October 20, 2023
I’m still not used to the fact that autumn is here, and October is mostly over! But I love autumn clothes, so that helps me adjust…
Image – Our State Magazine
Today I’m thinking about how we have to layer up a LOT of clothes first thing in the morning (I wear gloves any time the temp is below 55 Fahrenheit!), but by afternoon we can peel off at least 1 layer…
In the past, I’ve called this the “Triple Top Secret” because having three tops that work together give you at least a half-dozen different combinations… Pack 3 tops and an extra pair of pants, and you’re good for a long weekend!
Your “pivot” top – the one around which you build – can be your 2nd layer, as I’ve shown here:
Deep wine cardigan – L.L.Bean; earrings – Opuline; tee shirt – L.L.Bean; barley denim shirt- L.L.Bean; scarf – Ilona Tambor; deep wine cords – L.L.Bean; boots – Spring Step
A lovely blazer is always a good place to start, too!
I’m not sure about wearing a sweater vest with nothing under it – it seems to be a “thing” these days, but I’m not sure that it would work for me… What do you think?
That said, this is a lovely outfit…
Blazer – Alex Mill; earrings – Kate Spade New York; sweater vest – J.Crew; white shirt – Lands’ End; twilly scarf – Bastet Torino; black velvet pants – J.Crew; loafers – Bandolino
Does this get you in the mood? I feel like this could be a scene from The Hobbit!
Photo – Graham Colling
The most obvious way to pull together 3 tops is to start with a flannel or other print shirt:
Flannel shirt – Lands’ End; earrings – Miss Cecelia; brown tee shirt – Lands’ End; alabaster cords – Lands‘ End; scarf – Echo; corduroy jacket – Lands’ End; boots – Blondo
With a plaid shirt, you have all kinds of interesting colors from which to choose!
Plaid shirt – L.L.Bean; earrings – Lavani Jewels; French blue merino sweater – L.L.Bean; white turtleneck – L.L.Bean; scarf – Echo; navy cords – L.L.Bean; loafers – Munro
Can you smell this forest?
Image – Peakpx
Of course, if you can find a printed or patterned tee shirt or lightweight turtleneck that you love, it can easily serve as your pivot for your sweater and blazer or cardigan!
Turtleneck – L.L.Bean; malachite earrings – Mounir London; flannel shirt – L.L.Bean; navy cotton sweater – L.L.Bean; scarf – Hortons England; navy skirt – Lands’ End; boots – Blondo
This general idea can work for you even if you don’t live someplace with bitterly cold weather; maybe you wouldn’t wear all 3 of these tops together, but you could layer at least a couple of different ways with these choices:
Striped tee – Boden; enamel & opal earrings -Kamaria; cardigan – Boden; collarless shirt – Alex Mill; scarf – Jessie Zhao New York; jeans – J.Crew; leather sneakers – Keds
Oh yes, this is also a handy way to dress if you go from cold outdoors to a relatively warm interior!
love,
Janice
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I find three layers rather bulky and three sets of long sleeves would make my arms too hot and constricted. I wear a camisole or thermal sleeveless/,short sleeve top as my first layer. Then the shirt and top layer. I have camisoles in a wide range of colours so I can maintain the colour coordination throughout.
Thank you for the look-back. I like the heroines whose style changes throughout the year.
You have the most amazing ability finding the perfect earrings for your outfits. Today’s outfits are a roundup of so many looks I love: loafers, plaid shirts, cabled pullovers, always scarves(!), and a few beautiful plaid scarves. Autumn is definitely an unpredictable season requiring so many different layering options. Yesterday, our temps reached 73F…in Idaho! So I have not put away my short sleeved Ts, sleeveless tops or summer cardigans. We haven’t even turned on the heat.
Here’s a thought… maybe a post showing a jacket or coat for each of these outfits. I think they’re all lovely…just my style.
These are all just lovely. I have that Ilona Tambor scarf in the blue/brown colorway and wear it frequently to tie together blue/brown/navy/camel outfits. (No, not all four colors at once, just two) I didn’t notice as I was going through, but I’m with Beth T, I probably wouldn’t wear three layers of long sleeves. After the discussion on black the past couple of days I hope everyone finds something they like today. PHotos as always are just amazing. Thank you Janice and happy Friday!
Good call – we tend to comment on things we dont like (too much black! not enough black!) and not on the variety of options we recieve.
Janice, thanks for the balance provided over the last few posts – from all black to no black. Your skill in finding outfits is always incredible, the active and kind and intelligent community you have drawn together is stellar, and your indulgence of us all is noted and appreciated :) [reminds me of my mom, when we were kids – no way to make a single dinner that made EVERYONE happy, but everyone got something they loved over the course of the week].
