Category: Daily Living
I’ve been refurbishing my wardrobe/clothing lately, and this has made me think about several topics, or postings I’ve seen here, so I am posting to see how this topic might develop.
I’d like to share some ideas, and receive some as well. So let’s see how this goes.
I’ll start out with my style, so you have an idea of what kind of dress person I am.
I am mainly casual. This means, jeans in many different shades, sweat shirts, hoodies, T shirts, polo’s and sweaters. I have decided in the redoing to get rid of the T shirt look as much, but will keep a few.
In the summer, I wear shorts, but only the type that are right above the knee, and mainly these that are made of denim, or cotton. Jeans, I guess again, but in shorts this is different.
My footwear is boots, athletic shoes, and sandals.
I do have 2 pairs of dress shoes, one is a dress casual, and are good for when you must dress up, but walk. The other pair is strictly dress, but have rubber soles instead of the smooth leather type, again, for good footing.
If I need to dress up, I add a dress shirt to the jeans, or cotton pants, and if I’ve got to really dress, I have a black suit, so all purpose.
My questions are, how do you go about your dressing? In this I’m talking about matching, buying, style?
What is important to you? Quality, style, variety?
Do you even care, as long as you are clean and covered?
I’ll talk more about what I think, why, and how I do things if this takes off.
Nice topic. I try and dress a step above casual when I'm not going to the gym. Instead of jeans and a t-shirt, I'll pair a darker pair of jeans with a short-sleeve collared shirt or long-sleeve button-down. Business casual is the norm when I'm not working from home, so I'll usually go with a white or blue button-down and khakis or dress slacks. I hate undershirts and never wear them. I'm not very fond of shorts, and I don't think they're appropriate for anything but the most casual setting. I don't think you can go wrong with jeans, t-shirts and hoodies when appropriate – but the trouble is, I don't think you should wear any of that stuff in any setting that's even slightly formal. In other words, when in doubt, fix up, look sharp.
I don’t care about quality or variety and I don’t spend a lot of time shopping and buying clothes. As long as I look well put together for the situation and feel comfortable, I’m good to go.
Interesting topic. I have three pairs of jeans for when I go out somewhere not so formal. Teeshirts are not my thing, though I have one. But I'm the dressy/formal type. Evening gouns, black dresses, suit jackets, skirts and dressy shirts. I have some shirts that are for casual outings, but again, this is very few. I actually feel more comfortable in my dress clothes than in my jeans and normal shirts, I guess I shalb say I feel good in it. And for the jim I have some really comfortable shorts and shirt and bathing suit. Matching isn't so hard, as I usually have mainly black or gray, I have a few colored dresses. But I know what color everything I have is so matching isn't so much of a problem. I do have some custom outfits for very special ocasions. But again, I have no problem putting my clothes together to match.
And as for quality, I care very much. Because though I do enjoy shopping, it isn't something I have time to do as much as I'd like to, I don't want to have to go back and buy something in a short time because I didn't spend as much in it. You end up spending more on the things, think about it. And I don't like having 10 different pairs of shoes for each outfit either. I like having a few, but not more than I really need. I can't stand cluttered closets and dressers, it's hard to find things like that anyway. .
How do you do your shopping?
Is it done online, stores, by other people for you?
How do you cover your sizes, especially if you are doing formal wear?
Matching tops and bottoms is okay, but what about socks?
Quality, style, variety-all important to me. Time, money and assistance all contribute to how much attention any of the three get.
Last year, I was in a rush and bought two long sleeved tees from Walmart as I was already picking up some groceries and they offer shopping assistance. I needed some shirts and they were there an inexpensive.
Turns out, they are two of my favorite shirts. I never would've expected that. I went back this year and bought a few more although they are not quite as nice.
I like to dress up but I also like to be casual. Right now, i like being casual more because I've left myself get out of shape and casual is more comfortable.
