November 16, 2017
I really wanted to look back at another of these wardrobes; they truly were the moment when I began to hit my stride as a blogger and see the goal of “timeless” come into focus.
Of course these clothes would eventually date – in a decade of two! As I said before – they’re sufficiently timeless! These images are from a post on December 30th, 2011, and if you saw a woman wearing these clothes today, you’d admire them just as much. Eschew trends and invest in the classics is my motto…
Scarf – Hermès, gold earrings – Links of London, necklace – Van der Straeten, turtleneck – Aviu, jacket – John Lewis, gloves – Portolano, Handbag – Mulberry, suitcase– Mulberry, skirt – Stella McCartney, navy tights – Nordstrom, brown loafers – Ralph Lauren
Navy blouse – Stella McCartney; drop earrings – Chan Luu, navy cardigan – Maison Martin Margiela; print blouse – Tucker; champagne pearl stud earrings – Majorica, long cardigan – Chloe, trousers – Stella McCartney; belt – Burberry, bracelet – Chan Luu, ankle boots – ALF ,jeans – J. Brand; striped turtleneck – Kolor, print scarf – Dorothy Perkins, riding boots – Frye
Scarf – Hermès, gold earrings – Links of London, necklace – David Aubrey , turtleneck – Chloe, jacket – John Lewis; gloves – John Lewis , Handbag – Mulberry, suitcase– Mulberry, skirt – Stella McCartney, navy tights – Nordstrom, brown loafers – Ralph Lauren
Navy blouse – Stella McCartney; drop earrings – Nak Armstrong, navy cardigan – Maison Martin Margiela; blouse – Moschino, olive cardigan – Old Navy, trousers – Stella McCartney; belt – Burberry, bracelets – 1928, ankle boots – ALF, jeans – J. Brand; plaid front sweater – Daks, print scarf – Yigal Azrouel, riding boots – Frye (similar here)
Five pieces of clothing (a cardigan and top, with jeans, pants and a skirt), as well as a piece of outerwear – these are the neutrals around which an amazing number of possibilities revolve… It doesn’t feel terribly intimidating when you break it down to just six things!
love,
Janice
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Facing wardrobe replacement due to weight loss, this gives me ideas to purchase 5 pieces to transition with until I reach my goal weight. It is also in my favourite colours. Thanks Janice.
Janice,
I never tire of classic colors and styling , thanks for this great reminder !
I learn new things every time you bring back a post from the past. I'll use this one as inspiration to build a smart casual business capsule to rely on when I have client meetings as opposed to those days when I work from home and can dress much more casually.
Occasional client meetings are a perfect application of a capsule wardrobe – you look consistently like yourself, and always professional and worth of your fees! I'm going to run with that idea, if you don't mind.
hugs,
Janice
Point well made about consistency in dress. I am on a roll about authenticity these days and you have articulated something that kept slipping through my fingers.
I need this wardrobe to appear in my closet, thanks. This is my dream.
Another fashion blogger i used to follow once said that you should only buy one or two pieces of trendy clothes a year — find whatever version flatters you and buy just those one or two to mix with your classic pieces, rather than feeling as if you have to have one of everything. That helped me a lot, because it's true! You don't need a lot of trendy clothes to feel as if you're up-to-date, just a few. Until reading this blog I never paid attention to how often I wore things; now I'm amazed at how even with my much smaller wardrobe, I still end up with things rarely or never worn. If bell sleeves are in, one bell-sleeved sweater worn once a week for a few months will get you all the "trendy" feel you need, and by the time you next wear it you hardly remember the last time. But if you buy three, you will still probably only wear one a week, so what a waste! If most of your wardrobe is classic, you can switch out pieces when they get worn out or if you want a different cut, and switch out this year's trend for last year's — without much shopping or spending!
Love, love, love this combo!! Maybe could a bit of burgundy be added to give an additional pop of color? I could imagine having all of these pieces! :)
Sheri,
Spot on — that would be perfect !
Definitely easy to add 3 burgundy pieces for more color variety. Looks like the formula is a solid color outside layer and a couple of prints combining the neutral and accent colors – one an inside layer and the other an outside layer. If budget allows, adding footwear, a bag and some jewelry would really add value. I'm building a wardrobe with navy as the neutral and adding in olive, camel, and burgundy accent colors this way. Crazy how many outfits can be made with so few pieces and everything goes with everything!
This re-post really does show the power of the classic. I am really moved by the update of the plaid sweater. It's much more up to date, yet still a classic. That's what I struggle with. Thanks for all your effort.
So right, nothing here would look dated, IMHO. I love the green blouse and cardi pieces, which I've now imagined working through all this wardrobe so successfully. Super. Hugs, x.
I "have" to look at a five year window, given small apt. and my views on consumption. (And, dadgummit, my budget, or I would love that Mulberry bag and suitcase.) So I •love• the advice Gail Finke passed along! Some trends just don't deserve any closet space, too… just because it's in doesn't mean it suits me. (Looking at you, cold-shoulder sweater.)
Love this concept. Our place is small and I work from home. Need to get more thoughtful.
Every item in this post is fabulous! And that it was fab 6 years ago proves the timelessness of a classic wardrobe. I am using this as a blueprint for my wardrobe building ❤