November 10, 2021
Big Important Notice!!! If you leave a comment today, you will be entered into a drawing to WIN THIS SCARF!!! The lovely people at Echo gave me one, and I’m giving it to one of you…
It’s a huge silk square – I think 50 inches – and it’s soft and fluid, so that it’s easy to wear. I don’t have any photographs of the full scarf; if the weather clears up here I will try to take one, but just trust me (and Echo) on this!
And OH YEAH, it’s sold out…
It’s normal where she lives to wear black all of the time, but when she goes to visit her family, she knows they worry about it…
So she’s worked out a system! Whenever she is going to visit family, she focuses on black columns, and accent 2nd layers! It seems obvious, but it took her a long time to figure out that this was a way to calm their worries while not dressing like someone she’s not…
When she arrives, she looks all warm and autumn-y and lovely…
Sweater – Goodnight Macaroon; earrings – The Met Store; tee shirt – L.L.Bean; Night garden watch – Olivia Burton; corduroy pants – L.L.Bean; scarf – Echo; weekender bag – Tumi; boots – Munro
For the rest of the weekend, she has options for different necklines, different fabrics, and even a skirt if it becomes necessary! But it’s a denim skirt, so it’s appropriate for all kinds of things…
Flower earrings with dragonflies – Milou Jewelry; black turtleneck – L.L.Bean; floral print scarf – Weronika Rosa; green cardigan- You by Tokarska; blue surf cashmere sweater – Nordstrom; bee earrings – J.Crew; sequined face mask – Natalie Mills; black shirt – Lands’ End; black ponte knit pants – Boden; black shoulder bag – Talbots; “Time to Go” scarf – ImageDiary; black denim skirt – Treasure & Bond; loafers – J.Crew; ballet flats – Munro
When she gets everything assembled, the night before she leaves, she’s delighted to see that she’s taking MOSTLY black clothes with her.
Her mother is thrilled to see her wearing bright-colored sweaters and scarves…
This is literally the embodiment of a wardrobe in which one could dress in the dark with absolutely NO worries, but she still thinks through a handful of outfits, if only to be certain that she has the right accessories with her:
It shows how much she loves her family – she tries to keep them from worrying about her mental health…
love,
Janice
p.s. Four years ago, I pondered what one might need to wear for the holidays. It’s really kind of aggravating that we might be expected to purchase garments that we only wear once or twice a year…
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If I swapped the black for navy and took out /exchanged the gold jumper I would be thrilled to have these clothes in my case.
Lovely and versatile!
I love the butterscotch color of the first sweater, too bad it’s sold out. I’m going to keep my eye out for a similar one!
Interestingly my neighbour is wearing all black every day. She has shared a picture of her wardrobe and she really owns only one pair of blue jeans. I think starting to accessorizes the all black outfit with this black-/colored scarf could be a first step to get used to wear other colors as well.
What a beautiful scarf!! The whole packing list is perfect. When you spoke of a denim skirt I couldn’t picture it BUT the black denim rounds out the wardrobe, giving many levels of dressiness…from very casual to very smart. The second layers are wonderful. I love the golden sweater.
What a great weekend wardrobe – or even longer!
Only the blue is for me but I know someone who would look great in black, green, gold and the red that I see in the scarf. Love the earrings – I like to add sparkle to casual outfits. Thanks for including a mask with the wardrobe. I’m still wearing a mask in shops and enclosed spaces. Will we ever not need them?
This is a brilliant idea. I have been thinking about using an accent colour as a 2nd layer so it has been really helpful to see how it would work. It would make it easier to pack for a trip and feel that I had different outfits to wear just by changing a jumper and scarf. I love the colours in the Garden Party silk scarf.
I normally do not take part in any lotteries or competitions, but your description of the scarf was so fantastic, that I immediately adored it. And it is in my color palette. So, I decided to try.
Beautiful combinations for those of us with the ‘black’ habit- maybe it was all of those years with nuns?
I have been following your blog for some time and have always appreciated that you actually were putting together workable wardrobes for women at every stage of their life and not just hawking clothes for a particular company. I’ve always worn scarves and find them the most versatile accessory. Thanks again for all the ideas I’ve learned from you. and thanks for the opportunity to win such a lovely scarf.
Just gorgeous Janice. Any and all of these (bar two of the earrings, sorry cant do bugs) would be welcome, and right at home in my wardrobe! Pinned for when we in Australia can travel again.
Ha ha this is so relevant to where I live. Melbourne Australia is known for its fashion statement of only wearing Black… in contrast to its rival city of Sydney! We do add some colour in accessories but main wardrobe is Blavk on Black.
First I thought: not for me. But after seeing your – as always – brilliant suggestions on how to wear and combine: yes! That’s how it’s done. 🙂
What a great description of the scarf. I love all the colors.
As a response to the pandemic isolation, and wanting to be more expressive, I’ve started to step out of my comfort zone by introducing a few bold colors into my wardrobe. This wardrobe, along with that marvelous scarf, is a perfect way to introduce a few new colors into a black wardrobe. I love it, all. A Michigan Winter looks beautiful in this wardrobe.
