https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:43:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1977378 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:27:22 +0000 SarahD8 1977378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the continued input here and apologies for taking so long to get back to this thread!</p> <p><b>Chris987</b> and <b>Lynn</b>, I wanted to say a very sincere THANK YOU for popping in to say that the discussion had been useful to you. I am so pleased to hear that my self-indulgent whining has served the greater good, at least a little bit!</p> <p><b>Anchie</b>, great question about what are my essential tops to wear under cardigans. I confess that I struggle a bit with the concept of "essentials" as used here on the forum. But I can tell you about the tops that I would like to wear under my cardigans. They are:<br />-<b><i></i></b><i>printed</i><b></b> (not solid) long-sleeve knit tees. I have a couple of Breton striped tees and enjoy wearing them, but I think other types of prints like florals or paisleys would work as well. Preferably scoop neck but a fairly open boatneck works too.<br />-woven tops, either printed or solid colored. If solid colored, they need to have some source of interest/detail, like a button placket, textured fabric, pintucks, etc. They need to have some openness at the neckline. Generally prefer popovers but have some button-throughs as well. Can be low hip-length or tunic length.</p> <p><b>smittie</b>, YES, you are so right about color contrast; I have blonde hair, blue eyes, lots of different tones in my hair, and although my skin has cool undertones I think it has peach overtones. So yes, I feel most at home in a lot of colors. I am familiar with InsideOut style and it is very helpful although I have to admit that it also brings out my inner rebel -- sometimes I'll wear an all-neutral outfit or a high-value-contrast outfit because I WANT TO, DANGIT! However I notice that the color vs. value contrast rules REALLY explain well why some prints work on me and others do not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1976334 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 19:26:53 +0000 Anonymous 1976334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarahd8, have you read insideoutstyle’s blog? She has a lot of articles on “colour contrast” vs. “value contrast” that were so helpful to me! She has examples of people who look better in high colour contrast, and those who look better in high value contrast. I suspect with your blonde hair that you need a high colour contrast (I.e.: lots of colours). </p> <p>Staysfit knows a lot about this too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1976331 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 19:08:00 +0000 anchie 1976331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What are your essential tops that you would wear under cardigans if not layering sweaters and tees? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1976281 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:55:17 +0000 Lynn 1976281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SarahD8- Somehow I missed this wonderful thread. What a great exercise, this is something I need to do as I have similar issues. I do not have anything to add to add to the terrific advise you received but also wanted to thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1976257 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 15:37:06 +0000 Chris987 1976257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8</b> I have nothing to add to all the fantastic advice you've gotten here, but I want to <b><u></u>THANK YOU<u></u></b> for posting this because I have had a lot of the same issues with my own wardrobe,&nbsp; and like you I don't care much for lighter colored shoes or bottoms, so I'm reading all the advice&nbsp; with great interest!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1975781 Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:38:40 +0000 SarahD8 1975781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, I guess I am a standard-issue genius! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1975760 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:32:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1975760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn’t that the story of every “overnight success”? Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation/page/2#post-1975758 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:22:56 +0000 SarahD8 1975758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Sterling, you're too kind! I feel like I've been banging my head against this problem for like a year! :laughing: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975746 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:01:35 +0000 Anonymous 1975746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT insights and after only a few days of really paying attention to the problem. