"Pushing the envelope" versus "sticking to the uniform"

Louise

I love trying something new, definately doesn't always work and this week alone i've had the "oh my god why did i leave the house looking like that" realisation twice!
However i have discovered i can wear skinnies (i'm a curvy bottomed pear). I think it's good to occasionally step outside your comfort zone and you never know you might find something new to add to the uniform x

16 years ago

Anonymous

I've been in both camps at different times of my life and think some of both can work. Mine has changed over the years. For a long lime I never wore jeans (thinking Mommy jeans). Pre YLF and weight loss I was an Eileen Fisher girl with loose boxy everything! Right now my no brainer uniform is jeans or pants with a tank under a fitted buttondown shirt of varying sleeve length. Often a belt is added and maybe a denim or biker jacket, blazer or cardi. I almost always wear flats. I may add a scarf or string of beads.
But this can get boring and YFL has given me the confidence to at least try new things. Some, like clamdiggers, fit right into the uniform. Others, like tunic and Sweetpea tops were out of my comfort zone. For summer I've added even more skirts than last year, but it's been too cool to wear them much yet. Everyday dresses were a new idea that I've liked. Anyway I continue to think about Angie's posts and all the great photos of members' outfits for new inspirations that may work for me.

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Over the years I have developed a (possible irrational) idea that ANY style can work on me - and flatter - provided the fit is just right. I have had this proved to me over and over again, if I'm persistent enough to try on hundreds and hundreds of garments!!!!

This doesn't mean every single style is "ideal" necessarily, but I can frequently make it work so that it is better than passable. But I must be thoroughly motivated to the task, or else I will lose my patience too quickly.

With that said, I'm all for uniforms too. My uniform is dark wash jeans, blousey top that skims over tummy, cami, and a cardigan (preferably V-neck) or a structured jacket. However within those guidelines I do push the limit frequently. I will wear skinny, straight, bootcut and trouser cut jeans. Heck, I've even found super-wide-leg pants that were cut just right and as long as I wear heels, do work. It's all about scale. LIkewise, I have tops of almost every length. Tunics are the trickiest, but if I was motivated I bet I would eventually find a few to work. I'm just not quite as motivated.

Accessories are a great place to start - HannahC, we need to get you into some flats and different style shoes and other necklace styles! It's true fussy feet often are a limiting factor, but even then, I never say never. I even discovered this fall that I *can* wear heels higher than 2-inches! As long as the vamp is right. And I used to think my feet couldn't wear ballet flats, but now I am wearing them all the time. The secret was going up a 1/2 size.

Again, this isn't to say every single style is going to be perfect. But where there is a will, there is often a way....

16 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

I'm pretty much a "uniform" dresser as well. It took long enough to figure out what works - I'm afraid to mess with it! (Hannah - we're style twins! Everything you mention works on me, too. And I'm also a winter!)

As I get older, I do find I need more structure in my clothes. But I was always drawn to blazers anyway, so it's not that big a deal. I really can't do a lot of "volume" anymore. Which is fine. I've actually started wearing woven shirts for the first time in years. I have to be very careful about the fit, and the sleeves have to be right, so as Shiny said it can be time-consuming to find ones that fit. But it's been worth it to have an option other than knits 24/7.

I also just bought my very first pair of flats! I am short, with proportionally short legs, so I've always felts stumpy in flats. But if I get the top right, I think I can make it work. I'm still experimenting, but it's a really nice change of pace.

So yes - I'm sticking a little toe into the waters of change. But I still know what works on me and what doesn't, and I usually don't stray too far from that. In other words, I will not be wearing a lime green pair of harem pants with gold gladiator "shooties" this summer.

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I like to have a bit of a uniform for most of my staples, and then add a few 'pushing the envelope' outfits. It's kind of the best of both worlds!

16 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I go through phases of uniforms; a couple years ago I was in love with shells over button-downs, last year was scarf-city, and this winter and spring I've gone a little cardigan-crazy. Now I'm into dresses, and starting to acquire a decent collection of them. What I do like about going through the phases is that when I move on to the next I still have a good set of something that I can mix and match with the new thing, creating whole new looks.