Black is my winter base layer and I love your ideas to make it pop and look fun. That scarf would add a lot of zest to my winter line-up!
O that is so lovely!
I have several things that would go with it already!
Morning from Texas!!! Flew in yesterday from Stormy Seattle to watch son graduate from AFBasic. Oddly enough, i will be wearing a column of black w/a purple sweater today – for as long as I need it – which won’t be very long as it’s expected to be 80 today. I’ve been adding some of the more muted blues to my wardrobe this year, and am trying to decide on green. I have a little bit, but more of an olive which really brings out my eyes and some darker pine green (dark teal green?). I’ve been wondering about adding the more emerald green. I find it very easy – now that I’ve been following Janice for awhile – on days I just can’t decide – to go back to a column of black or navy or even gray and add the one accent piece. Seems I’m getting lazier and I find myself really gravitating more and more to comfort materials. Not sure what that’s about. Anyway, Have a great day everyone!
ps here in Texas masks are optional except for airport, and probably the base. no one is asking for our vaccination card before we go in and sit down to eat. FREEDOM!!!
Love black but also love colour. This collection looks great!
I’m definitely guilty of wearing a mostly black wardrobe and worrying my Mom too! The Echo scarf would be the perfect holiday addition to my simply black shift dress/jacket cardigan uniform!
I especially love the jewel tones Of the sweaters!
Stunning scarf! It reminds me of a Kay Unger formal dress I was just eyeing at Saks. I need something for formal night on a cruise. Great travel wardrobe, too.
I had a jumper in this shade of gold in my 20s which I wore for years. I had forgotten how much I love color so thank you! I might even try out this gorgeous shade of green.
Such a lovely scarf – perfect for me! I love the wardrobe as well.
Love this collection & the scarf is exquisite!
Great collection as usual. Beautiful scarf.
I look forward to your posts everyday! I have gone from a potential contestant on”what not to wear “ to one who’s wardrobe is admired thanks to you! Love today’s collection!
The green in that scarf is beautiful and the cardigan gives me the covets. Great capsule!
I would wear all of this in a heartbeat
You have solved my quandary of moving back south with a New York wardrobe of dark colors and not wanting to replace everything. Thank you!
What a beautiful scarf!!! I only just recently came across your blog and it has become one of my favorites!!! Look forward to reading your posts every day!!
Beautiful
What a treat! this scarf is gorgeous, and your outfit proposals always on point. I don’t leave comments often, but I read all your posts.
I love the black column with a bright second layer. This is a perfect travel wardrobe. I would love to work this beautiful scarf into my outfits for my next trip!
I love the simplicity of this idea. The wardrobe and accessories are beautiful! And the Echo scarf is gorgeous.
I adore the colours in this scarf, it would allow me to do exactly what you illustrate: combine my favourite colours with my black basics. Perfect in the dark of winter.
Lucky you. Echo has lovely pieces. Always wanted to know. How do you store these lovely pieces? I hang mine on multiple level pants hangers. Which method do you use for grouping your clothing items? Tops together? Pants together? Outfits? Your outfits look so complete. “Asking for a friend.” HA
Donna
Love the energy that comes from the deep colors added to the black. This scarf is a great add to a travel wardrobe, adds versatility to the black items.
I love your weekly color collections – i save so many for handy go-to for ideas. The fact that you show clothes that are very affordable and easy to find is very appreciated! This scarf featured in this post is beautiful because it is so versatile in color and size!
I have recently discovered your blog. I enjoy seeing how colours from a scarf are translated into a lovely wardrobe.
I love all your posts but this scarf fits my world perfectly!
That blue in the scarf is the color of my eyes. This soft color combination is just perfect for the changing weather here on the East Coast. Here, we can have all four seasons in one week so to be versatile is a must.
The scarf is lovely! I’ve weeded out most of my black since I feel it doesn’t flatter me. There was a time when I wore a lot of it but not any more. Navy, burgundy, pink, and lots and lots of green!
What a delightful scarf! I refer so many people to TVF, and this is exactly why 🙂
Love your wardrobes and have incorporated many of your outfits into my closet as I redo “my style”. This card would be an excellent addition. Thank you for all your hard work
I love you blog, and I especially love that you link to the clothes. I’ve gone through most of the archives and love all suggestions. But black, with accent colors, is definitely in my wheelhouse!
The Garden Party scarf is beautiful! The colors are perfect for my wardrobe
The Garden Party scarf is beautiful! The colors are perfect for my wardrobe
WOW, such a beautiful scarf!! How wonderful it would mix into my wardrobe. My color palette exactly!
Oh my gosh—the scarf and this wardrobe are exactly my colors! And only a few weeks ago I was looking longingly at that very scarf online. Your blog is so wonderful and so unique, Janice. Thank you for brightening our days with your fashion wisdom, creativity, and cleverness for so many years. I can’t tell you how often I also revisit your older blogs—they’re timeless.
Oh my! what a winner you have chosen today! I Love Love Love the GARDEN PARTY BY ECHO SCARFE with the dark mustard sweater & the dark olive green corduroy pants. Thanks for finding these things for us!