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975713 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:26:27 +0000 SarahD8 1975713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>, lol! Eileen Fisher does make some more fitted items, believe it or not, and then if you gain a little weight after buying them.... Anyway, these are what I have: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-stretch-crepe-slim-ankle-pants/4211579?mrkgcl=760&amp;mrkgadid=699089965&amp;rkg_id=0&amp;rkg_id=0&amp;utm_content=20363088382&amp;utm_term=aud-338839963599:dsa-59943528219&amp;utm_channel=search_ret_p&amp;sp_campaign=315756502&amp;sp_source=google&amp;adpos=1t1&amp;creative=272589215689&amp;device=c&amp;matchtype=b&amp;network=g&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA28nfBRCDARIsANc5BFApLzUuNWqcL_KCS5vPApVxdc1zRzTxwaV5q-0CMLqWUc9BD54ACLgaAhBeEALw_wcB">stretch crepe slim ankle pants</a>.</p> <p><b>torontogirl</b>, thanks for the reminder to HAVE FUN. Will do!</p> <p><b>Jussie</b> and <b>Loryn</b>, please don't be mad at me but...I have actually just moved all layering sweaters and plain tees&nbsp;<i>out&nbsp;</i>of my active wardrobe. :-P<u></u> Layering sweaters in particular used to be a huge staple for me, but I haven't wanted to wear them in the last year or two. What I've realized is that they're too plain, and I don't like the color-block-y effect that they create. I still like wearing my Breton tees, so I think that printed knit tops would work (much rarer, though). And I notice with woven tops too that I don't like them if they are too plain -- I really want to seek out tops that have some interest to them, whether that's pattern, textured fabric, pintucking, etc. Sorry to shoot down your good suggestions! What this discussion is making me realize is that I've done a good job removing from my wardrobe what I <i>don't</i> want to wear, but haven't yet built up enough of what I <i>do</i> want. I think <b>gryffin</b> is right, I am on the steep end of the wardrobe-building curve, and adding just a few items will make my wardrobe feel a lot more functional. Fingers crossed!</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, ah, that makes sense. Thanks for those helpful visuals! Yes, I see what you mean now about structured but stretchy pants. I can see how those would be very useful. With a pant that is simultaneously structured and tailored, I'll need to hold out for the proper rise measurement -- but I'll definitely be on the lookout.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, and you asked about slippers! I've been wearing clogs (blue) for around the house, but they are wearing out and frankly they are super noisy which drives my husband nuts. I've been eyeing <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=389395012&amp;cid=1093370&amp;pcid=1093367">these velvet slippers</a> but I like your metallic slide idea too. Heck, with as much time as I spend at home, maybe I can justify two pairs of house shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975660 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 16:50:06 +0000 Suz 1975660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well...they might be cigarette style...or they might be as snug (and as skinny all over) as leggings, but more structured and substantial in fabrication (so they don't show your "lady parts" as obviously.) If they have traditional trouser or jean styling up top, they become more wearable as <b>pants.&nbsp;</b>Even if you prefer your tops untucked with them (and many people do) they could be shorter tops/ tunics.&nbsp;</p> <p>The recent NAS Donna pants are examples. These are actually almost as soft and unstructured as a legging. But if you look, the model is wearing them jeans style, with a semi-tucked top. But see how snug they are on her calves (calf-sucking, like a legging). This makes them perfect for tucking into your beloved tall boots, for outfits proportioned with a longer tunic top as per your example.&nbsp;</p> <p>I basically bought them for this reason. To wear on rainy or snowy days, tucked into my tall riding boots. But I will also occasionally wear them with shoes or shorter boots. Below I'm wearing them with a longer top and short boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>A slightly more structured example is the Banana Republic Sloan. It has a lower mid rise and comes in a few versions and new colours and patterns every season. (A few examples added in Finds). Wearing a pair in the second photo, rolled up a bit. This particular pair has a side zip and is not quite as snug on the calf as some previous versions -- each one is a bit different, but they all work on the same general line.&nbsp;</p> <p>Other similar items are what we used to called "jeggings" -- the super stretchy super soft denim skinnies that some brands (like Old Navy) make. Some of these have fake jean detailing -- I think of those as leggings. But some have a real zip and pockets. And these are mostly wearable as pants as long assuming you like the way they look on you. I don't have examples because I prefer a more structured, cotton rich denim.