Classic alternatives - What to wear if you don’t want a white shirt, trench coat, black pants, etc.

[@karenday9109]

I had to laugh at your dislike for those fussy white shirts cause I’ve always hated those too! Thanks for the laughs!

[@user-bh3hx5gf1d]

Glad I got to see your video. It was validation for me. It brought me peace. I love classic pieces and the French look but can’t see myself wearing the white shirt, blazer, (unless it’s a set I like) trench coat or pumps. Like the alternatives. Thank you!

[@liana2136]

I agree with you on many of these supposed "necessities." I pass on the white shirt, pumps, and the trench. My only heeled shoes are boots and sandals, for some reason. I wear a lot of flats including sneakers. I want to incorporate more casual skirts into my wardrobe, to take the place of pants. Your black jean suggestion is great; i like the idea of black jeans, but i have trouble finding comfortable jeans these days, which is why I like the skirt idea... mostly for comfort. Thanks for this video. I love to hear people talk about why these widely accepted "core pieces" aren't always workable or practical. Just subbed. :)

[@bedeckedbybek]

Skirts and dresses are so underrated sometimes. They feel like pajamas but look like you're actually putting in effort. Much more comfortable than jeans most times!

[@fionajackson4452]

Thanks (from London England) for your views. I have never been able to be comfortable in trench coats and I find white shirts tend to be crispy(and restricting) which I dislike. I have a few silky viscose shirts in neutral colours. In October I went to an outlet and was delighted to buy two pairs of slim straight (my favourite) Levis in mid blue and black. I had been looking for comfy black jeans for ages and they have been my go to, paired with different party type tops over Christmas and New Year.

[@bedeckedbybek]

Sounds like you have some great foundational pieces for making outfits!

[@luluandmeow]

I agree with everything you've said. Blazers - if it's cold you're going to feel the cold in your chest or you're going to have to wear a thick scarf, which ruins the silhouette. Trench coats - if it's cold you need a coat, if it's warm they're bulky to carry around all day, I only wear mine when it's raining. White shirt - NO, it reminds me of uncomfortable formal office wear, I prefer a denim shirt that doesn't show every little bit of dirt or cat hair. I am getting very tired of seeing striped Breton tops everywhere, and there's too much white on fashionistas, who wears so much white in everyday life? In my experience it ends up looking stained and/or grey very quickly so I prefer various shades of blue. I dislike brogues (too masculine) and very flat shoes with no heel whatsoever, they're bad for your legs/feet and we all need a bit of a lift so a little heel looks better on most women and is more comfortable too. Sneakers/trainers, I don't like fiddling wth shoelaces and the white ones would make my feet look extra long which is not feminine.

[@bedeckedbybek]

Yes, love a denim shirt! I'm sometimes ok with the masculine shoe, but it's definitely a fashion choice and not a flattering one, and not everyone gets it when I wear it. Which is fine, but something I have to accept going into it.

[@testing1-2three]

I agree with the trench coat. I’ve never seen anyone wear them in the suburbs. They do look cool though.

[@KathInNJ]

I totally agree with this "need to have" list. Most I have bought, and never wear as they are just not "me" . I watch a lot of influencers who live in Florida or Texas that tell me what I need to wear, who probably live in the suburbs too but since this is their full-time job they have a very different social life than me. I have purchased, and donated, way too many items this past year.

[@bedeckedbybek]

That's something I'm working on myself - learning to sit with something and not jump at it because I was influenced. Because it can be frustrating buying something just to donate it soon after.

[@SueRosalie]

It's a matter of finding the right trench coat. Get one that is above the knee and in a soft fabric that does not look like a raincoat. Then, they are very comfortable and far more wearable. I get compliments with mine.

[@leandrahackwith3168]

Trenches are clumsy getting in the minivan ‼️😁

[@bedeckedbybek]

@@leandrahackwith3168 The dang buckle is always banging against something for me!

[@machwheels8642]

Thank you I don’t have any of these and never wear those thanks for this

[@dinnykelly6763]

No to pumps or any high heels. I have 3 trench coats but only love 2 of them. I have 1 blazers but I love many other styles of jackets. I love denim jackets and leather jackets. I love my sneakers and boots. Jeans, yes, if I find jeans that fit well but I basically live in black casual pants. I can’t do a white shirt either but I do have some oversized vertical striped shirts that work well

[@carolalvarez3925]

Loved this video. I can't imagine wearing a trench coat. Totally agree with you on all points. Not a good look for suburb use. I'm wearing loafers in a variety of colors. Can be casual or dressed up. I don't own a blazer. Just bought black flare leg jeans. Look great in the legs but are too tight in the waist. On the fence about keeping them but love the look. I had the opposite problem with the white shirt. Havevone that isvjustbtoo big on me. Looks sloppy. Found one on sale at Chicos that fit well. Thanks for sharing these great tips.

