Gryffin, thanks for adding your experience and wisdom! Yes, it's so funny -- we are near body doubles in some ways but I think your longer slimmer legs (proportionately) make the difference for what suits on the bottom half (and then also the top half, just by association.) Though I have always ADORED long over short, ever since the 80s, and would love to wear it! So I'm always looking for solutions to my little dilemma. Though that does not explain the jeggings/ vs. leggings preferences...I think it is the added structure of jeggings that I prefer, now that I think of it. They don't feel as exposing. A skirt would help with that.

I wonder if I should try this skirted legging thing in a less expensive version first to see if I enjoy wearing it? I could always look at the better athletic versions. Hmmm.....

retailgirl, good to know there are options. And interesting that they worked for you.

Jem, you are so right. My mother wears the gel nails. I guess it is a "splurge" for me -- and my style is more bare nails. But I could still do it for fun at least once and see how it feels, right? Right. That is what "giving oneself permission" is all about.

Angie, I always loved that outfit. Clearly I need to get me some plaid flannel shirts, pronto!

And scarves, yes, scarves. I DO still wear them indoors with my lower collared sweaters...Firecracker and I are sisters in this, and both feel similar about it, although the scarf thing works better for her eclectic style. There I am, trying to simplify, and still always adding that extra piece. Now, don't get me wrong -- I do enjoy the pattern, colour, and often the texture of a scarf. But I get tired of making my outfits depend on them.

Good suggestion to take another look at Roots, Lisa. They do have some terrific quality stuff.

Suja, I am definitely going to take a peek at Zella. Can you remind me how tall you are? If you are taller than me, the skirt might work for my height.

And what are "bootie slippers?" You have me completely intrigued and I think this may be an excellent idea.

I have trouble layering dresses over leggings and pants -- it always feels bunchy to me. But maybe if I had a shift dress it would work better. I love the idea of some suede or leather pants or some with insets. Thank you!

Diane, you absolutely deserve to buy nice statement items for at home. We will support each other in doing that!

Jackie, I see some plaid flannel shirts in our future.

I am puzzled by your aversion to leggings. You are clearly in great shape and there is no reason you can't wear them. You mentioned feeling exposed in leggings - but one would wear only tops and tunics and sweaters that are bum covering, right? I don't think anyone ventures forth outside of the gym without the top covering one's personal bits:) I cannot even imagine a world without leggings - in fact, i'm wearing one of two new pair I picked up the other day. These are heathered grey , lovely soft stretchy thick knit, and I'm wearing it with a long tunic-like Nike sweatshirt (totally covers front and back and then some ) . The Roots ones I mentioned wearing under the minidress are more the traditional gym lycra (but not that tight at all - never!) thicker but silky hand leggings with a nice wide waistband. They are such a staple for me, and if I can wear them and not look nor feel bulky (and trust me, I get it) , you of all women wouldn't either. I've got to be a good 20 lbs heavier than you and it works for me.

Suz - just one more thought. I know we both have the gap funnel neck gray sweater. I don't like it on me with regular leggings. It's too short. Anything less than 33" does not fly with regular leggings. But I adore that sweater for me with the skirted leggings because it adds those couple of inches. I wonder if it's the length of the tunic that's throwing you. Just a thought. With jeggings, I generally want to still wear a tunic and you get the zipper bump, also it's just easier to get leggings perfectly flat and comfy in boots. I always get knee bunch with jeggings or too much extra fabric at the ankles. Kudos for being able to make that work!!

Ah Suz I share your aversion to leggings! Can't put my finger on it, and I practically live in my 3 colours of AE jegging jeans. It's just that they are pretty much just stretchy jeans with quite a bit of heft.

I am compelled to hit the malls to try on some plaid shirts in person. Angie's orders (or so I will tell DH)

Lisa, I think it is partly because my legs are on the short side. And my thighs are the biggest part of me. So it's difficult for me to find tunics that hit me in a flattering place. It may also be related to having a small bust, although I think gryffin is also on the small-up-top side and she manages this.