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975633 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 15:17:19 +0000 Loryn 1975633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a cardigan obsession. I picked up a stack of scoop neck tees in several colors, and now I have a base that goes with all of them. You might try that. It's a quick and cheap fix while you sort out more substantial items. I found cheap ones on Amazon that I love, but there are good ones at every price point. </p> <p>I agree with you that the straight legs are just meh. Not bad, but you look so good in the skinny jeans that the difference is really noticeable. I wonder if more fitted tops would balance them out? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975627 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 14:51:38 +0000 Helena 1975627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Terrific analysis - so often, it's only a tweak that's needed to make everything snap together! Have fun searching for some great lighter tops to break up your darker neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975594 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 10:18:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1975594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Body con Eileen Fisher? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975591 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 09:31:03 +0000 jussie 1975591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need a bunch of light or coloured layering sweaters, for example in a thin merino, to go under all those gorgeous cardis.<br /> Sorry if that’s already been suggested a lot.. I’m just quickly replying.<br /> Also perhaps some turtlenecks for under the cardis. These don’t nescessarily need to be flattering on their own, just purely as layering pieces to show through the open cardi front and around the neckline.<br /> Uniqlo has excellent layering heat tech l/s tops that come in a variety of neutrals and neckline types.<br /> Best of luck with it all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975560 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 06:13:16 +0000 SarahD8 1975560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessikams, great point — a pattern has lots of moving parts and it’s worth trying to figure out what’s “off” if one isn’t working. In the case of those prior pants, I suspect the scale was a bit too small, and maybe too high contrast within the pattern.</p> <p>Suz, A-HA! Thank you SO much for that detailed explanation! So now I’m envisioning kind of a cigarette cut, not trousers but not as body con as leggings. Yes, I can see how that would be more versatile. I have a pair of Eileen Fisher stretch crepe pants that are sort of built on that model. They’re a bit summery (and possibly, uh, a little more body con than I would prefer at the moment), but I could at least play around with those to get a sense of outfit formulas/options. Many thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975551 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:09:34 +0000 Suz 1975551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay. Can't speak for <b>Joy</b>, but will answer for myself. Of course leggings are not "inappropriate" worn with the proper accompaniments. But you pretty much <b>have&nbsp;</b>to wear leggings with a tunic or crotch covering/ bum covering top/ topper. Whereas slim or skinny and more substantial ponte pants or jean style (jeggings) pants will work with other lengths of tops and toppers <b>or </b>with the longer tunics/ toppers. Tucked into tall boots <b>or</b> with booties, oxfords, sneakers. So that (theoretically) gives you more options in terms of silhouette. True, some people wouldn't wear a shorter top or topper with ponte pants any more than they would with leggings -- but in my opinion most of these pants tend to be &nbsp;structured enough that it is possible to wear regular length tops/ toppers -- &nbsp;except maybe in a professional environment. If they <b>look </b>like pants at the top, the fact that they are a bit more body-con really isn't a problem. Assuming the fit is okay, of course.&nbsp;</p> <p>Keep in mind, I am not a leggings wearer. (That is not because I don't like them, but because I don't like them on myself-- because they lack structure and proportionally I find tunics tricky for my body type.) So I may not be the best judge.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with <b>Jessikams</b>' comments re patterned bottoms. Or coloured bottoms, for that matter. I have a love/ hate relationship with these. When they are good, they are very very good. When they are bad, they are horrid. For myself, I've learned that while I have a high affinity for bright colour, including in dresses and skirts, I don't care for really bright pants. Except for white (which took getting used to, but which I now love.) As for patterned pants -- I tend to like mid-toned to darker tonal patterns or very classic prints in higher contrast or faux solids (plaids, ginghams, etc.) You might need to try on a bunch at home to see what works for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Re footwear: do you wear slippers at home? How about a pair of metallic mules?