YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Updating the closet

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Updating the closet https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:49:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416612 Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:11:04 +0000 Dimity 1416612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, thanks for your understanding about the tendency toward the practical. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one! I love your style and am going to see if I can replicate a whole lot of your outfits once the seasons change here. I enjoy how you manage to look casual but polished and purposeful at the same time. You do it so well! Unfrumped, interesting about the oxfords. I had vaguely thought about that too, but I think I'd mostly wear them with pants or skirts with tights. It's funny, I wouldn't have thought that a boot would be easier to style but now you point it out, I can see what you mean. Yes, we do have some stores where you can try things on by yourself, and that seems much less pressured than having someone hovering around. Good idea, thanks! unfrumped on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416581 Tue, 30 Dec 2014 03:59:44 +0000 unfrumped 1416581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity, sounds like a great plan and great fun to get there. I found shoes to be both the most fun and the most frustratiing items. I had to work with my own "eye" as well as what seemed to be fashionable and comfortable. I found that some styles I wanted to wear, I just did not like once I tried them with certain outfits. For example, I really can't wear oxfords with most dresses and bare legs or nude hose legs--they don't look right, especially dark colors. Then, I needed to wear socks a lot of the time and not always just nude knee-highs and some styles that's a no-no or at least it's not the fashion. Boots turned out to be easier to get style + comfort, so are more for cool weather BUT motivate me to find a "warm weather boot", in lighter color or cutout style, or similar. I don't know if you have some stores that are try-on yourself, like we have DSW, Shoe Connection--you can wander around and try them--but I found it a great way to see whether I wanted more this or more that, toe, vamp, heel, colors too light or too dark--I've bought shoes there over many years but since vast other brands are available, it made it easier for me to tell on-line if a shoe had possibilities or sometimes I could tell right away it would fit poorly or not give the right look. Suz on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416574 Tue, 30 Dec 2014 03:29:34 +0000 Suz 1416574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity, I think Liz has given excellent advice and Deborah has provided brilliant links! Those sale prices are mind-bogglingly good!  I feel a lot of empathy for you. I have the same tendencies -- to buy the most basic and boring items.To aim for the practical. At the very "wildest" to go for a fun colour. In many ways, it can't be helped. When you are building a core wardrobe, you pretty much NEED those essentials before you can start adding statements.  I found it was easier to start edging things up a bit with the footwear. I still need to go further (IMO) with my clothing, but I am getting much better with the shoes, and it definitely makes a difference.  Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416458 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 22:50:08 +0000 Dimity 1416458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tania, so true. I need to keep reminding myself of that! Tania on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416449 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 22:39:06 +0000 Tania 1416449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There has already been a ton of great advice! Remember to have fun too! Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416430 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 22:09:51 +0000 Dimity 1416430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Torontogirl, Yes, aren't they a gorgeous colour and fit! I also wanted to thank you for recommending the Ines book to me in another post. I got it and read it and really enjoyed it. I think it's helped me to start evolving my look. Helena on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416421 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 21:56:32 +0000 Helena 1416421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a terrific plan is in place - I really love those teal trousers!! Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416418 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 21:37:29 +0000 Dimity 1416418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Liz, big yes about having some allocated money! I'm going into town today and I'm going to try your recommendation about trying things on that are edgier than I'd normally default to. When I was a teenager, I had much more flare than I do now and I think it's just been lost through years of making do and tending to the conservative so that it could last for a long time. There are several people here whose style I really like, so I think some shameless copying will be happening here! I think it's really good advice about going slow on expensive shoes - Deborah's link provides to the Wittner outlet here provides a nice way to experiment with good quality shoes without it breaking the bank if my style evolves further.  Thanks Shevia. It's lovely to have this friendly environment. Jaime on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416213 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:14:18 +0000 Jaime 1416213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Absolutely agree with your priorities and you are getting terrific recommendations Liz on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416205 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 12:47:49 +0000 Liz 1416205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your plan sounds great! Starting with hair is essential. Isn't it fun to have some money to spend that isn't from squirreling away grocery money?  