What’s not working in your wardrobe?
Daily | June 8th, 2008
You’re never fully dressed without a smile…
Carrie says: Too many bottoms, not enough tops. The RULE is: have three tops for every one bottom.
They’re not known for their sweetness, but Trinny and Susannah know their fashion stuff. This book is great.
Danielle says: I want to be buying more socially responsible fashion. It takes time to hunt.
Inspired giving: This is OUTSTANDING RETAIL PHILANTHROPY! For every pair of Tom’s Shoes you purchase, Toms gives a pair to a child in need. And Yes! You can even order them on Amazon!
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June 9th, 2008 at 6:59 am
A minor glitch was causing the wrong Q&A to display here this morning. Normal service will now be resumed…
June 9th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Too many knit cotton casuals and not enough unique items. My problem is I shop only a few times a year and tend to by multiples of the same thing rather than scoping out more unique places and buying items you don’t see on everyone else.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Disposable fashion. Cheap, synthetic fabrics do nothing for me, and I look and feel better in quality items – and I take better care of them, tend to be less clumsy, more in tune to what I’m doing during the day. I need to respect my body enough to clothe it in beautifully made, preferably organic items.
(Carrie: well chosen with the Trinny and Susannah books! They celebrate all shapes or woman, not just what the high street shops say should fit us.)
June 9th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I need to replace most items in my wardrobe. I have been focusing on paying off debt so intensely that I have neglected to care for me.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:32 am
I need more color in my wardrobe. I’ve been stuck on black, brown and navy for too long. I’ve been adding yellows and greens to my other wise dull attire slowly. I also know I have too many tops and not enough bottoms. I also need to learn to dress a little more casual and fun.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I completely understand! I have the same issue and the idea of revamping everything sounds good in theory but in reality seems very overwhelming…any advice or good resources from anyone?
June 9th, 2008 at 8:06 am
I just hit e-bay….we’ll see what happens!
June 9th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I have just been starting to have fun with clothes again. In the first year of my thirties, my challenge has been how to dress with a bit more style for everyday occasions. I seem to have a lot of fun things for semi- and formal events, but less that makes me feel stylish when out on a normal day. No more looking like I could be in college while at the movies!
June 9th, 2008 at 8:47 am
What about a wonderful gift to congratulate yourself on taking care of your debt. A gift that you love to wear and reminds you of your progress.
Also, check out our blog last Friday about Joe Fresh clothing, cheap and cheerful.
Carrie
June 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
What I want to wear, is out of my price range! My ideal stores are Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, H&M, Carson Pirie Scott…my style is simple, chic, and relaxed. I love cottons, tans, ivory, black and blue. (I can’t wear heels-my feet hurt) AND I wear size 11 so it’s hard to find cute, stylish flat shoes. When I wake up, I want to throw something on that will make my day flow….and that is simple but stylish….I love throw on shirts (non-button ups). I don’t like to iron….I’m a wash, dry and fold kinda girl. My life is complex enough…clothes shouldn’t be ANOTHER ISSUE. LOL.
My style statement name is: HOLISTIC PHENOMENON
June 9th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Organization in my closet is not working….and the fact I have too many clothes that I don’t wear…I’ve given clothes away several times this year…but I still don’t wear half the things I own.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Danielle, those shoes are mucho ugly and I know you’ve got super hot shoes in your closet. Give BOTH PAIRS away to the kids in need
Can’t be more socially responsible … or generous … than that!
June 9th, 2008 at 9:31 am
It’s hard for me to find shoes that I love – sexy, with somewhat of a heel (I’m just 5′3″) that I can tolerate for more than 15 minutes! When style and comfort combine…oh, yeah!
June 9th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Baby doll stuff. Love the layered look, dresses over jeans and such. I continue to be drawn to tops with great fabics and detailing and high waists… perfect for a slim, tall size four. Unfortunately I’m an average height, size eight with nursing boobies and when I go to wear these pieces they make me look pregos again. I need a dress that fits nicely around my ribs and boobs, not easy to find this season. Dresses and skirts are my summer staples, I don’t do shorts well. Wish I lived in the 1950’s, love those styles. There are some cool clothes on Etsy. Hoping your Style Statement book will help me define a new look that works for me and my life right now. http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
June 9th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Some great pieces…but nothing matches. I don’t like to look “outfit-y” so I buy separates. The trouble, then, is finding pants to go with that orange-and-brown quilted silk jacket.
