My "Essentials" list - YouLookFab Forum

I've been inspired by Angie's and everyone's lists, even if I haven't commented, I've been reading them!

Here are some ideas on mine; I really am feeling so unsure of my wardrobe these days, and the fact that I can't easily ID my workhorses is a sign of the overall dysfunction!

1. Knit skinny trousers in black and olive - I've owned the same two pair of Vince pants for about 4 years now and they are in grave danger of wearing out; probably need to think about shopping carefully for replacements before it becomes an emergency.

2. Jeans - most often, a high-rise skinny pair in medium blue. Also have white (could use a pair of full length skinny white jeans, tho), light blue, dark blue in a collection of silhouettes. Just ordered a wide-leg cropped pair from J. Crew.

3. J. Crew Teddie cropped flairs. For some reason I just really liked the way these fit me, so now these are my only dress trousers...in black, navy, congac and white.

4. Oversized blouses & button-downs - Not sure if this is a good essential; they tend to tend my boobs, but I have a white shirt, a blue shirt They get worn fairly often for both casual and work. I feel like I "fight" with fitted tailored shirts, so over-sized feels a bit more wearable to me, if less figure flattering.

5. Cream & white blouses - I wear various cream or blouses under jackets and cardigans. I recently added a peasant-style one that's almost like a silvery-blush with a pleated crew neck. I think this is an area that I need to add to (I just ordered one from Etsy, see my WIO post).

6. Ankle booties. A solid 1/3 of my shoe collection are booties. This is probably a climate thing for me.

7. Linen trousers - I have two pair of linen trousers - one black, wide-legged and hemmed for flats, the other natural, flared and hemmed for heels. I typically find these essential during the summer.

8. Knit tops - I've been working on finding knitted tops and tees and now have a handful that are "just ok". This is something I'd like to work on this year.

9. Cropped sweaters - how did I end up with so many? I have five.

As for 2017 goals, I'd like to find some dresses that suit my style - they'll need to be casual but flattering which could be a tall order! Overall, my clothes have become much more casual than when I worked in a dressy office, and I'm trying to find balance again.

I went from a dressy office straight to working 85% from home, then had a baby, after which most of my dressy clothes stopped fitting anyway! Consequently, most of my clothes are newer. I've also spent much less per item than I had in the past, due to needing to replace so much in a short span. I think I'm ready to slow down and add fewer but better quality items this year.

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The concept of Essentials always throws me for a loop. Are these all things you rely on, Jenava? Do they define your style?

Jaime

(website)

You have been through so many transitions recently that it is no wonder you are feeling a little unsure of your style (although you look great in your recent WIWs). Focusing on higher quality pieces might help you regain your focus, sounds good!

Jenava

Rachy, rely on yes, and therefore I suppose they do define my style, for better or worse.

I feel very confident about the Teddie pants being an essential; I have it in 4 colors and feel good wearing them in outfits.

Also, the white and cream blouses are important and I'm always irritated that I don't have more choices in them when I need them...so I also feel good about that item.

The rest is sort of happenstance. I wear the knit pants because they are good quality and fit no matter my size at the moment. I can wear them under a big shirt and feel at least...presentable.

The cropped sweater trend isn't really an essential...just a strange trend in my drawer.

We'll see about the linen trousers. I might want to invest in another pair that are more like a culotte I can wear with flat sandals for the high summertime.

The ankle booties are such a staple they're a no brainer...but that category covers a lot of ground, style-wise. This might be an area I need to curate better. I have only about 3 pair out of 10 that I'm truly excited about wearing. I think I can do better.

And, I left off the real workhouses of my wardrobe - yoga pants, worn out tee shirts and sleep bras! LOL.

Suz

what Shevia said -- you have been through a lot lately!! It means that picking essentials is a bit tougher, but probably also more worthwhile. At this phase, narrowing those down will help you feel less frazzled and more pulled together.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

A solid start, Jenava. Well done.

I know that you've included statement pieces here, which are not simple essentials. Try to isolate the essentials from the statements and less essential pieces in the following categories. Be more specific about the description of the essential

Oversized blouses & button-downs
Ankle booties
Knit tops
Cropped Tops

Nice easy goals too.

OK, so I'd say it like this, then:

Cream & white blouses
Knit skinny pants & skinny jeans
Cropped flared pants & jeans
Ankle booties
Earrings
Neutral-colored knit tops

Off the list:

Over-sized button-downs - statement item
Cropped tops - statement item/not a workhorse
Linen trousers - statement item
Jeans, generally - because my long flared denim can only be worn with heels and therefore isn't a workhorse.

Style Fan

Great list. Now that is interesting about the cropped tops being statements.

For me, they are. I have to think about how to wear them, and they are usually something I center the outfit around, rather than being a base item for an outfit.

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