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Home » My Dream Wardrobe, Autumn 2013

My Dream Wardrobe, Autumn 2013

September 4, 2013
 

Dream Wardrobe – DONE!  I chose my twelve favorite outfits, and then broke out the various pieces into a total wardrobe.I know I want jeans, and I KNOW I want my black turtleneck.  Last winter’s favorite outfit of the black and white cardigan, black top and skirt, and pearl jewelry is definitely still going to be here.  And I’ve got a new grey dress, that will be amazing with my luscious feather-print scarf from Paris.

 

 

My denim shirt is going nowhere!  With a velvet skirt and my natural cable sweater, I’ll wear it all winter.  And my new loves – the skirted leggings – will be great for autumn with a long-sleeved black tee and my asymmetric Eileen Fisher sweater. And argyle with velvet pants – definitely.
 

The minute I saw that Eileen Fisher was going to have a polka-dotted skirt this fall, I knew I had to have it.  With a grey tunic sweater – easiest outfit ever. A black dress and cardigan will always be in my wardrobe, and I can’t forget the argyle cardigan outfit that I ALWAYS wear when I fly.

 
And finally, a new grey cardigan, to go with my new grey tee shirt, because I own grey flannel pants that MUST be worn every year.  My favorite black cabled cashmere sweater, with simple black pants, an Hermes scarf, and cool loafers gives me an ensemble that I can wear almost anyplace.  And finally, I’ve so loved my mid-calf silk dress this summer that I’m going to layer sweaters over it and wear it at least into the autumn, if not longer.
 
 
A nice, tidy wardrobe:
 

Do you plan your dream wardrobe before a new season?

love,

Janice

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09.04.13 39 Comments

Tags: Dream wardrobes
<<Chic Sightings: Grey and Teal/Petrol blueChic Sightings: Turquoise and Navy>>

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    September 4, 2013 at 11:37 am

    Totally love 99% of these items – the skirted leggings are too far out of my own comfort range – so I'd probably invest in another pair of jeans ! Thanks for making me take another look at what I already own, and how to be more selective about what I purchase. Sure makes packing for trips easy !

    Reply
  2. Cornelia says

    September 4, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Can you hear me saying NO every time I scroll past that polka dot skirt??? I do love this wardrobe (even the skirted legging is growing on me). Do you dress well every day even though you don't go to an office?

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:38 pm

      Yep. After I'm back from the gym, I shower and put on something nice. At the end of the work day, I walk across the Loop to meet Belovedest, and we walk home together. I can't always go looking for Chic Sightings unless I try to qualify myself! Plus, I just find it more comfortable to try to be as well-dressed as B…

      Reply
    • ellen says

      September 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      I purchased the skirted leggings. Thank you Janice. They are wonderful. Totally forgiving. I'm 67 and built a bit like Mrs. Potato Head This item is very elongating and makes me feel fantastic. I highly recommend. Elle

      Reply
  3. California Girl says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Great combinations. I've never heard of skirted leggings. My 1st thought is negative but I bet they become indispensable.

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    Brilliant! Can you source the natural and black cable knit pullovers? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:39 pm

      My black cable sweater is from Lands' End, and it's almost 10 years old (i.e., from back in the day when their cashmere was among the best available). And the natural one is from Levi's – I bought it last year in Paris. It, ironically, was not easily found in Chicago!

      Reply
  5. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    I would really like to try the skirted leggings! Love your shoe selections!

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I think what I love most about your blog is that it isn't a "shopping blog" – you aren't saying "here are three similar shirts I found on the internet." It's a thinking woman's wardrobe blog -the focus is smart, practical ideas, with plenty of eye candy. I love that shopping is an offshoot, not the focus!

    Reply
  7. Susan says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    Last night I was laying out my capsule wardrobe for our upcoming trip to London. It (at least colorwise) is so similar to your Autumn wardrobe. You've convinced this Southern woman that black and gray are the way to go in autumn/winter. I need to work on my accessories and I'm going to study yours. I have plenty of scarves, but need to work on some additional earrings and other jewelry to go with my ensembles. I probably own the pieces I need for the most part–but need to try everything on.

    About the Eileen Fisher polka dot skirt. It is very cute, but I've seen it at the EF shop and it is VERY short–even too short for me to wear with tights! Perhaps you are shorter and it is longer on you?

    Thank you for this post today. It is perfect for my needs and I am pinning all of it on Pinterest. One question–where to find a good looking argyle sweater this season. I've looked, but can't find any as elegant as yours for sale right now.

    Reply
    • Cornelia says

      September 4, 2013 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks for bringing this up (and me to my senses). I am 5'8 and want my skirts to come to the knee at my age.

      Reply
    • Susan says

      September 4, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      Cornelia, I just barely under 5'8" tall and this skirt would be substantially above my knees. BUT, if you have an EF store close to you–go in and try it on and wear tights when you go. I'm curious as to what you think. It is a VERY cute skirt!

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 4, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      I am also 5'8" with 1/2 my height from my waist down. Skirt length is the problem I've had with the skirted leggings, too. Some pictures of them actually on women show the skirt barely covering their rears. In others it comes to about mid-thigh. In either case, too short for me.

      Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:40 pm

      I'm fearless in the face of really short skirts, so long as I'm wearing tights. I walk 4 to 6 miles a day, and my legs have nothing to hide!

      Reply
    • Cornelia says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:57 pm

      No store anyway near me, but a quick look at the website did the trick. I own both the grey and black skirts featured next to the polka dot, and I am much more comfortable with that length. Still, I have a fond spot for polka dots…

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 4, 2013 at 3:39 pm

      You should be able to find plenty of Argyle sweaters in the UK – try The Scotch House, Harrods (for Pringle), maybe Edinburgh Wollen Mills (it's a chain with branches all over) …………..

