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Home » Do Accessories Really Make a Difference?

Do Accessories Really Make a Difference?

December 4, 2017

I think you already know my answer to this one! But let’s revisit the Van Gogh seascape, and the 4 by 4 Wardrobe for cooler weather that we based upon the colors and overall style of that painting:

Seascape by Van Gogh with style guidelines and color palette

I didn’t actually try to figure out how many outfits are possible from these 16 garments, but I’m pretty comfortable asserting that there are at least a couple dozen… Some will have a “balance” that you like more than others, but it would in theory be really tough to put together an outfit that was completely unacceptable to the general public!

4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal, for cooler weather

navy cardigan – L.L.Bean; tee – L.L.Bean; corduroy pants – L.L.Bean; knit pants – L.L.Bean; cardigan – L.L.Bean; tee – Lands’ End; pants – L.L.Bean; cords – L.L.Bean; cowl-neck top – L.L.Bean; short-sleeved tee – Lands’ End; striped tee – Faith Connexion; gingham shirt – J.Crew; plaid flannel shirt – Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; beige sparkly sweater – Uniqlo; plaid pants – Marks & Spencer

To show how much accessories can add to this wardrobe, I’ve put together 10 outfits – 2 for each of the “bottoms.” I’ve made the clothes somewhat small, and the accessories some what large, and I’ve tried to keep to an overall accessory “theme” of square, linear, and angular, in keeping with the plaid and striped tops…

2 outfits from a 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal

scarf – La Double 7; earrings – Bloomingdale’s; waterproof short boots – Naturalizer; earrings – Belpearl; loafers – Lucky Brand; tote – Coach

2 outfits from a 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal

scarf – Max Mara; loafers – 424 Fifth; watch – Anne Klein; necklace – Cole Haan; bracelet – Cole Haan; loafers – Santoni

2 outfits from a 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal

earrings – Halogen; sunglasses – Dior; loafers – Taryn Rose; scarf – Hat Attack; loafers – G.H.Bass & Co.; bag – Coach

2 outfits from a 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal

hat – Banana Republic; boots – UGG; cashmere gloves – N.Peal; earrings – Kate Spade; ring – Walters Faith; boots – Propet

2 outfits from a 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige and teal

scarf – Banana Republic; oxfords – Eileen Fisher; earrings – Judith Ripka; scarf – Fashionable; boots – AGL; wristlet – Coach

When all of the various pieces are assembled, it looks pretty versatile; 10 pairs of shoes might be overdoing it a bit… (or maybe not?)

an accessorized 4 by 4 Wardrobe in navy, beige, and teal

If you weeded through the shoes, this could be packed in a medium suitcase (assuming that you wear 1 outfit). For a casual, cool-weather trip, this would be ideal!

love,
Janice

Do Accessories Really Make a Difference?

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12.04.17 10 Comments

Tags: accessories, bags, beige, boots, Four by Four, jewelry, khaki, leisure travel, navy, scarves, shoes
<<Build a Capsule Wardrobe in 12 Months, 12 Outfits – December 2017I Want a Wardrobe That’s Relaxed, but Pretty!>>

Comments

  1. The Pouting Pensioner says

    December 4, 2017 at 9:47 am

    What is it with you and TVF, Janice? How do you workout magic on me? I just found myself deliberating over which shoes to ditch to fit this delightful capsule into my medium weight suitcase for my holiday in a chilly location. I SHOULD be ordering the turkey and getting the decs down from the attic, for there is no chilly holiday coming up! Than for this so pleasing distraction. Hugs, x.

    Reply
    • Shrebee says

      December 4, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Hahaha ! Yes her posts are mesmerizing , I agree !

      Reply
  2. Hallie says

    December 4, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    This is all so lovely. Thank God I wear size 11.5-12 shoe or I would have just bought 3 new pairs that are featured here. Just beautiful.

    Reply
  3. Deb from Vancouver says

    December 4, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    I love this wardrobe as it reinforces my love of shoes!!!

    Reply
  4. Sheri says

    December 4, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    I love the tranquil colors in this post! Such a pleasing set of combinations! It has me thinking… :)
    Thanks again, Janice!!

    Reply
  5. Shrebee says

    December 4, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    Janice,
    I think accessories can very much change a look ! Yesterday, after church, I kept on my gold colored turtleneck and taupe trousers, knowing that hubby and I were going antiquing, and that I didn't feel like changing completely, so when I got home, I changed into more casual shoes, removed my scarf and brown blazer. I then substituted a gold cardigan that I just found out matched the gold of the turtleneck perfectly, though purchased years apart and from different vendors ( love when this happens !). Then I changed the earrings and chose a pendant instead of the scarf, et’ voila — major difference in the look !

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      December 5, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      You have achieved every retirees dream, versatility with your wardrobe and accessories . I’ve learned so much from you and Janice, please continue sharing “what works”!
      Your sister in style,
      Pat

      Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    December 5, 2017 at 6:14 am

    Hi Janice, apologies for making this a post as I couldn’t find the email address, I am normally to shy to post comments. But I am in Paris with my children and yesterday I literally stumbled across ‘your’ Gallerie Vivienne. It is undergoing renovation and a little sad, but better days ahead clearly. The shops that were open were transfixing but no photos – it is not at its best just now. My children did not understand my excitement at first, but then I mentioned your blog – then they knew. We are travelling light – thanks to you. When we had to carry our suitcases up six flights of stairs to the Paris apartment we were all grateful! Bless you for all that you do from an Australian in Paris x

    Reply
  7. Kay dancingbrushpainting.blogspot.com says

    December 5, 2017 at 7:22 am

    I love this layout with the larger accessories. Makes the accessories much easier to see on my phone!

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    December 5, 2017 at 9:27 am

    Yes, accessories do make a huge difference! I am so much happier with my wardrobe now that I have enough accessories, or as you put it, an accessory wardrobe.
    I love the larger pictures of accessories, so much nicer to be able to see the details easily. Please continue with this innovation! Linda M

    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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