The Bifurcated Wardrobe - 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

The Bifurcated Wardrobe

LJP

Veteran

I first heard this term on one of Amy Smilovic's IG reels, and it's stuck with me since (but she is starting to annoy me so I watch less of them - she takes SO long to explain things) . Brooklyn referred to this - using different language- in her post yesterday, and forum members like Jenn , LaPed, Irina, Helena , Suz , and of course Angie, come to mind as those who successfully use their clothing across many uses and situations .

I don't. At all. And it's bugged me since reading about Amy S's proclamation that you should be able to wear (obviously not every single piece) a jersey knit top to hike, go to lunch , go to work , go out for an evening etc. I have a VERY bifurcated wardrobe, and it's really inefficient, and taking up too much room because there are so many pieces that are too specific . It also takes me forever to truly wear something out , so I'm passing clothing along because I'm tired of seeing it my closet for years on end (workout gear, outdoor stuff, special occasion pieces) . Obviously if you wear your clothes more often and in many situations you can turn your closet over more often and keep it more modern and fresh looking without feeling like you're creating needless churn. And then .....FEWER AND BETTER can happen!

Amy illustrated an example of how she uses her clothes to hike in as opposed to buying stuff created specifically for that reason that is often not her aesthetic: bright colours, synthetic fabrics, tight silhouettes etc. The illustration was so good - so clear in showing how you can end up with clothes that aren't really you, just because you don't know what else to wear.

So this is a goal I've set for this year - to use my clothes across more situations /occasions , and create a look that is really "me".
I NEVER wear any of my extensive work wardrobe (black pants, tops, sweaters, dresses, sneakers, boots, shoes) outside of work. Ever. Partly because I'm resentful of having to follow a strict dress code, lol, thus wearing a version of the same thing EVERY g-d---- day. I don't wear my exercise/outdoor stuff for anything other than that, and don't touch my "good" pieces unless I'm going out for dinner/drinks or something like that. Holiday wear? Pff - it's a joke! I have had the same stuff for years, never really update it, but also never wear it. Combine all of these slices of the wardrobe/life pie and one could collect a far better bunch of clothing that gets worn across the board.

Does this concept interest you? Have you achieved a seamless wardrobe? Or are you as bifurcated (isn't that a great word?) as I? Thoughts on how to achieve this goal? Where to start?

Sorry if I'm rambling or if I repeated myself. I lost an entire paragraph clicking the bold button somehow- and completely lost the flow. Anyways, I look forward to hearing what others do, and how they do it.

Dressing

62 replies

Latest reply was from Ginger

nemosmom

Veteran

This concept does interest me, simply because a large closet and specialized capsules in it make me feel incredibly overwhelmed.

I am a bit of a lazy dresser, in that as much as I love clothes and making outfits, I have a LOT going on that requires my attention. And, I don’t have the energy to devote to it like I would like. Another thing I struggle with is saving pieces for good. So I end up with more of a “collection” that I enjoy looking at, than functional “clothing” that I actually wear.

I have spent some time tracking what I really wear, sticking to wishlists for shopping (to curb impulse buys), and trying to spend time really thinking about what I like and what I don’t.

I want more versatility in what I have so that I actually wear the things. I am just not quite sure how to get there. That was a ramble. I could have stopped with, I am following closely!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Your situation is distinct because there's a good portion of your day -- the public part, too -- where you're tied to a dress code not of your liking.

If only your work dress code simply required the magic "uniform" that many people seem to crave!

I think you could mix in some of the black pieces to your day to day life needs and wants. For example, this might include particular black pants (are skirts permitted?) that you select because you really like them. (These Vince ones are pretty similar to a pair I have. They're not super dressy though, because of the elastic waist.) Sharply tailored wool, a little knife pleat is what I'm guessing would really appeal to you. You don't do anything at work that would be hazardous to them, do you?

Or, on the other end of the spectrum, you could wear black pants to work that you can use as workout gear. The brand ALO does a lot of pants like this, that look sort of dressy, but are made of performance fabrics. (See two examples below.)

