Coming out of lurkdom for this thread :] Hi everyone!!
A while ago I got fed up with constantly feeling like I had nothing to wear despite all the clothes in my closet. I work from home at the moment (as a crafter, writer and video editor) and my "uniform" was a t-shirt and yoga pants, but I felt so sloppy all the time, especially when running errands (I know it shouldn't matter what I wear then, but it bugged me).
A couple years ago I simplified my choices by always picking black or gray for my neutrals, so I only have to worry about black shoes, belt, etc. I only really like black bottoms for me, so although I do have a pair of boot-cut, dark-wash jeans, my "uniform" these days is: black booties, black leggings/stretchy-skinny-pants, and a shirt that can work for anything from date night to book club to drinks with the girls to running errands to weekend gatherings. Generally the shirt is sleeveless or short-sleeved. Then I throw a gray cardigan (weight depending on temperature) over the top, and I'm set. Super easy.
Basically, like the attached images (hope I'm doing this right). I have the shirt in three colors now (brand is Tahari, from Macy's) (sweater is also Macys, and the 5-pocket leggings-that-pass-for-skinny-pants are from Ann Taylor Loft (5-pocket marisa cut, which for tall ladies is actually long enough! I have a problem finding leggings that aren't too short)). This is what I wore yesterday, actually!
The links people posted earlier about how to figure out your colors/style really helped, so thank you! It helped me solidify my plan for what to focus on, to accept that certain styles, while I love them on others (dolman sleeves, for example) just don't look right on me, and to just go with the silhouettes and colors that work for me.
So while I'm not completely done with my uniform, it's come together nicely. And now when I go do something, or even if I just want to look more professional than yoga pants/t-shirt at home (helps with productivity), I can grab something comfortable and nice looking without having to think about it! I may have an office job next year, but we'll cross that wardrobe-bridge when we come to it :]
I do have an addiction for cardigans, but I'm trying to limit it :]
MsPeacock I love your work uniform, feels very classic and put-together!