F/W 2020 lifestyle considerations (long) - YouLookFab Forum

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F/W 2020 lifestyle considerations (long)

Anonymous

Going to break up my fall/winter plans into a few posts, since it'll be long, but I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I want life to look like/what's essential (my word of the year). Basically, there's almost none of my life BC-19 that I want back. So- on with the planning...

Gear: I will not be returning to the gym anytime soon, aside from maybe to swim. I prefer to exercize outside and decided I want to be less of a weather wimp. There's only so long I'll be able to bike and SUP, but I can hike and do archery. I may need warmer gear, especially things with pockets, but especially cold weather walking shoes. My Birkies are perfect for long hikes, but only take me so far into cold weather even with socks. I tried my running shoes, but got crippling back pain within 2 miles. I'm always barefoot at home, so I think I need shoes that are much more minimalist, possibly zero drop. Ideally streamlined toe shape (like my actual toes) and no fussy cluttery laces.

Work: they're making me be in an office 3 days a week :*( I may need another pair of pants, but have plenty of tops from last winter that are fine. It's all comfy enough for weekend wear, and I mostly stay home in cold weather, so I don't need a seperate wardrobe. The main change for me will be lower (2 inch) heels and no accessories besides a mask and maybe stud earrings. There's a good chance I'll be laid off from my FT job with the Supreme Court turnover, but in that case I'm taking the opportunity to switch careers and work with plants! I already talked to a greenhouse last week Plus, DH is doing his final dissertation edits, so my breadwinner days should be coming to an end *happy dance*!

Dressy work: I used to do a lot of presentations and networking events for both my jobs, which aren't happening IRL now. Since I have a firm camera off policy, I can wear gear for all they know! When the events do return to normal, what I own is fine, with possible shoe replacements for condition. The 3inch heels can stay in this capsule Thing is though, I miss the dressing up itself far more than the reasons...
*curls up under a tree*

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Sal

Veteran

Sounds like lots of transitions here Suntiger. I like to hear how people have reviewed their pre Covid life and made changes. Although the Supreme Court one I know is possibly forced upon you.

Re gear - good base layers in merino make such a difference. And a windproof jacket!! Great in all weather.

Re work - there are so many hybrid gear, work, casual pieces which could be useful to you. Technical fabric pants or skirts that can be dressed up or down. Icebreaker and Kathmandu do a bit of this sort of style but I am sure there are other options. Ironically things in the travel sections!!

Anonymous

Yes I'm definitely looking at hybrid clothes if I change careers. I realized what I like best about office work is being able to dress up, and that's just not enough of an incentive. I had pondered at least 20 different career options, but being outside and taking care of plants has been healing for me.
*dashes out to rescue mums from downpour*
I'll be working on projects with DH when he's done, and still have my second job too-and none of that should be affected one way or the other.
I'm allergic to wool so merino wouldn't work next to my skin. If it's below about 35 or so and/or windy, sleet, snow, heavy rain I'll stay in!
ETA- my climate wimp status was "stays inside if under 60 and too cold for sandals"!

Sal

Veteran

No merino might not work then....

I think my idea of cold is so different to the US - it is so temperate here (not warm and hot but the difference between summer and winter is not that great).

Joy

Veteran

Lots to think about. Can you wear alpaca?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like you have used this out of normal time to really understand yourself and what you want. The wardrobe is just one small part of it. Good luck!

Anonymous

Nope Joy. Unfortunately because PC has some really nice alpaca things Animal fiber of any sort, and acrylic too, are intolerable after a couple minutes. I do have a wool coat- but it's lined and doesn't touch my skin anywhere. In winter I just wear cotton or synthetics and throw a warm coat over the lot!

The one morning it got down to 45, I wore my little puffer and was fine. It's more of a mental barrier, especially since it stays dark out so late.

Warmer pants (I just have thin leggings, aside from my work pants) and shoes will be the main thing. I'm going to try my flat-ish ankle boots when it gets colder again, they can't be worse than the sneakers!

LaPed

Veteran

Oh, how fun! Taking a break from office work and finding a job working with plants sounds great. I think a lot of us are not looking forward to going back to indoor life.

You might want to look at silk long johns for a winter baselayer. LL Bean and Lands End both offer affordable options. I can't wear merino long johns anymore due to eczema, and I find silk keeps me warmer and irritates my skin less than synthetic options.

