Styling the slackers in my closet - keep or pass on...... - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Styling the slackers in my closet - keep or pass on......

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

I like to keep a fairly lean closet - and I rely pretty heavily on some core hard working pieces. But I have some items that don't get worn much for various reasons. It is a rainy Sunday and I decided to try some on to make decisions on them.

1) A Bailey 44 Dress - purchased in the US four-five years ago. I have worn this 4-5 times in total, with heels. It is pretty bombshell and I think this look is not trending but still current enough. Can I wear this blazer over the top or white sneakers to dress it down for lunches or meals out? Thinking - keep.

2) Charcoal dress dating from 2011 - I always got a lot of compliments on this dress but have rarely worn it for the last three years. I tried it with a couple of jackets - but I think it is dated now. Too short for the fit. Thinking - pass on.

3) Pink Jacket worn above. Gorgeous quality. Purchased about four years ago soon after joining the forum. Not worn much over the last year. I love the fabric and colour - but I am unsure about the cut. Thinking - keep for now - styling ideas?

4) Orange/red Knit dress - purchased last year and worn twice including for Jon's 50th. Another bodycon dress - not work appropriate and not quite wear to kids sports. But I think it works? Verdict - keep and wear when I can.

4) Cream blouse. Purchased last year from a thrift shop. Worn 2-3 times with jeans. I can't work out how to wear a jacket over the top. don't think these two work. Thinking - I don't know? Maybe keep for summer to wear alone?

5) Spotted blouse. Purchased about four years ago. Worn in total maybe 8-10 times. I think the loose shapeless style is not my best but I like the colours. Does it work tucked with this jacket? I am not sure. It needs a cami so is a bit fussy. Thinking - I don't know?

6) Jade blouse. Purchased three years ago. I used to wear this with black skinnies (since retired) and have worn with black crops. I don't think it works with jeans. And I took a back view photo (it has a pleat and split in the back). Thinking - time to retire.

7) Black and Cobalt tee - about 6 years old. Decided to pass on as colours and shape are not my best. I used to wear with black skinnies but it has always been a struggle to style. Verdict- time to retire.

I would appreciate feedback on these items and what you all think....Am I on the right track? Also don't buy polyester tops that need camisoles underneath - especially if they are shapeless.

Thanks in advance...

This post has 7 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.

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is a terrific post, Sal. I'd benefit from doing one of these also. Overall, I'm in complete agreement with your verdicts.

The Bailey dress is fab on you and works really well with the jacket and/or sneakers. I'd absolutely keep it. Colours are gorgeous on you.

If you still love the charcoal dress and there is some seam allowance you could think about letting it down, since charcoal can be a difficult neutral to source, but otherwise, let it go. You have good luck with dresses and will find something to replace it.

Pink jacket -- I love the colour on you. I'd just wear with jeans, probably. Would it work with your striped culottes? It's shortish so it might.

Red dress -- yes, keep for special occasions. It's always great to have one "wow" yet not too dressy dress in rotation.

I'm not a big fan of the cream blouse but if it fills a summer need (or you think it might) you probably have room to store it until the season arises and you can reevaluate then.

The spotted blouse is really cute and does work with the jacket I think. But it sounds like it bothers you a bit. So I would pass.

I like the other tops on you but it really sounds as if you are done with them and have lost their ideal pairings -- so au revoir.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Excellent post. I basically agree with you assessments. The first dress is great and I am glad you keeping. The second dress doesn't fit so well and should go. I like the red dress and agree keep. PInk jacket is worth wearing with jeans and skirts. Not up for consideration but your light (white? - can't tell on my screen) jacket is fantastic.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I like the Bailey with the blazer and vote keep. Fab! If you have a maxi cardigan you could try wearing that over it to de-bombshell and casualise it.

I’d try the charcoal dress with opaque tights and boots (and your blazer), and see how you feel about it. Do you have tall black boots? I often find that tall boots and opaque tights make me feel more covered (and comfortable) if a skirt is a little short.

I like the cream blouse with the blazer because it gives the top structure. That’s my favourite styling for it.

Love the orange dress.

I also like the jade top and the blue top but if you are over them, you are over them.

The hem of the polka dot top is a bit tricky so I think you are right to tuck it in.

Anonymous

Mostly agree with Brooklyn. I like the polkadot top a lot. Can you wear it with the pink jacket and jeans?

Anonymous

I agree to not be hasty in getting rid of charcoal dress. I think BROOKLYNs idea of opaque tights is great. I do love the pink jacket on you and think you just need to make an effort to reach for it more- because it is great.
Agree tucking polka dot top looks better. I like jade top on you and think it would look great with white or black bottoms. Last tee agree retire. Orange dress is lovely and can be dressed up or down. Agree with SUZ on cream top.
This has been a great exercise- super of you to visit pieces and wonder why you use them less. You have inspired me. Thanks

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all. I think I will pass on the jade and cream blouses and charcoal dress, and the last tee. The charcoal dress is too dressy for work at the moment (and in the foreseeable future), not one of my best colours (I am much better in a lighter grey), and definitely a work fabric. The last two I feel I would need new supporting acts to make them work... which I am not prepared to get. The jade one ends in a wide part of my thighs and so is not great with white pants....The cream top was such a bargain but is a bit big on me - I only wear it because I like the colour....

