James Perse vintage sweatpants | size 2
James Perse tank top | few years old, older style
Zara sweater | year or so old
Admonish custom leather tote
Rag & Bone Quinn sandals
So. As I was going through my clothing to decide what to keep or get rid of (what’s for sale: clothing & bags) – and trying everything on in the process – I realized that I had largely abandoned what was once my uniform of cardigans and tank tops. Several years ago I specifically remember posting an outfit of a JP skirt, tank & cardigan proclaiming that it was what I wanted to live in. Forever.
Uh…dramatic, yes, but also true. Back then, I wore cardigans mostly as a way to cover myself up. I don’t need to do that so much now, but I still like the look of layering. No, actually, I LOVE TO LAYER. I did much more layering before we moved to Texas though; it’s really hot here.
Anyway, I pulled out some of the cardigans (a couple of T by Alexander Wang cardigans that I really love) I’d stashed away and haven’t worn for some time to remember to wear again. This Zara one I do wear quite a bit (I think I got it last year during their sale?), but it’s sort of itchy. I’d love to find a replacement for it that’s softer, more drapey and maybe a bit higher quality. But I’m not in a hurry.
Have you recently re-discovered something you used to enjoy wearing but don’t so much anymore? Or had forgotten about?
That’s something I’m really enjoying about this wardrobe purge: now I can get back to wearing the things I REALLY love, instead of the “new” stuff I acquired recently. Things I bought for some other reason…
I love layering too. I think it adds so much interest to an outfit. Doesn’t get better than grey/white/black, have been pinning versions of this from all over.
déjà pseu´s last blog post ..Food, Glorious Food
I love to layer with a cardigan – with a large chest, jackets are difficult to fit without expensive tailoring, and in my office, a cardigan is plenty formal enough. In the summer, I tend to get most of my color & interest from cardigans – floral, animal print, bright colors. With black or khaki pants & white or black tanks or shells. Of course, I wear the same 3-piece outfit in the winter but the under layer is more than a tank, and sometimes the cardigans are wool or cashmere 😉 I love the shape of that sweater on you, and I love it with those pants on you!
Grechen, you look great: casual and comfy. I’m another layering lady. I even layer in the summer with lightweight linens. I like your questions, they always make me think. I recently started wearing midi skirts again. Sure, they’re trendy now, but I’d forgotten how much fun they are. I had several stashed in the depths of my cluttered closet. My husband says that I walk differently when I wear them. (I hope that’s a compliment!)
thanks rjs! midi skirts will have to be something i admire on others i’m afraid. they just don’t work very well on me with my calves 🙁 i really like them though – i love how they move!!
I really rotate my clothing, so if I haven’t worn it .. it’s mostly like because it doesn’t fit well, look good, or bugs me in some way .. lol. So I never really discover any lost gems. I tend to wear the stuff I love over and over until it doesn’t look so good, then I’m off to find a similar gem 🙂
Monica.
MonicaP´s last blog post ..Fit and Flare Maxi dress for the pear shaped gal
hmm that’s a great question! i feel like i used to wear blazers ALL the time.. and then I didn’t like how I looked in them. now… I’m starting to wear them more often. like this weekend, i wore two blazers. out of nowhere. maybe it’s cold? but not cold enough for a real jacket? I don’t know.
but this outfit is really great on you! love the straight legs of the jeans. those are hard to pull off, and you’ve done so well, quite effortlessly too!
jennine´s last blog post ..What is The Outfit You Can Just “Throw On?”
I love the cardigan! This is a really easy relaxed look but the shape of the cardigan dresses it up just nicely. I am not sure I know how to dress without layering:) And yay for wearing the things we love. I really don’t care about how often I might repeat something, if it makes me happy I wear it.
Tees. I was completely off them and have done an about face. This is a great casual chic look!
thanks jaime!!
i’m beginning to feel that same way…don’t know why it’s taken me so long!!!
Me, too, RJS! I found the lack of what I consider “appropriate-length” skirts frustrating, since it seemed to go on for years! (I thank the starlets who were always going commando and obviously seeking the paparazzi “exiting the limo crotch shot” for the popularity of EXTREME short skirts! “Oops, I did it again!”;-) )
So, I for one, and being tall, am thrilled to see longer lengths.
Funny, but you and Jennine have very similar posts today, in theory, anyway. For me, the idea of the perfect three pieces that you can always count on is essential, whether it’s a cardi or a blazer. And it ALWAYS works! Plus, it’s fun because you can change up your accessories and really change the mood of those three pieces.
I haven’t dug into the furthest recesses of my closet, but I’m CERTAIN that I’m going to find duplicates. In fact, I almost clicked the “submit” button on a J Crew order yesterday only to think, “Wait, I’ve GOT to have grey and navy v-neck cotton sweaters in there somewhere!”
Progress?!?
yeah, well you know what they say about great minds… 😉
it’s true – i used to always layer, and wear at least three pieces, but moving to texas really changed that. and maybe laziness too…
and yes, that is progress! well done!!
😉 Well, obviously!
And take credit for your hard work to get that bangin’ bod for the impetus to wear fewer clothes!! No small accomplishment.
Val, I’m short but still love midis. I think that it’s all about proportion. But I sometimes envy you longer-legged ladies, and wouldn’t mind being a few inches taller. Especially, when it comes to crowded parades!