https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:57:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla/page/2#post-2191196 Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:39:30 +0000 Zaeobi 2191196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@FashIntern@</b> I suppose it's all a matter of perspective - my husband was very interested in Buddhist philosophy, with the goal of letting everything go so that (as you mentioned in Shaker ideology too) it gives you more time to focus on the other 'more important' stuff (whatever your ideology may lead you to believe that is). I do see merits in that, especially from seeing what happens at the other extreme (from folk who are either hoarders or perhaps a little too deeply attached to the 'stuff' in their life). That said, he now feels that going so far as to go on meditative retreats for weeks at a time was a little too extreme in the *other* direction for him, since it completely detaches you from this world (he likely wouldn't have met me in a forest cabin in the Deep South lol) </p> <p><b>@Ophelia</b> The key is to heat it up beforehand (warm, not scalding!) so it better penetrates the hair. Mine is low porosity so I have to leave it overnight to work effectively, but you may have better results in a shorter time. </p> <p><b>@Suz</b> Thanks! Any reason in particular for the palazzo preference over the harem pants? </p> <p><b>@rachylou</b> Interesting how the texture changes! Mine has always been pitch black (even fellow Pakistanis would comment on how *black* it is, as opposed to brown lol) but it was much curlier as a kid. Your hair isn't awkward, it's lovely! But I do know the issues behind having 'in between' hair - mine is technically wavy but the ends form ringlets. Tips for straight hair don't work for me, but curly hair products are often too heavy for me as well. Is Olaplex really as good as everyone says it is? I've only started dyeing my hair 'regularly' in the past 1-2 years (had it blue for a bit as a teen) but I'm already considering switching to henna treatments at home. Going in for a salon dye is exhausting - too much small talk </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla/page/2#post-2191047 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:52:12 +0000 rachylou 2191047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, you are right! My natural hair is black too. I was born with brown, stick straight hair. It turned black as I got older and then wavy in my 20s and then really quite curly when I hit my 30s. I started dabbling with colour with the invention of Olaplex after that. I feel my hair can be awkward - or that I’m awkward with hair, lol! Colour is like a cheat, makes it look like I’ve done something... haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla/page/2#post-2191001 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:21:15 +0000 Suz 2191001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I'm not weighing in on the plain or fancy conversation but I do need to say that you look <b>FAB</b> in palazzo pants!!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla/page/2#post-2190963 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:23:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2190963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Synne, I just looked up Jante, found the laws thereof—yikes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla/page/2#post-2190744 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:43:00 +0000 ophelia 2190744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and thanks for the olive oil tip. I’ve tried coconut &amp; avocado so far, didn’t help much. Maybe olive will do better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190743 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:40:11 +0000 ophelia 2190743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, that ring! Beautiful and adorable. And, elephants. &lt;3 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190703 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:17:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2190703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you about all the geegaws in fast fashion. I fell in love with the “plain” when I lived near the Shaker village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. When our university had visiting social theory speakers, we took them there for tours. The idea of “plain” or “simple” wound its way through everything—not just furniture and decor, but architecture, attire, language, kitchens, everything. It resulted in letting people be relaxed and use their energy for other things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190685 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:51:06 +0000 Zaeobi 2190685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@Angie</b> Thanks - they were an impulse buy from a little Malaysian stall just over a year ago, but they've served me well! I'd admire wide legged trousers on taller women (like Katherine Hepburn) but find them stumpifying on myself. I'm realising now that it's the *material* that matters more than the silhouette - the opaque drape of these makes my legs feel less like stiff tree trunks than, say, the sailor jeans trend. </p> <p><b>@kellygirl</b> Its wonderful to hear 'Polished modern' coming from you &amp; your own relaxed yet put together style, so thank you I do find it funny how we've come full circle to high waisted, wide legged pants feeling 'modern' once more, though. So much for the skinny jean </p> <p><b>@Ophelia</b> My hair is naturally black but I've been going grey since I was 16 - I only started colouring it more regularly just over a year ago (before COVID hit &amp; shut down all the salons). It's taken me a while to settle down in HK (subconsciously was acting like I'd still be returning to the UK soon lol) but I've finally found a reliable supplier of natural henna here, so I'm thinking of switching to dyeing my hair with that instead.<br /> A tip from my culture: heating up a little olive oil &amp; massaging it into your scalp can help with hair growth &amp; also lustre. I prefer to leave it overnight before shampooing it out (with a gentle shampoo), but some people only do it for a few hours (if that).