I shop online and with a friend or a sister or as mentioned, in a pinch, Walmart. (When I could see I never bought clothes at Walmart! LOL)
As far as online shopping goes, I occasionally will call the 800 number listed on the website because websites have this tendency to list colors in abbreviations or worse yet, with color names that leave absolutely no indication of what the actual color is! For example, "Feeling Fabulous" or "Wild Nights in the Jungle"
I work in a small office and am stuck in there pretty much the whole work day so while I dress nice enough, I don't go all out as I only see one or two office mates the whole day long. Or perhaps, I should rephrase that-only two or three officemates see ME all day!
Oh, wait-shoes-I guess they go the same gambit as my clothes, from casual to dressy.
Matching? Okay, I have a big fear of my shoes not matching what I'm wearing. I lack confidence there. Well, now 90% of my socks are either black or white. The black are slightly different than the white so are easy to tell apart. I used to pin the braille tags on to the color socks when I was still using them. Most of my dress pants are black so I can wear any top with them. For the colors, I usually have at least one color top that goes with them and I can also pair a white or black top with them. If I'm shopping with a friend, I ask about such things.
Have any of us gotten to what you are aiming for?
Sure! Smile. I'm trying to get other blind people to say what they do about this, so that us that need suggestions, and are shy about asking might read.
I really like the websites that offer the shopping assistants myself, or email contact, because you are correct about some of the colors.
Barryblush, moodygray, and such things. Lol
I have noticed that shoe sites are putting the color of the shoe in the description now.
Black or brown shoes will match anything, but when you get in to sneakers, I find you really need to know that the shoe is blue and red. Sneakers are really colorful, so I'd keep mine in the box and put some sort of label on them if you get in to several pairs.
You can still buy them plain white or black, but not often do the nicer models come that way.
Jeans match any, but sweat suits, or pants need to be connected to the shirt and shoes.
If you've got on a pair os Silver with red shoes, you'll want red, white, black, and maybe a dark blue shirt, but after that change the shoes.
I thought I posted, but I guess I didn't. Anyway. I don't like to shop my clothes online, because I like to feel and posibley try what I'm buying. That applys to my formalware, especially. As per socks, I sent away for these pins that you put on each pair when you do your laundry, so that they don't get lost in the drier. :)
You should post what these little things are called, and where you sent to to get them.
I am just careful to make sure I get all the socks I put in back, but sometimes the sock ghost, or gremlin eats one. If I had these little clips, I'll either get them both back or lose a pair. Must better. Lol
I have been shopping online much. I've found that many places do a fair job os describing things. That is only for things I know what they'll feel like sort of.
It is nice to go in to a shop and take it home, though.
Many places have no hassle returns, and once you've got your sizes, it is wonderful. Shoes are harder, because different shoes sizes are different, so I'd say if you can try on that brand before you buy, you do well.
Once you've got that licked, you can really save on footwear.
Plus, you know exactly what color it will be, so when you get it in the mail, and feel it, you can decided how to know these are the blue, or whatever.
i use to count my socks going in and out cause of the public wash and dryer. i never lost a single one when i did this...
I agree entirely with Millie, I wanna know what I'm buying. I go for exactly that, quality and style.
I wear skinny jeans and different tops on most days. I wear shorts and skirts in the summer, racerbacks and all that kind. But when it comes to dressing up, I like to make sure what I'm wearing is perfect. I am very particular about my clothes. Because all my jeans, tops, shoes are different textures, colors, designs, I can remember their colors. Trust me its not easy, I sometimes get my lime green pants and violet jeans confused. I usually shop with friends, to get opinions. Because I used to see, I know pink and black go together, purple and black, gold and pink, lime green and black, blue and red, and the list can go on. I am very particular in how it goes as well. I would never wear a gold top, and pink jeans, no I'd war gold jeans and a pink top. I dunno why, but I think it looks better this way.
For shoes I wear tons of DC tennie, and other name brand shoes. When dressing up, I adore stilettoes or pretty flats, also wedges and sandals.
