Defining Casual (long) - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Defining Casual (long)

MsLuna

Veteran

It's been a while, lovelies! I'm on staycation so I FINALLY have some time to see how everyone is doing! The last time I posted, I expressed some frustrations about the move towards a more casual wardrobe due to my foot issues, which frustrated me because I've been batting for Team Heels for decades! Since I'm in the market for a weight loss wardrobe (which is frustrating yet good.., I'm losing weight but my purchase didn't last a month until they became too loose again!), I've been exploring my new style and opened myself to more casual options. Fall is here: MY KIND OF SEASON. I decided to look back at styles I liked in past, as well as look over my notes during the summer.

It turns out that I CAN do casual, but not in the way that's necessarily "on trend". I was really concerned about this because I was afraid of looking like I stepped out of 2010... But... The sort of casual I speak of us just comfortable and more "me".

So here's what I though casual was (in a modern sense)
- sneakers (I really am not a sneaker girl - no matter how hard I try)
- boyfriend jeans (I tried so many times Fabbers it's really not my look)
- the semi-tuck (a hit or miss for me)
- Sporty luxe (not really my style either)

So I told myself that perhaps I just never will be current!

Until the Grunge trend came about...

Now THAT is my kind of casual! Doc Martens, "flat" (I have a 1-1.5 inch heel with platform) moto boots, red plaid... Now we're talking!

So basically, casual in my personal style is this:
- slim fitting jeans/Jeggings with a long top/tunic
- chunky yet polished/streamlined boots (does this makes sense?) with hardware
- denim jackets
- long tops + mini skirts. I stopped semi-tucking the tops and LOVED it!

I noticed I need to still have a polish (structure of clothes and boots), but my accessories and fabric choices lean to the RATE side. I also wear miniskirts and short shift dresses on a regular basis because I'm in flats everyday now.. And I LOVE it! Minis just look off-kilter with heels when I wear them. Flats balance them out.

So I'm still (and probably forever will be) a tunic and skinnies girl despite now having a waist. I can't help it. I just feel good in it. I also like the structure of slim pants and the contrast with the tunic. I know that boyfriends and semi-tucking are the thing now, but does long over lean still count as fashionably acceptable?

So needless to say, I'm liking my wardrobe more now. I guess I'm just concerned that it might be dated. I tried the trends and I just don't love them. Is that ok? I also wonder how this new style discovery translates in warmer months!

What about you? How do you define casual in your style?

PS. Sorry no WIW's yet... But I really should post them as I'm loving my outfits now! Will post one soon!

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from MsLuna

shiny

Veteran

I totally get it. I feel the same way about the casual stuff. You have slim legs. I do too. Why wouldn't we want to show them off??? I'm not into doc martins though-- so we differ on footwear choices but sneakers on me just look sloppy and frumpy so we agree there. I love the tunic over slim bottoms look. It just gets harder to find this in the stores, so I'm venturing out and experimenting. I do like the semi-tuck and it's not hit or miss for me. It works maybe 80% of the time, but your waist is much tinier and you don't have a squishy apple midsection you're trying to conceal, which a semi tuck does expertly!

You had a recent WiW in which you are posing with someone, wearing a black tunic + skinnies and you look great. Here you go -- this one:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....me-changer

I am not seeing dated at all. Just Fab.

MsLuna

Veteran

Awwww thanks Shiny! That outfit actually felt good because I wore an oversized boatneck chiffon "sweater" off-shoulder and that print is just too awesome. Sad that it doesn't fit my current fall/winter colour scheme though but I'll see how I can add this in.

And yes... Slim legs. That's the thing - WHY NOT SHOW IT OFF? Like you, I have a squishy tummy, but it also have a high waistline so pant waists really fit weird on me. And yes - nowadays it's hard to find a good tunic (one that doesn't show the crotch). The hi-lo hems usually go up just below the high hip and with that style, I normally try to layer with something longer underneath (except for minis).

I'm glad semi-tuck works for you! I actually have a squishy apple midsection as well that has to be concealed too (even with my new waist) because pant wàists just seem to be tinier! Semi-tucks only work for me if the jeans/pants/skirt is low rise... And that is usually bad because I get tummy spillage that shows even with the semi-tuck! How do you make the semi-tuck work for you? I just tried doing this with boyfriend-like jeans and it just looks all kinds of wrong on me.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It's good to hear you're finding options that will work for you, with your footwear options. Your casual style sounds great!

Day Vies

Veteran

I'm very much like you casual was not something I was good at, and I had a very limited idea of what casual was. My current role as SAHM doesn't require heels most days (which I prefer -- it works for my high instep). I am also a modern classic girl at heart so structure is a must. Then just to throw myself a curve ball I adore retro/girly styles.