      Reply
    • Susan says

      September 4, 2013 at 8:04 pm

      I read the reviews for the EF polka dot skirt on the EF site. It appears that most of the positive reviewers were petite. I will wait for reviews from taller people. I don't have an issue with my legs either, but the proportion seems a bit wrong with an ultra short skirt.

      Reply
  8. Gail says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    Superb! I so love the bit of easy insouciance the polka dot skirt and skirted tights bring to this otherwise classic wardrobe.

    Reply
  9. Kirsti says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    I love how you are able to create so many different types of outfits with your wardrobe. I need to start thinking about my own fall wardrobe, it's just hard to do when it's 90 degrees outside!

    Reply
  10. cheryl :) says

    September 4, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Fantastic choices. I love your skirted leggings and have been looking for some in a price range I can afford. All I seem to come across is one size fits all and I'm not willing to try that lol.

    Reply
  11. auntkitten says

    September 4, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Love this Janice, but I'm a little fearful of velvet. I did have a wonderful pair of velvet cigarette pants that I wore often. A small bare spot developed at the top of the thigh where I crossed my legs and rubbed against my desk. I was very sad to have to let those go.

    The quality of fabric is key I think. I've seen some really bad velvet. My personal wardrobe staples are brown, grey and blue (all in the right shade for me).

    Reply
  12. frugalscholar says

    September 4, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    For the person who wants skirted leggings cheaply. I have a "free" set–leggings plus a short sport skirt. Already had both. DIY Eileen.

    Reply
  13. Jill says

    September 4, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Hi Janice, I love your blog… first time commenting but read it every day!
    Where did you get your skirted leggings? I actually had the same reaction, negative at first but now I am intrigued. Jill

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      September 4, 2013 at 2:37 pm

      They're from Eileen Fisher. I was VERY skeptical, but my friend who manages the store on State Street convinced me to try them. She's a genius – they're now probably my favorite garments in my entire wardrobe!

      Reply
    • Jill says

      September 4, 2013 at 3:42 pm

      Thanks Janice!

      Reply
  14. Kristien62 says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Haven't put together my dream wardrobe yet, but you do inspire me. I, unfortunately, fell off the non-shopping wagon last week, seduced by fall colors and a pair of dark plum jeans. I also bought two other pieces in colors totally out of my capsule colors. Now the challenge will be to make the pieces play well with others besides being just one outfit. The buyer's remorse was terrible! Janice, what have you done to me!

    Reply
  15. Hoya says

    September 4, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Thank you for showing those heeled oxfords with the wide(r) leg velvet pants – I have a pair of Eileen Fisher velvet pants I thrifted last year and I have never loved my shoe options with them other than a ballet flat, and if it's cold – I want to have something I could wear at least a trouser sock with – I'll have to try!

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    September 4, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I'd need a few more light weight tops for layering. Sometimes a sweater is just too warm in a heated room or a sheltered and sunny outdoor spot. Other than that, I love the whole concept and plan to duplicate much of it.

    It is nice that you haven't created yet another shopping blog. I enjoy thinking about how your choices fit for me and how I can tweak your concepts. I loved your post a while back on personal style–something about costuming?–and wish you'd do more of those. Not long ago I would have scoffed at the idea of "authentic" dressing. Now I think it's a very very smart idea.

    Reply
  17. Renee @ AddMoreChocolate says

    September 4, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    I love seeing how your choices are so "you." I'm finally getting confident enough to look at these and love them….for you! Black – not for me, thanks. Vive la difference! :-)
    Hugs!

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Love the grey striped scarf!!!! Actually, loved everything but the scarf most of all.

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    September 5, 2013 at 1:51 am

    Hi Janice- thanks for (another) great post. Almost perfect for me – and would you consider "funking it up" a little for those who want a little more edge? Could you include an EF moto jacket or????

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    September 5, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Velvet love! It's my favorite fabric for everything from pants to sofas. I do wish I could find something velvet to wear in midnight blue.

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    September 5, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Great post. Could you please show us numerous styling ideas for the skirted leggings, where you would wear them – and I do like the suggestion of "funking it up"! Thanks for all you do! Di

    Reply
  22. birdybegins says

    September 5, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Eewww… can't be doing with skirted leggings! I'm immune after going through the 'skirts over trousers' thing in the early 90s. Also, I have a personal vendetta against leggings.

    Otherwise, lots of luscious items there. I love the soft greys, quality wools and beautiful accessories.

    Reply
  23. Hallie says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Love this post. I am considering the EF skirted leggings–can you tell me how the size runs? Is the fabric really stretchy? I don't want to order wrong. I think they would be a great addition to the fall wardrobe. THANKS!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      September 6, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Her clothes are very consistently sized – if you've ever had anything from her, you can confidently order the size you're used to. And the fabric is WONDERFUL – opaque, stretchy, and very flattering.

      Reply
  24. Iamatlooseends says

    September 7, 2013 at 2:24 am

    I love all the shoes – can you tell me who made each of them? I, especially, love the brogues!

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:20 am

    who is the grey tunic (with the front pockets)by? Thanks!

    Reply
  26. Sandra L. says

    September 15, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    A late comment/question here: I'm looking for a long black cardigan that will cover my butt and can be worn buttoned up/down, by itself, or over a mock turtle. I got one last year from Ulla Popken, called an empire cardigan. Alas, my rabbit chewed a hole in the sleeve, and they seem to have discontinued the item. I tried ebay; no dice.
    I loved this sweater as it had a tab closure at the top and mother of pearl buttons. It oversized b/c Ulla P is for big ladies, but I got the smallest size they had.

    Any idea where I might find something similar? It should be cotton and/or acrylic; I can't wear wool next to my skin.

    Thank you!

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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