*updated to add photos from a quick recreation of the outfit, with a substitution of cropped bootcuts to show more burgundy bootie. I like how the scarf tempers the width of the sweater by creating vertical and diagonal lines *

Incorporating avant garde pieces is new to me this year, but I am really enjoying the impact of architectural pieces with interesting drape and like having one or two pieces in my wardrobe. I enjoy experimenting at COS and most items don't work at all -- but when it does, I find the piece brings a joyful and often playful element to my style when paired with current pieces.

I introduced my mom to COS this past weekend. No pieces caught her eye to try on, but we were both wowed by this orange/apricot sweater on me. My try-on also demonstrated how the supporting acts can make or break an outfit. I tried on the sweater with cropped bootcut jeans at the store and I loved how they balanced out the volume on top. At home I tried the sweater with skinny jeans and disliked the look on me as being unbalanced. If I had been wearing skinny jeans to shop in I probably would have disliked the sweater. I also learned that I should bring in apricot/peach shades ranging from light to dark in my wardrobe -- hard to find, but I love it with my complexion.

This week I wore it with full length bootcut jeans from WHBM, a scarf, and Burgundy suede booties. Unfortunately, I didn't get a WIW picture. It was more casual than my normal work outfit, but was acceptable because my meetings were limited to my work group. Also, being established means I have a bit more flexibility in my wardrobe. I wear jeans a lot more since I got tenured than before. 

I would love to see others avant garde items and hear how you are incorporating them into your wardrobe.