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Texture in my closet...

Runcarla

Veteran

When putting an outfit together, textural interest is where I fall short. I guess every garment has texture, but not all texture provides ‘oomph’ to an outfit. A LOT of my clothes are cotton rich items with a similar texture. Most bottoms are denim or twill (like chinos) and I have many jersey knit T-shirts, and cotton knit sweaters that are flat rather than nubbly. Some ‘one offs’ have smooth or soft texture (silky button down, flannel, shirt, cashmere blend sweater) but this texture isn’t conveyed visually. Even my blazer is a smooth, flat wool.

I LOVED the mixed media trend of leather and fabric together in a garment that was popular five or six years ago. I had a pencil skirt with a faux leather front panel that I adored, and always wanted a wool coat with leather sleeves.

Texture rich items from my closet make a very small pile these days - a satin bomber jacket, a lace tank top, corduroy cropped pants (#1) calfskin hair on a pair of shoes (#2), some silk scarves.

Is texture evident in your wardrobe? Do you consciously think about having texture in your closet and incorporating it in outfits? What is your favourite texture? Bonus question: does a puffer count as texture?

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

RobinF

Veteran

I have a few textured items but I tend to treat them as a pattern, they feel too busy when combined with prints. They can be really fun though, especially in a more tonal look.

nemosmom

Veteran

I think a puffer definitely counts, if the quilting is obvious. I would count your visible mended white jeans and your pleated skirt (and your ball skirt) as textured, too!

I think texture is MY pattern (per my comment on your pattern thread). Much like florals mimic your curls, I think texture mimics my very layered shag hair. I am drawn to texture like a moth to flame!

I have a lot of texture in my closet. Warm weather items include eyelet or lace tops, linen, open weave toppers. Colder temps bring out toppers in various nap depths - borg, faux fur, jacquard, suede, velvet and also corduroy bottoms, eyelash or purl knits. Even my dressy capsule has silk and satin, crepe pants, sequins, and beading.

I count small bits of accent texture, too - like lace trim on camis, quilted shoulders on my moto jacket, even distressing, mending, released hems on jeans. Contrast stitching, woven or hole-y belts, zipper details, utility pockets/epolets can add textural interest for me.

slim cat

Veteran

I don't have enough texture in my wardrobe.
Some linen pieces were added to my collection this summer but nothing else. Linen white cardigan and two white&black tees are the most worn/fav currently.
Silk tops, satin finish jacket, corduroy pants/jeans, "fuzzy" cardigan - most of those sitting in the back of my closet.
I try to combine different textures in my outfit but it takes a bit of effort. Something like navy linen/cotton pants with silk sleeveless top and white denim jacket - that's the best I could come up recently.

nemosmom

Veteran

Oh, I thought of another source of texture! Jewelry! Layered necklaces, stacked rings, wrap bracelets also provide texture. OK, I will stop now

Anonymous

Yes, a puffer counts as texture!
I love texture if it's non-bulky. Lace, velvet, sheer, croc/snake style leather, suede, drape, some ribbing, etc...
Sometimes I'll mix it with pattern, but sometimes it feels too busy.

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Halogen Halogen Skinny Ribbed Sweater Midi Skirt (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom

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Minaminu

Veteran

I initially thought that I don't have many items but then realised that I am very fond of lace, broderie anglaise, velour and silk blouses. I also have a pink faux fur jacket, which I am extra careful as I used it for my wedding and It is very precious to me,

DonnaF

Veteran

I think as my hair and (ahem!) face have grown more textured, I am drawn more to wearing texture. In the days when I had a smooth shiny black bob, I wore little texture because it would wear me down and overpower me. Now highly refined fabric like satin would just bring out the wrinkles!

Sal

Veteran

Interesting - I could see you with suede, velvet and possibly brocade too Carla. I do agree texture is important and adds do much to a closet. Puffers count - as do leather belts and silk scarves. Even pleats?

I had a bit more than I thought I might- and have added some finds below. I find texture more important in winter. In summer jewelry and sunglasses provide some different texture.

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Kate

Veteran

My fall and winter wardrobe is heavy on texture. I am drawn to textured items, and that's true for both clothes and accessories.

unfrumped

Veteran

Texture is hard in summer! It got me thinking of straw bags( which I don’t have).
I like braided leather belts for infinite adjustments- that adds a tiny bit.
Linen knits add more than my smooth cotton or modal, sometimes I have one that is chunky, but not for hottest days. Twill jackets lack texture per se, but pockets, flaps, hardware, help- maybe adding “ Interest” not exactly same as texture. For jackets I sometimes find a light weight but chunkier cotton knit or slubby tweed.

Winter is easier - going outside especially of course, since can have woolens in sweater, scarves, leather jacket, shiny or quilted puffers, but too much cable knit, or large yarns, can overwhelm.

Lucy

Veteran

This is a timely discussion for me! I quite like texture. I have a lot of dark clothes - I really love black, grey, navy etc. And I think they don't look boring or drab when they have some texture and detail. But what I have found in 2020 is that texture does not translate well to either online teaching or zoom meetings! The subtle beauty is lost. It's also not helped by my chair in my office, which is black leather, so I meld into the chair a bit!
I'm working part of the week at home and part of the week on campus. I am enjoying my dark textured clothes on campus, but this morning when I had a run of zooms, I definitely reached for a top with a bit more colour...

