Wardrobe Audit: Part Two. Toppers

I cleaned out my wardrobe when I retired 5 years ago. I donated most of my work clothes except for a few pieces. I wanted something for the occasional teaching assignment and funerals. My life is very casual. Of course that can always change.

Blazers:
Full disclosure. I love blazers. I love how the structure of the blazer gives my upper body some oomph. And I just love them. I love blazers with jeans.
I rarely wear them these days.
Cooler weather blazers:
1/ Hugo Boss Brown Tweed Chanel Type Blazer
2/ David Bitton Warm Taupe/Mushroom Pinstripe Blazer
3/ Sandwich Olive Green Fleece Blazer with Zipper (I do wear this one)
Warmer weather blazers:
1/ Stills Cognac and Cream Linen Blazer
2/ Italian Green and White Striped Blazer

Leather or Suede Toppers:
1/ Brown Leather Espirit Jacket (mentioned in Outerwear). Blazer like.
2/ Cognac Suede Danier Jacket

Denim Jackets:
1/ Dark Denim Jacket

Cardigans:
1/ Brown button up cashmere cardigan (True Character)
2/ Brown zipper cashmere hoodie (Magaschoni)
3/ Cognac cotton Sarah Pacini waterfall cardigan
4/ Cream cotton Sarah Pacini waterfall cardigan
5/ Chartreuse cotton Jacob button up cardigan
6/ Camel cotton Jacob button up cardigan
7/ Dark green cotton Jacob button up cardigan
8/ Black cotton Jacob button up cardigan
9/ Black leopard print long Free People cardigan
10/ Olive Green Cotton Cropped cardigan with zipper
11/ Dark Olive Green Fleece zipper cardigan (Columbia)

Pullover Sweaters:
1/ Toffee and gold wool thick Woolrich Sweater
2/ Muted gold v neck cashmere sweater (Pringles)
3/ Ombre earth tones sweater
4/ Olive green mohair sweater (Sarah Pacini)
5/ Burgundy wool sweater (Pink Martini)

HEWI:

I would like another cardigan for winter. My preference is cashmere but that is not a necessity. The two cashmere cardigans I have are in great shape and are old (not saying how old because I am starting to realize that my wardrobe is vintage).

I had wanted a Smythe blazer forever but I really don't think it works in my real life.

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, I am with you in wanting a Smythe blazer but also with you in worrying that I might not wear it in my real life.

Why don't you wear the blazers, do you think? Are they not cozy enough for outings in winter?

I tend to wear my blazers when I'm out in the world; my sweaters at home.

My observations: Relative to me, you have a large cardigan capsule and a very small pullover capsule. (My numbers and pretty much the reverse except I have even fewer cardigans -- but a few more jackets).

UmmLila (Lisa)

What do you usually wear with your cardigans? (Like t-shirt, silk blouse?)

Oh -- that was going to be my question, too -- what do you wear underneath the cardigans.

Style Fan

Suz I think you have said what the reason is. Blazer are not cozy and winters are so cold. My Sandwich Blazer is fleece so I wear that. I did have my eye on the James Pearse Blazer that was an Angie pick at the NAS but I hesitated because of the price. Gulp.
I spend my days dog walking, doing Yoga, hanging out at home, doing more Yoga. We are contemplating a very long road trip so I don't think Smythe blazers would work when I was hiking in the Rockies.
In the cooler months I wear long sleeved T shirts underneath the cardigans. In the warmer months I wear a tank top or short sleeved T shirt.
I realized doing this that I have lots of cardigans. I tend to not wear pullovers. I like layers. On then off.

Anonymous

Your wardrobe seems perfect for your lifestyle. Cardigans can serve so many different purposes.

Knitted jackets that look like blazers and motos can be great in the winter. They could be sweatshirt fabric, boucle/tweed or a merino knit. I love blazers too but hate how they feel under coats. I'm also a big fan of cardigans but I usually wear some kind of print blouse under them.

Thanks Sterling. Yes cardigans are very versatile. UmmLila I think that is a big part of the problem with blazers. They feel so bulky under winter coats. I do like the ones that are made of sweatshirt material (like my Sandwich one). I was eyeing the one from James Pearse for that reason.
When I review tops I will discuss button up shirts. I have not had much luck with them. They are very hard to fit. T shirts are so much easier.

JAileen

Knits are so much more comfortable than woven items. Your cardigans sound very good for your life and also for your coloring, with olive, gold, and so on.

Something I love wearing are thin fleece 1/4 zip pullovers. They would definitely work while hiking the Rockies! I layer them when we're hiking or birding in winter.

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Yes I like the fleece zip pullovers JAileen. Good idea. I will look for one when we are in Montreal. There are quite a few outdoor stores near us and there should be a good selection.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

(ppppsssssttttt........ a pullover is a top, not a topper).

Wear your blazers instead of your cardigans AND when you walk the dogs before it gets too cold. Why not!

Ooops Angie! I will have to remember that. But I wear a top under my pullover. Pullovers will be moved to tops when I do that category.
Makes perfect sense to wear the blazers instead of the cardigans. I have been wearing the leather one. I will bring poor Hugo out. He feels neglected.

I think you should treat yourself to a really nice cardigan.
Overall, you'll enjoy it more than a beautiful blazer.

Bring out HUGO. Wooohoooo.

Smittie I have been looking for a really nice cardigan for a few years. I am starting to think that I am incredibly fussy but really earth tones have not been all that available until this year. I have been tempted by the leopard ones that are around but I don't do prints. So I will make a cardigan part of my shopping list.
Angie Hugo really wants to come out. He is very social. And loves attention.

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