Happy Friday all!
And of course we can sub in navy, grey, brown, burgundy, dark green/olive, purple…. for black.
I found so many excellent ideas here for “shopping” my closet and making combinations. Thank you!
Love all but in the “Can You Smell The Forest?” Image Peakpx. I was expecting a tiny touch of burnt orange somewhere. Not complaining as I love all your choices!
Love all but in the “Can You Smell The Forest?” Image Peakpx. I was expecting a tiny touch of burnt orange somewhere. Not complaining as I love all your choices!
Have to say I would usually also say 3 layers is too much. But, I was in Chicago last week and between the wind, the rain and even more importantly, the *crazy* cold AC in October it’s actually how I was dressed. I was so glad for packing my thin thermal tees! And more importantly, for following TVF for the last 10 years (!) which allowed me to dress appropriately to my conference, sight seeing, dinners at fancy places and even a film festival. And all in tiny suitcase and a backpack avoiding all the fuzz to collect luggage. That’s my version of glamour. Thanks Janice, you are an international treasure.
Cheers and blessings!
I love the deep green and navy! That would be perfect for wandering in a beautiful autumn wood! Maybe I’ll have a chance this weekend.
Oh, yes. T shirt, flannel shirt, fleece or hoodie. As for long sleeves, long and short would both work for me, the colder it was the more likely I would choose short sleeves, as I would keep more layers on. Strange, I know.
Love this and so timely. Temperatures here are crazy right now, mornings and evenings cool, afternoons hot, so layers are a must. I have never been good with layers so definitely some nice ideas and your choices are lovely. Cant wait to get into my closet and see what i can come up with. Thanks Janiceik
Janice,
My version of the triple layer would be a camisole, a long sleeved tee, topped with a light weight fleece 1/4 zip topper or a fleece vest, or both ( I have gone through life feeling cold ) I would also take along, if packing, a neutral colored zip front cardigan that can layer over everything. If it was really cold, I would trade in the camisole for a long sleeved light weight thermal under layer . And then a warm jacket for outside wear, along with gloves, scarf, and hat . That oughta’ do it , except for wrapping myself in a blanket too ( kidding) !
Can you ever see me doing a polar bear plunge ? Nah, I don’t think so !
I used the triple top secret last winter and it worked brilliantly! I love it for nights when I am shopping and running in and out of grocery stores. I grocery shop for two weeks in one evening. And I hate to be lugging a big coat around but store sections get cold and outside it is cold. I layered a long sleeve navy tee, then a plaid button up with a navy v-neck sweater over that. Which I can layer a puffer vest over if needed. I don’t love bunchy sleeves. But that combo really seemed to work and I could pull off the layers as needed. It was great! Thanks Janice for the tip!!
As I’ve only been following Vivienne Files for a few months, I’m glad to see you revisit the concepts of “Triple Top Secret” and “pivot” tops. The former is a new and valuable concept to me. I have called the latter “flex” tops but I like pivot better. Tops that can be either the 1st or 2nd layer, e.g., cardigans, crew-neck sweaters, and buttoned shirts.
First layer tops that I find most versatile are 3/4 length as they don’t show less than perfect upper arms as tees do, work well with bracelets, and can be worn in all but the winter season. But I’ve seldom seen 3/4 tops featured in your posts. Curious if there is a reason why.
I used the “triple top secret” when flying to New Mexico two weeks ago. I wore a short sleeve teal tee, a teal/rust/navy plaid long sleeve flannel shirt, and a navy chenille zip-front hoodie on the plane. I took the hoodie and flannel off while at Balloon Fiesta Park, then put the flannel back on for dinner inside the Museum, then added the hoodie while watching the MoonGlow on the patio. I was very comfortable all day – thank you, Janice!
I know that, for some, three layers is too many. Here in Maine, it’s what we wear from November – April! I think this is beautifully and stylishly done. I’d rather wear several lighter layers than 1-2 bulky ones.
Same for me, a while a go I decided I was done with bulky/heavy items.
And BTW, the options here are lovely, many blues and different styles! But oh my, those pictures! Are from the Shire, of course (Middle-Earth fan here, in case you haven’t picked that from my nickname)!
Beautiful
such a job putting all these great colors together Janice.
Yesterday I had a shirt, a checked shirt, a long knitted vest and a rain jacket over it outside.
But if I’m wearing a winter jacket, fewer layers are enough.
