Musing on Texture and Reader’s Style Questions
Happy Monday, ladies. As you know, I seldom wear color. I’ve always felt most like myself in neutrals, calm colors that repeat, and simple shapes. My homes have always been neutral too, but no one would call them boring. The interest comes from wood, linen, marble, a little velvet, old gilt frames, many antiques with a history, and several touches of leopard print. Nothing shouts, and there’s still plenty to look at.
A few weeks ago I found an embroidered jacket full of color and pattern, and I loved it so much I wore it three times in two weeks. I shared it on Saturday, and you were all so kind about it. When I wore it, I kept everything else simple…a cream tee, jeans, and sneakers. With that much pattern, I didn’t want anything more.
Then I went back to my neutrals and noticed I was doing the opposite. I started with my taupe pants and kept adding. A cream seersucker shirt with a white tee underneath. An oatmeal sweater tied over my shoulders. A brown suede belt, suede sneakers, and my vintage animal print bag, which I’ve had for about 36 years. All soft, quiet colors, but lots of texture, and I enjoyed wearing it more because of it. Pretty much how I decorate.
On Sunday I did it again. I was heading to a Little League game and needed to stay warm, so I wore a pale blue-gray sweater, an ivory quilted vest, dark knit denim, black sneakers, my black felt hat, and a burgundy tote. I layered for warmth, but I also liked how the ribbed knit, the quilting, and the wool felt hat looked together.
I’ve been thinking about what goes on in my head when I get dressed. With color and pattern, I keep everything else simple. With neutrals, I layer and mix textures. I don’t plan it. I start with one piece and keep going until it feels right.
When you wear neutrals, do you find yourself adding more texture or accessories, or do you like to keep the whole thing simple?
Readers Style Questions
Q – Do you have any resources for nice sweatpants that are full length (for me, that would be 31″)?
A – You didn’t mention whether you wanted a banded bottom or hem, so I found each. The regular inseam on these sweatpants is 31″, and the talls have a 34″. They’re beautiful quality and available in 9 colors. These classic joggers have a 31.5″ inseam in the tall. These great-looking Splendid sweatpants have a 31″ inseam and come in 3 colors. These by Zella also have a 31″ inseam.
Q – How can I tell if something really fits when I first try it on? I often think a purchase fits perfectly, only to realize later that the waist is too high or there’s too much room in the crotch. Is there a checklist for checking fit on my changing body?
A – I often order two sizes of the same item so I can compare the fit. Trying them on back to back makes it easier to spot where one pulls or the other has too much fabric.
When your order arrives, check the front, side, and back in a full-length mirror. Buttons shouldn’t strain, pockets should lie flat, and fabric shouldn’t pull across the bust, hips, or thighs. Look for unwanted fabric pooling under the arms or hanging below the crotch, too.
Then sit, bend, walk, and reach. The waistband shouldn’t dig in or slide down, and you shouldn’t need to keep tugging things into place. If the waist sits higher than you like or the crotch feels too long in both sizes, the cut may be the problem.
I’d also try it on again another day before removing the tags. The excitement of a new package can make us remarkably forgiving.
Q – I’m almost 73, 5’3”, and moved from San Francisco to South Carolina’s Lowcountry a few years ago. Adjusting to the heat, humidity, and bright puff-sleeved dresses has been a challenge. Do you have suggestions for classy retirement wear in a warm climate?
A – That’s a huge temperature change, especially with the humidity, which makes everything feel hotter. From your question, I’m guessing you prefer classic clothes and quieter colors, probably mostly neutrals. You can absolutely dress that way in a warm climate without wearing puff sleeves.
Tommy Bahama could be a great resource for you, and I suggest you start with their solid-colored linen pieces. These pants come in 4 great neutrals and have a polished, relaxed vibe. Instead of a blazer that would be warm, try this jacket or this jacket, both bestsellers in this community (and with me). They come out with new colors every season. These chinos are a great pant too.
Navy or taupe linen pants with a simple top and flat sandals are a good starting point. A collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up adds a little structure, and a simple shirtdress can look pulled together without much accessorizing.
Keep the colors you enjoy and look for lighter fabrics with enough room for air to circulate. Check the lining, too. A lovely cotton dress lined in polyester can turn into a disaster you will regret.
If you have any style questions, just hit reply to the email you received or put them in the comments.
Have a great day and be sure to wear what delights and makes you feel confident.