https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:17:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons/page/2#post-2269049 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:22:32 +0000 Anonymous 2269049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure I have anything iconic- but love seeing everyone else's! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons/page/2#post-2269046 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:13:20 +0000 Helena 2269046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm what an interesting question! Most of what I buy is fairly trend-resistant BUT I also wash and wear the heck out of my clothing, so the longevity factor might be years, but probably not decades ...</p> <p>I do tend to hang on to accessories, because they truly do stand the test of time if they are not *too* trendy, and I also have a few scarves that I will have forever; they span both the sentimental and the 'team wear' categories ...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons/page/2#post-2268809 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 14:52:48 +0000 Angie 2268809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ana</b>, soooo nice to see you chime in, and lovely to be thought of. LOVE my Valentino </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons/page/2#post-2268746 Sat, 25 Jun 2022 23:30:44 +0000 Ana 2268746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww, I love seeing the Valentino bag, <b>Angie</b>! I saw a little Valentino wallet with a rosette at Neiman Marcus the other day and thought of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268441 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 17:46:16 +0000 rachylou 2268441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should probably add my Coach silk bomber. I suspect I will keep it forever and it’s pretty me. There are a lot of things that are more me … but they get replaced a lot, like my long coats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268433 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:59:04 +0000 kkards 2268433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what a great topic, and fabulous read.&nbsp;<br />i have a lot of things that i have kept for a long time, but that doesn't mean that i am actively wearing them. and i'm taking this as this is an item that is part of our active wardrobes, not something that i'm keeping and will wear once every 5 years...that being said, i do have a couple of items that i see as so classically me that they are timeless and thus icons&nbsp;<br />~the chelsea boot, a classic that seems to never to out of style, but some years is trendy. the higher shaft and slight heel means this works with almost everything. and its really well made<br />~the silk beaded bomber jacket, will never be a workhorse but is perfect in that it can do "business", casual, and dressy by changing out the supporting players. and its navy not black, so its so me.&nbsp;<br />this cable cashmere sweater is already 12 years old, and its such high quality cashmere it still looks great. the color is rich and the cable adds interest, plus the fit is just a classic&nbsp;<br />the other 2 are things i'm hoping will become icons<br />~the navy shearling boots, because, navy and shearling.<br />~and the vegan leather pants, which i'm thinking because they are a straight leg and&nbsp; generally conservative cut will stand the test of time </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268360 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 03:13:04 +0000 Sal 2268360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes StagF that's a summary that works I think.</p> <p>I haven't done that - I tend to think that I want/need a new pair of jeans and then go through the categories (mid wash, high rise etc ) and then find the pair that fit me the best and are within my budget.&nbsp; Sometimes I just come across something that sings to me.&nbsp; And realistically I have never owned jeans for more than 4-5 years because I have worn them out 90% of the time - if not then it's because I don't like the fit.</p> <p>But I am trying to think more carefully now my wardrobe is in a good space.&nbsp; Especially as things on my radar are pricey - outerwear, a new tote bag - and likely to last.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268357 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:42:07 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Something I will be attracted to for decades, despite trends, and that might be a little bit statementy? That sounds like how I try to select most items in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268346 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:24:34 +0000 Sal 2268346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla - I see it as totally individual.</p> <p>And like Angie I have things&nbsp; I would like to last for 20 years (or 10) but probably won't.&nbsp; And if they are everyday items they probably won't - which is a good point I didn't clarify.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And 20 years was just a stab in the dark - for example I have owned my black sheath dress since 2015 (7 years).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268343 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:07:56 +0000 Carla 2268343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope my comment about how&nbsp;<i>my&nbsp;</i>icons seem to be classics didn’t lead anyone to think that&nbsp;<i>their&nbsp;</i>icons should be classics!! &nbsp;My personal style skews classic, and I own very few things at the moment that don’t fit that descriptor. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>I like what Sloper said above, about icons being personal and representative of the individual who collected them.<br />….and for <b>Zaeobi</b>, here’s a photo of me wearing&nbsp;<b>3&nbsp;</b>of my icons! &nbsp;(Items are from 2014, 2016, and 2017.)<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268339 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:45:07 +0000 Angie 2268339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are items I wear VERY OFTEN, and wish they would last forever. Some of the items are as old as 8/9 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268333 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:34:33 +0000 Angie 2268333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*waving back at <b>Suz</b>* :)</p> <p>Interesting, <b>Brooklyn</b> and <b>Sal</b>! Thanks for the explanations. My thinking cap is on....</p> <p>Soooooo, here's how I'm thinking it through:</p> <p>I have several items that I can see myself wearing in 20 years - but apart from the pearls, Yorkie Brooch, and handbags, they probably won't last that long. Items like white jeans, bright wool coats, navy coats, shirts, shirt dresses, striped tops, tulle skirts, lace dresses, pants suits, denim jackets, checked pants, loafers and classic sneakers......spring to mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>What will actually last for 20 years are items I don't wear often because I WANT to preserve them (apart from my pearls, which I wear every day, and you can cremate me in them).&nbsp;</p> <p>The cream coat and Valentino bag are already 14 years old. The brooch and sunnies are from 1961. Vintage pieces! Decades old.</p> <p>My denim jackets are indestructible. WORKHORSES, and some are 15 years old already. Oh my word......time flies!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268325 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 22:49:40 +0000 Brooklyn 2268325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it’s the actual item that I want to last. It’s a sustainability strategy. I found that, despite leaving office work and the pandemic, I am still attracted to dressy, glamorous items that are not necessarily practical for my everyday life, like the teal flares. For me, the teal flares are a justifiable purchase, even if I’m only going to wear them 6 times a year, because I plan to keep them and wear them for 10 years plus. Of course there are no guarantees that my style preferences won’t change, but if I am very picky, and look for qualities that I’ve been attracted to for 30 years plus, I think I increase my chances of success. </p> <p>Sometimes something I buy in this category can accidentally become a workhorse (like my Allsaints Amare skirt), but more often these are special pieces that I wear for things like dinners, lunches etc. Not to the dog park or to do the gardening. (That said I’m going to wear my ombre jacket today because this discussion has given me a hankering to do so.)</p> <p>Angie, I think it’s a subset of signature. Turtlenecks are signature for me, but mine are all everyday wear pieces. A teal turtleneck jumper is a signature piece for me. I wear this one a lot but I don’t think of it as an icon. At the rate I wear it I doubt it will last 10 years plus. </p> <p>If I found say, an amazing teal velvet burnout top in a turtleneck style, with thumbholes, that might be an icon </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268316 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 21:50:03 +0000 Sal 2268316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Will chime in again later - but yes I think that's a good way of describing it Brooklyn and Sloper.</p> <p>I think they can be classic pieces ie the perfect trench coat or pair of black heels, or they can be statements like velvet flares or an embroidered coat.</p> <p>In this instance I wasn't thinking of (for example) the perfect black tee shirt or pair of white sneakers - as these do tend to last less than five years.&nbsp; But it's open for discussion!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268313 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 20:00:25 +0000 Sloper 2268313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Brooklyn</b>, for adding some clarification to this subject!</p> <p>&nbsp;For me, the "icon" factor means something is above and beyond "trends" - and, if someone else saw it, they would say, "yes that is definitely YOU." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268312 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:59:21 +0000 Minaminu 2268312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lovely pieces and what a great way to think on iconic items that one hopes to wear for a very long time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess mine are my lace tops, my suede moto jacket, my patterned dress, jumpsuits and&nbsp; bags. I can see myself in 20/30 years time wearing them </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268309 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:48:56 +0000 anchie 2268309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, I must admit I can’t think of anything. I am hard on my shoes and my clothes are very practical everyday clothes that I am not sure that I would want to keep forever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268306 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:27:42 +0000 Ginger 2268306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my best guess at "icons" for myself: Specific things I will wear for many years (in some cases already have) and do not plan to ever pass on. I go through phases of wearing them a lot versus a little season to season, but they stay. </p> <p>To my eye they are not so-called "classic" items. I venture to say that what is classic for one person is not classic for another.