The key would really be that you'd have to like them. Not just see them as placeholders or required puzzle pieces.

The opposite way of approaching this would be to think of the situations where you have latitude but wish you were wearing something other than what's already in your rotation (or even in your closet). Do you want to look a little cuter at home while you're reading on the couch? Do you want a going out for dinner and drinks capsule? Etc. And how often are you doing those things, and sort out your piles of stuff accordingly. Then, just tackle that particular need -- and for sure go with your favorite color palette (earthy, I s'pose though I still remember that turquoise blazer with fondness).

ETA -- Having said all this, and seen some of Smilovic's posts on the topic I do bifurcate between workout gear and non workout clothes. Mainly because the workouts I do pretty much require leggings and close fitting clothes so that I can see if I'm operating in good alignment.

Vince Tapered Pull-On Pants

View Info

Top Pick

0

Alo Pursuit High Waist Wide Leg Pants

View Info

Top Pick

1

Alo Winter Break High Waist Flare Microcorduroy Pants

View Info

Top Pick

0

Star

Veteran

When I was working (8 years ago) I had clothes that were either for work or play. Now I am using all my pieces for all types of activities, be it doing a daily walk, going shopping, socializing, etc. Most people around here do put on gear for the daily walk by the sea but I wear whatever I am wearing for the day, which in winter is jeans/cords, polo knit and jacket, and in summer it is shorts, skirts or a dress. The only thing I change out is shoes. I wear more comfy sneakers for walking and then later change into boots in winter and sandals in summer. Now I definitely only want pieces that can be worn for any activity.

slim cat

Veteran

Well, I have a few pieces for hiking that just for that purpose ( lightweight pants, long shorts, sun hat, vest ) however some of the hiking pieces are my Hawaii casual vacation pieces. My work pants are for work only and my jackets are worn mostly at work. I tried to find ways to wear most of my things in different ways - it works for tops, sweaters and couple dark jeans. I don't think I'll get equal wear on some things and it's fine either way.
My only problem now is the absence of the thoughtful outfits for semi casual get together ( it's still barely happening ) or very dressy ones ( not really happening - lol ).
I used to go and get some dressy outfit plus shoes for specific occasion and then never wear it again .
"Thoughtful outfits" for casual wear is going to be my goal I guess for 2023.

phoebe

Within a certain, not too expansive range my clothes are appropriate for different occasions.

I did have to work to find a formula or level that satisfies me. I'm not overdressed or underdressed but I do spend more in all categories, on all items, for better fabric and design.

Re your example, synthetic exercise wear is not essential to my activities so sturdy, better quality cotton t shirts can also be worn for bicycling etc, or as layers under sweaters and eventually, when starting to show wear, at home

I started with pants because I stopped wearing denim, which until then had seemed perfect for so many occasions!

kkards

Veteran

I’m going to be the outside, impartial observer.

Do you really want to do this, or do you think you should do this….and will this truly make you happy.
. Partly because I'm resentful of having to follow a strict dress code, lol, thus wearing a version of the same thing EVERY g-d----day
will incorporating items that you resent make you feel good about your wardrobe? Or will it make you feel like you have a lot of clothes but nothing to wear

DonnaF

Veteran

Hmmm. I’m wondering if you might want or need the psychological space between work and the rest of your life such that wearing black outside of work might wear you down? If I were you I would only wear a black piece that I might have purchased otherwise.

I wear gear strictly for exercise and get sopping wet when I do. I’d worry that funk wouldn’t wash out of non-gear. A lot of my gear is pretty ratty so it only gets seen by folks on my exercise route and never to the store.

Several years ago I stopped buying “work only” clothes so that has helped with versatility. I’m also making an effort to wear to work the “work only” clothing I have (DCO pencil skirts and other strict pieces) on the one day per week I still work.

