This started out as a Chic Sighting post, but after I saw the first woman, I didn’t see ANYONE else… But I really like the idea of buying a new cardigan for spring and summer wear (counter-intuitive as it seems, a lot of us that are in and out of buildings during the hottest weather have to carry a cardigan or jacket at all times, to keep from freezing to death!).Here I’m working with 4 different possibilities for below the waist – white linen pants, beige linen pants, navy linen pants, and dark-wash denim pants. This gives choices that range from cool-ish spring days, to pretty doggone hot dead of summer!
I’ve still got lots of “1 at a time” color schemes to explore, and I’ve ALWAYS got a stack of art to study and love, but I’m also thinking about coming back to this idea a couple more times before the summer gets too hideously uncomfortably hot…
love,
Janice
Ha, I have an A/C sweater that I use in the U.S. It's insane how cold people set the A/C–it makes it harder to adapt to the heat.
Love these combos, as always.
Yes, please come back to these wonderful combos again – it it absolutely necessary to have a top layer in my building once the AC is turned on to Arctic Blast. Maybe show something other than a cardigan as an alternative? And I love that you have included so many examples of closed toe shoes for the summer. We have a policy of no sandals or open toes.
From Margie in Toronto – I just bought a new navy cardie (along with a few other colours) – its a lighter weight than my winter one and 3/4 sleeve which makes it perfect for summer as not only my office A/C but the subway A/C are usually blasting out all summer and an extra layer is always needed. I have the navy and the white pants and I'also be wearing it with a "crocus/cobalt" blue pant – but hadn't really thought about using it with the beige. Thank you.
Yes, please, my now-retired husband insists on keeping the house freezing cold!
I have been considering a navy cardigan for spring/summer/fall. I will be going to Ireland at the end of August. I already have beige linen pants and darkwash jeans, a blue linen skirt and a sleeveless blue dress. The navy cardigan and a beige or turquoise one might be the basics for my travel wardrobe. Your blog provides so many possibilities! Merci.
Oooh, I used to live in Ireland – even in August, it can be downright chilly! Make sure you take socks, a long-sleeved top, and closed-toe shoes, just in case. (of course, if you pack those things, it will be gorgeously warm the whole time you're there). In Dublin, the average high temperature in August is only 19 degrees; but Ireland is magical… sigh…
hugs,
Janice
You are doing a really important job Janice and I thank you for that. I live in a very warm and occasionally hot country very dependant on airconditioning. I would go with your options for white pants, they are my top for summer!
Thank you for validating my shopping considerations. I told someone that I needed a new cardigan for the summer and they thought I was crazy!
I almost always have had a navy cardigan in my wardrobe. As a matter of fact, I came across a photo of myself taken about thirty years ago just arriving from Europe and I wore a pair of Levi's, a white shirt, and a navy cardigan wrapped around my shoulders. :))
That's a timeless outfit – I could show that on The Vivienne Files tomorrow and it would look beautifully current!
hugs,
Janice
I purchased a navy blue cotton cardigan about a year ago and have no regrets. As you have shown Janice, it is versatile, going with many color combinations. Plus it is great for traveling, keeps me warm on the airplane and doesn't show dirt!
Thank you for reminding me of the value of a cardigan rather than a jacket for retired people. I still zone in on jackets but really a cardigan is much more versatile. It can be scrunched up in a bag, it can look more or less formal, it is more of a "hug" and is generally less expensive. Now I just have to decide on the best colour for me.
Deb from Vancouver
I want that flower tank top so much! It's really hard to find floral prints that are truly rainbow!
– Kaci
Great ideas for handling the in/out temperatures of a scorching summer while looking sharp. Medical facilities, museums, and some food-preparation places may need year-around temperature and humidity control at a near constant for safety reasons, but why oh why does every house, library, restaurant, and office space not see the waste and folly of this practice? It is hard to acclimate to the heavy swings throughout the day, so your ideas for sweaters for hot days are MOST welcome. Love it!
Janice,
Last summer I purchased several twin sets in my summer accent colors consisting of a cardigan and same color top of some harmonious style, but different fabric, for more of a variety of look. I thought that I might regret those purchases due to infrequent wear, but now I am so happy that I did buy them, while they were available ! I already had my off -white, tan, and brown core colors in cardigans. I always wear a topper in Summer, even if it's just a shirt over a tank top ( singlet for any European readers here ). I only wear a blazer in Spring and Autumn, as they are too bulky under an outer coat.
Forgot to add — the colored shoes really complete these outfits on today's post !
I agree blazers work best spring and Autumn! Cardis are much more versatile and increasingly accepted in a business context.
Alice
So many places do keep the AC set to deep freeze! Lots of good ideas here Janice! I love the signature color shoes with some of these outfits too. I have at least 2 or 3 lightweight cardis that are perfect for this purpose. I have a black, a gray and a new turquoise one I purchased recently. They do come in handy!
Navy looks so fresh with everything! I've always got to have a cardigan because the A/C is usually set at refrigerator levels here.
I have a new white blazer and would like to see how you would incorporate it. My other colors are navy and aqua with a touch of tangerine. Thanks. I leave learned a lot from you.