I only own ONE true tunic top that I like. I tried pretty hard this year to buy some longer tunic blouses but they were so oversized elsewhere that they pretty much overwhelm me unless I semi-tuck. Which sort of defeats the purpose. I also own two longer sweaters, oversized...but they feel too short and exposing to me, even though, technically, they cover the lady bits. They are fine with the jeggings (that zipper, you know) but not with the plain stretchy front legging.

So...yeah...ultimately it has to do with proportions, and my not getting them right somehow with leggings and tunics. And feeling SQUAT in leggings, somehow. Again, the long tops increase that perception for me. Because they visually shorten my already short legs unless everything is monochrome.

I loved reading your analysis, Suz, and agree that a mix of essentials and statement pieces is the way to go. So many excellent suggestions from the other ladies too. (and I'm still super excited about the streak in your hair idea, do keep us posted).

This is what first came to mind when I started reading your thoughts (and some of the below has already been mentioned by others):

- Light and bright colours (both tops and bottoms)
- Shine
- Patterns and texture
- Tops and tunics with asymmetric details
- Interesting (long) vest
- Patterned jeans/different silhouette denim/coated denim?
- A few extra pairs of fun sweatpants/track pants
- How about a sweater dress? I hear you about the layering, but I suddenly started thinking about a ponte knit sweater dress and leggings combo I bought years ago. They were a beautiful blue, very substantial ponte. The leggings had a seam which made them interesting and a little more dressy. The just-above-the-knee dress had pockets and a great boatneck colour. So comfortable, interesting and stylish. I wore this combo until the clothes practically fell apart, and then was sad to have to say goodbye.
- Interesting skinny pants (bright colour and/or interesting design details) to tuck into knee-high boots or to wear with booties

Gryffin, you are so right. Yes, that sweater is JUST too short for leggings. (I actually had to give it up because it was too scratchy for me, but now I have two other sweaters a similar length -- too short!)

33" -- I see. Well....I will need to do some thinking and measuring. As I said to Lisa, I really only have one sweater that is a real tunic.

I am not sure why I don't get too much knee bunching with the jeggings and boots. I do get it with skinnies -- but I guess it is just a question of picking the fabrication, or it could be because my legs are heftier so they are more stretched out, as it were -- snugger all along the leg, probably? And the one tunic I own is very loose at the waist so I don't notice a bump at the waist from the jeans. Hmmm....

Jackie, you share my feelings? Yet you are tall and slender. This is becoming curiouser and curiouser!!

I have a leggings issue as well. I just don't feel dressed. I will wear them to sleep in though. The skirted leggings look fun though.

We finally have cool weather here, in the 50s. For the first time in years, I am dressing up more when at home. Wearing skinnies instead of distressed boyfriend jeans, woven shirts rather than tees and throw on cardigans. I do think you need to make a mental commitment and just do it. I always think of E as inspiration, who dresses up to stay inside yet looks comfortable.

The point about not feeling precious about clothes is key. I'm not there yet. I had a pashmina that hung unworn for years, I finally decided to wear it as a bed shawl and for lounging. My cat immediately put three snags in it, it's back on the shelf. The minute I commit something to my casual stay at home capsule, it can get damaged. I think I am an extreme example of this, living on a ranch with lots of unpaved spaces, a dry windy climate, lots of animals. The stickers (brambles?) outside attach themselves to knitwear and it snags.

ETA -- I love your list Inge!

Sweaters, part 1.

Hmm, I tend to feel nekkid when I wear leggings! Even with a decent length tunic. I have two pairs of thicker ponte knit leggings which are more like jeggings, and even then I wear thights under them. Leggings to me feel like glorified tights. Much too thin! It's definitely a fabrication thing for me. I love Inges outfit description of the ponte dress. I'd wear a jegging under that. Fab list too!

I'm chuckling at Sweetheart Inge with her ample and fun Finds suggestions. xo

YES, Denise. I don't feel *dressed* in leggings either. Same with t-shirts. I sleep in them so they don't feel right when I wear them as non-pjs. BUT. That said, I have lots of clients who enjoy wearing them like Suja and Gryffin do - especially leatherette leggings - and I fully support the outfit combinations.