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268275 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:30:06 +0000 Suz 2268275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Following Brooklyn's definition, I realize I don't have many! I think maybe it is time to add a few. :)&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The Hilary Radley alpaca-wool blend coat is one -- already 12 years on and still going strong. I rarely wear any more but when I do, I always feel amazing in it.</li> <li>The vintage Biba kimono.&nbsp;</li> <li>The plaid boots from Paul Green. (Waving to Angie, with whom I bought them!)&nbsp;</li> <li>The Reiss tuxedo jacket.&nbsp;</li> <li>(maybe?) the Equipment silk shirt and the Ann Taylor stretch silk shirt. They have certainly shown wardrobe longevity and make me feel special due to the fabric and pattern.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />Most of these lack the "statement" or dramatic element that I think a true icon in Brooklyn's terms might demonstrate. But then again, often my statement items are my trend items and I cycle through them -- my icons tend more to be high quality modern classics that I know I will not tire of for a number of years.&nbsp;</p> <p>Interesting thought experiment.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268273 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:19:50 +0000 cat2 2268273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I am on Team Wear and buy pretty classic items, so it would be easier to list my random non classic purchases I don’t expect to last than undertake this exercise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268270 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:00:45 +0000 Angie 2268270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal</b>, NICE! How lovely to be associated with your Furla bag. I'm humbled :)</p> <p>Before I answer your question - do you mean<i> actual</i> items that I have now that I hope to wear in 18 years if the quality holds up? Or a TYPE of item - like a shirtdress, white shoes, shirts, pearls, white jeans?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Brooklyn,</b> sounds much like "our signature pieces" that pull together our signature style. Is that close?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268269 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:09:35 +0000 Zaeobi 2268269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Brooklyn Love that floral coat - what a great DA find! </p> <p>Wittner do some fab boots, don't they? Remember trying some in Melbourne, but sadly they wouldn't fit my 'wide cusp' calves </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268268 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:05:52 +0000 Zaeobi 2268268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd consider the following 3 items 'iconic' for me, in that they've lasted (so far!) yet still fit seamlessly into my past &amp; future style goals: </p> <p>~ ASOS 'aztec' blanket scarf (<a href="https://youlookfab.com/upload/images/c29a8c00ae7c82e3dac8c7f37d4033f3440_image.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/upload/....._image.jpg</a>) Bought this on a whim in 2013 but the HUGE size has made it surprisingly useful for travel - it's a thin polyester/ viscose blend but can be wrapped multiple times for warmth. The cheap quality means it's been pilling for years but am reluctant to replace it because I have yet to find a similar weight scarf in the right colours (you can see its base colour is a dark brown-black (great neutral on me!) but it then has a great mix of both deep &amp; bright, warm-toned colours throughout; teals, purples &amp; oranges etc!) </p> <p>~ Blondo Mady waterproof boots (<a href="https://youlookfab.com/upload/images/9df2624730c931acc92eaec26f7f27ff567_image.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/upload/....._image.jpg</a>) I remember asking the forum about this brand because I was debating paying the international shipping fees for these from Nordstrom. Well, I'm glad I did - they've been perfect for adding a little 'edge' to my covered style, whilst still being refined (slightly like Victorian lace up ankle boots). Again, the chocolate brown colour means they go with everything! </p> <p>~ Chocolate, knife pleated maxi skirt (no photo, sorry!) Don't know how to describe the material but it's an opaque yet slinky fabric that glides over a multitude of sins, yet doesn't cling if I wear leggings etc under it in cold weather (bought from a random Singaporean stall, so no fabric tag). This purchase is what set off the lightbulb in my head for an 'iconic' silhouette - I place the blame for all my 3/4 &amp; long sleeved cotton tops (worn tucked into maxi skirts) squarely at its feet, for instigating the Silhouette Revolution </p> <p>YLF Challenge: one day I will post an outfit photo of myself wearing all 3 of these 'icons' at once. One day, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268262 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:58:40 +0000 Brooklyn 2268262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me these are items that will get occasional wear (not everyday wear) but which I will keep in the long term. I have quite a few because I’m trying to use this as a strategy to collect nice/high happiness factor things in my wardrobe that I can pull out again and again and not tire of. I may not keep them forever, but I’m aiming for 10 years plus. For that to work they must have qualities that I have consistently gravitated to over the years. And not be a recent trend, unless that trend happens to coincide with a longstanding love affair. If I buy something trendy that is more a recent interest, like a tiered skirt, I want it to be an everyday wear item so that I can wear it a lot before the trend changes.