I try to dress business casual for work. Nice pants and a sweater, blouse or button-down shirt. I have to say, I love casual Fridays, where I can wear nice dark jeans and a comfortable (yet not inappropriate or frumpy) top. I love jeans and wear a lot of nicer T-shirts with stripes. I also love button-downs. I have several pairs of shoes, mainly in black and gray. A couple years ago, I posted some hints about coordinating colors. I prefer variety, but once in awhile will spend more for a piece of clothing, especially if I know it'll last several seasons. I don't like shorts. I also wear dresses with cardigans. I like the layered look, as I am a full-figured woman and don't like to show too much cleavage. I organize my closet by colors starting with white, then going through the colors of the rainbow ending with black and gray. I lean towards neutral bottoms and colored tops. BTW, jeans are a neutral. Please don't wear black shoes with brown clothes and vice versa. Try to match the color of your shoes with your skirt, dress or pants. You can wear colored shoes with an outfit, but imho it's better to have sighted assistance with this. I love clothes and looking nice. Casual doesn't have to mean trashy if an outfit is pulled together right. I also like to do my hair/makeup as I think this part of my overall look. My fave strores are Gap Outlet, Old Navy and Maurice's. I don't generally shop at WalMart for clothes, but will if necessary. I've actually found a few pieces I really like. I will buy clothes online, but always check descriptions and reviews first. I also won't usually buy something printed unless there's a really good description of the item. I try to buy tops that are versatile. I'm not too trendy, but try to read up on fashion trends most seasons to remain current. I try not to make my outfits too plain. I like accessories like purses and earrings.
for socks, safety pins with the end crimped to prevent the socks threads getting sucked in is the way to go for me
I wish I'd done this when I could still see, I absolutely HATED pairing socks
Yes pairing socks. Smile. Even if you know you know, it takes lots of time.
I orderd some Wrangler jeans directly from Wrangler. They came with a tag attached to a small chain on the belt loop.
I thought that was great, and since have used these tags to put the color on the product. All it takes is to put the tag on the hanger.
When you wash and return the jeans, you just hang them back with the matching tag.
As blind persons if we are not color correct, it is blamed on us not being able to see. I don't like that concept.
Bad dress is also excused, even though seeing doesn't mean you are properly dressed. Smile.
When I had vision, some sighted person can't match either. The simply don't care.
If you look eatable, you get more respect I think, so it is important when I go out to look such.
Most of my clothes match each other. So, i know I can pretty much throw on anything and it will work. as for why shorts aren't appropriate in anything but casual settings, I understand that, but I have yet to understand why? I guess it's bad to have people looking at your legs all day or something. But then, I would argue, what if you're at a job like mine and are stuck behind a desk all day? No one's gonna see your legs. They see your face and the back of you, so who cares? I personally, think sighted people place too much importance on looks. I mainly wear jeans or pants and hoodies or sweatshirts or T-shirts. In the winter, I dress in warm flece clothing. I have some sweats, but don't wear them out places. I do wear velour outfits in the wintertime, as well. For wirk, I wear nicer pants and shirts, but my normal shoes go with them, so that works for me. I hate heels and dresses, so never, ever wear them. I have a pair of dress shoes with a tiny heel, which again, work for me, on the few occasions I need to dress up. I buy things in the store because I don't like not being able to touch what I'm buying. Otherwise, I'd shop online a lot more.
Great topic,
Dawnielle
Thank you.
Yes, when buying online, you don’t know how a garment might feel, but if you know fabrics, you have an idea.
I have come to prefer shopping online for these reasons.
1. I can get the color of the item on the better websites. Most have either a phone number, or email contact from, so I can ask specific questions about an item I’m not sure of.
If I am trying to match a shirt with pants, or something, this can work well. I can get a better price on an item that normally would be expensive. Sometimes that savings will be 50% less, then in a brick and mortar store.
2. An example of this is I purchased a pair of hiking boots recently. In the shop these were twice as much as when I shopped online. I also got free shipping, so saved on that as well. I was also able to read more about the shoes, and warrantee and such, I didn’t get when I went to the sporting goods store to try them on for sizing reasons. That brings me to the next thing.
3. Sizing is pretty standard, so it has become easy to know what size, if you have shopped in a store. You need to go do this, so you get all your sizes together, but after that, it has been a breeze.
4. Because I am saving money, provided I shop well, I can purchase better quality items. I do find it isn’t always the better price online, and it does take some time to shop, but if you aren’t in a hurry, or you are ready to purchase the item when you see it, it works well.
