Since I am in a warm climate didn’t do the coat thing….. so was layering for the indoors
And lest I forget could pile on H shawl or another sweater around my neck if necessary
Please talk to me about layering!
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And lest I forget could pile on H shawl or another sweater around my neck if necessary
Here are the rules I follow for dressing and layering:
1) Know your body type. Are you: busty? flat? narrow? wide? tall? short? etc.?
2) Once you figure that out, are you long or short waisted? That will let you know where or how to layer.
3) If you are short, layer in the same tones so you do not end up in a color blocking nightmare that truncates your height, unless you are doing a lot with vertical lines.
4) PAY ATTENTION TO PATTERNS. They don't all suit people the same.
5) Never underestimate hair/hats for adding height and texture
6) Is your skin and hair smooth? Stay with fine weave/smooth textures. Is you hair wavey and your skin veiny, or otherwise more textured? Wear rougher weaves and more textured fabrics.
7) A lightweight openish weave scarf wrapped twice around the neck hides many sins. Gucci makes great ones, as does Burberry. Look for light wool weaves. Doesn't have to be designer. One of my favorites is no name. Think: a bit smaller pashmina with an open weave.
8) You can layer jewelry. Arm stacks, etc. but if the outfit is layered in a complex way, go a bit easier on that.
There are probably more...
9) After I wrote all that, I just found this article which I also think is pretty good:
1) Know your body type. Are you: busty? flat? narrow? wide? tall? short? etc.?
2) Once you figure that out, are you long or short waisted? That will let you know where or how to layer.
3) If you are short, layer in the same tones so you do not end up in a color blocking nightmare that truncates your height, unless you are doing a lot with vertical lines.
4) PAY ATTENTION TO PATTERNS. They don't all suit people the same.
5) Never underestimate hair/hats for adding height and texture
6) Is your skin and hair smooth? Stay with fine weave/smooth textures. Is you hair wavey and your skin veiny, or otherwise more textured? Wear rougher weaves and more textured fabrics.
7) A lightweight openish weave scarf wrapped twice around the neck hides many sins. Gucci makes great ones, as does Burberry. Look for light wool weaves. Doesn't have to be designer. One of my favorites is no name. Think: a bit smaller pashmina with an open weave.
8) You can layer jewelry. Arm stacks, etc. but if the outfit is layered in a complex way, go a bit easier on that.
There are probably more...
9) After I wrote all that, I just found this article which I also think is pretty good:
I love the textures you've worked into the looks! Thank you for the photos!
So many great tips, thank you for sharing. I'll have a look at that article as well.
@papertiger I was able to pass by Cos and look at the hybrid collection. Thank you for recommending it. My favourite pieces were the wrap skirt and the cropped hoodie. I'm going to look at what I already own to see if I can emulate the look.
@Antonia I can't wait to see your outfit pics when you get the hybrid skirt. On the hanger, I was worried it would look like I was a handyman wearing a toolbelt
, but once I put it on, I loved it. I have a long torso and small waist, and this really worked on my frame. The A-line was very flattering and somehow it made me look taller than I am.The only thing I do want to point out is that I think Cos sizing has changed a bit. The smallest size available was a UK 8 and it fit like a loose UK 10 with both the skirt and a pair of trousers I tried on. The hybrid skirt is a wrap style, so it can be tightened to fit but, just wanted to mention in case you're ordering trousers at some point, you may find they're looser than normal.
Lol you would probably spy a lot of Tibi on me nowadays! The skirt and the light blue crinkly shirt are also TibiVery nice!! Do I spy Tibi shoes??
I love your style @doloresmia
I already have the skirt....I ordered it about 3 weeks ago or longer?? One of the influencers I follow (the creative classicist) posted about it on her page and I was immediately intrigued! She didn't buy it herself (just yet) but was mentioning some new COS items that arrived. It's a great skirt that can be worn multiple ways. I plan to wear it over dresses too and I got that idea from Amy of Tibi when during one of the Style Class video's she added a black midi skirt to a long white dress which looked amazing. I'll try to find the video to link it here so you can see it.I love the textures you've worked into the looks! Thank you for the photos!
So many great tips, thank you for sharing. I'll have a look at that article as well.
@papertiger I was able to pass by Cos and look at the hybrid collection. Thank you for recommending it. My favourite pieces were the wrap skirt and the cropped hoodie. I'm going to look at what I already own to see if I can emulate the look.
@Antonia I can't wait to see your outfit pics when you get the hybrid skirt. On the hanger, I was worried it would look like I was a handyman wearing a toolbelt
The only thing I do want to point out is that I think Cos sizing has changed a bit. The smallest size available was a UK 8 and it fit like a loose UK 10 with both the skirt and a pair of trousers I tried on. The hybrid skirt is a wrap style, so it can be tightened to fit but, just wanted to mention in case you're ordering trousers at some point, you may find they're looser than normal.
I found it!!
So, this particular style class shows you hacks you can do with your existing clothes but the part where Amy puts the skirt over the white dress is at about 35 min mark. Amy does drop some swear words in a lot of her style classes but it's hilarious!! I love her!