[@bedeckedbybek]

I've heard Chicos is great for basics. Bummer that your flares are too tight! Maybe hold onto those but keep looking for a better fitting pair.

[@vbachman6742]

Pea coats are classic and not as fussy as trench coats (which I love but they just don't love me). Mine is red and 6 years old and still stylish.

[@bedeckedbybek]

Agreed! Pea coats are a great option

[@KA-kl2cf]

I just found your channel and thank you! I live in the 'burbs in Canada and I'm so surprised that so many influencers still adhere to this list of classics! The conviction with which people stick to these items, wow. They aren't mutual funds or that supply of things you keep in your car in case you break down in winter where I live. I love your suggestions and they just make so much sense in a modern world.

[@bedeckedbybek]

Thank you so much! I'm glad it resonated and that we can all collectively agree that trench coats are not as great as everyone makes them out to be.

[@maryhines8865]

Bravo, bravo

[@luluandmeow]

My only observation which I hope does not offend anyone is that your friend would have looked better with a skimming rather than a tight jacket, and something that is less showy, as drawing attention to her chin is not very flattering. Also, she's wearing tight jeans so a looser top would have been more flattering. The jacket she bought is also not very versatile imo, maybe black would have been better in a more timeless style too, the jacket you chose is more of a trend

[@bedeckedbybek]

I definitely see some of your points. She was in the process of losing weight, so the idea was the jacket would fit better in time for her event. I don't normally recommend buying clothes for a future weight, and I advised her of that, but we both loved the idea of the look. And since the outfit was for a one-off event celebrating her book launch, I was a-OK with showy and trendy. But for a classic option, your observations are sound.

[@janinebate1272]

They always say "a little black dress" and some "well-fitting bootcut jeans" too! 😅

[@bedeckedbybek]

Yes! I also thought of the little black dress after the fact. I suppose black trousers would be a substitute for that one if you're not a dress person.

[@miserylovescompany3168]

i don't like trench coat 🧥 too and pumps 👠.i only have 1 blazer because i need to wear formal attire in school.

[@user-gt3lh6qc6v]

I like most of these essentials, but when they bring up trench coats I shudder.. I've always loved them, but I look terrible - TERRIBLE - in them. I look like like I'm 12 in my mother's coat, while also looking like Miss Marple. I'm forever trying them on in hope, but no. Think everything on these lists should have an alternative, because no, they aren't for all.

[@bedeckedbybek]

Hahaha yeah I really don't think anything is an absolute must have.

[@luluandmeow]

Don't knock Miss Marple lol! #legend

[@Divinenubian]

Right black wide leg jeans are more easier to wear, a chocolate men's vintage leather blazer is more practical, my western boots go with everything but pumps are a joke the pointy toe flats make more sense, long line khaki trench is easier to wear in the rain😊

[@bedeckedbybek]

There ya go!

[@gems4turner444]

I'd love to wear a blazer, but I'm HOT and I hate to sweat. I never wear white or black, only for a concert that I'm required to wear them.

[@bedeckedbybek]

That's totally fair. Vest? Sleeveless trench? Linen blazer?

[@SueRosalie]

That brown zippered jacket is badly cut, it's two sizes too small and the sleeves are way too long and is too fussy a style for a full figured woman

[@bmeyer105]

You talk a lot about silhouettes. What silhouette should I try to achieve for a casual, career, or professional look? Which silhouettes should I avoid?

[@bedeckedbybek]

It's going to depend entirely on your body type and your preferences. Body type meaning round, triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, or hourglass. If you're unsure, you can use a tape measure to confirm. Then, ask yourself: which, if any, are areas you would like to camouflage or emphasize? The goal in general (although current fashion trends are much less concerned about shape) is to balance proportions. So if you're top heavy, add volume to the bottom. If you're bottom heavy, add visual interest to the top. If you're middle heavy, focus on simple, body skimming tops and add visual interest with a jacket or cardigan left open to create a nice, elongating vertical line. Or, completely subvert these expectations and wear what makes you feel good.

[@Niceshopx01]

New friend here sending may full support. #lvguci