https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:52:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258948 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:05:57 +0000 CarolS 2258948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Zaeobi. Stag is right - home on spec means I bought it and brought it home for further consideration, but I am not yet sure if it's&nbsp; keeper.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258942 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:49:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2258942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi, “home on spec” means speculation, like building a house in spec, without a final purchaser. Or, in this case, without knowing if she’s going to keep it. My question about the thicker linen is how well it works in chilly temps—that 40 degrees is Fahrenheit, around 5 Celsius. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258939 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:17:47 +0000 Zaeobi 2258939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like a well thought-out plan - congrats for sticking to it thus far! </p> <p>Agree with @Sal that a coloured blazer is good for spring - mine is orange Also agree with @LaPed re: linen - I have thicker European linen that wrinkles less but is still wearable in our humid, subtropical summer (to answer @Stag's question). I also like linen blended with other fibres (as you mentioned) not just because it's soft, but because it wrinkles less too - particularly linen viscose, which stays surprisingly cool too (this from someone who doesn't usually like wearing synthetic fabric up top). </p> <p>(PS - What does 'home on spec' mean, sorry? Googling it wasn't much help...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258875 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 21:56:54 +0000 CarolS 2258875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Sal! And you're so right about the need for a few pieces that have the warmth of winter but still feel like spring. </p> <p>I love that you have a yellow blazer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258870 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 21:08:08 +0000 Sal 2258870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds cold indeed!! I think spring is the hardest period to dress for - it’s so fickle but we so want a change. I do think a small number of specific spring items is a good idea. I have a thick blue boho blouse which is warmish but looks spring like. My yellow blazer also feels great in spring.</p> <p>Your planning is going well - it does take a while to build a functional stylish wardrobe. I like the sound of the new knits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258831 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:38:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2258831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LaPed, my funky blue pants are linen, made in Italy, purchased in the 90s. I’m amazed at how comfy they are in cool springs temps. Are clothes from the makers you mention also comfortable in 40-degree temps, or cooler? (I don’t run cold or have Raynaud). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258829 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:25:22 +0000 CarolS 2258829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie! I was actually testing sleeves last night and so far I think I can get everything under one or more of my summer toppers. I usually favour sleeveless tanks or longer (and very plain) sleeves for that very reason! The only shirts that won't really fit under a topper are a couple of long, oversized shirts with rolled sleeves, but the point of those for me is that they don't need a topper.</p> <p>Thanks for the bathing suit recommendations!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258826 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:01:28 +0000 Angie 2258826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope your weather warms up!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>CarolS</b>, a solid plan and good starting point :)</p> <p>Make sure that the sleeves of the tops you get can be layered easily under jackets and cardigans! LOTS of exuberant sleeves on trend at the moment, which makes layering hard. I learned the hard way :(</p> <p>When looking for swimwear, you might like to start with these brands:</p> <ul> <li>Boden</li> <li>Lands End</li> <li>La Blanca</li> <li>Bleu by Rod Beattie</li> <li>Sunset Separates</li> <li>Fantasie</li> <li>Freya</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258794 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 02:29:02 +0000 CarolS 2258794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thankfully we are past the -30 temperatures, <b>Jaime</b>, but I think we are all more than ready to say goodbye to snow and see something green and growing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know what you mean about the truly crunchy linen! Most of what I have been looking at locally is blended with cotton or lyocell, which helps with softness. I found a cinnamon brown linen blend jacket today that I am pretty excited about. I think it has workhorse written all over it.