One note: as I read this thread, I noted that all the items in the finds seemed really classic / conservative. "Didn't she want some edge?" I thought, and went back to read your original post. Then I saw your later post about realizing you skewed toward conservative and that made you feel prim and boring.  Based on that, my advice would be: * look at the finds of a forum member whose style you'd like, and see what type of items they are buying that make up their look.  • Go to a store and try on items that are WAY edgier than you think you want, just to get some experience with them. * go very slow on the expensive shoe purchases — especially brown and tan, since you don't know how those are going to work in your wardrobe. In fact, I'd be prone to get cheaper, "out of the comfort zone" shoes to try out some trends before investing in very expensive conservative shoe styles.  Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416185 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 09:16:07 +0000 Dimity 1416185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sharon, the gaps were in winter wear so I have time to fix that up before I need to don the woolies again. Lots of time to plan and play! My summer stuff is fine, easy to throw together and feels good. Deborah, I LOVE THESE SHOES! I went into a Wittner in Brisvegas before Christmas and saw some of their current stock and I really liked it. I'd never been in there before (how many ways can you say 'out of it'?). I also found a place that sells Django and Juliette shoes. More love. And the prices of these ones at the online outlet are amazing. The black and white ones and the greyish ones aren't available in my size but the others are. How do you go with sizing or returns?  I'm currently figuring out what will work best with what I've got but I think that I'm tending to go too conservative and it skews all my outfits into the too prim and boring category. These shoes are just the kick I need. It's like the Birkenstocks - their boldness just works.  Deborah on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416179 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 07:57:11 +0000 Deborah 1416179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Possibly too light in colour for you and may not even be what you want but just a sample of the Wittner sale at the moment. I have had my eye on the white oxfords!! <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sale/end-of-season-sale/paloma-black-white-1.html">http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sa.....ite-1.html</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sale/end-of-season-sale/ignite-white-1.html">http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sa.....ite-1.html</a> OR <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sale/end-of-season-sale/vicky-brandy.html">http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sa.....randy.html</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sale/end-of-season-sale/wix-beige.html">http://www.heelsteal.com.au/sa.....beige.html</a> Sharon on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416175 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 07:53:16 +0000 Sharon 1416175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a really well thought out plan, Dimity. I agree with prioritising shoes and hair. Although if you have wardrobe gaps that are making it hard for you to get dressed, maybe at least start to address that with one pair of casual pants. I seconds Deborah's advice to check out the Wittner sale site. There are lots of stuff from last winter on sale and most of it still looks pretty current IMO. Deborah on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416173 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 07:43:00 +0000 Deborah 1416173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity this sounds very exciting.  Echoing the importance of footwear.  I have really found that footwear is a very key element to my wardrobe.  I have found sometimes shopping out of season I get some very good deals which is helpful as I have developed a liking for quality shoes.   I don't have to have the 'lastest' shoe and I am usually on the hunt for something particular.  Last year I was really keen to add a metallic ankle boot to my wardrobe and in my frequent browsing of shoes on line I came across a Nine West Pewter ankle boot, leather and excellent quality.  It was on sale from the previous season but I adore these boots.  They cost me around $50.00.   Keep an eye on Nine West and Wittner.  They have amazing reductions and lovely shoes. Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416160 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 05:11:58 +0000 Dimity 1416160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I cross-posted with you, La Belle. Thanks for your kind thoughts. I'll go check out that link. Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416159 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 05:09:17 +0000 Dimity 1416159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Suz! It means a lot to be able to go over this with like-minded people, as my husband would find this conversation a touch dull after a few minutes, but it's pretty exciting to me to be able to spend something other than $5 pilfered from the grocery money. I've put in a few shoe styles I'm considering in the finds. I would have to try them on so these probably aren't exactly what I'll end up getting but they're really close to what I want. I appreciate the tips regarding colour and types too, they're very helpful. I also really like these but they're hand made in Melbourne and at $440 plus the cost of a last made to my feet, it's probably a 'next year' item. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://wootten.com.au/shop/birdwood-sandal/">http://wootten.com.au/shop/birdwood-sandal/</a>. Do you think these styles are current? Comfort is my top priority and I can think of multiple outfits to wear these with. I've got this summer sorted already, with lots of cotton tops and shorts (very loose and baggy) for home and skirts with cotton tops (more fitted) for when I go out, which is why I focused on next season. Although I live in Queensland, which is pretty warm, the winters where I am can get down to minus 2 celsius on occasion, so warmth is good. Also, we only have a wood fire so the interior of our house is often cool in winter. I'm going to re-read your reply now! Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416149 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 04:42:07 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1416149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was very fun to read!  I think your priorities are perfect. Into-mind has so many great article on wardrobe planning and building, and this one about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2014/10/01/rebuilding-your-wardrobe-on-a-budget-what-to-buy-first/">rebuilding a wardrobe on a budget</a> is pure gold. To echo Suz, good luck!   I can't wait to hear how it goes :) Suz on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416146 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 04:35:31 +0000 Suz 1416146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dimity, what a fun time you'll have ahead of you revitalizing your style! When I joined YLF I was in a similar position to your former one -- I had virtually no budget for clothing and had to make do with thrifting and consignment. (Except for undies...agreed!) Then I got a full time job and had a few years of wardrobe building. Now I am about to leave that job and will be curtailing my full-price purchasing again.  Based on my own experience (not always what I did, but what I wish I did!), I would say the following:  1. Haircut is first priority. Remember that if it will also require regular upkeep and make that part of the budget.  2. Footwear for SURE. It can update an outfit like nothing else and will earn its keep providing you buy the right styles. My goals for myself in that regard are:  <ul> <li>comfort (I walk a lot)</li> <li>must be a very current style at time of purchase so I can happily wear it for several seasons</li> <li>think about how each shoe/boot will work with actual outfits. Will it add figure enhancing qualities (like extending the leg line)? Will it harmonize with bag, coats, etc. How does it add value to your wardrobe? </li> </ul> I do buy my shoes gradually and I pay close attention to Angie's recommendations. Try on different brands to figure out how they fit, even if you are not ready to buy.  A good rule of thumb is at least one dressy, one mid-range, and one casual per season. If you have budget for more, I always love to have one dark neutral in my key style (for me, booties, since my dominant season is winter); one lighter neutral; and one colour. A print is also great!!  The items you've selected look great if your lifestyle is fairly casual and you live in a cool climate. I actually have the merino turtleneck from Gap and like it. It's a tiny bit scratchy in comparison to some J. Crew merino knits I have, but acceptable, and a nice weight. I can also vouch for Kut jeans; I don't have that style but do have others and they are great quality for the price and really wear well.  I'm a huge lover of tote bags for commuting, too, and they definitely add something to the outfit. I also recently tried an upscale backpack and really enjoy it!  Good luck with this new phase of wardrobe building!  Dimity on "Updating the closet" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/updating-the-closet#post-1416140 Mon, 29 Dec 2014 04:12:37 +0000 Dimity 1416140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This coming year I'll have a real, actual money clothing budget for the first time in several years. I'm very excited! I've shopped thrift stores almost exclusively for the past couple of years, for fun and necessity. I wanted to see if I could go for a year buying only secondhand (except for underwear. 'Nuf said.) and one year turned into two. It really wasn't hard, except that the complicating factor was a complete lifestyle change from business attire to casual uni clothes which rendered much of my wardrobe obsolete to start with. There are some things that I've found really difficult to find secondhand, such as shoes, casual trousers and good knits. These are big gaps for me and have made it hard to get dressed sometimes, because things won't work without the right x piece. On planning out how I should allocate the budget, I found that with all the shoes I want that I'd be spending close to half on shoes. I want oxfords, loafers, ballet or light loafer flats, tan boots and a pair of combat boots for fun. I already bought some Birkenstock sandals for summer. On reading the advice here, I'm thinking that's okay to spend so much on shoes, because footwear, bags and good hair seem to be the top things that pull an outfit together.  I've figured out that my look is 'individual classic' with a bit of a polished edge. I've worked out my colours to be blues of all types, tan and camel (never had these before, so experimenting here), grey, brown, touches of red, pink and orange. I have lots of black too, so I'm not buying any more black at the moment.  This is the plan: <ol> <li>A good haircut is the first priority</li> <li>Gradual shoe purchases throughout the year as the seasons change</li> <li>Knits (have some on the way from Woolovers). Pictured below are ones that are similar or that I already have.</li> <li>Several pairs of casual trousers such as the ones below. I love these and am also thinking of a couple of pairs of cotton and ponte pants.</li> <li>I bought three tote bags recently, one tan, one red and one black, for carrying stuff to uni and back.</li> <li>A couple of fun purchases of unknown pieces through the year</li> </ol> What are your thoughts on this? What would you prioritise?