Monday I built a 4 by 4 Wardrobe based on this lovely scarf from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (they have a LOT of lovely scarves…)
Before we dive into accessories, let’s remember what our final color scheme was (remember, I had to change the colors halfway through building the wardrobe!):
And the wardrobe was this; yes, I could easily have re-arranged these items to put the camel-colored items into the 2nd row to be the 2nd neutral. Proof that these templates are guidelines and NOT rules!
cardigan – Chelsea28; navy tee – Lands’ End; ponte knit pants – Uniqlo; jeans – L.L.Bean; striped jacket – The Great; ivory tee – Lands’ End; navy flannel shirt – Uniqlo; jacquard pants – Scotch & Soda; silk shirt – J.Crew; plaid shirt – L.L.Bean; camel shirt – Uniqlo; Henley – L.L..Bean; green metallic sweater – Sandro; ivory cardigan – Lands’ End; camel sweater – J.Crew; camel pants – Uniqlo
I’ve been thinking about accessories a lot… Maybe we can organize them the same kind of way we organize clothes? Let’s start with the stuff that most of us MUST have (although bear in mind that there is NO SINGLE ITEM in the world that every woman needs. NONE.).
For those of us who can walk, shoes are critical. A bag is important, but not essential, for most women. And even though you can tell the time on your phone, you don’t want to be one of those people glued to your phone… (and miss the chance to wear a pretty watch?)
So I was picturing this as an organizing tool:
Next up I was thinking about just 4 pieces of jewelry. Many of us would have a LOT more pieces than this in our core wardrobe, but a surprising number of women wear the same handful of jewelry every day… Maybe this template helps us to at least remember the core pieces we most want for the upcoming season – or it helps us remember to pack jewelry! (I did, once, forget all of mine… I managed quite well with what I wore on the flight!)
hoop earrings – Argento Vivo; diamond bar earrings – Bony Levy; cuff bracelet – Sole Society; necklace – Anna Beck
The template begins to look better, eh?
Of course there will be scarves! But I’ve also kept the option open that one could add additional jewelry, with colored stones or enamel, if 4 scarves seems like too many…
tiger eye earrings – Kendra Scott; houndstooth scarf – BP.; floral scarf – Ted Baker London; sapphire earrings – Bloomingdale’s
This really is taking shape…
Now, the heroine of every wardrobe gets to choose items that really are important to her. I would probably add another pair of shoes and more scarves, but that’s just me; you get to include anything you want!
NOW, this looks good! (if I do say so myself…)
Let’s now revisit the outfits from Monday, but add some accessories to see how much better things look when they’re “finished.”
I think I might manage 16 garments if I could have the right “stack” of accessories… While nobody is every required to limit their wardrobe, or their accessories, it can be a way to learn more about your preferences if you at least mentally create capsule wardrobes. Items that are never included in any of your imaginary wardrobes might need to be reconsidered…
love,
Janice
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ACCESSORIES!!!!!! I love these posts. I have lots of clothes but the accessories make them into outfits.
I love the idea of an accessories template! I think I have kind of been thinking along these lines myself, at least with shoes, as I started trying to figure out which pairs in my closet I would consider absolutely essential for the next few months. And while I know having lots of scarves and jewelry expands options with clothes, I find myself wearing the same few pieces in rotation over and over, so clearly I have favorites. Is it because I forget about everything else I have or do I just genuinely prefer those pieces over others??? Good question to ponder!
Janice,
I am loving how the various outfits can sway in a direction of either warm or cool , a consideration that I adore !
Wow, the accessories really make this come alive. I’m in love with that Ted Baker scarf. Do you think it could be the last piece in my burgundy French 5, to go with an ivory/indigo core wardrobe? Perhaps an unusual choice but I think I could make it work!
I like the new template and love how all the accessories coordinate with the clothes and each other. My accessories are very much a mish-mash of colours and styles collected over many years and because quite a few were gifts, they don’t necessarily chime with my style or taste. I’m not sure if you’ve ever done a blog post on sorting out magpie jewellery boxes and accessory cupboards, but I would love to see one.
I smiled at this Sharon. I think many of us have collections like yours. I recently created a sort of love box for the jewellery I don’t wear but wanted to keep because I loved the people who gave them to me. The box now lives on a display shelf instead of in my wardrobe so I can open it sometimes and remember the people or occasions without guilt. And perhaps one day a time will come to wear one or more of those pieces!
I loved the idea of an accessory template. The 4 x 4 concept has been exceptionally helpful in my search for an all inclusive wardrobe.
Please, though, I still need an opinion on the age old question — Should your socks match your hem or your shoes?
I think hosiery should match your hem, unless you’re really trying to make a statement and attract some attention to your legs and feet. Much easier to wear…
hugs,
Janice
Thanks!
I just ran across your website and can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see it!!! And the wardrobe you built from the Trojan Gate is everything I love and absolutely perfect for me, colors and style! I was inspired to order nearly everything there!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with the rest of us!