December 13, 2019
Let’s jump in and see the good, the bad, and the just plain misjudged from this year’s wardrobes!
First up – I’m really happy that I chose this scarf. The color palette is delectable, and the clothes were reasonably easy to find. When tied, this scarf would probably look really interesting. All in all, I’m giving myself a pat on the back for this choice!
scarf – Hermes
2 concerns from the first 4 months:
- multiple shades of blue aren’t the best possible option – for example, the February scarf can’t be worn with the January, nor the March sweaters. It’s not a huge issue, but if you’re really working toward the smallest possible wardrobe, looking for a consistent accent color in the early stages would be helpful.
- That February handbag is SO GREAT. It’s also the only bag this heroine has, so far. Maybe I could have started with something a bit more versatile.
SO! First lessons:
- Decide how much you want everything to match among your accent colors, and
- Don’t go nuts with fun accessories until you have a solid core of the essentials.
The outfit for June is great, but also nuts! This is NOT the most versatile dress possible; maybe you don’t need a versatile dress? And your only tote bag shouldn’t be bright blue, unless you’re completely comfortable with that!
Lessons?
- Choose a color for your leather goods (and bags that might be made of something else) and be faithful to that color until your core wardrobe of accessories is solid, and
- If you’re not going to have a lot of dresses in your wardrobe, buy a neutral, versatile dress. UNLESS you have whappage for something that’s off the beaten track; if you’ll wear it to pieces for months, indulge.
The only thing I would reconsider from these 4 months is September’s flannel shirt – I hadn’t realized at the time that it’s fleece lined! This shirt would be wonderfully warm, but isn’t something that you can layer under a sweater. Reading the fine print when buying something online is always good…
Overall, I think this looks great! The varying shades of blue are echoed in the scarf, but unless you’d be willing to wear aqua and cobalt together, it’s still a “versatility-limiting” choice.
That said, no wardrobe has to be 100% perfectly versatile! This isn’t a science project – it’s real life, and sometimes you’ll have clothes that clash. There ARE NO fashion police…
When you assemble a wardrobe outfit-by-outfit, it’s almost impossible to end up with a bad ration of garments! Unlike those of us who tend to buy lots of sweaters, and never have enough pairs of pants…
Why these 5 pieces?
- This heroine’s only black cardigan is summer-weight, and doesn’t fasten. This cashmere cardigan covers her – literally – on both of those bases;
- The hoodie? I think most of us can have one of these hanging near the front door and pull it on pretty often; I know literally ONE woman who would never wear one! Plus it’s a nice dash of cobalt to accent black and white outfits!
- This heroine had no jeans! Have to fix that, right?
- The white turtleneck came to mind because it’s bitterly cold here right now, and I was offering it to our heroine to layer under sweaters. A warm neck is nice!
- The black dress solves that “the only summer dress I have is STRIPED!” question. With something over it, this is a 12 month dress, perfect for anything serious, or fun, depending on accessories.
Black cashmere cardigan – Lands’ End; cobalt hooded sweatshirt – Lands’ End; black jeans – Lands’ End; white cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; ponte knit dress – Lands’ End
I love ALL OF THIS. I would run for the hills with this stash and be happy as a clam… (clams in the hills – what a mixed metaphor THAT is…)
That said, I have ideas…
- A warm headband, for those days when a beret is just TOO much. Plus, the beret doesn’t cover your ears…
- Simple stud earrings; the only pair that our heroine currently has have rhinestones. Maybe something a touch more timeless and relaxed is in order.
- Sunglasses! EVERYBODY needs sunglasses. It’s as much self-care as fashion.
- A neutral tote bag. You might think that you’re not a tote-bag person, but for those days when you have to carry books, or lunch, or a pair of shoes, this looks so much nicer than a grocery bag.
- ACCENT SOCKS. Don’t buy painfully cheap ones, but do keep your eyes open for them. They’re a small, cheerful indulgence…
cashmere headband – Halogen; gold knot earrings – Lord & Taylor; sunglasses – Michael Kors; tote – Sole Society; socks – Falke
Adding in 5 new garments to this wardrobe really ramps up our heroine’s options – everything from the strictest office to a relaxed day with family.
Ahhh…. This lovely scarf. I am really happy with this choice too!
I do want to take time to thank everybody who participated in the discussion about if this scarf culturally appropriated tribal motifs. It’s a fine line to walk, and I am happy that we could all discuss the subject without rancor and bitterness.
