does not, in and of itself, involve new faces and places, is quite another! All the more heartening, therefore, to hear it can be done and you came away with relatively few regrets.</p> <p>I'll confess varying silhouettes is not something I've often thought about in packing for travel --- rather, I tend to simplify things to ONE preferred silhouette or two (which is what you did too, with a dress and pants). So it is especially instructive to realize that even with colours being interchanged, that makes a difference to the novelty factor. Do you suppose, along with pants, varying your turtlenecks for other kinds of tops may have helped? Or would nothing else have worked as well for the climatic conditions?</p> <p>I also wondered if you had other shoes or wore the same ones each day? What about outerwear --- one coat or more? Any hats, scarves, mittens/gloves? Choice of bags? Would any of these have made as much difference in terms of novelty as pattern vs solids for tops and bottom-half silhouettes?</p> <p>Also, I really nodded to your list of priorities --- it is so important to get that order right and so tempting to choose in reverse instead! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819882 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:07:15 +0000 Ornella 819882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Amy, I hope you feel better today As for pattern, i've learnt my lesson :-)</p> <p>@Carole, you are absolutely right about assessing needs and wants after the trip. I remain VF admirer and I think I now have sharper eye for what's going on there. The downside of my wardrobe is very few bottoms and that is not the case on VF - there are different styles of both pants and skirts, which makes a lot of difference. I am actually quite interested in doing a VF inspired challenge, hopefully when I return to work and when I'll need slightly different wardrobe.</p> <p>@Angie, no one wants that camera more than me, it is like my extended hand, I snap everything from notice-boards to magazine cutouts (I don't have smartphone for this).<br /> As for silhouette:<br /> a) different neckline would be nice, at least one crewneck or button down next time;<br /> b) a tunic would be nice more casual option (as opposed layering with cardigan);<br /> c) last but not least, my main focus was on BF jeans. I think that would be so refreshing and the more I thought about them, the more I determined I was to find them. Still ongoing search...</p> <p>@Joy, I see your point in being concerned in fashion/designer conscious place, which is why I my main criteria for packing would be my happy clothes, something that feels most like me and reflects my personality (this is mainly what Zorro had revealed ). Only when I eliminate self-consciousness out the equation, I can begin feeling stylish. Knowing your understated, lady-like style there is nothing to be worried about. (Btw, just pack those SE pythons and you'll knock everyone off their feet.)</p> <p>@Adelfa, thank you. It would be nice to hear your post-travel musings too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819848 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:48:18 +0000 Ornella 819848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@caro, over the time I have come to realize that certain limitations help me focus and I learn faster. There is something in having all the wardrobe available (overwhelming?) as opposed to having just a subset to work with - as I said, I could clearly distinguish which thoughts led to choosing certain items or not, and after becoming aware of that I was basically left with thinking "more happy clothes please" - the feeling I want to replicate.</p> <p>@Raisin, I'm happy many things made sense to you and hopefully will be helpful when you pack next time. Neutrals, pretty color, pattern, jacket, different silhouettes, that's what I'll bear in mind for my next trip :-)</p> <p>@Sarah, thank you, you certainly have travel wardrobe nailed and your post was really helpful before my trip. I have it saved as quick check-list for those times when I'll need more versatile wardrobe. I'll come back to Zorro another time :-)</p> <p>@Rachylou, that's a really good question. I could have gone a whole month with those things, there were enough variations to go through and I would probably test my patience to the limits, but - yes - I would be tempted to buy something like different top or the right denim shirt which I've been hunting for ages, but only if those were the right (as in perfect for me) items, not just for the sake of having something new. But realistically, I really did not need anything else and I had time to ponder a bit more about need vs. want, and generally SYN, which I wrote about just before the holidays.</p> <p>Will be back to your other responses soon, something just came up... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819730 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:01:12 +0000 Adelfa 819730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let me just say *I love packing posts!!!