Enjoying everyone's posts. Unfortunately I can't participate. I as much as throw on a shawl over a t-shirt and I get too warm walking around. And I'm in a temperate zone!
@Antonia Tagging you here not to derail the OOTD thread.
Thanks for sharing your pics of the Cos hybrid skirt because you helped me figure it out. I found it in another branch yesterday and tried it again. It still looks ridiculous on me but you made me realise that it's not a size issue, it's the paperbag effect at the waist that's the problem.
I then tried on this Zara Leather Sash Belt and it was much better! It sits the way it should on me and doesn't look "off"; probably because it's a flat waistband. I wish it was as long as the Cos skirt for the full effect but it is still an interesting piece for an additional layer.
I wouldn't have figured out what the problem was had it not been for your thoughts on the skirt, so thank you very much.
If you end up trying the Zara sash as well, please share your thoughts. I'm still working out this layering business and it's so helpful getting other perspectives.
Thanks for sharing your pics of the Cos hybrid skirt because you helped me figure it out. I found it in another branch yesterday and tried it again. It still looks ridiculous on me
but you made me realise that it's not a size issue, it's the paperbag effect at the waist that's the problem.I then tried on this Zara Leather Sash Belt and it was much better! It sits the way it should on me and doesn't look "off"; probably because it's a flat waistband. I wish it was as long as the Cos skirt for the full effect but it is still an interesting piece for an additional layer.
I wouldn't have figured out what the problem was had it not been for your thoughts on the skirt, so thank you very much.
If you end up trying the Zara sash as well, please share your thoughts. I'm still working out this layering business and it's so helpful getting other perspectives.
Oh good idea to post here because I know that the mods would probably say something about the other comments in the other thread. So, I have not seen this sash belt from Zara but now I want it!!! I see it's only on the UK site though.@Antonia Tagging you here not to derail the OOTD thread.
Thanks for sharing your pics of the Cos hybrid skirt because you helped me figure it out. I found it in another branch yesterday and tried it again. It still looks ridiculous on me
I then tried on this Zara Leather Sash Belt and it was much better! It sits the way it should on me and doesn't look "off"; probably because it's a flat waistband. I wish it was as long as the Cos skirt for the full effect but it is still an interesting piece for an additional layer.
I wouldn't have figured out what the problem was had it not been for your thoughts on the skirt, so thank you very much.
If you end up trying the Zara sash as well, please share your thoughts. I'm still working out this layering business and it's so helpful getting other perspectives.
I did a search for it on the US site and nothing. Maybe it's coming soon, so I'll keep checking. I have a love/hate relationship with Zara......I hate that it's fast fashion so I'll stay away for about a month and then I'm like, oh, let me see what they have and I see a zillion things I want and the prices are so good to pass up and then I'm back at it. I do try to buy the better quality stuff, not the TRF line. I'll look for the Limited Edition things, etc. I did buy another belt that Rose from TheCreativeClassicist posted about and it's this fringe leather one that she said reminded her of the Prada runway belt. Here is the link:https://www.zara.com/us/en/fringed-leather-belt-special-edition-p06399212.html?v1=277981414 This also creates that 'look' a little bit.....I tried it on over a black blazer and loved it! She tried it on over a long black coat and it just had that nice visual interest to set apart your overall look. I'd say this one is worth the money and it's made in Spain. Would love to see how you style your leather sash!!!So sorry to tempt you! I didn't mean to be an enabler!I see it's only on the UK site though.
I believe it should come up for you soon on the US site. I have found it's always a beat behind other regional sites.
Also, it's already on ebay if all else fails and you really want it, but I expect there's no need to go that route.
This sounds absolutely amazing!
I wasn't clear, sorry. I didn't buy it, I just tried it on. I'm on a strict no-buy because I have too many clothes. For a few years now, I've been making capsule wardrobes from what I already own to maximize usage. At the end of the year, I recycle anything that is worn out and donate the pieces that are in good condition but I don't adore. Any pieces I still love get carried into the next year's capsule.
The process stops me from buying anything new, guarantees that I use everything I have fully, and forces me to get creative with combinations. It's not nearly as much fun as shopping, though!
These days, I'm playing in the shops, testing out new styles, practicing layering these pieces, but I am not adding anything right now. Now that I know what works on my weird body and what doesn't, I will either recreate the effect with something in my own closet or, if nothing I already own works, I'll make a note to add something similar to these pieces in the future (once I have reduced the contents of my closet some more).
If I do manage to layer my pieces in a convincing way, I'll be sure to post a pic in the OOTD thread and tag you.
Oh I see!! That's great-I wish I could be that strict! And I am sure that some day I will get there! I would def. love to see your layering style in the near future!!So sorry to tempt you! I didn't mean to be an enabler!
I believe it should come up for you soon on the US site. I have found it's always a beat behind other regional sites.
Also, it's already on ebay if all else fails and you really want it, but I expect there's no need to go that route.
This sounds absolutely amazing!