I will hold on to the pink jacket, polka dots, as well as the two knit dresses. The polka dot is fun and I think I could wear a body suit under it with jeans or trousers and it would work much better.

Suz - thanks and it was useful to see why these pieces were lingering yet not being worn.

Shevia - thanks, I agree with you.

Brooklyn - you inspired me with your Bailey dress.

Joy - I have worn that combo before - the jacket is quite short so I prefer it with a longer top or dress, or trousers rather than jeans.

Efbgen - I think we are mostly all in agreement which is good.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I came to the same conclusions as you, looking at the photos first. I really like the Bailey 44 dress on you.

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes keep Bailey and try different fun stylings.

Thx cream blouse- I vote toss. I like and need some breezy tops and it seems kind it should be a good basic top, but I have trouble with these kind of babydoll styles unless it really fits someone’s style aesthetic, and you look fantastic in more tailored classic lines, IMO.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with keeping the pink jacket and the two knit dresses -- the Bailey is fantastic on you and I've actually been seeing similar styles back out in the stores, so no fear of looking dated there at all. I feel like all of the tops could go -- I think you're kind of like me in that you don't find it especially challenging to find great tops. I love the color of the jade/teal one, but I've been moving away from that exact same length and style myself, so I know how you feel.

RobinF

Veteran

Great exercise! I really need to get into my closet and do the same. I agree with your assessments, love dress #1 on you, looks amazing. I like the jade top, I think it’s a good color on you but if you aren’t wearing it then time to go.

Carla

Veteran

Do you have a white jean jacket? Try it with the Bailey for juxtoposition and to de-bombshell. Colours are brilliant! The red dress is lovely and the 3/4 length/bracelet sleeve suits you very well. Keep these.

Anonymous

Without reading other comments.....there are only 2 pieces I'm not in love with for you : the red/orange dress in 3 and the little top in 4. I may be the spanner regarding the dress, I realize. . The colour is fantastic though.

The Cat

Veteran

Generally, I agree with your own evaluations. Haven't read the comments from others yet. Here are a few suggestions from me:

How about wearing the orange/red dress at work, with a jacket or waistcoat plus a "real" belt?

The colour of the jade blouse is beautiful on you! I suggest wearing this blouse (perhaps in a shortened version) with a cream, white or tan bottom (jeans, pants, skirt). And instead of that dark scarf, try wearing a scarf or necklace in cream, white, tan, coral or gold.

If you desire to let the jade blouse go, consider to replace it with another top in this colour, as it looks gorgeous with your colouring.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Such a wonderful use for yesterday! I didn't leave the house, it was so horrid and rainy. Also I love the peep I can see of your walk-in wardrobe. We are planning ours for the new house currently.
I need to do this. I'm stubbornly trying to wear things more but there are definitely some I'm not. I tried with Katerina's oldie challenge to wear some older stuff to see if it should go but the forum liked it all!
Regarding yours:
1. I prefer the dress styled with the jacket and white sneakers. I admit though I'm not really a fan of bandage dresses.
2. I still like this charcoal dress, but I guess 2011 is some time ago so if you feel it is dated and you're not wearing it then up to you.
3. Gorgeous pink jacket! Love it.
4. Red dress, lovely, looks warm too. Hope it can go out to more dinners and parties.
5. Cream top. Like it best with the drapey jacket in middle pic. Maybe a bit boxy looking by itself?
6. Spotted top. Meh. Pretty colours.
7. Jade top, actually I love this. I would still wear if I owned it.
8. Cobalt top. My fave colour! If you don't like it any more, sure get rid.
No doubt you will feel pleased to create a bit of space!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really love the idea of a long cardigan with the Bailey dress, too. And/or a denim (or other cropped casual) jacket.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Ummlila - I love this dress too, but it is quite a bombshell look to wear to a casual BBQ or lunch which is why it is rarely worn.

Robyn - yes the cream blouse is back to the thrift shop for someone else - I have worn it two or three times - it only cost $8 from memory so not a big loss at all.

Janet - the cream, teal and cobalt/back are all in the donate box. Polka dots is on probation!! I do love teal so will look for a shorter version in this colour. I have not added many tops recently because I felt I was oversupplied but tops and dresses are pretty easy for me to find -pants and skirts much harder and shorts are my worst!!

Thanks RobynF - yes it is worthwhile, the whole exercise took maybe 45 mins as I had pulled them aside during the week waiting for a clear time to do it.