Fabulous set of outfits. It shows the versatility of having a basic colour and adding colour through a couple of select pieces. This is the way I travel (when we could). People frequently commented on how large my travel wardrobe was, but little did they realise it was a set of basic outfits and coloured scarves that made it appear larger.
This is brilliant! I tend to fall into black as a no-brainer outfit, but will be rethinking my approach!
I love this scarf! How generous of you to gift it to one of us.
Great green color. I wish greens were easier to find
Since garden parties will be few and far between for the next 6 months in Nebraska – I think wearing this lovely ‘fluid’ accessory would be a lovely alternative! ♥️
Dark floral scarf? Sign me up!
That scarf would be perfect in my wardrobe. I love to combine black with browns and copper colors. I would wear the “in transit” outfit in a heartbeat. Thank you.
Beautiful scarf! Thank you and Echo for offering it.
I’m from Italy so I’m not sure I’m allowed to enter, but I do love the scarf!
This is similar to how I dress when traveling, keep the base simple and then add some cheerfulness 🙂
This post has got my name written all over it! Am planning on purchasing the mustardy gold sweater and a pair of the earrings. Keep up your fantastic work!
Melissa
I started wearing “black columns” about 30 years ago, before they were called that. Out of financial necessity I was a Vivienne Capsule Wardrobe person long before it was such a thing. It’s always made sense to me. I had (and still have!) a variety of columns that include black dresses, tops, skirts, slacks, jeans, and shorts that i wear. Embarking on a new job when my son was school age (he turns 40 next year), I went to Nordstroms and bought 6 hopsack jackets: green, hot pink, red, purple, bright blue and gold to get me started. Yes, 6 of them, all alike!!! My first scarf was also from Nordstroms, a beautiful black floral silk crepe neck scarf that I still have. I spent years accumulating other 3rd layers, various tops and accessories to get a variety of looks with the basic black column base. Oh how this gorgeous Echo scarf would work with my Vivienne-infused wardrobe. Thank you for being my morning coffee inspiration, sweet lady.
This is lovely! I look forward to your posts – although I’m not a capsule dresser, this is a great format for traveling. If we ever get to do that again…!
One can never go wrong with an Echo scarf! And this is the way I have traveled (to Europe) for years — black column and accent scarves. It makes packing soooo much easier and pretty much eliminates the internal debate of what to wear on a daily basis.
Thanks for this terrific post!
This wardrobe would suit my oldest daughter. She loves black! We comment any time she wears something besides black.
I love the scarf. 🙂 She doesn’t wear scarves, but I do. And now that I don’t have to wear a mask all the time (like last winter), I don’t get too hot with them on.
I’ve enjoyed your posts for a long time and have gone back to revisit some of them to get ideas for my own wardrobe. I work at Lands’ End and I appreciate that you draw from our clothing line in your wardrobe ideas. It is a delight not only to see your clothing combinations, but your writing is interesting and fun to read.
Corrected email address. Need.more.coffee!
Love this scarf. Love use of bright colors over black. Faithful reader for a couple of years now. The last time I flew to visit my daughter for 2 weeks I only took a carry on and a back pack. Following your advise, that is the least I have ever packed! It was great! I wish that shoe manufactures would make bigger sizes for their shoes and keep a bigger supply, I wear a 12W, one daughter a 12, another an 11W, and another a 9.5W or 10. Hard to find as they sell out all the time. Also I live in AZ where it is hot and over half the year can’t wear a 2nd layer or even think about long sleeves or sweaters. I also don’t have pierced ears, really hard to find earrings to wear in USA.
Gorgeous colors and totally on my fashion spectrum!
That scarf would fit into my wardrobe so easily!
Love the ‘In Transit’ look. Great combination.
A column of black has been my ‘go to’ for years. It feels chic, put together, and serene. When I’m in the mood, I accessorize it with a surprise of color but more often than not, it feels lovely on its own. I definitely see the appeal of your beautiful scarf 🙂
Beautiful scarf, looks perfect for the holidays!
Gorgeous scarf and I love the outfit! I’m not sure that shade of orange is right for me but I love it anyway!
Ooh! Yes, please! I’m plotting a wardrobe for my first professional conference since spring 2020, and this scarf would really enable an excellent sprinkle of brights to go with my business neutrals! 😊.
My colleagues (and others) used to criticize me for wearing black all the time. I had moved from North to South. Then I discovered big scarves and the comments ended. Funnily enough, two of my students dressed as me for Halloween one year–black column plus scarf is easy!
This is a genius idea. I love wearing black and I do get asked from time to time by family members whose funeral I’m going to. These colors really brighten up this wardrobe. I like it a lot.
I love to own and wear all of these!
I love these wardrobe ideas! But instead of sending me into my closet to start a collection based on pieces I own, I want to go shopping and acquire the pieces shown!
Fabulous set of outfits. It shows the versatility of having a basic colour and adding colour through a couple of select pieces. This is the way I travel (when we could). People frequently commented on how large my travel wardrobe was, but little did they realise it was a set of basic outfits and coloured scarves that made it appear larger.