Of course, now that my body is completely different than it ever has been, I'm much more willing to try new things (like dresses). But I suspect I will still end up with a uniform of some sort. I just like the way certain lines and combos look on me.

16 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Interesting topic, Hannah. I'm not sure if I ever had a uniform because until relatively recently (about 3 years ago) I bought so many of the wrong things for my body type. I think I've only developed a true uniform in my business casual wear: button down short-sleeve blouses, cardigans, trousers with a slim bootcut, pencil skirts, ballet flats or mid-heeled round-toed pumps, and more recently, scarves or wraps. I still have a hard time finding a consistent "flop-proof" look that ALWAYS works for casual wear.

I guess I'm getting comfortable (or bored) enough in my bus-cas "uniform" that I'm trying to break out of it more often. I'm still really timid, though. For the most part I don't break very far away from my standards.

One thing I'm trying to do to push myself farther is to try breaking one "rule" or wear one piece that isn't in my uniform every day. This could be a belt, brooch, ruffles or small, flat pockets on top, skinny jeans, wearing a bracelet, or a more open shoe or boots (provided that I find a pair that fits & is comfortable), or even trying two pieces together that I'm not sure will work.

I still don't look much like an avante-garde risk-taker and will probably always be slow to adopt a new trend, but taking one small step a day to try something new is helping me develop a more interesting range of outfits. Photo-blogging what I wear every day (which I've been doing since early February) also helps me because I can see what I've done before that worked and see how I can tweak it to push the envelope a little further.

Hannah, not sure if this helps at all. I hope you'll post some pictures of your experiments to add new aspects to your uniform. I like Shiny's idea to start with accessories & footwear.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Super topic, HannaC. I really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Super stuff.

I’ve been in the hardcore fashion industry for 17 years - I always push my own fashion envelope. It’s become part of my style. I am ALWAYS trying something new within the realms of my aesthetic preferences.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I have been trying to think of how to answer this. I don't think there is anything wrong with a "uniform"--to a point. For people who hate shopping, don't care about fashion or style, and just want to look put together and appropriate without much effort, it seems like a reasonable solution. That's how I feel about the women on WNTW who go into the show not really caring or paying much attention to style (as opposed to the ones that DO have a personal style and just need a nudge in the right direction). In those situations, I don't so much mind Stacey and Clinton's formulaic approach (if only they paid more attention to climate and foot issues...).

You obviously do care though, otherwise you wouldn't be here, so I think you should start some experimenting! Like others have mentioned, accessories and shoes are a good place to start.

I do think, to some extent, some body types have an easier time experimenting than others. Maybe this goes without saying, or maybe everyone will disagree. I think one of the reasons Tanya (whom I miss like crazy) is so often the first one to jump on a new trend, with her slim build, height, and ideal proportions.

I'm a little reluctant because it seems as though so many trends are for at least regular height, thin people (and perhaps that is why they are trends). Boyfriend blazers, wide leg pants, skinny ankle length pants (which I happen to like), boyfriend jeans, etc. I would love to have a more fashion forward, edgy style, but I do not have the body type for most of those looks. When I find one that can work, though, I jump on it (like moto jackets, graphic tees, and waistcoats).

That's why I like the suggestions of playing more with accessories. Experimenting with clothes, at least for me, often leaves me feeling cold and disappointed, but accessories are always fun. I'm on the hunt for a cross-body bag and one of those cute hats Kari posted

16 years ago

taylor

Veteran

So interesting. Makes me stop and think back. Being a little older ,I think my uniform has changed each decade. As far back s I can recall I have always had a hard time getting clothes to fit my small frame, so I am very picky about a perfect fit, spending many years in clothes too big.

Like you, I only wear heels, but I love heels from 2 to 4 inches.
No costume jewlery :(...it turns me green and I itch, so real gold or stearling.
I loved the legging and jacket look of the 80's and wore that to absolute death.

Today , I think I know what works and what doesn't (I have made enough fashion dont's along the way) That's the beauty of getting older..you do learn somethng .My uniform now is skirts, sheath dresses only,skinny or straight leg denim, fitted tops , w/cardi's and fitted jackets. I am a solid personality I guess, rather a floral or pattern person, although I have a little of both in my wardrobe.