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258785 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 01:00:06 +0000 Jaime 2258785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my your weather is giving me the chills . Wow, I wouldn't be able to think about warm weather dressing at all. You have done very well so far. I hear you about jeans - some jeans seem to accommodate weight fluctuations better than others but it is hard to know in advance. Laped makes a very good point about linen quality - it doesn't have to be crunchy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258781 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:09:54 +0000 CarolS 2258781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>KKards</b> -- YES-- of course!!! Banana Republic is killing elegant utility. I would give my right arm for pants the colour of the pants in photo 2. I love the look but I don't have a lot of luck actually shopping BR. Most of the time their cuts aren't compatible with my shape. But it's fabulous inspiration!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258772 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 22:58:33 +0000 kkards 2258772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re elegant utility-definitely a thing …just look at the current Banana Republic offering&nbsp;<br />love the color complements that your building out.&nbsp;<br />We’ve been back at the office since Oct (hybrid 3 days a week in/2 days WFH), without a doubt, things are even more casual now…so I’d hold out on the blazer until you find something that’s at least a 9. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258769 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 22:23:02 +0000 CarolS 2258769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Rachy</b>!</p> <p><b>Stag</b> -- You're right. C and F merge at -40. And it's bloody cold. And one doesn't think about much other than keeping one's nose and toes from freezing off. I won't judge you for not pursuing the -40 experience.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I could wear linen pants to the office with the right completer pieces -- but might not have much need to do so this year as I don't think I'll be expected in the office much if at all.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really don't know if we have a fancy swimsuit place like you describe , but I will keep the idea in mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>The beige blazer has gone back and I've brought home a short beige cardigan that might a serve a similar purpose for now. The right blazer will come along one of these days -- I don't need to rush it.</p> <p><b>La Ped</b> -- Sounds like your spring is a rewarding as ours. Hopefully it won't be too much longer!!</p> <p>Thanks for the suggestions on linen. If I was a more confident online shopper I'd be more likely to chase some of those options, but at the very least it's something to aspire to!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carla </b>-- So sorry we insisted on sending our leftover dismal weather your way for all those years -- very very bad manners on our part!!! It must be a relief to escape the worst of it now!</p> <p>Our office dress code recently banned even women's dressy shorts after some woman groused about not wanting to see her male co-worker's hairy legs! It led to an equal opportunity banning of all shorts, regardless of length or dressiness.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do like the idea of utility detailing. Is there such a thing as elegant utility? I'm trying to get there... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258743 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:19:01 +0000 Carla 2258743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your weather report is triggering all the feels of having lived in Timmins, Ontario for 26 year. &nbsp;What Winterpeg got, came our way 24-48 hours later! &nbsp;Friends we left behind report a good winter for the winter sports enthusiasts, but hard on retired snowbirds who eschewed winter vacations due to Covid.</p> <p>You&nbsp;<i>must&nbsp;</i>reward yourself for your new level of fitness and for surviving another cold season with fabulous summer things. &nbsp;I love the idea of your colour complement and am leaning heavily into cream/white as well for 2022.</p> <p>Do you do shorts? &nbsp;What about a shorts suit with Bermuda length shorts and a jacket with utility/Safari detailing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258740 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:00:33 +0000 LaPed 2258740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the light neutral capsules! They feel so fresh and will all mix and match nicely.</p> <p>I agree with you that the weather has made it hard to think about clothes. Deep cold, terrible mud season, cold rain for most of April so far... No spring in sight. Pretty much all I've bought this year has been gear -- stuff to stay warm and/or dry.