Oh gosh I am loving this thread! Great sweaters Inge!

I love the point about wearing things and not keeping them "precious." I have a tendency to do so, and am trying to break out of it. Case in point, the other day I was wearing a vince pullover and jeans. I'd usually save the Vince pullover for "going out" but ended up vacuuming the entire house that day. Boy, I felt fab!

Suz - I just ordered that LLBean scotch plaid shirt in XS. Crossing my fingers for my first foray into plaid-shirt-land. Angie's orders.

I find it very very interesting how similar our tastes run. Could it be that we are somehow related? Similar tastes in leggings (none), drape (minimal), colours (taupes, berries, navy - I love your colours and somehow think many are the same for me), silhouettes, etc. The list goes on.

I may appear taller but proportionately I feel quite stocky. My legs are proportionately shorter. Can't put my finger on it. But we run strangely similar I do see

Hey, you are one of my style icons so I'm happy about that!!!!

alright, I have to get off the internet today and get something done, and stop adding useless thoughts about my own experiences here but......one last bit to throw out there: have you ever seen these two lines?
http://www.stellacarakasi.com

http://www.neonbuddha.net

Neon Buddha is Canadian too. Some of the stuff gets a little ALGO and artsy but there are always a couple of pieces in each collection that are really cool. I have a few pieces - all cotton, all wash and wear like no-body's business. Good colours too.

I've been a little obsessed with Stella C but have never actually seen in myself. I am always pretend- buying off of their website but have never pulled the trigger. Great knit pieces.

Ok, I'll stop now and go get some housework done.

Thanks Denise and Jackie:-)
LOL, Angie, I went "a little" crazy again:-)
And I hear you ladies who don't feel "dressed" in leggings, I am the same way, but those ponte knit leggings I wrote about above were the exception to the rule. So that's another example for me of never saying never. (also: it was a very casual ensemble, so I mostly wore it to work at home and for very casual outings).
Oh, and Jackie and Suz: I now have 2 of those L.L. Bean plaid shirts and couldn't be more happy with them. Fab drape, beautiful quality and super cozy.

OK, sweaters and sweatshirts (and 2 interesting cardis), part 2.

More sweaters, yep.
(p.s. I covet that Vince Intarsia Color Block Sweater)

A few shirts/blouses.

Oh my heavens, Inge -- now I am in shopping heaven!! Some of those Massimo Dutti and Karen Millen items were already in my own Finds...I just hadn't pulled the trigger. So it is very affirming to see you choose them, too! I am going to give them another look.

I have never ordered from Karen Millen -- Angie says she runs small I believe?

Lisa, I'm also going to check those options. The Stella C looks very interesting. And you're right -- when you are looking for "statement" a bit of "arty" may not go amiss.

I am fascinated -- we now have a growing list of women who don't feel dressed or flattered by leggings. And another long list of legging lovers! So fascinating. And Inge, who never says never and found the *one* magic pair that worked for her.

I have a feeling the skirted legging thing could work for me as a change up. But I'm not going to commit to the expensive EF version for now. I'll keep hunting for another.

Angie, I also don't wear tees very often. For years I didn't wear them at all except as layering pieces under something structured (i.e. a jacket) that I did not intend to take off. In the past few summers, I embraced linen 3/4 length sleeve tees and they worked for me, though typically I still layered over those. I also have two printed short sleeve tees for very hot, very casual days, and I did find them extremely useful and fun.

I know for me, the feeling about leggings really is partly to do with structure. This is all so fascinating and everyone is so unique.

Thank you so much for weighing in now, and I can see I have some fun shopping ahead of me. Not least, figuring out what "bootie slippers" are.

OH WOW!!! MORE!! Inge, you win the award for most amazing shopper in the world. Thank you so much!!

Okay, I am going to spend tomorrow in my sickbed following these leads.

ETA: and my LL Bean shirt is backordered, but I've pulled the trigger. Got some slippers, too.

