Argh! Transitonal warddrobe frustration - YouLookFab Forum

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Argh! Transitonal warddrobe frustration

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I know a lot of people have been excited to wear their new Fall items, but I have been trying to keep my new purchases only to my real "holes". Which is leading me to dressing dillemas of late. A few things that have added to my frustration:

The weather isn't cold yet, but it's very gray and rainy, so I need to wear lighter-weight items but still be covered for the weather

I've gained 10 pounds since last Fall, so many of my perfectly good Fall bottoms don't fit any longer. Boo!

I really need better comfortable, rain friendly, work shoes, too. This adds to the things I need and can't afford!

Payday is coming and I have decided to spend about $200 on items I need, but I am not even sure what that is!

So, help me out - what are your transitional uniforms? I need inspiration, so post pics if you have them! I know Angie did a post about this, too, but I need more details!

I've attached what I've worn recently for reference. Bascially, long cardis, jeans, and a blouse...*yawn*

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I am still in dress/shorts weather here, so I am no help. I just wanted to send a hug- I feel your frustration!

jag923

I like both outfits you posted. Maybe belting the cardis would make you feel more on trend. My transitional uniform consists of leggings, ankle booties, a skinny belt or two, ponte pants, and tiered vests.

Anonymous

It's still warm and humid here but I love my leather jackets for transitional times. A brown moto style jacket from last years NAS is a real workhorse that helps me feel fab. I could see you in a black moto jacket and it wouldn't have to be real leather.
Boots of any kind for your feet.

Louise

Veteran

I'd recommend wellies for the rain then change your shoes when you get to work x

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, guys!
Louise, I have a pair of wellies on my wish list! But, sometimes I have to walk to different buildings during the day, so having the option of a professional shoe I don't have to change is very nice.

I have two pair of ponte knit pants, one at the tailors, so I haven't felt their freeing impact on my warddrobe yet...LOL...But with the weight I have been feeling the need to cover up with longer tops when doing the slim pants/skinny jeans.

I do have a leather jacket that I've been getting a lot of wear out of. It's cropped, so again I don't really love it with the skinny pants, etc. It looks fine, but I'm a little uncomfortable. But I have been wearing it with skirts.

I guess part of my issue is that I haven't been in the mood for skirts or dresses lately, and I don't have my pants warddrobe quite figured out. I don't do bootcuts because of heel height issues (I need the option of switching to flats at work), but skinnies work great...if I have longer tops/cardis! I also want to do more boot tucking this year, but most of my boots don't have enough room for tucking pants into.

Do people keep different boots for tucking than for wearing with tights?

lady

I can sympathize with you here. I've gained weight since the Spring. I also had to spend money on 'holes' versus 'cool'. I ordered 3 pairs of trousers that I'm waiting to arrive, in the meantime I've been fudging with my cropped pants and skirts. Unfortunately I think this week will be the last of the cropped pants and I'll have to face the music and deal with my not quite fitting wardrobe.

Since I can't do a wardrobe overhaul, I spent $9 on a workout dvd. I'm really hoping that I can stay focused, eat well and work out regularly so I can fit my pants and tops better before the weather forces me into a corner. I'd also like to start posting outfits so I can get feedback on how to refresh what I've got but I don't want to post ill-fitting looks. that would be the epitome of 'unfab'.

I also need some weather proof shoes that can take me all over downtown. I'll definitely be checking your thread for suggestions on that matter...

In the meantime I think I'll be relying on my wide legged trousers (I think I read somewhere they are trending again-I hope so!), 3/4 sleeve jackets, and skirts (need hosiery). I'm seriously hoping the trousers I've ordered will fit.....I ordered up a size from what I'd worn previously.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Lady, yep, as you can see by my pics, I have a wide-leg denim pair that I fit into again (they were much too big last year!). I went running twice this week...that's something! Hopefully my motivation stays with me, as well. But, that's why I am so befuddled about purchases...I don't want to buy stuff I'll be too small for in a few months! Arg! Maybe I should just concentrate on shoes/boots for now...But even that is tough when I'm unsure of which pants/skirts/dresses I'll be in for the season.

Lisa

Veteran

My transition plan is to add layers to existing items by:
today I have a short sleeve shirt, with a tank under it for more warmth and a scarf, I'm also wearing boots and socks instead of sandals.

Besides adding a second layer under my shorter sleeve items, and cardi's which you are already doing (from your posts), I am adding jackets (blazers?) as a non cardi top layer.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I do have some blazers...I need to work on how to wear them more often as a cardi alternative. Good suggestion! Only one is a longer length, but I could still see an opportunity for working them in...Good point about the belt...belts are on my wish list and I actually shopped for some the other night but didn't find anything that I wanted to spend my money on. )-:

agrace

Well, I feel your pain. How do you feel about leggings? What about leggings and a low wedge (almost flat) shoe with an empire waist dress, or any dress for that matter? It'd be something different and different is very refreshing.

