June 15, 2015
So I was thinking about Six-Packs (the clothing kind, not beer…) and I realized that if you chose your pieces exactly right, you could get 45 different outfits from 9 total garments – six of them packed.
This isn’t to say that you are going to want to take off on a six-week trip with just a few changes of clothing, but what we DO learn from this is that you can give yourself options. If the weather changes, if the level of dressiness of your activities are unexpected, or if you manage to destroy one garment during your travels (it can happen!), you can still get dressed. Some excellent accessories, and you’d be all set!
Cardigans – Eric Bompard, floral blouse – Yumi, ivory blouse – Topshop, floral tee – Dorothy Perkins, navy trousers – Jaeger, navy skirt – Planet, jeans – Golden Goose
love,
Janice
Janice, are you reading my mind ? I have been thinking of toppers and the Whatever's Clean 13, adding a third topper, maybe even in a color as one of them, although I think 3 neutrals, as pictured here, are less wearisome to the eye for a long trip. After all, I'll most likely never see any of these people again, so who am I trying to impress ? I'm trying to not be an over packer, and yet I love options and am easily bored with limited combinations, but this post shows me how my fears are outweighing the reality of all of the many possibilities ! I've been trying to figure out how to do the mix and match like you do, but I'm not computer savvy. Perhaps take photos of each item that I am considering packing and then try all of the possibilities ? I'm a visual learner, and seeing it illustrated really helps. Once again, thank you, thank you !
Janice, you are so inspiring! Many thanks for your careful thinking and fine suggestions. Good luck on a comfortable recovery.
What is especially workable about this plan is that there are a variety of outfits from quite casual to quite nice with just 9 garments. Now for the shoes……..
Deb from Vancouver
I love the idea for travel that everything goes with everything. If all the lights went out in some exotic locale you could emerge looking very put together…along with your smallish bag!
This could not be more perfect timing. I'm heading to NYC for 4 days at the end of the month and will be mostly very casual at a trade show but want to dress up a little at night for dinner and theater. I'm limited by bad feet for long-distance walking so will be mostly wearing my Geox lace-ups or tennis shoes. I'll throw my comfiest pair of sandals in the bag for dressing up. I especially love that you don't have to wear the topper to look put together. Walking around outside can get way too hot for a second layer, but chilly buildings call for one.
I'm flirting with minimalism and your post is very helpful. I'm thinking of project 333 and having a capsule wardrobe!
Oh! These are the colors I am working on for my wardrobe!!!! I love how the tops work with the different cardigans!!!
Great inspiration Janice! Another reminder that we can get more out of less!
Love this arrangement Janice. One of my frustrations in seeking to buy better quality garments is that many designers simply do not consider women who are petite (even though about half the women in the US and probably Europe are under 5'5"). And not everything can be altered. I am slowing finding things that work but cardigans are really difficult. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to the Eric Bombard site and saw v neck cardigans that were also cropped, a 3/4 sleeve would make it ideal….