If I had a cold weather uniform.... - YouLookFab Forum

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If I had a cold weather uniform....

Staysfit

Veteran

It would clearly be a turtleneck, modern jeans and statement shoes or boots. For color I would use my glasses, statement jewelry, or a scarf. More specifically, I would wear a grey turtleneck.....I have 15 of them! I have other colors and styles as well, but grey is the mainstay.

If I needed a topper I would add a blazer or leather jacket. 10 of my blazers fit over my lighter weight turtlenecks. The same is true for 4 of my leather jackets. I would have enough to get by for the entire season and never touch anything else in my closet!

I would obviously miss the variety of my other favorite silhouettes, but this is the clear winner among what I currently own.

How about you? Do you have a potential uniform?

General

30 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

RobinF

Veteran

I guess I kind of do have a uniform - jeans, top (usually where I get color), boots or booties, cardigan. I'm pretty predictable

nemosmom

Veteran

After tracking wears, it seems I do! Jeans, solid-color pullover in various weights (depending on temperature), scarf (my only pattern), bootie or hi-top sneaker. I rely on toppers and scarves for interest and variety (maybe that explains why I struggle with outfit creation in summer). My base outfit is quite plain and boring.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

Yep! Long blazer or long cardi, collared shirt, jeans, ankle boots or sneakers, plus outerwear.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can see you rock the look, Staysfit! I hereby crown you Queen Grey Turtleneck! Lovely with your silver hair.

I don't have a uniform because I like the variety. I do love to wear trendy pants though, and wear them maybe more frequently than jeans.

Jane

Veteran

Flat boots, with a coat that is over my knees, fingerless mittens, scarf, big earrings. Your collection of grey turtlenecks sounds great and very useful.

Anonymous

A grey turtleneck is so chic. Great uniform.

Assuming we're not talking about around-the-house, my uniform is pretty much what I have on right now that will carry me through the day: a loose-fitting mid-weight knit top of some kind, a chunky longer cardigan with some colour or other interest, and boots or sneakers. If it's chilly enough, I'll add in a scarf. I'd like to add in a hat of some kind that's not a tuque and am half-looking for a great fedora that's not outrageously priced. I have one, but it's not a great colour for me and I'd love something dark and dramatic. Plus a mask is now part of our daily wear here in MB.

JAileen

Veteran

We can be fashion cousins. I’m sure I don’t have 15 grey turtlenecks, but I have several, and love them.

My winter uniform is jeans, charcoal long sleeve tee, boots. I add other layers as necessary: coat, vest, scarf, etc. The tee is perfect for wearing around the house, but then can be dressed up/camouflaged with accessories. I like to get dressed in the morning and not have to change everything to go out. The past few years I’ve added pink, and have quite a few pink options, too.

kellygirl

Veteran

I love turtlenecks on others. They look so modern to my eye--probably because I can't wear them. For me, it would be jeans and a v-neck merino sweater with scarf and boots. That's pretty much all I wear in winter.

Anonymous

Haven't even tried a turtleneck in years, but on me even a crew seems too high with sleeves/ topper/pants.

Mine would be the non earth shattering combo of ponte pants, tunic blouse, maxi cardi and low heeled boots or booties. And mask of course :/

Astrid

Veteran

Slim or skinny jeans and wool pullovers (love them slightly oversized and with a crew or boat neck) with boots. If it’s really cold I layer long merino underwear under. It’s just the most practical and I’ve embraced the look. I like to wear wool cardigans with tees or blouses too, especially in spring and fall, but for cold weather I definitely prefer pullovers.

Roxanna

Veteran

Well fitted tailored pants, cashmere or merino pullover, and a leather moto or sharp blazer. Sometimes a shawl or scarf for extra warmth. works all winter long

slim cat

Veteran

Tee, jeans/cords, cardigan or v-neck sweater, sneakers, parka/puffer, scarf and gloves. Trapper hat, cashmere sweater and probably vest on the colder days.
Jackets when I'll need to wear them for work ( fits just under one of puffers ).

Joy

Veteran

My winter uniform used to be a sweater maybe over a turtleneck, jeans and flat booties, but most jeans will not work now, so the new outfits are unknown. I may be wearing the heck out of sweater dresses this winter until I find a warm jean replacement with an elastic waist... not sweat pants or corduroy. I may be searching out Ponte knits.

Cee

Veteran

Turtleneck or poloneck lover chiming in as well I've retired three this year due to wear and tear and out of the twenty or so remaining, I have five in grey. One in charcoal from H&M, two in marle grey from Woolovers and two light grey skivvies from Lands End.

Milder winter this year, so there wasn't too much need to rug up, but I'd say my winter uniform for 2020 ( Boo this year ! ) was a lightweight turtleneck under a heavier jumper ( crew or V-neck ), jeans and boots with a black jacket depending on the temperature.

