YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Confusion

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe Confusion https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 22:35:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1839617 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:09:08 +0000 Anonymous 1839617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This week has been crazy busy.  I completely forgot about either the bag or the duster.  The fact that I could just "forget" about them is telling.  I think they were whims.  Not love.  Just plain ordinary lust.   Liz on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838766 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 02:49:56 +0000 Liz 1838766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, here's one with some crispness to it. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838218 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 09:37:48 +0000 Anonymous 1838218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The next opportunity I have to stop by the mall is Wednesday after work. If it is still there, I'll bring it home and begin the experimentation. I'll be especially conscious of Liz's comments about structure though.  Her point resonated in my soul ..... like I should have "known" it on my own, yet didn't.  A reminder is always a good thing.   Emily K on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838092 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 22:04:48 +0000 Emily K 1838092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling,  I just pinned this outfit photo and I think it's good reference material for mixing blues/grey/black.  Maybe it's an argument for adding more/different to the mix instead of trying to be so precious and perfect about the combination of colors?  I count a black bag and shoes, navy pants, brighter blue top and blue/grey blazer  I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with doing this right away, but I think I could work towards it as a goal.  I do really like the fact that the combination of closely related colors provides both minimalism and interest. Anonymous on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838072 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 20:55:14 +0000 Anonymous 1838072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First, let me comment on how incredibly knowledgable and helpful this forum is. Thank you all for taking the time to help me solve my problem. There were two items under consideration. Although the tote IS gorgeous, I have other totes in really good condition that serve their purpose for (winter, summer, and travel). I’m good. Thank you for that easy and obvious assessment, Liz. Gryffin — this doesn’t scream my name (thank goodness). It was a whim. I was at the store and decided to try on every single item in the Eileen Fisher section. Yes. I had that much time. Ninety-nine percent of what I tried on did not suit me. This duster and one single top were great. But I wonder if I wanted something to work “for all the effort I expended.” As a side note, I look forward to your post on "recognition of style."  That type of post will certainly resonate with the entire Forum.   Janet — I did try the duster on in the store. I fell in love with the feel of the fabric and the deep, deep pockets. I was also in awe of the length of the duster on my body. Finding items like this that are actually long enough for me is rare. That may have swayed me considerably. It never occurred to me to sit down, Delurked!! What was I thinking? I stood in front of the mirror and posed. I didn’t even attempt to walk in it. Static never entered my brain, Joyce. Delurked -- I started my transition away from black because I simply got tired of it. I had worn it for so many years and just got tired (and depressed) seeing so much black in my wardrobe. Now having said that I still wear an awful lot of legacy black.  These older pieces still form the backbone of my wardrobe (along with navy). And I do wear them together ... just not comfortably. I think Joy’s idea of finding a jewelry piece or scarf that combines the two colors is the answer for me. Emily’s idea of playing with it and creating some outfits is helpful as well. If I purchased it, I am sure I would get over any aversion to mixing black/navy petty fast ... especially if I thought of it as a coat.   So it is obvious this duster would work with my current wardrobe! I still have a lot of black!  My wardrobe plan going forward was not to add any more black.  I assumed that over time my wardrobe would slowly transition from black to navy.  I don't hate black.  And yes, Joy, there are times when the situation absolutely calls for it.   Jenni — You are right.  I don't think I could wear this as a longish-blazer in the office.  After some considertion, I would wear it as a coat. I should be able to wear it for a minimum of three months per year, no less than three times per week, to and from work. I would keep it for the rest of my life so the cost per wear would be very reasonable.  The thing is I have other coats.  It never even occurred to me that I would be considering a "coat" this year or any year in the near future.   Liz — Your comments gave me considerable pause. It was as if you knew me personally and had been in the dressing room with me. You are right on every single point. You are especially right about me needing some degree of structure. Standing motionless in front of the mirror was not the best way to evaluate this garment. I need to compare it’s fit to other similar garments. That said, I am not giving up on a duster, Staysfit. I think I need to test several of them before committing to one.  But I am now in love with the idea.  Thank you Staysfit.   Liz -- and yes, I still have a weird addiction to bringing home black pants … just in case they should ever stop making them.  I mean you never know, right?   