July 8, 2015
For many of us, a really SERIOUS winter coat is a necessity in the capsule wardrobe. Realistically, I couldn’t get through the winter without my parka that sort of resembles a cross between a sleeping bag and a wee portable padded room…
But let’s focus on getting a more attractive, more widely useful winter coat. I’ve chosen a mixture of accent colors and neutrals, and tossed in yet another scarf because it’s difficult to have too many scarves!
My friend in black and brights wants a statement coat to stand out in the crowd of black – and this blue should do the trick, eh?
My lady in navy is looking for a dark neutral coat, but some pretty flowers for an accessory. This coat has lovely flaired sleeves, and the snap at the neckline is designed to resemble a flower! The boots will be ideal with khaki, and will be a classic accent with navy.
If you have a lot of patience, you can find a winter coat that includes both of your neutrals! (Actually, if you have enough patience, you can find anything. I spend 8 hours a day looking at clothes and accessories, and I swear that there’s nothing imaginable that’s not being manufactured somewhere…) While this lovely woman strongly considered a dark neutral scarf, when she spotted the perfect blue of her favorite accent color, she grabbed it and ran!
It might take months to find an accent color coat, but when you find one, it’s meant for you!
Ms. Navy and Grey has shown a fondness for sweatshirty, soft and snuggly, so this is the obvious coat to capture her heart. Another pretty but warm scarf is perfect with this coat, but will also look great with lots of the wardrobe already in place.
An olive or khaki coat would be obvious with this wardrobe, but this stunningly simple maroon beauty caught my eye, and I couldn’t find anything that chased this one from my mind. Again, while this is a great scarf for winter, it can also be worn with the cardigans, tee shirts, blouses, etc…
Tomorrow, more accessories! Woman does not live by one pair of earrings…
love,
Janice
Cornelia says
That Jill Sander coat is a thing of beauty! In my dream life, she would be my outfitter of choice. :)
Anonymous says
I love the blue coat! It is just perfect with the other items in the group!
Thank you Janice, for your 8 hours a day of searching for exactly the right color and style. I like to look at clothing on line also, but after 45 minutes, I'm exhausted!
Anonymous says
Here's my attempt to start from scratch: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=127740482
Similar to the olive and khaki set, but I deepened the khaki to cognac, and swapped the teal for purple. -ERanft
Anonymous says
Beautiful!
Luna says
nice harmony, love the color of the short trench : )
Luna says
Janice, I find your creativity and dedication to your readers moving. And these capsules, just some 20 pieces at this point plus accessories, and a person would be beautifully dressed and ready for any occasion. Just goes to show it really isn't quantity…
Anonymous says
I have to agree with Luna. Thank you somich Janice. You've even shown me that Olive, together with the colours I love isn't so drab as I once thought! I love that coat, though.
Anonymous says
You've outdone yourself this time. I am swept away. So much gorgeousness to look at and dream about.
Thank you always
Vancouver Barbara
the happy forgiver says
I commented previously that I had tentatively started to change my neutrals over to olive and khaki (although they sometimes seem to drift toward camel and stone, too) but it had seemed like a weird idea to me. As I watch you develop it more and more with each posting I am happier with my decision. I played in my wardrobe yesterday and put together some really nice outfits with these neutrals and aqua/teal/turquoise accents.
I am feeling excited about it for my life in Lake Tahoe, but still feel that I would stick out like neon wearing these colors in New York or Paris. On the other hand, wearing all black in Tahoe where most people are vacationing and dressed in resort or athletic clothes looks like you might be a member of a dark arts cult.
Swissy says
This series is really wonderful. And today's post is, if anything, the most wonderful of all. I know you spend huge amounts of time finding these treasures, but still… It's all about your eye. And your mathematical mind. More comments soon, as life has event out a bit. I still try to follow each day. Thanks, as ever.
Anonymous says
It is interesting how all of these wardrobes are using the same item list and yet each one has its own distinct personality. If one knew each of these "women" in real life, you would never guess that they were all following the same formula.
This series has been so helpful. Thanks for all your time and effort in creating these wardrobe plans.
Duchesse says
A sonata! Just beautiful.
Here in Montréal, the "boots" shown could only serve as indoor footwear one the snow falls, unless you are proceeding strictly from garage to garage. Once you head for our streets you have to locate boots with insulation, grip soles, and absolutely not suede: functional deep winter footwear. Even fashiony women are seen in Sorels.
Janice Riggs says
I'm a big fan of serious boots – any woman wearing her own personal padded room has to be dedicated to warmth!
lrlincks says
I so love this series! Thank you so much for all the time you have spent on this!
A. says
Hi Janice, I loved the series and I’m trying to put it in practice, but I’m having a really hard time figuring out a colour scheme that makes sense for me. I thought about emailing you to ask for advice (I’m horrible at describing colours, so I’d have to show you), but I wouldn’t want to disturb – would it be too much trouble?
Janice says
Send things over – pictures are always helpful!
hugs,
Janice