My Fall/Winter shopping - YouLookFab Forum

After reading lyn*'s wishlist, I realized it might help me to put what I'm looking for on paper (or in a post) to help me hone in on what's necessary and what isn't. I'm wanting to focus on clothes that will help carry me through to my first job. So, no casual jeans.

1) Gray chinos and black pants - If I want to break out of my denim habit, I need pants that hit PPL (for me, it's 32-33 inches). And I need to find them at a reasonable price. I'll keep searching the 2nd hand stores, but once I start making "real" money, it should be easier.

On a side note - what is the difference between khakis and chinos?

2) Classic Black leather purse - I've ordered one (and it's out for delivery now *squee*), so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I want a purse that looks professional and will last several years without looking too dated. I've realized that I'd rather save my money and buy fewer, but nicer, accessories like purses because when I find one that works for me, I'll carry it until it's dead.

3) Cardigans - I loathe arctic air conditioning. And I love how a nice cardigan can help make me feel more put together. I'd to find a several in either green, blue, black, red or purple. I'm really amazed at something, though. I bought a green 3/4 sleeve one from Old Navy several years ago and got a lot of wear out of it (it finally gave out) and I bought a boyfriend style one at Gap. The one from Gap looks rough after 1 wear! Not pleased Gap, not pleased.

4) A suit - I'd like to find one in either grey or black (depending on what looks best on me). This one will have to probably wait until Christmas. I still have the camel one that may not be the best, but it will do in a pinch.

5) A new bra or 2 - I think this one explains itself.

6) Cute polka dot dress - There's no justification for it, except that I want one. There are other things I should spend money on (or just save it), but I want to keep this one open.

Is there anything I'm missing? I welcome all feedback on my slightly boring list.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kristen, I'm wondering why your pants need to be black chinos. Perhaps you can go for a stretch cotton, ponte knit or cool wool instead. More current. How does that sound?

(chinos and khakis are interchangeable in the US).

And a sweater coat could be a more fashionable idea than a black cardigan. Or knitted jackets.

Grey suit is good. Versatile.

Nice that you've thought about your Fall items with care. Well done.

Lisa

Veteran

No new suggestions, I like all of Angie's. You are smart to plan ahead. I went into fall shopping this year with a general idea, but not a specific list, and now I have quite a session to do in my closet to maintain one in/one out of my item so I do not have an overstuffed closet.

eperdu

Active Member

In regards to finding PPL on chino's ... Land's End allows you to custom hem the pants for no additional charge. They will even do 1/2" measurements. I was able to get 31.5" which was perfect for my flats.

They are fairly reasonable in price, obviously not second-hand pricing but still a good value. If you sign up for their mailing list you'll get a 40% off coupon at least once per month and they routinely have 25% off.

Thistle

Angie makes some grat suggestions!

I am going to *sing* the praises of ponte knit pants!! Many are machine washable, the fabric is soooo comfy, and they look put together and polished.

I also have been trading out my cardigans for knit jackets. Fills the same roll and keeps me from veering too far into frumpy territory!

Kristin L

Thanks everyone!

I hadn't thought about stretch cotton. I'll keep that in mind. I can't do wool because it feels too hot when I wear it all day. And I worried about how to care for it. I'm not sure about ponte knit. I haven't seen many pants that really spoke to me that were made of that. I'll definitely keep an open mind, though!

unfrumped

I was impressed by I think Lands' End stretch cotton "chinos" in different fits and colors. Not saying you'd get them, but might be good for inspiration.

rachylou

I feel that's brilliant, Angie. Stretch cotton and a sweater coat.

Gaylene

Actually some lightweight "tropical" wools, or wool blends, are much cooler to wear than stretch cotton, so maybe don't rule them out too quickly. I've also added a couple of knit jackets (as Angie suggests) instead of cardigans to my wardrobe last year and found them just as comfortable and versatile but more polished, especially when worn with chinos. J Crew, BR, Club Monaco, and Gap usually are my go-to shops for cotton/stretch chinos--their tapered, narrow cut versions look more modern to my eye. And J Crew/BR/Club Monaco have lots of their chinos on sale right now.

I forgot to mention I had forgot about sweater coats. Thanks for the places to look Gaylene!

And thanks for the Land's end recommendation. That's really cool that you can get them a custom length.

Gaylene is so right, as some of the other fabrics are drapey and more breezy.
I have a "blazer sweater" from TJ Maxx that was a great find, and also tried some of the knit blazers in the past year, so I agree there also--can be an economical way to add workwear polish. Also, having a completely different fabrication, like a knit, can allow you to combine some colors better.

Glory

Some great ideas here. I am wondering what a sweater coat / knit jacket is?

Here's an example of a sweater coat I found Glory. To me, it looks like a coat made of sweater/cardigan material.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=558752002

Makrame

I totally agree about knit jackets - I find them more versatile for work than cardigans. Depending on the temperature in your office (or future office), it might be good to find knit jackets without lining, like the Caslon knit blazer from Nordstrom (and you can usually get these types of jackets on sale for about $40).

Mellllls

I am also loving knit jackets for business casual lately. They add polish without fuss.

lyn*

I LOVE POLKADOT DRESSES. AND CARDIGANS.

*super excited*

Freckles

If you can fit blazers easily a knit blazer will be perfect for you. I'm impossible to fit in blazers and knit jackets are still too much jacket like for me.

Personally I think the ponte wouldn't be long enough wearing but I don't have a pair yet. A nice fine wool like Gaylene mentioned would be very versatile. Some of the better stores but not really pricey (thinking Melanie Lyne here) have great clearance sales. You might find the perfect pant somewhere like that.

The polka dot dress sounds fab. A slice of fun that could still be worn in an office setting.

Good luck with the black purse. Your list sounds very well thought out.

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