YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 05:13:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php jackiec on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408845 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:28:35 +0000 jackiec 1408845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey Lisa - I'm sorry I haven't added to this thread yet. I really don't think I can add anything of value since I wear mostly denim in my casual lifestyle. I can say, however, since I do have so so many pairs, that there is a pair out there that will fit and flatter you. Just keep trying. There have been some fab suggestions out there already. My essentials are jeans & sweaters. Pretty boring. Off to check out your thread about your day off yesterday. Hope it went well!! Ps are we going to see a WIW from your party??? darla on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408816 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:59:25 +0000 darla 1408816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This discussion is PERFECT for me. I am experiencing the exact same thing as Lisa so all this advice has been wonderful.  Lisa--I can so relate to the jeans issue... I haven't gained weight but after age 50, the weight definitely 'moved' around. I hate that. It makes jeans buying such a time-consuming chore. I also have "narrow" legs, which now are not in proportion to my stomach/hips so if I get jeans to fit in the stomach/hips--my legs seems to drown in them--especially at the knees. And then of course the mysterious stretch factor. The sales girls (who are always a size 0) always tell me in the fitting room to walk out with them pretty tight so they fit correctly when they stretch. Most of the time when I have done this, they still feel tight and stretch out in the wrong places. I have tried all brands--from the very expensive to cheaper. Gonna try the Old Navy brand--that's one place I have not been.  Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408643 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 01:56:46 +0000 Anonymous 1408643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ annabelle - wow, thanks for the simple, yet bang-on suggestion!  a layering t would be just the level of "cool " I want, and same with an interesting pant.  Most definitely adding these two things to a new list I'm starting for future buys. Thank you!! Alassë on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408596 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:20:53 +0000 Alassë 1408596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think your modified P333 is a great goal. Wishing you success! annabelle on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408588 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:08:29 +0000 annabelle 1408588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ if I had a simple, unpatterned cashmere sweater, I'd wear it over a patterned T that peeks out at the neck and hip line. I'd add interest in the pants and shoes, by choosing something with a pattern or deliberate fading, or shoes or booties featuring buckles or something. I love the sound of the lilac color! Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408575 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:41:05 +0000 Anonymous 1408575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ cinnamon fern - I only wish.  I bought them on sale (I can't quite figure out what season they were from on the Vince website) at a local boutique. You know the type - never offers refunds, only store credits, and marked  down pieces are absolutely final sale.  If they weren't the only game in town for the lines I like, I'd not shop there. It's such a nebulous "flaw" to have to explain to anyone, and I can just see the look of doubt on the owner's face now.  I'm going to write to Vince HQ when i have a moment and see if I can get anywhere there.  They are the most expensive pair of pants I've ever bought, and I am just ill over it.   cinnamon fern on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408480 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:47:43 +0000 cinnamon fern 1408480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, where did you get these Vince pants?  Return them!  Seriously, if cannot survive a single wearing they are defective and the store should take them back. rachylou on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1408468 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:29:28 +0000 rachylou 1408468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wait late to the game here. I totally missed the October blog post on essentials, to boot. These were my essentials from 2012 - a review is definitely due: 1. Puffer coats: I'm not sure if this one hasn't become a basic for me at this point 2. Rayon trousers: Gone, gone, and gone. Replaced by crops, but see next item... 3. Skinny jeans/jeggings: Totally taken over everything 4. Long sleeve tissue tees, crew and turtle neck: Not so much, but not tossed. Have acquired some drapey tees that I'm liking a little better. Am doing a lot of Uniqlo heattech and airism under-layer thingies - layered that is under sweaters or silky blouse. 