I only buy supersoft wovens that I don't have to iron and they never look truly crisp but I don't think Suz wears those.

tex, I do have a few sort of similar to that -- fluid button downs either in silk or rayon blend. But the colours I choose may mitigate the soft appearance. I often go for blue and white combos, and blue and white reads inherently crisp to me.

Suz, you are so right about the body type issue relating to comfort, and also about crisp wovens feeling "cooler" and more chilly in winter.

Suz, it's the challenge many face with their style (I talked about that with Ornella last year): achieving their aspirational look does not mesh with their lifestyle or climate. You can only take your style so far when you work from home, like to exercise daily, and have to stay warm. So you compromise - but you make the best of the compromise.

I'd say CA has about the best climate for fashion (not too hot, not too cold, and definitely not wet). And dressing up for the office each day allows you to wear a larger variety of outfits.

So I'm back to finding solutions - (which you were with the skirted leggings too of course) - you need to find jeans alternatives that are pants, but not dressy pants. And you are not at all limited to Preppy.

Thank you, Angie -- I think you are absolutely right. I am going to get to work on it. I'd already set myself a personal challenge to wear all my trousers in the next couple of weeks and see how that felt. I already ran into problems when two pairs felt too dressy for the situation I was going to be in. I am okay with changing my clothes once during the day, if need be, but there are times when that isn't possible.

It's a really interesting question. What do crisp people relax in? What is the relaxed version of crisp?

My first thought is sporty luxe. And then also linen, but that's hot weather wear. I think maybe asymmetrical hems might also be a good friend. You can get the sharp point in, even when the fabrication is soft and fuzzy. Janet's new dress I could see part of this capsule. I have a long shirt like it. Overall it's soft and warm, but it's got the pointy collar. I'd maybe add faux leather leggings and abuse the heck out of them

Suz, I just saw this thread and wanted to weigh in. I like the first pic in the original set of pics, but was not convinced it looked consistent with what I know to be your current style. I could however, see you head in that direction.

The second pair of skirted leggings, reminds me too much of athletic wear. I may have poison eye for this from way too many early mornings wearing them myself as I headed out the door for my marathon training. Skirt Sports brand were about the only bottoms I wore, and I loved them in all legging lengths, summer and winter. No chafing, they are comfortable for running, they swish around, and even after 26.2 miles you look somewhat put together, etc. They were also great for after the run jaunts to the local diner for big breakfasts with my running friends. However, I somehow still see them as athletic gear, especially when the length of the skirt gets short. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but the zipper in front reminds me of a reflective safety strip.