My layering for what passes for winter in TN is a long-sleeved shirt or knit top with a cashmere sweater. I find that combo keeps me cozy warm, especially with a silk scarf tucked in at the neck. I also have some wool pullovers that can go over the first layer.
I can’t wear three long sleeve layers and I’m unsure about peeling layers over my head if I get too warm inside. Awkward. If I’m going to lose layers they have to slip off. I truly hate clothing that clings to other clothing. That said there are some lovely things to ponder today. Love the bright burgundy outfit for instance. And the navy and green.
As for wearing a sweater vest on its own, yes I would, neckline permitting. I would treat it as a sweater weight tank top. Maybe not a truly chunky knit, but finer gauge knits for sure.
The wine/burgundy and the blue/green were my personal favorites. But before looking at today’s post I had to go back and check out the new comments from Wednesday. Janice you have really started something. I like reading and thinking through everyone’s ideas. It certainly makes me come at my wardrobe from different perspectives. I’m a cami girl and wear one everyday so that’s my first layer. Usually one or two more suffices in my climate and if something warmer is called for most often I reach for a vest of some sort. Have a lovely weekend everyone, especially Janice!
Love the “Leshy” scarf, but prefer the blue colourway mentioned by Sheila to the burgundy. I adore the blue and white in the last selection. The brown gives me an idea. I have a Talbots Perfect Turtleneck in walnut, ivory cords, an ivory vest already…may see if a button up shirt is an option. The denim one I have is probably too small. May be able to use an ivory and beige fair isle cardi instead of the button up.
Ditto, I wear 2 thin layers leading into winter, then 3 over the course of winter. I love these three top arrangements, & especially the navy & green! (which my nighttime monitor showed as black and green, so this navy-lover was doubly pleased to see it today in daytime!) Plaid is so lovely, and I have very little. Hmmm.
Oops, I meant ditto to Ellen from Maine, and Arwen. And I find two thin layers a lot warmer than one thicker layer.
I love that frosty “Hobbit” picture!
This concept of 3 top layers works great until an unexpected cold front comes in and you end up having to wear all 3 layers all 3 days. Ask me how I know…That’s why I have trouble packing minimally. I always want to have more than enough of each layer, just in case, or at least 2 of each so one set can be aired/washed, and definitely tights or thin leggings to wear under pants and skirts if necessary.
A disclaimer: I prefer to reduce decision fatigue when traveling and at home, am unbothered by repeating outfits and want to carry the lightest suitcase possible.
When packing for travel and choosing new purchases, I use 3 columns to organize. Instead of “casual/mid/ dressy” I have “ warm / warmer/ warmest” base layers. Thin cuddle duds,2 weights of Merino and a pair of tights and a cami offer choices for a comfortable day. If I’m out and the temps rise, I can always pull off my base layer in a restroom. Guided by my own twist of TVF inspiration, my palette is limited so base, shirt and sweater/vest layers all work together.
Lovely post and thank you.
I’m a big fan of the triple top secret and use it as often as possible. It’s a natural choice when the temps start dropping but it’s also fabulous when packing for a tropical cruise! My favorite for warmer temps is a cami or tank top with a short sleeve silk utility shirt (worn unbuttoned) and then buttoning up the shirt and adding a lightweight open cardigan that’s just right for bone-chilling air conditioning or walking the cruise deck at night.
The burgundy outfit is my favorite. I’m also delighted you added the light blue with white pants – so very fresh looking!
Having said that I’d find three layers of sleeves constricting, I’m currently lying on my sofa (Covid – thanks to hubby) wearing long sleeved pyjamas, a loose sleeved thick-knit cardigan and a loose sleeved fleece dressing gown. I don’t feel constricted, just warm and cosy. Maybe it’s the tightness of the particular sleeves that is key. The idea of wearing a long sleeved thermal top with fitted sleeves under a narrow sleeved shirt under a fitted jumper. I love the fashion for balloon sleeves which give the extra room. If we get another cold winter, I might be wearing three sleeves!
I didn’t take it that Janice intended the heroine to wear all 3 tops together; although that would definitely be an option. I took it as 3 articles of clothing that could be worn as one, two or three layers in multiple combinations. I will definitely find this useful when traveling from one climate to another this December.
Oh, in bitter cold weather I would absolutely wear all 3 layers together! You just have to make certain that you are comfortable wearing them all together – it’s not something that suits everyone. Of course, there’s NOTHING that suits everyone, is there?
hugs,
Janice
I should have clarified. Wearing all three layers together is not the only option. We get that cold here in Kentucky as well and I love it!