The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » The Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 29: A Light Neutral Tee shirt

The Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 29: A Light Neutral Tee shirt

January 20, 2020

If black tee shirts are the backbone of my winter wardrobe, then white ones are the warm-weather backbone!

Seriously, for those days when you just need clarity, simplicity, and a feeling of freshness, nothing’s better than starting with a white shirt of your desired style, coupled with your dark neutral pants or jeans, and a snazzy cardigan to brighten up the world…

grey tee shirt – Lands’ End

These tee shirts can be real life-savers when you travel; after I’m through packing, I will often tuck another tee or 2 into my bag…

There’s frankly not a lot of variety in the world of light neutrals – grey, white, ivory, and pale pink are the colors that come to my mind. Maybe camel, if your lightest neutral isn’t exactly light…

navy lion and peacock scarf – Aspinal of London; camel tee – Cuyana; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; mustard “A” Floral scarf – Aspinal of London; grey tee shirt – Lands’ End; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; Magenta Robins scarf – Aspinal of London; grey tee shirt – Lands’ End; blush tee – Splendid

mint green “A” Floral scarf – Aspinal of London; woodrose tee – L.L.Bean; white tee – L.L.Bean; Earth Mandala scarf – GISY; camel tee – Cuyana; ivory white tee – Banana Republic; shield scarf – Aspinal of London; ivory white tee – Banana Republic; pink sand tee – J.Crew

For all of these outfits, I’ve stuck with a simple white tee shirt; I like to have one clean at all times. Some days, even I am not in the mood to wear all black!

Yes, a lot of the pieces of these outfits will look familiar; I’m doing this on purpose to demonstrate how gradually accumulating these core garments give you a versatile wardrobe. Just 1 garment per week can give you so much flexibility…

earrings – Kendra Scott; scarf – Aspinal of London; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; reef blue cardigan – Lands’ End; black jeans – Lands’ End; socks – Missoni; loafers – AGL

Do I need a pink cardigan? I must admit that this appeals A LOT!

earrings – Khun Boom; scarf – Nordstrom; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; pastel pink heather sweater – Lands’ End; grey jeans – Lands’ End; socks – Loft; shoes – Minnetonka Moccasin

Nothing scream spring more than a yellow sweater:

palm leaf earrings – Samaira Jewelry; scarf – ANATH silk fashion; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; golden sun cardigan – Lands’ End; dark wash jeans – Lands’ End; socks – Entireworld; waterproof loafers – Aquatalia

Even if the weather is still quite cold, you might want to pull on your white tee shirt under your favorite cardigan.

earrings – Kendra Scott; scarf – Ulloa Family; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; rust cardigan – Madewell; jeans – Lands’ End; cashmere blend socks – Dore Dore; loafers – Dr. Scholl’s

When your favorite neutral is difficult to find, white or ivory tee shirts can come in SO handy:

earrings – Express; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; scarf – Nordstrom; sable heather pants – L.L.Bean; light cherry cotton sweater – Lands’ End; socks – Banana Republic; loafers – Aquatalia

And pretty much every color in the world goes with black and white; this blue is so pretty…

earrings – Judith Ripka; scarf – Himalaya; white tee shirt – Lands’ End; indigo heather cardigan – L.L.Bean; black jeans – Lands’ End; socks – Hot Sox; black loafers – Taryn Rose Collection

For yet another week, this wardrobe is changing ONLY in terms of swapping out turtlenecks out for the same color in short-sleeved tee shirts. In the real world, this heroine would have her turtlenecks, her long-sleeved tee shirts AND her short-sleeved tee shirts all in rotation right now:

white, black and red tees – Lands’ End; “snow” cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; flannel shirt – Lands’ End; striped Henley – Lands’ End; black metallic hoodie – Michael Kors Collection; cobalt cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; black corduroy jeans – L.L.Bean; black stretch wool pants – BOSS; velvet skirt – Marks & Spencer; striped sweater dress – Banana Republic

Every Monday I marvel at how quickly this year is passing! Is there interest in a year of accessories?

Just so you know, when this post goes “live,” I should be in Paris! (cross your fingers that this trip happens, please!) I won’t be able to respond to comments until I’m back, but you can always toss out general inquiries to other readers of The Vivienne Files. You’re likely to get a good answer!

love,

Janice

p.s. 4 years ago, the wardrobe was based on an Hermes scarf, with lots of black and bright colors!