5. Collarless blouses / knit tops with long sleeves: The collarless still holds 6. Cap sleeve tops: Wow - tossed and burned. Lol. Trying to exorcise Baby Jane. 7. Patent court shoes and flats: Replaced by plain block-heeled pumps, oxford heels, and d'Orsay flats 8. Walking shoes: Current editions - Saucony black/white sneaks, slip-on sneaks, navy and dusty brown walking-walking shoes 9. Brown knee boots: Knee boots are getting a rest. Short boots rule the roost now. OTK boots coming on line. 10. Wedge heels: Still a yes - barely there wedges, that is 11. New Balance trainers: Yes, but need a new pair 12. Timex Easy Reader wrist watch: Yes, this is a quintessential 13. Cross-body purse: Yes, but semi-replaced with a flat-lying "fanny pack" 14. Knit cap that covers my ears: Yes 15. Straw cloche: Yes 16. Big wool scarf: Yes, but "wool" can be eliminated New would be dresses. I'm relying a lot on sheath dresses. Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1407918 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:34:57 +0000 Anonymous 1407918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh god. I just wrote the longest reply highlighting everyone's name and talking about my interest in doing my own project 333. I went back a page to check that I didn't miss anyone, and "poof"  my reply was gone as if I never wrote it.   Alright , again. Marley and shiny ,- thank you both for such long and thoughtful replies.  You both have hit on things that i need to think about and I so appreciate this. to all of my YLF friends - thank you all for indulging my (what turned into but i didn't mean to) whining.  Where else can you get support, help, real-time answers and valid suggestions from experienced and intelligent women of all ages?  This is so wonderful.  Thank you. I am going to launch into my own version of project 333. I'm not interested in including jewellery and scarves and shoes in this - that doesn't matter to me nor really make sense at this point because I'm not rolling in tons of useless footwear.   But I think I can quite easily dress in 33 or 37 or whatever number of pieces it will be .  I don't wear that much of what I own anyways!  Simplification, downsizing, and being organized is my goal and is also interesting to me, which makes me think I can really nail it.  I am not organized and tend to live in a clean and tidy mess. I have read that simplifying your closet can be the start to simplifying your life.  I'm signed up   Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1407886 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 01:50:40 +0000 Anonymous 1407886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Last year was a horrible time of year for me. I really needed jeans (or so I thought) but I couldn't find any that fit the shape of my body and didn't hurt my stomach. Nothing I bought was going to look good on me because I was so depressed in general. I don't know if I would spend a ton of time trying to buy jeans right now. Find some other alternative that is good enough (I found two pairs of cargo pants) and then I would use your energy trying to "fix" what is really wrong. Whether it is exercising more, going to church, reading inspirational quotes, or journaling for a bit. FLYlady has amazing self help tips that helped me tremendously. It is great site for a recovering perfectionist. After spending tons of time on my mental health, I am so much happier and my closet reflects it. I finally found the perfect jeans for me ($35 each) so I bought 3 pairs of the exact same jeans. In my case premium denim did not fix my jeans problem because it wasn't really a denim problem. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/3#post-1407867 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 01:18:54 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1407867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Surprisingly, I've become a big fan of Old Navy denim in the last couple years. The price can't be beat, they've got three or four different fits, and petite, regular and tall lengths in store (at least in the US). I would recommend them for a stopgap jeans solution if nothing else. Marley on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407847 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:51:34 +0000 Marley 1407847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that we have similar lifestyles Lisa.  About 95% casual - and the rest is just a notch up from that with the occasional dressy function thrown in maybe once or twice a year!  However, I live in a much different climate than what you do and that will definitely affect your choice of essentials as compared to mine.  I also remember that you admitted on another thread awhile back that you tend to buy clothing items without trying them on at the store first.  (I used to do the same thing.)  I realized though that that was really contributing to the chaos in my wardrobe because I would often end up with things that weren't a perfect fit but not bad enough to return and so then I'd keep them, but more than likely would not ever pull them out to wear because I didn't feel all that great when wearing them.  Once, I started mindfully shopping rather than mindlessly shopping my stress level about my wardrobe significantly decreased - so, I'd recommend that one thing you try is to change the way that you shop.  