Suz, Karen Millen runs very small. Run things by me first before you order. And I'm glad you've found a way for tees to work for you. xo

It's my pleasure, Suz (and I'm not done yet;-) and high fiving you, we often do have very similar taste!
Window shopping from your bed, I like the sound of that:-)
And yes, Karen Millen does run small. Often lots of fab stuff.
Yay for the plaid shirt, I'm holding thumbs that the fit will be perfect. Which slippers did you get?

ETA: about those leggings: I did only wear them in combination with the long ponte knit dress, so that definitely helped to feel less exposed.

Moving on to trousers:

Sweatpants & track pants. I'm intrigued by those two pairs of fleece pants at Zara. I wonder how warm they are.

This is a GREAT thread, Suz. It's already sparked a couple of "ah, that's why X languishes in my closet instead of kicking things up a notch..."

What I've learned:
My "at home" outfits have to be practical and comfortable to be worn. Scarves, jewelry, polished nails, styled hair, too many layers, or anything I deem "fussy" just won't be in regular rotation. Easy to launder also scores points, as do fabrics that feel good next to my skin.

Color and pattern are statements to me, BUT they can be tricky. I have a bit of a love/hate relation with patterns, other than stripes, and, while adding a jolt of color often sounds good in theory, in practice, it doesn't always work. I need to be careful to make sure that a pattern or color has a high happiness factor for me before considering it as a statement.

Silhouette, drape, cut, and design are safer bets for my statement pieces. I adore interesting cuts, fabrics, and shapes--and, more importantly, wear them easily. To me, they provide the built-in drama that I covet. That's why a tweedy grey wool sweatpants and a pair of ponte/leather skinnies are my new favorites this fall. They seem to go with all my slouchy tops and boots without being fussy or demanding. My plaid Zara shirt was an impulse buy, but I fell for the grey and berry colors, oversized chest pockets, slouchy style, and cosy fabric, easy wash and wear. Lots of checked boxes at a super price!

And, finally, my biggest AH/HA is that adding Statements to one's wardrobe has to be a very personal thing. It's easier to share our Essentials as in "Here's a great navy cashmere sweater" or "If you are looking for a slouchy jean for an IT, you might want to try X". Statements, however, are trickier because they are much more revealing of our personal likes and dislikes, lifestyles, and instinctive reactions. Statements add excitement, but everyone has different ways and ideas of making that happen--which maybe is what leads to that elusive personal style we are all hankering for?
Anyway, this has been a great thread!

This is the last one, promise:-)

Fun jeans, some more trousers, and a fab Club Monaco cardigan.

My word, Inge, you are killing it today! I LOVE it! Thanks for all of the fab fab finds! This thread is like a little Saturday present So fun!

Suz - I bought a Karen Millen raincoat in London three years ago and I believe it's a size 10. I am pretty consistently a 10, maybe an 8 in European sizing. Not sure if that helps. Sounds like Angie can help you out.

I am also in love with so many Karen Millen pieces. Lusting after these boots that Angie showed me, which again strikes a chord for me about often having shoes/boots as the statement item. Again, I digress.

Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this thread. I keep forgetting to log off YLF as I go about my day, so every time I pass by my computer here we go again

Gaylene nailed it:

" Statements, however, are trickier because they are much more revealing of our personal likes and dislikes, lifestyles, and instinctive reactions. Statements add excitement, but everyone has different ways and ideas of making that happen--which maybe is what leads to that elusive personal style we are all hankering for?"

Just when I/one thinks they must be behind the times, or deluded (more likely for me- lol) in liking scarves, or really liking leggings, that reminded me that those are MY statement pieces, or ways that I make a look MINE . Personal and statement not being the same thing, but they share the idea of uniqueness. btw - I changed to a great buffalo plaid shirt (try Joe Fresh , Suz, they have tons right now for $20 !) and new black leggings that I'll wear with adidas stan smiths, and a big black cardigan (almost to the knees, so I use it to wrap and cover ) to DD's ultimate game tonite:) That's MY look, and I like it!