</p> <p>Regarding linen, I find most mainstream linen to be very thin and sheer. I wear linen on its own all the time, but mostly buy from small producers in Eastern Europe (NotPerfectLinen, Linenfox, OffOn, and Knock Knock are some good shops to check out on Etsy) or domestic makers who source high quality Baltic linen (Power of My People and Beaton Linen in Canada, Elizabeth Suzann and Two Days Off in the US, off the top of my head). Our perception of linen as being stiff, wrinkly, and see-through has to do with much of what's available being relatively low quality. Good linen is thick enough to stand in for denim and chambray in the spring/fall. Some companies even offer woven linen/wool blends for winter!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258735 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 18:20:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2258735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun fact: -40 C = -40 F and I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE. Idk how you can think about anything when it that cold, much less about summer dressing. </p> <p>Good on you for keeping with your plan. I have a terrible tendency to think through exactly what my wardrobe needs and do absolutely nothing about it. </p> <p>Linen pants sound wonderful. Can you not wear them to the office? Too “artsy”? </p> <p>Congrats on continuing with the weight loss. I bet when you get around to swim suit shopping before your trip, it will be a lot less bad than you recall. When I had to do that a year ago, I booked an appt at a fancy swimsuit place (part of a lingerie shop) with a personal shopper who could grab the right size just by eyeballing me. She knew her inventory so well she was able to grab exactly the style I was requesting. Truly amazing, if not exactly fun. And then I went to a bunch of places, ending up at Esprit, where I think tops and bottoms were 10€ each. Having seen what did and didn’t fit, at prices I would never pay, was super helpful. Is there a place like that you can go? </p> <p>I vote for a nicer fabric for the blazer; are you near enough your target weight that you can keep it for a long time? </p> <p>Green and yellow are lovely springtime colors—hope you get to wear them soon! </p> <p>Sorry for all the questions and that I did the implicit comparison thing again. You really do sound like you’re doing a great job sticking to plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258731 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:23:06 +0000 rachylou 2258731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must say this seems very solid and fits nicely with the collections you have in Finds! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding-progress#post-2258722 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:19:48 +0000 CarolS 2258722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all. I haven't posted in a while, and haven't 'dressed' much in months.</p> <p>We were 'blessed' with one of the most miserable winters of all time this year. Endless -30C days and one of the highest snowfalls in recorded history for our area. Spring has been cool so far, which brings the necessary 'slow melt' we need to get rid of so much snow without major flooding but it has meant not much inspiration or opportunity for spring dressing. Now there's a forecast for a Colorado low to bring another 20 to 80 (!!!!) cm of snow this week. Winter 2022 simply WILL. NOT. END.&nbsp;</p> <p>In spite of, or maybe because of this, I am starting to shop for spring and summer. I'm in my usual seasonal 'purchase too much and return a bunch' cycle as I try to sort out what fits/flatters/goes with other things and what I actually NEED.</p> <p>In light of quite significant weight lost last year, I set out a bit of a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-preliminary-roadmap-for-2022-wardrobe-rebuilding">rebuilding roadmap</a> in January, and thought this might be a good time to see how reality compares to the list of needs I posted then: </p> <ul> <li><b>New eyewear </b>(haven't found 'the ones' yet, but am starting to itch for a change. Probably won't restart the search until late summer)</li> <li><b>Workout gear</b> (making do but will take the plunge when I find something I like)</li> <li><b>Sleeveless tops for ‘hot summer’ </b>(I have a couple of sleeveless and short sleeved pieces home on spec, but not sure yet how many of them are keepers. Still looking.)</li> <li><b>Lightweight bottoms for ‘hot summer’ </b>(I have brought home three pairs of wide leg linen pants -- two cropped and one full length. <br />I don't normally like full length for summer, but the full length ones are my faves so far. I don't think I need three pair, so one or both of the other pairs might go back.)</li> <li><b>Mid-weight knit tops for early spring and mid to late fall — heavy enough to wear alone, but light enough to layer under a cardigan or blazer if needed. Drop shoulder or raglan sleeve and a boxy cut.</b> (I picked up three sweaters just before Christmas and was saving them for the spring that hasn't been. Still, I think they are good additions that will stand the test of time. Two are green merino wool - different shades of green and different styles. The third is bright yellow - a HEWI colour/fit combo for me and it adds a nice punch of colour when I need it.)