So casual for me weather permitting usually includes 3 pieces (bottom top and topper). My casual shoe of choice is ballet flat preferably with an almond or pointed toe. However you just saw in my most recent post that I have discovered the tunic dress + skinny jean formula. The structured shoulder makes it work for my body type. So I guess when I'm doing a tunic I don't need that third piece (usually a topper) to create structure.

I also prefer to work a scarf or statement jewelry into my casual looks. I think it's my love for all things shiny and sparkly.

MsLuna

Veteran

Thanks Firecracker! It's been a tough battle with shoes but fall blessed me with so many boot options. My funky Fluevog boots are especially getting so much wear. I do believe tall boots have always been my signature style though, to the point that friends often associate me with them!

@Day Vies: I'm loving your new SAHM style. And you do stay true to your style (that I know off) with the more feminine elements (ballet flats). I think you can certainly still put a retro spin on this casual outfit!

And structured shoulders are a must for me as well. It balances out the apple-esque part of me. Most of my tunics are sleeveless though so I often get a third piece. Good to see that the sleeved tunics are working for you!

I'm also like you: statement jewelry is part of the casual look! Like you, I love sparkle but with a harder edge!

bj1111

Veteran

i just came to the same realization--actually just accepted it that i like tight bottoms and i can not lie. my flirtation with r13 crossovers not withstanding, i've returned all but 1 pair of baggy jeans and 1 pair of baggy pants. so more power to you to wear what you feel fab in especially with all the other stuff going on. why complicate things by feeling "not yourself".

i can totally see you in your stompy boots and skinny pants.

Dee

Veteran

I feel like there is a contingent here (and everywhere) that have tried the trends and decided against them, for whatever reason. I don't think that means you can't look current. The tunic over leggings look isn't necessarily trendy but I wouldn't say it's dated, at least not based on the people I see. But grunge is definitely coming back and denim jackets are never really out of style.

My go-to casual look will always be jeans, a tee and cardigan but I'm trying to keep that current by varying the looseness of the top and the length of cardigan, etc. It's not cutting edge but hopefully it's at least current.

Also, I'm excited to see some of your outfits with miniskirts and flats. I know you were a big fan of heels so I'm happy you've found some that you like.

Gigi

Veteran

I'm so glad you're back in love with your outfits again! You've been through a rough patch lately.

I can't wait to see some WIW photos, especially of the long top over miniskirt silhouette. I've been really attracted to miniskirts lately too, and I discovered that I really liked the silhouette of a skater skirt with a longer sweater that has a band at the bottom. Is that like what you are talking about? So the top wouldn't be tucked, but the band provides some structure.

MsLuna

Veteran

@bj1111: so you were still able to make the slouchy styles work for you! That's awesome! What exactly is r13 crossovers?

@dee: I noticed that YLF is all about trying the trends, and many of you guys wear the trends wonderfully! I've tried them and was even told that I wear the trends well, however, I did not feel good in them. I think this is why I often feel a bit self-conscious. I'm a long-over-lean girl through and through and I feel sometimes that I'm a bit out of touch with trends because I know this formula works on me (not only aesthetically but emotionally as well). I could easily have gone for a style that won't look too bad with my now smaller waistline, but I'm still feeling "off" about it. I don't feel like I'm in a rut with long over lean, but I am concerned that it's too dated... Which I seriously should not care about, but I do!

As for the grunge trend - I embrace it like you wouldn't believe! I've always been into a RATE look with a more refined and feminine touch.

Jeans + tee+ cardi is quite current, especially when you go for boyfriend styles and fluid tops.

@Gigi: yup... No matter what I do, I go back to long-over-lean. I'm really concerned it would get dated but... It's just sooooo comfortable and they highlight my legs and arms (I usually do 3/4 length sleeves). The fact that this look also looks elongating with FLATS on - I'm sold! I know I'm the last person that needs leg elongation but I just love the look.

Good to know I'm not the only miniskirt fan here! I used to be concerned by age appropriateness but it's not a huge problem in the fall knowing that there's tights to cover up the legs!

The skater skirt and banded sweater look sounds cute! I've seen it around and I love the look. I have not tried it on me though as I stick to tube skirts. I'm looking to see if there's a long sleeve version of my cocoon shaped v-neck sweater. The cocoon shape would look so cool with a mini!

DonnaF

Veteran

Hmmm. Wonder where that leaves me? I can't/don't do long over lean because your lean is my heaviest part, the legs! My legs are probably two sizes fatter than my torso, so boyfriends never look loose, plus make me look like I'm walking on my knees! And my shoulders need structure big time, so drapey tends to look sloppy and make my girls look droopy.