Thank you
Finally a way to wear black but keep it away from my face
Love this
This is exactly the direction in which I’m trying to transition my wardrobe! I love the way a black base seems to make bright accents even more vibrant, like jewels on black velvet. Speaking of jewels – I especially love the earrings here! As some one who is trying to rebuild habitat for our native birds and insects in my garden, I am drawn toward the bees and dragonflies you’ve paired with the beautiful flowers of the scarf. This collection appeals to both my aesthetics and my values.
I love the way you recognize that sometimes we game our fashion for mom’s approval!
LOL!!! This is so true. Mom’s wield unfathomable power, don’t they!?!? 😀
Thank you for this once in a lifetime chance to receive this beautiful scarf. But of course, everything that Echo produces is beautiful and timely. Echo is all that I buy now thanks to you and your posts.
This is EXACTLY how my family reacted when my sister visited from NYC “why all the black?” The whole family thought she was depressed. She moved to the west coast and has a more colorful palette now!!
Another fabulous capsule. So many great accent colors. I try to do this with navy, but cannot always find what I want in navy. Black is so much easier. Thank you for your generosity.
Lovely Janice. Thank you for showing us how to dress in the dark and so much more. I too wear black but a friend told me I need color. This is how it is done. And I love the In Transit outfit collection. You have taught me to keep good basics but let my heart be on the lookout for that beautiful scarf and sweater. Oh, and a co worker shared with me he did not know what to get his mother for her birthday. I immediately said I know what I would want… opening the Echo website I showed him the scarves. Hope you all have a beautiful day noticing the pops of color around us.
Debbie
Lovely, versatile scarf… and as always, your posts highlight the options! Really beautiful picks. And a great reminder of the value of a ‘solid column’. Personally, (and it took me FOREVER to realize this,) I don’t like a solid column on myself. I prefer to do a gradient/shaded approach. Am I the only one? (Although i can still find plenty of ways to wear that scarf!!!) 😀
Your posts are truly a beautiful, bright spot in my morning! Of course, this scarf is fabulous – who wouldn’t lov one of their own? – but I thought this heroine in blck with her family’s worry about her mental health as particularly true to form for me as well. I find black to be a comfortans so timeless. Is she from NYC per chance? Inquiring minds want to know… 😉
The many colours in this scarf make it so versatile; I can think of three of my outfits that would be complemented by this beautiful scarf.
Love your blog; have gotten so many ideas from your posts. I look forward to reading it each day.
Beautiful scarf! I’m drawn to these colors and I love the wardrobe you’ve assembled here. I have an appointment Wednesday for an in-person color analysis and honestly this is my last attempt. If she can’t nail down my season and get me on the right color path, I’m done. I’ll throw up the white flag and just trust my own instincts when choosing. This scarf could be the beginning of something lovely for me….or it could be a huge mistake. 🙂 I guess I’ll find out on Wednesday.
So beautiful! I could easily wear these!
This is a color combination I could get into! And the scarf is lovely!
A black column is always my “go-to” and I love the colors! Thank you for your wonderful ideas!
What a great idea! These jewel colours add just enough life to a single coloured wardrobe/ outfit. I would avoid the golden tones and stick with green, blue and purple accents.
Janice, you’re so generous to give the lovely scarf to one of us!
Greetings from Poland to all of you!!
Great way to perk up and personalize all the black! Thanks for offering the scarf!
I enjoy your posts and all the lovely scarves. Thanks
This was a great post as I already have lots of black in my wardrobe. I love how you feature affordable and easily accessible items in your posts.
This is lovely and exactly how I dress in columns of solid black or navy, never a print, accented with bright sweaters or jackets and always a pretty scarf. This can be considered uniform dressing but it works so well for me without any thought of mental health, just comfort and what to me is good taste. In this way I feel confidently coordinated, colourful and neatly dressed. The Echo scarf is beautiful and it is so kind of you to offer it to someone else.
This Echo scarf is absolutely gorgeous, thank you for offering to share it with one of us! I really like the outfits that you have developed around it, too. Capsules usually make me sad because of the limited number of colors they contain, but this one feels very color-rich. I love the jewelry and other accessories that you have picked as well. I haven’t worn black in many years, but after seeing this post, I am rethinking that decision…
Yes! Capsules are so logical and practical, but I tend to feel something is missing because of the color limitations. Sad is a good way to put it. “This is the way!”
Great travel wardrobe! I love the echo scarf as well. That mustard sweater and the green scarf have me thinking about new accents.
Those are beautiful colors! I am still learning to add those jewel tones to my black/navy/brown basics. That scarf is gorgeous! Thank you for offering it to one of us!!
The scarf is lovely. You are generous to give it away.
It would look great with my newly sewn charcoal sweater set!
This could be my favorite post ever! It really combines your principles, in a color story I find really appealing. Beautiful scarf to base it on.
You have nailed the black column/splash of color combination for effortless dressing. These are the outfits that I just love for Fall and Winter.
I was in a style wasteland before finding your wonderful blog. The Vivienne Files has propelled me to “cull the herd” in my closet and pay be more specific and selective. Thank you, Janice, for all you do for us.
