Building blocks?

Tamara

I'm just starting to build a wardrobe that suits my style (natural and unfussy), lifestyle (WAHM), desire to shop (nonexistent), body type (tall, plus, busty hour-glass), and preferred color palate (neutrals). I've been trying to get a good sense of the basic building blocks I should start with for fall. My goal is to be able to have enough outfits to get through a week, feeling polished, comfortable, and knowing that my clothing flatters me. Also, I live in a very old, drafty house, so fall and winter clothing has to be quite warm.

This is what I have so far for fall, both in my closet, ordered (*), and on my shopping list (**). I'll take pics for styling when it's a little more complete. Can you please help me flesh it out? What major gaps do you see?

Grey cowl-neck tunic
Pin-tucked pinkish plaid flannel shirt
Brown, long ruffle-edged cardigan
Dark teal "sassy" sweatshirt (thanks for the idea, Angie!)*
Boxy hip-length grey sweater with wide ribbed cuffs and hem*
Black and teal tanks for layering
White t-shirt for layering**
2 Blue men's-style button-up shirts (actually purchased for uniform, but they could work with boyfriend jeans?)*

Large square light wool scarf, muted dark colors (teal, wine, brown)
Long silk Japanese scarf in tan, cream, and black (not sure how to wear this)
[Big gap here: I have very few accessories of any kind. Suggestions for type? Bags, jewelry, etc.?]

Dark wash boot-cut jeans
Lighter wash boot or straight jeans**
Boyfriend jeans**
Dark plum narrow-wale cords, straight legs*
Black full length leggings**
Black knit boot-leg pants (not great for wearing at home; collects dog and cat hair)
Black knit wide-leg pants (same as above)

Dark grey sport jacket, water resistant, sort of moto, fitted (can't wear over a sweater)
[Other gap: Jacket/coat suggestions? I have some gear-type jackets, but nothing else.]

Black maryjane slides, woven
Black patent loafers, with a quilty pattern
Grey and orange running shoes (actually used for running, but pretty cute)
Grey ballet flats**
Brown leather oxfords**
A low weather-resistant boot**

Thanks so much in advance for your help. I'll be out much of the day today, so please don't think I'm posting and running if I can't respond right away. I'll look forward to reading any suggestions this evening.

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

(website)

Veteran

What I notice is no dresses or skirts, firstly. Is this a conscious choice? Also, I see mostly black with just one brown shoe and one brown sweater. Sometimes choosing to wear only one of these neutrals helps all your stuff mix and match better.
I totally agree with another jacket - maybe a cotton twill or other easily launderable kind for your MOTG lifestyle? EDIT: this can run the gamut from utility jacket to blazer depending on your style http://www.shopstyle.com/brows.....p7#146_116
I might add a few more shirts. They get laundered the most and seem to wear out faster than pants or jackets, etc. I'd have more of a 2:1 ratio of tops to bottoms ideally.
Accessories I'm bad with, too. A pendant necklace, watch or cuff bracelet, and maybe a hat since you mention bundling up, sound good. Belts are a new world for me and I'm loving them. Maybe try one or two.
Good luck!!

Ooh, and I just got plum cords I love from Nordie's Annual Sale last month. They are skinnies but not super tight at the ankle. But size up! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr....._(sangria):392814&cm_pla=bottoms:women:pant&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:ad=21209805833&mr:adType=pla&mr:keyword={keyword}&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=23989CCB-9ACB-E111-8EBE-90E2BA0278A8&origin=pla

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Definitely a bag. How old are your kids? I find a cross-body style leaves hands more free. But if your kids are younger you might be carrying stuff for them in your bag, in which case a bigger shoulder bag or tote might be wiser.

I agree with Mo that you might want more options for tops, particularly if you need to layer. In that case, perhaps more layering Ts.

I am a WAHM also but I couldn't exist without my jackets (blazers). True, they have become something of a signature of my personal style - but I find they take jeans outfits up a notch automatically. So when I go out, I just add a jacket and accessories and I am set.

What colour is your hair? It can be a nice idea to bookend footwear and hair.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Would you entertain me on an exercise? I know you might not be able to post pictures yet, but can you post for us links to outfits that attract you? I would love to see "your inspiration pics" before I comment. It can be one or two. I just would love to see an idea.

13 years ago

Krista

Veteran

I would say you have a great capsule here - lots of variety to mix and match and your list of things to buy will definitely complete it.

As for your jackets, I would say trying on your gear type jackets with some scarves to jazz them up, for now. This will give you some ideas to fall back on while you're looking for coats/jackets to wear. For me, outerwear is dependent on the weather in my part of the world. We experience all four seasons, so my coats/jackets are chosen based on that. Basically, for each season, I aim for a casual/short jacket to wear with jeans and a longer/dressier coat to wear with my work clothes - this is my minimum requirement. So for winter, I usually have a shorter, trendy type ski jacket for casual wear and I have two wool coats (one to just above the knee and one to mid-calf) to wear over smart casual or work clothes. I am not a trendy person when it comes to coats because our winter season is so cold - I have to buy good quality that will last me for a few years and they are usually expensive, so I go with the classic styles that will last.

Hope this helps! I look forward to seeing the photos!

13 years ago

Tamara

Member

You guys are so great. I'll answer some of the questions real quick here before I head out for the day:

1. I have dark brown hair, cut short , and blue eyes. I also wear glasses, if that matters. They're pretty modern and rectangular.