WHAT COLORS! I love these…
Big big big lesson here –
- Don’t buy a jumpsuit, no matter HOW cool, unless you’re prepared to wear it often. This one worked out well, but it could have been a different story with a different garment.
Here again, I went a little bit crazy in June! Both the dress and the tote are delectable, but far from versatile… If that’s your choice, run with it, but if you’re really trying to limit purchases and wear what you buy as much as possible, a more simple navy dress (and bag!) would have been a better choice.
I can’t believe it. I don’t think I would change a thing here!
I haven’t worn navy since the ’80s, but I could grab a suitcase with this in it (okay, a really big suitcase!) and travel for a long, long time…
Here’s where that jumpsuit feels odd; this heroine just simply doesn’t have a simple dress to wear for memorial services, meetings with her attorney, etc. Some women would be fine without – you have to decide what you need for your own mental and physical comfort, and plan accordingly!
So why these additions?
- The shirtdress, because I thought it was cool. It is solid navy, but has a texture stitched into it. A classic design with just a little bit of interest is always going to catch my eye!
- The striped shirt, and the striped tee shirt, I chose because I thought that this wardrobe could use some pattern or print to jazz up the solid navy. Note that both of these, and the dotted sweater, are all from the same place; if you see something that appeals, it is worth your time to look around a bit to see if it’s a “thing” with them. Right now, Banana Republic is really working with the idea of navy prints and patterns!
- The dotted sweater appealed because of both the pattern and the versatility of it. I would wear this with the dotted skirt in a heartbeat…
- And the last dress will answer that “perfectly neutral dress” issue through until spring. (at which time you pull your your cool shirtdress…)
shirtdress – Donna Karan; striped shirt – Banana Republic; striped tee – Banana Republic; dotted sweater – Banana Republic; ponte knit dress – Lands’ End
I love accessories… These, again, look so appealing to me…
But I thought of a few things that might be useful!
- Sunglasses! I can’t emphasizes this one enough…
- Accent socks – ditto!
- A purple brooch. This serves no practical purpose, but it’s terribly cool, and it’s purple.
- The tote bag – these Longchamp bags are light, sturdy, and classic. Highly recommended; I have 1 that is at least 15 years old…
- Another scarf, because I thought that this wardrobe didn’t seem to have as many scarves as I expected to see. This could just be me! But imagine how this scarf will brighten up a simple navy and white outfit.
sunglasses – Kate Spade New York; socks – Ozone; purple brooch – Alexis Bittar; tote – Longchamp; scarf – The Met Store
As before, the new garments open up lots of doors… I didn’t accessorize these, because I’m leaving that to your imagination…
Whew! I’m going to do all six of the original wardrobes, over the next couple of weeks. I’ve learned a couple of things already, and I can see a few things I will do differently next year.
Speaking of which, I need your opinion. What if, instead of Hermes scarves, I use scarves from Aspinal of London for next year’s wardrobes? Let me know what you think, so that I can start wrestling with my choices for next year!
love,
Janice
p.s. The previous posts where each of these outfits can be found here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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My only change to both would have been the addition of at least one or more white or accent colored bottom. The only non-dark bottom in each is a single pair of white shorts. It’s perhaps because I live in a warm climate, but I’d find wearing a dark bottom everyday not only limiting but also physically and mentally too heavy. A pair of white capri pants or a skirt in one of the accent colors would give me more flexibility.
Wow, loved this post! Both wardrobes are gorgeous, and I love the way you can build an entire one from the chosen scarf. I agree with the previous comment about white pants for those of us in the South, where the warm months go ON and ON. That’s pretty much what I wear all summer. I’m not familiar with the Aspinal scarves, but think the concept could work with any line of scarves.
Ou yes! Please go for the other scarfs! They look fantastic!
I wouldn’t think that Aspinal have enough variety in their scarves. Also, just a small warning: I bought one from their website and the real item looked nothing like the image (I know that Hermès do this too, but they are on another level). The real Aspinal scarf was dull, dingy and drab. The material was awful also, whereas the image on their site was lovely. I have another scarf from them which is fine, so I am not against them as a company.
