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Dressing

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

I need a style breakthrough!

Catnip

Veteran

I recently purchased a beautiful cashmere sweater on sale at Brooks Brothers. The light has been so bad here for the past several weeks that I've had a hard time taking pictures. Nevertheless, I'm posting the best ones I have of the sweater because they illustrate my problem.

All of my clothes look alike! I always wear the same thing! No, not literally the same items, but exactly the same type of items. I always wear jeans or some type of slim pants, a sweater and a scarf, necklace, or both. I just realized that all the pictures I've posted look alike. I suppose that's my uniform.

It's not that I don't like my clothes, but joining YLF has made me realize that I need variety. I feel stuck and don't know what to do. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you get past it?

In the first two pictures, I'm wearing Chico's jeans, Munro ankle boots and the new sweater. Both scarves are quite old. I bought the silk one in Paris at least 20 years ago. Pictures 3 and 4 are intended to show more detail. The bonus pictures at the end were taken from my bedroom window this afternoon during yet another snow storm.

Any comments or suggestions will be much appreciated.

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Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from jen

kellygirl

Veteran

You have a uniform that works! I think the silhouette is very flattering. If you want to change things up, why not try a different bottom either in color or cut. You could wear a slim cream pant or perhaps a boot cut for variety. If the weather cooperates, perhaps even a pencil skirt with boots. Another idea is to consider a third piece like a vest or blazer. I like tall/mid calf boots and those are another way to change up an outfit. Just a few ideas. Sorry to ramble.

SW Ann

Veteran

How about starting a collection of photos of what you like on others--here from YLFers or from catalogs or magazines. Also, I sometimes just go try things on --purposely staying away from my "tried and true" just to see how different things might look or feel..

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like the colors, but you need to update how you wear your scarves.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think if you have a style that works for you, then I'd stick with it - I wear basically the same thing (fit and flare in separates or as a dress) every day. I know that works for me and when I'm in a hurry, it's the thing that I grab.

That being said, if you are thinking of some new suggestions, Kelly gave you some great suggestions already.

I have a similar scene outside my window and a dress/skirt with tights and boots is great for navigating this snowy weather, especially if you have a longer coat to wear.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, the snow, the snow -- it's been crazy this year, hasn't it?

Love to see from your bedroom window like that.

I have been feeling something similar lately, so I don't have much valuable advice to give. In my case, this happens in part because I am working at home and it's the most comfortable option for me. But it gets dull. I'm still working out what I actually mean by that, and what I might do about it.

I think it's a great idea to pin some photos of silhouettes and styles that speak to you on a deep level. You clearly understand colour and what flatters you -- now you want to go one step further and figure out how to make your style distinctive and personal.

Have you done Angie's "five adjectives to describe your style" exercise? Or tried to come up with a "style statement" or a rubric? Here's a post to get you started.

It's quite an adventure once you get going.

catgirl

Veteran

Maybe adding pattern? A change in hemlines? Asymmetric hemlines really help add interest to my uniform. I am very much a two piece dresser - pants and sweater, skirt and sweater, MAYBE bottom with blouse and jacket. So I really seek items with built in interest when I can.

Gigi

Veteran

I like SW Ann's idea of gathering pics of outfits that you like and also of just trying on different things in the fitting room.

Do you have some personality traits that you'd like to bring out? If you're a gentle person, maybe something soft and feminine would work; Victoria's Secret has some stuff like that (they don't just have sexy bombshell things!). Or if you're a take-charge person, maybe some dramatic colors or angular patterns would bring out that facet of your personality; Nordstrom carries some designers whose clothes would meet that description. And so on.

I used to be in a style rut before joining YLF. I just did a lot of looking online at fashion sites and started noticing different kinds of looks that appealed to me and expressed some facet of my personality. I would then look for clothes that seemed to express that facet. After a while in this new "style personality," I would feel myself shift again and be drawn to a different type of outfit. So the styles keep shifting on me. I've been doing a lot of shopping, lol! I still haven't pinned a single style down as "mine"...I think this is some kind of emotional therapy or something, and I haven't gotten to the end yet!

Catnip

Veteran

Kellygirl, I've been thinking of trying bootcuts, as you suggested. I'll go shopping for some if it ever stops snowing.

SW Ann, I have started the photo collection. Thanks for the suggestion.

Annagybe, you are so right about updating the way I wear my scarves. I've been wearing them like this for way too long.

Lyn*, I'm so glad you like the way I dress now. It feels comfortable, just a little too much of the same thing all the time.

Suz, I know you're right about collecting photos. I'm also going to look into Angie's exercise. Somehow I have missed it, so this suggestion is really helpful.

Alaskagirl, why didn't I think of pattern? Good idea.

Gigi, I never thought of considering personality traits that I might like to bring out.

Thanks so much everyone. I have a lot of work to do, but lots of good suggestions.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am sorry I cannot focus on your clothes after seeing the scene from your bedroom. I used to work in that neighborhood. I love New York!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Here's another post that might be useful.

And along the left hand margin you'll see links to more in a similar vein.

And once you've done some of these exercises, please let us know what you figure out! It will be fun to share the journey.

I do think beautiful colour will play a key role in your style evolution, whatever direction it goes, because you're clearly very sensitive to that and aware of what colours suit you and make you feel happy. And you are problem some type of modern classic dresser. But the question is, how will those descriptors become modified and refined?

Catnip

Veteran

Shevia, if you're ever in NYC, please look me up. We'll have lunch in the neighborhood.