<br /> Haha I know exactly the clothes that you mean - yes, they're comfortable but they're the wrong Kibbe Type for me too (I'm most likely a Romantic/ Soft Classic than a Natural). I didn't bring most of that type of jewellery with me, but I do have some jhumka earrings here. I could never get onboard with toe rings (they'd feel too weird in shoes lol) but I'm still on the hunt for some more haathphool/ 'ring connector bracelets' too - in the meanwhile, this cute little midi ring I found locally (of a brass elephant) will have to do </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190594 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 13:19:59 +0000 kellygirl 2190594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see plain at all. Love this polished modern look. You look amazing!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190591 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 13:08:48 +0000 ophelia 2190591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well they have the gracefulness &amp; flow of a skirt!<br /> Beware of lightening dark hair. You’re younger than I am with healthier hair, but it fried mine.<br /> I used to dress in the long colorful skirts &amp; tops made in India from the softest cotton. Anklets &amp; toe rings, rings bracelets, earrings far too heavy for small ears. I still love those clothes but don’t look quite right in them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190585 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:56:55 +0000 Angie 2190585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The outfit looks nice without the belt too. You ROCK those palazzo pants! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190576 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:08:47 +0000 sunnyday 2190576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Plain can be a great style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190575 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:07:04 +0000 Zaeobi 2190575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the kind compliment, <b>@Ophelia</b>. Red is actually a new colour for me - I used to shy away from it completely when I was younger, so baby steps with this reddish brown shade of it first </p> <p>I definitely relate to the importance of dressing simpler in subtropical climates (I live in Hong Kong) - hence why I prefer to wear such trousers slightly shorter, in the case of sudden summer rains &amp; typhoons, lol. This sort of pant-skirt hybrid (skants? pirts?) is a perennial favourite of mine (I've added a few more photos now to prove these are indeed trousers instead of a skirt, lol) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190574 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:59:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2190574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@FashIntern</b> I agree with you - I don't see plain as an insult, because often plain items require more thought &amp; care to work well (slight side note: it's often why fast fashion items come with lots of extra bells &amp; whistles (like ruffles AND lace AND sequins all on ONE item) &amp; is why I was often unhappy wearing them. I could never find exactly what I liked at those prices because what I liked was a bit more 'simple'.) </p> <p><b>@Jenni NZ</b> I totally see what you mean but I also don't mean 'simple' as an insult, for similar reasons - I thought <b>@Irina</b> &amp; <b>@Synne</b><b> &amp; </b><b>@Runcarla</b> all looked *fabulous* boarding the Plain Train precisely *because* the simplicity of their outfits worked with them &amp; what they already have (rather than against).<br /> I mean, even the word 'empty' I used in the necklace scenario to <b>@Synne</b> is another example of beauty being in the eye of the beholder - I have the utmost respect for <b>@Deborah</b>'s outfits, for example, because of the way she utilises that 'empty' negative space to create stunningly architectural looks. (Side note: That's also partially why I asked in my OP (Original Post) if I could pull off 'even plainer' looks - I admire Japanese minimalism but often feel I look 'unfinished' (to quote <b>@rachylou</b> on another thread) in such looks. In fact, I think it takes great restraint not to throw on everything but the kitchen sink - restraint I simply don't have, lol!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190571 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:40:20 +0000 Zaeobi 2190571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@rachylou</b> &amp; <b>@suntiger</b> Thank you - I added photos #11 &amp; #13 so you can see how the brown shows up in the light (my phone uploaded them out of order, sorry). I like it black but sometimes mine feels a bit too 'flat' without any other colour added, you know? But personally I'm starting to feel like there's a bit too *much* brown in there lol (I tell my hairdresser I want 'dark chocolate' but the copper brown look is popular here, so each time I go he tries to persuade me to go a little lighter. He thinks it's because I'm 'shy' about the stark difference, but really it's because I'm ok with my natural colour but just want to add a little 'dimension' to it, as you call it.) <b>@rachylou</b> Am I right in thinking your natural hair colour is black too? </p> <p><b>@Shevia</b>, <b>@Bijou</b> &amp; <b>@NotSaf</b> Thank you! You all have lovely &amp; well-defined styles yourselves, so this is high praise indeed </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190570 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:32:36 +0000 Zaeobi 2190570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha <b>@Angie</b> Team Red Neutral (you too, <b>@Isabel</b> )! I've now added some photos with my cream plimsolls for you (instead of the gold sandals) - what do you think? Does it still work on me, or look sloppy now? </p> <p><b>@CardiffGirl</b> Thanks - I have no idea if I'm a pear or hourglass, but I'm happy with adding waist definition even with a little tummy I used to shy away from it for this reason before :(<br /> I see what you mean about it not seeming plain enough before - what do you think of the plainer version in the (newly added) outfit lab photos? Can I board the Plain Train now? </p> <p><b>@Synne</b> you can be the train conductor Yes, I think you're right about the accessories 'popping' on a plainer background - I think this might have been what's causing the original 'pack mule' outfit to not look so plain after all. I tried it with some white trainers (newer photos), inspired by your OOTD, but I think you pull it off much better than I do! You look perfectly relaxed &amp; 'at home' in your Plain Train outfit :D</p> <p>(PS - I'm also a non-native speaker with the same neutral association of the word 'plain' - although admittedly that may be because I come from a culture where 'too much' is the norm My mother made me wear not one but TWO necklaces on my wedding day, because she felt my (already bedazzled) top looked too 'empty' without them BOTH on - no thanks, lol! ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190569 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:26:37 +0000 Anonymous 2190569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your hair looks beautiful, and love the outfit too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190556 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:58:50 +0000 Synne 2190556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice find, FI. And always an enigma you are: maximalist you prefer simple shape decor! What are we humans if not complex riddles </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190554 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:40:30 +0000 ophelia 2190554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a gorgeous outfit &amp; suits your frame (&amp; hair) perfectly. The color of the top is beautiful with your coloring. I may be biased; in another subtropical part of the world I wear skirts &amp; some form of tee or blouse daily. Climate aside, I’ve always loved skirts &amp; dresses; skirts are more versatile than dresses.<br /> This one looks graceful &amp; elegant-&amp; easy to move in! It looks like it could go with anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190552 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:19:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2190552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Synne, the phrase “plain Jane” is familiar to me, but Meriam-Webster agrees with you. </p> <p>plain adjective<br /> \ ˈplān \<br /> Definition of plain (Entry 1 of 5)<br /> 1 : lacking ornament : UNDECORATED<br /> 2 : free of extraneous matter : PURE<br /> 3 : free of impediments to view : UNOBSTRUCTED<br /> 4a(1) : evident to the mind or senses : OBVIOUS<br /> it's perfectly plain that they will resist<br /> (2) : CLEAR<br /> let me make my meaning plain<br /> b : marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : BLUNT<br /> plain talk<br /> 5a : belonging to the masses : COMMON<br /> b : lacking special distinction or affectation : ORDINARY<br /> 6 : characterized by simplicity : not complicated<br /> plain home-cooked meals<br /> 7 : lacking beauty or ugliness<br /> 8 archaic : EVEN, LEVEL</p> <p>I disagree strongly with equating “plain” with the opposite of good-looking. Some of my favorite styles of made objects are very plain, emphasizing good materials and workmanship: Romanesque churches, Shaker furniture, types of Art Deco that highlight a curve or other simple shape. All of these are beautiful (to me) because they remove the distraction. Mid-century modern furniture, which does the same, is currently very popular. A plain outfit highlights the user’s own beauty without artifice, and can be very beautiful. Of course, if you’re going to do things—outfits, hairstyles, cooking, buildings, lamps, whatever—simply and don’t permit yourself to obfuscate, you need to have a good foundation.</p> <p>Zaoebi, you look absolutely beautiful. Your accessories highlight your features for an overall elegant look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190550 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 08:51:27 +0000 Bijou 2190550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the elegant simplicity of this outfit. The belt and shoes add interest and your hair really is beautiful, the highlight for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190549 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 08:35:37 +0000 Synne 2190549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe only speaking for myself, but as s non-native English speaker "plain" doesn't carry the same negative connotations that it may do for others. To me plain is the opposite of "show-off", and that can be a very, very good thing. Now... I do hail from the land where Jante rules, so maybe very biased... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190548 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 08:20:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2190548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! You look lovely here. Not sure I see this as plain.<br /> I refuse to join any plain challenge! When I was young it was more of an insult ( and sorry to our fabulous forum member Jane..) to be called a “plain Jane”! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190503 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 03:00:03 +0000 Isabel 2190503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely outfit ! I am a big believer in “personal “ neutrals. LOL. olive green and animal prints are neutrals to me. Though I don’t want wear blush , I think of that as a neutral.</p> <p>And not “plain” at all ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190502 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 02:43:25 +0000 notsaf 2190502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking fabulous! Such a flattering silhouette on you and fabulous earthy colors. I love this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190499 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 02:16:32 +0000 Jaime 2190499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not plain and look great including your hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190445 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 21:20:17 +0000 rachylou 2190445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t see plain either. I love that brown, the pants look good. I like the dimensionality the brown brings to your hair as well(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190403 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:59:24 +0000 Synne 2190403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Choo choo! Love this interesting how pronounced the accessories becomes on a rather plain backdrop. Just beautiful belt and sandals! Also really liking the proportions here, very pretty silhouette. Ylf! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190400 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:50:56 +0000 Cardiff girl 2190400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know if it’s plain or not but it’s definitely a very flattering look on you and shows off your lovely waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-plain-train-irina-synne-runcarla#post-2190358 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:23:30 +0000 Angie 2190358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Red is a neutral for me too )</p> <p>Your hair is sooo pretty, and you look GREAT! </p> <p>I also don't see plain. Blingy sunnies, sandals, and belt buckle amp things up.&nbsp; </p>