My wardrobe has become supersized especially in the last year so please don’t pay attention to me. I think I am buying clothes as a coping mechanism, especially since I know that once I fully retire I will have to change my ways. Plus, I now own more than I can possibly wear out in my lifetime.

Dee

Veteran

Yes, it seems I’m bifurcated as well, and although I’m pretty much retired, there is a cluster of clothes that were designated for work that I haven’t incorporated into my everyday life now. They aren’t really even that dressy, I actually like them and they could easily be worn, but it’s just my mindset about them really,

I also have some specific hiking gear, that hardly ever crosses over, and a ski jacket that’s only for skiing, the special occasion stuff rarely sees any occasions anymore.

I think having a 4 seasons wardrobe does tend to lead to bifurcation (?)
but I see no real reason for my clothes not to cross over my arbitrary categories and get worn. I have started experimenting with combining my dressier stuff with my casual, and I think its a good start to using my wardrobe more effectively.

I am also trying to really hone my personal style so that any new purchases make more sense for my current lifestyle. For the most part, I don’t need to be so bifurcated except for probably my gym gear, and the odd dressy piece.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Another interesting discussion! You get such good conversations going.

Sounds like your wardrobe is splintered more than just bifurcated. I generally keep my workout stuff for workouts, but make sure it feels enough like “me” that I don’t mind wearing it, for example, for errands before or after, maybe with different shoes. Everything else is very fungible.

This post has 3 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.

LaPed

Veteran

I've found that, for my own sanity, I absolutely need a fair number of crossover pieces. If I drew a Venn diagram of my ideal wardrobe, it would have a very big overlap in the center, and very slim edges. I am happy to keep a few very dressy pieces that only get worn on special occasions, as well as having some "play clothes" that I feel free to thrash and trash (one set for house chores, one set for backpacking). Everything else should play nicely together so I can dial in the level of polish I need for the day. Do I casualize the wool trousers with chunky boots and a graphic sweatshirt, or do I dress them up with refined boots and a button-front shirt? Or add some edge by pairing them with a moto jacket? Or is it going to be so wet and slushy that the wool trousers are impractical, and I should wear joggers or slim jeans instead? In the past few weeks, I've worn all of the pieces below in just about every possible configuration.

It seems like you might need to decide whether you really want to create a black work capsule that you don't chafe against, or simply keep the absolute smallest number of work pieces possible and leave it at that. If the pieces are going to have negative associations anyway, it might be worth it to just leave them out of the equation, wear them when necessary and forget about them otherwise. I think of healthcare workers I know who find it such a relief to be able to change into/out of their scrubs, because that physical change helps them compartmentalize the stress and demands of work.

Signature Italian Wool Trouser, Plaid

View Info

Top Pick

9

View Info

View Info

Blundstone Blundstone Women's 1448 Chelsea Boot

View Info

Top Pick

5

View Info

View Info

View Info

The Cheeky Straight Jean

View Info

Top Pick

11

Gap Run With It Pant

View Info

Top Pick

8

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think the idea is really sound but l would struggle to find pieces that genuinely did cover all bases for me.l think it’s very much like a capsule wardrobe unless you can start from scratch and buy it all in one go l don’t know how l would go about achieving this but lam really interested to see if you do!l also think that it’s very difficult for people who live in a climate with a lot of seasonal and unpredictable variation.One does need a larger wardrobe than someone who lives in a more regular climate.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This is a great discussion, and I want to go back and reread the comments. But my initial quick reaction is — just applicable to me — yes, my wardrobe is bifurcated. And I’m ok with that. I have been working in a little more crossover since I’ve been going to Pilates sessions because it’s not a super sweaty workout, but otherwise, I really don’t want to hike in my non gear wardrobe, just as an example.

For me a lot of this has to do with the fact that I dress for activity like hiking and photo walks in stuff that is either indestructible or I don’t care if it gets stained or ripped. But I’m down and dirty in these activities — muddy hems, snags on thorns or metal, oil stains… all are possible. I’m sure not wearing $200 jeans or a nice jacket for those activities. This is why I bought duplicate used Athleta hiking pants off Poshmark for $20 each.

