https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:49:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1037066 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 22:50:50 +0000 DonnaF 1037066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since YLF, I have become a great fan of pattern mixing.&nbsp; So I guess that means I do the work?&nbsp; Actually, I like a bit of both and would like more statement pieces if I could find ones I like and that fit at my price point.&nbsp; Truth be told, I am more apt to wear the statement-y pieces more while the simpler pieces get passed over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036866 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:01:42 +0000 AviaMariah 1036866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading this thread helped me to focus. &nbsp;I'm like you Una, I want my clothes to work for me. &nbsp;Since I love seeing how others mix and match their clothes&nbsp;<i></i>I feel like I&nbsp;<i>should</i> be spending time creating capsules etc but the truth is, I have limited time at home and that is not my first priority. &nbsp;So I really want to go to my closet in the morning and easily pull out something I love the look of as well as love the comfort. &nbsp;I think this means more of a uniform for me also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036844 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 17:10:10 +0000 Anonymous 1036844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since joining YLF, I've spent an ever increasing amount of time searching for just the right pieces to create "effortless" outfits. In so doing, I'm a lot more content with what I have. At long last, I have a wardrobe that works for me--if that's what you mean by letting the clothes do the work--and am now in the "cherry-picking" stage where I very selectively and thoughtfully add new pieces. It's a great place to be in because I no longer think about having to catch the things I want when they're on sale. It's great when the price is discounted, of course, but it's not something I stress over. I hope all this rambling makes sense, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036835 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 16:53:35 +0000 texstyle 1036835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm still doing the work&nbsp; - in more ways than one. I think this is a great insight Una. I mean recognizing whatever it is, our personality, aesthetic preference, lifestyle, predominant activities, etc. - makes it so much more easier to focus on what we want.&nbsp; And I agree with CocoLion and others, shoes are more important than I ever thought before YLF. That, along with the right cut, rise, length of pants can make such a tremendous difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036812 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 16:01:11 +0000 Anonymous 1036812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Rae - I do a lot of work in the beginning to find my ideal items. This is endlessly fun for me and why I love thrifting. I've had to admit to myself that remixing outfit combinations is not fun for me. This is partly because my favorite pieces are tricky to remix: I love bright colors, patterns, and dresses, not mixable tops and bottoms.&nbsp;I prefer to land on my favorite combinations and rewear them. I have a uniform of statement outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036550 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 04:16:50 +0000 anne 1036550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lean strongly towards "let the clothes do the work". I like clothes to have interesting tailoring etc so I don't have to worry about wearing anything else with them. OTOH I do in fact have to do a bit of work at times because not all my clothes do live up to my ideals. And by "a bit of work" I pretty much mean "add a necklace or scarf and occasionally a belt" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036470 Mon, 23 Sep 2013 01:17:34 +0000 cheryl 1036470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I let the clothes do the work. I like things in my closet to go with a few different things but i'm not worried if every time I pull out a certain top I wear it with the same bottoms. I also love to watch others make capsules but I cannot bring myself to make my own. I also like to pick my outfit right before getting dressed. I am just like Deb. I don't like to preplan outfits because I never seem to be in the mood for them when I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036224 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 17:35:06 +0000 jayne 1036224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say signature style!&nbsp; It is also part of your personality maybe to prefer things this way.&nbsp; We cannot all be alike, how boring....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036211 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 17:15:21 +0000 catgirl 1036211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heroes!&nbsp; High five, Jayne!</p> <p>Rae, that does make sense... the more time I've spent learning what works for me and applying that knowledge, the less time I have to spend fiddling around with putting looks together.&nbsp; I don't want to "make something work" any more.&nbsp; I don't want to fool around with it or create outfits around it.&nbsp; I want it to fall&nbsp;in lockstep&nbsp;with the other soldiers in my closet and MARCH!</p> <p> Funny, I've also noticed that my style filter has gotten very narrow (for myself, still love seeing other Fabbers in all styles) and I'm not finding as much temptation in seeing things on others or in stores.&nbsp; I'm almost feeling impaired by the amount of near-poison-eye issues I have had lately.&nbsp; Maybe it's because my ability to wear whatever I want to work has been curtailed, and my casual wardrobe has always reflected my style.</p> <p>Geez, is this signature style or a huge rut? :0 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036069 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 08:16:41 +0000 jayne 1036069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Una, you have hit the nail on the head for me too.&nbsp; I also really don't like spending close time with my clothes remixing and actually like having just 1-2 outfit per hero item, because hey, they are heroes and will never just not be noticed.&nbsp; I remember Angie asked about the method of having complete outfits that were replaced every 2-3 years and the owners never remixed any of them.&nbsp; I really wanted to answer that was me because I like creating outfits I just reuse again and again, but I do remix the basics and I do not wait 3 years to renew.&nbsp; I feel I fit right in with your 'team'...let the heroes do the work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036060 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 06:44:57 +0000 rae 1036060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just realized I didn't really answer your question...