THE WEEKLY TIMELESS WARDROBE, WEEK 29: A LIGHT NEUTRAL TEE SHIRT

Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!

Tweet
Pin530
Share42
572 Shares

01.20.20 32 Comments

Tags: light neutral, tee shirts, Weekly Timeless Wardrobe
<<I Love IT, but Will I Wear IT? Camel CardiganStart with Art: Flowers and Flames by Kay Nielsen>>

Comments

  1. Beth says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:05 am

    A big YES to a year of accessories! I wear different necklines in the summer (late spring/early fall) and struggle to find necklaces I can wear year round. I would love to see your take on a year of jewelry, scarves, etc.!

    Reply
  2. The Cat says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:47 am

    Oh YES! I Would love to see a year of accessories!
    Best wishes for your trip to Paris.

    Reply
    • Stephanie A Dolan says

      January 21, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      I would love to see more accessories! I work in Healthcare as a Physical Therapist Mon-Fri so accessories (jewelry, scarves, flat shoes) are the only way I get to incorporate some style into my basic scrubs, khaki pants, plain shirts and lab coat!

      Reply
  3. Beth T says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:49 am

    I would love to see more handbags in the accessories, particularly patterned ones which can be so pretty with a summer outfit or to jazz up a plain dress.

    Reply
  4. Sharon says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:08 am

    Janice, could you please add lightweight jackets in with the shoes and bags please as I always struggle finding the right style, colour and material to wear with dresses and skirts. Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Deborah Singh-Boos says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:16 am

    Oh Yes! I would love to see a year of accessories. Hope you have a great time in Paris.

    Reply
  6. Kim says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:59 am

    A year of accessories oh be still my heart! Nothing brightens a plain T-shirt like a great scarf or necklace.

    I am certain you will have an amazing time in Paris.

    Kim

    Reply
  7. Marie says

    January 20, 2020 at 7:49 am

    I’m one of those people who never wears accessories, despite having a drawerful of scarves and beautiful jewelry, so a year of accessories wouldn’t interest me as much as this series has. One of my favorite series you ever did was the Common Wardrobe, especially the description that you would never notice that people were wearing the same core items because the devil was in the details. How about building on the weekly wardrobe next year by adding statement pieces to the basic pieces-a raincoat, a great jacket, an interesting shirt, etc.? You could do this along with accessories.

    Reply
  8. Rebecca says

    January 20, 2020 at 8:13 am

    Yes please to a year of accessories – that is where I struggle!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    January 20, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I hope you’re have a grand time in Paris!!!

    Reply
  10. Hélène G. says

    January 20, 2020 at 9:36 am

    So many new ideas with this new post : I LOVE them !!!
    You really show how “ordinary” clothes can be interesting, and bright.
    I also enjoy very much all your concrete advices.
    To answer to your question, I’m interested by subjects about accessories.
    But, also very much, by ideas of “things to put over : as coats, raincoats, and so on.
    And, also, by cler and useful underclothes…
    I hope you have a good stay in France, especially if you are in Paris : there are still many troubles with transports…A good thing to truy bikes, perhaps, as “the real Parisian” ?
    Love from Metz, France.

    Reply
  11. Minya, Warrior Seamstress says

    January 20, 2020 at 11:21 am

    I am allergic to most jewelry materials, never wear scarves, and have to wear orthopedic shoes. I choose purses for function rather than fashion. The “statement pieces” wardrobe would be of much more use to me than a year of accessories.

    Reply
  12. Shrebee says

    January 20, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Janice,
    I hope that you are finally having a well deserved Parisian trip !
    Dang — why doesn’t the garment industry make light beige tees ? I wonder what percentage of the total female world population are “ warmies” like me ?

    Reply
    • Isha says

      January 21, 2020 at 2:49 am

      I would love that too.

      Reply
      • Pat says

        January 21, 2020 at 9:15 am

        Me three!

        Pat

    • BeeeeBeee says

      January 21, 2020 at 8:34 am

      As your style sister, I feel that pain :-). Once I let my hair gray naturally, I have been able to slide towards the neutral zone on the warm /cool color continuum, still on the warm side, though. Now I’m able to occasionally find the right shade of white and occasionally, some warmer blues. That was something I could never do before.