I also don’t feel like I need to look like a fashionista when I’m out hiking, you know? And I like to be low-key for things like photo walks in areas where I would be obtrusive in nicer outfits.

Bottom line: I don’t mind having different capsules for different activities. I don’t need everything to be usable for every purpose. Heck, I change out of my good clothes when I get home because our two big dogs are all snagging claws and shedding hair. So a degree of bifurcation is useful for me. To each her own!!

Funny related aside: it took me years to “teach” my husband the joys of some degree of closet bifurcation. He would do things like change the oil in his motorcycle with brand new designer jeans on. Argh! He now knows to keep an old pair of ranch jeans around for dirty jobs, and he’ll change out of good clothes to do home projects, yard work, etc.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ok. I haven't read the comments yet, but I am going to say, I think you pretty much have to "bifurcate" due to the uniform. Of course you are sick of looking at those pieces and want to dress differently when you are at home! Anyone who loves clothes would feel that way.

Sure, you could make some black pants do double duty, if you like to wear black pants, that is. If it were me, I'd never be wearing any of those things outside the work situation, or maybe a workout. Because black is not a neutral in my closet.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a strong proponent of making clothes work across multiple situations -- if you can -- but I think this is context dependent.

For instance -- I could wear my regular merino J. Crew pullovers for hikes...but I rarely do -- I prefer the Icebreaker quarter zips because those give me more flexibility for heating/ cooling down. I do occasionally wear those quarter-zips for WFH days with non-gear pants....but it's rare. As for boots -- well -- my hiking boots are NOT my fashion boots. I'm sorry, but wearing the same boots for both activities would be courting disaster!

Having said that, I aim to buy workout gear in the colours I prefer (which can be difficult). Then, at least, it doesn't feel completely "not me."

Most of the contexts I can get my clothes to do crossover are not, in fact, all that different. I can wear the same pants to work from home or teach in person. Ditto tops. I can wear the dressy top under a casual jacket for a pub meetup with friends, or on its own to look, well, dressier.

I think it's really important to figure out how you spend your time and what you like to wear in each situation, and then ask if anything can be worn across those activities.

Most of the items that do excellent crossover duty are:

1. In one of my key neutrals. (Navy, white, grey). OR one of my very favourite colours.

2. Classic in style (so they can be juxtaposed with other, trendier items) OR in a cut that is especially flattering to me.

3. Strongly aligned with my style essence, if you will. For me, that's a kind of gamine energy, for Jenn, it might be more bohemian, for Sal, more natural/ beachy, for Irina, it might be avant garde lite -- you get the idea. I think for you, it would be a kind of dramatic classic essence.

Anyway, terminology aside...an example: I can make a cropped denim jacket or a fitted, shortish blazer work just about anywhere, in any situation. But lots of people can't. The demin jacket feels too boxy or too childlike or costumey to them/ for them. The blazer feels too "businesslike" or "corporate," which is not how it feels to me or really looks on me, IMO. However, I cannot make a frilly pink blouse or a sexy wrap dress or a hugely oversized blazer work anywhere. In fact, I can't make it work at all. Lots of other people can make it work anywhere! So those are the crossover pieces they should buy.

4. Cross-seasonal, i.e. the fabrication is such that they could work in different temperatures pretty well with appropriate layering or stripping off of layers. This allows me to play with more different options.

5. Separates work better than dresses for obvious reasons, but a classic dress in my best neutrals can work that way -- it's just not that easy to find.

A few pieces that I can mix and match in and for different activities/ situations. But NOT for my workout.