Gail

Veteran

My uniform is is a cosy soft sweater over some kind of jeans with booties or tall boots. If warm enough for no coat I'll wear some kind of poncho or wrap also.

Staysfit

Veteran

I would like to respond individually to everyone, but will will need to come back to that as I am unexpectedly short on time. I can see that many have some sort of uniform or favored formula for their style. I have repeatedly stated that I enjoy variety, but maybe that is not true....some may recall several years ago when I had 12+ of the exact style Jean in my wardrobe Nevertheless, I am somehow truly surprised by the large number of grey turtlenecks I own. I had delusional thoughts that my closet held a wider variety of colors. I have 3-4 in solid non-grey, non-neutral colors and a few patterned mock necks. I have previously thought of myself as colorful, but when I honestly look in my closet I see an increasing sea of neutrals......mostly charcoal, mid tone grey, dove and silver-ish shades. The other neutrals growing dominant in my closet are navy, and a particular shade of dark espresso brown (which is almost a grayish brown).... I find these neutral shades look very elegant, and at least right now cannot imagine losing interest in them, or feeling blah, bored or sad when wearing them. My collection of turtlenecks, while uniform in their color, is not at all uniform in style, many of them are statement pieces. They have interesting zippers, beading, asymmetrical features, epaulettes, ribbing, unusual stitch patterns or cables, sleeve shapes, etc.

I have already tried to wear my newly discovered potential “uniform” a few of the cooler days last week. I felt cozy, comfortable, polished, professional and sophisticated....It felt right. I think this “uniform” embodies my style statement perfectly.... Genuine Composed. I am not going to wear my uniform every day, but I do plan to wear it at least 2-3 days per week. I have another outfit formula that seems to be a close second, that I plan to use 1-2 days per week. The other days are wild card days. My plan still allows for my emotional choices, but contains them a bit.

I am curious how others feel when they wear their “uniform”.

Bijou

Veteran

My uniform is dress and boots with a topper of either a coat or jacket/blazer. If I want to be a bit more dressed up, I swap the boots for pumps.

I always feel most me in this ensemble. I wear pants and jeans for practicality but a good dress is definitely what I consider to be my comfort zone. I had to wear a very formal school uniform all through my schooling, so I have wondered if this has impacted my choices.

Liesbeth

Veteran

Insofar that I have a uniform, it changes throughout the years. Right now for my wfh lifestyle I'm most drawn to tapered pants, flat booties, a button up or lightweight turtleneck with a pullover sweater layered over. It is definitely an emotional thing where I think I feel like 'baseline' me (but put together) when I wear a variation on my uniform. I like silhouette variety though, and wear dresses, cardigans, skirts and the likes too, often because I feel like it (skirts, dresses when I want to dress up a bit or feel more feminine) or for practical reasons (cardigans).

Mainelady

Veteran

In the past, my uniform would be a turtleneck , skinny colored jeans or pants, boots and booties. My toppers would be a mix of long cardis, dusters or blazers. In the winter a topper is almost an essential category for me.
I am not yet sure how this year’s winter work uniform will look. From the more casual vibe to teaching more outdoors, I think jeans will take on a bigger role. I am guessing that the long toppers will still be my favorites for the classroom, but that I might prefer a blazer or vest layered under my outerwear. A long duster dragging on the ground while I sit on my bucket is just not going to work.

Minaminu

Veteran

at home, my uniform tends to be a breton top, leggings and a cardigan. I can see the appeal of a grey turtleneck as I have one and it's a workhorse!

During the cold season, I usually wear a jumper and pair of jeans with some flat boots - officewear would have been a silk blouse, wool trousers and either ballerina or pumps, blazers are not needed as it was not a very formal.
Here in the UK, interviews are still done digitally and my go to outfit is a cream cashmere jumper and navy blazer (leggings underneath as they don't see it!).

Staysfit

Veteran

Mainelady, I am happy that your schools have set up outdoor classrooms despite the inconveniences. I know it gets cold and snowy in Maine similar to here in CNY. I am curious what will happen as the weather gets colder.... I cringed as I thought about the bottom of your long sweater dragging on the ground when you sit. This is definitely a time when flexibility and creativity come into play with every aspect of our lives! Since my job usually requires that I travel between 3 main buildings and 10-12 satellite classrooms in our 23 component districts and one classroom in a local community college, I have been working remotely from my home office. I do not want to be the vector that carries viral infection between buildings. I am happy with my decision despite the inconveniences of not having direct contact with my patients and co-workers. Technology failure has been one of the bigger problems...but everyone has been patient and gracious as we do our best to make things work. The parents of my patients seem to prefer the online format. They can participate in appointments and skip the travel, which can vary from 15 to 90 minutes one way depending where they live. Another bonus is that I can wear whatever I want from my closet...my newly discovered “uniform” being the most obvious of these formulas. The items I wear least are my coats....including my new trenches....

