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Surprising or unexpected workhorses

Sal

Veteran

We have talked about this before, but I am interested in any workhorses that have surprised you. They might be statements or essentials or completer pieces. They might be older pieces that suddenly got a new lease of life, or new pieces that you didn't expect much from...

My denim shirt cost $5 and was a second hand purchase a year ago - I didn't analyse it deeply at the time, I just brought it home after trying it on over the outfit I was wearing at the time. I have tried a lot over the years and none have felt right (some have been returned, one or two kept and donated very quickly). This one from an unknown brand feels so comfortable and right on me. I adore it and wear it regularly.
I also struggled with denim jackets over the years - but after asking the forum about boxy cardigans, a couple of comments about the usefulness of denim jackets as a spring topper made me try again. My one is from an affordable online retailer called Ezibuy - and the blue was perfect, the fit was good. All my summer topper problems were solved. What to wear over a sundress, what to wear with cropped flares, what to wear for that first cold hour at work in the morning....This one is not on trend - although I don't know if boxy and oversized or shrunken is the current look - this is a good tailored fit that can be done up firmly, but I always wear it open.
I was browsing on vacation on the 30th of December and saw this dress - I was open to something new, and the white linen sundress felt so fresh. It became my summer go to dress - with the denim jacket, with birks or dressier sandals, BBQ, New Years Eve Parties or cocktails with friends... It was a case of the spontaneous purchase being exactly the right one for me.

Lessons for me here - be open to buying when you know something is right (the white dress - I may have twirled), and be open to keeping on trying when some versions don't work (the denim shirt and denim jacket).

Over to you - what are your current workhorses that you didn't predict?

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Minaminu

Veteran

My unexpected workhorses are often bought with a pinch of salt and to fill a specific purpose.

My navy merino dress is soft and warm and I used almost once a week during the cold season and even now that Spring is starting. I hesitate to buy it as I don't wear often dresses, I keep on coming back as it keeps me warm!

The white blouse was bought as a piece for my spring wardrobe and I have been using it until the end of summer! My initial thought was that it would have worked for a few weeks but I adore it as it so versatile!

The linen dress was bought for the heatwave only but it was used longer than that as It worked for walks/ light gardening / zoom calls in a hot room.

From these pieces, I leant to be open to the possibilities but keep the intended use in mind when looking for replacements or something new.

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Searching for the tall, flat black & brown equestrian boots I had reasoned I should get, I came across white ankle boots with black soles and knew I had to have them. They were cheap, so why not? I loved them the first time I wore them, but also got blisters and could tell they would not stretch to fit my foot, because of the material they were made of. Then I searched and searched for a replacement. Kept coming back to a pair of Sorels, which were considerably beyond my budget. I ordered them and some others just to try. My excuse is that, because they are legit winter boots, they have an extra use others wouldn’t have. I love them and you’ve probably seen me stomping all over ylf in them. Bonus: a certain dude in the US thought they were really cool too.

by Stagiaire Fash

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Sal

Veteran

I can understand that Minaminu - these pieces have been a bit more versatile than you thought. That's a happy occurrence!!

StagF - I think these white boots are great too. Pleased they are getting approval from you and others. In a climate such as yours sturdy but fun boots seem a good place to spend your money (for me practical summer shoes that can cope in the heat are important).

Bijou

Veteran

Sal, I'm very glad that your denim jacket has worked out so well, as I know I was an enabler with that purchase!

I love white boots and these are my most worn. At the time of buying, I was worried that they could be too RATE for my style (they have some distressing) and generally I prefer gold hardware - but they have almost become signature to my style.

The cargo pants were a bit of a shock for me because I think I don't wear olive but since getting these pants, I have been wearing regularly, even during my long hot summer.

