July 10, 2024
I think about the role of clothing in our lives A LOT. And I’m currently reading the best book I’ve read – maybe ever – about a woman and her wardrobe.
Yes, it’s not cheap, but it’s a big, long book, and it talks at great length about O’Keeffe’s wardrobe, and the deliberate choices that she made to define her personal style. It also shows what a brilliant seamstress she was!
I particularly like that when the author talks about a photograph, or a garment, the image is either RIGHT THERE on the page, or very close, and clearly labeled. I hate having to stop and Google a painting while I’m reading…
Anyway! This book got me thinking about the things that have been essential to me this last few months – essential, and possible even things that define my current style. So while I don’t have buckets of time today, I thought I could take a few minutes and share my thoughts with you.
First up, I don’t know how I managed for so many years without a pair of tan chinos. Mine are L.L.Bean Heritage Stone, which is a “cooler” shade of beige than their traditional Khaki. Mine are wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton, and it’s true – fling them in the dryer for a few minutes to get them warm, and then hang them up. Are they crispy and slick? No! Are they more than presentable for anything in my life? Heck yes…
Please note, mine are NOT the elastic waist ones shown. I don’t know how these got here; my life is confused.
I wear the previous three garments, along with the next three, every week. I’m indoors almost 100% of the time, in air conditioning, so I need to be reasonably covered up…
You might think that a white shirt is a bit dressy or high maintenance for a super-busy schedule. Please note – these shirts are wrinkle-resistant; they also can go into a dryer for a few minutes of heating, and then hang to dry. Again, they look great…
Sometimes I make it outdoors into the heat…
I keep a washable dress handy – it’s useful when the weather is hot, or when I have an appointment with someone important…
When I do laundry for myself – about every 10 days – at least 8 of the 11 washable garments are in the basket! The cardigan goes to the dry cleaner, who is in our building. These are the clothes in which I live…
Most of the time, when I’m in the apartment, I’m in my bare feet. Sandals that I can put on in ZERO seconds are so handy, because I often have to dash downstairs to the grocery (also in our building), or to take out trash. If I’m going further, I almost always wear sneakers.
And I’m sticking with my fondness for the sling bag, or belt bag, or whatever one calls it. I can wear it around my waist, but most of the time it’s either over one shoulder, or diagonal across my torso. Flattering? Not really. Practical? Eminently…
And finally, I have to be prepared to spend some time at the hospital… I heartily suggest that everybody double-check their toiletries to make certain that everything’s up to date and not gone “off.” I had some hair gel which had sort of solidified into a strange rubbery substance – making me reconsider why I ever put it on my hair!
The power bank has two cords built in – tremendously handy. And please note that there is NO SUCH THING as a “travel wrap.” All wraps can travel. All clothes can travel. You will have some criteria for fabric content and care, as well as versatility, but there’s no need at all to buy garments or accessories specifically for travel. Unless it makes you happy…
I’m very interested to know what clothes or other items are essential for you – especially during busy and nervous times…
love,
Janice
p.s. Approximately 10 years ago, I shared a story about a former co-worker who had the best planned wardrobe I have ever seen. Literally. Better than Vivienne’s…
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Love the clothes and admire your style. Simple and easy. Absolutely love the Agnes post.
Also, strength to you at this time…
I live where it’s blistering hot for a significant portion of summer. I own 3 Kettlewell skirts that can go from winter with tights & boots to the heat of summer with sandals and light tops. I took one of those skirts on a weekend trip where it got worn every day with 3 different tops! The pattern in the skirt just goes with a range of my favorite colors. I get compliments on that workhorse skirt all the time!
I also own a linen A-line Tommy Bahama dress I throw on for everyday. Slide sandals in gold with accessories take the skirts up a notch. And if I have to be dressy, a very lightweight dress.
When my daughter got married at a ski resort, we rode a chairlift to the top where the wind chill was a lot for my chiffon dress. My cashmere gauze wrap (Kettlewell) proved to be very warm indeed.
I think I mentioned this book on an earlier post which had one of O’Keefe’s paintings for inspiration. It is indeed an absolutely fascinating read. An amazing sense of style from an early age, and her sewing was simply exquisite. As you say, the book is expensive – especially for me as I had to have it shipped to Europe – but I just had to have it and it did not disappoint!
Thank you for a very much needed reminder about having a hospital bag ready to go!