It sounds like you might like Merrell's Glove shoes for hiking. They are zero-drop without much padding, but aren't too wide in the toes. They have a much more glove-like fit than something like Altra trail runners. I've been using Vapor Gloves for running on dirt roads this year as my Altra running shoes were starting to feel too heavily padded and unresponsive. I'm pretty happy with them, but I think I'll have to go up half a size next time I buy a pair -- perils of barefoot quarantine life!

Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 4 Sneaker

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nemosmom

Veteran

Lots of changes on the horizon for you, ST! It sounds like you have done a lot of planning ahead and that is great! If you do make the switch to work with plants, you definitely won't need 3" heels I hope you will keep us updated on what you find - warm gear with pockets is a HEWI for me. I long to go outside in the cold weather, but I get cold super fast! Good luck navigating the next leg of your journey!

unfrumped

Veteran

Great thinking!

“Weather wimp”— haha.
I heard your criteria— not laughing at that, but since I retired, I spent loads of time outside gardening, plus some walks and indoor routines. I see ( with Fitbit) how much that contributes to my daily exercise and calorie expenditure, compared to a rainy day indoors, and have worried about winter couch- potato risk.
So I also have been mentally gearing up for how I need to dress warmly and get outside part of most every day even in chilly weather.
Warm legs & feet are key for me along with usual coats and hat/ scarf.
I think I have everything I need for now, as I have some merino and silk and Heattech underlayers, flannel and fleece lined pants, warmer boots and sneakers, and a variety of jackets, coats, and wind shell.

So I just need to cycle though different combinations to see what functions best. I can reassure myself that I can always go back in to change , or return home from a walk, if I have miscalculated!

Chris987

Veteran

Good for you tackling life changes by making a new plan. And good for you on redefining your "weather wimp" goals! I'm about to post a bunch of suggestions in another posting.

Anonymous

Thanks all! The Merrels are a strong possibility, though would prefer something without fussy laces. The sneakers I have are so thick soled compared to the Birks, and I think it's messing up my allignment. I don't remember sneakers being so thick as they've been lately

My winters are milder than some of yours for sure! Usually 30s-40s, so I don't need thermals. And I would just be out an hour or so before work. The long hikes can remain in sandal season! Looking forward to seeing cold weather gear capsules

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There are silver linings here, Suntiger! And although it's hard to think of being laid off, it's an opportunity to do something else. If not now - when? And your attitude is stellar

The internal and external factors that affect your style have changed, and you are adapting and evolving with both head and heart. I like your plan!

*applause*

Anonymous

I've been saying on and off for the last year that I want to work with plants Angie! At first it was a joke, after dealing with some grumpy client or hearing drama in the lobby. But since I've been home I've been really getting into it. I buy plants on impulse like I used to buy accessories
Plus- it's not the first time I've changed career paths. My path has been "what do I want to do next". Not lucrative, but it works!

Minaminu

Veteran

Changes like this can be so overwhelming, well done for planning the next steps!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Suntiger, part of my mourning process for my in-progress career change is "I won't be able to wear my nice clothes anymore." So I had to chuckle at your statement that that's one reason to like your office job.

Interesting re the animal fibers: I can't do wool either but have found some cashmere and alpaca is OK. Alpaca is crazy warm and light. I think synthetics are just as good and less fussy to care for, although the vibe is different.

Anonymous

I tried cashmere and alpaca and was itching like mad within just a couple minutes. When I was a kid I played in the attic and got into the insulation. It was like that.
I'll still have my p/t PR job to dress nice for, so it's all good. Plus, if I can look at plants instead of grey walls, I won't need the clothes to cheer me up!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, you are never too old to find your passions. My SIL changed careers at 49. Go for it!

Also, when we had a garden, it was as Japanese as we could make it given the PNW craftsman style of the house. Now that we’ve moved to a somewhat industrial loft, no garden. But meet our new indoor Bonsai! 10 year old Carmona or Fukien Tea tree. So excited

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

So that’s why I’ve been getting ads for Vibram barefoot boots—the universe wanted me to tell you about them!

With all your involvement in the arts, maybe you can start going to events (next year, when it’s safe again) instead of/in addition to performing in them. That would give you reason to enjoy wearing your finery.