Truth is, though, that no matter how many great things I have in the closet, I wear jeans and Dansko clogs most of the winter. In summer it’s whatever will go with my bronze Birkenstocks. And that does, in fact, work. It’s not exciting, but it works.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I have the opposite situation from Carrie-too many tops and not enough bottoms. The perfect trouser-cut and fit-has alluded me yet tops are more forgiving. I suppose it is because I’ve always felt that if one has a great pair of quality black trousers the unique tops will change the look. The question is, does anyone have suggestions on great fitting timeless trousers-cut, fabric, style?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Here’s what’d I’d love to be brave enough to do: Purge EVERYTHING I don’t wear. I do periodic smallish purges, but I know that if I really got rid of every thing I didn’t wear and didn’t like, I’d have maybe four things in the closet. But wouldn’t I feel so carefree and comfortable wearing what was left? Steve Jobs has it down: black turtleneck, jeans. Everyday. Everywhere. (Apparently.) And who cares?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’m embarrassed to say it but I have too many clothes. I don’t know the answer though because I get so BORED wearing the same things. I have to change it up. Plus I live in a climate where you have to have winter and summer clothes. I do seem to always gravitate to that favorite pair of jeans though. Any suggestions on how to “down-size” the wardrobe but keeping it interesting?
June 9th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Idea: take some of your gently worn clothes to a consignment store. If they’re in good enough condition to sell you could make money, thus ensuring the clothes in your closet look great on you. Plus when you get rid of clothes that don’t look good on you, you’ll feel better in the clothes that you decide to keep.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I’ve found that when I splurge on a great pair of pants (sometimes suit pants from Banana/Forth & Towne, etc) they look great with everything. Spending $80-$150 on pants seems expensive at the time, but they wear SO much nicer, last longer and keep their quality as compared to lower-priced pants. As far as fabric, wool blends w/ a bit of stretch to them (~5% lycra/spandes/tencel) really hold up well and don’t wrinkle. Most suit pants I’ve found have this blend and work well all summer long.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Too much black. I have deliberately decided not to buy any more black for a while and to go for the colours that I love. When shopping, it helps me to glide past racks and racks of clothes!
June 9th, 2008 at 11:40 am
My style is all over the place. I did a move recently, so I purged a HUGE amount of stuff, but I still have too many things, in a million different styles. Some really nice things that I love, but too much! I want to get down to what will fit in my closet and dressers without crowding. Hoping the Style Statement book will help me sort out what really works, not just to look good on me, but also to express something about who I am, and weed out the rest.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:45 am
It seems lately just about everything! Last year (the year of the big 50) I was working out like an athlete and dropped 25 pounds….thus going out and buying lots of new clothes…well needless to say unfortunately the 25 pounds are back and I’m just not liking the clothes that currently fit. Great reason to get back into shape:-)
June 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I’ve been in the transition period of loosing weight and buying clothes that are truly me. Currently my clothes are on the hodge-podge side of sizes, styles and colors. Each time as I’ve moved down a size, instead of running out immediatly to buy something new, I go to my favorite store and window shop for the clothes, in the size I desire to wear, and feel the joy knowing that in less than a year I will be purchasing the perfect clothes for me! In the mean time, I have a closet full of the next size down and am content to wear them.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I have too many clothes that need pieces to update them, I haven’t gone shopping in so long– I am WAY overdue, I need pieces that reflect my stylish personality and charisma
June 9th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I need to purge a lot of the items in my wardrobe. Some are too big, others too small. I need to learn to let go…
June 9th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Kerry,
I hear ya…I’m in the same boat–average height, size eight, with nursing boobs. I’m hoping to start what I call “Project WEANlight” with my nearly TWO year old son SOON so I can STOP wearing nursing bras and loose clothing. Yuck. I”m over it.
Heather
June 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
baby, hear you on the ugly…but they look great on some people, truly….just…you know…not me.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
yes — a Style Statement will help! Remember, 80% (your first word) is your foundation — your basics. The 2nd word is your edge — the fun stuff and accessories.
xo
Danielle
June 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
APRIL 2008 INSTYLE had a great article that helps you unclog (or refill) your closet. Step 1- pick your 8 absolute favourite pieces of clothing. Step 2 -Lay these items out in front of you and look for a colour trend. Step 3 – Fill in with some basics like solid tops and pants. Step 4 -Make a list of what else you need, and head to the stores. Step 5 – Create outfits and try them all on, shoes included. Make sure you have footwear for all moods ie dressy, funky, flats, heels. Step 6 – Choose handbags, try for colour and texture (avoid anything too basic). Step 7 – Accessorize with jewellery or scarves, a great way to show your true self. Since this wardrobe is based on your favourite things, you can’t go wrong.
June 9th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Too much of the same thing & not enough variety in colour & in suitability for the weather. How can I keep warm & dry but look nice when it’s pouring? I also seem to have too many casual items.