* This one was great. I take numerous short trips and occasional week-long ones. I've been writing down what I bring and then evaluating afterwards. I agree, it's so instructive! Leaving on Friday for 4 days in the high plateau of Arizona.... wonder what I'll bring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819727 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:55:27 +0000 Anonymous 819727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did put the kettle on and have so enjoyed your musings and need to do some of my own. We are headed to Japan in March with a carryon each. I'm used to packing light but every trip has its challenges. I can go indefinitely with two bottoms and an assortment of tops that can be layered for weather, a coat, and some scarves, but nearly always crave more variety after a week or so. Usually I don't take white but now see that it could be a good idea. I'll have to think about including a print. I'm concerned on this trip knowing that Tokyo is very fashion conscious and designer oriented. I don't have those kinds of items but also don't want to embarrass DS, especially when meeting his friends and girlfriend.<br /> I can't wait to find out what epiphany was brought on by 'The Mask of Zorro'! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819704 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:30:28 +0000 Angie 819704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Insightful :)</p> <p>I miss your WIWs so I hope you get a camera soon!</p> <p>You are Ms. Travel LIGHT and I'm impressed. So which additional bottom silhouette would you have liked to have brought along? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819690 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:16:44 +0000 Carole 819690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a wonderful and insightful post, Ornella! I think packing for a trip and the subsequent analysis when you return home to your closet is the best exercise in determining needs and desires, don't you? It seems you have come to some solid conclusions about what is practical and what pleases you. I'm curious how you feel about the Vivienne Files now...The minimal efficiency she portraits is so intriguing, I wonder how it would really feel to dress this way for an extended time. </p> <p>If only we could enjoy your beautiful outfits in pictures...I can just imagine how lovely you looked! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819637 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 02:25:02 +0000 Amy 819637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're so smart, Ornella. That sounds like the perfect wardrobe for traveling and enjoying the company of family and friends. I don't think I'd be entirely happy with out a print top or too myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819619 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 02:15:47 +0000 rachylou 819619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very efficient, Ornella!</p> <p>I have to ask how long you think you could've gone with just those items. Do you think you could have done a whole month... or would you have gone running, screaming to a store for a little extra? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819560 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:31:11 +0000 Sarah A 819560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved to see this trip update! I am glad you had an insightful trip as well. I love the new set of priorities travel helped you to discover. It amazing how we can find clarity in the oddest ways -- I look forward to the Zorro story! I am really hearing you on warm right now as a dressing priority... which is one I struggle to combine with figure flattering. Look forward to hear how your new priorities work and evolve your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819436 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:12:26 +0000 Raisin 819436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back, and I finally got to read it all! Wow, that's really inspiring! I too had a recent holiday trip but just to visit family, and I think I came to a lot of the same conclusions as you. I really try to pack light for every trip, in fact I got rid of all suitcases but 2 carry-ons so we have no choice but to pack light! I really resonated with 2 things - that jackets rule (they do make almost any outfit just so much better!) and that even though solids are a fav of mine too, a little pattern is needed once in a while.</p> <p>I have an upcoming trip to Croatia at the end of April and am really enjoying all the posts on what people are packing, so thanks for posting this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819384 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:31:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 819384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic insights Ornella. I think you've clearly expressed how you have developed a workable capsule wardrobe for your particular lifestyle &amp; personality. </p> <p>I am struggling to do this for my summer clothes at the moment &amp; your post has given me the strength to continue:) </p> <p>Your paragraph: "All in all, limited wardrobe choice and circumstances led to a lot of thinking about what matters the most, why some things work and some don't and ultimately how I feel in my clothes, can I pin what exactly about my