Joy

Veteran

I think about texture. It is most important to me in neutrals. Faux fur, tweed, patent leather and suede footwear, straw and raffia bags, chunky and cable knits, smooth silk and some polyesters, lace, leather, down. I have a couple mixed media sweaters in wool and silk that are a good weight. Mini fish net stockings add texture to a dress or skirt outfit, pleats. The loafers I am wearing now are faux crocodile and have seams and tassels. You can add faux fur scarves and hats, clip on fuzzy balls or animals on your bags, add metallic shine and details. I especially seek out texture in anything black and need to do that with navy and browns. Sheer fabrics are another texture.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Most of my texture is in F/W items, primarily sweaters and jackets. And jewelry.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. I don't think I focus as much on texture as color, but I do like a nubby woven material. I used to hate shiny things because my face was always so shiny but menopause took care of that. I will have to stare at my closet and contemplate.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Interesting. I love texture but don’t think I have enough of it. Especially in summer. Winter is easier - velvet, suede, leather. Summer is hard. I tend to rely more on pattern in summer.

(And I love mixed media too.)

lyn67

Veteran

You know I want those shoes!:-)
I love texture more than pattern sometimes, and yes, I try to buy items with some texture consciously-as I always love it more than a plain. My faves are jaquard, bouclé, quilt(so answered your question, too:-)), suede and furr esp. for the cold seasons- broderie anglaise, wrinkles of a natural linen, slub, mesh&crochetted lace for summer. Is satin sheen also a texture?-love it, too.

Style Fan

Veteran

I don't really think about texture for my wardrobe. I need to review my wardrobe audit and consider this. Does fleece count as a texture?

Helena

Veteran

These posts are so interesting Carla; I'm still pondering the pattern one too. My textures tend to be relatively smooth and simple - cottons, fine knits, drapey blouses that I guess would be some sort of manmade something (poly blend of some sort?), undistressed denim, leather/faux leather. The only textural piece that springs to mind would be my one cableknit ... not very exciting!!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like texture. It is more difficult in the summer, especially if you're at home, barefoot and in a dress, and for that reason I find myself going large on jewelry.

But in the cooler times of year, I like corduroys, and velvets and textured knits. No smooth on smooth.

The Cat

Veteran

Texture is evident in my wardrobe, and I consciously think about texture when adding new items. Neutral items, in particular, often look more interesting if they have texture. Texture helps giving an outfit some depth, and mixing textures will add interest.

It is difficult to for me to mention just one favourite texture, but these are some of my favourites: rib knits, corduroy, velvet, quilted materials, leather, suede, fur, lace, broderie anglaise, linen, raw silk, bouclé, tweed.

A puffer can count as texture, in particular if it is quilted or is sewn with many "tiers."

notsaf

Veteran

Great question, Carla! I think I'm one of those on the low-texture side. I like lace (that tank top of yours is pretty!), usually in small doses like trims and underpinnings. I find shepas too bulky. Most of my visible texture is limited to accessories. I've gotten to be quite a stickler for handfeel, though: the texture I care most about is the one I feel against my own body!

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The Cat

Veteran

Just a tip: Self-patterns will often be perceived as textures.

Bijou

Veteran

I am a texture lover with lace, velvet, faux fur, tweed, fringe details and quilting elements in my clothing and accessories.

I find scarves an easy way to add some texture into a casual jeans and sweater outfit.

Staysfit

Veteran

This question makes me think about why some people look great with heavy texture and others do not. I have heavily textured hair, especially when it is long and not cut into a pixie. The rest of my features, however are not textured. My skin is an even tone and fairly unwrinkled (becoming more so as I age). To my eye, my hair provides most of the texture I might need and adding too much more becomes distracting, discordant and “too busy”. I therefore echo much of what Nemosmom says when it comes to texture. My wardrobe contains very few prints, so interest comes from design detail and texture.

I prefer fairly uniform and sleek textures that are matte, soft or shiny. I would not wear a long haired, fluffy furry item but would choose something sleek, thin and compact. My version of a chunky knit is made with fine yarns vs. thick yarns, etc. I prefer smooth uniform knits that are medium to fine textured. Leather adds interest when it is soft, fine textured and smooth grained. I can wear some snake skin, suede and croc, but need to be mindful of how busy they look when paired with my outfit, and hair. I favor fine woven fabrics over rough weaves. I prefer delicate fabrics like crepe, georgette, chiffon and sheer cotton to stiffer fabrics like organza or tulle. I like to add shine in the form of texture....ie. Patent leather, silk charmeuse, satin, and velvet.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I think I like texture a lot. Actually I like colour, pattern, texture AND shine! Some of my fave textured items have been things like my feathery faux fur vest, my new croc-textured black loafers, chiffony tops, etc.

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unfrumped

Veteran

These tops from Uniqlo are an unusual ( to me) twist fabric that adds textural interest I really like. It seems like “ not too much”, as Staysfit has noted that too much texture can overwhelm, which has been my experience. So this type of fabric might be something I’d watch for, either if Uniqlo does other items or if other brands, maybe cotton- rich fabrics also.

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Women Twist Pleated 3/4-sleeve Blouse (ines De La Fressange)

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like texture but I think I may be really picky about it. Ribbed and chunky knits don’t play well with my body type, nor does a shiny clingy dress or skirt. I think I have enough other things going on in my outfits with color and pattern and accessories that I can generally let the textures take a back seat. If I’m wearing something pretty monochromatic though, I do like a contrast in textures. And I love mixed media pieces — I like the contrast of something classic like tweed with leather. I favor textures like leather, silk, suede, velvet, faux fur. I do agree that texture is more difficult to “do” in summer.