No more breezing through a store and just picking up this and that - thinking oh, if it doesn't work I'll just return it! It made a huge difference for me - so it might help you too. My essentials (off the top of my head) include: (for the current season) 1)  Jeans - BFs and Slouchy Skinnies (black, charcoal, blue denim, ivory) 2)  Pull-over V-Neck or Crew-Neck Knit Tops (gray, medium blue, ivory, navy, pink) 3)  Button down blouses/shirts - silk, cotton (gray, medium blue, pink, ivory, navy) 4)  Ankle booties (black or navy or charcoal gray and one in a lighter color - taupe) 5) Sneakers - white, black 6)  Moto Jackets - Black leather, Gray mixed media, Navy/Black mixed media) 7)  Blazer - Gray, Black Other items that would not be considered essentials but that I feel like I need to have in my closet at any given time are: LBD - or an equivalent to the LBD Dressy shoes - pumps, ankle strap pointy-toes, etc. (black) Tube skirt or Pencil skirt that can be dressed up or down Trench Coat Wool Coat Dressy Black or Navy or Charcoal Gray Trousers Casual Dress I have really narrowed down my color choices and so that has helped me to curb my haphazard shopping habits.  I chose 3 dark neutrals - black, gray, navy - and 1 light neutral - ivory.  Then I chose 5 to 6 main colors - lighter shades of gray, navy, medium blue, pink, ivory, and various shades of berry.  Then I chose a couple of color "pops."  (These included some colors that I love (citron) but cannot wear a whole bunch of) as well as some others that I just like, but didn't want to expand my wardrobe to include them in my main colors - such as teal and other cool shades of green.  Scarfs, handbags, jewelry, etc. will often times be in one of my color "pops."  I have also added cognac (a really horrible color for me when next to my face!) in the form of a color "pop."   Organizing my wardrobe this way has made it seem as though the items seamlessly mix and match with each other - for the most part they do! Whatever you do - go slow.  Take your time - and know that just because you've decided that you're going to change your strategy and get your wardrobe under control and workable, that you're still going to make some mistakes - so go easy on yourself!  Make it fun - not a burden! Niki Lea on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407802 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:05:12 +0000 Niki Lea 1407802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, I never would've guessed that you were struggling. You always look fantastic in your WIWs. My five must-haves that I wear to absolute death are: <ul> <li>Black jeans</li> <li>Grey t-shirt</li> <li>Black dress</li> <li>Black booties</li> <li>Denim jacket</li> </ul> They form the basic backbone of my wardrobe, with some variation here and there. But I turn to them over and over, and over, again. Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407739 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:04:24 +0000 Anonymous 1407739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Had to pop into Anthropologie to pick up a Christmas gift and noticed they carry AG's.  They had the Farrah, but not the Nikki.  They are way out of my price range for now . I know it seems counterintuitive - I'll spend that on other things, but $200 for jeans when I feel like crap about my body is not a good thing to do.  If I were feeling like a million bucks, or HAD a million bucks, maybe  They also had Paige, but again, they were topping out at $240 or something.  It's just not going to happen - especially at this time of year where money is going elsewhere .  I'm still reeling from spending almost $350 on a pair of Vince  trousers last week  that I wore once and are now so baggy and loose they look horrible. And that was a sale price.  Just sick about that. Nothing I can do with them now, other than try a tailor . Suz on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407717 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:27:00 +0000 Suz 1407717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Note -- Actually, Loft is available in Canada. But they use Border Free. (UGH!!!)  Shopbop delivers to Canada (free) and they carry the Nikkis. I don't own them but Viva has them and loves them. They are pricey for sure, but sometimes go on sale.  Also --- Dianthus does what I do. She orders to a US address sometimes and crosses the border to pick stuff up. It really cuts down costs if you can spare the time now and again. What I love is that I get the free shipping and I also get free returns if the item doesn't work. Sometimes I pay duty on the way back, sometimes I don't -- it all depends. Gaylene on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407652 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:35:45 +0000 Gaylene 1407652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, the reason I suggested the Bay is because you can order online and return at the store. That makes a huge difference for us Canucks. The denim selection online is much bigger than in most Bay stores--and the Bay frequently has sales. Try Simons, as well, a Quebec department store, that has a good selection of items at a variety of prices, and provides a good online shopping experience. Both stores let you order a variety of sizes and styles, and make it easy to return the stuff that does not work. Shiny, unfortunately, LOFT, like so many US retailers is just not available in Canada. ETA: here's a link to Simon's. Free delivery and they carry Paige, J Brand, Mavi, NYDJ, G-Star and other brands that have made Angie's recommended lists over the years. Prices in $CAN, so no unexpected surprises. <a href="http://www.simons.ca/simons/category/6702/Jeans?