I have learned alot on this forum from Angie and others, and try to apply something I think might work...I continue to learn and polish my style with help here.

16 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Hannah, one other thing that I wanted to add: I really think you really look fantastic in what you call your uniform, and you have a great sense of what looks good on your body. It seems like you have a good basis to start to experiment bit by bit - not giving up your uniform since it works for you, but experimenting with how to add to it or how you might be able to make "non-uniform" styles work as well.

Have you seen the academichic series on "making trends work for us?" It gave me some food for thought.
http://www.academichic.com/200.....rk-for-us/

16 years ago

crwilson

Veteran

At this point, I just want a uniform that works. I don't love to shop, mostly because I find it enormously frustrating, so I would be happy if I never had to shop again for anything except shoes. I think that once I figure out what works well on my body reliably, I'd be more apt to want to try trends. But it takes me awhile to adapt new things, even things like color, scarves, etc.

I seem to have figured out what works well for work - skirts (especially pencil skirts!) and tailored jackets with some sort of accessory. I feel like I've been looking pretty good when I go to work these days, thanks to the feedback of women here. I almost always wear heels, but I love ballet flats and will sometimes wear those on days when I'd like to look a little more casual.

In my casual wardrobe I have no uniform, or even any clothes at all anymore after my closet clean-out! So that's a problem. I would be quite happy with a uniform there too, though, because it would make getting dressed so much easier. It would make shopping easier too. My go-to item in the summer used to be the dress, but I'm having a difficult time finding day dresses that are flattering on me this year. (I had a difficult time with this last year, too, I just didn't know it!)

I do think that I have a more adventurous fashion-persona deep inside, and I love watching other people experiment. I don't expect that persona to emerge, though, until I get more confidence.

16 years ago

Sihaya

Veteran

I am an envelope pusher. I won't do certain styles such as boho since they don't work for me. But within my own envelope - I will vary things as widely as possible. If not in the clothes, then I'll do it with the shoes, jewelery, or hand bag. I like the dramatic, surprise, and change in my outfits. Interestingly though, my overall style persona remains the same. So friends at this point, can look at an item of clothing or accessory in the store and accurately know that it would be something I"d like.

16 years ago

Dawn

(website)

Active Member

This is such an interesting topic. All the responses have made me think so much about whether I have an uniform or am an envelope pusher. About nine months ago, I would say that I wore a uniform everyday in the form of jeans, camisole, sweater and converse. It's an easy look and last winter, I turned it into skinnies, riding boots and sweater. In one way, it is an easy, no-brainer look that works for me. On the other hand, I don't feel original in those outfits. Other times, I will mix it up with skirts, dresses, prints, chunky jewellery and colourful shoes. In that way, I do try to push the envelope with my own clothing. Since joining YLF, I have started trying on cuts and colours that I wouldn't try otherwise and have bought some great pieces out of this way of shopping.

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

I am so glad I started this thread! Your responses surely gave me a lot of food for thought. I hope for many more responses

Loulou - you are right, sometimes I stumble on something that I'd never think would be flattering on me, but it is, and I gladly add it to the uniform. However, I feel that as I age, I get more and more familiar with my figure, and know almost all possible shapes that can flatter me, so I don't think there are many more surprises like this left.

Shiny - you are truly an envelope pusher! Your photos are always inspirational, and I am amazed at how you manage to make such a wide variety of trends work for you. What I noticed is that you make sure that every trend you sport is scaled down to your petite frame. For example, if you wear a voluminous blouse, then the cardi will be cropped and very fitted.
To your flats suggestion - I was about to write that I feel I am too short to wear flats, but then I recalled that I am 3 inches taller than you So, the more accurate answer is that I feel that my ratio of height to width requires heels (that is, I feel fat in flats ). That said, in theory I adore the look of colorful flats peeking under the hem of jeans. Maybe I should try some pointy-toed flats to achieve the desired elongating effect... Though having fussy feet is seriously limiting in terms of footwear.
About necklaces - I guess I am a bit afraid of longer necklaces because of that "lasso" effect that you demonstrated in one of your photos (and that effect is much more pronounced on me because of the size of the bust). I do wear choker-length and also a bit below the collarbone. Sadly, several years ago I developed an allergy to all metals except gold, so I switched all silver chains on my pendants to leather cords. This is why I am left with pendants on leather cords, and occasional pearls or semi-precious stones necklaces.