</p> <p>Characteristics that tend to make something iconic for me are:<br /> Favourite silhouette (long slouchy pants, asymmetric longish skirt, high neck top)<br /> Favourite colour (teal, dark green, burgundy, muted metallic)<br /> Favourite fabric (silk, brocade, leather, wool, velvet)<br /> Favourite pattern (dark floral, tie dye, ombre, marble print, geometrics, quatrefoil, abstract analogous colour print)<br /> “The vibe”: sophisticated, modest, unique, interesting, luxe, moody, classy (all from my personal perspective of course)</p> <p>They are usually a bit statement-ish.</p> <p>A lot of my icons are cool weather items, which is another reason why I use this strategy because our winter is short and I want to choose items that will stand the test of time. For summer, I can afford to be a little less picky because our Summer is long and intense and items get worn more and worn out faster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268244 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:58:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla just raised the question in my mind of whether it is possible for an item to be an icon without being classic, and Bijou’s opalescent stiletto boots answered it. Iirc, Brooklyn counts a velvet suit with flared pants in this category too. Looking at it that way, I think my funky turquoise pants might be iconic, because they are such a strong statement that they could cross over boundaries of what’s “in”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268229 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:38:34 +0000 Sal 2268229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime- coats are a good one aren’t they. I could have chosen more wisely in this area.</p> <p>StagF- yes that blue coat would fit the bill. An example of quality being worth it.</p> <p>Bijou- these pieces totally are iconic. It’s things that are beyond trends and fashion, and do have magic. I am hoping to slowly add these in to my closet. </p> <p>Rachy - yes yes yes! Luxury coming through. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268228 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:35:21 +0000 Carla 2268228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question! &nbsp;<i>My&nbsp;</i>items with longevity all fit within the definition of ‘classics’. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>Levis ‘signature’ jean jacket&nbsp;<br />Italian silk ‘fruit and flower’ scarf - I love this scarf so much!<br />Blue, brown, gold pashmina - perfect travel wrap, and goes with everything, and sentimental too (DH found it for me!)<br />Silver and gold clutches - no other dressy bag needed!<br />Perfect LBD<br />Perfect LWD (a HEWI found at thrift and indestructible denim)<br />Low heeled patent ‘tuxedo pumps’ - no other dressy black shoe required<br />Wool fisherman’s hat - oldest item in my closet already<br />Black leather Coach bag - my favourite everyday bag, in immaculate condition considering it was found at thrift and gets used regularly<br />Classic straw summer hat&nbsp;<br />Black taffeta ball gown - should be the only super formal item I’ll ever need</p> <p>I don’t <i>think</i>&nbsp;any of these items will get worn out, but you never know! &nbsp;The dresses get maybe 3-4 wears/year, so could conceivably be ‘worn out’ at 60 wears by the time I’m in my early 80’s - however, I’ve got jeans that have 100 wears that look fine…</p> <p>Icon is a good word for these garments, since,&nbsp;for me, these are the perfect garments in their individual categories.</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268221 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 02:35:38 +0000 Jaime 2268221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, this is fun to think about. For me what first comes to mind is certain shorts and trousers, and certain coats and jackets. I am sure I will think of more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268216 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:51:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suppose this would be coats—the knee-length navy blue wool one I got in 8th grade and the leather bomber from LL Bean that I got in the early 90s. But you know my wardrobe has a lot of things that take a lickin &amp; keep on tickin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-wardrobe-icons#post-2268215 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:29:43 +0000 Bijou 2268215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am probably applying the definition too broadly, but these are the items that whilst they are in good working order and continue to fit me, are likely to be in my closet for many years to come. I always feel the magic when I wear them. </p>