5. Last, I look for shops that have good return policies. This is important to me, because if an item comes, and I just don’t like it for whatever reason, I want to be able to return it. UPS and Fed Ex have now made this process easy. You can actually have the item picked up from your door, just like it came to you, so for us, that can be a plus.
Also, to the last poster. Are you awear your legs can be seen even from behind a desk?
If you wear shorts, or a short skirt, a person walking up to the desk can see you are dressed that way.
The only way they don't, is if you have your knees in a cubby hole under the desk.
My personal opinion is it looks good on a woman wearing an outfit that shos some leg, even if the skirt is mid calf.
I'd have to agree that really short items are for the casual, or some setting like that.
How many or you are in to the worn or ripped look?
It has been fashionable to wear torn faded, stained, and ripped clothes for a while.
American Eagle, and Denim And Supply, among others sell new jeans and shirts that look old. Sometimes the fabric feels new, but the clothes will be what they call ripped.
I was reading a magazine where they were interviewing a rapper, I can’t remember his name off hand, who said he paid 1 thousand dollars for a hoodie that had cigarette burns, and some holes, and the point of the hood on the hoodie was cut off.
I’ve done some shopping, and have seen jeans from designers costing 100 to 250 dollars.
In this look, everything is artfully faded, or sometimes actually worn by famous people, then sold.
You could be in style simply buy wearing these clothes you were just about to throw away.
What do you all think about this?
Would you pay 100 bucks for a pair of jeans that were ripped?
American Eagle sales them starting at about 20 dollars, so you can go on the low side, or just go to Goodwill or a thrift shop.
If you’ve got old jeans, Levi especially, that are to small, or something, instead of tossing them, put them on EBay. They are probably worth more then you paid for them new.
Just in case you want to do it yourself.
http://www.wikihow.com/Rip-Your-Own-Jeans
Well, paying ridiculous prices for ripped/worn (lol makes me think of Rip Torn) clothing is not my thing.
If a particular garment feels good, maybe but I'm not paying a fortune for it.
As far as the real thing goes, there are just some pieces of clothing that feel too good to give up until the bitter end, when the cotton is worn so soft and smooth, when the velvet isn't as plush and shiny as it once was, but oh, the feel of it!
And we all know that pair of shoes that really should go in the trash because one of your toes is peeping out or the sole is cracked or they are scuffed so bad their own mother wouldn't recognize them, they just feel so right!
Never mind if you can't be seen outside of your house in these items, sleep in them, clean in them, hold on until the bitter end because nothing like them will ever pass your way again!
I know how that feels, especially with some slippers I have, lol! But no way in hell will you see me with a torn pair of jeens, let alone buying them. haha nope.
Well, if these shoes with the toe out happen to be Jordan's when he was in his prime....
I wear a lot of jeans with dress tops for work, or khaki's with dress tops. I can usually tell what matches by the texture an remembering what goes with what. For shoes, I wear black shoes for work, unless I'm wearing khakis then brown. I'd rather be comfortable and look nice. I miss the days when I could wear jeans and hoodies or sweatpants and hoodies to class though, especially when it's freezing like it has been lately!
Lol Wane I don't know much at all, if anything about fabricks. The problem with shopping for clothes online, though, at least for me, is that even though I know my size, it may vary depending on the piece of clothing etc. I need to feel good, comfortable and in love with what I'm buying. And for that I have to try clothes. But I like to shop with other people and get some input on how my formal clothes looks. Because I might like how a suit jacket feels, but there might be something that looks better etc. Depending on the place and ocasion, such as evening performances, or wedding performances. :)
Online shopping is kind of a shot in the dark, I admit. Even with the same brand, there can be such a difference in fit. Different color fabrics in the same cut and style tend to fit differently, sometimes that is due to a different fabric being used to hold the die better or the effect the dye has on the fabric.
So, I, too, only shop from places that have good return policies and free or minimal shipping. Gotta love coupon codes and shipping deals.
I have found that to be true with Levi 501 jeans. My size doesn't always fit the same, although it fits.