Carla - I don't have a white/cream denim jacket - my only light jackets are the cream tuxedo style and the grey double breasted blazer. I thought about a denim jacket last year, I am open to one and agree it would work with this dress.

Lisa- thanks, I am keeping the orange dress but getting rid of the top. All opinions are appreciated.

The Cat - I will try the dress with a jacket and a different belt - good idea. It does have long splits at the side that make it not work appropriate but I could make it more casual. I agree with the colour of the teal - it is lovely - I have a peacock winter coat and a summer dress that are similar tones and I love them both.

Jenni - yes it was pretty average weather here yesterday!! I am ready to pass on the charcoal dress - and the jade top - and the cobalt. Cobalt and black skews too cool on me - I look tired in it - and I struggle to style it. The cream top is going too.

Suz - I agree. I have been looking for a long line cardigan - grandpa style - and I keep going around in circles as to ink blue/pale grey/black or blush......hence have done nothing!! I had a pale grey one that was very poor quality that I intended to replace and never did.

This morning I thought I should evaluate these pieces via my style goals which were

Continue to wear outfits that fit within my flamboyant natural style persona – key words are sporty, elegant and relaxed.

I am happy to skew to the classic, the bombshell or the bohemian - but I don't skew to avant garde, hard edge, tomboy, romantic or pretty.... ( i like these styles on others by the way). This confirms my decisions except probably the polka dots could go too. I will ponder that one.

(I do have a couple of pieces that I wear that do not fit my style goals but I am choosing not to replace. Key would be some black moto style chunky boots - very casual and comfy - I would love to replace them but it won't be this year as the budget is going in other directions)

Anonymous

I’ll add this to my previous comment : I’m not a fan of very fitted and body - con dresses on anyone , and that is influencing my eye here . I won’t get into it further - but that’s why I wrote what I did .

Sal

Veteran

That's why I love the forum - I like diversity of opinion. I have been avoiding wearing these two dresses but trying them on again made me realise I am okay with them..... We all have things that we don't get or like or see as flattering on anyone (in my case skirted leggings - I just can't understand them?)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE THE KILLER BAILEY DRESS. It blows me away. I’m wowed. Diagonal lines are magical. You rock this look and length.

Pass on cobalt, jade and polka dot top. Pass on charcoal dress.

Keep red dress and white top. Wear when you can.

Love the pink jacket. Wear with culottes.

lyn67

Veteran

First 3 are great keepers, Bailey's andf coral dresses still a magic!!!! Nr 2 is not dated in my opinion!!!! It is a great classic LBD and you can still wear it on occasions. I would skip on the others.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Sal --

Late to the party...

Totally agreed with most of the thoughts in your OP and see you've already started to donate pieces but will add my .02.

For me the standouts that work the best with your wonderful "sporty, elegant, and relaxed" style descriptors are the Bailey dress and the red dress.

I know you say the Bailey is pretty bombshell for you but a) fantastic everything...fit and colors and b) the diagonals give it that sporty vibe.

I totally echo comments above about looking for a white/cream crop jacket in denim or linen and a long lightweight cardigan to pair with the Bailey. Wish you were in the US as I have a rec for that latter that I bought in multiple shades.

[I'm on the fence re pink jacket due to cut and preferring a warmer pink on you, but if you love it I'm sure you'll find partners for it.]

JAileen

Veteran

The first dress looks so good on you! You really should keep it.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Janet - I am keeping it and may wear on Friday for a lunch!!

Vix - I know when I think about my style goals it did make it easier - you are right. The jacket is actually a warm pink - not coral but with some salmon (bright) tones. I am on the fence with the cut too - I like it best over a dress but I don't quite have the right thing anymore. And I am going to find a long cardigan - it will have multiple uses.

Lyn - I am going to pass on the charcoal dress - it has been well worn over five years and then not much the last two. I feel like it is too short to be a fitted dress, and it has some cleavage too. I don't feel I can do cleavage and above the knee and a sheath - only one of the three!!

Angie - I am keeping the orange and Bailey dresses and the pink jacket. The rest is in the donate pile:) I am going to find a new cream top that works with more pieces and a long line cardigan - both essentials that I have identified with this exercise. The shape of the cream makes it not an essential for me and not a statement. It is in good condition so someone will love it.

Lesley

Veteran

You have great instincts and I think I agree with all your choices! The only thing I don't agree with is that dress number 1 even made it onto the chopping block in the first place. That is insanely gorgeous and you look amazing in it. I don't love it with the white jacket and sneaks... it does dial back the sexiness but it feels a little cruise-director! Wear that dress loud and proud!

Sal

Veteran

Lesley - I have always loved it but struggle to know when to wear it. It feels too va va voom for the average family BBQ, it is not work appropriate... I have worn it - two parties, to the races and to a dinner out (I think that is it).

Love the cruise director reference - loved The Love Boat and wanted to be Julie the Cruise Director!!!