Start, as always, with some shoes in which you could do serious walking:
Blouse – Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; pants – Jil Sander Navy; moc-stitched loafers – Coach; penny loafers – Seychelles; boat-style loafers – Vaneli
This time, you might prefer a small bag:
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; pants – Jil Sander Navy; suede bag – Treasure&Bond; wristlet – Alexander Wang; perforated bag – Michael Kors
I will always have earrings as the 3rd step, but from here on, the order of choices, and the overall numbers, are entirely up to you. If you want to have 3 pairs of sunglasses, go for it!
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; pants – Jil Sander Navy; bar earrings – Lucky Brand; crystal ball studs – Rebecca Minkoff; 3-stone earrings – Gorjana
I love the range of off-white shoes that are available. Since the materials are very different from those of your garments, the colors don’t have to match exactly, but they should be in the same color family. It’s easy to wander into the “too grey” crowd if you’re not careful; take your trousers with you when you go shoe shopping!
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; pants – Michael Kors; driving mocs – Coach; perforated flats – Coach; espadrilles – UGG
I can personally vouch for the quality of Skagen watches – I had one, years ago, that was stolen in the big “jewelry burglary.” It sounds much more dramatic than it really was…
Tee – Uniqlo; pants – Michael Kors; top watch – Skagen; middle watch – MVMT; bottom watch – MVMT
Here’s another case of looking for a sort of scarce color – not a true bright red, but almost… If everything looks good when you get it all on, perfect matches aren’t required…
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – J. Crew Factory; pants – Michael Kors; 3-stone bracelet – Bourbon and Boweties; small stone bracelet – Bourbon and Boweties; gold & red bead bracelet – Charlotte Russe
Sandals, espadrilles, or ballet flats?
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – J. Crew Factory; skirt – J. Crew; sandals – Timberland; espadrilles – Soludos; ballet flats – Vaneli
Even in the hottest weather, you can tie an accent scarf to your handbag!
Shirt – Uniqlo cardigan – J. Crew Factory; skirt – J. Crew; top scarf – Mixmix; square scarf – Hermes Les Dix Cavaliers; bottom scarf – Faliero Sarti
These colors, worn near your face, would flatter almost everyone, don’t you think?
Blouse – Uniqlo; sweater – IDLF Uniqlo; skirt – J. Crew; stud earrings – Melissa Joy Manning; leaf-trimmed earrings – Aurelie Bidermann; dot earrings – Charming Charlie
More canvas shoes, or similar; I really do consider these pretty essential unless you live the dressiest of lives.
sweater – IDLF Uniqlo; skirt – Neiman Marcus; sneakers – Tretorn; deck shoes – Sperry; loafers – Hush Puppies
The sequin-trimmed tote is quite the status symbol in Paris! But I think with this wardrobe it’s a whimsical option. And I have to mention that the navy bag is available in a BUNCH of colors…
Tee shirt – L.L.Bean; skirt – Neiman Marcus; sequin-trimmed tote – Vanessa Bruno; printed tote – Campomaggi; navy rope tote – The Well Appointed House
Sometimes a simple dark scarf ties things together. And yes, I would definitely wear the plaid scarf with the striped cardigan. They share a color palette, they both include a graphic/linear pattern, and I think they would look great together.
Tee shirt – IDLF Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; skirt – Neiman Marcus; plaid scarf – Jack Wills; metallic dot scarf – Saachi; cashmere/linen scarf – Ferragamo
Maybe the only necklace you wear all spring and summer is a signature pendant.
Rayon shirt – Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; pants – Jil Sander Navy; coin pendant – One Kings Lane; heart pendant – Lord & Taylor; constellation Pendant – Elizabeth and James
Always last, but NEVER least, the essential sunglasses. Don’t skimp here – they’re too important to your health, as well as your beauty!
Rayon shirt – Uniqlo; shorts – L.L.Bean; top sunglasses – Steven Alan; second sunglasses – Loewe; bottom sunglasses – Maui Jim
A perfect wardrobe for someplace that has warm days and cool nights, or otherwise unpredictable weather. (This would be great for July in Dublin…)
love,
Janice
I like a lot of the things here, but maybe not on my body. Imwould avoid a sleevless blouse, because I try to cover against the sun, and because my arms aren't as toned as before (despite MORE gym classes!!) I would like all my tops to have 3/4 sleeves–not too stuffy for summer (plus great sun protection) yer OK for winter.
Did you see the red gingham dress Kate Middleton wore recently? Perfect. Pleated skirt for comfort and movement (crucial for us pear shapes), 3/4 sleeves, nice details…. Not sure about gingham, which seems kind of Doris Day, but red is a yes formsure.
Navy, beige and poppy are one of my favorite combinations. The power of "3" makes any outfit absolutely "pop," whether it's three pieces or three colors. You've hit my sweet spot. ++++ these are seasonless colors. Flat shoes are, for me, something to wear around the house or while taking a walk. Otherwise, you will find me in low to medium heels.
I remain in awe of how you put your outfits together. Wonderful!
Cheers, M-T
Great post! As I have to do a lot of my shopping online, color matching can be a real trouble spot. I like the idea of being able to know things will go together because they don't have to be matchy-matchy.
A lovely wearable wardrobe, Janice, great colours. And I love the Skagen watch featured, Skagen do chunky so daintily … if that's not too much of an oxymoron to take on a Sunday morning!!
Hugs, Mary.
Shoes! Wearable, reasonable shoes that look nice. Just the thing for hours of sight seeing and walking. Thank you! Mary
Another great insight into your process! This looks like a Cape Cod vacation to me! I have never been to Cape Cod but maybe just an East Coast vacation. 🙂