February 1, 2017
I’m back in time to work on this! I’m so happy… I love these growing wardrobes…
For reference, and just to savor, these are our scarves around which we’re building our wardrobes:
Black – Hermès Carré en Boucles; Beige – Hermès Flanerie à Versailles; Navy – Hermès au Bout du Monde; Olive – Hermès Collections Impériales; Grey – Hermès Etude pour un Iris Arc-en-ciel; Brown – Hermès Chemins de Corail
As always, I have to remind you that you don’t have to buy an Hermès scarf (or any scarf at all!) to use this approach to building a wardrobe. Just choose any focal item, or color scheme, and start from there! And if you do want an Hermès scarf, you certain don’t have to buy one new – there are a number of reputable secondhand sellers on the internet. If you’re unsure about something you’re considering, send me a note!
Here’s a link to last month, if you want to flash back to the January items…
This black, grey and brown wardrobe is going to be so interesting – the 3 colors are going to have to dance together well… but I love the idea of working with just four neutrals (I’m going to include white in this wardrobe, probably next month!). Neutrals aren’t boring, and a wardrobe entirely of neutrals might turn out to be surprisingly compelling. I suppose we’ll all see, eh?
scarf – Nordstrom; necklace – Putu Putri; dress – Lands’ End; bag – Esin Akan; pumps – Calvin Klein
The beige-centered wardrobe cried out for pearls, and a gold bag… and wait ’til you SEE how well this scarf matches last month’s tee shirt!
scarf – Nordstrom; necklace – INT; dress– Uniqlo; clutch – Carte Blanche; pumps – Michael Kors
This is going to be fun – I couldn’t believe that there was a handbag that echoed these shades of blue so very well…
scarf – Nordstrom; lapis necklace – Ritu; dress – Lands’ End; bag – Anne Bonny; pumps– Louise et Cie
I love a good shirtdress…
scarf – La Fiorentina; necklace– Ananda; dress– Marks & Spencer; bag – Matt & Nat; pumps – Lauren Ralph Lauren
I couldn’t resist the “fleur” de lis pendant – since I’m working with a scarf that’s all about the flower….
scarf – Nordstrom; pendant – Fleur d’Orleans; dress – M&S Collection; bag – Oriana Rodriguez; pumps – Stuart Weitzman
And this is already proving to be a bright and cheery wardrobe, with that nice earthy brown and beige anchor. It’s grand that this scarf appears to work as well with orange as it does with red.
scarf – Nordstrom; necklace – Vera Bradley; dress – Uniqlo; bag – JNB; pumps – Callisto
These wardrobes are tiny, right now. They really barely qualify to be called a capsule wardrobe! But with the addition of just another tee shirt or sweater, you could easily go away for a night in the city with just these items…
Don’t these pink shades look really close? I suspect that in “real life” they’re not quite as perfect, but because they’re different fabrics, and thus different textures, it won’t matter if they’re slightly different….
You can really see how sticking with a small color palette means that the accessories that you get to wear with your dress will look just as nice with your pants and tee shirt…
Although these “oranges” aren’t quite the same, they could easily be worn together. That variety of textures makes so much difference!
I’m just smitten with this color scheme, so far…
Can’t you see the cardigan over the dress, for a business-y event (or just a cool evening)?
What do you think? I still don’t know which I like best!
love,
Janice
For more in the 2017 “Build a Capsule Wardrobe – 12 months, 12 outfits” series, check out the following articles:
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Evaluating our 2017 wardrobes…
Looking for more ideas? Follow along as we build a new capsule wardrobe in 2018.
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The scarves I like best are the black and the blue, but those colours don't suit me. I don't much like the floral scarf, and the colours also don't suit me!
Olive is my favourite neutral, and I could see me wearing those clothes, but I don't much like the scarf.
So far, my favourite is the brown/beige/red, but the scarf doesn't seem to offer many options for variety of colours.
That leaves the beige, I like the scarf, I like the clothes so far but maybe they aren't my best colours, but that scarf seems to offer most possibilities.
So, as they say, it's complicated!
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! Linda M
I like the first two the best, though I had been easing toward red as an accent color. The black/brown/tan and gray/pink are so very different.
I like the last scarf best, but my soft spot is going for the pink-based wardrobe.
I just adore that shell/ballet pink so much
These are all going to be glorious when finished!
Unfortunately, I don't like any of the scarves on this round. But it's helpful to me anyway. I look at these wardrobes and think how I would tweak them -and as a result gain a better understanding of what I really like and, on the other hand, why and how certain pieces would be bad choices for me even if they have some of the qualities I like.