Tara - yes, I noticed that too! I had this thought "hmmm, this will probably work for me as well" on practically every outfit photo you posted. I also wore predominantly black until a couple of years ago, when I realized that it ages me.

Kari - I think you have a lovely business-casual uniform, and it suits your personality extremely well! Also, I noticed that you can wear practically every color and look great in it, and you have a special talent for finding beautiful color combinations. Thanks for the compliments on my uniform! I am very very flattered. I saw the academicchic series on making trends work for them - I am a big fan of academicchic girls! I think they are gorgeous and have a superb taste in clothes. That said, all three of them have nearly perfect figures, so they won't look bad in anything. Their post on silhouettes only highlighted how they don't judge their figures objectively. For example, S. claims that she is an apple-shape, but it is crystal clear from her silhouette that she in fact does not have a tummy. I'd say she is closer to a lean rectangle?

Angie - you are amazing! Your outfits are always so inspirational! Every time I see a picture of you sporting a fabulous and unexpected outfit it motivates me to step outside of my comfort zone. I think it is not only due to the fact that you are in a fashion industry - I've seen stylists who prefer to stick to a (carefully chosen and flattering) uniform.

Maya - well, I personally think that you are gorgeous and have a truly enviable figure. That aside, I completely agree with you that some body types can get away with much more than others. Angie, for example, can wear anything and look fab. Tanya can too (and I miss her on the forum too ...). I remember how she succeeded to make boyfriend cardigans work for her. But then, most clothes look better on her than on a model. For me, trying a new trend is almost always frustrating, because it just looks awful on me. Shoes could've been a place to experiment, but I have wide and fussy feet, so again, there are not many styles I can wear ... Baby steps, right? I will start with thinking how to incorporate pins - an accessory I love in theory, but couldn't make work for me so far.

Christine, I love your work wardrobe! We also have similar figures (though you are smaller), so our uniforms overlap a lot. I also struggle with casual clothes. Since I wear casual when I am with my three kids, these need to be clothes from which I can easily remove stains (or else won't be sad to toss them). I am afraid I don't have any clothes that have this quality and are presentable at the same time ... I just postpone working on my casual uniform until my youngest is older and can remember to wash his hands before hugging me (or, at the very least, not to wipe his dirty hands on my pants!)

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Hannah, I think some body types are just more standard. Someone with waist hip ratio of .7, who is regular height, and has an average sized chest, is always going to have an easier time and more options because their body is already ideally proportioned. There IS such a thing as ideal proportions: that is what we strive for when we get dressed, isn't it? Everyone strives for an hourglass shape. That's why a broad-shouldered woman doesn't place extra emphasis on her shoulders, or a pear-shaped woman doesn't add to her hips. We are always striving to achieve an hourglassy balance, so obviously the closer you are to being a true hourglass, the easier it is to dress, since you are starting from an ideal place. Your only worry is maintaining that balance, but unlike other body types, there is no worry about covering/concealing/emphasizing.

The majority of women are not built like this though. You and I know very well about having a non-standard chest So I don't think it's anything to feel bad about, but I frequently do anyway because it can be so frustrating!

As for shoes, isn't Beautifeel an Israeli brand? I tried a pair of their shoes on just after bunion surgery, to wear during my recovery, and let me tell you, they were probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever had on my feet. Unfortunately they were also quite ugly and expensive, but for post-surgical purposes they seemed appropriate (I found something else significantly less expensive though, so I did not end up buying them). Their shoes are quite conservative and some of them are a bit dowdy IMO but they do have some prettier styles.

I like these flats in graphite (or graffite) and would definitely go for them if they were in my budget!

http://www.zappos.com/product/7457178/color/168104

BTW I am also a little skeptical of S's claim that she is an apple. She looks like a rectangle to me too. I saw no tummy at all from her silhouette (that photoshop thing all 3 ladies did). A and E are just lucky ducks. They have teeny tiny waists. Maybe that's why S think she is an apple. Even though her waist is also small, compared to those two with their microscopic midsections, it's hard not to feel appley!