Enamel Ring Pants

View Info

Top Pick

4

Signature Ribbed Mock Neck Sweater

View Info

Top Pick

2

LIVERPOOL LOS ANGELES Kelsey Plaid Trousers

View Info

Top Pick

7

LIVERPOOL LOS ANGELES Plaid Boyfriend Blazer with Removable Hoodie Bib

View Info

Top Pick

7

Banana Republic

Siena Slim Wool Ankle Pant

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

High-Waisted Slouchy Straight Cropped Non-Stretch White Jeans for Women

View Info

Top Pick

8

View Info

Striped boatneck T-shirt

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

View Info

Tilly Roll Neck Jumper

View Info

Top Pick

9

Lord & Taylor Classic Turtleneck Merino Wool Sweater

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

Go To Trouser 2.0

View Info

Top Pick

5

Banana Republic

Long and Lean-Fit Tartan Blazer

View Info

Top Pick

14

BP Crushed Velour Tee

View Info

Top Pick

10

Western chambray shirt in vintage indigo

View Info

Top Pick

8

Ecco 'Soft 7' Cap Toe Sneaker

View Info

Top Pick

29

Faded Blue Leather Jacket

View Info

Top Pick

16

Women's White Denim Jackets

View Info

Top Pick

11

Belmonte Dark Navy Tuxedo Jacket

View Info

Top Pick

16

Relaxed Cotton Shirt

View Info

Top Pick

4

Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

RipSkirt Hawaii - Length 3 - Quick Wrap Cover-up That Multitasks as The Perfect Travel/Summer Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

6

View Info

kkards

Veteran

Ok back to add, for me, even now that my work place is casual I find myself classifying something’s as not for work. Many of these items I could wear to work, but I like having some space and some psychological separation. I have very little that I wear to work that I don’t or won’t wear in other parts of my life. I guess I’m ok letting work blend into life but I’m holding back some of life from work.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and I follow the Amy S account too, and get some good tidbits, but yeah, not everything is applicable to me. Some things would just be laughable on my body and lifestyle. It’s all good food for thought though, so I say if an approach speaks to you, follow through and try some of the approaches and see how it works!

Indigoprint

Veteran

Nodding along with Suz and Janet.

Irina

Veteran

For me, pandemic and WFH showed how many pieces in my wardrobe were “office only”. It was not a surprise, I used to keep two separate but not equal in volume, wardrobes. Now it feels like such a waste. So, I put it as a condition that new items should be wearable for all activities with very few exceptions. I still have my officy silk blouses, fortunately only a few. I bought oversized dresses knowing that I probably will not wear them to the office but it’s OK, the balance of time office/off-duty shifted and it made it easier to maintain one wardrobe. I think I’m managing OK.

I don’t wear my gym clothes anywhere but gym, not to a grocery store, not for a coffee. I wear athletic clothes now but need to keep it in pristine condition. My hiking is a walk through downtown don’t need anything special for it.

nemosmom

Veteran

Back to add, I think where I am trying to improve is being ok to wear unexpected things that I love in unexpected places.

For example, I only wear yoga pants if I am going to yoga class. But, I used to have special track jacket and track pants to wear over my gym clothes. I would sometimes wear said track pieces to my kids’ soccer game, and not feel good in them. Where I want to get better is subbing a nicer jacket or whatever, and not caring about what anyone will think if I show up to a game in pants that aren’t spandex

Tanya

Veteran

I was going to say a lot of what Janet and Suz already did, much more eloquently than I ever could.

Briefly, it is natural and unavoidable to have some degree of bifurcation in the wardrobe. How much that actually is would depend on:
1) How many different roles/activities one has in their life.
2) How specific are the needs those clothes have to fulfill, e.g. workout clothes for specific sport quite a bit, generic out-and-about doing errands not so much.
3) How much one likes the requirements for the main role, which is usually work. And even if one does, it is natural to want something quite different the rest of the time.

I have found that my attempts to find a magical "X" that would work for all activities usually fail. I do much better when I identify the primary activity for which the item should work, make sure it does, and then it is a plus if it could work for a few more. I have about 4 main types of roles to dress for (excluding super special occasions and sporty/working out activities), and try to aim for items working for 2-3 of them, accepting that some would work for just one, and trying not to have too many of those.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tanya adds excellent points!