/en/" rel="nofollow">http://www.simons.ca/simons/ca.....Jeans?/en/</a> shiny on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407645 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:16:49 +0000 shiny 1407645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you're on a budget, try LOFT for jeans. They've upped their game recently in the jean department.  shiny on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407644 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:15:13 +0000 shiny 1407644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, when I did my closet clean out (and you can go back into my posts to read about it -- and see before, during & after photos), I dragged all my clothes out into the dining room. This allowed me to take several days to complete the project without getting all stressed out. I didn't even sort initially - I just made piles on the dining room table, to sort through later, after I'd dusted out the closet. It helped that my kids were away at college so nobody was going to be eating in the dining room anytime soon!  You can read about it but I decided to re-organize my closet according to Vivienne Files method, rather than by item type. So one section for all my black clothes, one for gray, one for white/cream, one for "expansion" (contains combos of those neutrals) and then one for accent colors (blue, blush, red, purple). I mixed all four seasons in together, and only kept out those items that are summer-only (which amounts to one box of clothes, and tends to be those items that need replacement after a single season anyway). Doing it this way, I actually realized I had more than I thought I had that still fit -- because I can layer and get more use out of favorites to stretch their use across seasons. My closet is still organized this way and I find it spurs my creativity! As for AG jeans, they are my FAVORITE. Not just the Nikki's (which I have), but also the Farrah high-rise skinnies. I duplicated those in two sizes, to allow for weight fluctuations. They are my "go to" skinny jeans. Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407643 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:14:30 +0000 Anonymous 1407643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene - yeah, Winnipeg.  The Bay here doesn't stock much of the higher price point stuff, at least yet.  I'll definitely look , but so far the denim department consists of Guess and Jessica Simpson - lol.  Seriously.  I know Angie's suggestions are for American brands, but I will be looking for the AG's from a Canadian source (if they are in my price range - I haven't yet clicked on them because I'm a little afraid they may be out of my budget)     Lisa on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407633 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:56:15 +0000 Lisa 1407633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A great question.  I have a casual lifestyle and my essentials are jeans and boots.  I am also a fan of a softer look so knitwear is a large part of my wardrobe too (instead of crisp button down shirts). Gaylene on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407632 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:50:59 +0000 Gaylene 1407632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, if I remember correctly, you are in Winnipeg? The Bay has started to carry AG, Paige, and like brands. You might want to schedule a short shopping excursion if you can brave the shops this time of year to check out fits and sizes. Angie's recommendations are usually readily available in the States, but can be a real hassle to order and ship back, as some of us have found to our dismay. Liz on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407631 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:50:36 +0000 Liz 1407631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, if all you have is one evening, I would encourage you to either clean your closet (pull out everything, dust, vacuum, and put it back) OR try on all your pants. You have to go to sleep in that room, and creating a massive mess that you feel overwhelmed trying to clean up might make you feel even worse about yourself and your closet. Take it one step at a time. No shortcuts. (Creating a whirlwind mess can, oddly, be a shortcut.) Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407630 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:43:54 +0000 Anonymous 1407630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know Angie?  You are dead right. Short cuts and quick fixes are my downfall every , every time.  And thank you for reminding me of that.  