16 years ago

julijuli

Active Member

I'm really enjoying reading this conversation. I am definitely not an envelope pusher, but have been trying to get out of my 'box' a little more lately. I have never felt like my wardrobe expresses 'me', and this forum has been very helpful in getting me to analyze more about what I want to project with my clothes. That said, I love the idea of a uniform that expresses my personality and simplifies shopping. I don't enjoy shopping as I am easily overwhelmed and I like the concept of using accessories to express more of my style.

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

Ladies, the academicchic girls link to this thread on their site: http://www.academichic.com/2009/05/02/2-may-2009/
The lovely, gorgeous, and stylish S. discusses her uniform and pushing her style envelope there.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Oh, they actually read all the stuff we say about them?! Oh no! Better go back and edit all my posts....

(kidding :p)

I have to say I love those pants S is wearing with the slits. Normally that length would horrify me but something about those is just adorable. And I have been a woman possessed trying to locate those Palladium flats she posted a few days back, also with those pants. Unfortunately i can't seem to find my size in a nice color.

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

Maya, yes, I was surprised too to see they read us!

(looking around to make sure S. is not there, then whispering) I suspect the main reason that these pants look adorable on S. is that she herself is so adorable. Also, on a more "scientific" tone, she has long slim legs, so she is able to pull of such a problematic length. Still, I wonder how it looked like with shoes on ...

Oh, forgot to reply to your Beautifeel comment before. Yes, Beautifeel is an Israeli brand, and indeed, most of their shoes are quite ugly, albeit comfortable. Oh, and also quite expensive here as well! I am just not ready to put something so ... matronly, perhaps? on my feet yet Though the graphite flats are pretty indeed. Not sure they have sales ever, though.

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

And to Maya again - I absolutely agree with you about what you said on hourglass versus other body types. Did you read Imogen's blog entry on that same topic some time ago? This is what she is saying as well.

I feel that I am very very far from that ideal. And this is frustrating - both because achieving a balance when dressing is much harder, and because nothing ever fits off the rack! So maybe this is my escape route - to find a uniform and stop looking around at other types of clothes?

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Hannah, she posted the same pants with those flats I covet a few days ago! I still think they look great. It's a cute little casual look (although I think anything can look cute with a fluffy kitty as an accessory).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....882bb6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....64eeb1.jpg

I think I could actually pull those pants off myself since I have long, mostly skinny legs. But she got them at TJMaxx, where inventory is never the same in any two stores, so I doubt I could try (and this is assuming she got them recently). I hope Angie doesn't bonk me over the head after reading this.

Re: beautifeel--I agree, they are pretty ugly for the most part. But I have seen 3 pairs of flats that were very pretty, and one pair of dainty cute little wedges. Too bad they are so expensive though. Maybe since you are used to heels, instead of going straight to flats (which can actually be uncomfortable if your feet are accustomed to heels), you can try a kitten heel or a sliver wedge?

And lastly, remember that even lovely Tanya can't shop off the rack. She has to get all her pants altered (I guess it's good that she isn't reading the forum right now because she would be so embarrassed by all this praise!). So while she has the ideal body shape, it still isn't "standard." I should also add that when she started posting here, I distinctly remember she had a very consistent uniform: wrap top, wedges, pants, pretty much every day. Watching her style evolve has been a real treat. So, I would not get discouraged if things don't fit off the rack. I think you can also experiment more with color. I am always tempted to buy red and turquoise or teal, since those are "my" colors, but within the past year, any time another color has been available, I have been forcing myself to try that color. I'm lucky since I can wear most colors well as long as they are saturated enough. Thanks to my experimenting, yellow has become a new favorite, and purple is slowly making its way in as well.

I have only recently been reading Imogen's blog but I have found it immensely helpful. I used her blowdrying demo on my own hair recently and it turned out great! I always feel like I'm cheating on YLF when I mention other style blogs though :p

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

Maya, oh you are right - these are indeed the same pants, and S. still looks adorable in them, with the shoes on. Well, I guess my first explanation is the right one then - she is just adorable and nothing can change that I am quite sure you could pull this look off too. Hope you find the right shoes!