ETA, you say you don’t need thermals, but there are some temps when you wouldn’t go out. Why not get some silk long johns for those days?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It sounds as if you are really thinking carefully about your future -- how you want it to look. This is such a great way to move forward. And hurray for plants and a new career in their presence! I agree about their healing properties. My time in the garden this spring and summer was a gift.

Also, I had to laugh in recognition about your dressing for the office line. While I do miss my occasions for dressing up as well as the clothes, if I had been working in an office in the before times, I'd have felt just like you!

Sounds like wool is not an option for you but Uniglo does make some excellent underlayers that could forestall your worries about cold. Your winter temps don't sound that different from my current ones. Light puffers, and really good sneaker bootie (your foot issues differ from mine, so I can't advise on which one) and some gloves and maybe a hat will serve you perfectly.

Anonymous

Love the little Bonzai Think I may "need" one!
I probably should have thermals, I just don't like to layer more than I have to! Guessing we'll have a cold winter this year since it's already much cooler than usual. Usually it's still 80-90 in September and it's been mostly 70s in the daytime. Even the leaves are changing a bit already- which I realized when hunting for my yellow (which seemed like a good idea) fletching arrows :/
Still love all the arts, but no performing anymore, gave that up 8 years ago! But jazz concerts are a good excuse to dress up

rachylou

Veteran

Wow! Lots going on!

My immediate thought is: can you wear wool on your feet? I have learned here on YLF that warm socks are as important as warm shoes... Also, if you do go work with plants, you’ll probably want to think about protective footwear you can do a lot of standing in.

... last Wednesday I tried wearing regular shoes because it was office day. A 1” heel maybe. Ohmigosh. I was crippled by standing a couple of hours on concrete to do tag inventory in prep for the holidays. This is really apropos of nothing, but I had to tell someone...

Liesbeth

Veteran

Interesting changes coming up ahead! I'd wait a bit to see how things turn out and which actual needs arise. On the walking front, sounds to me like one pair of solid hiking boots and a mental shift are all you need right now :). This morning, I went for a walk in the rain, with umbrella. Fussy? Yes. But oh my, it was just what I needed after a very stressful week without much exercise (it's been raining on and off for over 7 days now).

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well done on planning for a new future!

I will second the suggestion of either lightweight Uniqlo or Winter Silks underlayers to extend your outdoor time in cold weather. Soft and just warm enough. Bonus on the Uniqlo tops that they look like a regular tee if you need to remove layers.

How about lightweight sock liners? I find those helpful too.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

More ads for “barefoot” boots hitting my social media: https://www.groundies.de/?fbcl.....H7PpSN_LIg

https://www.vivobarefoot.de/?f.....-JMwtrioCk

Also, inspired by these posts, I browsed the long undies section at the sports store the other day—Icebreaker and Odlo. Yowza! Those prices will get your blood flowing and keep you warm.

Anonymous

Scared to try wool even on the feet!
So- looking around at whats available, many of the Vibrams are the toe sort, which look odd and necesitate toe socks. Nope! The others tend to be very big in the toe area, and not remotely shaped like my feet. My toes slant a lot towards big toe, they're not the same length. :/ Went to a little shop that I thought may have them to try but they didn't. So will have to order some and see.
Will start looking at the thermals in a couple months, but also thinking fleece lined leggings so I don't have to layer.

Ginger

Veteran

For what it's worth, the warmest leggings I've found are the Lemon brand "fur cuffed" ones at DSW. They're the warmth equivalent of layering two pair of leggings, and are very resilient. I don't wear them cuffed, perhaps because of my height. But the faux fur part is super soft and fully lines the leggings. The waistband is wide and comfortable, too. I highly recommend them.

Anonymous

Thanks Ginger! Are they thick enough to wear as pants, or just for under dresses/skirts?

Shoe update- the Merrels are on their way to me. I even tried my low heeled ankle boots for walking. They didn't give me as much back pain as the sneakers, but I was twisting my ankle a bit on the uneven ground.

Toban

Veteran

I quite like Athleta’s plush supersonic tights for cold weather activities. Very warm. This color reminds me of you (I have it in a burgundy/orange color block from last year):

https://athleta.gap.com/browse.....ge-content

Anonymous

Will probably get some of those when it gets colder. I have lighter weight leggings that color and love them!

Gap Lightning Stash Pocket 7/8 Tight

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