&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975544 Mon, 19 Nov 2018 04:26:43 +0000 Jessikams 1975544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re: the patterned pants that you owned but didn’t love in the past: the problem could have been color OR the scale of the pattern. Often when I feel something is “off” with a printed item, I eventually realize the design elements are too scattered, or too close together, or the wrong overall shapes (round shapes vs sharp angles).</p> <p>It’s a good thing to keep in mind if you do decide to add patterned items to bring in some lighter color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975488 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 23:58:38 +0000 SarahD8 1975488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for these excellent suggestions and for the kind words about this set of outfits. It’s nice to know that the result is good even if the process is sometimes frustrating. :-P</p> <p>I hope you’ll forgive me but rather than replying to posts individually I’m going to try abstracting the advice I’ve gotten here. Please know that every bit of it has been incredibly helpful, even in the cases where I think a particular suggestion is unlikely to work for me, it’s very useful to think through why.</p> <p>First though I’m a little confused about the advice re: ponte leggings/pants from <b>Suz</b> and <b>Joy</b>. Are you saying that ponte leggings should never be worn and that my outfit in #2 is inappropriate? Gosh, I hope not, I think of myself as pretty committed to the leggings-are-not-pants principle! I would like a pair of straight-leg ponte pants. Those have been on my list for a couple of years. But I can’t imagine wearing those with tunic-length tops, nor with tall boots. So I don’t see how they would be more versatile — just a different silhouette. I feel like I’m missing something?</p> <p>Oh, <b>JenniNZ</b>, you asked what is wardrobe Tetris! It’s where I go to put together an outfit but then think: Oh, I can’t wear that top with those pants because if I do then I won’t have a top to wear with those other pants later in the week. So I have to slot items into very particular combinations (like matching the shapes when you play Tetris) thinking several days ahead rather than just…making an outfit that pleases me.</p> <p>Anyway, some strategies that I think will work for me:</p> <p>-Use accessories to lighten outfits near the face (pearls, scarves, etc.). I can do this! However, I need to be mindful that often, piling on the accessories feels awfully fussy for working from home. Maybe need to experiment more with accessory combinations to find the sweet spot. <b>Jessikams</b>, I think you suggested this on my other thread!</p> <p>-Lighter colored bottoms. I would love a pair of gray skinny jeans. Maybe some ivory cords. I don’t care for white jeans, though. (Sorry, I know they’re popular around here! Just not me.)</p> <p>-Colored bottoms, in general. Teal, plum, burgundy all appeal. Although these are somewhat dark shades I think the fact that they are colors rather than neutrals would help. Although, as long as rises are where they are, I think I’m likely to have more success focusing on tops.&nbsp;</p> <p>-Patterned bottoms? Maybe. <b>Fashintern</b>, I had a pair of patterned bottoms not unlike the second pair you linked to. I just never felt right in them, and finally got rid of them last spring. It might be that the color scheme wasn’t quite right. But my conclusion was that I would be better off looking for a tonal pattern — like a jacquard type thing. Definitely open to that if it comes my way.</p> <p>-Lighter footwear? Not white (sorry, again, just not my style). But I’d like more metallic footwear, which I think would have a similar brightening effect. I need to remember that I can’t rely too much on footwear to "make" an outfit because I’m only wearing shoes for maybe an hour out of a typical day. So I need outfits that are ok without shoes, if that makes sense.</p> <p>-Tops that pick up colors in my fair isle cardi. The best options for my personal coloring will be blush, rose, pale yellow, and plum.</p> <p>-Rust bottoms. This appeals to me as a kind of extension of my cognac boots. I’m not interested in adding other browns to my wardrobe, though. I decided a few years ago not to wear brown (except cognac footwear) and I’ve been happy with that decision. In general browns don’t look good next to my face and I’ve felt sort of blah about them on my bottom half.</p> <p>Experiments to wear this week:</p> <p>-Fair isle cardi with dark straight-leg jeans - that’s a genius suggestion to test whether it’s really the jeans I dislike, <b>kkards</b>.</p> <p>-Along the same lines, I’ll wear my black watch plaid shirt and black cardi with my fave dark-wash skinny jeans. Again is it the dark combination that I disliked, or the straight-leg jeans?</p> <p>-White-background Breton tee, per <b>Suz</b> and <b>Angie</b>.</p> <p>-Cognac booties and cuffed jeans, clearly a fan favorite! When I put them on, I actually thought: oh, I’m channeling <b>La Ped</b>! So, are they just one of those near-miss looks for me, or would I like them better with a different combination on top (something less classic/conservative, I think)?