Lovely scarf! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to the new posts.
I always look forward to seeing how you work your magic with wardrobe inspirations. This scarf would be lovely to work with.
I love black clothes and bright colors so this is a great post for me. Thanks for the chance to win that beautiful scarf!
Since I just can’t seem to give up black, this scarf would be a welcome addition. I love it with the gold sweater!
I could wear those clothes every day all winter. I love, love, love all of the scarves!
I absolutely love this idea as a way to add colour to my wardrobe! Black is my go to and always will be. The colours in that scarf are stunning as are your colour choices to add to the black column. Thank you for the opportunity to win it. What fun 🙂
That scarf is beautiful! I love wearing really bright saturated colors with black.
What a lovely opportunity! The blue in that scarf is pure inspiration, isn’t it?
Love. Love. Love. I have recently added animal prints to my column of black, however I am in love with the bold colors, especially the blue and green. I also love all of the scarves…
Thank you, Janice, for another wonderful post! You have helped me develop my fashion eye and changing style! The scarf today gives a lot of possibilities to dressing for fall.
I go back and forth between navy and black as my base color. In this case either will work with everything else. The only color I might change would be the gold sweater, since letting my hair go silver/gray the brown family of colors do not look good close to my face. So I would switch to bright pink, that is my color. I could pretty much shop my closet for everything in this collection. You give me so many new ideas on what to put together. I do believe I have good taste just didn’t know all the ways to mix and match everything together. Thanks for all your expertise.
I love this idea! And the colors! I tend to wear black or tan slacks, then, of course, the every day blue denim jeans. I am going to try this idea! LOVEthe scarf and all of its possibilities – keeping my fingers crosse!
Thank you for all the work you put into these posts – you’re an inspiration! I, too, dress primarily in black and your suggestions will definitely make me look less dour. Thank you, Janice!
I love so many of the scarves you show that it’s hard to restrain myself! But I really relate to this heroine: I don’t wear black all that much, but particularly around the holidays, my parents always got upset if I wasn’t wearing BRIGHT colors, preferably red and green. And I’m a navy and grey person. So yes, accessories or top layers that “fit in” with the family program are good!
As usual I love this combination! I have found your wardrobe ideas highly inspirational!
Beautiful combinations as always! I’ve learned so much from reading your blog and it’s completely changed my shopping habits and choices. I finally have my own uniform of sorts and have picked my colors and now I won’t deviate from those choices. It’s such a relief not to stress dress anymore!
I’m a bright color gal (I feel drab and insignificant without a decent-sized bright spot of color on my body) and rarely wear black but this scarf could cause me to gravitate toward wearing it more frequently. Love the colors in it!
Want that scarf! Gorgeous colours. Thank you for your work
Beautiful scarf, and wardrobe!
Such a beauty, that scarf! And how it makes a black outfit pop! The perfect thing to warm a throat in breezy autumn weather. You are very generous to give it away to one of us.
Lovely and inspiring again. Would love to win the scarf. BTW, last week Janice lamented the lack of good wool pants/trousers available. I’ve always had great luck with Pendleton. I used to travel for business, and most of the year I wore Pendleton wool gabardine. Never wrinkled!
Beautiful scarf and what a versatile capsule! This could take me a lot of places!
Beautiful scarf and outfits.
Especially inspiring! Love the sweater colors. Love the scarf. I can imagine it with so many different outfits. The colors are wonderful. So look forward to you posts!
Gorgeous scarf, and I love this approach to a travel wardrobe! I’ve been adapting my wardrobe based on your suggestions for the past few years (beginning with Not So Crazy Eights), and it’s made such a difference. So much easier to get dressed for various events!
Definitely my kind of dressing! Black base with a total pop of color. YAY!
This concept would be great for travel too! Love the gold sweater.
What a beautiful scarf to accent an all-black outfit!
Rarely do I comment but this one really wowed me. I follow you every week and because of your talent I now can use my full wardrobe of black
Thank you
Beautiful Scarf. Love the rich colours with the black base. I have a lot of black and need to remind myself to add in some colour.
This is a very clever solution to an issue I face with many others. As my hair has lightened (or turned gray 😃), black tends to wash me out; however, a bulk of my wardrobe is black. Using these suggestions is a great way to enhance my coloring and appearance without having to replace all the black clothes that are currently lodging in my closet. Thanks!
So many lovely combinations!
I love all the colors in this beautiful scarf!
Thank you, BRILLIANT Janice! What a great way to add pops of color to our usually black wardrobes AND soooo timely with the holidays coming and relatives (lovingly) judging, lol! Three sweaters to pop on with black really dies the trick!
Absolutely perfect. I love the color combinations.
I can see lots of ways to wear each of the full color pieces here. This wardrobe can expand our wardrobe of whatever we already have in our closet. Each day, we can pick a color story to suit our feelings for the day.
A really lovely scarf and a great post. Thank you so much for giving one of us the opportunity to call it our own 😊
What a lovely scarf! Even the name is uplifting.