&nbsp;</p> <p>So... I think I do put a lot of work into my outfits, but I do the work on the "front end." I spend a lot of time researching, browsing, considering, eliminating, breaking in, softening up, testing out, hemming &amp; hawing, and returning. And yes, the result is often an item that speaks for itself and does not (cannot?) need to have extra tweaking done to it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think a lot of that is personality, as has been said. I like effortlessness in my outfits. The just-thrown-on quality - which doesn't really work if there of layers of this and that which have to be piled on just so. I'd rather "throw on" my 3-4 pieces and be done. Not only because I feel cooler that way but also because there are times when I have to get out the door in minutes or DH will leave me behind! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036052 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 05:37:06 +0000 Diana 1036052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting thread. I'm back to say something more substantive than my earlier glib reply! I'm not actually sure where I fall because while I do have a lot of statement pieces, I also really enjoy coming up with outfits. But of course I have days where I can't be bothered and just put on a ffbo. But my ffbos more often than not contain some crazy statement piece that can stand on its own (hence the "clothes talking whether I want them to or not"). For example, black top + crazy pants always works, as does a simple dress with a bold pattern, or anything with my red or cobalt coats. </p> <p>My outfit creation, even though I really enjoy it, is also very spur of the moment. I hardly ever plan things ahead of time and choose my outfit while standing in front of the closet in the morning. This can result in great outfits or omgnothingisworkingpanicmode. Hence the importance of ffbos! The closest I get to planning is thinking "I want to try these two items together". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036051 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 05:14:37 +0000 deb 1036051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una,<u></u> that makes perfect sense to me. I love to watch others go through and describe their process but I have no desire to do it myself. In my case, I prefer spur of the moment decisions. If I plan a weeks worth of outfits, I never end up wearing them because they do not feel right on the morning I was supposed to wear them. I find this whole discussion very thought provoking. Especially how it applies to the other parts of my life.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036046 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 05:06:55 +0000 catgirl 1036046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps Gaylene is right - I am Team It's Too Much Effort for sure. I like my outfits to say something but I don't enjoy the process. Seeing Fabbers like Suz and Ingunn put together, photograph and analyze all kinds of combinations or even experiment with pinning hems of skirts or pants fascinates and awes me - yet I have never ever done it or felt any urge to do it myself. So maybe it's not a style issue but a personality issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036028 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 04:22:11 +0000 Suz 1036028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Jeneva, Angie, and Rae said!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a strong&nbsp;aversion to a lot of detailing on my clothing (for my own style). I never fully understood this&nbsp;until a little over a year ago.&nbsp;I was shopping with a friend who&nbsp;turned up her nose at a bag I was examining, claiming that it was&nbsp;"too plain" for what she thought of as my style. No, I realized. It is <b>not</b> &nbsp;"too plain" for <b>my</b> style, it is too plain for <b>your</b> style. I <b>like</b> plain.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess this is why, left to my own devices, I could easily&nbsp;buy a wardrobe of supporting players. The problem with that even with the best remixing in the world,&nbsp;it does get dull. So I've had to train myself to buy the occasional statement item. Footwear has been a great place to start.&nbsp;</p> <p>I <b>do</b> love interesting (or excellent) cuts and beautiful fabrics, however...and those can and do&nbsp;speak for themselves. But I don't think that is inconsistent with pleasure in creating outfits. I enjoy that as well -- or at least I enjoy it when I have the necessary pieces. I'm still really learning about what it all takes. Denise's post is to the point there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036027 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 04:18:51 +0000 Lantana 1036027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Una for a pithy question that has elicited such interesting responses. I like to remix pieces, I find it fun. I realise that this is exactly what I do in my garden design, where I have a limited number of favourite plants that I use again and again but in different combinations to achieve a particular colour effect or mood. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036013 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 03:19:26 +0000 Gaylene 1036013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm finding the responses on this thread hugely interesting because it makes me think that maybe the real difference is between those on Team Creating Outfits is Fun and those who are on Team Creating Outfits is Exhausting. I think, in my case, it's because I'm on the latter team that I like to rely on statement tops, jackets, and shoes to do the heavy lifting when it comes to my wardrobe. Probably that accounts for the plethora of boring black, grey, and navy bottoms in my wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1036006 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 03:05:12 +0000 Deborah 1036006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cocolion and Caro's comments resonate with me. I do love creating outfits but for some reason the remixing and putting together of capsules is not something I enjoy. Having said that I think I do do it, just in a different way. My creativity comes out when I am actually getting dressed in the mornings. Perhaps it's the pressure of having to put something together? Key is having the right pieces. If I have to work to hard to create something then I suspect I have bought the wrong garment and it becomes a hassle not a pleasure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes/page/2#post-1035996 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 02:31:36 +0000 rae 1035996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that there is a spectrum. The more bare and basic the piece, the easier it is to remix. The more elaborate and colorful and crazy the piece is, the harder it is to remix.