I know how it can go by the board in stressful times, but do try to look after yourself as much as possible.
I also live in a sunnvclimate in a big city without a car, so between the heat and the dirt, neither white/beige nor black trousers or tops work for me. For neutrals, denim and olive work best.
I also tend to wear more colorful clothes, especially tops, since my hair went silver. I tend to get compliments when I wear bright monochrome looks, like an orange T and lightweight orange slacks. It’s a new way of dressing for me, but fun.
It’s always useful to be reminded of basics. You have helped me refine and simplify my wardrobe. I used to think I needed more colours but since focussing on shades of blue I get many more compliments and feel I look more comfortably and authentically myself. I have just ordered the O’Keeffe book on your recommendation, too and I am really looking forward to it. Sending all my best wishes to you for your health in these trying times. Thank you for your hard work.
Janice ( yes, another one).
Stress has a way sometimes of stripping our needs down to the bare essentials. But they don’t have to be dull – yours are simple and stylish. Thank you for this post, and wishing you the best as you go through this.
I like Agnes too! Very organized lady. As for me, I’ve just discovered that I own very similar clothes to one of your current Six Paintings plans, so that’s going to be really helpful in planning a no-stress, low-buy fall wardrobe.
Mama Squirrel, if you don’t mind my asking, which one? I’m always interested in other people’s solutions!
Elizabeth Magill, The Glen. This is challenging for me as it’s fewer colours than I usually go with–but it could also be fun.
Good Morning Ladies, I remember the Agnes story – think I’ve read it more than once! It’s amazing the difference having AC has made in my summer wardrobe. Prior to this year I would have been languishing in two summer dresses – trading them out. This year I”ve been able to wear my jersey pants – the same as I wear to work. I have three pair and usually wear them twice before laundering. Trading them out and wearing them with three sleeveless tops which also get traded out. Then I have a chambray shirt I throw on if I actually get too cool. If I were working I do have some other pants I would probably throw in once a week or so, but these are the pants I live in. Back when my boys were toddlers I had three pair of linen pants from Boden I lived in. I wore the seats right out of them! Sadly, they quit making that particular style. Just sayin’ Because we only have a couple of months of summer here in the PNW I don’t invest a lot in summer clothes. But boy do I wear the heck out of them when it’s hot out!
A few years ago I had the absolute privilege and pleasure of attending an exhibit of O’Keeffe clothing and her photography. Her hand stitching was a wonder to behold. Silk blouses with perfect pin tucking. Rows of it. And dresses as original and powerful as she. I am so.happy to know of the book. Blessing to you, Janice, as you make it through this aweful and wonderous time. May we all be the wind beneath your wings. PS, Your question is a great one, about dressing during nervous times. Please let’s do that again, I have to think…
Janice,
I was enthralled with the efficiency of Agnes’s selections when I first read it 10 years ago. But today a thought crept in . Since she purchased 30 new items year, after several years her closet would have been overflowing ! I wonder what she did with prior years purchases ?
Despite leaving tomorrow for a beach vacation with other extended family members, I must remember to include a long pair of pants or two and a very warm sweater ! They keep the AC cranked up quite high !
Holding you and yours up in thought and prayer !
Big long hugs !
Shrebee, maybe she donated then to the Dress for Success charity? That was big, but probably not 30 plus years ago…. Maybe she had nieces with office jobs who didn’t care if they were a season or two behind Fashion? Your good point made me speculate, as a minimalist….
Also have fun on vacation!
Maybe there’s an Agnes wardrobe museum in Des Moines? THAT would be fascinating…
hugs,
Janice
Perfect casual wardrobe. Sending you hugs and strength from Canada.
after my spouse and i were both in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time, i learned to keep a go to hospital bag. toiletries, meds, phone charger, changes of clothes, a shawl/blanket. plus a few things to eat, * i had gone 24 hours at one point without food when hubby was admitted on an emergency * also some small books/kindle, and since i’m an artist, a small watercolor box and sketch book. i update it quarterly more or less.
i’m so sorry your life is so stressful at this point, i remember when i was caring for my parents, how stressful it was, also how rewarding it was
hugs vi
BOOKS!!!! So important! I use the Kobo app on my phone to keeps books with me at all times. Reading on a small screen isn’t perfect, but it’s a ton better than not having a book with you when it’s 2 a.m., you’re staying awake because you’re the watchful guardian in the hospital, and you need something to pass the time. I read at least six or seven Colin Dexter “Inspector Morse” novels in March and April…
Thanks for that important reminder!
hugs,
Janice
Janice,
I always loved the Inspector Morse series on PBS years ago, and when hubby and I traveled in the UK a bunch of years ago, we had some wine in a bar that was named for Morse and where some of the episodes had been filmed !
