https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:24:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261226 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:39:51 +0000 Anonymous 2261226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YLF! Yep, I can't bring myself to dress less than smart casual for any reason- aside from at home or working out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261220 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:01:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2261220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Kkards on washing white being easier than other light colors. </p> <p>And I’m with unfrumped on being more productive when I work. The whole “enclothed cognition” or whatever they call it—that theory that people work better when they’re in fancy office clothes—does not work for me. Maybe if I was doing simple tasks that didn’t need a lot of thinking, idk. </p> <p>Yesterday was warm enough out for bare legs—yay! I tossed on a skirt, then added a blouse that was on my “clirty” rack (clean/dirty—worn but not ready to wash). I sat around for a couple minutes, then realized I was trying to gather steam to go out so “dressed up”. Changed the blouse to a t-shirt (also from the rack) &amp; puffy vest, and off I went! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261146 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:48:19 +0000 unfrumped 2261146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super outfit!</p> <p>It’s harder now to say whether I’m more dressed up because I still am only meeting up with people in a couple of situations. I was never “ dressy “ per se but did/do make an effort with my better casual items and with coordination. </p> <p>I think that can be a guiding fact for me- that for going out of the home, it’s not just how “ casual “, but I love more attention to color coordination, proportions, and really need to watch fits ( casual should refer to the type of garment or fabric, but not mean sloppy. </p> <p>At home for chores or reading, computer work, I just am more comfortable AND more productive in very comfy clothes and shoes. A few of my items cross over, mostly tops. So I’m learning how to have capsules for this and that and not sweat it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261143 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:23:06 +0000 BlueJay 2261143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, laughing at Zaeobi's hiking story! haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261142 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:21:19 +0000 BlueJay 2261142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous outfit! Looks great on you! I love light blue with white. Sunday brunch outfit!&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes, I am usually dressed up more than most. One lady did say when she moved from one dept. to ours that she was going to have to "up her clothing game" because of me, but she says it gives her a reason to wear dresses and more business casual clothes (rather than jeans as we are a very casual office). Actually, I just got off a zoom call (which we rarely have) and I am wearing a bright pink moto and blush scarf with bright pink, red and olive (I'm going to post the outfit soon). Everyone else was wearing very muted colours and t-shirts. Even on zoom I am "overdressed." Oh well! Even now that we've been WFH for 2+ years, co-workers envision me in floral pencil skirts! It couldn't be further from the reality if I am not going out. I do like to make an effort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261140 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:09:47 +0000 Jonesy 2261140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I am often a bit more dressed up than others (I am sensing a trend here in this thread with YLFers :), but once you start doing it regularly, you kind of forget about it and no one comments, at least in my experience. Wear that beautiful spring outfit--Sunday brunch sounds perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261116 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:49:51 +0000 Zaeobi 2261116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A follow-up question, but I suppose my Deep Autumn colouring might mean many clothes automatically look more moody or dramatic just because of the dark colouring (which I think many interpret as a 'mature' look, even if subconsciously)... </p> <p>My question is, those of you from lighter seasonal subtypes (like @Lana &amp; @Bijou), do you find that your proclivity for pastels &amp;/ or paler colours lends a certain vibe to your clothes that might be influencing people's perceptions that you're more 'dressed up' than you actually are? (i.e. white jeans with a lilac jumper probably reads differently to a black t-shirt &amp; dark wash jeans) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2261115 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:45:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2261115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't *try* to be too dressy, but my first memory of inadvertently being so was on the way back from an 'adventure' school trip (mountain climbing etc); a classmate wanted to know how I'd managed to look so 'smart' when everyone else was exhausted, in their post-adventure-stained clothes. </p> <p>I remember feeling *so* confused, because I was just wearing cargo pants &amp; a ribbed jumper - but I guess the polo collar &amp; deep plum colour were enough to *seem* like I had my life together (despite also being *firmly* in the 'exhausted, post-adventure' camp). Fake it till you make it, I guess? lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2260781 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:24:26 +0000 kkards 2260781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;the best thing I like about white jeans is how easy they are to clean, a little spot cleaner, throw into the washer and your good to go. &nbsp;<div>I’ve reached the stage where i’m generally dressier than those I work with, but less dressy than my mom…..ie I’m trying to straddle the norms of what I grew up with and the current environment that I live and work in. &nbsp; In the end, I wear what makes me comfortable and to read the room, and find something that makes me shine but not stand out.