This is something I've been wearing and I feel great in it.

kellygirl

Veteran

I was thinking what agrace said. What about investing in a few tunics or dresses that you can belt or accessorize with a scarf, wear under a bf cardi, wear with a cropped jacket? You could wear them with leggings or skinnies. I've played with this look and quite like it.

BTW, I think your "Yawn" outfits are terrific. I LOVE the skinnies version with that gorgeous ruffled top and the black boots. That's a killer look for you!

lady

('scuse my abscence...had to work)

Good job on running!

I hear you on not wanting to spend money on clothes that (hopefully!) won't fit in a few months. I was on that fence too. In the end I got a coupon and hit a sale that allowed me 3 pairs for a touch over $60. My mom also hovers around my size, so my plan is to pass them along to her when I no longer can fit them.

Accessories are always a fun way to update AND you will still be able to wear them regardless of size. I've been buying necklaces here and there anytime I run across one cheap. Isn't that oneof fAngie's first ways of bringing in the new season? I think I remember reading that somewhere....

Barbara

Veteran

Jeneva, it's still 90 degrees here, but I know how you feel. And I don't think your outfits are a yawn! Layers of lightweight cotton or rayon sweaters over tees is how I handle those nippy (or gray rainy) days. When it gets cold, I add corduroy jackets. Everything I wear is a rich, saturated color. And usually with a slamming pair of jeans, although I recently purchased two fierce animal print skirts from Target. It's amazing how rich colors and fun patterns can make you feel.

Isabel

Veteran

OMG, I also don't think that your outfits are "yawn" , your shirts have so much visual interest !

Many of the already made suggestions are great. I like the leggings idea. I also like a lighter weight skirt with a slip ( for warmth ) and boots. How about a lightweight scarf in a fun pattern? You can can get some great ones on ebay...even silk ones, with fab colors. With $200, I would absolutely focus on rain shoesboots. Then anything that you can layer, like Barbara suggested.

Lightweight sweater vests are another great option.

taylor

Veteran

Ooh LOVE the sequin tank...that really punches up an outfit!!

I feel your pain..transitioning is difficult...I am in the same boat here...commiserating...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I would suggest boots. I live in Seattle too. I only wear my wellies when it's pouring down rain, which isn't often.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Anagybe, very wise. I have a pair of wellies but honestly only wear them when it's pouring and I can't get away with or it's raining too hard for dress boots.

The tunic idea is really great. I like the idea because I could layer cropped or long jacket/cardis and still feel fab in skinny pants. I have one, lone tunic. Clearly this is an area I could improve.

Thanks for the compliments on the outfits, I know they aren't bad - it's just that I feel like it's all I can think of to wear right now and it's frustrating when I have a closet full of things I like but either don't fit well or aren't weather appropriate...or are just dresses and skirts I can't deal with wearing because they require decorum or tights or both!

I dont' have many scarves, but I love the ones I have, so those will definately help punch up outfits...I just need to think of how to combine them with the things I have that will work for this time of year and my current *ahem* body issues.

Thanks for talking me back from the brink of pulling out my hair.

Megan

Hi Jenava,

I'm in a similar situation here in Australia- it's been raining a bit and it's not quite spring so not really warm enough for skirts and dresses but getting too warm for boots.

I don't really have much advice but thought I'd mention that my oxfords are getting a work out- I find them great for rainy days.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I been wearing the heck out some low heeled lace up ankle boots lately.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nothing wrong with your outfits!

I'm in skirts/ dresses and boots at the moment - sans hose. Cheeky jackets and fun scarves plus the only bracelet I own. I find the weather perfect for that type of outfit.

If I were 15 years younger I'd be all over short shorts with boots right now.

pssst. You REALLY need a form fitting denim jacket. The one you have is far too big, Jenava. That should be on your shopping list pronto

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

OK - oxfords, check. They are great for rain, honestly, and look great with my skinny pants.

I belatedly looked for Indigo by Clarks low-heeled desert boots, all sold out. But thinking about this idea....

Angie - I like my denim jacket so it's tough to hear it's too big, but OTOH I bought it online for a great deal and I know that a nipped in version would be more flattering.

I have plenty of skirts and dresses but just not feeling fun in them ATM. I think I need a few more pairs of boots...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nothing like fab boots to carry you from Summer into Autumn. Keep us posted on what you get!

Jenava, the denim jacket looks very big in the photo. Could it be the photo somehow? You don't strike me as someone who would deliberately wear an over-sized denim jacket!

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

http://outfitdiary.blogspot.co.....m%20jacket

here are more photos of it, it could be the photo...it's cropped but on the boxy side.

I'm going to raise my budget to $350 and look for boots I can tuck pants into. I've been wanting to replace a cheapy pair of mid-calf moto boots for a while. Mid-calf boots aren't so flattering on me, plus I think I want something dark brown. I'm tired of black!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! The jacket looks more fitted than I thought. MUCH better.Can you see how much larger it looks in the jumpsuit outfit? Thanks for posting.