First, a couple of outfits that feature some of my current favorite items. Nothing groundbreaking here, just comfortable ensembles:

Day 5

What I wore: light wash skinny jeans, black/white/gray Nordic mock neck, black/white/gray fair isle socks

New piece(s): light wash skinny jeans, black/white/gray Nordic mock neck

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.:

Light-wash skinny jeans: These are a relatively recent addition to my closet. I’ve never really worn light-wash denim in the past but I’m really enjoying it. Especially this time of year I like the high value contrast it creates with dark tops/footwear. I like the relaxed skinny fit although these do need a hem or a chop (I prefer my skinnies without scrunch).

Black/white/gray Nordic mock neck: ugh sooo good. The fit, the pattern, the softness. One of my current fave sweaters.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Subtly so – just a simple pairing of well fitting items – but enough for me, I think. I do think the light bits of the sweater help tie in with the light pants making it more cohesive overall.

Where is the contrast? Value contrast of light bottoms and dark on top, mainly.

How else could I wear the new item(s)? Honestly both of these are no-brainer, can’t fail pieces that work with almost anything.

Day 6

What I wore: medium wash straight jeans, plum cowl neck tunic, burgundy floral socks

Outdoor version: burgundy ankle boots, black parka, teal bag

New piece(s): medium wash straight jeans, plum cowl neck tunic

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.:

Medium-wash straight jeans: I searched for years for a pair of slouchy but not overly baggy straight-leg jeans. Here they are.

plum cowl neck tunic: Another one of my closet staples. Good fit, great color, super soft.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Like yesterday’s outfit, kind of a quiet but effective ensemble. I think the pairing of sweater + socks, or sweater + boots in the outdoor version, ties it together.

Where is the contrast? I usually wear this sweater with narrow/skinny pants; pairing it with looser fitting pants is something I haven’t tried before. So although this means less silhouette contrast in the outfit (volume on volume), the novelty of this is actually providing the kick of “contrast” that my synapses are craving.

How else could I wear the new item(s)? As above, these are both reliable goes-with-almost-anything pieces.

And then — the whole family came down with influenza. (I am posting these outfits on a delay — we are all fine now except for some lingering fatigue for me.)

Day 7

What I wore: black skirt leggings, black/blue/white Nordic pullover

Outdoor version: blue patent ankle boots, black parka, teal bag

New piece(s): black skirt leggings, black/blue/white Nordic pullover

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.:

black skirt leggings: a longtime staple for me, I go through bouts of wearing them a lot and then wearing them not so much but I always seem to circle back. I do realize that they’re a bit big at the moment – a little baggy in the knees.

black/blue/white Nordic pullover: I loooove this piece, love the print, the open neckline, the shade of sapphire blue that is one of my best colors but super hard to find. Ugh, but being painfully honest with myself, looking at the pictures I think this is a bit too big now.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Hmmmm not really to be honest but it was fine. Wore this to take my kid to the doctor when I wasn’t feeling so hot myself.

Where is the contrast? I guess there is a bit of value contrast in the sweater. But otherwise not so much.

How else could I wear the new item(s)? Sweater could go with skirts or wider leg pants (too cropped for skinnies or straight leg jeans). Skirt leggings can pair with pretty much any pullover (I don’t really like them with woven tops though).

Day 8

Black skirt leggings, polar bear tee, black/white long open Nordic cardi

New piece(s): black/white open long cardi

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.:

Fit of the cardi is good, I appreciate the tailored arms and the structured shawl collar – in general I am moving away from open cardis because they often just seem floppy to me but this one still works.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? The outfit is very “soft” – all knit, relatively unstructured pieces. In normal circumstances I would prefer some more “oomph” to feel polished, but this was basically a sick day, it’s amazing I got dressed at all and even more amazing that I actually kept up with the challenge.

Where is the contrast? Value contrast in the dark-light prints.

How else could I wear the new item(s)? I really like to pattern mix with this cardi!

Reflections on Week 1 of the challenge:

It’s interesting to notice what I’m drawn to wear first in this challenge:

• Jeans on the bottom (I’m happy that I currently have a pretty good capsule of jeans that fit well and are comfortable. I am not a trendy jeans person and that’s fine.)
• Simple pullovers (vs. layered top-and-cardigan outfits. I think during deep winter pullovers just feel extra warm and cozy to me.)
• Patterned items (I don’t have a ton of pattern in this capsule but I am definitely reaching for these items first.)

Thanks for looking!