Lilac bag was found on sale 4 years ago as a bit of a splurge and was the first vibrantly coloured bag - previously my bags were in neutral tones and red (which is a neutral for me). It opened my eyes to how a bright bag can really lift an outfit. It is not used as much now, as I have added more colourful bags to my collection but I will always love this bag and its gorgeous colour.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

I would say it is always cardigans of some sort, which I really didn’t wear many of until the last few years. I wonder if they felt a bit old-lady-ish earlier, although I have had a small number over the previous several decades. In 2013 I bought 2 on sale for a trip to Fiji- light-weight drapey summer ones. I wore the white one so much it got tatty and was donated. I still have the red.
Then in 2018 a bronze “shrug” cardigan was seen serendipitously. It was half price and has now had a huge 141 wears! So warm and cosy.
And in summer 2018 a $20 cream cardigan with pretty appliqué turned up and has now had 60 wears. Sometimes evenings can get chilly in summer. Functions much like your denim jacket does for you I think.
Pic 1: red summer cardigan
Pic 2: bronze winter cardigan
Pic 3: cream summer cardigan
I guess it should no longer be a surprise that cardigans are workhorses! I can look more deliberately in future if these wear out.

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kkards

Veteran

The lightweight puffer and the shacket both have become workhorse and both kind of have the same roll in my wardrobe—-perfect to throw on either as a layer or added warmth when WFH or as an outerwear piece when it’s chilly but not cold. The clogs have been workhorses since I bought them and are the prefect WFH shoes. And the belt, while I was hesitant about it, it’s wider than any other belt I own, and it’s got a subtle 70s vibe, and I love it. Every time I wear my light/cream boots I reach for it. It makes everything I wear it with fab

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Wilfred Free the ganna shirt jacket Oversized wool shacket

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Star

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When I lived in SA I purchased 2 furry zipper sleeveless vests, one cream and one black. They were on deep discount from a fairly pricey retailer. I only wore them once or twice and they languished in the cupboard. Firstly they were not weather appropriate, and they said Dry Clean Only. When I moved here I brought the black one with and passed on the cream. Oh my word, I wear this vest every single day at home for 8 months of the year, over my regular clothes and even my pj's. I wash it in the machine in a laundry bag without issues. It gives the extra warmth required without constriction. I even had to mend it recently! I wish I had brought the cream one with too but maybe it would have been too precious being light cream. Problem is my DH does not like it. I will have to replace it with something similar when the time comes.

lyn67

Veteran

Have to think deeper, but Sal, how could you live without the denim jacket!!!:-) I just cannot live without and wear it over dresses& skirts almost exclusively, too. (BTW great new white linen dress!)
I just didn't reach my denim shirt(s) for so long...they still fit me but never find a spot when and why wearing them nowadays (I usually wore them open like a topper in the summer-for casual-anything other styling idea feels so complicated right now- but will look at your looks for inspo.
To answer your question, one unexpected workhorse is perhaps my powder blue lightweight trench-was addicted strictly to neutrals as black, taupe or a very saturated rust)-but is so lightweight (goes easy over all my blazers-and even puffer vests) and seems pastel blue works well (and also screams Spring) over my dull office wear (usually all black based neutrals).

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Years ago...maybe 10? I picked an open weave, short sleeve coccoon cardigan at Target. I wear it through the seasons, and it has fit through many body changes. I am currently looking to add more coccoon cardigans in different cors, both short and long sleeve because ithasworked so well for so long for me.

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Brooklyn

Veteran

Yes, the twirl is the sure fire sign it’s right. I think you suit sundresses really well.

I’m not sure if I have had any unexpected workhorses. Lately anyway. I now buy with a fairly strict dichotomy in mind: everyday wear vs occasional (icon) wear. So the things I buy for everyday wear should turn out to be workhorses. (Unless it turns out to be a mistake, which can happen!)

My biggest workhorse for last summer was this tiered skirt. It has the characteristics that are most likely to make something a workhorse for me: washable, good coverage, comfortable, flattering cut, neutral darkish colour, interesting pattern.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Go Team Denim Jacket! YAY, Sal! Thrilled you are getting out of a denim jacket all that it has to offer. I'm a huge fan

And that white sundress is all sorts of awesome on you!

To answer your question, I'm going with these two items. Weatherproof cream combat boots, and white leather hi-tops. I expected to wear them often - but not QUITE as often

Sam Edelman Lex Boot

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Converse Converse

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Runcarla

Veteran

I bought this hat https://anianmfg.com/products/.....5854216278 earlier this year ‘cause I’m liking the beanie style and wanted to support a Canadian sustainable maker. Well! I love this hat, and reach for it all the time.

The Uniqlo micro puffers are winners in my book. The (older) beige one matches my hair, and the (newer) cream coloured version somehow manages to look ‘elevated’. Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised that the second one would become as much a ‘go to’ as the beige one, but it seems to go with everything!