If I order a pair in what the call timberwolf, it was snug until they warmed up through the legs.
Now another pair, that are Regit fit nicely and are not snug.
The weight of the denim is also different, and I'm told by the service reps it is because of the way they are dyed.
Wrangler seems to fit the same each time.
Shirts from just about anyone fit decently well and same.
I pretty much can tell just about how something will feel by description, but not exactly.
When I shou[p online, I am more interested in the quality, and color.
I've learned that price doesn't always mean quality, so online I'm brand loyal.
Saves me money as well. I've paid as less as half price over the a store item, and received free shipping, so that brings me back to my computer even after I've seen something in a shop most times.
There is that pleasure of seeing it and bringing it home though, so I'll do it now and again.
very super casual here. I am not a very formal person anyway, I don't think too much of myself, formal doesn't fit my personality. I am so informal with most people it's just not very fitting anyway, and it doesn't feel as comfortable, as I see. it. I don't see the point in wearing all that stuff when it's so unnecessary, sure more less casual close or casual close that look nicer when I really need it, but most of the time, nope. looking good enough is fine with me. as long as I look decent, that is perfectly okay.I don't much get dressing up super fancy, besides what impresses people is the inside I say. and people who I really get along with me is like that too. it's the content we care about not the shell. I don't really care about variety but quality is important I guess, the better the fabric the better. my father works in garment so I know a bit, I would have to say over 90 percent cotton if not 100 percent cotton. I find that close that way are more durable, reliable, and made better. I am no typical woman, don't fit in to the masses, trendy doesn't appeal to me and means very little. I don't play with trends. honestly, it irritates me more then anything. you'll just have to deal with me not looking like your hottest most trendiest chica around dressed like taylor swift or whatever the most popular pop star is now.
I've been doing the shopping more, I hate shopping of any type a lot, so don't ask me to go except for electronics or record shopping. I don't want to go, but if I have to, I wil go and buy clothes and such. I have been shopping for my own clothes lately, more so then before usually wih my family, or else my shirts just get worn over and over again for years. I have no problems with doing that I have clean to wear and enough too, so I don't need more and I don't always need to go shopping for more. clothes from 5 or so year still fits me. I don't shop for clothes online I much rather go see it in person.
I am also not a trend wearer. I wear things that can last for years, and still be in style.
This is easy for a man. Shirts, dress, T’s and such, have been around forever. Pants like jeans, and regular or straight leg pants also.
I don’t buy things like bell bottoms, or Zoot suits, but stick to the tried and true.
I also agree that real fabrics, like cotton, wool, leathers, and skins, last longer, and don’t lose quality when washed and used. Normally, you out grow them one way or the other, or just get tired of them.
Plus, these fabrics are earth friendly, and feel good on your body. The older a good pair of jeans gets, the better they feel. Same with good leather shoes or jackets.
yep, that's what I experience and very easy to fix cotton clothes are. and, also, it's fairly easy for a woman too if you are not so fussy about the trends and stuff. most girls around me complain how they can't wear there pretty shirts or whatever anymore, because of course they aint looking good anymore, I just go okay, well, whatever that never happens to me because I never put myself in that position.
I'd not say I'm over picky, except about quality, especially in shoes, but being dressed well makes me feel good.
Sliding in to a thick, well fitting pair of pants, and a shirt that is butter soft, or of good grade cotton feels great. Add a pair of shoes you can walk to the end of the earth in, and I'm ready to meet the world.
I have tons of rip jeans, I love them very much, they edge out a girly look very well. I don't like dressing too girly, so an edge is great. I've only paid 150 for a pair of jeans, but they were miss me's with tons of heavy rhinestones. I bought them four years ago, and can still fit in them. I love that about some of my clothes, I can wear it from time to time, especially my old jeans. I am weary about stripes, I am skinny and they'll not make me look fat, but they still make me paranoid, even polkadots. I love button downs too, but I have a hard time finding great fits in them, either they are to loose, or too tight.
I dress casually, unless there's a special occasion that requires me to dress up.
I don't do clothes shopping online, as I need to physically get a feel for what I'm potentially buying, and I need to be certain that it looks good on me.