Love these “wardrobes” by the way x
I ordered a scarf from Aspinal – I think that’s going to help me decide. While I think that they images are lovely, if the scarves aren’t really excellent, I will stick with Hermes…
So many things to consider!
hugs,
Janice
Oh Janice, this is a delightful exercise! On the question you posed regarding scarf source, whatever line sparks your creativity is the way to go. I have learned so much from these gifts you share- thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been able to walk thru stores bursting with choices and walked right by colors that aren’t in my plan without heartbreak, even the deeply discounted racks that called my name loudly and persistently. I could even resist my husband’s suggestion to try things on when we went shopping, confident I had enough of certain categories. I am NOT a minimalist by any stretch but do need to cloth myself in a reasonable way for work or shopping, etc. I still have some holes to fill here and there but I am very happy every morning when I open my closet. I have caught myself humming some days, asking if it should be a navy week or a gray week. Oh the options! The freedom! I wouldn’t be here without your delightful posts, so thanks again. And with two daughters graduating college over the next year I know this legacy will be passed along. Best wishes for a warm holiday season and all health in the New Year.
Aspinal scarves are gorgeous and a more affordable option than Hermes.
vikki,
My sentiments, exactly !
Yes please, please the lion and peacock scarf! Tell the Aspinal people to have enough on stock.
Best wishes, you are genius Janice, a kind of van Gogh of wardrobes ?.
Anne
I really like both of these wardrobes. The purple and navy speaks to my purple-loving heart – throw in some silvery-grey and I’m in heaven! I agree about sunglasses, they are very much a necessity – all year, even on cloudy days. (polarized, to cut the glare) My prescription Maui Jim’s were the best purchase I made last year.
As for Aspinal of London vs Hermes – Living in a warm-to-hot to I’m-certain-we’ve-been-annexed-by-Hell climate, scarves are rare in my wardrobe. Therefore, the former is less intimidating to me! Would you consider three from each? And that “Guard Girls” print scarf on Orchard Mile’s site…I might give up my love for navy/violet/silver-grey and suffer in my climate to own that scarf!
This was my favourite scarf and wardrobe colourway. I agree with Gina that some silver grey would have varied the options. Perhaps a grey bottom, silver grey cardigan or jumper or a grey dress? I would also probably have chosen a striped shirt in lilac and white.
My choice of Aspinal scarves would be: Lion and Peacock in teal and navy; the floral Ombre silk scarf in Midnight Blue; and the Pegasus silk scarf in Midnight Blue.
I dont have the budget for Hermes or Aspinal scarves but your inspirational wardrobe ideas allow me to find scarves in similar colours.
Thanks Janice – I’m looking forward next years posts already.
These scarves look lovely. Yes I think they would be great for next year. The peacock one is fantastic. Look forward to your blogs.
Hi Janice – I’m not familiar with the Aspinal brand, but I like their prices! I say go for it. (And…can I please, pretty pretty please, PLEASE… :-) …. put in a request for this one? https://orchardmile.com/aspinal-of-london/robin-silk-twill-scarf-in-teal-aola3656119?color=teal%20pure%20silk (Robin silk scarf in teal). It hits all the “warm” buttons: teal, brown, ivory, olive. Gorgeous! Thanks for all you do!
I second the request for that particular scarf! It’s a beauty.
I absolutely agree! And they are much more affordable!
I love this scarf as well. I would be really happy if you used the Aspinal scarves Janice.
I find it interesting that most of the things that you add to balance the wardrobes are more “basic” items. I wonder if some thoughts of your “starting from scratch” wardrobe plan could help inform your choices for next year, so that you end out your year with basic pants, shoes, badges etc already in the wardrobes? Although I do admit to being partial to that blue handbag, and would happily use it all the time!
“bags” – honestly, that auto-correct, grrr!
I like the Aspinal scarves (especially the floral A design—a retailer finally gets a logo print right); do they stay in stock, though? I’m famous for discovering I want something only after I’ve seen you manipulate it for three, four or six months, at which time it is inevitably sold out. Also, I’d like to respectfully disagree with you about the bright blue tote; I think accessories in your accent color may get more use than clothing pieces. A bright tote every day can be seen as a “signature”; a bright dress on repeat becomes “really, she’s wearing that again?” YMMV, of course—I went to one of those schools (all mean girls, no school uniforms), and it may have colored my expectations. I have a bright red leather tote, Franklin Covey or something equally non-designer, that I use to lift all kinds of black and white outfits, so I practice what I preach. (Also red loafers, but that’s another subject entirely.)
That blue tote bag is gorgeous and one of the most memorable pieces from the whole year for me. Love it!
Love the Aspinal of London scarves. More beautiful, if possible, than the Hermes. I can’t wait to see which ones you choose. Although…it may induce me to have to buy one.
I like the Aspinal scarves. If you are asking for specifics we’d like to see – the Aspinal Signature Shield Silk Scarf in Bordeaux. Mostly because I already have the “wine” color and pink/blush in my wardrobe. :-) I never thought of adding a turquoise or that color green. I use navy and kind of an army green now.