Clearly the scarf is a hit, and I LOVE the wardrobe. Interestingly, one of our former mayors used this approach. She generally wore a black top and pants and put on a jacket or even an interesting shirt (we’re in South Florida) for public appearances.
I have always loved a print on a black background. So striking. I would love to wear this I am sure. Thanks.
Thank you Janice and Echo- what a lovely scarf! And such a fab way to combine black- which is everywhere but I am trying to avoid- with others colors I love. I will be working with this for a while…
This wardrobe sings to me, probably because this is the way my own closet looks.
Black column + accent topper + print scarf is such a great formula…I’m wearing it today, as it happens! Black LS T, black skinny pants, magenta long cardigan, teal suede flats, and a black/magenta/teal/yellow striped scarf. Black shoes or animal print shoes (which I consider a neutral and would substitute in this capsule for the black loafers to add variety) are great for packing, but I like to throw in a colorful shoe when I can for another burst of color.
Simply beautiful. This would work for numerous destinations.
I don’t actually own that many scarves, but whenever I see all the lovely ones in your posts, I think maybe it’s time I started collecting some! This one is so pretty 🦋
Luscious scarf!
Part of my enjoyment of reading and following TVF is reading all the comments. Today there has been a bumper crop! For obvious reason. Don’t know how you are going to choose the lucky winner Janice.
Lovely scarf and I love these wardrobe build capsule inspiration blogs and articles. MORE please
but based in the UK …so I have to source my equivalents locally. Luckily there’s Kettlewell Colours!!!
I wonder if the winner of this scarf will go ahead and buy this whole wardrobe? I would love to! Ha!
Thank you for the wonderful post. The best idea ever! Those are my colors. I’ve got the red and the blue second layer and will knit a golden camel cardigan for myself. I’ve lots 20 pounds due to a diet the dr put me on and am so tiny it is difficult to find clothes. I’ve been buying pants in smaller sizes as I got smaller and just wore the tops I had which were very large on me. Now I with the purchase of just a limited number of items I can put together a wardrobe that works. I also teach part time in a university so I have to look appropriate for class. Thank you for your much needed inspiration.
Beautiful scarf. I love the colors. Would look lovely with the predominantly black wardrobe that I travel with to Europe to give it a color punch. I love that lots of your items come from LLBean, as that is my #1 place to shop for their classic clothes.
Love this post! Luckily I have similar “ main wardrobe” pieces except for the orange sweater. On closer examination of the scarf there seems to be some be some red, purple, bright pink and various greens. These colors are all in my V-neck sweater “collection.”There is even a “not quite my green” one that would work beautifully with the scarf. Love the detail with the night garden watch and bee earrings ( the earrings are a purchase possibility as well as would be the scarf if it wasn’t sold out). Here’s hoping! Thanks for all your work. I frequently refer to your blog and for a recent 2 week car trip used a modified version of one of your expanded posts Winter Scene in Moonlight by Henry Farrer. Stay warm in The Windy City.
Anything moody and floral and I adore it!!!
I love how easy this look. I’m working towards that goal myself
Beautiful scarf. This looks so easy to acheive. I’m working on this myself. I love your post.
Beautiful scarf! How nice to give it away!! This is a perfect template for a travel wardrobe! Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us!!
Hi Janice! I’m a lurker (rarely leave comments) but have been enjoying your site for several years. You’ve inspired me to look at my wardrobe in a completely different way and since I have extremely limited space, but LOVE fashion, your ideas have improved both the way I dress and the way I spend money on clothes! I made a spreadsheet of 4×4 wardrobes with clothes I currently own, and now, before I make an impulse buy, I always make sure it will fit in!
Oh, that scarf is so lovely! I’ve been trying to move away from the black column, but this wardrobe could definitely make me rethink that decision, especially since I have struggled with finding another neutral to replace the black. Maybe black and I are just meant to be. I really love the green and gold sweaters with the black. Black column with lovely colors in the second layer would certainly make work and trips easier.
Black is my winter neutral, but as a suit not a column. Switch out the gold for purple and you have my colors. This would work very well for me for me and of course that scarf is gorgeous.
Another artfully done packing capsule filled with casual elegance! And a perfect scarf to tie it all together! Fingers crossed I’ll get a shot at putting together my own capsule with this beauty!
Your blog has been a revelation! I’ve lost some weight (and want to lose some more), so am starting from scratch wardrobe-wise. I don’t want to get too much, since I hope to be in a smaller size soon, but still want to look nice in the meantime. TVF has shown me how to thoughtfully buy a few coordinating basic pieces that can make a number of outfits. Life-changing!
Oh – I love the word autumn-y and the look – it makes me think of falling leaves, strolls in the park and cozy early evenings. I will try to mimick your “In transit” with my black and camel garderobe – and my rust accents are present in the scarf as well.
I would never have thought to combine them with my summer blue – you are such an inspiration, I will bring them out again. Now I just need a scarf, to tie everything together. This scarf would be the perfect addition ;-).
Thank you for lifting my spirits with your beautiful posts – pictures and words.
I love everything in this wardrobe!
Especially the scarves and sweaters.
This wardrobe is where I live! Welcome to Seattle!
