Shopping my closet. - YouLookFab Forum

I'm on Easter holidays at the moment, so I have a bit of free time at home to browse fashion blogs and really look at my wardrobe. I was introduced to the idea of "shopping your closet" a few weeks ago on YLF and I thought it was an ingenious idea. As I was tallying up my March expenses, I realised with chagrin that I was quite over budget. So I resolved to not buy any clothes for April and to instead look for inspiration in what I already own.

Like many, I have some really nice items that I struggle to find opportunities to wear. For example, I really love the cream and gold moto jacket, but it always seems too formal or glitzy for, say, meeting a friend for coffee. The midi skirt was the hardest to find things for - it's a handmedown from my mum. However, it's a Tilly Endurable so it's made of silk and is really high quality.

Below are 12 fab summery outfits that I came up with just by looking at stuff I already own. Which one do you like best?

1. Based around these fun patterned shorts which always seemed too preppy to wear.

2. The gorgeous silk midi skirt - the hardest one to find outfits for.

3. A dark blue Gap fit & flare dress - something I wear fairly regularly, but I thought it would be a good backdrop for the more flashy items like the gold/cream moto jacket and the statement jewellery.

4. A dark floral tunic dress and black skinny jeans - because wearing a dress and jeans is something I'd never normally dare try to pull off.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the renditions in #2, #3 and #4 best. Especially the versions that look more Summer-y.

Tanya

Veteran

I am a big fab of the outfits in #3 and #4. Love that floral tunic!

Elizabeth P

I also like #3 and #4 the best. I think the skirt is lovely, but your choice of footware (the booties) are a bit heavy for that colour and style, to my eye anyway.

good for you SYC! I can do it for about a week

Deb

#3 hands down for me. You look great in those looks!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Way to go to try this. What about an untucked pullover with the silk midi for a less dressed up look? Might be less flattering through the midsection but nice for a less dressy option.

Debora

Super job shopping your closet! All the outfits are great, but I especially love the ones in the 3rd and 4th sets. Wonderful!

rabbit

A great excercise! I'm totally in favor of loved but seldom worn things getting more circulation.
My favorites of the summary outfits are:

pic 1 - the second (because I love the shoes and top in particular with an unexpected pastel), although I'd maybe forgo the pearls and silver belt and go with a wider belt in black for an edgier vibe.

pic 2 - what about the same top and shoes (above) with the silk skirt? That kind of skirt goes well with pointed toes, open sandals, heels, and boxy cropped length tops in my experience. I think it would also look wonderful with your moto jacket - over the first pale top w/ some pale shoes, even zipped up most or all the way. If you stuck with tonal colors (and maybe sandals?) the long cardigan in pic 3 might work with it too.

pic 3 - all of these look good. I'd maybe just go with one of the necklaces in the last because they have such different vibes (but I'm a jewelry minimalist so take that with a grain of salt).

pic 4 - really like all of these as well.

Keturah

I"m weighing in and saying I adore 3 and 4 on you! Sensational!

I love the idea of the silk skirt but I'm not crazy about it with the dark footwear. It calls for footwear lighter/softer colors, and perhaps a more delicate or strappy shape, at least to my eye.

My initial thought is it seems you love the skirt, but the rest of the outfits you posted are edgier, brighter. The skirt ensembles seem more classic and subdued.

SO... would shortening the skirt make it more wearable for you? I only ask because it is gorgeous as a skirt (it's silk OMG!), and I think shortening it might make it more versatile. I know I would hate the idea of chopping a length of silk off. But worse for me would be trying to find outfits for it and feeling frustrated.

Just my thoughts and suggestions. You look loverly, darling

Basia

Active Member

Midis are so hard because they can easily look frumpy, and I think the outfits in #2 have that frump factor. How about a sleeveless black shell and a wide black belt for it? That might make it look more modern - but who knows if you have such things in your closet, and I think that might defeat the purpose. I agree that you should try that lace top in #1 with the silk midi, and that the moto might look very good with it!

Krissy

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions! It seems outfits 3 & 4 were the winners here.

I agree with what's been said about the midi skirt and the booties. They are quite heavy and chunky. I've had my eye on these white pointed toe flats from Top Shop - perhaps something like those would be a better choice of foot wear?

Another friend suggestion getting the skirt hemmed, but I'd definitely take it to a tailor. I don't own a sewing machine and I wouldn't trust myself with one even if I had access! haha. It's something worth considering, maybe so it falls just below the knee.

I also agree with the comment that the lacy top from outfit 1.1 would work with the midiskirt, especially with a wide black belt. It's frustrating that it doesn't have belt loops - is that something that a tailor could add, say with extra fabric from hemming it?

Topshop

SERENDIPITY Two-Part Pointed Flats

View Info

Top Pick

Oh, I'm sure a tailor can add belt loops- what they will charge for it is another story altogether, though, good luck and post the transformed skirt if you do take it to a tailor!

Category