The Aspinal scarves are lovely too. I wouldn’t mind at all seeing them used for this exercise.
Oh, seeing some of the other comments here reminded me of a thought. Besides picking an inspirational scarf for each of your six heroines, maybe each could also have a locale? Which would determine a climate. Maybe randomly pick a climate for each scarf?
That’s certainly an interesting idea!
I really love this idea! I’m sure a lot of your readers live in warmer climates. It is 80° outside as I write and even though I may admire lovely winter clothes, most of them are not sensible additions to my closet.
I just purchased a Robin scarf from Aspinal. So lovely, so vibrant, I’m so in love!
Yes, to Aspinal scarfs.
And please, for next year several options for those of us who cannot wear black and white.
Worst colors in the world for me.
Thanks
Love the blog.
Wow, these analyses are fascinating! I wish I could have you here when I review my wardrobe. I’m going to try to apply your thinking at my next three-month review, it’s so practical. I’m happy with whatever inspires you for next year. I’d ask for just one set that uses pale/pastel accent colours and low-contrast prints, hoping there are other readers with similar colour preferences. Thanks for this thought-provoking post, I’m looking forward to the next ones in coming weeks. So much to learn from you!
I agree! I need to wear medium color, lower contrast prints as well. Black and white do not exist in my wardrobe for good reason.
The Aspinal scarves are lovely and this series would work well with any scarves that spark your creativity. I personally love both of the Pegasus Constellation scarves but would have to choose one with more color if I were basing my entire wardrobe off of it.
The posts where you analyze a wardrobe are always among my favorites. I can see the need for a wardrobe made of mostly versatile pieces but please be sure to include at least a few items of clothing or accessories just for fun or whappage. I would hate to own a wardrobe made of just basics and it’s great to see how a piece that shows more personality can be incorporated into a well-planned wardrobe.
If I was personalizing these wardrobes to me, I’d go a different direction then the first two commenters. I live in the south but never wear solid white on my bottom half. I’d switch out the white shorts for a skirt in the accent color and probably one of the dark solid pairs of pants for something lightweight with texture or a subtle print.
I’m with you Lucinda- I do not wear white on the bottom ;-) But the concept of the wardrobe overall is easy enough to adjust – and black/white/blue is a great palette for me!
I might be that one woman who won’t wear a hoody – never have, never will. I HATE the feel of it pulling behind my neck, I hate anything that pulls on my neck, and the older I get, the less I like things on my neck at all. Full zip fleece jackets are my casual warmth layer equivalent, I guess ;-)
That’s a very reasonable substitute – I like fleece a lot in the coldest weather!
hugs,
Janice
Kelly, I’m another who hates hoodies. I just dislike the look of them. I wear a scarf and a beret if I need warmth.
I’ve never owned an Aspinal scarf, but Janice, I think you should please yourself. The lessons you teach will still apply.
I agree, so I don’t wear scarves either. Perhaps a wardrobe using a necklace as inspiration would be great as one of the options next year. Whatever Janice does will be stellar, as always!!
Oh, I agree about them being easy to adjust. That’s the real beauty of Janice’s wardrobes and entire website. She’s demonstrating how to put wardrobes together. If you’ve been here any length of time at all you usually have a very good idea of what to change to make any of the wardrobes to better fit your lifestyle, coloring, and personal taste while keeping the wardrobe small, versatile, and pulled together. And while she makes it easy to learn the basics quickly there’s always new inspiration and new things to learn in an enjoyable way so most of us keep coming back.
I tend to avoid clothing that has hoods, unless the hood is clearly functional and I might see myself wearing it, ie, on a raincoat. That being said, I do have a couple of zip hooded sweatshirts and a cashmere hoodie sweater that I found for a song at Marshalls and enjoy its warmth and relaxed vibe. – nancyo
It’s important to have whappage pieces – that’s what really shows your preferences and taste. But I know so many women who have LOTS of those sorts of things, at the expense of having the core neutrals that give you the base to wear the outstanding stuff! That’s an error that I seem to have made in these wardrobe when it comes to dresses – I see something that blows my hair back, and then the wardrobe has an odd-ball piece (a great odd-ball piece, admittedly!) to work around.
All wardrobes are a work in process. Patience, self-forgiveness and a sense of humor are all important!
hugs,
Janice
Love the Robin Silk scarf fro Aspinal. I have been wanting to buy it but would love to see how it works in a wardrobe! Merry Christmas and thanks for all that you give to us throughout the year!