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy/page/2#post-2260773 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 11:40:22 +0000 Bijou 2260773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful outfit.</p> <p>To answer your question, the answer is yes. This has been the case from when I was very young, I can remember at age 5 I wanted to wear a long dress to a family BBQ and Mum let me even though my sisters wore jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260769 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 09:07:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2260769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, speak for yourself My cutest shoes (I think) are Oxford style &amp; ankle boots. The former work in offices, I guess, but the latter are harder to wear there. Or maybe I don’t understand from “cute”. Very possible! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260767 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 06:57:31 +0000 rachylou 2260767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very pretty!</p> <p>I dress up more than anyone around me for ‘occasions’ - like community theatre and family dinners. But those occasions are pretty rare these days and I don’t dress up for oh say, brunch with my best friend. Which is not to say I show up in leggings, but I don’t, oh, break out the cute shoes much. Not even ballet flats. Everywhere is a hike! Haven’t sashayed around an office skyscraper in years, which in my opinion is the easiest place to wear cute shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260764 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 05:23:09 +0000 Suz 2260764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a fab outfit and you look great! Wear it, regardless, I say. the great thing about denim is it goes in the wash. I wear white denim in summer despite my casual lifestyle -- and if things get really bad, it gets a bit of bleach.&nbsp;</p> <p>My preference is dressier than&nbsp; my lifestyle permits, for sure. But I'm all for looking for creative ways to subvert the environmental norm without becoming impractical or precious.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260756 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 03:11:07 +0000 Brooklyn 2260756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spectacular! You should wear that outfit ASAP.</p> <p>I guess I am more dressed up than my environmental norm for everyday wear. But as long as I am wearing something practical for the activity and conditions (walking, sun, dogs etc) I’m ok with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260750 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 02:40:02 +0000 Jaime 2260750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous outfit! And to your question - yes. I live in an extremely casual atmosphere and wear what I want, which is casual but more dressy than many people around me (there is actually a lot of variety in dressing styles around me, which makes it easier). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260739 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:32:43 +0000 Beth Ann 2260739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh.....love the mix of textures, the balance of flowy fabrics and structure in the jacket.&nbsp; The colors are soft and springlike, but really grownup. When I dress like this on a day I'm not working, it usually means I'm wearing the outfit for only part of a day, changing into gardening or workout clothes after coming back from looking fabulous at the post office and Home Depot.</p> <p>(And I have the same bootcuts in blue denim LOVE them) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260738 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:21:45 +0000 Jenn 2260738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It would be hard to overstate how casual my neighborhood in LA is. If you're not wearing leggings or sweatpants, you're likely the most dressed-up person in the vicinity. It's funny, though, because as far as environmental norms go, the&nbsp;<i>kind&nbsp;</i>of dressed-up matters. A tulle skirt and a sparkly top would look much less out-of-place here than dark wash jeans and a blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260737 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:17:00 +0000 merwoman 2260737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lana this outfit looks so good on you, go for it! And maybe the white jeans feel dressier because you’re not used to wearing them…but they’re just jeans that happen to be white.<br />Stains…I am the messiest spilliest person around. I don’t think I’ve had any stains that weren’t removed by pre treating with either New Dawn dish soap or an oxycleaner stick. Go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260736 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:12:46 +0000 DonnaF 2260736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably dress up more than most people, but that's because the U.S. has gone so uber casual and not that I've changed so much. Based on feedback I've received (from strangers no less!), I think others appreciate it when one has made an effort. For example, yesterday I was about to meet with a church friend at a coffee shop. A few months ago folks here mentioned they would wear a blazer with jeans to meet a friend for coffee. I subsequently bought my first blazer in decades -- for my aspirational life. I think I wore it twice, but then thought I better wear it to meet with that friend. Got a shout out complimenting my look from a young woman waiting in line at the UPS store next door. I had to mention to my friend that I wore my sparkly combat boots (below) so as not to be mistaken for one of our Worship Associates who stand in front of the congregation to give a reflection or reading. Combat boots would be plainer for that.