clothes makes me feel the certain way and finally how, after all, I really want to feel in my clothes." really resonated with me. Maybe I need to limit my wardrobe for a while to see where this leads. Thanks:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819373 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:19:34 +0000 Ornella 819373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz :-)<br /> What I've come to realize is that even the simplest of outfits, like the one you're wearing, can actually be awesome (or K*) - when many of the elements, such as the right fit, color and style, and ultimately how you feel in it is 10/10 (this really shows), that is what we ultimately strive for - don't we? </p> <p>(Btw, you left me with some great food for thought over the holidays after our exchange about the insights into ourselves from watching just our wardrobe choices). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819366 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:14:26 +0000 Ornella 819366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Claire, shame your camera is out of action! As for other parallels, I hope you'll come up with some great insights after the winter with the small wardrobe. I found it a great exercise for the mind, self-discipline and future direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819361 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:13:22 +0000 Suz 819361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Look at the learning you managed to pull from such a tiny suitcase! I am sure you looked superb, and you're smart to recognize how important the climate is, and how much comfort matters to you in dressing. I relate to this. In my efforts to create a stay-at-home/ work-at-home wardrobe I've recognized that comfort really rules for my at -home days. Sadly, that mostly rules out jackets inside -- although I don't actually find them uncomfortable per se (unless they don't fit) they aren't exactly curl-up-on-the-couch wear. I want my daily in-house clothes to feel like loungewear and look more-or-less fashionable! So at the moment I am wearing...you guessed it...a Merino turtleneck and jeans and Smartwool socks! Good thing, since our furnace broke down today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819329 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:53:38 +0000 Anonymous 819329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you so much Ornella! What a great post. I couldn't even wait on the kettle to boil. </p> <p>I have been lurking the last few days as well. And my camera is broken! If I could take pictures, they would all look the same after 5 or 10 shots because my small winter wardrobe sounds about as big as what you packed for your trip. So I can relate on many levels. </p> <p>The last bit about your purchasing priorities particularly resonated with me. I used to have a similar list to your old one. Left to my own devices, there would be a WIDE chasm in my clothes. Either comfy gear, or flattering "going-out" clothes (neither warm nor comfortable). I think I need to hop on your bandwagon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819308 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:31:00 +0000 Raisin 819308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only skimmed so far but it sounds awesome!!! I will be back after kids are in bed to read in-depth and make a more meaningful reply. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-report-the-wardrobe-and-learnings-xxl-musings-only#post-819259 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:40:35 +0000 Ornella 819259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello dear YLFers, I have missed you. I've been mostly in the lurking mode lately as I'm getting back to the daily schedule after my holiday and hope to catch up and participate more again. But, from what I've managed to skim over, there is *so* much good stuff going on here right now that I found it truly overwhelming at times. </p> <p>In an attempt to end my absence, here is the "boil the kettle and come back to read" post about my recent travel wardrobe and what new things I've learnt both about my style and about packing in the future. Please excuse the lack of photos, my pre-Christmas accident which resulted with broken camera still did not lead to purchasing a new one as I am really picky when it comes to gadgets of that sort and I just can't focus enough to find a new thing within my budget. Which leads me to my first and very important learning from the previous weeks:</p> <p><em>To continue my style evolution (or even stagnation) camera is beyond helpful. From the moment I started taking them, I was instantly converted to WIWs being an irreplaceable tool in doing something about my style, but this unwanted hiatus from snapping my outfits had really brought home just educational WIWs are. </em></p> <p><strong>But, back to the content of my suitcase...</strong><br /> Over the recent holidays I have spent 2 weeks at my dad's and MIL's respectively, with no plans to attend any fancy events, but simply meet friends and relatives, and lounge in an environment where others took care of me.