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975471 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:39:11 +0000 Suz 1975471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in with <b>LaPed </b>re the cognac booties and cuffs -- that is my favourite image! Love them!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975438 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 18:27:51 +0000 gryffin 1975438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah - what a great analysis.&nbsp; When things don't work, at least for me, it's always because something is missing.&nbsp; You did an awesome job of finding your stumbling blocks and you know where your wardrobe holes are.&nbsp; Last year I bought 3 Everlane crew neck cashmere sweaters - pearl gray, charcoal and black.&nbsp; The milage they gave my wardrobe was incredible.&nbsp; Just a few well chosen pieces, will give you so many more options.&nbsp; The great news is the there is still tons of nice stuff out but much is going on sale for the holidays.&nbsp; It's a great time to do some judicious shopping!&nbsp; Good luck, I think you be so much happier with how your wardrobe functions soon!!&nbsp; BTW gorgeous booties #8!&nbsp; Wow!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975435 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 17:52:55 +0000 Cardiff girl 1975435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a very productive exercise.As you d like more light in your wardrobe why not base that on some of the colours in your lovely fairisle jumper.l also like the cuffed jeans and your cognac booties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975432 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 17:23:08 +0000 ChrisM 1975432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One way to economically try out colors in tops would be with long sleeve tee shirts or lightweight turtlenecks + neckline accessory (scarf or pendant).</p> <p>Maybe a tee in a rusty brown that mimics your boots, or any one of the colors in your fair isle.</p> <p>Mid-brown pants would seem to be a good addition too - or stone.</p> <p>Alternatively, developing a 5-piece complement in a different colorway might give you some nice options... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975417 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 16:06:01 +0000 kkards 1975417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SarahD8...lots of great suggestions. can i add just one more? you are unhappy with the jeans in 6-9....can i suggest that you try them with the fair isle sweater that you love...pairing something i'm unhappy with with something that i love has helped me to to pinpoint if its the item or the way i've styled it..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975414 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 15:40:10 +0000 LaPed 1975414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see why you love that fair isle cardi, it's gorgeous!! This would be a good season to build a capsule around it, as I'm seeing so many tops (and bottoms) in "spice" colours and this sweater has lots of them: nutmeg/saffron/etc. A pair of cords in a rich brown or tan would look great with it. As would a faded olive, or denim in grey or light wash... Not to mention lilac and mauve!</p> <p>So yes, I agree with others that tops and bottoms in lighter colours but not necessarily white would be a good place to start, and that the high-joy fair isle offers lots of inspo. Also love FI's pinstripe idea. Breaking up darks is one of my big challenges too. In the winter, I really really on accessories to do it. Mostly hats and scarves in white, light grey, bright red, plus silver jewelry. </p> <p>Oh -- and I *love* the cuffed jeans/cognac boots outfit. It's right up my alley, with a strong tomboy/menswear vibe. You might want to soften/feminize it a bit to make it more "you"? A silky scarf, more jewelry, etc? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975405 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 15:26:38 +0000 Angie 1975405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KILLER cute boots in #8.</p> <p>BINGO, <b>SarahD8.</b> You're well on your way to solving your wardrobe mystery. You need LIGHTER top colours and in heavier weight fabrics. The white shirt looks very Summery, but you're craving its lightness.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with <b>Suz </b>on the Breton stripes . You need the cold-weather version in a pullover. It's not a colour thing - it's more of a fabric thing. And YES to adding scarves in lighter neutrals and possibly brighter colours.