      That may not help you at this time, but I thought it might be good to know for the future.

      Reply
  13. Aurora says

    January 20, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    Hi Janice,
    Hope you’re having a wonderful time in Paris!
    Here in Canada, accessories means scarves (like real scarves, not Hermes?), waterproof shoes and beanies :)
    Which means many don’t even bother wearing jewelry most of the year, under all those wrapping materials! So, while a big yes and hug to the “year of accessories”, could you please remember your frozen readers as well?
    Have lots of fun in Paris,

    Reply
  14. Quietgirl says

    January 20, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    Yes. A year of Accessories, especially necklaces for Summer, would be fab. (I don’t wear scarves in summer. They are too hot for my climate.) (I really liked the one you selected from Twine and Twig at Anthropologie.)

    Just like you do with a white T-shirt, it would be fun to see how you style a great pair of earrings or a necklace with multiple outfits. I think you have done that at least once in the past.

    Have fun in Paris!

    Reply
  15. B says

    January 20, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    I have such an issue with light/white T-shirt’s as they are so see through. And seem to show my lumps and bumps more than darker colours. Any recommended brands that are less sheer?

    Reply
    • ISHA says

      January 21, 2020 at 2:48 am

      I struggle with the same issues, although I heard a red bra does not show through a white t-shirt. I generally don’t like t-shirts because of these same feasons

      Reply
    • Veronica says

      January 22, 2020 at 5:56 am

      Uniqlo tees are heavier and are my go to brand for light colors!

      Reply
    • laura says

      January 22, 2020 at 9:54 am

      I was also going to say Uniqlo.

      Reply
  16. CHERYL says

    January 20, 2020 at 10:34 pm

    Yes, to shoes and accessories. Thank you!

    Reply
  17. carol says

    January 21, 2020 at 3:31 am

    yes yes yes to a year of accessories please

    Reply
  18. Ardyth Eisenberg says

    January 21, 2020 at 5:27 am

    YES to a year of accessories!

    Reply
  19. Beverly says

    January 21, 2020 at 8:25 am

    I too vote for a year of accessories. I love how you can change an outfits look just with a change of accessories – you’re definitely brillant with this ?. I know you’re having a wonderful time in Paris. Can’t wait to hear about it.

    Reply
  20. Michelle says

    January 21, 2020 at 8:33 am

    Yes, to accessories! I struggle with accessories, love scarves. Living in Alabama, summer accessorizing consists of remaining decently covered and trying not sweating or conversely, trying not to freeze in the air conditioning… dressing is tricky and most of us don’t go anywhere without a light cardigan or even a pashmina (I keep a silk/cashmere one in the console of my car in a ziplock bag with a cedar block) if you know it is especially cold where you are going. You learn these things…

    M

    Reply
  21. BeeeeBeee says

    January 21, 2020 at 8:37 am

    Yes to a year of accessories ! Jewelry, bags, scarves, shoes, raincoats, and some hats too, please.

    Reply
  22. Amanda says

    January 21, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    Camisoles smooth out many lumps and bumps. I live in a warm climate(Houston area) and wear one 365 days a year. Cotton are best in summer. J Jill makes one that can be worn as av-neck or scoop neck.

    Reply
    • Lisa P says

      January 21, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks, Amanda, for the tip about J Jill camisole. Sounds very useful especially for summer when most underthings are too hot to comfortably wear!

      Reply
  23. Millie says

    January 22, 2020 at 12:39 am

    Not interested in a year of accessories. I just love the way you already place the accessories within the wardrobes.

    Reply
  24. Wendy says

    January 22, 2020 at 10:22 am

    Hi have a fantastic time in Paris- so envious. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas with us. I would appreciate information on how to use accessories to enhance the look of our clothes. All the best from a very warm South Africa

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
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...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • First Half of Six Paintings, 12 Months - February 2023First Half of Six Paintings, 12 Months – February 2023
  • Accessories! Project 333 based on Morris GravesRain by Kay RussellAccessories! Project 333 based on Morris Graves/Rain by Kay Russell
  • wardrobe of the Week 03WOW Wardrobe Of the Week – January 22 – 28, 2023
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Dazzling Theme theme by Restored 316