My wardrobe was more "split" when I lived in a climate of greater extremes and had more roles, i.e. when I was parenting a small kid, plus working outside the home, plus working from home, plus going to school, plus giving presentations / readings, public events, plus seeing friends, plus regular theatre holidays with Mr. Suz, plus plus....

Now, my roles are more limited (and more overlapping), my public appearances or fancy engagements much fewer and often on Zoom, and my climate is more moderate. But I still have dedicated workout gear! More of it than ever. Because I'm engaging in more different types of workout/ outdoor activity. <shrug>

kkards

Veteran

, I think where I am trying to improve is being ok to wear unexpected things that I love in unexpected places

I think this sentiment from nemosmom is what I’d aspire to. Wear more of my clothes to more places without hesitation, but not to try to force all of my wardrobe to be something I wear anywhere or everywhere

kerry

Veteran

Very interesting read!

It seems that, yes if you could keep a tighter closet, there’d be quicker turnover and more opportunity to update/upgrade without bloating. Smart goal!

My wardrobe is very much not bifurcated. Love a new-to-me word! But I have a workplace that’s very casual and a lifestyle to match so it’s easier for work and play items to mix and mingle. My exercise of choice is movement outside so, short of a swimming capsule, my mix and mingle wardrobe works here too.

I think the one place I’m more bifurcated is footwear but still not very much.

Where I have to resist being bifurcated is in planning for a sunny vacay in March. I keep looking at “resort wear” and knowing that doesn’t have a crossover for most of the rest of my life. And I also don’t go away a lot!

What’s interesting about this for myself is I tend to be a maximizer vs a satisficer in most areas of my life but it seems my wardrobe is not one of them!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It also occurs to me that the “bifurcated” issue may be much more of a thing for people who have to dress for work! My wardrobe is pretty flexible for my various needs until you get to the gear part, mainly because my work has no dress code or requirements. Of course I step it up when meeting with clients and such, but that’s it.

Runcarla

Veteran

Did you ever do an analysis breaking down how you spend your time in any given week (or month, or season?) I apportion my clothes based on the life I lead/daily activities with more items appropriate for what I do most of the time, and fewer items designated for the activities I don’t spend as much time doing.

When I retired, little of my work wear stayed in my closet beyond 18 months. I may have been able to salvage more individual garments, but the psychological association was something I didn’t want to carry forward in my fashion and style journey as a retired person.

My wardrobe is weighted in favour of durable classic casual/dress-casual items for house-holding, homemaking, and relaxed socializing. I have a modest, but mighty sports/fitness capsule that is fewer and best. It gets so much use that I don’t fuss about trying to get more ‘wears’ out of it, and almost never cross over. My dressy capsule is small, old, and classic or else thrifted. I cross over a little bit. I’m not going to do yoga in a silky button down or brocade trousers, but I might wear them to play bridge at the community centre.

Correct me if I’m on the wrong track, but I wonder (1) if your closet is proportionally representative of the life you lead vs the activities that make you happy? and (2) is there conflict between your like (or love) of black and the association (negative) it has because it is the colour you must wear at work? (If your work uniform was navy blue, would you happily wear black for everything else?)

I think there is possibly something psychological going on. Example from my own life: I recently bought a suit because I think it will be a great piece for travel and have built a whole ‘travel capsule’ around it with clothes I already own. I haven’t actually worn the suit for a trip, but when I’ve worn the trousers or the jacket from the suit, I’ve felt a higher degree of happiness than the individual garments warrant - purely because of the association I have - linking them to an activity I love!

In conclusion - would wearing those fabulous full length wide legged black OTF you wear to work - to a social engagement, make you feel fabulous (because you look amazing in them) or would they put a damper on the social occasion because of their association with work?

Sal

Veteran

Interesting discussion. I agree that having pieces a long time can make you sick of them even when you don’t wear them. Not always but it does happen.