JEALOUS!!!!
I loved that series – some of the episodes were based on some of the books that I read. Talk about a comfortable familiarity in a difficult time…
hugs
Janice
What do I wear/need during stressful times?
– Soft, comfy clothes in uplifting colours. (Colour really affects my moods.).
– A matching pashmina to throw over my shoulders or lap, as needed.
– Comfy shoes for walking on ceramic floors.
– Socks in my purse in case my feet get cold
– Something to read and maybe a book of cryptogram puzzles
– Snacks (trail mix, granola bars) and gum/mints.
– A few tea bags of my favourite flavour. It’s so comforting to have ‘the good stuff’ on hand when possible.
– Earbuds for listening to music or podcasts.
There’s a Starbucks in the lobby on our local hospital. I know the entire staff by name, and they know all of my favorite things to order. Having things that are familiar to eat/drink, as well as good music, can make you feel so much more “in your right place.”
hugs,
Janice
As a transplant to North Carolina who walks her dog three times a day, my answer has never been simpler. Pull-on linen blend pants and shorts. (These come out of the dryer fine.) Short sleeve tees and high neck tanks. Pull over jersey dresses. My colors are black, white, olive, and pale beige because I’ve discovered these make me happier than “color.” It feels so good to have clothes that work in this previously unfamiliar sticky heat. Janice, I admire your gracious and transparent balancing act. I want to be like you!
Thanks to nearly three years of refining my wardrobe, everything in it fits and is comfortable for me.
In summer, I have two skirts and a pair of linen pants that I wear at least once a week each. And I two short-sleeve sweaters and a couple of cotton and rayon blouses round out summer clothes. I love my rayon Calm Cool set from Athleta so much I thrifted a second set. I wear these as lounge clothes.
In winter, I tend to default to jeans and one of Emmy Design’s 100% wool cardigans. I enjoy wearing skirts, but the jeans/sweater combo is fast, comfy, and capable of regulating my temperature in all environments.
Inspired by you all, I think I might have to start keeping a little go-bag!
Finding things second-hand is brilliant – between Thredup, Ebay, and thrift stores, I find great clothes! Eileen Fisher linen for summer, at 80% off? Heck yeah!
hugs,
Janice
Oh i hope this means we will have another great O’Keefe painting for the next season! I love her use of vibrant colours. I think it depends on your lifestyle as to the basics one needs. For me, i live in a more rural area, so jeans are a must. In winter they are lined, summer they are light weight. July and August skorts in the garden, when i have to jump in the car for groceries a tshirt and pants or skirt. I cannot imagine not having to drive for groceries or dry cleaning, city living sounds pretty convenient lol. I also enjoyed the Agnes story.
Thank you for this post. It has so many nuggets of great info. I think it also works for anyone going through any kind of change, either stress, changing jobs, moving, weight loss etc. It is great to have that go to section of your closet so that your stress is minimized. Having spent many years racing to ERs with elderly parents the one thing I would add to the other lists is a notepad and pen. You can take notes on your phone, but I have seen medical professionals drastically change their behavior for the better when they see you taking notes. There is so much info to retain and names to keep track of! Thumbs up to the food/snacks and tea. Agnes was brilliant, too. That capsule could be worn today. Also planning a trip to Santa Fe soon, so the O’Keefe is capturing my attention. 😃
Comfort and layers are always a must for me! I can go from hot to cold in seconds. My iPad is key to giving me distractions – books on line, movies and games. And I try to keep a note pad and pen handy. I find creating lists helps me organize my thoughts and keep me sane – lists of questions to ask the doctor, lists of things to do, lists of things that I can ask others to help me with. Thoughts and prayers for you and your loved one.
When I come back from a trip, I top off my supplies and repack my overnight bag (except for prescriptions). Then I can be ready in minutes if another overnight trip pops up. Painkillers, allergy meds, bandages/blister pads, plus my regular toiletries are always stocked in my clear, hanging toiletry bag.