I actually have one pair of ballet flats and one pair of city sneakers for really casual activities, like running after my kids on the playground (though ballet flats are problematic - it is too cold for them in winter and way too hot in summer). They are comfortable, but I still feel short and fat in them I should try a little wedge indeed. I never understood the reason behind a kitten heel - I mean, it is too low to give you any actual elevation, but at the same time it lacks the stability of a flat shoe. Seems like the worst of both, no? But I admit that I do have some stability issues, so I much prefer a taller chunky heel.

You have beautiful coloring and you indeed can wear most colors. That yellow color of the swap dress you got from Shiny was stunning on you!

I used to wear mostly black since I was a teenager. Then, in the last couple of years I started to broaden the colors in my wardrobe, very slowly. Currently, I have a lot of purple (my best color), quite some navy, and some teal. I also love wine color, but I managed to find only one wine colored top. The next step is to get used to the idea of having colored shoes (that is, any other color than black or brown). I am working on it slowly.

I still think Tanya can push her fashion envelope much more than I can (that is, if I don't want to look ridiculous).

Imogen's blog is very interesting and has tons of helpful information, isn't it? Do you think this is considered cheating on YLF? Actually, since Imogen is also a part of the YLF community, I'd say it's ok.

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Hannah, you are 3 inches taller than me... surely you can wear flats.

I do know what you mean about feeling fat and stumpy in them. I prefer heels as well, and it's not only that they give me a boost in height, I think they do nice things for my posture as a whole. As much as I like my metallic flats, I don't feel as "finished" and put together, without heels. Even worse are the Converses - I know they are supposed to be cute and fashion-forward, but I feel clunky and ugly in them. They are necessary evils when comfort and ability to walk and need for socks is a requirement.

But, the reality is that if you don't ever wear flats, one of these days, your body is going to rebel and you'll be forced to wear nothing but flats - sturdy, clunky orthopedic ones - for the rest of your days.

About 5 or 6 years ago, when I was having back problems, my DH made a deal with me: every time I bought a pair of heels, I had to buy a pair of flats as well. I loved this deal, because it was the perfect excuse to buy more shoes. (Of course, lots of these flat shoes I bought back then are now in my giveaway pile). The back problems expanded into hip problems and I went through a year where my doctor prohibited me from heels and I also had to wear an orthotic. I got used to the flats - I had no choice.

Since rehabilitiating, I am happy once again to be able to wear my heels, but I am judicious about when, where, how often and how long. I rotate heels with flats. My reason: I want to be able to wear heels into my 70s and 80s, at least on occasion!!! I do not want to be like my mom, who had to give up heels in her mid-40s due to feet, back and hip problems (sound familiar?) and has not worn them ever since. She can only wear two specific models of orthopedic shoes, which are made in white, brown and black.

Moving away from scare tactics and on to practical fashion tips.... when I wear flats, I find it helps to:

1) Choose ones with a low vamp; I do like loafers but they shorten the look.
2) Go with a light color - I think this is because it matches my hair - that bookend concept.
3) Wear your pants hemmed on the long side. Scrunching is good.
4) Wear a top/cardi/jacket that's on the shorter side. For me that's around high hip - practically skirt length. I think this makes my legs look longer. If a top hits too low, my legs look that much stumpier.
5) With skirts, only knee length or a bit higher works with flats. The longer the skirt, the higher the heel needs to be (proportion).
6) Choose a flat that's not just super-comfy, but is adorably cute. Then you'll want to wear it, and when you look at your feet, you'll smile.
7) Pay greater attention to your posture. Heels automatically throw you into a posture instability issue, I think, so you are subconciously sucking in the gut and standing and walking a certain way. I find it helps to stretch out the hamstrings before wearing flats.
8) Hang out with shorter people. If we're going to be somewhere crowded and standing around, I'm much more apt to want to wear heels just so I'm not feeling overwhelmed by tall people towering over me!!!