Now is a great time for mini skirts. I'm 5' 1", and just returned a ton of women's REGULAR size skirts to Nordstrom because they were at least 3" above my knees -- not a good look for a 61 year old, thank you. Sorry but knees don't improve with age. Looks like trumpet skirts are coming back, not that I can recall having one last time around, and that is probably a flattering look. But the next question is: Does it fit my STYLE?!? Details, details.

FWIW, I have redefined casual to include anything that I can dump in the machine on the Delicate or Hand Wash cycles. That way, I don't feel the item is too *precious* to wear. I may be a little more dressed up than those around me, but I think the washability keeps me from projecting a high maintenance vibe.

Gigi

Veteran

I have sometimes been concerned about age appropriateness with the miniskirts too (I am 41, eep!), but I can't help but continue to come back to them, because they look really good on my body type (small frame, short). They look really good on your body type too; they seem like a natural silhouette for you.

I had decided to stop buying new minis, but after I did a mood board for fall and it was full of minis and midis, I figured I had better listen to my inner muse and stick with the silhouette. And it has been so much fun!

Yup, it's nice how a person can wear flats with a mini and not be stumpified. Definitely a selling factor.

I have heard the term "cocoon sweater" or "cocoon coat" on YLF but don't have a clue what that means. What is a cocoon sweater, if you don't mind my asking?

catgirl

Veteran

YGG! Tunics and skinnies remain a staple formula for me - I'm wearing it today. I think sticking with what's right for you is what makes a signature style - as long as you update details, the essence can be retained. Wear what you love!

shiny

Veteran

My biggest problem with pants is the problem nobody talks about -- camel toe! It is NOT because the pants are too tight, contrary to popular belief, because even if I size up, and up again, and up even more... I still have it, just now it looks sloppy and too loose and adds pounds all over. Even when I was at my very lowest body fat, with flat stomach and muscle tone -- I still had it. It's not an anatomical issue either, ahem. I have been trying all my life to figure out what it is, it is not my figure. It's how the pants are cut, for my figure it doesn't work, except for the rare magical pants -- which nobody else can wear but me....

So, yeah, often I find that dresses are just way easier. Or leggings. Leggings - exercise leggings, jeggings, yoga pants -- don't do this on me. It's just pants. And jeans. (Seamstresses! Tell me why?? I have this suspicion that it is something that could be tailored, by a skilled tailor... if I knew what the issue was!)

So I pop on a long tunic that covers up the crotch and I'm good to go.

You'd think it'd be easier now with the drop-crotch trend, and I have had some luck here, but not as much as you'd think. Because if designed for hips & butt, well I don't have much of that.

Have you tried the AG Nikki's (BF jeans)? Did they not work out? I really love them.

As to your question about the semi-tuck: I am doing it with low rise, mid-rise, high rise... all rises. The top can't be too voluminous. A nice belt, with buckle, wide-ish, helps. To my eye it does the same visual trick as buttoning a cardigan just so, to create a hint of a waist. Otherwise, it's just a matter of adjusting the eye, I think.

And some days I'm just not feeling it and want a loose, long, tunic instead. I don't think "dated" at all..

MsLuna

Veteran

@DonnaF: I wonder If wide leg pants are back in style? I'm talking about the ones that fit through the waist and hip then just falls down straight. My girlfriend has a similar figure as you and she wears this style on a regular basis (she doesn't wear jeans though). Maybe this is a style you could look into?

I'm with you on machine washablity. That's a major requirement for me because I'm such a busy person! I managed to find a way to machine wash silks as well, so you CAN have better quality fabrics in the wash!

@Gigi: I figured that if it's a silhouette we keep coming back to and we look/feel fabulous in it - WHY NOT GO FOR IT? I do feel I look "too young" in a mini, but probably because my boots tend to be on the chunky side. It's like I'm trying too hard to be punk ~_~

This is an example of a cocoon sweater:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/i.....6iAn1L.jpg

@Una: yes, details! What's different between 2010 and 2014 is the shape/neckline of the tunics/tops. My tunics used to be a-line back in 2010 but nowadays they are cut straight and loose (has a normal shoulder line too) with a bit of a hi-Lo hem. Thanks and I'm glad you still wear this formula!

@Shiny: I'm so sorry you have that issue with pants! I remember this being addressed in an article at Already Pretty (another style blog), so you're not alone in this! I can imagine this being so uncomfortable! I'm guessing this might have to do with crotch length or depth - I don't quite remember as I'm inexperienced with sewing alterations.