I too have bifurcation - but less due to a more flexible work dress code. I think of my capsules or needs as being
- workout - across hiking to gym etc 1
- smart work 5
- everyday work 2
- party and socialising 4
- beach 7
- loungewear 6
- casual weekend 3

I don’t have much dedicated loungewear nor much dedicated beach wear but these pull from casual weekend or gear. I have ranked them according to size. Although I have a lot in the party capsule - more than I need.

Things that go across capsules are merino tops, tees, sneakers, denim, casual pants, puffer jackets.

The black dress code makes it tricky if you don’t want to wear much black at home or heading out. There could be potential for workouts though. My gym has a uniform for staff - Logoed gear in blue- it’s quite nice but definitely a uniform.

judy

Veteran

While I like Amy's recommendation to unify the wardrobe with more crossover pieces, she may be in a unique position in that what she can wear to work is probably most everything in her closet, as the owner of the company. And for a lot of us other humans who sweat when we hike or go to ballet class it may not be practical to wear very expensive items in the woods or to the gym. Your needs may be different. So bifurcate if you need to! We can still pare down the number of items in each capsule, and hopefully wear things we can love in color and shapes that feel like us!

SarahD8

Veteran

I am interested in pieces that can be dressed up or down/worn across different registers of formality. I VERY MUCH want my clothing that is comfortable and casual enough for working from home to also work for out-and-about.

As for gear -- I would much rather hike in a cotton sundress than technical pants as a matter of fact. (I haven't been backpacking in years and don't really bushwhack when I hike -- if I were doing field work or w/e I would wear more specialized clothing.) My exercise of choice is swimming so my gear for that does not cross over to other parts of my life! I do wear my regular clothes for my neighborhood walks -- I will often shed a layer before going out as I tend to get quite warm on the uphill leg of my journey, but I think that if I were to change out of my daily clothes before going and back into them when I got home, that would become a time barrier to going on the walk, and/or a psychological barrier to getting dressed in the first place.

In your situation with a work dress code that you chafe against, I think my strategy would be to assemble a MINIMAL capsule of clothes to wear ONLY at work, and not wear those clothes as part of my outside-work wardrobe. Treat them as scrubs, that is. I think Runcarla is on to something with the psychological associations idea.

And yes, Amy probably does have wide latitude in dress as the head of a creative/fashion company! I do think however that there's something to be said for identifying clothes for a given activity that are practical and functional for that activity and feel like one's style, rather than feeling obligated to wear clothes that are marketed for that activity.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I actually do think you should be able to wear a jersey knit top for all those things, so I'm with her there.

Do I have that magical top? Nope.

A few of my other essentials to live up to that ideal, though. I have worn my Elizabeth Suzann dress as a beach cover-up, out to concerts, to Disneyland, to a cocktail party, and yes, to hike a trail in a national park. My silk and linen tanks and camis also seem to go everywhere and do everything. My leggings get used both for workouts and everyday wear, as does my Vetta sweatshirt. Notice the common thread in the Finds?

The big lesson I get from Amy is to stop being so precious and be seriously willing to pile things on. My style is obviously very different from hers, but I think some of her cool-girl appeal comes from her really not caring if she has a paint stain on the cuff of her sweater or if she's wearing a 20-year-old t-shirt from a falafel stand. I want to be more like that.

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

Eileen Fisher Linen Shell

View Info

Top Pick

3

View Info

jussie

Veteran

Ok, I might be in the minority here, but I mostly crossover. Work clothes work as neat casual clothes. But this so much depends on one’s workplace dress code and practical needs!
My work is extremely free/allows any self expression in clothing so that helps a great deal. There is one thing I DONT wear to work any more, and that is silk tops and shirts, they just kept getting stains from my little students hands. So I keep those for weekends. I have a couple of special occasion pieces that I also don’t wear to work, and a few gear pieces. The rest goes across everyday.
I like it because it gives me more options.
But Lisa, I totally understand why your wardrobe is bifurcated, and if I were you, mine would be too. Being restricted in any way can leave a bad taste in your mouth, and would mean you just don’t want to wear those clothes on days off. I’m guessing they would not spark joy!

12 3