16 years ago

Kari

Veteran

I just came back to this thread to read all of the additions over the weekend. It's great to see S. jump into the discussion via the Academichic blog as well. The whole discussion is fascinating to me especially since I seem to have the exact opposite "uniform" challenge from most people.

Hannah, thank you so much for your sweet compliment about my work "uniform" and wearing colors. I have really tried to push myself to be bolder about combining colors (inspired by so many of the style bloggers I've come across) and it made my day to hear that this is working for me. In general I find it much easier to experiment with color than with shape - if you ask me to wear black, white, and yellow like I did for Hanna's Clue challenge, I feel comfortable trying it for a day even though they are far from my best colors. However, adding new shapes (a tunic, belt, skinny jeans) scares me and takes forever for me to warm up to. I've had my skinny jeans for years and am only now starting to wear them regularly!

After thinking about this some more over the weekend: I don't have a hard time getting dressed in the morning for work since I am currently in a business-casual to casual-casual environment with a great deal of flexibility. I imagine this would be much harder if I was in a strictly professional environment, but I *could* make it work in theory with the pieces I have in my wardrobe (albeit with more limitations.) I am also okay with smart casual wear. Most of the time I can wear exactly the same thing that I'd wear to work but swap out my work pants for jeans and perhaps heels for flats.

Straight out casual wear is the hardest thing for me to wear, and I don't have a good flop-proof casual uniform. I sometimes get teased by my family for being too "dressed up" when I'm not going out of the house and am wearing a pair of dark jeans and a woven blouse or a knit dress with no accessories. I'm not sure if this is just that my concept of "casual" doesn't fit into the typical Pacific Northwest concept of "casual" or if I am truly overdressed (wearing smart casual wear when I need to tone it down a notch.) The other likely cause is that because I am curvy and carry extra weight, I feel leanest and smartest in well-cut pieces with some structure, and structured pieces seem to be interpreted as "dressy."

On another note, Shiny's tips for wearing flats are interesting. I've started to rotate between flats and heels because when I was wearing only heels, I started to get severe arch pain when exercising or dancing. However, I never put as much thought into changing the proportions of my top/jacket when I wear a flat shoe (and consequently shorten my leg line.) Shiny, thanks for the new ideas - I'll have to play with this.

16 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Kari - I have the exact same issues with casual clothes. Casual is definitely harder for me than smart-casual. Part of it is as you mention - I need a bit of structure to my clothes, which automatically makes them less casual. It's a delicate balance. I know that once I figure out what works for me, I will absolutely make it my "casual uniform."

Shiny - I really like your treatise on flats! I am very new to flats, and am finding the vamp issue is key. I don't like loafers for the same reason you mentioned - I find they shorten the leg line more than a ballet-type flat because of the vamp. As I said in my other post about flats, I struggle with "interrupted leg line." (Sounds like a medical problem - do they have a pill for that?) I'm hoping shoe color might be the solution. My problem is I have dark hair, but black flats only look good to me with black pants, not regular jeans. I am hoping a metallic might be the solution, as everyone suggested in that other post.

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

Hmm.. been following this discusion for a few days.

With some exceptions, I tend towards being a uniform dresser. When I was a student I went for black tops and tights with coloured skirts, when I worked in the corporate world I wore suits and dresses. ( I miss suits).

But now I am a SAHM I have struggled to find an approriately casual, flattering style. YLF has been a great help with that, but I still have a way to go

16 years ago

HannahC

Active Member

Shiny,
I have to print your instructions on how to wear flats and put them in my wallet, so that they'll be with me all the time!
I guess the most problematic issue for me is the number 5 you mentioned - the hem length. I prefer hems that end just below by knee, but it doesn't look good with flats - with flats I indeed need a hem that ends just above the knee. On the other hand, it seems that the hems were raised across the board in the fashion industry this year, so maybe this is the right time to try flats.

Kari, Tara, and Anne - I struggle with the casual style too! I am not a SAHM, but when I am not at work, I am with my kids, so I need some casual, kids-friendly clothes. And since I too, like Tara and Kari, need some structure in my clothes, I either end up looking overdressed, or dressed in a very unflattering way. Plus, my casual clothes usually get stained beyond repair after a couple of months, so they really should be cheap.

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