</p> <p>Pre-YLF, I was one headless packer, confusing stuffed - and uncurated - suitcase with the ease of dressing when away from home. So. Very. Wrong. I knew I had evolved, but this was a true test of how much.</p> <p>I've mentioned my packing plans in a post just before I left, stating that I had major space issues that limited the amount of wardrobe I could take with me. Plus, I really wanted to bring very few items anyway and wear everything at least once. And I probably wanted to prove to myself I can finally pack light for the flight!</p> <p>The main guideline was to bring the clothes I would be warm in, yet have room to actually create outfits rather than just throw anything on.</p> <p>I was also inspired by Suz and Sarah A on the aforementioned thread to change my original plans, but just slightly, so I added the stretchy and warm patterned dress and replaced one cardigan with the tweed blazer. </p> <p>All in all, limited wardrobe choice and circumstances led to a lot of thinking about what matters the most, why some things work and some don't and ultimately how I feel in my clothes, can I pin what exactly about my clothes makes me feel the certain way and finally how, after all, I really want to feel in my clothes.</p> <p><strong>What I Packed:</strong><br /> - 4 turtlenecks (white, grey, black, aubergine)<br /> - 1 patterned dress (tones of grey and teal)<br /> - 1 tweed jacket<br /> - 1 waterfall cardigan<br /> - 1 pair of skinnies<br /> - 1 pair of ponte knit pants<br /> - 3 scarves to wear with any of the turtlenecks<br /> - 2 cuff bracelets<br /> - 1 pair of tall boots</p> <p><strong>What I Actually Wore</strong><br /> Everything.<br /> In true Vivienne Files fashion I have mixed and matched the turtlenecks and scarves to death and wore almost every combination possible. The rest of the outfit was skinnies and tweed jacket (and in a handful of situations waterfall cardigan), all of which lead to a few insights.<br /> I could have left the dress at home as I only wore it once with the waterfall cardigan over, which was nice as an outfit itself, but too labored for the actual situation and pants-y bottoms would have been better.</p> <p><strong>What Did I Miss?</strong><br /> If I'm honest - an extra silhouette on the bottom half of the outfit would bring a lot of life to my holiday wardrobe, but with cold weather nothing would have worked but pants and at the moment my options and choice are limited, so I actually did the best I could.<br /> As for not packing any of my striped tops - what was I thinking?!?</p> <p><strong>My learnings from this trip</strong></p> <ol> <li> I have identified previously unknown feeling - I was bored with my clothes! And this feeling, as surprising as it sounds, is actually a very good thing *for me*. As someone who struggled with finding the right kind of clothes for most of my life, I have at last nailed the dressing formula (skinnies + boots + turtleneck + jacket + scarf) that works so well, that I can put on without thinking and that I have all the components for in million variations. </li> <li>Jackets rule! I am so grateful to Suz who inspired me to bring the tweed jacket. The magic a jacket does to an outfit cannot be overestimated. I know it's been said here many times, but it is worth repeating. </li> <li> Although I am more of solids girl, I love my stripes and polkadots and should have packed at least one top like that. Pattern in scarves only was not enough. Whether it was actual pattern or maybe just different textures I craved time will show, but too many too similar things in different colors were unexciting. </li> <li> When I wanted to feel fresh, I wore white - when I wanted to feel energized I wore my aubergine turtleneck. What's interesting here is because I had very few things to choose from, I had actually very clearly identified which top corresponded to which of my states. In comparison to other two options in my suitcase (grey and black) these two were clear winners, with the white one taking the top spot. </li> <li> Finally, I went one step furter in defining my wardrobe criteria. As a reminder, here is previously established list of what I take into consideration when buying new things or editing wardrobe.<br /> 1. Color<br /> 2. Fit<br /> 3. Lifestyle<br /> 4. Climate (were I live) </p> <p>I came up with the newest set of criteria of what's important to feel good in my outfit and for any new item to make it into my wardrobe:<br /> 1. Warmth<br /> 2. Comfort<br /> 3. Figure flattery</p> <p>White the first one is obviously valid in winter only, it's less a reflection of the season, but more of what's essential to even begin feeling good in something. So, once I'm warm I then take into consideration whether something is comfortable to wear, and when that too works, achieving figure flattering look finishes things off. Most importantly, I am not willing to compromise with the order, i.e. even if something looks flattering, unless it is comfortable to wear I won't wear it. </p> </li> </ol> <p>Anyone made it this far? This exercise helped me round things up, I hope it may be of help to someone else too.</p> <p>Thanks for reading :-)</p> <p>ETA: I almost forgot, I had a great style insight watching "The Mask of Zorro" (!!!) but I'll probably get back to that one on some other occasion </p>