Elpgal — you made me laugh. I still might bring this duster home with me to experiment. I need to walk in it. I need to sit in it. I want to test it for structure. Even if I don’t keep it, this experiment could pay dividends down the road because I am now in love with the idea of a duster. Posting WIWs on YLF might be the most helpful and useful way to achieve this goal.   Jaileen — they did not have grey at the store, only black (deep, rich black). I didn’t even realize there was a grey option. I could combine grey with navy and black. I could rock me some grey!!   Jenni NZ on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838064 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 19:32:22 +0000 Jenni NZ 1838064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thought you said in another thread that you "couldn't carry it off" re the duster. Though I thought at the time that one should be able to carry anything off if one is confident while wearing it. Is this a " will it get 30 wears?" purchase? ( I mean consider that in advance). Anonymous on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838043 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 17:08:09 +0000 Anonymous 1838043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First the black and navy challenge... I struggled with this too and found a scarf with both black and navy and even a tiny bit of white that I use to pull everything together. It helps if there is more than one shade of navy in the scarf or bead necklace. I like Griffin's answer and Delurked's questions to consider. Although I tried moving away from black I still need it for essentials as "glue" to form outfits. Today I needed and am wearing a black shell with a leopard print skirt and faded blue denim jacket. (Photo). A heavy bronze necklace breaks up the black near my face. The black was the best color for the skirt and warm weather today. I agree that you should at least try the long cardigan on. Emily K on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838034 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 16:21:40 +0000 Emily K 1838034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hesitate to be a devil's advocate on this issue since I almost always shop from the opposite end of the process (shopping to fill a need and rarely buying pieces on the spur of the moment).  However, all you need to incorporate black (with navy or any other color, really) is a black belt and nice, black shoes (IMO )  Maybe you could do some outfit creation sessions with the duster and see how many outfits you can make with it?  JAileen on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838022 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 15:20:01 +0000 JAileen 1838022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Didn't you see both at the mall yesterday? I think you should try the coat, but in grey. Joyce B on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838014 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 15:01:02 +0000 Joyce B 1838014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You already got a lot of very good advice, I am here just with a question. Does Tencel get staticky? Is static a problem where you live or maybe it just does not get cold enough for that? I know you like the black topper but it helps me to look at the lightest color when I shop online so that I can better see the full details. The gray topper seems to have static in the picture? Of course, you will know better when you will see it "in person". elpgal on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1838001 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:18:56 +0000 elpgal 1838001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am impressed with your restraint. I would have ordered both and spent days in indecision. In your case, I would pass on the tote but would give the duster a try just to scratch the itch. Janet on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837996 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:12:36 +0000 Janet 1837996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep! And that's why I only try online loves from retailers with good return policies! delurked on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837994 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:10:54 +0000 delurked 1837994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hijacking for one moment to completely agree with Janet. "Sometimes all I need is my curiosity satisfied." This is why online infatuations are so hard for me to pass up without a try on. ...hijack over. Janet on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837993 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:05:43 +0000 Janet 1837993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like what gryffin and delurked have to say. You didn't say whether you have tried on the duster or seen the bag in person -- is that the case? Or is this online infatuation? I would try on/handle the items in person before investing a lot of mental energy on this. Sometimes all I need is my curiosity satisfied. If you have already seen/tried these and they are sticking with you, that's when I start paying attention. I try not to be too militant about my preferred colors so I don't rule out something fabulous, as long as it plays with my wardrobe! And of course the practical aspects that delurked and Liz mention -- what are your wearing opportunities like for the duster? Does it complete and complement your outfits or clash? Does the length and lack of structure work for you? You don't mention specific qualities that attract you to these items, but I think it's worthwhile to list them to help you figure out the attraction and whether it is lust or love. delurked on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837991 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:56:24 +0000 delurked 1837991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nodding with everything Liz said. I also think a long vest could be an option too. This doesn't seem like something you would wear for at home days, so it would need to be something you reach for often on your office days. How does it feel sitting vs just standing? Liz on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837988 