June 9th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Talbot’s and Talbot’s Women typically offers very well cut pants and skirts. They can be a little expensive, but I have pieces that still look stylish after years of wear and care. Their clothing has been kind to me at all sizes from an 8 up to a 16W and is also just great for women of all body types.
June 9th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I think that I’ve been dressing in a way that is inconsistent with my true style. I think that I’m supposed to be wearing elegant, bold, dramatic pieces, high but comfortable heels, professional, put-together looks that are reminiscent of the way Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy dressed. I’ve spent an extended period of time instead just schlepping on whatever is clean and then running out of the house in the morning because I’m overweight. I’m finding that style actually doesn’t have a size though.
June 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Pieces bought in isolation that don’t go with anyhing else. I am yearning to get a complete set of basic, classic pieces that go together.
June 9th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
The only thing not working about my wardrobe is the extra 10 lbs on my body presently. Also, I need to acquire more funky casual attire, oh soo many work outfits though!
June 9th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
More color! I gravitate towards neutrals and wear them well, but I could use a little spectrum shake-up….
June 9th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Style absolutely does NOT have a size!!! One of the most stylish women I ever knew was 100 lbs overweight (and frankly, I never really focused on that until she lost most of it to help manage her diabetes). She has *always* looked amazing!
June 9th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I’m drawn to dressy, elegant, striking pieces in the shops… but what my warbrobe is missing is casual, practical, kid-friendly jean/flats/tops…. BORING! Oh, the challenges of a Structured Dramatic!
June 9th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I have to be really careful about the shoes I wear (managing some back issues) but I highly recommend Dansko. I wear their Regina and Roxie shoes, which look kind of 1940s retro, if that’s your thing.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
The volume of stuff! Too many categories: Western and Eastern. Summer and Winter. Work out and Casual. Business Casual and Business. Semi Formal and Formal. Aggggh! If I lived in San Francisco I would have warm to cool clothes in eastern or western fashion that I can wear any time of the year, wouldn’t that be nice! But alas, I’m in Toronto. Three seasons: really hot, just right, really cold and just right again. And two looks: My North American business entrepreneur identity and my Indo-Pakistani identity – isn’t it wonderful to be Canadian?
June 10th, 2008 at 1:40 am
I also have the tendancy to buy the quick cheap fahions rather than take the time and money to order something of better quality that will fit better, look better and last longer.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:42 am
I’m also a size 11 shoe (11W to be exact). I understand how hard it is to find quality shoes that are cute, not too expensive, and yet are comfortable.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:44 am
At least take everything you don’t wear out of your closet for now and put it somewhere else. If you don’t miss it in 3 months, 6 months, a year, then really get rid of it. Another good test is if you can’t remember what’s in the bags or whatever/where ever you put the clothes, it’s a good sign you didn’t really need it or miss it.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Thanks!!
June 10th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I used to love unique, fancy high heels that were very expensive – and I didn’t care how uncomfortable they were! Now, I find that I never wear uncomfortable shoes anymore, which then rules out certain clothes that only go with certain shoes. I guess I need to accept the act that I only like flats (and heels by Ecco or Born), and alter my wardrobe accordingly.
June 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
That is so awesome! Thank you!!!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
It seems that many of us responding to this post are seeking some expert help. Recommendations for a personal shopper who can help us choose an amazing wardrobe that looks/feels just right?
June 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
i feel like my clothes don’t identify with who i am. i buy things for the person that i feel comfortable being, not who i truly am.
i have a few select items that i like, but i really haven’t put forth the effort to change my style.
June 16th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Ouch! That hurts a bit! I have just been going through my wardrobe and to say the least, it was crowded in there!! Mountains of clothes, mostly unused and with tags! It is a tragedy, it really is. I have spent so much money on clothes that I never ever have worn or intend to wear and heaps of illfitting shoes. Thankfully, my mountain of clothes has thought me something. I only have things I love and wear almost everyday in my wardrobe. It is now quite small ,well fitted and feminine, just like me:) I will never buy cheap clothes again, H&M, Zara, fashion magazines all tell us that we have to consume , consume and consume. We buy, we never use, we throw away and we buy again. It is sad, and buying things will never ever satisfy you needs, it certainly did not with me. Overconsumption is ruining our world, and it is not we who pay the bill, it is those less fortunate than us, like a family in Kenya who have one meal a day. Please, join me as we try to buy less and live more. When I need something now, like new shoes, I go to charity shops and get something really unique! It is great and I feel great about it as well. I also take better care of my clothes and treat them like the treasured items they are. Best of luck!
June 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Indeed it is Stephanie, I just love these girls! you rocks gals!
Donna