My pleasure, Jackie:-) I had a ball looking for these items (and am now tempted by quite a lot of them myself, sigh;-)
Love those booties for you, by the way.

Lisa - I love your look too!-)

This is a really interesting discussion! I wanted to read through it all before I responded, and now I can't think of what I wanted to add.
There are two things I'd like to add to my wardrobe: the skirted legging and the asymmetrical zip front Karen Millen cardigan! But I'd want the cardigan in a different color, so I'll have to keep the style in mind for sewing.
Oh, I remember: I wanted to suggest that you look at the pieces you bought in summer that turned your wardrobe into one that you really love, and try to duplicate the feel of them in the winter items you add. Recently I've found myself wanting to grab a linen cardigan that I made last spring/summer, for color and style--but it's not warm enough for the current season. So that tells me I could use a cardigan in a similar color and style, in a warmer fabric.

Suz, I don't know how much help I will be, but this has really got me thinking. You are such a lovely, well organized writer. Obviously you are a professional, but I can't say enough about how often I get turned off of a article or book because the author is just TERRIBLE at organizing their thoughts.

I know at this point I'm mimicking Angie, but COLOR, PATTERN, TEXTURE, SHINE! Knits with lurex, coated denim, interesting weaves in sweaters, patent and metallic belts, calf hair belts, draping, plaids, polka dots, graphic prints, knit jackets over slim turtlenecks, interesting cut blouses OVER knitwear. Bright color, rich color, monochromatic shade mixing, mixing dark neutrals--- outlandishly bright specs, "funking" up the hair, a collection of bright slippers. Mix up the silhouettes within reason, try track pants again--- so many fabrications! Show off your sporty side and go sporty-lux with gear crossover pieces mixed in. Consider a indoor sneaker! I can't wear polish to work, but if you can stand he stuff (or the new shellac stuff) it can be a really fun way to add non-jewelry interest and polish (no pun intended) to a look.

I wear bright specs and have a statement haircut and now highlight the front (dark hair, so fairly dramatic) -- the SO reffers to it as "stripey my pet name." I mixed up my shillouttes on the bottom this year and am loving that. I'm utilizing belts and semi-tucking for interest. I have a couple of statement tops for gallery openings (dramatic draping) and one patterned top. I love statement shoes, in great colors!

Otherwise, all of my work tops are essentials--- fairly basic, or maybe a few regulars, essentials with special details. During the week this works great most of the time because I have a fairly clean style and I layer all day everyday for functionality--- so at least 3/4 of the day the tops are worn with a jacket, and usually with statement shoes. When they aren't worn with a jacket, I'm either in the middle of something very active or dirty and am going for maximum practicality, or I am outside in the warmest part of the day with my bag as an additional accessory, and sometimes a hat and or sunglasses. I DO like scarves and would like to find a couple for work use.

That said, for the weekends when I will likely be at home or somewhere in just a top, it would be great to have a few warm tops that are higher interest--- even for work when I'm tired of my jackets.

During the transitional seasons, summer, and my casual style I need more statement pieces (much like your work from home style) because I often wear no shoes or less "statement-y" shoes and don't layer as much. Summer tops need more special details, patterns and colors because I wear fewer pieces and don't have to worry about too much going on with lots of statements AND layers.

Interesting thread....we don't have the same winter to deal with so I don't have all the same issues. I do think some of the frustration in the second half of the winter is with winter itself....wanting to move into the next season. Certainly here spring is a wonderful season, but such an unpredictable and frustrating one where you think you can pack away warm clothes and then have a week of chilly cold temperatures and high wind.

I love some of your ideas for boosting up the casual winter wardrobe...like many of you my oomph in winter clothing is normally boot or scarf related so when you are indoors outfits can look a little dull.

This thread has been fun to follow! But...I was having a hard time in my earlier thread narrowing down what I wanted to buy and this has just made it worse! It's actually a good thing that I don't do well in turtle necks or other high necks because then I'd really be even more lost!

It does suggest an intriguing shopping shortcut though...see what I like on other fabbers and just buy that! I think everyone should just immediately post their new purchases and I will go from there.