Monday Musings on Wardrobe Versatility
When I put together an outfit that rings all the bells for me, I often repeat it exactly the same way. My theory is that if it isn’t broken, I won’t try to fix it. I also love owning pieces that I can mix and match to create myriad outfits. In fact, I tend to live with a capsule wardrobe of sorts, which demands I restyle pieces in multiple ways.
ORGANIC LINEN TANK / SHOULDER BAG
I knew this skirt and jacket would be great additions to my wardrobe this spring because we have several upcoming trips, and I find black the perfect base for mixing and matching. I pulled this above outfit together for dinner at the Berkeley City Club last week and loved that each piece came out of my bag, unwrinkled and ready to wear.
Restyling
I’ve had quite a few requests to share ways to style and restyle what’s already in your wardrobe. This allows you to not only optimize your retail dollars but also own less, which can take the fatigue out of getting dressed in the morning. Building a versatile wardrobe is all about maximizing what you can wear with what you have.
Let’s look at options with one of my favorite wardrobe pieces…a denim jacket. I’m a big fan and always have been. A denim jacket is often the third layer I reach for to give my outfit a bit more interest. I wear them year-round except on the very hottest days. Here are just three ways to wear a denim jacket, and I’m sure you can think of many, many more.
Outfit #1
A denim jacket is perfect over a cotton tee-shirt dress with comfy sandals and a neutral bag. Denin goes with any and every color, which makes it very versatile. A white denim jacket would also work for this look and have a breezier look for summer.
Outfit #2
Double denim is easy to pull off when you vary the colors, like with this white denim skirt. Just add a colorful tee, comfy sneakers, and a lightweight bag. You can choose to tuck the tee or let it hang below the jacket which I do all the time.
Outfit #3
This shorts outfit looks slightly elevated with the addition of the denim jacket and low heel slides. I’ve paired it with a tee, but you could easily add a white shirt and belt for a completely different look.
More on Invisibility
A reader sent an article on invisibility over the weekend; thanks, Susan. What intrigued me most were the comments from older women. Many seemed very happy to wear the “Harry Potter cloak of invisibility” and feel liberated from the random, unwanted male attention they got when they were younger. They mention the serenity and freedom that comes with age and invisibility. No longer feeling the need to prove anything was also mentioned.
There was also mention of the importance of smiling and looking into people’s faces as a way to avoid it. Many expressed sadness at being overlooked in social situations and the sadness that it can cause.
The article was written by Akiko Busch, who wrote How To Disappear, Notes on Invisibility in a Time of Transparency. I am fascinated by this topic and wonder if any of you have read this book.
BTW- In case you missed it and shoes are a challenge for you, I republished my post on how to make your shoes more comfortable.
Have a great day, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I often hear about blogs but at 81 years young, I guess I am not “with it”. Is this a blog I’ve stumbled into? There are some interesting ideas and comments. My concern is – will I ever be able to locate this again?
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Love your columns, Jen. In addition to owning a denim jean jacket, I purchased a denim blazer a couple of years ago. It’s casual but gives a little more polish to an outfit, especially to wear to church or out to dinner.
I love those! A denim blazer is sooo versatile
Thank you for all your informative styling posts Jennifer. I’m 71 years old and want to be current but not too trendy. This past winter I edited my closet (the 80% dated/ rarely worn) and have been slowly replacing with more quality pieces. Before I actually make a purchase I ask myself how many times can I wear this article of clothing and could some pieces take me through more than one season. I look forward to more of your posts about creating different looks with the clothing a person already has.
Time for me to break out the Spring outfits (although it is not Spring weather just yet). Need to pick and choose what fits or works (whatever comes first!!) Thanks for the Mix and Match ideas.
I have a few jean jackets but they never seem to fit right. I’m going to start trying some on. I hate the thought of being invisible. I don’t dress for attention but I try to stay current and put together. A chic hair style always makes me feel good and a smile can go a long way. This is an interesting topic to me too.
Try a jean jacket without the bottom band. They fit quite differently.
I find the topic of “invisibility “ just fascinating! You could elaborate on that in so many directions. Count me in the group who doesn’t want to be cast to the sidelines. No, I don’t want to be a flashing neon sign either but I’ve come too far to be discarded. I feel there is an approachable style that gets noticed along with a quick smile. Maybe so much of it is in the details, fresh, clean, relevant…..
I’m fascinated by its nuances too. I think it’s a topic worth exploring because everyone had such a different take on it.
Love today’s post.
I need a makeover and about a thousand of dollars to try to get my clothes and accessories into my comfort level.
I’ve felt that invisibility is somewhat situational and under my control. If I wear something to get attention or if I’m very outgoing or make a lot of eye contact, I’m visible. So I rarely think about it. With one exception:
Whenever I see photos of an event I attended – there are never any photos of me. Candid shots in school yearbooks, work gatherings, social events – even the photographers I paid for at family weddings and celebrations(!) – never a photo of me (except the posed ones).
There’s something a little sad anboot that. But I always said that if ever I was involved in a scandal, the National Enquirer won’t be able to find any embarrassing shots of me!
That’s fascinating about the photographers you’ve hired! You’d think they would be more aware! One lady commented that she could walk out of Target carrying a TV and not be seen!
I have been thinking a bit about invisibility since you raised the topic and am not sure if it is really an age thing. I think people are very tribal, especially in social situations and are generally not interested in meeting new people unless they are rich or well known. I remember being in my 30s, my sister hosted a toga party at the Pax River Naval base. All the guests were military pilots (as was my husband), yet after being introduced to them, not one of them spoke to me afterwards. Same with the military wives at morning teas etc. Same with living on a compound in Saudi Arabia – even at social events, people only spoke to those they knew from their previous life. Same with the neighbours in my street. Us oldies speak and chat to each other, but the 40s something simply walk past as if you are not there and then go hide behind their electric gates. I bet a female CEO or politician would not be ‘invisible’ anywhere, anytime. Sorry to write such an extended reply.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. That is fascinating
Happy Monday Jennifer, great way to start off my week with your inspirational recommendations.🥰
Happy Monday Pat
Good morning Jennifer, I love your posts and start my day with you. Have you heard of an app called Stylebook? You can get it for a one-time fee of $4.99. You take pictures of your clothes and then the app will create potential outfits for you. It says it also helps with packing list for travel. I’m hoping it will help me see more mixing and matching possibilities with my wardrobe.
I haven’t heard of it but it sounds like a great idea, if it works.
There’s a free app for this, called Indyx. I catalogue my items before I wear them, so that this task isn’t overwhelming. I make my own combinations and track my outfits, plus log cost per wear on newer items. Recommend!
Thank you MJ!
I love the Stylebook app and use it to help me pack for trips. I also use it to put together possible outfits I could wear while traveling. It takes the guesswork out of thinking what I’m going to wear each day, and saves time when leaving early in the morning to explore and sightsee.
Thank you for the inspiration! Taking pictures of all my clothes is a bit daunting.