I'm not trendy, necessarily, but I do care about not looking outdated, if that makes sense.
For your shirt fit, try L.L Bean or ones that are called slim fit. Get them from the men's section, not the women's.
For great low price rip jeans, try American Eagle.
I have ten dollar rip jeans from aeropostal from discounts. granted they are colored jeans, another favorite of mine. but I'm very much a bargain person.
Good price.
I'm in to how heavy the denim is, because they fade better over time. I don't like the ripped, I'll wear them out myself, but do have a couple pairs.
I wear them when I want to do stuff and don't mind if I rip them.
One pair is actually really pretty, color and texture wise. Got them by accident not reading the complete description, but their o.k.
When I say weight, I like a jean at least 11 OZ and up, otherwise they are pants to me.
On the shoe topic someone wished that she could go to a place and be given help with what looked good on her, and how to find it.
I put together some ideas I think work, and some that have worked for me.
Stores such as Nordstrom have fashion consultants that will help you.
If you wanted a complete outfit for some special date or whatever, they will walk with you from department helping you select all the parts.
You can make appointments to have your hair and makeup done as well. This works for men too.
If you have a skirt you like, but need a top, you can take that item with you, and they’ll get you find something to match it.
Most cities have women’s boutiques. These are shops that only sale women’s clothes, but are great places to learn what is good to wear.
Going to a large shopping mall or center usually gives you the clerks that understand fashion over stores like Sears, Walmart, and such. Get the mall directory online, and call the shops you think you might want to shop in and ask if they’ve got sales clerks, that understand what you might want to wear.
Make a date and go in and see what they’ve got.
If you attend high school or a college, put an ad in the school’s newspaper, or whatever source people see ads asking for a guy or girl that would give you a hand with dressing fashionably.
When I was in college and lived in the dorms, the guys were always talking about clothes, and where they got this or that.
My roommate and I went to a suit shop to buy suits, and the guy in there was great at matching us up.
Once you know the brands and such you like, when shopping online, many sites have chat. You can ask about color, design, and anything you want.
I like levi.com, Nordstrom, Sears, and some other ones that have live or email chat.
Amazon does well, but you have to look for the email link, it is not just plain to find, but one you’ve got it, they answer in short order anytime day or night.
I like the live chat better, because I can ask what I want right now. These are usually accessible, you just have to move up and down the page. Some have sound so when the rep send the reply you know it can move up the page to read it.
Some have what they call “call me.” You put your phone number in there, like Sears, and your phone rings. You’ve got help on the line.
Many are 24 hours as well, for your shopping needs at 2 A.M. when you can’t sleep, so go looking.
I like to get the item number, so the rep can find exactly what I’m talking about, and put that information in my question. I’ve had really fun times chatting with some of them, because they give such good descriptions. I tell them so before leaving the chat session.
I generally wear girly tops with khakis, corduroys, or leggings. My clothes are different textures and styles, and I can usually remember what goes with what. I don't buy clothes online because I want to be sure I like the texture and fit of the items I'm purchasing.
Interesting thread here. I'm a bit professional person who would wear neat, decent clothes. I always wear conservative business suit for conferences/conventions, formal functions, etc. For school or on a daily basis, I typically wear slacks, dress shirts, branded shirts, khakis, etc. for informal social outing or at beaches, I wear shorts and t-shirts or sometimes fancy shirts paired with nice slacks..
I am a big t-shirt, sweats and sandals type.
It depends where I am going. I am usually a jeans type guy, unless the
occassion is formal.
Denim is such a big deal now, you can dress jeans up, or down.
Lots of colors, and quality anymore.
A pretty dress shirt, sports jacket, dress shoes, and believe it or not, your favorite jeans can do for a business meeting.
You'll want jeans that are in good condition, or plain nice, because there are many now.
Add a tie.
I love sandals, but only the leather type, and only during the summers.
I make sure my toenails are done though, even though I'm a guy.
Ragged toenails seem to me to distract from the appeal of a nice sandal.
I used to sport on jeans in the past. Now I mostly wear slacks, dress pants, and/or khakis, or a nice shorts for going to beaches or to any casual social outings.