In fact, I have free time this evening and am planning on pulling every last blessed thing out of my closet, and fortified with hopefully good fitting underwear, trying all the bottoms on. I have had it with this mess, and there is only one place to start.  My husband may have a heart attack when he sees the bedroom, but I'll deal with that if it happens.  Thanks for the jeans suggestions.  I'm not familiar with AG's in terms of ever having seen them at retail or tried them on.  I've certainly heard of them .  My most common jean size seems to be a 6 now, or a 29 or 30.  4's and 28's were my standard up until this summer, but I don't want to wait to see if I can get back there.  How does this brand fit?  ( I'll have to order them. ) The only place I carry extra weight is at the top of my hip and in my lower abs.   Angie on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407624 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:30:11 +0000 Angie 1407624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, it sounds like you need to start from the beginning with an effective closet review and lifestyle analysis. No shortcuts or quick fixes. It's going to be fun. We are here to support you every step of the way. You are in the meantime allowed to get some jeans. I vote the AG Nikkis or Jimmy Jimmy's. xo Suz on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407534 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:57:26 +0000 Suz 1407534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah! Jennifer, that is really interesting. It actually sounds like our lifestyles are a lot more similar than I realized! No wonder I covet your clothes!  I also have a lot of mini-capsules with overlaps for specific kinds of social events, and it is amazing how different you need to look for these. So I totally get it.  And I hear you on the need for variety, too. Ironically, I've finally discovered some dresses that work for my at-home wear and am wearing the heck out of them! shiny on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407523 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:34:01 +0000 shiny 1407523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Missed Suz's earlier post, referencing me. For the record, I did not wear my dresses and dressy clothes to work from home. I wear loungewear when I'm at home. But yes, I built a wardrobe of dressy clothes --- and then wore those clothes whenever I left the house. Whether it was to pick my kids up from school, go to the grocery store, run to the mall, or out to dinner/socialize after work. I would just tell myself that nobody seeing me out & about knows that I work from home, so why not dress during the weekdays as if I worked in the office and had just come from the office? It made me happy.  Along the way I wound up focusing on capsules for various social events. Because I WFH, I need to get out of the house frequently on weekday evenings (and thank goodness my DH is such an extrovert). We have a very active social life. So I built mini-capsules with outfits for "meeting friends for drinks" "going to theater" "attending art opening" "trying out the new trendy restaurant" -- and then put creative energy into modifying those outfits to fit the tone and style of the various sections of our city (i.e., it's a very different outfit to wear to the theater in downtown Boston vs in Cambridge). Often here we have debates about "fantasy" wardrobes -- unlike most, I've always been a proponent of dressing for the life you want, not the life you have. The trick is you have to actually wear the fantasy clothes, not just have them hang in your closet! That's basically been my strategy for years. Because it makes me happy. Also, I've found that it acts in a way to attract the life I want. Maybe it is making career connections while out and about, because I'm dressed in office clothes. Maybe it's being ready to say yes when a gala event rolls around spur of the minute, because I already have clothes for it hanging in my closet.  But, it is true that I'm dressing more casually now than I have in the past! The reason for that is I gained a few pounds at the same time styles changed to more fluid fits/relaxed jeans... and it made finding jeans MUCH easier! I am having fun with that! But, I still mostly reserve the boyfriend jeans (and printed sweatpant jeans) for weekends only. I still prefer to get dressed up during the weekdays. That said I have been giving my dresses a rest lately. But more because I just got bored with them -- after living in dresses for about two years!  Transcona Shannon on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407508 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:51:14 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1407508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sweet Lisa - you are a truly beautiful woman, inside and out. And you deserve to love yourself :) As for what are the absolute essentials in my wardrobe? Well this is my list for our cold weather (summer is a whole other story):   <ul> <li>A couple of pairs of jeans - one skinny for boot tucking, one BF for casual and one bootcut/trouser for dressing up.</li> <li>A few nice weight knit pullovers in luxurious fabrics.</li> <li>A great selection of booties/boots.