2. I don't have any quick links to what I like, but I'll look for some when I get back. I do like Eddie Bauer stuff. A good celebrity inspiration would probably be Jennifer Aniston. Very casual, but looks put together.

3. I live in NC, so our cold season isn't too long and isn't too bitingly cold. Super-warm coats aren't needed. A fleece jacket is often all I need outside.

4. Re: bags. I have three kids - 6, 8 and 15. I spend more time than I'd like at the children's museum holding children's coats and shoes. I also like to bring one big shopper with me when I'm running errands, so I can just tuck things in there, rather than end up with tons of tiny little bags. I have one tote that fits that description (north African, brown leather and kalim rug fabric), but I'm not sure what it goes with.

Gotta run to rehearsal, but I'll check back after dinner. Thanks again!!!

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

In addition to what others have said, I'm noticing the lack of boots (always my personal obsession!). Do you not wear or need them? Ankle boots? Knee-highs? If you wear skirts or dresses, boots can be a fun addition to that capsule.

13 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

Long time since I've been a SAHM, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

I 'm assuming the colours you have are the ones that flatter you and that you enjoy wearing.

1. If black is your neutral but your black knit pants collect pet hair, I'd try a pair of black jeans (I know blue or bright colours are trendier now, but these would give you the most mileage).

2. What about a sleeveless denim jacket /vest to layer over your stuff for extra warmth? I'm picturing grey, but whatever catches your fancy. A mom can always use those extra pockets.

3. Look at your print accessories as inspiration for pulling together a capsule. For example, you could wear the square scarf with your wine cords or your teal top, and all the rest neutrals. Learn to tie your scarves a ton of ways, you can add the Jen effortless cool to jeans and a T. I'd love to see a pic of your North African tote, if those colours work as a capsule then all your outfits will look intentional.

4. I've noticed a dearth of tops, especially if you plan to layer a lot. What do you layer - invisibly, like a T shirt under a tunic? A shirt under a sweater? For me, I can't get enough plain long sleeved crewneck black T's -they go over or under everything

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

What occurs to me first is knit tops that are not just layering pieces - stuff a little dressier than a plain tee, with some detailing or in a nicer knit fabric, so that you'd wear them alone with jeans or ponte pants etc. If you're in NC you probably don't have to do mega layering in the winter so a 3/4 sleeve knit top could be worn a lot of the year.

Do you like skirts? Knit skirts and/or dresses, if you can find ones that fit, are super comfy and a bit more done to many people's eye than jeans and a top. For plus-size I'd say Lands' End has a bunch, so does Athleta although their plus range isn't as big, plus places like Target.

13 years ago

Tamara

Member

I'm back. Thanks for bearing with me.

I see some recurring themes.

Skirts: I do have a couple of skirts, but to be honest, I prefer pants when it's cold or I'm at home. I'm very much a tomboy and it's just not an everyday choice for me. I have a black a-line skirt (shocking, I know) that I pull out when I have a dressier event to attend. Usually, just once or twice a year. When I'm planning for spring and summer, I'll revisit that, because I do like the Athleta skirts.

Black or brown: I do have quite a bit of black (which I didn't realize until I made the list), but I actually prefer brown. I'll think about what that means going forward.

Jackets: Yes, excellent! That's now on the list. I could use both a blazer and a more utilitarian-yet-stylish piece.

Shirts: I do have a couple of additional shirts in my closet, or, rather, I did until yesterday, when I Goodwilled all of the clothes I don't like, don't fit me, etc. That was most of them. Other than the tops I just bought, listed above, I'm left with a couple of short sleeve t's. That's it. They'd work for layering under the cardigan or a jacket, I guess, but I don't love them. I'll put a couple of basic t's (long and short sleeved) and some nicer knit tops to wear alone or with a jacket on the list.

Accessories: Scarves and cuff bracelet, OK. Because I'm bigger on top, I've tried pendant necklaces before and they don't hang right. Where should they fall to?

[Funny aside about jewelry: A friend bought me the only bracelet I own. It's a thin silver bangle that says "Friend. Good." -- a quote from the movie Young Frankenstein. ]

Bags: Bags are probably the only thing I enjoy shopping for. LOVE bags, but all I have are super utilitarian backpacks and hand-me-down totes. Except this African one here (http://i1158.photobucket.com/a.....97b99b.jpg), which I love. I'm going to put a nice black tote on my list and consider a smaller cross-body bag as well.

Inspiration pics: This was incredibly difficult. I hadn't realized how little attention I pay to these things. This is as close as I could get and it took and hour: http://i1158.photobucket.com/a.....e935a0.jpg. I like the earthiness of the colors, and the casual attitude. Why was it so hard? I couldn't find anyone who dresses the way that I'd like to. It was all either too much or just off somehow. I know I tend toward no accessories and the most basic of pieces, so maybe I need to acclimate myself to fashion as a whole, then rethink. For example, after reading people's WIW posts for the last few weeks, I can tell you that I love the way that Rae dresses. I don't know if I could pull it off, but a simpler version of that, maybe?

Boots: I like the look of boots, but I've never found a pair that fits or that feels good. I'm open to it though. I'll keep my eyes open.

Thanks again, ladies. I read every word and really appreciate the feedback. I need to let this all sink in a bit and determine my next steps.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

You may find Astrid's outfits appealing, Tamara. She has a great pinterest board too, which may also resonate with you. (Hope you don't mind me linking you, Astrid!)

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Astrid's a great idea for more inspiration. And I love that you mentioned Rae; that gives us a great sense of what you like.

Love your bag! Gorgeous colours.

13 years ago

Category