Catnip

Veteran

Suz, thanks again. I am going to review all the posts. I'm relieved to learn you think I have some understanding of color because it is very important to me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ack. Silly typo. PROBABLY some type of modern classic....not "problem" some type! Sorry!

Catnip

Veteran

Suz, don't feel bad about this. No matter how carefully I proofread, I seem to make a lot of typos on this forum.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237776055300179896/

Adelfa

Veteran

I want to second the idea of toppers. Perhaps a tee or a finer gauge sweater, then a blazer, utility jacket, leather jacket, etc.

Catnip

Veteran

Thanks, annagybe. This looks great, but some of my scarves may not be long enough. Gosh, I might have to buy some new scarves. In any case, I'm sure some of them are long enough, and I'm going to give this a try.

Catnip

Veteran

Adelfa, thanks for the suggestion. You wouldn't believe how much trouble I have with toppers. They almost never fit. In the winter I wear a heavy coat and don't like to wear a topper under the coat... too much bulk. And in the summer it's too hot for anything extra. But I've been aware for some time that I need to find some blazers or other jackets for spring and fall.

Beth Ann

Veteran

A uniform that works is a terrific thing! What about working toward developing 2 or 3 additional "uniforms" for variety? Perhaps begining with wide leg trousers or a skirt? A formula that works for me is a sleeveless woven top, a ponte jacket, or one with stretch, and a pair of trousers. I've loved my cobalt and white denim -- perhaps a pair of colored pants would mix it up for you.

Catnip

Veteran

Beth Ann, thanks so much. I am seriously considering boot leg jeans or maybe even wide leg pants (but not too wide). Navy pants would be wonderful if I could ever find any that fit. I agree with you that finding some additional uniforms would be very useful.

Adelfa

Veteran

Beth Ann's point about the stretch is very important for those of us who have trouble with toppers fitting! The Gap Academy blazer is stretchy. Denim can have stretch. Leather or faux leather toppers can have stretchy fabric insets. Also, toppers don't have to be able to close--they just have to fall nicely when open (I followed this rule for years then felt affirmed when Angie said it)!

Angie buys her coats big enough to accommodate toppers. If you don't want to do this how about vests as toppers? The come in many fun fabrications.

You're getting lots of great ideas, I'm just trying to add some to the mix. You have lots of options!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I wear almost the same uniform. It looks good and is comfortable. One way I'm trying to change it is by wearing more patterns and changing out black bottoms for dark blue. It's a start.

LoveSarahDub

(website)

For starters, I think you look great! And I think there's nothing wrong with having multiple versions of pieces that work for you! I for one have many many scarfs, multiple moto jackets, plenty of dolman style tops, and my fair share of black boots.

I have personal belief that if it works for you, use it! So if that means having multiple versions of the same basic design, do it! You look awesome!

shiny

Veteran

Have you considered branching out to sweater dresses? Since you like sweaters already? They can be cozy and comfortable -- and warm if you layer and pair with tall boots. I see you like RL - start there. They have some lovely sweater dresses that fit just right, not too clingy.

I was never a dress person until YLF got me into sweater dresses. What a nice change of place from the usual winter uniform. From there, I branched out to other dresses and last year I wore a dress probably 80% of the days. I used to view dresses as too "dressy" but in actuality they are very easy and a no-brainer to style. Now I'm wandering back again to pants & jeans to mix things up. I am about 50/50 these days.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Catnip, you've received lots of great suggestions here. I'm chiming in to compliment you on the fit of your jeans and pullover in #1. You did a killer job, and I am impressed. Thoroughly modern and current.

The Winter blues might be getting to you too. Also, how about we delve into your jacket challenge. How about an additional pair of specs?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh yes. And say hi to the Upper West Side for me. We know it quite well. Nice area. xo

Catnip

Veteran

Angie, thank you so much for the compliment. I'm thrilled! I'm going to try to overcome my jacket problems (Adelfa has already given me some good ideas), and I'm planning to get new specs sometime soon.

Columbine, more patterns and more dark blue bottoms are both terrific ideas.

LoveSarahDub, thanks for the encouragement and compliments.

Shiny, I gave up on dresses years ago because I had so many spider veins on my legs. I've had most of them removed, so it's time to try dresses again. Thanks for the suggestion.

rachylou

Veteran

Interesting, Catnip! *How to update?*

It occurs to me that you've got a very preppy look going on there: scarf, crewneck, string of pearls. Are you happy with that? I mean, as trends go, preppy is gone...

...But as a way of life, à la ma famille, it lives forever. I'm now thinking of my cousin who's the most stylish prep. I'm not quite sure how she does it. She does wear her scarves differently now - no tails. Her pearls are different. Bigger, more choker like, decorative clasp as the focal point of the necklace. I'm thinking she wears pearls less too. The sweaters are the same, but perhaps a little less fitted, more slouchy. Pants are a little slouchier with the more fitted sweaters. Lots of layering on the sweaters (or under, more properly speaking) these days. Often a collared shirt AND a turtleneck (maybe too warm for a lot of people though). Maybe slightly avant-garde loafers...

Sarah A

Veteran

I think you have gotten tons of great suggestions and I cant wait to see which ideas you decide to try first. I find that trying some of my square scarves bandana style with the points kind of off to the side to make an asymetric line is a fun easy way to freshen up the look. Don't discount wearing sweater dresses OVER slim pants... warmer in the cold and no veins. Love the colors you have in your wardrobe too

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