</li> <li>Winter coats in a couple of different weights/warmth factors in bright colors - our winters and long and we are wearing our coats for a minimum of 5 months.</li> <li>A good quality sturdy handbag.</li> <li>A couple of pencil skirts that can be dressed up or down.</li> <li>A good blazer.</li> <li>A couple of modern cardigans.</li> </ul> I'm sure there are more but that's what I can think of for now. Alassë on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407489 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:59:18 +0000 Alassë 1407489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 5-8 pieces for a smart casual lifestyle (my interpretation of must-have lists): 1. Skirt in dark neutral* (sub. pants in other dark neutral) 2. Cardigan in dark neutral (sub. blazer in other dark neutral) 3. Short sleeve top in core/favourite colour (sub. 3/4 sleeve if you run cold) 4. Shorts for weekend wear (long enough to look casual-nice out and about) 5. Cowl sweater in core/favourite colour (sub. other neckline; sub. 3/4 sleeves if you run hot) 6. Walkable/comfortable, low-heeled shoes in dk. neutral - a style that goes with the majority of your skirts & also your personal style (sub. pants; sub. heel height to your preference) 7. Something that can be dressed up in enough for a special/somber occasion, likely dark neutral (skirt & blazer, trousers & blazer, dress, etc.) 8. A good, warm coat (warmth, length, colour, & cut TBD by your style preference) Colours: 2 neutrals and 2 colours/colour families would be my minimum (in my case, greens and oranges/reds since I can't pick). *You may prefer taupe or something lighter instead of black/navy/denim; feel free to substitute. Meredith on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407480 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:34:00 +0000 Meredith 1407480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hugs, Lisa.  As you know, I experimented with my first planned out mix and match capsule this fall and just that act of putting it together and wearing it was very helpful in allowing me to identify my essentials and what I really need for day to day life.  As we've discussed though, it was much easier for me to start from scratch because there is so little in my closet.  It's harder to turn your back on a closet full of beautiful clothes.  Even so, you seem drawn to the capsule/uniform system so I really think you should just take the plunge.  But why not start small?  I would find it so daunting to assemble a capsule for an entire season.  My capsule consisted of 3 pairs of pants, 2 toppers, and 12 tops.  The 12 tops needed to serve 3 levels of casual dress, so I had 3 sweatshirts, 3 basic-ish tops, and 3 blouses.  Could you manage something like this?  Try it for a few weeks and you will quickly identify items that are  essentials and items that need to be tweaked. I also came across a helpful article last month.  There wasn't anything revolutionary about the article and the clothes featured weren't particularly interesting, yet something really resonated with me.  I kept staring at the photographs of neatly stacked items.  I studied them.  I finally realized that I was looking at was the ultimate (for me) essentials capsule.  The pieces were polished and versatile.  Even though I wouldn't wear every item suggested (hello, leather trousers), I could envision a reasonable replacement.  The article has me seriously considering building a much more substantial essentials capsule with the flexibility to mix in old favorites and new statement pieces. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion/your-guide-to-the-ultimate-capsule-wardrobe-essentials-buy-clothes-outfits-fashion-style-wardrobe-makeover">http://www.stylist.co.uk/fashi.....y-clothes-</a> Good luck, Lisa.  It will come together for you! Anonymous on "What are your must-haves? What are the absolute basics I should be looking at?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-must-haves-what-are-the-absolute-basics-i-should-be-looking-at/page/2#post-1407469 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:08:38 +0000 Anonymous 1407469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Lisa-  I am really enjoying this thread. It looks like you are not the only one that has struggled with, or is currently struggling with their wardrobes. This is a tough time of the year when the cold and snow arrive. it makes me want to hibernate until spring (or retreat to Florida)!! There is not much that I can add to the expert advice you are receiving from all the lovely veterans here on YLF but I do have a suggestion for jeans.  I too am in my 50's and struggling with the sudden weight gain/shift.  I have at least 10 pairs of jeans that fit last year and no longer fit or feel comfortable this year.  This is so discouraging and depressing!!  I have however found a pair of jeans that I love!!  They are by Fidelity Denim. (I thought they were Canadian but I just checked their website and they are made in the US)  I have the skinnies with a slightly higher waist and the fit is amazing and they hold their shape beautifully.  They are expensive ( about $195) but they have a wonderful stretch and they are not too heavy - I find I am wearing them at least 3 or 4 times a week so my cost per wear is reasonable.   Good Luck Lisa!!