I keep a small knitting project(socks, scarf) in a bag ready to grab.
As a mama of 7 busy children, I’m a big fan of a simplified wardrobe! My wardrobe this summer has pretty much been 5 dresses that I wear on repeat, occasionally veering into a handful of other garments when I have a bit more bandwidth to think of an outfit. Pretty, cool, and presentable!
Most usefull post. When there are so many decisions to make for loved ones, looking after yourself can be an afterthought. Being pre-prepared with a wardrobe of thoughtfull, practical clothes and a well stocked bathroom bag/visitor/caregiver hospital bag is a very kind way of looking after you when energy is depleted. All the comments are super helpfull – there are items here I hadn’t thought to include that are clever and I will be using. Thank you Janice and thank you everyone.
I *knew* what was behind that link before I clicked it! The story of Agnes has stayed with me since I first read it. Hard to believe it’s been tenish years….
I’m recovering from hip surgery and am living in stretchy pull on britches right now. The site is still kinda tender and I’m not brave enough to try anything the least bit stiff or scratchy. And I’m not going to talk about the expansion that has accompanied my lack of daily steps. But things are improving and I’m looking forward to wearing my more upscale clothes again…soon, right? ;-)
I found this site while sitting in a hospital room with my dad for almost a month a few years ago. I’ve learned so much from the posts and associated comments. While many of the posts aren’t my colors or styles, I always learn something from them. Some of bigger take aways are that colors I like to look at aren’t quite the same as colors I feel good wearing even when in the same color families (blues, greens, teal/aqua) and capsule wardrobes combined with the Japanese Seasons currently work best for me. I think that’s a combination of weather changes and needing variety. Any given piece of clothing spans 4-10 of those 24 seasons, but it’s the changing layers and warmth factor that keep it working for me.
Now if I could just explain my organization system to my hubby we could avoid another situation where he brought me heavy weight turtlenecks so I would have clean clothes, in May, when I asked for long sleeve T’s. But he drove 4 hours round trip and they were clean, so I couldn’t complain. If that situation were to happen again, I would be better prepared now.
My go-bag also includes a blow-up pillow, because I haven’t found a comfy hospital chair yet.
You described perfectly how I am with colors. I’m so surprised sometimes that a top I’ve bought in a color I love doesn’t look as good on me as it does when I’m just looking at the color!
I hear you Liza! Had knee surgery twelve weeks ago my regular wardrobe wasn’t going to cut it and I needed easy to pull on clothing. I purchased wide legged yoga pants from Amazon which have been heavy lifters for me. The irony was I needed either very wide legs or leggings because of a brace. I created a small capsule of the two yoga pants in navy and black and two pairs of exercise leggings with pockets in the same colours. I had a few long sleeved tees and a few tunics to wear over the leggings. I was very happy with my little wardrobe which I set up on a rolling rack in my spare room where I was going to recuperate. It saved my husband having to choose my clothing from the ‘big’ closet and I was presentable for visits to doctors physio etc.
Aw yes my Dad passed in November at the laudable age of 98. Many days were spent in hospital at his side. While not required to stay overnight I can say that comfortable shoes were a godsend, those floors are hard. Headphones for the phone are helpful if you need to make calls as well as listening to music,the noise cancelling kind can be helpful if you are trying to nap, hospitals can be noisy places.
I have to laugh with you about the husband choosing the clothes! For my 1st knee surgery that was an emergency I of course had no time to prepare – I would describe EXACTLY what I wanted him to bring downstairs to me and instead he’d bring half a dozen or so tops since he didn’t know which one I meant. LOL – men! The next time the surgery was scheduled so I could prepare as you did with a rolling rack downstairs.
I was in the hospital recently and two things I asked for were ear plugs and an eye mask for sleeping. (The plugs may even come in handy for a visitor. I had a roommate who kept the TV on all the time.)
If you bring a phone charger you can plug it right into the wall.
I got the call that I knew would come one day – my brother was in the hospital. It was too late in the day to start the 8 hour drive, so we got some sleep. My awesome daughter-in-law said they would stay at our place and take care of the animals and garden, but I still had to get up and milk 3 goats and my husband took care of the chickens and greenhouse before we left. The point here being, I was able to pack clothes for an undetermined amount of time very quickly that morning and I was thinking of you and all you have taught me the whole time! I lived for 2 1/2 weeks out of one duffle bag for clothes and a second for toiletries and hair dryer, etc. and I was perfectly comfortable. I did have another boot box with my tall dress boots into which I put one skirt, two shirts and 2 sweaters – just in case , but those things weren’t needed. My brother was able to come home, but was very weak. I spent that 2 1/2 weeks cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. It turned out to be a special time for us that we will always treasure.