As a side bar, for anyone who might be curious, I am impressed with how well our schools are running. In one month of operation, 7 of 23 districts that contribute to our special education programs have had one building where someone tested positive. That may sound like a lot, but each district has multiple elementary, middle and sometimes two or more high schools. One building had 7 positives, the others had no more than two and most have had none. The procedure for cleaning, contact tracing, quarantine and closing either classrooms or entire buildings has prevented secondary spread. The process for managing students who develop the inevitable non-Covid 19 viral illness or physical symptoms associated with infection has also gone fairly well. It’s definitely an added burden for parents, but the safety and success for the schools and community has been very good. (Obviously zero infections would be best). The students in our program are wearing their masks and following the social distancing rules despite their disabilities. Sadly, the people who have tested positive so far were school staff/teachers who did not follow safe practices outside of work, and transmitted their infections to their family members and into their building. Our program had to temporarily shut down transport of half day students moving between their home district and our buildings but only for ten days. The students effected were mostly in high school career education. Obviously the process is not perfect, but it has so far provided safety for most involved, and the majority of our local children are in school learning.

Joy

Veteran

Mainelady, I have been wondering how things were going in an outdoor classroom. Una, who used to be an active member here and lived in Alaska, had a puffer skirt. I think I have seen them at REI. Snow pants is another idea. My dad liked a leather cap with furry ear flaps. I am still not sure what my winter uniform will be without jeans. I dislike fleece and polyester because of the micro fibers it leaves in the environment
. Corduroy tends to bag out and looks sloppy quickly. I think heavy cotton pull on Ponte pants are my best bet with wool tops, maybe layered.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You wear a grey turtleneck with the best! It's a fab standard for you.

I love greys and silvers also -- with silver hair, grey is a wonderful neutral.

My cold weather uniform is jeans of some kind (I prefer an up-to-date cut, whatever that happens to be), a merino or cashmere pullover in one of my key neutrals of colours, a colourful scarf, a puffer coat, sneaker booties or boots. It doesn't vary by a whole lot!

I love colour, but my closet is full of neutrals. Grey and silver and navy predominate, as well as white. I don't tire of these, especially in combination. But I do need infusions of colour also -- usually in one piece - e.g. a scarf, a top, a topper.

Staysfit

Veteran

Joy, I remember Una’s puffer skirt. It would be a fun cold weather wardrobe item for teaching in a tent in cold weather......

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have just finished my winter recently. Uniform is slim pants, flat boots, top with something interesting about it, and soft topper either soft jacket or long cardigan. The topper usually comes off while actually consulting as my room has a heat pump.
I wear similar on my days off but the pants may be jeans if not at work. I am happy and comfortable in my outfits.

Helena

Veteran

Your uniform sounds chic, simple and practical - right up my alley!

My uniform is similar - straight or slim jeans (skinnies are packed away for the moment), fine-knit sweater in a solid colour, layered necklaces and/or hoops earrings, and either black sneakers or booties depending on the weather. Not much interest here but that's how I roll - I'm happiest in simple!!!

The Cat

Veteran

Well, I like variety, but if I had a cold weather uniform for work, it would be: Midi skirt; turtleneck; long cardigan; opaque hosiery; loafers or chic boots; bold glasses; scarf or necklace. My neutrals would be white, silver, charcoal and black. And I would always include at least one non-neutral, preferably bluered, deep purple, cobalt blue or emerald green.

Staysfit

Veteran

Jenni NZ, I well understand the need to compensate for temperature with layers! It’s nice that your formula is easily adapted between work and leisure time by simply changing to jeans.

The Cat, your formula is consistent with the elegance I associate with your style.

Toronto girl, I agree that your look is chic and practical. I wish there was a better word to use than simple, and perhaps there is one but it escapes me this early in the morning! So much careful thought is put into making a simple, stylish look. The first word that came to me is “easy” but that is definitely wrong. Maybe adding a qualifier works better........”deceptively simple”?

Suz, I think you have become an expert at finding colorful statement pieces to add interest to your base outfit formula, One neutral that you rock with your silver hair is white. As you may recall, I avoid both white and black as neutrals in my wardrobe.

Joy, one of my style goals this year has been to purchase more sustainable clothing items. I appreciate that microfiber and fleece is problematical. Most of my wardrobe is made of natural fibers but my exercise gear is not. I need to learn more. Most of my gear is from Athleta and I believe they are working towards being eco-friendly. I think that means they use recycled material in their clothing but I’m not sure about the fibers. I have never used any facial/body scrubs with micro beads which has also been an environmental concern.

Minaminu, I think it’s brave of you to dress only your top half for video interviews. Sometimes I have to get up and walk around the room I am in during my video sessions and I forget to shut off my camera! I don’t want to risk being caught on camera in my leggings, joggers, or pajama bottoms!

Mary

I love light weight turtlenecks.

can you share some good brands?They are hard to find!

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