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slim cat

Veteran

Simple white linen cardigan - low hip length, open without buttons from Marshall's that I've got during summer 2020 ( it's from Rachel Zoe ). I was using it so much every summer for work and after that recently I've got the perfect duplicate at the same place .
Like @Brooklyn my workhorses are often fairly well predicted. I shop mostly for practical pieces that go from work to home with ease.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love these threads. They're an opportunity to celebrate our "happy" purchases, because who does not love an unexpected workhorse?? (Especially an inexpensive find, like that denim shirt of yours! Or the jacket -- a type of item that didn't work at all until it -- surprisingly -- did. Or the dress -- one that makes you immediately happy?)

A couple of recent (ish) ones in my life.

This merino v-neck, an add-on for free delivery, very inexpensive because Lord & Taylor is no more, but a fun print and cozy for me in fall/ winter/ spring.

Hibiscus sneakers from last summer. Such great walking shoes for me (stable, fits an orthotic) I bought another pair so I could have one pristine for "fashion" outfits and one for walking in the sometimes-muck.

Linen shirt. Love having this shirt in my closet. The colours make me smile and it works so well with white bottoms.

I also have a lot of expected workhorses (puffer coats, boots, etc.) Those also give me great joy. But it's the surprises that give the most fun.

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M&S Collection Pure Linen Floral Long Sleeve Shirt

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cat2

Veteran

Last summer I ended up living in cargo pants from DKNY and Talbots, of all places. This winter it was my boring cashmere collection; nice pieces bought for corporate wear, tucked into cropped wool things (pants, culottes, etc.).

JAileen

Veteran

Columbia hiking pants - I got these for birding trips, but I wear them almost every day around the house.

Eileen Fisher boyfriend jeans - I bought these in blue and also in black at NAS several years ago almost as an afterthought. It turns out I wear the black ones all the time. And I love the fit, too.

Dansko clogs in charcoal - well of course these turned out to be workhorses. We remove our outdoor shoes in the house, so when I’m going somewhere these are so easy to slip on, plus they go with everything. In fact, I’ve worn them so much they are starting to wear out.

The North Face thermoball parka - another NAS purchase that turned out to be a workhorse. I wish I knew how many times I’ve worn it. All I know is: it’s a lot!

Columbia Anytime Casual Omni-Shield Outdoor Hiking Pants

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Boyfriend Jeans

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Dansko Dansko Ingrid Clog (Women) | Nordstrom

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The North Face The North Face ThermoBall Insulated Hooded Parka | Nordstrom

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Style Fan

Veteran

Last year, I bought a lightweight down bomber jacket from Lululemon that was final sale. The colour was perfect for my wardrobe, but I wasn't sure about the bomber style. I took a chance and ordered it. It quickly became a workhorse. I wore it dog walking, to the movies and everything in between.

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Cardiff girl

Veteran

You are quite right Sal often workhorses are unexpected purchases aren’t theyMy most recent purchase that fits the bill is a pair of urban hikers from Reiker.They are possibly the most comfortable boots l have ever owned and they work perfectly for my current lifestyle.l shall be bereft in the summer when it is too hot to wear them!

Joy

Veteran

I am liking summer weight poncho-like toppers and a Jean jacket like topper made of white handkerchief linen. I am considering a blue one. The weight is just right for over air conditioning or a summer evening.

Anonymous

My workhorse at the moment is a pair of Gravity Defyer walking shoes. They’re the absolute best for my osteoarthritis. I can walk for miles without any pain or discomfort. This is a game changer because up until now, lace-up shoes have been very difficult to wear, & I could never find the right insoles.

rachylou

Veteran

So… my office chair murdered my brown Bernardo puffy… I got up, left my office, and came back to a pile of fluff. The Bernardo was an unexpected workhorse and already way way beyond its natural lifespan, a revenant to be honest. But the brown was so perfect. So I got this Uniqlo replacement, which isn’t the same at all - too shiny. I didn’t really expect much of it. However, it has proven a workhorse and my navy Bernardo continues to play second fiddle.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

On the topic of denim jackets, I bought one over 10 years ago in New York and it has never failed me. I was very surprised how handy my Dale of Norway sweaters came in the cold indoor, mild outdoor Israeli winter.

April

Veteran

A pair of leather pants. Wearing the heck out of them right now before the weather gets too warm for them.