I really loved this post. I find if I wear a bright colour with a base of black or navy, everyone notices the colour, not the base. It brightens up the outfit and especially good for travelling, with less laundry to be done.
Keep up the great work, really appreciate your effort in putting out these posts for all of us to enjoy!
That scarf has so many great color possibilities. I would probably use the cool colors-I think I see some berry there. Love the columns of black-my go-to.
That scarf is so gorgeous! Love this wardrobe as well.
Love, love, love the colors…!
Love this idea for packing for a trip. Six pieces in a favorite neutral and three accent “toppers” give a lot of flexibility. Brilliant. My mom also would not have liked all the black. She preferred brown, which made me look “mouse-y”. So glad when I finally had money to buy my own clothes!
Love this scarf and I appreciate your ideas to help me in adding color to my mainly black wardrobe
I know a certain daughter for whom this scarf would make a wonderful Christmas present and would fit right in her wardrobe. I really like this heroine for her loving heart and good taste.
Janice, I love the collection of colors in this wardrobe! So many pretty ways to spice up black basics! Of course, this scarf has plenty of different colors that can work with layering pieces to create a ton of unique looks!! I could live happily with all of these pieces!!
I have actually been peaking at this very scarf for the last several weeks but have been stopped by the promise made to myself that I would not buy anything new. I have so many nice things that have not seen daylight since the pandemic began. My doctor asked me if I was going to a party the last time I saw her. I told her that if things didn’t get back to normal soon I would be wearing a formal the next time. Love your blog. It is a staple in my week. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving.
I really like this idea of the second layers being colorful while keeping true to yourself with the column color, which could actually be any neutral that delights you! I’m going to try this out myself. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks for sharing about Echo last week. I already ordered from them and received shipment,
I love all of these bright cheery colors and how the pop with the beautiful scarf! I look forward to all of you posts!
This scarf would make any outfit – it’s polished, gorgeous, and I love it!
Love this post! I decided to go all black for bottoms except jeans, and this is a great inspiration. Love the scarf colors, so pretty!
I love how the colors from the scarf and clothes pieces pop against the black. Once again, you have put together great combinations, which I wouldn’t necessarily think of. I appreciate your ideas as they help me to see my clothes with a fresh eye, and better think about new pieces to acquire!
Thank you, Janice, for the work you do. You have helped me downsize my wardrobe and at the same time time make it ore wearable. That is a beautiful scarf I can think of so many ways to wear. The colors are gorgeous.
I love everything except the butterscotch sweater; nope, not happening. For me, perhaps another cobalt or black with texture? Cables, bobbles, something. The scarf is lovely, good luck everyone!
What a beautifully colored scarf. It would be terrific accessory for most any wardrobe.
I really like the gold sweater (the website calls it ‘orange’)!!
How lovely of you to have a giveaway — thank you!!
I have always worn black and as a newly colour typed autumn these colours are perfect to to help make the transition.
I’ve been a black based wardrobe girl forever. However, it’s much smaller and more cohesive or coherent or both since I discovered The Vivienne Files about five years ago. I use every color of the rainbow in tops and accessories. Color saturation changes with the seasons, the colder the season the deeper the shade.The Echo Garden Party scarf is perfection. I think,hope I can see the whole rainbow in it. Lucky lady who wins the scarf. Lucky all of us for having Janice in our lives.
I’ve always worn black but having recently been colour typed as autumn and realising that the colours work well for me this scarf would really help with the transition.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this scarf! Another one from Melbourne here where black reigns. I love the colours in the Weronica Rosa floral scarf – any chance of a wardrobe based on this one?
I have been planning to give the black column with a bright color a try. Black is just so effortless. Like many women, my hair is now silver and my coloring has faded. I’m a jewel tone girl through and through. I’m on the hunt for vivid blues and berry colors. Fuchsia is my best. You always make the outfits look easy and we know it takes a lot of effort on your part. Thank you for all you do🤗
Black with accents is how I dress and have for years. It’s superb for travel. Joan Rivers did it too, often with a fancy jacket. My variation is to add blue and black denim. I’ve been adding some bright tops, it’s a pandemic thing. I need to perk up.
Your connection with Echo has cost me lately. I never bought anything from them before, until you featured the sample sale. I bought 3 pieces, all black.
I’d love the Echo scarf, I know how to use it. I love this blog. It’s the only fashion blog I follow. 👗👠🎩
I know I should wear blue instead of black (skin tone, etc), but black is so hard to resist. It’s so versatile. I love this wardrobe. I could do the whole thing! The the scarves are marvelous.
Thank you for another beautiful capsule wardrobe. Like many other readers, I have navy as my neutral and a bit of camel, here and there. The bee earrings are so sweet! It’s the fun things you include that make your accessories such a delight. Oh yes, the scarf is to die for. The winner will be in heaven over it!
Wow! Lots of us love TVF and that scarf 😉 Also loving the column of black/navy/brown idea. Thanks to years of reading here, I’ve finally absorbed some of your tips!
Lovely colors!