</p> <p>I think making an effort shows respect for whomever one deals with. But I don't include within *dressing up* looking like one is going clubbing -- simply because I don't do that and I never did that so that was never what I owned.</p> <p>Umm, but what I wear to work skews a bit casual. I have never worked in Big Law, not a litigator so never appear in court, so could always dress a half step or full step below Business Formal. The world has gone more casual since then and so have I. What are they going to do to me? Fire me? Nope. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260731 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 22:25:31 +0000 Lana 2260731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri that jacket is a lightweight linen. I live in North Carolina and it gets so hot here but I plan to wear it as much as I can even if it’s inside with air conditioning. </p> <p>SF I am the same, it never fails I am wearing white when eating spaghetti with red sauce or BBQ. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260725 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 20:20:57 +0000 Style Fan 2260725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fabulous in your outfit.&nbsp; I stay away from white jeans because dirt seems to find me the minute I put them on.&nbsp; Also, I have a dog.<br />I live in a tourist destination.&nbsp; People wear very casual clothing, designer outfits and everything in between.&nbsp; I am usually on the simple end of dressy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260724 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 20:20:07 +0000 Peri 2260724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it! See, I'd be all over that blouse...one of the soft florals of which I've put myself on a no-buy for now...but you've added just the hint-of-edge I want with that jacket. (Except I'm hot natured and for me the season for jackets has already passed!). But, this is why I love your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260721 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 19:44:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2260721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear what I want, which is often a skirt or dress, which people often find dressy. Shrug. If they can’t cope with that, they aren’t for me. </p> <p>You look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260716 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 18:57:28 +0000 Cardiff girl 2260716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes ,l agree,just wear it.It’s nit as if you are wearing high heels and a ball gown.If this is how you want to dress go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260710 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 18:37:36 +0000 Mirjana 2260710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lana, you look wonderful, love your light blue jacket. I'm with Angie, wear it for sure. I like dressier outfits and wear them, don't care, it's my style. Wear and enjoy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260705 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 18:01:20 +0000 Janet 2260705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL yes, dogs are a big factor for me too! It was one thing when we had two little pugs, but our big retired rambunctious ranch dogs are a whole other story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260703 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:38:43 +0000 Lana 2260703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet, Joy, Angie, Cat, Carol, Chewy, Slimcat, Ann, Aquamarine and Kelly, I agree with you, underdressed is much worse to me. I will definitely wear this, I just need to create some opportunities. Sunday Brunch is a brilliant idea. </p> <p>Lesley, yes dogs! We have one of our own and I forgot to mention we dog-sit through Rover.com, so lots of dirty paws and I love it. </p> <p>Xtabay, I’m in a art journaling group and most people wear workout wear. I dress casually but not in sweats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260700 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:18:16 +0000 Aquamarine 2260700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your fantasy outfit! I’m with you…casual life, casual town, work from home…but opportunities to “dress up” (lol, put on real pants) are coming up and the warmer weather presents more opportunities to be out and about and wear those clothes, regardless of what others wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260698 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:07:31 +0000 slim cat 2260698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's all gorgeous on you - wear and enjoy it!<br />I wish I could do dressier outfits when off work - but so far just casual and super casual . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-want-to-wear-but-life-is-messy#post-2260696 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:03:01 +0000 SW Ann 2260696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep...I am almost always the most "dressed up" anywhere I go.&nbsp; Appropriate, but more dressy than most.&nbsp; I tried to change to more casual when I moved from a midwestern&nbsp; city to Arizona, but I never felt good. Authenticity wins. Now that I've lived here 20+ years, people accept that this is how I look and dress.&nbsp; </p>