I find the silk printing of Hermès exceptional and if the price is daunting, look to the resale market, from a trusted vendor.
I’m glad that the discussion about any inadvertent cultural appropriation re: Appaloosa des Steppes scarf was discussed sensitively & without rancor, but I was surprised that I didn’t see any comments about appropriating the Appaloosa horse of the Nez Perce tribe. Or it’s possible that if there were comments about that, I may have missed them? As a non-tribal member living on a Native American reservation for 33 years & counting, I’ve seen varying responses to the use of Native American motifs. I live on a different Pacific Northwest reservation than the New Perce, so I don’t know what Nez Perce tribal members might think of the scarf, but I’d be interested to know.
Oops–Nez Perce, not New Perce, silly autocorrect!
Janice,
Scarves: Much as I love Hermes, I vote for Aspinal scarves. They have a different overall treatment from Hermes, which will inform your selections, and they’re in a more reasonable price range. (PS — if you got a commission for every scarf I’ve bought from your selections, you’d be rich. ;) )
Hoodies: Here’s your Number Two person who NEVER wears them. But then, I’m a frumpy grandma from River Forest and you of all people know what that means.
Appaloosas: Before I was a frumpy grandma, I grew up in Idaho. Appaloosas were so common they were the state horse. But, then again, that was the 60s-70s-80s and cultural awareness was limited, so maybe we should have made the connection to the Nez Perce back then. On the other hand, we all respected the Nez Perce for being legendary fighters and winners.
Thank you for your fine eye and insights into wardrobes!
If you go with the Aspinal scarves, I’d like to see the Lion and Key scarf. I can’t help myself; I love a neutral wardrobe!
Masterful post, and the comments are incredible- what a brilliant following you have! I am the other woman who won’t wear a hoodie. And your use of the word “wappage” guarantees we would be friend in real life?.
I love hoodies and have a few in my wardrobe. I live in northern Alberta ?? and the hoodie keeps my neck warm. Thanks Janice for bringing them into the wardrobes.
I love both these wardrobes. The colors work well with my red hair and blue eyes. One item I notice you don’t include that often is a dressy blouse or top that would make the skirts more versatile. It may just be me but I find button down shirts both casual and problematic for the larger busted. Blouse gap isn’t always fixable with Magic tape. I also live in a warmer climate; a blouse plus jacket or cardigan is great as the day warms up.
Oh, the HOODIE! I love all of mine. When I put one on, and fluff the hood around my shoulders, it is like putting on an extra smile. I do live in a casual university town in a casual state–California, so I am sure that has something to do with feeling appropriate in hoodies. Thanks, Janice, for including the hoodie in your previous post — the fellow who styled his with a colorful scarf. And bringing one into this wardrobe. According to a New York Times article, there is an exhibit called “The Hoodie” at the Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Very interesting comments. And, finally, thank you for this very complex and thought provoking post. You knocked it out of the park.
Oh Janice,
You always surpass yourself! Fascinating lessons!
And by saying “Unlike those of us who tend to buy lots of sweaters, and never have enough pairs of pants”, you were not looking at me, were you??
I really enjoyed this look at both wardrobes. Love the first one. Love the colors of the second, though the garments are definitely not my style – a fun exercise is to imagine both color schemes switched!
Thanks again for these. I am in the process of a sea-change in my wardrobe from elementary teacher/ sahm to grown up professional. Your straight forward approach and careful analysis are both inspiring and tremendously helpful, thank you! I haven’t the budget for Aspinal or Hermes. Aesthetically, I like the Hermes a bit better. However, one interesting thing for the Aspinal scarves is that they are available in several colourways. It might give you a chance to explore the ways in which colour and texture interact? I.e. offer the same outfit in a few different colour combinations with each scarf, exploring how the scarf’s design is shaping the choice of outfit/accessory….
This has been a great series, so looking forward to the 2020 version! And I had never heard of Aspinal before this but they have some very pretty designs and the price points are much closer to my comfort level.
A big YES to the new scarf label…..absolutely beautiful :)
Regarding wearing multiple blues: I’m all for it! If done with confidence and purpose, it doesn’t have to look like a mistake, and it can really add depth to the color story. I love how similar but not matching colors sort of vibrate off each other…
Yes, I was coming here to say I would totally wear the scarf with the other blue tops! They look to me like very similar hues, just different in saturation.
I love the Aspinal scarves. They have a number of interesting themes and colours plus they are more affordable than Hermes. I’ve never touched either Aspinal or Hermes but I hope the Aspinal ones are the good rich feeling silks that fall like liquid and have that gorgeous sheen.