I love the gold sweater and that shade looks lovely with silver hair. Down south we only get a few months to wear heavy sweater but I would add that to my list
I love this wardrobe! Thanks for the inspiration, Janice!!❤️
Your outfits are always so helpful ! Thank you ❤️
Love this scarf – beautiful!
Hi, I just bought a stunning thrifted blue hand knit fisherman sweater for my brother’s partner as a Christmas gift. She works in a cold office at a small college in Vermont and this scarf would look absolutely gorgeous on her, especially with the sweater. I can imagine this scarf, it looks like the same value of blue, tucked into the sweater neckline paired with black trousers and short black boots. Carol in VT
All the scarves are lovely. I also would swap the black for navy and use the bright 2nd layers. I so enjoy your posts and they have helped my wardrobe immensely. Thank you Janice!
I am a “scarf person” because a scarf always adds just the right touch. Cheap scarves are all over but there is often something just “off” about them. This scarf has the rich quality that makes a good scarf….Echo just knows how to get it right!
Thank you for another wonderful collection Janice! Your system of creating capsule wardrobes has been a life changer for me. I especially like using the 4 X 4 capsule planner. My new favorite however is the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe series! And I was so excited this year when you began your “Start with a Scarf” series as I already owned the purple Echo wrap. I appreciate all of your hard work and thank you for helping me create a wardrobe that is beautiful and cohesive.
What a great scarf
Color over a black column seems to me to be one of the easiest ways to dress ever…and the scarf is gorgeous!!
Janice,
I started my morning at 5:30 in Chicago. I don’t know whether I have ever been there before….maybe in the airport???.. but now I was feeling a connection of sorts to it. I was thinking, “Janice lives here in Chicago somewhere in a really tall apartment building”. You are leaving a legacy. I finally got up the courage to do a little shopping. I had things in my shopping cart that originated with your links. Most of them had been in the cart for a while. I hope you will still get your commission. To me, it seems like a tenuous link, but your work was the inspiration for all of my selections. If we follow your to something and go from there to something else on the same site, do you get the commission for both purchases?
Thank you for the giveaway, what a lovely scarf (and wardrobe!)
I like big scarves , and I cannot lie…..🎶
Beautiful scarf and beautiful green cardigan! I love that shade of green
I love bright colours. And this wardrobe helps me to see how I can enjoy those bright splashes without having to create a separate outfit for every bright colour. Black is ok for me, but being able to add one or two bright colours to a neutral outfit of black, beige or denim is such a great idea. I am going to keep my bright colours and make sure my neutral basics are the backbone of my wardrobe.
Thanks for another colourful wardrobe that looks super practical and comfortable.
It would be so fun the style a few outfits with this beautiful scarf!!
I love this! For some reason I have been stumped when I look at my winter wardrobe lately. Thank y ok u for this timely reminder of the dark column and brights. It works perfectly! Once again you’ve shown that being beautifully dressed doesn’t have to be complicated. That black denim skirt is now at the top of my list!
Such a great colour combo! You’ve really upped my scarf game!
These colours are just my cup of tea. Thanks as always for your inspiring ideas.
Lovely! A winner, once again!
That lovely sweater! That scrunchy green duster! This collection really speaks to me. Now to figure out where to find comparable items in plus size.
What do I think? I think it’s odd that your posting dated Wednesday November 10, 2021 arrives in my Inbox at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday November 11, 2021. I know I live in a different time zone but it is a difference of one hour, not one day. I clearly can’t participate in the chance to win the scarf. I wonder how many others have lost their chance because of the late arrival of your email?
Is there something I can do to receive your messages in a more timely manner?
The colors on the scarf are divine! Would definitely wear it. I also love the Goodnight Macaroon sweater. Wish it came in colors more suited to me.
Love that the skirt is denim! I work from home now so I don’t have to dress up as much. The pops of color are beautiful. I don’t follow many blogs but you always give me such wonderful ideas and affordable choices. Thank you!
I live in Paris and yes everyone wears Black, Black and more Black. I am trying to get more into navy blue or almost any blue if I can find it in an agreeable shade and style, not always easy on my budget. I love your scarves shown today, in fact I read many of your blogs as they come in on Bloglovin and the way you dissect colour for us all to work out how to curate our wardrobes is very helpful.
Thank you,
Anne
Oooooo!! Black and jewel tones my favourite. Black is the basis of my travel wardrobe. Thanks to your capsule wardrobe suggestions I fit everything I need into a carry-on, a tote bag and a small but elegant backpack/purse for my 28 day trips to Europe. I love to use scarves for pops of colour and the Echo scarf you featured in your post would look sensational with my travel wardrobe.
Fingers crossed 2022 will be a year when we can safely travel again.
Cheers, Maggie B.
Yes! So looking forward to travel. After following you for many years. My travel wardrobe is now black short jean skirt, long black pleated skirt and black smart pants. To this I add three bright colours depending on the season, three tops with three matching long sleeve button downs. One button cardi, sweater and one jacket. To this I will add six to seven scarves depending on the length of stay. I would love to win your beautiful scarf to finish off all these outfits, but understand that I am most probably too late. I have days I have to take it easy too, I have Post-polio.