Leggings are just glorious. I can never ever give them up. I would be sad the day leggings will be deemed unfashionable because they're just sooo delightfully comfortable and they highlight the legs too!

The drop crotch trend.... Oh no, let's not go there with me :p I've tried many slouchy pants only to discover that I look like I have poo in my pants. Ewww. So I get it... Though the exception to this rule are the slouchy Eileen Fisher jersey pants. The fit on those are divine.

I haven't tried AG Nikki. I'm not planning to purchase jeans this season at all, and since they are boyfriends.... I might look like poo bum again

Thanks for the a Semi-tuck tip. Yeah - I just can't make it work on mid-rises but low rise is just awesome, as long as I wear a fluid top. I did try the semi-tuck on crisper tops and they work just as well. For some reason, there's an "illusion" that I have a waist in there somewhere with low rise. It just balances out my super short torso, I think.

shiny

Veteran

It's actually not uncomfortable - it's an illusion, because of the fit. It's like... crotch smile or something. I.e., the crotch can even be dropped and still there's this weird effect there. It is possible it's my inner thigh. I don't have saddle bags or much thigh to speak of -- put my legs together and you can see right through them, as I was born pigeon toed -- except at the very top of the thigh. Does not matter how much running, weight training, thigh mastering I do (in fact all that makes it more, not less).

Please tell me more about the EF pants!!!

MsLuna

Veteran

Shiny!!! Go to the "Calling Una!" Thread you created! I talk about the EF pants there. Oh and here!

http://www.eileenfisher.com/Ei.....cale=en_US

No poo bum!

amiable

Veteran

Haven't read the comments, just wanted to chime in and say that I love grunge too, and so look forward to the red plaids of the season (and am stalking "my" Docs too)

Anonymous

I know I keep saying this, but I so relate whenever you post about your issues with casual clothes. Semi-tucking and belting into baggy jeans, then adding sneakers, would just make me feel dumpy and uncomfortable. To be honest, I haven't even tried it, but I just have a mental image of me in it that's really unappealing and am not drawn enough to the look (especially with all that waist constriction) to try. Although I love it on others!

I'm more comfortable in a longer top and skinnies too. This post made me realize that part of the issue is that I'm not big on hiding my legs either. They're as long and lean as I get! I actually got sick of the tunic-and-skinnies formula a few years ago, because I kept wearing the same few surplice-neck empire waist tunics, which were the only ones I could find that worked on me with those proportions. But I'm coming around again with all the newer fluid tops, although I still only have a few that work with this look.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Amy: which Docs are you stalking? I'm contemplating on getting a shorter pair, though not quite sure if I'll go basic black or red!

@Aubergine: yeah the waist constriction is a huge deal for me as well. I feel better with lower rises and semi-tucking but there is still a slight discomfort there.

Like you I got soooo tired of tunic and skinnies look because I did wear the same a-line and empire waist tops (not to mention, I got tired of people asking me when I'm due!). I also got tired of long straight cardigans, which is why I started looking into dresses exclusively. If you're also an IT, look into fluid tops that hang straight with boat necklines (though if the bust is too big, it might be an issue.). I find that it's most flattering if the arm hole starts on the shoulder bone down (if the top has sleeves).

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Oh goodness, I can SO relate to this!! When I wear tunics over skinnies I feel absolutely like my best me! Angie's recent post really resonated with me where she talked about non clothing ways to update your style. This led me to look more at my shoes. I realize that shoes are a big issue for you at the moment, but I'm just using that as an example because it is where I went in order to keep some of the things in my wardrobe that aren't super current. (And in an odd twist, my shoe updates are leaning to the more comfortable!). I also identify with the casual looks being the very hardest! Send me to work, church or a fancy evening out and I'm happy as a clam, but a cool, casual, brunch or evening listening to a band play leaves my bedroom looking like a tornado hit... And quite frankly puts me in a bad mood!

MsLuna

Veteran

Sarah, good to know someone sees my point of view! As for updating non-clothing items: I always have jewelry and handbags. I also started wearing scarves. To begin with, the cuts of garments I tend to gravitate to are classic and simplistic so accessories are the way to go for me!

As for shoes - I caught myself cringing at high heels. I still like them but... I guess now the pain has made a not-so-flat (I always have a platform on the front of the shoe) out of me.

LACeleste

Veteran

Hello Style Sister!
Updated grunge is just so good! Plaid and boots work so well.
You looked super cute in your date photo in a recent thread! Very cool.
I'm really happy that things are going well for you!

MsLuna

Veteran

Thanks Style Sister! Grunge lives on!