Start With Clothing Archives

Can Chinos be Pretty? Starting with Flat-Front Cotton Pants

August 31, 2026

So Friday's version of "what to wear with chinos?" focused on a pair of pleated, warm-hued pants, worn with neutrals. Today, I've found a pair of more grey-ish, taupe-ish pants - (they call it stone), and I'm pairing them with pastels and soft accents!

I love dressing like this - I can wear a sweater or top that's distinctly pretty, but I don't look twee, or over-dressed, because the chinos take the mood in a more relaxed direction:

The first thing I tried was putting these pants into the very LAST outfit from Friday - the one with the labradorite jewelry, and the perfect scarf and boots:

After that, I just looked around for pretty scarves or sweaters! I love this mixing of shades of pink:

This ... View the Post

Chinos? Khakis? Whatever You Call Them, They’re the Surprise Star of My Wardrobe

August 28, 2026

I keep track of what I wear - I actually have an Excel spreadsheet that I've been keep for years...

But I don't often actually USE this data for analysis... Until just a few days ago, I decided to see what I could learn about myself and my wardrobe from this diligent record-keeping.

Most frequently worn garment? Blue jeans

Second most frequently worn garment? Black jeans (I sense a theme...)

THIRD most frequently worn garment? Khakis! Or chinos! Or whatever they're called in your neck of the woods... We call 'em khakis around here....

These aren't exactly like mine, but these are really nice! All-cotton too...

I resisted buying chinos for decades. Literally decades. But I found a pair - used - very ... View the Post

Love Brown, but Want A Surprising Accent Color? How About Hot Pink?

June 19, 2026

I could have titled this post "the best laid plans of mice and women...". Turquoise was going to be the accent color with brown - I was SO eager to do this. Turquoise and brown are gorgeous together...

BUT - finding a matching set in turquoise wasn't happening. I couldn't even really find individual garments from which I could assemble a decent grouping of clothes.

What to do? Think again! I looked about for a different accent color, available in enough different garments (in the full range of sizes!), with which I could pull together a variety of outfits.

I finally had surprisingly good luck at the GAP, so we're changing horses in midstream!

There's a lesson in here - of course there is! Be flexible. Stick to ... View the Post

Lots of Bright Summer Print – I Love It But Will I Wear It?

May 27, 2026

If you're going to indulge in florals, go big or go home! (I don't believe this, but the phrase "go big or go home" is an ongoing joke chez moi...)

I was very inclined to include the sleeveless top that matches these pieces, until I found that it's a DIFFERENT FABRIC. While I've chosen 100% linen garments, the sleeveless top is a linen blend. Would that wear the same way? Would it take on the same softness? Would it last as long?

Oh these retailers... but it's always worth looking for ALL of the matching items that might be available.

If you already have a stash of white clothes for hot weather, incorporating these garments into your wardrobe will be simple:

And if you like green, you're in luck - I ... View the Post

I Love It, But Will I Wear It? A Matching Shirt and Skirt

May 20, 2026 Yes, this shirt sort of feels like a pajama top... but tucked into the skirt, maybe with a belt...

I followed the same images that I showed on Wednesday, so a few outfits will look similar, and you may recognize some accessories too!

This is NOT done because I'm inherently bone-deep lazy (although I could make a case for that!), but because I really want everybody to grow accustomed to wearing things frequently. But better, buy less, wear the heck out of it!

First up - a white cardigan. Always so useful in warm weather. And pink pearl jewelry... big deep sigh of smittenness...

Roll the sleeves just a bit, and pile on the gold! If one was inclined to try to make it through a season or two without buying ... View the Post