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975371 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 12:09:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1975371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So cool to see that you’ve solved the mystery of white blouse over-wearing! You’ve gotten great suggestions for other ways to lighten up your outfits. That great vintage costume jewelry you have would be my first pick. </p> <p>More bottoms than there are days in the week, over a dozen tops and 2-3 dozen sweaters sounds workable to me, especially if you recycle bottoms with different tops during the week, as I do. If you do diversify the bottoms, consider dark floral as your starter. It will give you the color and liveliness you want without pushing themselves into your awareness throughout the day the way that light-colored bottoms can. Ive been idolizing the black ones in the Find from afar. The blue and white are there because I’ve had several iterations of pants or shorts in those colors over the year, and always felt they were “safe” and “fun”. Is there a similar color pair that would work for you? An even smaller, but still significant, step would be jacquard fabric or multiple shades of the same color. It won’t change the color balance, obviously, but can break up the mass of solid color. </p> <p>Those are my incremental suggestions. If you want to shake things up in a bigger way, and are buying bottoms, get a skirt that goes past your knees in a stretchy fabric, full enough to never hinder your movement. It would be a slam dunk with your tall boots, and if you wear leggings or thick tights under it, at least as warm as your pants. </p> <p>Those are just responses to problems you have mentioned. Personally, I think you look great! </p> <p>Bijou, I know there is a fourth element to that mantra. Is it pattern?</p> <p>ETA pinstripes! They are traditionally flattering and would go with your fairly classic style, but are available in lots of cuts these days. Those sparse &amp; simple little stripes can make so much difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975366 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 11:10:53 +0000 Bijou 1975366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad you posted pictures of your WIWs and also that by looking at the pictures and doing some thinking about what worked and probably more importantly what did not work was a useful exercise.</p> <p>The good news is that you look good! There is nothing inherently wrong with a dark column of colour except if you don't feel fab in it, then things must change. Adding colour / texture and shine is always a great way of adding some spice to an outfit (Angie did a post on that a couple of years ago, so not my wisdom).</p> <p>You seem to be like so many of us, having a large collection of the thing you love (statement sweaters and cardigans??) and not so much to work with these. Buying some basics to work with the sweaters and some tops hopefully will be fun. Maybe pull our your favourite sweaters and do a "shop your closet" exercise to see what you own that you can wear with these and also identify what your wardrobe holes are and what will give you the most joy.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975364 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:42:12 +0000 Jenni NZ 1975364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS: I don't understand what a wardrobe Tetris is? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-isn%e2%80%99t-my-wardrobe-%e2%80%9cclicking%e2%80%9d-an-investigation#post-1975362 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:33:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 1975362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK. Ideas for you from what I do. I do a bit of pattern mixing but not much, if I do it is often mixed florals. But I prefer, if the jacket, cardigan or jumper( which is our word for "sweater" I think- a knitted garment with a neck hole) is patterned, then the top and usually the pants would be plain. However, there must be some colour matching within the outfit. So a slam dunk for me with your gorgeous intarsia cardy would be a top or possibly tunic in the orange colour, and maybe the cognac boots. And for me, probably orange earrings. I like the poppy bracelet, it is a close enough colour to pick it up. I know it was worn for a different, commemorative reason.<br /> Then with the fair isle cardy, again that would be the star of the outfit for me, but I'd pick up a colour. I see from your pics green, a reddish orange similar to the intarsia contrast, and would look for tops in that- eg the one top could do double duty there.<br /> I do research online often to look for the colours I'm after in top shapes I want, then I take the items I'm trying to match on a B and M shopping trip. Otherwise I have such a good picture of the colour in my head I can buy sight unseen. Pics for you: I took the pink tunic and another stripey one with pink in along when picking tops, and found this pink top( these are recently edited out but I had them since 2011/12). And I didn't have the cobalt boots with me when I bought the jacket, but remembered they were the same colour. See, I was also aware I owned this jacket when I bought the Bali maxi 3 days ago. If necessary back in NZ, when it is cooler, I can wear the jacket with the new dress.<br /> Today I have bought 2 pairs of silver earrings. One is silver with a green stone. There is green in my new dress, there is green in my fave olive snakeskin pants, there is green in my olive camo top. The other ones are silver with a small band of gold on them- mixing metals. This will match my one-year old mixed metal watch. ( Pic 5).<br /> Sorry I am suggesting purchasing, but in a very planned way. </p>