Anonymous

I have a denim blazer that I have worn for a decade already. It’s still in great shape & I cannot find another shapely one like it, so it’s a keeper. It has a zero CPW now.

Jonesy

Veteran

Great question! The perfect denim shirt is a HEWI, for sure, so congrats for finding the right one! I have never been able to :).

This year, my unexpected workhorses have been a couple of pairs of jeans from the Gap (duplicated, one dark wash and one light wash) and a pair of Docs in a butterscotch color. I have been traveling a lot by car and these jeans have an elasticized waist and fit well--along with the boots, they are comfy for being in the car for hours, but I still feel reasonably put-together. And they were inexpensive, so they don't feel precious.

Kyle

Veteran

Oh my gosh, these Old Navy mid-rise breathable joggers saved me during the pandemic. Available in tall, they are super soft and comfy, easy to wash and dry, and they wear like iron. What a find.

https://oldnvy.me/3xqh8Xa

Sal

Veteran

Sorry about the delay!

Kyle - joggers during the pandemic were so so useful. I can relate.

Jonesy - I agree, that balance between dressy and casual is important when driving. Pleased you have found a good inexpensive solution. And why are denim shirts so hard to find?

Quinta22- a denim blazer is a really timeless piece. And not likely to wear out any time soon! And a big yes to comfy shoes.

April - I can see that. Leather pants kind of go with everything. Perfect to make every outfit look a bit edgier.

Jaime - I do think a classic style denim jacket is a really timeless piece. I am trying to build these types of pieces up and feel like I have so many more options. And pleased you have the right sweater even for a mild climate. It's still nice to feel a bit more cosy in winter.

Did you put in a police report for the murder Rachylou? That awful chair!! I love the shiny puffer look actually - I don't have one - but I am drawn to it.

Sal

Veteran

Joy - light ponchos are so easy in the evening - I like something to throw on to take the chill off that works with lots of other pieces.

Cardiff Girl - those boots sound excellent. I think Rieker do sandals too - or Joseph Siebel or Ecco as a summer alternative?

Style Fan - that's a great workhorse and pleased the bomber style is working out. It's a wonderful colour.

JAileen - these practical pieces are wonderful. I love that puffer - it's stylish and useful.

cat2 - I am pleased the cashmere is finding a new life. And in the pandemic cargo pants are kind of in between joggers and jeans in terms of comfort so I can understand why they were well worn. I do think cosy sweaters in good colours have long standing appeal and mine tend to last a long time - starting off as work, moving to casual and eventually maybe loungewear or even active or gardening wear.

Suz - those are all great pieces! It is so nice when something you take a bit of a punt on, ends up being a firm favourite. It's why a good wardrobe is not entirely sensible... Love those red/watermelon shoes - perfect fix of fun, style and practicality.

Sal

Veteran

Slim Cat - a white cardigan layer is a perfect summer topper, so I am not surprised that worked out well for you.

Carla - these simple puffers have become quite signature to your style. I really like how you style them. And a good beanie is not easy to find....I am on the hunt and yet to be successful:)

Angie - yes Bijou and yourself were the main influencers on the denim jacket, and being patient was worthwhile. I love these light leather boots on you - and I can see why they keep getting worn!!

Brooklyn - that's a great easy skirt and I can see why it become such a favourite. I do love a summer dress and like to have a variety available.

chewy spaghetti - these sort of easy toppers are brilliant to have - in the car, in your bag etc for layering. 10 years is a very good stint!!

kkards - I wonder if the light colour has made these super appealing for you in the colder months. I also think that a light belt is a really useful completer piece to tie in light soled shoes or your shacket etc.. It's a really good complement collection.

Jenni - in the Auckland climate cardigans are perfect from October to about April. I think it's finding the style that suits you - which you have done so. I only have one cardigan but I would always own one now - I love it for easy weekends or evenings or quick trips to the shops. The wrong one can feel dowdy but the right one is magic.

Bijou - love your unexpected workhorses!! I have always admired those star boots on you, and also have found olive pants a really good option for the last six months. And a lilac bag is just so much fun!! And I am pleased you influenced on the denim jacket - it was absolutely the right topper for me and I pulled it out a lot over summer. It will still be worn in autumn and winter, but less so as I don't love it with jeans (I do love a denim shirt and jeans though!).

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