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:50:47 +0000 Liz 1837988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd pass on the totebag. You seem to have plenty of totes, and this one doesn't seem special enough to move your style forward. Unless, of course, one of your totes is wearing out and you need one. A long duster could be marvelous for you -- you have the height and carriage to wear it well. I'd caution you on this particular one, though. I'm wondering if you were caught up in how good the fabric felt and the ideal picture of how elegant it might feel in motion. Reality: this is a very long garment with no structure. It could drape well or it could look  sloppy/like a bathrobe. In the past, you've caught glimpses of yourself in no-structure garments and been dismayed. So try it on, but evaluate carefully for structure. Why not hunt down a long duster / long blazer that does have structure and order both at the same time for comparison? Use this as a try-on test case, not as a time when you must decide to buy something right away. As to the black part, aren't you still always buying black trousers and shoes? So it seems like you'd have black items to wear this with. delurked on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837985 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:36:25 +0000 delurked 1837985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I lean more toward Gryffin than Staysfit on this one. With a couple caveats. I would say get and try the duster with your potential outfits at home. See how it feels. Also, why did you transition from black? Wanted a new neutral because you didn't like yourself in black anymore, or because you'd reached a saturation point? You'd have a potential other color next to your face, so could mitigate the black in that way too. After trying on, would it work with your current wardrobe, or would it push you into needing too many new things? And in your warm climate, how much wear will it really get? It doesn't seem like it would be super hot, but how often do you wear toppers now? (Guess that was several caveats ) I personally have always enjoyed navy and black together. I think you can overcome that one. And wouldn't it be striking with your bright pink? I must say, yes, they are in conflict with your stated goals. I'm excited by your excitement though, and wouldn't give up on it too easily. Once you can really try it, I also think the answer will become obvious. If you decide against it at that point, you won't need to continue to pine for it. gryffin on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837977 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:41:41 +0000 gryffin 1837977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling - I'd been thinking of posting a question on "recognition" of style. IOW, sometimes we see something and it simply screams "me". We just recognize that it's exactly right. I hear so much excitement in your words. I know this has happened to me. If this is what you are experiencing then there is not only a high degree of probability the pieces will work out but that they will be beloved. The AT equestrian ottoman jodhpurs came out before anyone wore legging. I used to ride. I had to buy them and thought I'd never wear them. They became an essential in my wardrobe. I still regret the guess forest green baseball jacket I let get away because it wasn't black and that was 30 yr ago. Would you consider buying them and then doing a full outfit post. If you are not delirious to wear immediately then back they go. But at least you know and then either joy or goodbye w no regrets Staysfit on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837973 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:09:37 +0000 Staysfit 1837973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, something else always comes along. Unless you are in love with these for some reason and cannot live without them, I would wait until there is something that meets your style goals. You say these would be statement pieces. Don't compromise your goals for a statement because statements are the way you help define your style. It will derail you and you will lose your cohesion, you said: "I started to transition away from black in 2016/2017. Dark navy slowly replaced the black. Because of this transition, I shouldn't even consider adding black back in except now mixing navy and black seems acceptable. Although acceptable, I have difficulty making the combination look truly intentional." These pieces would have limited use in your wardrobe if they could only be paired with denim. I say hold off. Good things come to those who wait! Anonymous on "Wardrobe Confusion" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-confusion#post-1837964 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 11:34:46 +0000 Anonymous 1837964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For decades, my wardrobe has been based on black and white with the addition of one accent color for interest (black/white/red; black/white/pink; black/white/medium blue).  This worked well for me because I was either in college or I was a college grad but poor.   Starting in 2016/2017, I made a serious effort to stop buying so much black.  But today I find myself drawn to two items that are very black and would be huge statement pieces.   I started to transition away from black in 2016/2017.  Dark navy slowly replaced the black.  Because of this transition, I shouldn't even consider adding black back in except now mixing navy and black seems acceptable.  Although acceptable, I have difficulty making the combination look truly intentional.   Are these two pieces in conflict with my wardrobe goals?  (1) They are both very black.  (2) I am not that good at making navy and black look intentional (unless it is denim).   Budget wise, I can easily afford one.  Buying both simultaneously would stretch my budget (not irreparably , but still .....).  Between the two, I would pick the duster.   I saw your comments Jill58 and Staysfit on the other thread.  Thank you.