</li> <li><b>A few pairs of casual-ish pants (suitable for the office if needed)</b> (Not much progress here, but not much need yet, either. I brought home a charcoal cotton Calvin Klein utility type pant that I think could fly in our office worn with the right completer pieces. <br />We might return to the office by fall, and then to a hybrid schedule, so I won't need a ton of office wear. Probably won't sweat this much until fall approaches.)</li> <li><b>A blazer — I’d like to find a light- to mid-weight, light coloured, slightly oversized blazer to dress up jeans or wear to the office.</b> (I have a very plain beige blazer home on spec but am still debating whether I really need it now or if I should hold out to see what is around in the fall. The one I am considering is just inexpensive polyester but I think I'd rather have a similar colour in a lightweight wool.)</li> <li><b>An oversized denim-look Tencel shirt.</b>&nbsp;(SUCCESS. I found a blue and white striped button-up shirt I think will suit my needs perfectly. I also tried it in plain blue, but the stripe seemed a bit richer and I think I could get away with it in the office more easily than the plain blue.)</li> <li><b>Jeans</b> (I have two pair home on spec from Marshalls -- Lucky Brand Lolita low rise crops that sit as mid-rise on me. I really like them right now, but hope to lose a few more pounds this summer which might make them too big by fall. The argument for keeping them is that jeans that fit and at least somewhat flatter are a HEWI and the proliferation of high rises right now makes them even harder to find. It's really the hip area where these will be too big in time, and I've wondered if that could maybe be taken in a bit. <br />I expect I'll wear jeans a fair bit between now and late May, and then be in linen and crops through to late August. I COULD make do until fall.... We'll see.)</li> <li><b>Swimsuit </b>(Haven't started looking yet. Least favourite shopping job and I have very specific fit/style wishes. Won't likely need one for the summer but will want to fill the void before a planned vacation next winter.)</li> </ul> <p>One of my guiding principles for 2022 has been to work on building out my complements. I've made some progress there:</p> <p><b>White/cream complement&nbsp;</b></p> <p>Added three pairs of white/cream shoes:</p> <ul> <li>Ecco Soft 7s -- figure I can't go wrong there....</li> <li>Teva Tirra sandals. These aren't exactly dressy, but they are comfortable on my fussy foot and will work well for the casual and at home components of my lifestyle.&nbsp;</li> <li>Cream Ecco Sartorelle oxfords. I am second guessing myself and wondering if I should have chosen these in dark grey instead. But I might be too lazy to return them.</li> </ul> <p>Added a short white linen utility style jacket that will be great to throw over a tank for a lightweight third piece and an oversized white button-up shirt that I think I will enjoy wearing over loose pants and those with a more cigarette style leg.</p> <p>I am sort of keeping an eye out for an off white bag, but since I am a  bag minimalist, this isn't a high priority.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cognac complement</b></p> <ul> <li>Added a pair of cognac gladiator-ish sandals and a cognac cross-body bag. I think this will help make even my older black summer pieces feel a bit less heavy.&nbsp;</li> <li>I already have a pair of cognac sneakers.&nbsp;</li> <li>I'm considering a cognac linen t-shirt - just debating the fit.</li> </ul> <p><b>Grey/silver complement</b></p> <ul> <li>Added a very simple pewter bag that is dressier than my everyday purse but not a spangly evening bag. Given the low use this is likely to get I was delighted to find it on a fabulous discount. It can be carries as a wristlet or worn cross body.&nbsp;</li> <li>I have a pair of silver sandals that are reasonably comfortable an evening out.</li> </ul> <p>I also brought home a simple natural-coloured linen sun dress to think about. I am still kicking myself for returning a really fabulous one a few years ago. I've wished several times since that I had a dress exactly like it...&nbsp; My biggest concern is whether I will really wear an unlined linen dress -- even around home. I wonder about adding a pair of linen trousers underneath. Very boho, but it helps address the sheerness of&nbsp; both. Or I might just hold out.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am mostly focused on casual and semi casual wear with an eye to things that would pass muster in the office but don't feel "office only" to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you've stayed with me this long, thanks for reading. After I narrow things down a bit I might post a couple of K/Rs or style labs to get your thoughts.&nbsp;</p> </p> <p>In the meantime, this little reflection helps me see that somewhere within the flurry of items, I am making progress on my goals.</p> <p>It also helps me see that a couple of the tops I brought home to consider might e more "office-y" than what I really want -- even though they are nice and 'go with' things. That'll make it easier to pinpoint what I should return!</p> </p> <p>Thoughts and observations are always welcome!&nbsp;</p>