Balancing function and style - YouLookFab Forum

I tend to find myself gravitating toward the most functional color of items. For example, a while back, I decided I needed a few toppers so I went and got a white and a black cardigan. They are the most basic, functional colors that go with most of my wardrobe, but so bo-ring!

However, I have taken note since joining YLF that sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. Now I am eyeing toppers in different colors I probably never would have considered before - brights in particular. Mustard, navy and light yellow come to mind. I am also incorporating skinny belts over the top of my basic cardis to add a pop of color (I have black, white, red and animal print).

How do you balance buying something that you KNOW will easily go with much of your wardrobe versus something more "out there" (for you)?

Maybe it is just that for so long I have been a lazy dresser, putting little thought into my outfits.

The same probably goes for my closet full of black shoes...

13 years ago

Anonymous

Sometimes it takes one's eye awhile to adjust to something new. It really helpsto look at Angie's outfits and those of other forum members. I'm most drawn to something out of my comfort zone when I know it will work well with my life style and in a flattering color. My first big leap was to buy a brown leather moto jacket, one of Angie's NAS recommendations. It would fit into my casual life style and upgrade my look, but it was weeks before i had the courage to wear it out of the house. I'm way over that now, but have come to enjoy kind of pushing myself to try things Angie blogs about. Often I look for them at the thrift or consignment store. They still need to be good quality and fit, but I can try something out to see how the look feels without a big investment.
Oh, and I know about having a closet full of black shoes. Now they seldom see the light of day as they feel like they make me look bottom heavy. Metallics, nudes, colors and animal prints are more interesting and fun.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I think the fun part is realizing just how versatile those not so neutrals can be... Just for fun I 've been seeing how many looks to come up with for red-orange jeans... not something I ever would have considered before beginning my blog... You are on a fun journey and I hope you have fun! This is play time for adults!!!!

I highly recommend using a color wheel and putting together colors next to each other as well as those across from each other... It's great place to start!

Caro in Oz

I don't think neutrals are necessarily boring; I know I couldn't get dressed without my navy & grey. Colour is one way to enliven an outfit but neutrals can be rich & interesting when you play with pattern & texture. So I'd say a nice mix of both makes for an interesting wardrobe:)

Lyn D.

I like to try what I call 'Trend' items at a fairly low price level to test the waters.
I may only wear once or twice but it makes for a nice change, and sometimes I discover a colour or cut that I would like to incorporate into future more long-term pieces.
I joined YLF with mainly black shoes too, but now LOVE looking for other shades to compliment my outfits.

lyn67

I started amping my style many years ago with the most inexpensive items(accesories) like longer Y charmed necklaces, belts and colorful, texturred and ruffled/pom-pom fringed scarves-which I still love:-).
Then, it all came suddenly by itself, new colours, new items, new silouttes, and new pairings. And new shoes-and bags, of course!:-)
Interestingly enough, as my outerwear was never black before, I hardly ever had black or white shoes then, but I am also blonde, with low contrast face so I had plenty of brown, blues, creams and greys instead.
When I switched to black trench and black coat I did buy black tall suede boots which I like even more than my brown leather ones in the past, and black patent ballet flats, suede pumps, too.
It's all about texture to me, and of course corelation with existing wardrobe items.
Hope this helps.

Raisin

I love me some neutrals too! But once in a while, you need a bit of color, or like you said, it's pretty boring. I tend to buy in the same color family, so I think that helps for making sure things go together. I tend to go for blues, bluish purples, navy and greens. I throw in yellow or mustard once in a while, which I think accents the blues well. Maybe pick a couple colors to start with, that way you know things will match, and you can branch out as you get more comfortable.

DonnaF

I have MANY pairs of black shoes and way too many black jackets/blazers and black pants, so I know what you mean. For one, most shoes come in black, and the styles I've liked in jackets and pants were only available in black. My (partial) excuse is that the black shoes bookended my hair. But now that I'm older and letting my hair go gray, black is too harsh next to my skin, and no longer really bookends my hair. But you know what? I've discovered that in most cases, color *goes* with more things and adds more interest than black! The red orange blazer I bought last spring goes with virtually everything I own! Since YLF, I've become more adventurous in putting together colors, and that has made a big difference.

abc

Thanks for all of the insight. I am glad I am not alone!

I have begun making strides to have less black in my wardrobe, and I have come quite a ways in a short time. I think the biggest lesson learned is that color can be just as flexible as black/brown/white and it adds that extra punch to outfits.

I still have to work on the non-black shoes. I have blonde hair so I am going to try to go for lighter colors, especially as spring/summer roll around. I did get a pair of nude color Cole Haan peep toe wedges last year and they have really worked out well for me, the bonus is how comfy they are! I just need to continue on this path.

Again, thanks for the input, very good ideas and tips. I will check in later as my style progresses to let you know how it all worked out!

Category