I wasn't clear, sorry. I didn't buy it, I just tried it on. I'm on a strict no-buy because I have too many clothes. For a few years now, I've been making capsule wardrobes from what I already own to maximize usage. At the end of the year, I recycle anything that is worn out and donate the pieces that are in good condition but I don't adore. Any pieces I still love get carried into the next year's capsule.
The process stops me from buying anything new, guarantees that I use everything I have fully, and forces me to get creative with combinations. It's not nearly as much fun as shopping, though!
These days, I'm playing in the shops, testing out new styles, practicing layering these pieces, but I am not adding anything right now. Now that I know what works on my weird body and what doesn't, I will either recreate the effect with something in my own closet or, if nothing I already own works, I'll make a note to add something similar to these pieces in the future (once I have reduced the contents of my closet some more).
If I do manage to layer my pieces in a convincing way, I'll be sure to post a pic in the OOTD thread and tag you.
And thank you so much for all the kind words (and posting those links)! 
I'm so sorry because I thought I had said earlier that I was just testing out layering, not planning purchases but, it seems I didn't. I must admit, I would have made an exception for the Cos skirt if it had worked on my frame and that's why I went to a different branch to find it to try again. It's so nice!Oh I see!! That's great-I wish I could be that strict! And I am sure that some day I will get there! I would def. love to see your layering style in the near future!!
I've got no choice but to be strict with my no-buy. I went through a serious bout of anxiety in my mid-20s and bought so much stuff (because, well, retail therapy seemed like the answer ha ha). One day, I realized how ridiculous it was to live with that much stuff and decided to start this personal capsule wardrobe project.
I really love it because I feel like I'm using everything fully and not being wasteful, and I'm really getting to learn a lot about my taste and personal style. Still, I wouldn't be this strict if I hadn't over-indulged when I was younger.
When all these clothes are gone (about 2 or 3 years more) and I start my wardrobe over again, I'll have a much better understanding of how many pieces I need and what styles are best suited to me. Hopefully I'll never be that careless again and will find better ways to cope with my anxiety if it hits in the future! Retail therapy is a really slippery slope for me.
I hope this isn't too off-topic! I'm just giving some context so that you know you're the one who is normal and you don't need to be strict with yourself! It is my approach that is weird!
No, I totally get it....retail therapy is nice but very dangerous (with me too!). You get that initial high and then the guilt sets in. The time I really feel guilty is when I make a big ticket purchase....like another designer bag I don't need but want-UGH! So, you and I are both normal people and thank you for sharing your story! A lot of people do retail therapy....the hardest part is not looking online! I love the idea of the capsule wardrobe. What I have to do to get there is to ask myself, 'would I buy this again if I didn't already have it' and 'would I wear this right now, today?' and if the answer is yes, then it stays. Otherwise, it really should go. I wish you lots of luck! XOI'm so sorry because I thought I had said earlier that I was just testing out layering, not planning purchases but, it seems I didn't. I must admit, I would have made an exception for the Cos skirt if it had worked on my frame and that's why I went to a different branch to find it to try again. It's so nice!
I've got no choice but to be strict with my no-buy. I went through a serious bout of anxiety in my mid-20s and bought so much stuff (because, well, retail therapy seemed like the answer ha ha). One day, I realized how ridiculous it was to live with that much stuff and decided to start this personal capsule wardrobe project.
I really love it because I feel like I'm using everything fully and not being wasteful, and I'm really getting to learn a lot about my taste and personal style. Still, I wouldn't be this strict if I hadn't over-indulged when I was younger.
When all these clothes are gone (about 2 or 3 years more) and I start my wardrobe over again, I'll have a much better understanding of how many pieces I need and what styles are best suited to me. Hopefully I'll never be that careless again and will find better ways to cope with my anxiety if it hits in the future! Retail therapy is a really slippery slope for me.
I hope this isn't too off-topic! I'm just giving some context so that you know you're the one who is normal and you don't need to be strict with yourself! It is my approach that is weird!
@Antonia you don’t need to feel guilty every time you buy something!No, I totally get it....retail therapy is nice but very dangerous (with me too!). You get that initial high and then the guilt sets in. The time I really feel guilty is when I make a big ticket purchase....like another designer bag I don't need but want-UGH! So, you and I are both normal people and thank you for sharing your story! A lot of people do retail therapy....the hardest part is not looking online! I love the idea of the capsule wardrobe. What I have to do to get there is to ask myself, 'would I buy this again if I didn't already have it' and 'would I wear this right now, today?' and if the answer is yes, then it stays. Otherwise, it really should go. I wish you lots of luck! XO
Just work out your own personal style, and only buy things which fall into that category, don’t just buy everything.
I’m my early 20’s I worked for Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent-all of my clothes were Chanel and Valentino so I didn’t have much, so I discovered my style.
Now I buy what I like, but I don’t make many errors, as I know my style.
I clear my closet at the end of each season, but not that much goes.
At the moment I have the most number of pieces I’ve ever had(91) as I’ve bought a lot recently, but I’ll clear out at the end of winter before I buy summer clothes, and there isn’t that much left on my winter shopping list-I won’t go above 100 pieces.
That way I’m in control of my wardrobe , not the other way around ❤️❤️