My Trimmed Essentials List - YouLookFab Forum

I have been considering my Essentials List. This year, I'm mulling over how much Essentials limit my style v. how much they express it v. how much they enable it.

I'm really devoting all my time to being a baker now, so office wear has dropped out of sight (I shall have to contemplate hanging on to my suits, blouses, trousers and dresses one day...). Also, I have problem feet and am on them all day, walking miles and miles. I pretty much live in a gear/utilitarian uniform of the hated jeggings/leggings, tee, and sneakers. But I don't like looking gearish. Or prim. I have a definite 'street style' bent that I want to come through.

Anyways, I think my Essentials are the following:

- Puffies
- Long, lightweight duster coat (for hot sunny weather)(although it should be said that this coat has a lot of interest in itself)
- Tissue tees (varying sleeve lengths, hi-low hems)
- Sneakers (black, white, grey)
- Combat boots
- Chunky cardigans
- Beanies
- Hands free bags (faux leather backpack, waist bag)

I haven't put any bottoms on this list. I like to bring in pattern on the bottom. They really range from leggings to jeggings to crops to skirts to trousers to etc.

That is, everything on the list is what I wear to bring the bottoms into line with my style and/or enable me to function/leave the house. I mean, I wear sneakers and tees with my fancier clothes, skirts, and dresses as well.

I didn't add my floral satchel, because I use that to bring interest to the duster on errand runs...

What do y'all think? List too light?

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

ps: sometimes I wear patterned tops with patterned bottoms... I don't know what those would be at all... can you wear two statements at a time?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A fab first stab, Rachy. Not too light at all.

Here are some thoughts:

Duster sounds like a statement piece - take it out.
Isolate the essential chunky cardigan from the statement item.
Isolate the essential beanies from the statements.
leggings and jeggings are essentials.
I bet some of your skirts and trousers are essentials too.

I know this was hard for you - and you did GREAT. Well done.

Ohmigosh. Thanks for the feedback, Angie. It IS so hard for me! I don't know why! *whinge whinge whinge*

Lol. You have given me much to think about. I mean, I feel most of the time my leggings are pretty crazy, but... And you have a big point about separating essential and statement cardigans and beanies... 'cuz there's the black beanie and then there's the one with a veil...

Barbara Diane

Rachylou, beanie with a veil! Please post a photo.

harmonica

I'm impressed! And what BD said. This essentials list is a difficult concept.

Anonymous

What Barbara Diane said!

Suz

Photo! Photo!!

Seriously, this sounds like a great list. You had me at puffy.

But also, if I think of a streetwear style in almost any urban centre, the leggings/ jeggings plus tee would be right.

It's so clear when Angie says it, and then so tough when I try to sort out my stuff!

Ok, like trousers, skirts, and jeggings - I do have all of these in plain black. And grey. I guess those would be the essentials in those groups. BUT I wear them soooo rarely! How can they be essential if I don't barely wear them? Although, of course, they ARE necessary support acts when they are...

Ok. Lunch break... Are my patterned leggings are Essentials? If they are, what does that mean? When I wear them with a plain tee, am I wearing an entirely Essentials outfit?

Do I need help? Lol.

And coffee break... I think I am an Essentials dresser, all things considered. Explains a lot.

Maybe I could actually add more statements.

Joy

It sounds like you have a uniform that you work at personalizing with statement versions of some pieces. I suspect that you could get dressed without a statement piece but would not feel like Rachylou. If LilyPup ate your floral leggings or veiled beanie, would you rush out to replace them? Or look for another statement piece of the same ilk?

Jaime

My tests: If I don't know what else to do, what do I wear? if I want to wear this crazy x what else do I wear with it to keep me in my comfort zone? If I didn't have x would I run out and buy it? Note: this is only my take on it.

That's an interesting test... if Lilypup chewed a hole in my leggings, would I rush to replace? ...And the answer is yes. Hmm. Yes. I see how they are Essentials. Probably not the veiled Beanie, tho... I feel it was a serendipitous find... and now that I think more, I could probably get one online, couldn't I?

...Sadly, what Lilypup really seems to have a fondness for is my Marc Jacobs things, which are irreplaceable...

Also: Yes, Suz, what else can one wear for street style that doesn't seem pointless? I saw this tall stylish lady at Target tonight, on my Diet Coke run. Great heeled mid calf boots, crops, a long louche turtle neck sweater. Really fab. She was walking fast... and my thought was she ought to break into a run. Her outfit said 'mug me.'

minimalist

Rachy, you kill me.

unfrumped

Good list!

Maybe Jon have bakery west and after- work wear. Not just an imaginary lifestyle but fewer hours/ days per week. My list was heavily workwear and since no denim at work, but I don't wear my work trousers on Saturday. I have to list jeans, but it's not the same as Angie's or Suz's jean collection.
What do you have to have to get dressed for s family gathering or meet-up with friends?

Honey pie, Rachy. Do you need a good old fashioned closet edit?

Ohhh! What ho?! What a thought, Angie.

Yes, maybeeee... !!!

Heh, unfrumped - I have a lot of clothes... maybe too many again!

I think so! Tackle one section of your closet at a time, and keep us posted.

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