Help me forget.... - YouLookFab Forum

No, not an off-topic post election post!

In response to Angie's blog post about the "forgettable" outfit. I thought me might want to share tips that help make an outfit work so well that, while the wearer looks amazing, he/she is completely free from fussing over or worrying about clothing throughout even the busiest of days.

I won't be able to check back into until late tonight, but I'll start us off:

1. I always wear a belt, as long as there are belt loops in my trousers, it's the difference between a smooth silhouette and a muffin top and baggy bottom!

2. Most days, I wear a cami -- either nude or keyed to the color of my outfit. This protects me from cleavage (hey, I'm leaning over a guitar these days), and the odd slice of midriff skin, and gently smooths the silhouette, too. A slick fabric allows my tops and sweaters to drape even better, while a cozy fabric adds more warmth.

Now, to you: What tips do you have for creating the perfect "forgettable" outfits?

8 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

Let's see - assuming the outfit looks good - my criteria are:

1. Appropriate shoes (flats for days I'm on the move, heels for dressy events/day at the office, boots if it's cold, sandals if it's hot, etc.)

2. Nothing itchy or too constricting.

3. Jewelry - Nothing helps me feel more put together that some sort of jewelry. Without it, I'll feel like my outfit is missing something and it will bug me all day long.

4. Appropriate clothing for the temperature - I don't like being cold or hot.

Joy

Sara mentioned jewelry, but nothing that snags or hangs in your tea.
Comfortable underwear that fits well. There is nothing worse than straps that slip down or undies that ride up or curl on top.

Suz

(website)

Oooh. I'm with Joy about the undies. They must be comfy! And I'm with you about the cami, at least in the cooler months. That extra layer is also nicely insulating and allows me to wear blouses/ shirts some days instead of the ubiquitous knit top which is my FFB.

For me, because I'm outdoors walking so much, checking the weather forecast is absolutely key to the perfect "forgettable" outfit. If I know the weather and choose accordingly, I always fuss less and fret less.

Another key is try it on and take a photo first! Sometimes when I'm not sure what to wear I check back at photos of my try-ons for inspiration. I'll also look at Angie's ensembles again.

Beth Ann

Yes, Sarah! I've been known to paint the bathroom in earrings. I don't feel alert and alive without them!

Joy: I hear you! I swear by the vanishing edge panties by Soma. I wish I had a bra as comfortable..... I need to work on that!

Suz: I've been working on more light layers recently. I realized that I rarely have a need for a heavy coat, so layering a fleece under a lightweight puffer is my new go to. And.....remember when we had to catch the forecast on the nightly news for the weather? What would we do without our phones?

Anonymous

I guess it's pretty neurotic, but I won't leave the house until I've taken a photo of my outfit, front and back. I don't trust the mirror, and this helps me tweak the outfit if necessary. Then I can relax and get on with my life! It's amazing what a photo can pick up on that the mirror doesn't.

Ginger

I'm with Suz - always check the forecast! My area is statistically unpredictable, so it's possible to be seriously un-prepared if I don't check. But when I'm prepared, I'm happy and just go with it.

I'm finally in winter mode: My key is black tights (or leggings) with a nice high rise that will not slink down during hours of desk work. When they're good and comfortable and fit well, I don't give them a thought all day long.

peacechick

My favourite forgettable type of outfit is jeans with a well-draped tunic with a scoop neck that skims over problem areas and stops just below the bum. Goes with most of my toppers.

rachylou

Appropriate socks! They must stay up and must be warm enough!

unfrumped

Along with the basic comfort issues, if I am WARM ( meaning not cold!) I will be more relaxed and not thinking oh, I wish I had worn ( socks, warmer pants, a thermal undershirt)..
Also I will have to say, not TOO trendy.
If I am very snazzy I might have high outfit happiness but could also be more self- aware, and that is not same as forgettable.

lady

Active Member

I find a cami often keeps me feeling confident. Covers expansive cleavage and my lower back with all the stooping, kneeling crouching. Also a belt to keep my pants in place.

I'm an earring girl too. And I just realized a polished face helps a lot.
I went on a date night and had to rush to get ready, no time for my face. I didn't feel like I looked my best.

Xtabay: Excellent idea to check out the rearview, too. We can forget that our bodies are 3D!

Ginger: Tights that stay put are the holy grail of winter wear. I have one pair that do the job -- and 4 pairs that are not quite up to the task!

Peace: Sounds like a tried and true formula is a big part of your fuss-free dressing!

Rachy: But, the important question: Do your socks match?

UF: Unlike you, I run warm, but just like you, I like to be stylish, but not so trendy I draw too much attention. I think those sort of outfits invite a certain evaluation and critique, because people have to process whether they like the outfit or not.

Lady: We share several strategies! I, too, almost always wear a natural, but complete face. CC cream, concealer, simple eyeshadow, blush, eyelash curler, mascara, and a subtle lipstick. I can put it on in about 3 minutes.

Even more vital: do the shoes match? I've been known to go out on the last dog walk wearing two different fake Ugg booties!!!!

Gigi

I always like to make sure that I have tried the outfit on at home first to make sure that there are no problems. To this end, I like to have a variety of rises in jeans and pants available, because some tops are shorter than others and work better with a high-rise bottom. This helps me avoid exposing my midriff when I move around. I have more than once been grateful that I put an outfit through its paces at home (usually five minutes is all that's needed). I also always check the back view when I am trying on items that I'm considering for purchase.

I always make sure that the clothing I buy fits properly around the waist. If bottoms gape at the waist, I don't buy them. If tops have a lot of excess fabric in the waist, I don't buy them either, unless I'm prepared to wear them untucked. If my clothing doesn't fit right at the waist, I am fussing all day retucking.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

My undies must not only be comfy - but very pretty and fit exceptionally well. Lots of lacey bits. I have to feel desirable in my outfit from the inside out. The rest follows from there.

High five. I always wear a cami too.

Gigi: An outfit "test drive" is always wise, and yes, the rise and fit of the waist is hugely important to comfort, and also to the smooth silhouette I have to work harder for these days!

Angie: Thanks for reminding me that "comfort" is not merely physical. I feel like I'm choosing my undies more like "armor" to make sure everything is safe and secure. Pretty is important, too, as is feeling like I look like me. I wore olive pants, a navy, but muted paisley blouse, brown boots and a faded denim jacket yesterday. I think the outfit worked, but it was too boho and earthy for me, and I felt like I was wearing someone else's close. Switching out one thing: faded denim for navy moto jacket, for example, would have made the difference!

RobinF

Definitely comfortable bra and underwear are #1. I can't have anything tight, it has to lay nicely so I'm not always pulling it closed or whatever. And I agree, it has to feel "me".

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