Such understanding is literally worth gold to me as I'm working on building my own Hermès scarf collection. Hermès scarves seem to be very difficult to sell where I live and I have a budget, so avoiding expensive shopping mistakes is important.
-Sara K-
I love this point of view. These scarves/color schemes aren't my cup of tea either, but I gain more from reviewing the wardrobes being built because I'm NOT in love with them for myself. I'm more objective and can stand back and look at the underlying lessons (how all neutrals can be interesting, how texture impacts color coordination, how individual shapes impact wearability, how to use bright accessories, etc.).
I agree. I'm thinking so much more about what I buy.
Although I do love to go shopping, I find I make less mistakes with internet shopping, for the reasons we all know.
I've got a Pinterest board where I put all my favourites as they appear on line, and it's surprising how, often after just a few days, I can see how badly they would fit into my wardrobe, and I can just delete them! Linda M
I have the opposite problem to anonymous; I love all the scarves! And, I like all the wardrobes so far except maybe the last one–olive is my least favorite color, and I look 500-years-dead in it. Looking forward to the next installment….
Oops, #4 is the olive one. I actually really like the last one.
Janice,
Numbers 4 and 6 for me, of course , but the black and brown shall be interesting to watch , though I don't wear black , it's too draining for for my light, warm complexion. I'm looking forward to what I can glean from your examples that I can apply to my own wardrobe. Oh, and not only am I not purchasing clothing , I am purging excesses. I don't like the word purge, it makes it sound like I'm about to be ill. How about divesting clothing instead ?
I agree about the word purge – it's too medical for me! I like to think that I'm streamlining my wardrobe…
hugs,
Janice
Janice,
I just read yesterday's responses to your posts again. Someone used the word winnow — I like that one ! Curate might also be MUCH better than purge !
I tell people I'm SLENDERIZING my wardrobe☺️
Janice Collins Washington DC
I like #1 – the neutrals and the Blue/Red one – although the grey/mauve/blue is growing on me – but – I'll have to wait and see what is added to that grey one – it's still a bit pale for me. Have to say – it is interesting how the addition of a few items can make me change my mind – one way or another.
My favorite scarf is the beige, but I also love the gray. Anything in soft colors works for me! I love how you always show dresses Janice as I love to wear them.
Gorgeous clothes, gorgeous choices as usual, Janice–though a tied scarf with that gray dress with the tie waist (not to mention a dangling tassel on the purse) looks awkward to my eye. A simple gold or silver necklace at the collar bone instead?
Maybe tie the scarf onto the handbag? A simple necklace would be lovely here; I just liked the dress so much… sigh…
hugs,
Janice
It truly is a stunning and versatile dress. And I love the way the scarves create inspiration for this series–it's just that I try to observe a single dangle/tie per outfit rule. :) Hugs back.
Last year I changed hair color from dark brown all my life to blonde, as i was having to dye it too often to keep the grey out. I am transition to silvery blonde, to grey eventually. Now different color clothes susie me better, so your blog has been very helpful in slowly transitioning my wardrobe. Even looking down this post I can instinctively see what color combination is going to be good for me now.
Janey
Hi Janey, I've just completed that transition and it feels wonderful! I hope you enjoy the change too.
Robyn in Tasmania
After last year, I'm not going to commit to a scheme too early, as I wafted back and forth all year favouring now this one, now that. I'm just enjoying watching these wardrobes develop, while learning from the principles behind Janice's choices. Having said that, all of this month's outfits are appealing in different ways.
I call wardrobe culling 'editing', because it involves creating new outfits from existing holdings as well as winnowing, but I also like 'curating'. Both sound so careful and professional.
Robyn in Tasmania
Robyn,
I like both words of culling and editing , as well as Janice's streamlining, thank you ! In retrospect , curating sounds like I'm in charge of some museum collections, and perhaps a few of my items are old enough to fit that description !
I guess if I'm feeling practical, it's editing… and when I'm feeling creative it's curating. :)
I also like all these scarves but especially the ones for the beige and grey wardrobes. So beautiful, love the softness and femininity of them. Also love that grey wrap dress!
Thanks, Janice for continuing this series for 2017. Looking forward to another year of inspiration. Janice Collins, Washington DC
These are INCREDIBLE! I'm excited to see how you build out every one of these color schemes. And I'm thrilled to see how well these beautiful dresses fit into the wardrobes! :)