We can do amazing and blessed things when we don’t have to obsess about getting dressed. I’m so glad that you were able to be wonderful for your brother – it’s a blessing to him and to you!
hugs,
Janice
I love the everyday reality of the need for reliable, comfortable, plus presentable : ) clothes. And wishing you all the best getting through what you need to get through this next while, Janice, with as little stress as possible.
This post is very timely for me, as I just spent about a week in the hospital last month. For me, I find that having as little as possible with me to track/take care of is critical. All I really need is my phone. Not even a charger – did you know that the hospital beds now have USB charging built in?
I’m still off on medical leave, and have been wearing dresses constantly. I got myself a couple of identical cotton ribbed jersey sleeveless maxi dresses with built-in shelf bras, and that’s all I wear at home. Due to my condition, I can’t wear anything constricting around my middle for long, and that includes bras and underwear. Wearing “real clothes” instead of just pjs makes me feel much more like myself and appropriately dressed if someone comes to the door.
If I have to leave the house (appointments, etc.), I just wear either a short-sleeved or sleeveless jersey midi or maxi dress, slides, and the smallest cross-body bag I can get away with.
This was a terrific and thought-provoking article. I’m with you that my clothes for everyday, work, and “travel are the same clothes. I feel better if I like what I’m wearing, and though I enjoy clothes a lot, I enjoy feeling good more. Your basic items in the article are similar to what I would pick–only variations of them for my different body shape, coloring, etc. I love the feeling of layers, of two garments hanging from my shoulders and moving next to each other. Weird, maybe, but why not? Thin linen in summer, thicker knits and twills in winter, lots of all-season crossovers. I have lots of tops that can be worn under, or over, or alone. Recently I’ve been moving away from having a dark neutral–most of my clothes are neutrals but most are light in color–white, ivory, taupe. Medium denim color is my new dark. That said, I love accenting with saturated yellow, coral, almost any clear, bright color–mostly in tops or scarves. Oh, yes, I love scarves as much as you do, but in the summer they have to go on my head or my sunhats. I wear very few dresses or skirts or shorts–I like them but I’d rather be wearing pants and feeling the freedom and comfort of my legs in denims, knits, chinos, and linen/blends–all weights. I’m also moving toward mostly crew neck sleeveless tops, worn under thin to thick layers. I love jackets, but while I love the elegance of tailoring, I no longer wear anything very structured, looking instead for good cuts that lay and drape well. I have a ton of legacy things that don’t quite fit these principles, but they’re fun for variety, and I’m not buying any more. I love sleeping in my knits or poplins if they’re loose enough. That said, the one thing I do to feel like I’m able to face the world (even if I’m at home) is to always put on a bra. Even if I’m wearing PJs that day! Thanks for all you have taught me over the years!
Janice, I read that you have had an ill family member but I wasn’t following very closely, because I’ve also been in the hospital.
When my husband was dying of cancer, I had a “go” bag packed all the time. Actually, bags – one for him, one for me. Clothes, protein bars, paper/pencil, eye mask, earplugs, meds, toothbrush, toiletries. I always have my kindle with me and bring my phone too of course. AirPods for music are great too.
I bough a similar power bank but mine has three attachments – old iPhone, new iPhone/android usb and old USB. I don’t want to post the link but it was worth its weight in gold. We actually bought 3 – one in his go bag, one in mine and one in the car. I could be charged directly on its plug, so no extra plug needed. And could also charge things via a cord.
Since I’ve had two unexpected multi-day hospitalizations in three months, and because I now live alone, I have prepared a go bag. That way I can send my sister or family friend to pick it up and bring it to me or I can grab it on my way to the ambulance. I wasn’t able to grab it this week and regretted it.
Wishing you the best.
When I am on the taking someone to the Er, hospital, or any kid doctor appointment, caregiver end of things I rely on knit gray pants and “blazer” with a colorful tee. I want to look put together and responsible. I don’t want any bits to stick out no matter what position I have to contort to help. And if things go on all night I am comfortable to nap if I get a chance.