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think of it like an artist's palette - three <i>primary</i> colors and basic black and white&nbsp;can be mixed to create any other color you can think of.&nbsp;&nbsp;But if you're sitting there with a palette trying to mix puce, burgundy, and pumpkin pie spice&nbsp;to make buttercream yellow... it ain't going to happen. But hey, I like puce just the way it is.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035982 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 02:18:48 +0000 Jaime 1035982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I first thought you were going to ask if it is me or my spanx (I don't wear spanx nor do I look like I do, so neither)!</p> <p>Anyway, I love interesting well designed clothes&nbsp;and agree strongly&nbsp;with Denise about shoes. On the other hand, not all interesting well designed clothes look good together. So I guess I rely on my clothes to have some interest and myself not to mess it up too much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035969 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 01:20:05 +0000 Peri 1035969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never thought in these terms before and I'm not certain sure I get it, but I would say my clothes have to do the work. I'm not at all creative about mixing things, or wearing one thing lots of different ways. I like items that are a bit unusual in themselves and then I tend to let them make the statement for me. I think if I understand right, this is letting my clothes do the work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035948 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:28:48 +0000 deb 1035948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you, IK. I really need to think about this because I am not sure where I fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035901 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 22:34:26 +0000 ironkurtin 1035901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wait, let me see if I get this straight. You're talking about formulas versus mixing and matching.&nbsp; I don't necessarily equate formulas with the clothing doing more "work" to add interest than they would in a mix and match capsule scenario.&nbsp; In my wardrobe, I tend toward what I think of as divas, and then the supporting cast.&nbsp; That doesn't mean I don't wear my supporting cast by itself, or that they aren't doing "work."&nbsp; </p> <p>Maybe I don't get what you mean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035893 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 22:22:44 +0000 Marley 1035893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm on both Teams!&nbsp; I love (if I have the time) playing with the clothes in my closet, coming up with interesting combinations, trying out new things, "working" on capsules, etc. - but I also am thrilled when I have a beautiful piece of clothing that just speaks for itself - requires no thought or fussing - and looks great just the way it is.&nbsp; Is that what you mean by letting the clothes do the work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035890 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 22:18:06 +0000 Caro in Oz 1035890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do both I think. I put most of my effort with clothes in trying to buy the right pieces. If I do this well then the mixing becomes effortless. A great new jacket will work with most of my pants or a new pair of pants will work with most of my tops. Also,&nbsp;I'm with CL on shoes. They are what I go to&nbsp;first when choosing&nbsp;my outfit.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035880 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 22:13:06 +0000 Angie 1035880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not on either Team. </p> <p>I love simple pieces in well cut designs, perfect fit, beautiful fabrications, and <b>without</b> the extra bells and whistles. I don't like garments with lots of detail for my own style. My colour palettes are very focused, which helps focus my outfits without giving it much thought. I do not like to layer, wear jewelry or scarves (unless I'm cold). I like to make a statement with a simple sense of aesthetic. Boring to some but not to others. I like to remix just enough so that my style feels refreshed and energized. I love the stress of creating outfits. It's pure joy to me and I can do it all day long. I guess that's one of the reasons I'm a fashion stylist. </p> <p>Una, this is a good insight. And it makes sense for your style persona and how you are as a person - based on what I have gathered over the years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035870 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 21:58:52 +0000 Lyn D. 1035870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not one for re-mixing much either, and can relate to C.L's attention to details thing.<br />I like my clothes to talk quietly and not to 'wear me', then I am happy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035862 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 21:46:09 +0000 rachylou 1035862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For work, I think I let the clothes do the work. Have a simple formula and rely on the individual pieces to be interesting. Roaming free, I'm a complete nut. Ok. That's prob not true... But I do get weirder (although you know, I don't really know what's so weird about my combos, just that they are ...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035848 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 21:30:54 +0000 Eternity 1035848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm...I really enjoy putting outfits together and remixing, so I guess I'm Team Do My Own Work. I have a few shirts that speak for themselves but most days I have to combine different things to get a look. I'm okay with it though - I appreciate the versatility. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/who-does-the-work-you-or-your-clothes#post-1035847 Sat, 21 Sep 2013 21:25:27 +0000 CocoLion 1035847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for engaging us with interesting topic Una.</p> <p>I'm not so sure about my clothes, but I know I let my footwear do a lot of the work. &nbsp;Almost always, the first things strangers notice about me is my choice in footwear. &nbsp;I think footwear is the fastest way to frump or un-frump and outfit. &nbsp;Then as far as clothes go, I'm into basics (mostly due to my casual lifestyle). &nbsp;But I take pains in styling the garment just so -- so it's more interesting. &nbsp;For example, how I roll the pants, tuck the top, flip the collar, roll the sleeve.</p> <p>Honestly I feel like I do more of the work because even if my clothes or shoes are working for me, I have usually spent a great deal of time finding that just-right jacket, backpack, coat, grey jean, oxford, v-neck tee, etc. &nbsp;Creating the holy grail vibe of effortless chic is a lot of work, especially when you live where I do. &nbsp; But of course I enjoy the work or I wouldn't be on YLF. </p>